Scheduled for 22nd March 2023 in the German Parliament, Berlin, this conference is in the framework of the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The event will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers who will delve into various aspects of the genocide, including its history, the subsequent reconciliation initiatives, and the ongoing fight against genocide ideology and denial.
The conference will open with remarks from the Ambassador of Rwanda to Germany, Igor Cesar and Judence Kayitesi, president of Ibuka-Germany. A genocide survivor will also share their harrowing experiences.
Dr. Eric Ndushabandi will then explore the dissemination and impact of genocidal ideology in the Great Lakes region, emphasizing the imperative of peace and stability in Rwanda and its neighboring countries.
A significant portion of the conference will address the challenge of genocide denial, with various experts discussing the importance of legal measures in Europe and Germany against genocide denialism, and its role in fostering a culture of remembrance and justice.
The resilience of genocide survivors will be highlighted, with speakers like Ernest Sagaga sharing inspiring stories of survival and recovery, underscoring the strength and spirit of those affected by the genocide.
The conference will also include an interactive panel discussion featuring experts like Ernest Sagaga, Dr. Eric Ndishabandi, Prof. Jens-Christian Wagner, Lawyer Richard Gisagara, and Kordula Schulz-Asche, Member of Parliament. This session aims to foster a collaborative dialogue on effective strategies to combat genocide ideology and denialism.
This event comes shortly after the inauguration of a memorial in Germany dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, signifying the global commitment to remembering and honoring the victims.
Today, Rwanda has over 20 Genocide memorials worldwide including Europe, Canada, Africa and as the local community continues to recognize the importance of preserving the memory of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
These troops, forming the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), entered North Kivu in December 2022, following a decision made by the heads of states of the EAC during their meeting in Nairobi in April 2022.
The EACRF was tasked with protecting areas previously captured by the armed group M23 and to prevent conflicts between M23 and the DRC’s forces, awaiting negotiation between the two sides.
However, the DRC government expressed a desire for the EACRF to combat M23, a stance the leadership of M23 reminded was not part of its mandate. This led to the expulsion of these troops at the end of 2023, replaced by forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi.
In an interview with NTV Kenya, President Kagame highlighted that the breakdown began when the DRC “assumed the authority ” to decide against the inclusion of Rwandan troops in the EACRF, a decision the EAC accepted.
Kagame explained that Rwanda agreed to this, showing that its priority was for the EACRF to achieve its objective of restoring peace in eastern DRC and contributing to the resolution of conflicts between opposing sides.
He reminded that the EACRF’s mission was to assist the DRC government in resolving conflicts, and it had been decided that any side violating the ceasefire agreement would be opposed.
The President expressed surprise at the EAC leadership’s lack of response to the expulsion of EACRF from the DRC.
He said, “The EAC troops were expelled. Until now I Am still wondering , what is EAC? In reality, EAC does not exist since this issue arose. Because we were never told what happened. Since their expulsion, no one has explained to us.”
Kagame also mentioned that when the DRC expelled the EACRF, it was in discussions with SADC leaders to deploy troops against M23 in North Kivu, which was agreed upon by South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi in December 2023.
He noted that by requesting SADC to replace EAC in North Kivu, the DRC was creating conflicts between the two regional blocs, which should have collaborated to resolve the country’s conflicts.
He commented, “It seems they were creating conflicts and misunderstandings between SADC and EAC. There wasn’t even a statement saying, ‘It’s okay, let’s join forces, work together,’ it was about replacing EACRF with SADC troops.”
“Why don’t people discuss this? Why don’t EAC and SADC talk about the issue and seek a solution? There are ways people can cooperate, communicate, and avoid unnecessary problems.”
The EAC is led by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir since November 24, 2023, succeeding Burundi’s Evariste Ndayishimiye, who had breached the community’s decisions by deploying his country’s troops to the Masisi territory to fight M23, based on an agreement with Félix Tshisekedi in August 2023.
The ASECNA representative to the Republic of Rwanda recently announced a fully funded scholarship competition for training at the prestigious African School of Meteorology and Civil Aviation (EAMAC) in Niamey, focusing on the field of Air Traffic Control.
This initiative aims to groom skilled professionals who will contribute to the safety and efficiency of air transportation across the African continent. Successful candidates will undergo a comprehensive two-year training program at EAMAC and will subsequently be employed by ASECNA.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to register online at www.EAMAC.ne to participate in this competitive selection process. However, there are specific criteria that must be met to qualify for consideration:
{{Age Requirement: }} Applicants must be between 21 and 29 years old as of January 1, 2024, ensuring a balance of youthful energy and maturity in the selected cohort.
{{Educational Background: }} Candidates should have either completed at least two years of university studies or hold a bachelor’s degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field. Additionally, individuals with a polytechnic diploma are also eligible to apply, reflecting the diversity of educational backgrounds suitable for this opportunity.
Once the online registration phase concludes, only selected candidates will be invited to physically submit their application files. It is essential to note that the deadline for online registration is March 22, 2024, so interested individuals should act promptly to secure their chance.
For those seeking further clarification or information, ASECNA has provided contact details: interested parties can reach out via phone at 0780037697 or 0726944353.
Selected candidates will undergo a written test on June 3rd and 4th, 2024, marking the next phase of this rigorous selection process. This examination will assess the candidates’ aptitude and readiness for the intensive training program ahead.
The opportunity presented by ASECNA and EAMAC is not just about acquiring skills; it’s about shaping the future of air traffic control in Africa. By investing in the training and development of young professionals, ASECNA is laying the groundwork for a safer, more efficient aviation industry on the continent.
Aspiring air traffic controllers, this is your chance to make a difference. Seize this opportunity, register online, and embark on a journey towards a rewarding career in aviation safety and navigation. ASECNA and EAMAC await your application, ready to guide you towards a promising future in the skies.
As the President explained in an interview with James Smart of NTV Kenya, he gave this warning to Tshisekedi in 2022 when they met during a summit of East African Community heads of state in Nairobi, Kenya.
President Kagame reminded that he has often stated that if anyone attempts to jeopardize Rwanda’s security, he will make a decision within his responsibilities as the Head of State to protect it.
He said, “I have often said on camera that if Rwanda’s security is compromised, I will not ask anyone for permission to do what I must do to protect Rwanda.”
The President continued, “The Armed Forces of the DRC fired on our territory three times in 2022 using heavy weaponry. It happened once, we advised in Nairobi, and the President of Congo was there.”
“I told him, ‘This is enough’; he gave explanations, and I told him, ‘One time with explanations is enough, no problem.’ I told him if it happens a second and third time, and it continues, it will be a different story.”
After warning Tshisekedi, rockets from the DRC were again fired into the Musanze District in May and June 2022.
He said, “I think he did not take it seriously because after leaving the meeting, it happened a second and third time. Heavy artillery missiles, BM21 missiles landed on our territory, killing civilians in the north.”
President Kagame explained that the message he gave to Tshisekedi was clear, so what he had to do after the third time missiles were fired into Northern Rwanda, was to take measures to protect the country’s security.
He told the journalist that while the DRC government accused Rwanda of sending troops to North Kivu Province, influential countries contacted him advising on what to do, to which he responded that he would do whatever possible to prevent further missiles from being fired onto Rwandan territory.
He said, “These influential people with power called me, telling me what I should and shouldn’t do. I told them, ‘I hear you, I appreciate it,’ but I also told them that I would do whatever possible to ensure that no heavy weaponry fires onto Rwandan territory again. That is my responsibility, that’s why I am President, and even before I was President, I contributed to the struggle to bring positive changes to this country.”
President Kagame stated that Rwanda seeks peace and wishes to contribute to solutions to existing problems, through peaceful means more than anyone else would desire.
Considering these new tactics, Dr. Murangira warned Rwandans to be cautious.
He revealed, “They use many tricks. The first trick they use is to promise something extraordinary to the person they want to take. These people use names that are not theirs. There are those taken by their friends. […] So trusting your friend not to harm you is a trap that some fall into.”
He further elaborated on the false narratives created by traffickers, “There are also those trafficked by their friends, convincing them how well they know them. […] saying ‘I am in Dubai’, and they show you pictures saying that you too can find a good job there, showing you pictures of themselves in nice houses and cars, making you think that is the life they live.”
RIB reports indicate that a significant number of Rwandans trafficked abroad are deceived via social media, with the majority being young people who are less likely to critically analyze the risks.
Victims are promised lucrative jobs or scholarships, and women are often enticed with promises of marriage to foreigners. Upon arrival, they face dire situations including forced organ harvesting, sexual exploitation, forced labor, and begging.
Dr. Murangira stressed, “We cannot say it is only uneducated people; even well-educated people are trafficked. People in established households are lured away from their homes with promises of good jobs that can support their families.”
He also highlighted the tactics used to isolate victims, “Then there is another thing they tell them: ‘Make sure you do not consult anyone. If you consult, you’ll see that things will not work out for you.’ What they want is for you not to consult anyone so that someone does not tell you, ‘But have you thought about it? Are you not being trafficked?’”
Dr. Murangira further discussed how traffickers erode trust between victims and state authorities, “Another thing I want to tell people, these people who go to traffic them promising them jobs, they instill distrust between the person being trafficked and the state or security agencies. The distrust I’m talking about is when they tell you, ‘Make sure you don’t talk to those people lest they deny you opportunities tomorrow.’’
RIB’s advice is to be wary of too-good-to-be-true opportunities, especially when documentation is rushed or advice is discouraged.
In the last five years, RIB reported that 314 Rwandans were trafficked abroad, with 82 being rescued.
Women make up 77% of the victims, predominantly young people between 18 to 30 years old.
Most trafficking victims are sent to Arab countries, which is also where many repatriated Rwandans are rescued from.
The commemoration, held annually on April 7th, is a time for reflection and remembrance, attended by leaders from around the globe and friends of Rwanda. It serves as a somber reminder of the past atrocities and a commitment to preventing such horrors from occurring again.
In an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Mbeki highlighted the significance of this event not only as a personal commitment but also as a critical lesson for all Africans.
He acknowledged the invitation from President Paul Kagame and expressed his belief in the importance of commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Thabo Mbeki emphasized the lessons it offers for preventing similar tragedies and the importance of unity and preservation of life to avoid conflicts leading to genocide.
His acknowledgment of South Africa’s past failures to intervene or prevent the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and his critique of certain policies reflect his outspoken nature on various issues.
His leadership, spanning from 1999 to 2008, and his tenure as Vice President under Nelson Mandela, have been marked by moments of controversy, including his stance on the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and interactions with the Rwandan Patriotic Front (FPR) in the early ’90s regarding arms sales.
Thabo Mbeki’s planned participation in the 30th commemoration underscores the ongoing importance of remembering the Genocide against the Tutsi and the broader implications it holds for peace and unity in Africa and beyond.
Under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, the 2nd edition of GITEX Africa will take place from 29-31 May 2024, under the authority of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform and hosted by the Digital Development Agency (ADD).
The 2nd blockbuster edition follows its pioneering debut in 2023, rated by the attending tech community as the world’s best tech launch event. The intense global interest in exploring diverse tech themes is now powering GITEX Africa’s growth, fuelling momentum in a maturing digital ecosystem while turbocharging a big tech rush into one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic markets.
GITEX Africa 2024 shall welcome thousands of attendees from across the continent for large scale discourse and future-focused collaborations, while accelerating tech’s massive advances across diverse industries, from cloud and IOT, cybersecurity, digital health, and future finance, to consumer tech, telecoms, and the great hype of artificial intelligence.
Dr Ghita Mezzour, the Moroccan Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, met with organisers in Morocco recently as plans ramp up for the development of an expanded purpose-built venue to accommodate the surge in global exhibitor demand.
“The success of the 1st edition of GITEX Africa Morocco highlights our continent’s enthusiastic embrace of the digital revolution and Morocco’s commitment to strengthen South-South cooperation in the digital field, as well as its contribution to the international promotion of the African continent in accordance with the High Royal Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him.” said Dr Mezzour.
“Our ambitions are growing as we look ahead to the 2nd edition in the beautiful city of Marrakech. We’re excited about making GITEX Africa Morocco even more remarkable and look forward to hosting a diverse and impactful African and international tech presence.”
Mr. Mohammed Drissi Melyani, the General Director of ADD, added: “The Kingdom of Morocco successfully hosted the first edition of GITEX Africa Morocco in 2023, which showcased Africa as an emergent continent in the digital economy. The 2nd edition in 2024 is another opportunity to enhance and support Africa’s digital transformation progress and boost the competitiveness of the continent’s digital ecosystems.”
{{World Future Health Africa debut accelerates continent’s digital health revolution }}
GITEX Africa is organised by KAOUN International, the overseas affiliate of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which organises GITEX GLOBAL in the UAE, the world’s largest and most trusted tech and start-up event. The expansion of Africa’s powerhouse tech showcase is amplified by the debut of the co-located World Future Health Africa, accelerating the continent’s ascending tech-fuelled digital health revolution.
World Future Health Africa is held under the auspices of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Public Administration Reform, the Moroccan Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Digital Development Agency.
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, organiser of GITEX Africa and World Future Health Africa, said: “This sequel of GITEX Africa this year follows the upbeat trend of tech discovery we created last year in its inaugural edition.
“The global community is experiencing the growing energy, curiosity and demand for digital advancement from Africa which is outpacing that of matured developed continents. The depth and breadth of tech showcase, including the much-hyped AI in society and business at GITEX Africa shall be an eye-opening experience fostering great knowledge sharing and collaboration opportunities between the public and private sectors, and amongst businesses across the world.”
The 2nd edition of GITEX Africa will welcome returning exhibitors following their hugely successful participation at the show’s momentous debut in 2023. Multinational majors including Epson, Honeywell, Kaspersky, and Lexar are among those back for a second round of future-focused collaborations reviving a tech-enabled African investment race.
Neil Colquhoun, Vice President of Epson Europe and the Middle East, said: “Epson is delighted to announce its participation for the second consecutive year at GITEX Africa 2024. Epson’s technology offering will focus primarily on a range of sustainable, energy-efficient solutions and products that address the pressing concerns of many industrial sectors, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises in the region.”
UAE-headquartered Presight, the Middle East’s leading big data analytics company powered by generative AI, and part of G42, a global leader in creating visionary AI, will also return: “Africa has been our focus; it’s the newly emerging continent for the digital workforce and digital transformation,” said Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight.
“Presight has multiple digital transformation programmes with several African governments, and in 2024, we aim to contribute even more to the continent’s thriving tech ecosystem. Our goal is to make a positive societal impact using our big data analytics capabilities powered by generative AI. With GITEX Africa playing a key role, we’re excited to be part of discussions shaping the continent’s digital transformation journey.”
Bertrand Trastour, General Manager, France and North, Central and West Africa of global leading Cybersecurity company, Kaspersky, added: “GITEX Africa is a very important platform for Kaspersky as it allows us to inform our customers and partners about our growth strategy and potential.
“Digitalisation is a high priority in African markets, and cybersecurity is the foundation for this successful transformation. Kaspersky provides the most comprehensive cybersecurity for the growth of our customers’ businesses, regardless of their sector, scenario or assets.”
Moroccan headliners advancing tech and innovation across the region are also returning to GITEX Africa 2024, including Maroc Data Centre, Zen Networks, Dataprotect, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), the show’s official R&D partner.
“UM6P transcends the traditional boundaries of R&D, embodying a powerhouse of innovation and entrepreneurship for Africa and beyond,” said Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of UM6P Ventures and Director of Entrepreneurship and Venturing at UM6P.
“We are excited to elevate our role at GITEX Africa, not merely as a leading R&D collaborator but as a beacon of innovation. Our partnership with GITEX Africa underscores our dedication to driving progress in science, technology, and investment realms.
Added Laghzioui: “We aim to nurture and scale DeepTech ventures across Africa through our targeted entrepreneurship and venturing programs, moving beyond Morocco’s borders. GITEX Africa offers an unparalleled opportunity for UM6P to forge strategic partnerships, showcasing our ground-breaking initiatives in diverse sectors such as HealthTech, BioTech, AgriTech, and GreenTech. These efforts stem from UM6P’s innovation labs and from our extended ecosystem, poised to tackle the continent’s pressing challenges.”
{{Regional start-up, VC investment surge on high revs at North Star Africa}}
GITEX Africa 2024 will feature an elevated North Star Africa start-up showcase, converging the largest curation of award-winning start-ups and scale-ups ever seen in the African continent. The most ambitious and forward-thinking entrepreneurs and founders will collaborate with African and global accelerators and investors to scale business opportunity in a region that is tipped to raise US$10 billion in VC funds by 2025.
North Star Africa is extending its far-reaching footprint to all ends of the world’s second largest continent and beyond, spurring investors to seek out and uplift the next potential unicorns solving Africa’s biggest challenges.
There’ll be more awards too, with globe-trotting innovative companies battling for start-up supremacy at the Supernova Challenge, Africa’s most coveted and valuable start-up pitch competition, with a prize pool of US$100,000 up for grabs across six categories.
Representative Mike Gallagher sponsored the bill, stating that its aim is to address concerns over national security posed by TikTok, which is owned by ByteDance, a company based in China.
Last week, Members of the House Commerce and Energy Committee introduced the bill unanimously, all 50 showing their desire for bipartisan support, hoping that the United Nations will endorse it, as it would then become an international law.
Following the committee vote, Representative Frank Pallone remarked that once the bill becomes law, Americans may be prohibited from using TikTok, and measures could be taken to censor it.
He said, “This bill will enable action against TikTok and allow Americans to continue using other platforms without fear of being manipulated or censored by foreign adversaries.”
It is expected that if this bill becomes law, ByteDance will be forced to sell TikTok within three months, or risk having the platform banned in the United States.
ByteDance insists that despite what the representatives claim, TikTok will not be banned, as the purpose of this bill is to regulate it.
They said, “This bill will have implications for regulating TikTok in America. The government risks depriving 170 million Americans of their rights under the First Amendment to freely express themselves.”
The company suggests that if this bill becomes law, they will seek legal action against the U.S. government’s attempt to regulate TikTok, but the State Department has indicated it will not yield.
After passing the House of Representatives, the bill will now move to the Senate, where President Joe Biden is expected to support it once it reaches his desk for signing into law.
The discussions between President Kagame and Minister January Makamba were also attended by other officials from both sides, including Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Vincent Biruta, and the State Secretary for Regional Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe.
Minister January Makamba began his four-day visit to Rwanda on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, with the goal of reinforcing the friendship and cooperation between Rwanda and Tanzania.
In a recent press conference, he emphasized that the two countries are inseparable friends and partners in various sectors, including transportation, technology, agriculture, and more.
Makamba highlighted Tanzania’s commitment to facilitating Rwanda’s use of the Dar es Salaam port for cross-border trade, emphasizing the importance of smooth trade operations through the port.
This visit follows several others made by the leaders of the two nations in recent times.
On November 2, 2023, President Kagame had discussions with his Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was in Rwanda for the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Forum.
This was after President Kagame’s visit to Tanzania in April of the same year, which followed President Suluhu’s visit to Rwanda in August 2021.
During President Suluhu’s visit, the two countries signed five agreements in areas including technology and communication, human and goods mobility, education, and pharmaceutical regulations.
Rwanda and Tanzania have a history of collaboration, especially in trade, as Rwandans use the Dar es Salaam port and Rwandan goods are also sold in Tanzania.
In March 2015, Presidents Kagame and Museveni met in Kigali at a gathering of alumni from Ntare School in Uganda, where they pledged financial support for the construction of Ntare School Rwanda Chapter.
President Kagame, who attended this high school in Uganda from 1972 at the age of 15 until he was 19, committed to contributing 100 million Rwandan Francs.
Museveni, who attended the school from 1962 to 1966, pledged to contribute $200,000.
Speaking at a dinner for the alumni association held at the Kigali Convention Centre on March 8, 2024, President Kagame informed the members that Museveni had quickly fulfilled his pledge, taking the opportunity to thank him.
He said, “I want to thank the President of Uganda, Kaguta Yoweri Museveni, for bringing us together in the name of Ntare School, and for making a significant contribution. You may remember from our last meeting here, he committed to contribute towards building the school and he delivered in a short time. We built upon that.”
President Kagame proposed that parts of Ntare School, including dormitories, laboratories, and sports fields, should be named after alumni who have performed exceptionally well.
However, the President clarified that he and Museveni should not be among those honored, as they have already had many things named after them. He said, “Museveni and I have been fortunate to have many things named after us, I want us to be excluded from this.”
He continued, “Set criteria, let those in Uganda choose the names; two, three, four, five, or six, and do the same on the Rwandan side, we will use these names as a perpetual reminder of the cooperation between both sides.”
The construction of Ntare School Rwanda began in 2019. It is expected to be inaugurated in 2024, having cost 6 billion Rwandan Francs for construction. The school will have the capacity to accommodate 1,100 students, contain 5 laboratories, and 35 classrooms.
