The president carried a wooden cross during the procession, accompanied by his family, in an attempt to practice the symbolic gesture involving retracing Jesus’ final steps before his crucifixion and praying or meditating at each of the 14 designated stations.
The Burundian presidency later stated that Ndayishimiye participated in the “stations of the cross,” joining in the suffering of Jesus. His public involvement in the religious ceremony was seen by some as a sign of humility and solidarity with the nation’s Christian community.
However, the gesture also sparked mixed online reactions. While some praised the president’s devotion, others criticized the move as tone-deaf in the face of ongoing national challenges.
“He should be solving the problems Burundians are facing, at the very least helping secure fuel, but here he is lifting wooden crosses made from Grevillea trees,” read one of comments by a social media user.
The event, which was part of global Good Friday observances, has since fueled a broader conversation in Burundi about leadership, faith, and national priorities.
Mengniu, one of China’s leading dairy producers, has built this factory to depend more on machines and digital systems than on human labor. This is part of a bigger shift in how the company processes, tracks, and delivers its products, with a heavy focus on smart technology.
Each day, the Beijing facility handles 1.2 million liters of milk. But very few human hands are involved. Robots move between stations, and machines operate with little noise or delay. Most of the work is automated, controlled by software and guided by real-time data.
The factory is equipped with sensors that monitor everything, from the temperature of storage tanks to the amount of bacteria in the milk. These Internet of Things (IoT) sensors feed information into a central system that helps technicians manage the process from a glass-walled control room.
There, a 3D digital copy of the entire factory, known as a ‘digital twin,’ allows engineers see what is happening in real time and fix problems before they get worse.
Artificial intelligence (AI) also plays a big role. It is used to predict when machines might break down, so repairs can be done before any damage occurs. AI helps with planning production, reducing errors by nearly 40%, and even cutting energy waste by adjusting power use based on the factory’s needs.
Every package of milk or yogurt from the factory comes with a QR code. By scanning it, customers can trace the product’s entire journey, from the cow in Inner Mongolia, to the transport truck, to the final processing in Beijing.
This system is powered by block chain technology, which keeps the data secure and helps build consumer trust. The factory also takes sustainability seriously. About 30% of its energy comes from solar panels and biogas.
AI systems manage energy use minute by minute to avoid waste. Even wastewater is tracked digitally and treated with advanced sensors. Around 95% of that water is reused, mainly for irrigation in green spaces.
In product development, Mengniu’s Beijing team created an AI-based “nutritionist” tool called Mengmeng. It offers customized dairy diet plans for over 10 million users.
The company also works with Alibaba to study market trends. When a new flavor, like bubble tea yogurt, becomes popular, the factory can quickly adjust production within 72 hours.
The use of advanced technology at the Beijing plant reflects a bigger shift in China’s manufacturing sector. It’s not just about making products faster, but about making them smarter and more efficient.
Mengniu started in 1999 as a small milk collection station in Inner Mongolia. But in Beijing, it now operates one of the most advanced dairy factories in the country. Technology is no longer a support tool—it’s now at the heart of everything the company does.
{{Mengniu sees ‘lots of opportunities’ in Africa}}
As of now, Mengniu Dairy does not export its products directly to Africa. However, the company has expressed strong interest in expanding into the African market, recognizing the continent’s growing demand for dairy products.
However, it has previously engaged in initiatives like the ‘Dairy Nourishes Africa’ project in Tanzania, aiming to support local dairy industries through technical assistance and training.
During my visit, Mengniu’s Vice President, Wei Wei, highlighted Africa as a significant opportunity for the company’s future growth.
“We see Africa as a very important market right now. For now, we don’t have a very specific timeline, but we really value this market…we see a lot of opportunities there and we will develop more business there in the future.” Wei Wei said.
Rwanda, with its robust dairy sector producing over one million tonnes of milk annually, stands to gain insightful lessons by adopting advanced technologies in dairy processing and management.
By embracing innovations such as automated milking systems, digital monitoring tools, and efficient supply chain management, the country can enhance productivity, ensure product quality, and reduce post-harvest losses.
Such technological integration not only supports Rwanda’s goal of increasing milk production but also positions the nation to meet growing domestic and regional demand for dairy products.
Collaborations with technologically advanced dairy industries can facilitate knowledge transfer, enabling Rwanda to modernize its dairy infrastructure and practices, ultimately benefiting farmers and consumers alike.
Many Wazalendo fighters and Burundian soldiers fled to Uvira territory after being pushed out of areas in South Kivu Province, including Bukavu city, by the AFC/M23.
The government-backed fighters had previously clashed with the Congolese army, accusing it of cowardice for avoiding combat and attempting to retreat to places like Kalemie in Tanganyika Province.
Wazalendo forces have recently been trying to launch offensives in areas controlled by AFC/M23, particularly in South Kivu, aiming to recapture lost territory. However, most of the attacks have failed, with Wazalendo being repelled almost immediately.
After a period of cooperation between Wazalendo and Burundian forces, a visit by Defence Minister Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita to Uvira on April 7, 2025, revealed the deteriorating relationship.
A Wazalendo leader told Minister Muadiamvita that whenever their fighters attempted to attack AFC/M23, the Burundian troops stopped them, even when the fighters believed they had a chance to win.
“We Wazalendo face many challenges on the battlefield. You are here with our leader and the regional commander, so tell us what the mission and purpose of the Burundian army in our country is. Every time we’re close to defeating the enemy in Kamanyola, the Burundians always tell us, ‘No, you’re not allowed to attack the enemy here,’” he said.
Minister Muadiamvita attempted to ease the tension, explaining that Burundi is an ally of the DRC. He said Burundian troops only prevent attacks on AFC/M23 because they have their own strategy and plans for combat, whether during the day or at night.
Wazalendo forces say they are the ones defending Uvira, warning that if they leave their positions, AFC/M23 would immediately seize the territory. This reflects a loss of faith in both Burundian and Congolese armies.
The coalition also highlighted challenges such as lack of adequate weapons, ammunition, and food, noting that “it’s hard to feed over 6,000 fighters.” They appealed to President Félix Tshisekedi to heed their pleas.
The revelations about Wazalendo’s dire conditions came after the group’s leader, Lt Gen. Padiri Bulenda David, was summoned to Kinshasa for undisclosed reasons.
Designed to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, the program not only offers full scholarships to international universities but also equips students with practical skills that prepare them for academic and professional success.
The ALX Pathway is open to high-performing secondary school graduates, offering them access to some of the world’s top universities across North America, Europe, and Africa.
But beyond the funding, what sets the program apart is its intentional focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving. According to Yvan Cedric Mukunzi, the ALX Pathway Lead in Rwanda, the greatest value of the program is not just the scholarship itself.
“When most people hear about the ALX Pathway Program, they immediately think of the incredible opportunity to secure a fully funded scholarship to a world-class university. And yes, that alone is a life-changing benefit. However, the true value of the Pathway program goes far beyond financial support,” Mukunzi said.
He explained that for learners making the leap straight from high school to university, ALX Pathway offers something far more powerful, a head start, a carefully designed foundation for academic, professional, and personal success.
This head start begins with an eight-month curriculum designed to build essential skills that traditional secondary education often overlooks.
Students learn the basics of entrepreneurship, communication, business mathematics, statistics, and even introductory software engineering. These courses are intentionally designed to help learners connect their academic knowledge with real-world application.
Clovis Cyubahiro, a recent graduate from Ecole des Sciences Byimana, initially joined the program for the scholarship. But he says the program has already reshaped his perspective. “I joined for the free university education, but what I’m gaining before I even set foot on campus is changing how I see my future in my community,” he explained.
A large part of this transformation stems from the entrepreneurship course (ENT 100), where students are encouraged to identify challenges in their own neighborhoods and develop potential solutions. Whether it’s addressing erratic electricity in rural districts or improving access to clean water, the emphasis is on turning local issues into opportunities.
“In our secondary schools, we learn theory very well. What we often miss is the connection between classroom knowledge and solving real problems in our communities,” said Pacifique Tumusifu, who is set to study International Business in Mauritius through ALX Pathway.
This practical orientation is no coincidence. As Mukunzi explained, the goal is to build a mindset of innovation.
“Rwanda and the region need job creators, not just job seekers. When young people start seeing challenges as opportunities, that mindset shift becomes as valuable as any university degree,” he noted.
The curriculum continues into a second term that focuses on deepening these foundational skills. Students learn how to apply statistical thinking, manage business finances, and use technology as a tool for entrepreneurship.
These are skills increasingly valued by universities and employers, especially in regions where economic development is linked closely with innovation and technological advancement.
One particularly transformative experience for many students is the quantitative reasoning course (QNT 101), which challenges the traditional fear of mathematics.
Students also engage in team-based projects where collaboration and communication are essential, giving them early exposure to the dynamics of professional work environments. These soft skills, often overlooked in purely academic settings, are proving to be just as critical as technical knowledge.
The program’s outcomes are beginning to take shape as the first cohort secures placements at leading universities.
Institutions such as African Leadership College in Mauritius, the University of California Berkeley, Macalester College in Minnesota, Code University in Berlin, and Morehouse College in Atlanta are among the diverse destinations that ALX Pathway students are heading to.
Each offers a distinct experience, from Silicon Valley’s tech hubs to the leadership-driven model of ALU Rwanda, giving students exposure to a range of academic and cultural environments.
Bigirimana Olivier, who will soon begin his studies at ALCHE in Mauritius, says the greatest benefit he’s received so far isn’t on paper.
“I’ll bring back knowledge, connections, and experience. But I already have something valuable, the ability to see opportunities where others see problems. That’s how we’ll build our community’s future,” he said.
For many Rwandan students, the journey through ALX Pathway is redefining what it means to pursue higher education. It is not just about gaining degrees abroad, but about returning equipped to contribute meaningfully at home.
The second cohort of ALX Pathway begins in May, with the application deadline set for April 21. Interested applicants can text the word “pathway” to 0796 163 394 or visit [alxafrica.com/join-pathway->https://www.alxafrica.com/join-pathway/] to apply.
The new system reflects a broader effort to modernise traffic regulations and improve accountability on the roads. At its core is a merit/demerit point system, which assigns drivers a set number of points annually. Safe drivers will maintain or even earn points, while those who violate traffic rules will see points deducted.
If a driver accumulates too many violations, their license could ultimately be suspended or revoked, adding real consequences to repeat offences. Officials hope this will encourage more responsible behaviour behind the wheel and reduce the rate of road accidents.
The draft law also introduces other reforms, such as updated driving school standards and provisions to leverage new technology for better enforcement. The changes are intended to enhance transparency in the transport sector and strengthen public trust in traffic management systems.
Specific details, including the categories of infractions, the number of points deducted per offence, and associated fines, will be outlined in a Ministerial Order currently under review.
As Rwanda continues prioritising safety and efficiency in its transport sector, the point-based system is being viewed as a practical tool to promote a culture of careful and responsible driving.
In addition to the upcoming point-based system, Rwanda has implemented several other measures over the years to promote road safety. These include the enforcement of strict speed limits—typically 40 km/h in urban areas and 60–80 km/h on highways—monitored by speed cameras installed across various locations.
Seat belt use is mandatory for all vehicle occupants, and failure to comply results in fines. Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited unless a hands-free device is used. The country also upholds a firm stance against drunk driving, with a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08%.
To further ensure order on the roads, adherence to traffic signals and signs is strictly enforced, and helmet use is compulsory for both drivers and passengers on motorcycles (motos).
He shared this message during a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where officials from the Sudanese Embassy and Sudanese nationals residing in Rwanda were taken through Rwanda’s history, from the colonial era to the execution of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Musa stated that they wanted to learn from the resilience of the Rwandan people, who managed to stop the genocide, rebuild their nation, and move forward without forgetting their past.
“What I would say to Rwandans is that they must continue to remain united and stay the course of nation-building. They must preserve the unity they have today, and strive for lasting peace, development, security, and stability in their country,” he said.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, involves fighting between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and government forces. It has already claimed over 24,000 lives and displaced more than 13 million people. Civilian property and infrastructure have also been devastated.
In his message to the people of Sudan, Ambassador Musa described Rwanda as a clear example of how a nation can recover and thrive after going through extreme turmoil.
“It is a country that rose from difficult times, during the genocide, and achieved progress through unity, strong leadership, and firm principles. We in Sudan can also achieve this,” he emphasized.
A Sudanese national, Rwan Eljack, shared her impressions from the memorial visit, saying she was deeply moved by what she saw and learned, especially in contrast to Rwanda’s current state of peace and progress.
“What I saw was truly heartbreaking, but I believe everyone who visits this place leaves with a lesson. As Sudanese youth, we’ve learned that even after a dark chapter, there is hope for rebuilding. We believe that even our two-year-long war will one day end,” she said.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial, located in Gisozi, is the final resting place of over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, who were killed in Kigali and surrounding areas.
This development follows a decision by SADC heads of state on March 13, 2025, to end the regional peacekeeping mission and initiate a phased withdrawal of South African, Tanzanian, and Malawian troops.
In an interview with SABC News, SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya announced that the technical team was formed during a meeting of defense chiefs from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi on April 11, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.
“On Friday, a meeting of the Chiefs of Defence Forces was held in Dar es Salaam. The meeting resolved to establish a technical team tasked with finalizing the withdrawal of our members from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This team is currently busy in Tanzania. While I cannot provide a specific completion date, we have instructed the team to work with speed to ensure our members return home as soon as possible,” he stated.
The withdrawal process faces logistical and diplomatic challenges. Two weeks ago, SADC noted that the reopening of Goma International Airport, controlled by the M23/AFC coalition, was critical for troop departure.
The AFC/M23 rebel group recently on April 12, accused SADC forces of violating a key ceasefire agreement following a failed attempt to retake the eastern Congolese city of Goma and demanded the forces to quit.
“We demand the immediate withdrawal of SAMIDRC forces and the surrender of FARDC troops stationed within MONUSCO facilities,” M23 said in a statement.
The breach came just weeks after the rebels and SAMIDRC troops signed an agreement on March 28 to facilitate the peaceful withdrawal of regional forces following their defeat and the rebels’ takeover of Goma.”
Negotiated in Goma, the deal outlined the immediate and orderly withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops, allowing them to leave with their weapons and equipment, while stipulating that any FARDC arms in their possession be left behind.
The accord also included plans for SADC to support the rehabilitation of Goma International Airport and conduct a joint technical assessment to ensure its operational readiness for troop withdrawal.
IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that Rwanda has received a request to allow SADC troops to pass through its territory for repatriation.
This bilingual thematic report is the first of its kind jointly developed by an academic think tank and a media think tank, integrating the latest insights from both academia and industry on China’s green and low-carbon development.
The report was officially released at the Seminar on China’s Green and Low-Carbon Development: Vision and Action, which was jointly hosted by Tsinghua ICCSD and Global Times Online.
More than 30 representatives from international organizations, such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Commission, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and Harvard University, attended the event.
They witnessed the release of the report and engaged in in-depth discussions on China’s green and low-carbon practices, opportunities for international cooperation, and global climate governance.
The report not only summarizes the logic and achievements of China’s green transition but also systematically reviews the country’s policy framework, domestic actions, and international cooperation under the dual carbon goals.
Furthermore, through case studies and strategic recommendations, the report provides replicable practices for developing countries and contributes Chinese insights to global climate governance.
The report features five exemplary case studies, illustrating China’s multifaceted pathways to green and low-carbon development.
One case is China-Africa agricultural cooperation. The report highlights efforts such as those made by the team led by globally renowned Chinese agronomist Yuan Longping to promote hybrid rice in Madagascar. In recognition of China’s efforts to help Africa enhance food security and climate resilience, the achievements of the team’s hybrid rice demonstration project were even featured on the local currency.
Another case focuses on the transformation of the power sector. China is developing a new energy-dominated power system, guiding the transition of coal-fired power plants towards flexible peak-load regulation through policy support and technological innovation.
Green finance innovation is also a key area highlighted in the report. Huzhou, a city in east China’s Zhejiang Province and one of the country’s first green finance pilot zones, has established a digital platform and standardized system to support sustainable finance.
In ecological governance, China’s project to stabilize the edge of the Taklamakan Desert has built a 3,000-kilometer green shelterbelt over 40 years, pioneering a “who invests, who benefits” model for desertification control, while driving the growth of local industries.
Lastly, the report introduces state-owned enterprise transformation. China Energy Investment Corporation (China Energy) has facilitated the transition of high-carbon assets into low-carbon benchmarks through coal-fired power modernization, renewable energy expansion, and innovative technology applications.
The report presents four key conclusions and universally shared international concepts: China’s green transition experience is open to the world; the cooperation in building a green Belt and Road aims for shared prosperity; new energy capacity serves as “advanced capacity” to address global supply shortages; and Chinese innovations reduce the global costs of low-carbon transition, promoting inclusive development.
The research report aims to highlight China’s practical achievements in harmonizing green growth with economic development, stressing the country’s commitment to deepening international cooperation in an open and inclusive manner and providing guidance for stakeholders concerned with green and low-carbon transition and global climate governance.
At the seminar, experts from both China and abroad discussed the progress of global climate governance and China’s growing role in driving green transitions.
They emphasized China’s dual-track approach to international cooperation—North-South and South-South—, which contributes China’s solutions to building a fair and equitable global climate governance framework.
Representatives from various industries also shared practical experiences. A delegation from Wuxi city in east China’s Jiangsu Province introduced the city’s Eight Major Action Measures for Taihu Lake Governance, which ensure regional drinking water safety and prevent lake eutrophication.
A representative from CRCC Development Group Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, shared desertification control efforts in Hetian, Xinjiang, demonstrating how developing the sand industry can support both ecological restoration and economic growth.
It’s widely believed that the successful seminar and the release of the report have provided a valuable platform for international exchange among experts and scholars and offered insights and solutions for advancing green and low-carbon development.
According to a statement released by EAC Secretariat on Thursday, the launch took place during a three-day workshop held from 13th to 15th April, 2025 at Afrik Hotel in Mogadishu.
The event was jointly organised by the EAC Secretariat and the Government of Somalia.
In her remarks, Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, commended Somalia for this significant step forward on the integration journey.
“The launch of the National Monitoring Committee is more than a procedural step; it is a symbol of institutional readiness and a shared commitment to unlocking regional trade opportunities. Somalia’s entry into the EAC brings dynamic potential and opens a new trade frontier,” said Ssemuwemba.
Ssemuwemba underscored the strategic role of NMCs in driving the EAC’s goal of increasing intra-regional trade to 40% by 2030.
“We count on Somalia’s NMC to actively eliminate NTBs, engage the private sector, and collaborate with regional counterparts to build a barrier-free trading space,” added the DSG.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Mohammed Isaac Ibrahim, the Director General for EAC Affairs at Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasised the country’s readiness to support EAC integration objectives.
“This launch reflects not only our institutional preparedness but also our political commitment to advancing regional trade and integration,” said Ibrahim.
Ibrahim disclosed that Somalia had established various technical committees to fast track the implementation of the EAC Customs Union and Common Market protocols, as well as other ongoing bilateral trade engagements, particularly with the Republic of Kenya.
The establishment of the NMC reflects Somalia’s strong political will to foster a predictable, transparent, and efficient trade environment. It also underlines the country’s commitment to regional trade integration.
The Somalia NMC structure includes representatives from 16 public sector institutions and eight key private sector associations. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will serve as Chair, while the Somalia Chamber of Commerce and Industry will act as Co-Chair.
The NMC will lead the identification, reporting, and resolution of NTBs through regional mechanisms such as the EAC NTB Mobile Application, the Tripartite Online Reporting Platform, and quarterly national coordination meetings.
In addition to formally inaugurating the NMC, the workshop finalized and adopted Somalia’s NTB Elimination Workplan as well as strengthened the capacity of nominated NMC members.
The workshop brought together officials from line ministries, departments and agencies in Somalia, representatives of private sector associations and technical officers from the EAC Secretariat.
Speaking during a virtual press briefing following his regional tour, which included Rwanda, DR Congo, Kenya, and Uganda, Boulos said the FDLR, a group founded by the masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, featured prominently in his conversation with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
“We definitely discussed the FDLR and the risk in question,” Boulos said on April 17, during the briefing on the outcomes of his African mission, which ended three days earlier.
“This is a major element of any peace accord. If you look at all the peace initiatives, this is the key element from the Rwandan side and it’s an integral part of any upcoming peace accord, initiative or agreement.”
The FDLR is designated a terrorist organisation by both the United Nations and the United States. Despite its history and ongoing human rights abuses, it remains a key part of the Congolese government’s military coalition against the AFC/M23 rebels, who currently control significant territory in the eastern provinces.
The rebels accuse the Congolese authorities of marginalisation and of promoting ethnic cleansing through their alliance with the FDLR and other militias.
For years, Kigali has raised alarm over Kinshasa’s collaboration with the FDLR, whose fighters have been implicated in numerous attacks on Rwandan territory, including nearly 20 incidents since 2018. In response, Rwanda has tightened security along its borders to prevent further incursions.
Tensions between the two neighbours escalated further following statements by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in late 2023, in which he threatened to support regime change in Rwanda and said he would seek parliamentary approval to declare war.
Boulos confirmed that the Trump administration is engaging both sides and supports regional efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully.
“We’ve been engaging with both parties and this is one of the main elements of those discussions,” he said. “There are solutions – we are not reinventing the wheel here. There are terms that have previously been drafted and agreed upon by both parties, and we will continue working with them towards that.”
He reiterated Washington’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states involved.
“Our role and commitment is to ensure sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in question—not just one country or two, but all that are involved,” Boulos said.
“Everybody has to be at ease and feel comfortable with the terms and safe from any such threats, whether they are actual or perceived or any future threats.”
While in Kigali on April 8, Boulos held talks with President Kagame at Urugwiro Village, where they discussed strengthening U.S.–Rwanda ties and advancing regional peace.
“We are ready to work with Rwanda to achieve this goal, which is why finding a resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC is so essential—it will unlock the region’s untapped potential,” he said.
During his Rwanda visit, Boulos toured the Mutobo Demobilisation Centre, which reintegrates former armed group members.
He spoke with ex-FDLR fighters recently repatriated from eastern Congo, including Maj. Ndayambaje Gilbert, who returned on March 1. Ndayambaje confirmed the FDLR’s strong collaboration with Congolese forces in the ongoing war with the AFC/M23 coalition.
Boulos’s tour included stops in Uganda and Kenya, where he met with Presidents Yoweri Museveni and William Ruto respectively, as well as a meeting with President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa.
