The activity was part of a national initiative to promote environmental conservation and resilience against climate change through tree planting. During this event, approximately 5,000 tree seedlings were planted, contributing to the government’s larger goal of planting 65 million trees across the country.
The event, held during the national Umuganda (monthly community service day), was attended by several prominent figures, including members of parliament, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, the Mayor of Kayonza district, students from FAWE School, and staff from BK Group in Rwamagana and Kayonza districts.
During the event, John Bosco Nyemazi, the Mayor of Kayonza, highlighted that deforestation in the district, particularly in areas like Rubanga, had contributed to frequent droughts. He stressed the importance of the initiative in restoring the area’s environment.
“Many areas in Gahini, such as Rubanga, have been heavily deforested. Planting trees will help reverse this trend, prevent soil erosion, and bring back the much-needed rain. This project is a critical step toward addressing these environmental challenges,” he said
Residents expressed their support for the initiative and affirmed their commitment to ensuring its success.
“Trees are essential for stabilizing the environment, contributing to rainfall, and preventing erosion. We recognize the long-term value of this initiative and will work diligently to ensure the trees are well-maintained,” Vianney Rutebuka, a local resident noted.
At the event, Ingrid Karangwayire, Executive Secretary of BK Foundation, stated that the initiative goes beyond planting trees—it’s about securing the future of the planet and building climate resilience within various communities.
“By combining tree planting with financial literacy, we are not only addressing climate change but also promoting sustainable development in the district. Empowering communities to manage and benefit from their natural resources strengthens both climate and economic resilience. We are starting here in Kayonza with a target of 20,000 trees. By the end of this year, we aim to plant a total of 50,000 trees across the country,” she said.
The initiative, implemented in collaboration with REDO, includes planting both agroforestry species and fruit trees, helping to restore the environment and enhance local livelihoods.
As BK Foundation and its partners continue to expand their environmental initiatives, they aim to make a lasting impact on both the environment and local communities. This tree-planting project is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable development and ensure a greener future for Rwanda.
Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana had [initially linked the outbreak to a zoonotic origin ->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-s-marburg-virus-outbreak-linked-to-animal-origin?var_mode=calcul] on October 20, 2024, while noting that investigations were still ongoing.
In a recent update, Dr. Nsanzimana confirmed that the virus had jumped from animals to humans, with the 27-year-old index case traced back to a cave where mining activities had been ongoing.
“We managed to trace back and find that this outbreak came from a zoonotic origin, and we were also able to find the cave where these particular fruit bats were living, with human activity—particularly mining—taking place. That’s where we found our index case,” Dr. Nsanzimana stated without specifying the cave’s location.
Dr. Nsanzimana explained that extensive research, including genomic sequencing, epidemiological investigations, and environmental testing, pointed to a zoonotic origin.
“The focus now is to ensure that these fruit bats living in caves are not interacting with humans and to share sequencing information that can be useful for other parts of the world where these species are living,” he added.
The Health Minister also revealed that all mining activity at the cave has been halted, and assessments are being conducted on the people who worked there to ensure they don’t become ill.
“We’ve brought together different teams from veterinary science, epidemiology, genomic surveillance, and lab diagnostics to test these animals and also the people,” he said. “It’s very important for the scientific community to study the animal perspective, humans, and the environment.”
The Marburg virus is a highly contagious disease that causes severe hemorrhagic fever. While outbreaks are rare, they often result in high mortality rates and pose serious public health challenges.
During the earlier press conference on October 20, 2024, attended by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Dr. Nsanzimana said the outbreak in Rwanda was first identified after the index case was hospitalized at King Faisal Hospital, where he was treated in the intensive care unit. Healthcare workers attending to him soon exhibited symptoms, prompting an investigation into the source of the virus.
“Identifying the index case has been the result of several efforts. We are very happy to have reached this point because, in many outbreaks, it is extremely difficult to do so,” the minister revealed.
Since the first-ever outbreak was declared in Rwanda on September 27, 2024, a total of 65 cases, 15 deaths, and 47 recoveries have been recorded.
“BRICS works to promote true multilateralism and support changes in global governance, and China plays an important role by actively engaging in discussions and initiatives that aim for a fairer international system,” Alok Kumar Pathak, associate fellow at the BRICS Institute India in Delhi, told Xinhua in a recent Interview.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua at a time when the 16th BRICS Summit was held from Oct. 22 to Oct. 24 in Russia’s Kazan, Pathak said that China has put forward Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, and is committed to working with all parties to build a community with a shared future for mankind, which matches the concept of BRICS cooperation that attaches equal status for all the sovereign nation-states.
BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, five major emerging markets with considerable economic potential that founded the BRICS group.
B.R. Deepak, professor of the Center for Chinese and South East Asian Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University, also talked with Xinhua. He said that since its establishment, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has expanded to various practical cooperation areas and achieved remarkable results.
“The BRICS countries have played an important and unique role in leading the global South and promoting multilateralism. Among this, China has provided numerous economic contributions, ideological contributions and global public goods,” he said.
China’s initiatives fully embody the BRICS spirit and implement China’s commitment to bridge differences between countries and build a more equitable, just, and acceptable cooperation platform, Deepak said, adding that through its own development and cooperation under the BRICS framework, China has provided tremendous development support for many countries in the global South, elevation of poverty across the continents, especially in Africa and South Asia.
“The global economy is now limping. The way it progressed during deep globalization is over, and geopolitical conflicts in various regions have added fuel to the fire,” Deepak said. “In such circumstances, all countries should welcome more initiatives that maintain world peace and security, and promote common economic development.”
The Kazan summit is also the first offline gathering of leaders of the “BRICS family” after the historic expansion in January this year. Pathak said that China has made remarkable contributions in promoting the expansion of the BRICS countries.
More and more countries wish to join the ranks of BRICS, which fully demonstrates that the BRICS concept of independence and equal cooperation is getting more support among countries, said Pathak. “The Western paradigm on the basis of their so-called economic and legal theories is designed to preserve the dominance of the West and keep the rest lagging behind,” he added.
He stressed that after the expansion, the BRICS countries will be more representative and have greater development potential, and can more effectively promote the transformation of the global governance system towards a more just and reasonable direction.
Speaking about the potential outcome of this summit, Pathak said that all countries should conduct more economic cooperation. “The BRICS countries should conduct organizational activities to ensure the significance of the BRICS plus’ countries in the world economy increases with their joint efforts as a group,” he said.
As for people-to-people exchanges, Pathak said that he applauds China’s attitude that diversity is essential to human civilization. “Encouraging exchanges and learning among cultures is important for mutual progress. I hope that during the BRICS Summit, China will continue to support peaceful coexistence and suggest ways to improve understanding and collaboration among different civilizations,” Pathak said.
The newly established philanthropic entity will consolidate major global efforts carried out under the patronage of His Highness the President, positioning itself as a force that enhances the efficiency, impact, and reach of the UAE’s philanthropic endeavors.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Erth Zayed Philanthropies upholds the legacy of giving instilled by the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and passed down through generations and embraced by the people of the UAE.
Speaking on the establishment of the foundation, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, said: “The launch of Erth Zayed Philanthropies is a testament to the UAE’s ongoing commitment to amplifying its global philanthropic impact.
It represents a strategic effort to bring together our humanitarian initiatives and philanthropic entities under one cohesive vision, enhancing their reach and effectiveness to deliver positive impact on a truly global scale.
As the UAE carries forward the enduring legacy of the Founding Father, this foundation will stand as a beacon of our nation’s commitment to humanitarian progress.
In creating a positive impact across all humanitarian, charitable, and developmental fields, the UAE strives to achieve community development and help those in need in line with the values, humanitarian principles, and noble ideals promoted by Sheikh Zayed for the UAE and its people in service to all of humanity.”
His Highness also noted the significant attention dedicated by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan towards optimizing the impact of the country’s humanitarian, charitable, and developmental projects, initiatives, and programmes.
These efforts are an essential part of the nation’s commitment towards providing assistance with a profound impact on communities and people’s lives, thereby fostering sustainable development, growth, security, and stability.
On his part, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, said: “Philanthropy and the spirit of giving have long been central to the UAE’s identity and are deeply rooted in the enduring legacy of our Founding Father and the unwavering commitment of the UAE’s President.
This dedication is focused on improving lives around the world, ensuring wellbeing, empowering individuals, and continuously striving to foster the prosperity, security, and stability of communities.
With the establishment of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, we are deepening our commitment to honouring this legacy with renewed energy and focus while reaffirming the UAE’s leadership in international development and support for humanitarian causes.
Through Erth Zayed Philanthropies, we seek to make a positive impact globally that will be felt for many generations to come, enriching the principles of solidarity and harmony and strengthening cooperation and peace.”
Erth Zayed Philanthropies will oversee diverse programmes in various sectors, leveraging partnerships across the public and private sectors. Under the patronage of His Highness the UAE President, it will support the country’s evolving position as a leader in global philanthropy to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Erth Zayed Philanthropies will encompass a broad portfolio of high-impact projects in areas of local and international significance, such as global health, education, food and water security, energy, climate and sustainability, and social innovation.
Moreover, Erth Zayed Philanthropies will embrace existing philanthropic initiatives, including Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, Emirates Foundation, Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Sandooq Al Watan, Clean Rivers, the Global Institute for Disease Elimination, Zayed Sustainability Prize, Khalifa Award for Education, Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, and the Mohamed Bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher.
Collectively, Erth Zayed Philanthropies will oversee these philanthropic foundations and awards with the goal of fostering a shared vision and collaborative approach to philanthropy, leveraging its resources, networks, and knowledge to deliver transformative impact to communities in need around the world.
The trees were planted in Gatare village, Gahanga cell as part of a national environmental protection drive.
The Rwanda National Police collaborated with the Ministry of Local Government, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), and other security institutions in the monthly community work.
Umuganda, which translates to ‘coming together in common purpose,’ is a nationwide community service event held on the last Saturday of each month. It encourages Rwandans to engage in activities that promote development and environmental stewardship.
During Umuganda, Rwandans come together to work on various projects, such as cleaning public spaces, planting trees, building infrastructure, and other community development activities.
Meanwhile, the tree planting exercise coincided with the launch of the 2024-2025 National Tree Planting Season.
The launch event took place in Rwamagana District, Munyaga Sector, where a total of 25,000 trees were planted across 17 hectares of land.
During the 2024-2025 tree planting season, a total of 65 million trees will be planted across the country, marking an increase of almost two million from the previous season’s 63 million. Additionally, the number of trees each household is required to plant has been raised from three to five.
Since 1975, Rwanda has been celebrating tree planting day as a way of increasing the country’s forest cover, protect the landscape from soil erosion, and meet global demands. With the world facing severe climate change impacts such as floods, droughts, and food insecurity, there is an urgent need to plant more trees to enhance resilience against these challenges.
Rwanda has achieved a 30% forest cover, but there is still much work to be done. The Ministry of Environment plans to plant more than 65 million trees during this planting season, including forest trees, agroforestry trees, native species, fruit trees, and ornamental trees.
Uwamariya emphasized the importance of investing in research, quality seed resilience to climate change impacts, new technologies, value addition to forest products, and alternative renewable sources of energy to reduce dependence on biomass and avoid deforestation.
The Minister thanked public institutions and partners for their contributions to the event, including Rwamagana district leadership, One Acre fund, Tubura, Enabel, ARCOS Network, IUCN, Delagua, Prime Insurance, and MTN. The Embassy of Israel in Rwanda also offered fruit tree seedlings for planting during the event.
Uwamariya reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to working with stakeholders to mobilize funds and address sector priorities. She encouraged everyone to join in planting and maintaining trees to help combat climate change and protect the planet.
The spokesperson made the remarks in response to a reporter’s query that the U.S. Defense Department on Oct. 26 announced that the U.S. State Department has approved 1.988 billion U.S. dollars in arms sales to Taiwan, including the “National Advanced Surface-to-air Missile Systems” and radar systems.
The U.S. arms sales to China’s Taiwan region severely violate the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982. The sales seriously infringe upon China’s sovereignty and security interests, harm China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and send a gravely wrong message to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, the spokesperson said.
China strongly condemns and firmly opposes the sales and has lodged solemn representations with the U.S. side, the spokesperson noted.
The U.S. decision to use Taiwan to contain China and help advance “Taiwan independence” agenda by arming Taiwan goes against the U.S. leaders’ commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence” and the two sides’ effort of stabilizing the China-U.S. relations, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson revealed that China will take resolute countermeasures and take all measures necessary to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
Taiwan’s separation from China traces back to 1949, following the Chinese Civil War. After years of conflict, the Chinese Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, gained control of mainland China and established the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Meanwhile, the defeated Nationalist government, led by Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang (KMT) party, retreated to Taiwan. There, they established a separate government, continuing to refer to themselves as the Republic of China (ROC).
Since then, Taiwan has operated with its own government, economy, and military, while the PRC has maintained that Taiwan is a breakaway province.
These meetings underscored Rwanda’s continued commitment to strengthening its international partnerships, both within the Commonwealth and beyond.
In his interaction with Minister Dar, Nduhungirehe highlighted the importance of the new Rwandan mission in Islamabad, which marks a significant step forward in strengthening Rwanda-Pakistan relations.
The two Ministers discussed increasing cooperation in areas such as trade, security and educational exchanges. Acknowledging the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening these ties, particularly through direct trade channels and through the growing Pakistani community in Rwanda, which contributes to local development.
The meeting is a continuation of Rwanda’s outreach to Pakistan in recent years. In January 2024, Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Muganga Mubarakh, led high-level discussions in Islamabad with Pakistani military and diplomatic officials.
The discussions focused on shared security challenges, military training, and defence partnerships, with broader implications for trade and development cooperation.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Naeem Ullah Khan, also launched projects to directly connect Rwandan producers to Pakistani markets, particularly for tea and coffee. In this vein, the Ambassador set up a training programme for Rwandan youth, aimed at strengthening their marketing skills to facilitate cross-border trade.
Minister Nduhungirehe also met with Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss strengthening diplomatic and tourism ties. This meeting follows the signing in 2022 of two bilateral memoranda between Jamaica and Rwanda during President Paul Kagame’s state visit, establishing agreements on political cooperation and tourism development.
These memoranda lay the foundation for deeper engagement, with a focus on cultural and tourism exchanges, highlighting the two countries’ historical ties and shared interests within the Commonwealth framework.
These discussions at CHOGM2024 illustrate Rwanda’s commitment to nurturing dynamic partnerships with Pakistan and Jamaica, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s broader vision of unity, shared development and enduring collaboration.
While presenting the credentials, Ngango delivered a message from President Paul Kagame, highlighting the strong diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the Principality of Liechtenstein, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to furthering this partnership and promoting mutual development.
In their discussions, Prince Alois emphasized the excellent relationship between the two countries, showing understanding of the regional issues surrounding Rwanda and the important role that small nations should play on the international stage, particularly regarding global peace and security.
Prince Alois also received credentials from ten other new ambassadors, granting them the right to represent their countries in his country.
Prior to this ceremony, Ngango met with Elena Klein, the Director-General of Protocol, who represented Mrs. Dominique Hasler, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Sports, to whom he presented copies of his credentials.
Their conversation focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as culture and tourism, investment, financial services, and education.
This ceremony follows Ngango’s presentation of credentials to the President of the Swiss Confederation on June 11, 2024, in Bern.
In addition to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Ngango has also been entrusted by the President of Rwanda to represent the country in Austria, Slovenia, and the Vatican, where he will present his credentials in the coming days.
The Principality of Liechtenstein is located in the heart of Europe’s alpine region, between Switzerland and Austria. It is home to around 40,000 inhabitants.
{{karirima@igihe.com}}
Dafroza Gauthier Mukarumongi, the founder of CPCR, told IGIHE that the accusations are compiled in three detailed documentations against the French government. These claims focus on the collaboration between the French and Rwandan governments from 1990 to 1994 and military and political agreements signed during that period.
Dafroza explained that they are suing the French government for abandoning and refusing to protect their Tutsi employees who worked at the French Embassy and the French Cultural Center and for the alleged sexual violence by French soldiers against Tutsi women in the Turquoise Zone.
The organizations further allege that French soldiers stationed in Rwanda during those years were involved in discriminatory practices based on ethnicity, such as checking citizens’ ID cards at various roadblocks.
Since June 1994, French troops were stationed in the Turquoise Zone on a so-called humanitarian mission however, it is alleged that their aim was to support the Interahamwe militia former Rwandan Armed Forces to escape from the country.
Dafroza stated that the evidence in the case shows that Tutsis who sought refuge with French forces in this zone continued to be killed, as the French forces did not separate them from the Interahamwe and Ex-FAR.
She provided an example of the killings in the Bisesero, Karongi district where French troops refused to rescue Tutsis who had appealed for their protection as the Interahamwe and Ex-FAR were killed over 40,000 people. Between June 27 and June 30, 1994, another 4,000 were killed.
The trial involving these organizations and the French government took place on October 24, 2024. CPCR was represented by lawyer Philippe Raphaël, who prepared the case.
Raphaël stated, “The French government could have prevented the genocide but did not. Instead, they supported Hutu extremists in political, diplomatic, and military affairs before, during, and after the Genocide.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, in April 2024, acknowledged that France and other nations could have prevented the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi but lacked the will to do so. “As the extermination of the Tutsi began, the international community had the capability to know and act. France, alongside Western and African allies, could have stopped the genocide but did not have the will,” he said.
This statement reiterated Macron’s earlier speech on May 21, 2021, at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, in which he admitted France’s role in this history, a position also reflected in a report by a team led by French historian Prof. Vincent Duclert.
However, the French Ministry of Armed Forces, representing the defense, requested the Administrative Court to declare itself incompetent in this matter, arguing that government actions are what is being challenged. They added that decisions made in national policy matters hold immunity in domestic courts.
This lawsuit was filed in April 2023, followed by an investigation conducted between May and June 2024. The organizations are seeking 500 million euros in compensation for damages. The ruling is expected on November 14, 2024.
CPCR stated that there is an opportunity to appeal the Administrative Court’s decision up to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) if the French government is not held accountable for actions before and during the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
{{Women assaulted by French soldiers continue to suffer trauma.}}
French soldiers under Operation Turquoise arrived in Rusizi (former Cyangugu Prefecture) and split into teams, with a large number remaining at Kamembe Airport while others moved to Nyarushishi, Bugarama, Ntendezi, and Kirambo. When they reached Nyarushishi, they toured the entire camp while taking photos.
At that time, they inspected the tents. After three days, they had identified where women and girls were located and began taking them away for sexual assault, despite being responsible for protecting them.
The book The Genocide Against the Tutsi in the Former Cyangugu Prefecture by CNLG contains testimonies from witnesses to these atrocities.
Constance Kambogo said, “The French soldiers would openly take girls from the camp and sexually assault them. They would come around, take the girls out in armored vehicles, and pick those they wanted under the pretense of taking them for cleaning duties.”
Among those assaulted at Nyarushishi was Claudine, who was between 14 and 15 years old at the time, which left her traumatized to the point of becoming mentally unstable.
Others sexually assaulted included Mukayiranga Mado, Mukayeze Pascasie, Mukayitesi Jacqueline, Umulisa, girls from EAV Ntendezi, and others.
“The victims were subjected to brutal acts, including having pepper inserted into their private parts, being assaulted orally and anally, being photographed naked, and more. After abusing them, the soldiers would pass them around, commenting on their beauty and comparing them to the women back home. After the assault, they would give them biscuits as a reward,” reads the book in part.
Apart from Nyarushishi Camp, it is reported that French soldiers also sexually assaulted women and girls at Kamembe Airport, Kamarampaka Stadium, and other locations.
Jean Bosco Habimana, an Interahamwe collaborator who worked closely with French soldiers, as they had given him a gun, testified that the French at the stadium asked him to find girls for them, particularly Tutsis, claiming they would not cause problems if it was discovered.
The first girl he brought to them was Beata, around 15 years old, whom he took from Mururu and whom he knew was a Tutsi. After assaulting her, the French soldiers requested that the Interahamwe not kill her.
The second girl, Mukasine Florence, was about 14 years old. Habimana took her from Winteko Sector, Bugayi Cell, where she was hiding after her family was killed.
“Once in Kamarampaka Stadium, she was severely assaulted, and when they released her, she could barely walk. Afterward, they requested the Interahamwe not to kill her,” reads part of Page 361 of the book.
Beata and Mukasine had sought refuge in Nyarushishi camp but had ventured out to find food, hoping to get provisions as their neighbors had started fleeing to Congo. Colonel Jacques Hogard, who led Operation Turquoise in Cyangugu, has often been named for allegedly allowing his soldiers to abuse women sexually and commit various acts of sexual violence.
There are similar accusations against Colonel Sartre Patrice, who led Operation Turquoise in Gikongoro.
