The United Nations House is intended to house the 34 UN agencies based in Senegal. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, who is on an official visit to Senegal, were present at the ceremony.
“This inauguration ceremony of the United Nations House once again marks the renewed attention of our country to the United Nations, which embodies the ideal of peace and the aspiration of peoples to collaborate for a better world,” Sall said during the inauguration ceremony.
Mohammed said that the United Nations House is an expression of the common vision on cooperation between Senegal and the United Nations to push for a future of peace and unity for the Senegalese people.
She made the remarks during the annual symposium organized by the Rwanda Institute of Architects (RIA) on November 21, 2023. This event, a convergence of diverse stakeholders aimed to explore and innovate the construction landscape in Rwanda while underscoring the critical importance of environmental conservation.
In her address, Fatima emphasized Mr. Roof’s dual commitment; not only to delivering enduring products to society but also recognizing the pivotal role companies must play in mitigating environmental pollution stemming from construction activities.
The United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) recent report, featured in its GlobalABC annual overview of the world’s buildings and construction sector, underscored the alarming reality that 39% of emissions in the construction sector in 2021 were substantial.
The International Energy Agency, ranking the construction sector as the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, further highlighted its significant contribution to climate change, following the energy and transportation sectors.
Against this backdrop, Fatima passionately advocated for a paradigm shift within the construction industry towards sustainable solutions. “We have actively explored ways to contribute by providing modern and environmentally friendly construction materials,” she stated. “Our roofs and sheets are meticulously measured to meet customer needs, minimizing waste and leftovers.”
Fatima also shed light on Mr. Roof’s innovative approach to reducing emissions from transportation. The lightweight and durable nature of their roofing materials not only enhances longevity and aesthetics but also contributes to cost reduction in transportation, requiring fewer vehicles.
During the meeting, Mr. Roof unveiled an exciting initiative—a reward system for subscribers to their newsletter, named ‘Mr. Roof Newsletter.’ Subscribers stand a chance to win prizes such as 200 square meters of roofing sheets valued at Rwf 2.5 million, a voucher worth Rwf 300,000 for IngCo construction materials at the Lighthouse Store, and a ticket for two at the Kigali Lounge valued at Rwf 100,000. Winners will be announced on Mr. Roof’s social media platform later this week.
Specializing in the manufacturing of modern lightweight steel roofs, Mr. Roof sets itself apart with its unique ‘Self Lock’ roofing sheets. These sheets, characterized by a distinctive shape and structure, require interlocking for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal. Notably, the lightweight design facilitates easy removal and relocation from one house to another, adding a versatile dimension to sustainable construction practices.
The evaluation framework is structured around three pivotal pillars. The first pillar, contributing significantly to the Human Development Index, meticulously assesses healthcare, education, and the overall well-being of the population. Additionally, this pillar takes into account dedicated programs aimed at enhancing various social aspects of life.
The second pillar hones in on economic factors, scrutinizing trade development, investment facilitation, and legal frameworks within the country. The third pillar revolves around good governance, evaluating the efficiency of public services, the treatment of public servants, the establishment of laws and policies, and the government’s commitment to enforcement.
Combining the insights gleaned from these pillars, Rwanda distinguished itself by securing the fourth position among the 12 African nations acknowledged for harboring the most prosperous citizens. Noteworthy is Rwanda’s score of 0.534 in the capacity-building category, marked as average on the scale. In economic terms, Rwanda attained a commendable score of 52.20%, while in good governance, it excelled with a score of 61.32%, resulting in an overall impressive score of 56.76%.
The top-ranking countries in this comprehensive report are Mauritius, Botswana, and Seychelles, securing the first, second, and third positions, respectively. Following Rwanda in fifth place is Namibia. Zooming into East Africa, Tanzania holds the ninth spot, while Kenya clinches the tenth position among the 12 nations recognized for nurturing prosperous populations.
Despite these notable improvements, Bangui is still shadowed by persistent rumors of attacks and terrorist threats, disrupting the rhythm of daily life. One particularly disruptive rumor circulated, claiming that opposition fighters had infiltrated the city, leading to a temporary evacuation of the president.
The ensuing panic among the population was later quelled when it was revealed that these fears were unfounded. The current stabilization of Bangui can be largely attributed to the timely intervention of the Rwandan army.
Arriving in January 2014 as part of the African-led International Support Mission in Central Africa (MISCA), these soldiers later joined the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Their primary mission was to protect civilians, UN facilities, as well as the head of state and his family, contributing significantly to the city’s security, housing nearly a million people within a 67 km² area.
The Central African Republic, with its five million inhabitants and an area of 622,984 km² mostly covered by forests, witnessed the deployment of Rwandan troops following a conflict that began in 2012. This conflict saw the emergence of the armed group Séléka in the north and a foiled coup attempt, ultimately leading to clashes culminating in Séléka’s takeover of Bangui and the president’s escape.
In response, a predominantly Christian faction in the south formed the Anti-Balaka group. Clashes between these two factions plunged the country into profound chaos, marked by intense fighting, national collapse, massive population displacement, and a humanitarian crisis. Despite numerous peace agreements, lasting stability remained elusive.
{{Over 2,000 Rwandan soldiers under MINUSCA}}
Currently, 2,110 Rwandan soldiers play a crucial role in MINUSCA, with a specific group responsible for protecting the head of state since 2014. This duty is entrusted to highly qualified young men and women from the Rwandan army. A member of this elite unit, assigned to President Touadéra’s security, shared impressions with the media IGIHE: “It’s a demanding commitment where vigilance is required at every moment. Our ability to respond effectively to unforeseen situations is the result of rigorous preparation and the inspiring leadership of our superiors.”
Beyond their close protection mission, these Rwandan soldiers are tasked with securing strategic locations such as the presidential residence and M’poko airport, providing a guarantee of security and stability for the capital. The deployment of these forces has had a notable positive impact on the local economy, encouraging entrepreneurs to resume their activities unhindered. This development has also attracted Rwandan investments to Bangui, particularly in the trade and agriculture sectors, showcasing renewed confidence in the region’s stability.
{{Rwandan special forces in CAR}}
In addition to MINUSCA forces, around 1,200 Rwandan soldiers have been deployed to the Central African Republic since 2020, following a bilateral agreement between the two countries. This initiative is part of strengthened cooperation, including the exchange of security knowledge and trade cooperation.
These special protection troops were deployed at a critical moment when François Bozizé was orchestrating plans to overthrow Touadera’s government. Faced with this period of uncertainty and tension, even the Rwandan army operating under the UN encountered major challenges. Their main mission was to thwart Bozizé’s attempts and ensure the protection of UN mission members.
Their arrival coincided with preparations for the presidential election, which saw President Touadéra’s reelection. After arriving in Bangui, these special protection troops expanded their operation to Sibut, Dékoa, Batangafo, and Kaga Bandoro. On December 21, 2020, President Kagame emphasized the strategic importance of these troops in a press conference. He stated that these soldiers had a distinct mandate from that of the UN, aiming to counter any action disrupting the elections and defending against attacks on Rwandan troops deployed in MINUSCA.
According to President Kagame, the Rwandan army’s intervention aimed to maintain order and ensure the smooth running of democratic processes in response to destabilization attempts. This operation underscores the effectiveness and determination of Rwandan special forces in maintaining peace and stability in the Central African Republic, highlighting their crucial role in complex crisis situations.
{{120 Rwandan military trainers: Forging the future of Central African Defense}}
Within the Rwandan forces deployed in the CAR, 120 military personnel stand out with a specific mission: they are responsible for training the Central African army. This strategic initiative aims to ensure that, even after the withdrawal of Rwandan troops, the Central African forces are perfectly capable of ensuring national security.
The first batch of Central African soldiers trained by the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) will complete their training on November 24. This group of 513 soldiers will be ready to take on the country’s security responsibilities, including protecting the population and infrastructure, as well as escorting goods to the borders of Cameroon and Chad, tasks currently performed by RDF soldiers.
Furthermore, Rwandan forces are currently stationed in a strategic area on the border between the Central African Republic and Sudan, specifically in Sam-Ouandja. They play an essential role in monitoring activities that could disrupt security, especially in the Damara region, near the border with Chad.
RDF spokesperson Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga highlighted the positive impact of this military presence: “Security is omnipresent; residents and foreigners can trade with peace of mind, even late at night. The fear of attacks from the Anti-Balaka or Séléka groups has dissipated.”
In addition, Rwandan military patrols maintain constant surveillance around the city, adopting a similar approach to that implemented in Rwanda to ensure the security and well-being of the population.
Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, the Commissioner for Infrastructure Security and Private Security Providers (ISPSP) said that private security firms contribute to national security, which requires them to be professional.
He added that although there is general improvement in their services, there are still some gaps that should be addressed.
“An assessment conducted at facilities under the protection of private security companies in different parts of the country showed some unprofessional services by your personnel.
There are those who barely use the installed or provided modern security infrastructure and gadgets, and others don’t search people and the luggage, which can be a window for insecurity,” CP Kabera said.
He added: “Use the installed security infrastructure effectively and follow the directives as provided by the Ministerial Order.”
He observed that the evolving security environment and technology also comes with security challenges, which necessitates acquiring modern security equipment, readiness and effective collaboration to deter anything that can cause insecurity.
CP Kabera further encouraged private security companies to put more effort in training, internal monitoring of personnel to ensure quality services.
Alexis Buterere, the chairperson of the association of private security service providers, said that they will continue to improve their services through acquisition of more hi-tech equipment, quality training of their personnel and to work together with the Police to ensure safety and security of the people.
Currently, there are 16 private security companies in the country.
The program kicked off in Burera District in the Northern Province and continued in Kayonza District in the Western Province, and Western Province this time around.
The smartphone distribution in the Western Province specifically took place in Kanjongo Sector, Nyamasheke District, on November 21, 2023.
Emmanuel Hamez, the Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda, emphasized the goal of ensuring widespread access to these smartphones. With plans to distribute over a million phones within six months, Hamez highlighted the compact size of the phones, packed with features including 4G internet capability. Despite the usual market value of over Rwf65,000, Airtel Rwanda is offering these phones to the public for only Rwf20,000.
As an added incentive, customers purchasing the phone will pay Rwf1000 monthly for free calls to all lines and 1GB of daily internet usage. Hamez expressed gratitude to the leadership and Airtel Rwanda’s subscribers, assuring continuous efforts to expand internet networks with the aim of making 4G internet available nationwide by January 2024.
Joseph Désiré Muhayeyezu, Acting Mayor of Nyamasheke District, highlighted the low percentage of smartphone users in the area and welcomed the program’s potential to significantly increase this number.
The initiative aligns with the government’s plan to transition all services to electronic platforms by 2024.
Residents like Ingabire Donatha and Sindayigaya Venant shared their excitement about the affordable smartphones. Donatha, a farmer, emphasized the convenience of owning a smartphone for timely agricultural purchases, while Sindayigaya expressed relief from the financial burden, enabling him to invest time more productively.
Western Province Governor Lambert Dushimimana, emphasized the significance of such initiatives in achieving the government’s development goals. Under this plan, this initiative is expected to provide more than 280,000 smartphones in the Western Province, aiming for 3000 phones per sector, as part of the broader strategy to accelerate the adoption of electronic services.
This revelation surprised many people, especially considering that it has been two years since the Congolese Army formed a coalition with FDLR and other armed groups during clashes with the M23 rebel group.
Notably, certain Congolese leaders have expressed empathy for FDLR combatants, referring to them as comrades. President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has, on occasion, downplayed the threat posed by FDLR combatants, even suggesting support for those with intentions to overthrow Rwanda’s leadership.
In a statement delivered by FARDC Spokesperson Gen Major Sylain Ekenge last night, soldiers were sternly warned against collaborating with FDLR, with severe punishments promised for those found in violation of the order.
This unexpected development is drawing attention, and some observers link it to a recent visit by the United States Intelligence Chief, Avril Haines, to Kinshasa. During this visit, Haines met with President Tshisekedi, following her discussions in Kigali, Rwanda, where she engaged with President Paul Kagame and other government officials to de-escalate tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
The United Nations Group of Experts report on the security situation in eastern DRC had earlier highlighted an apparent collaboration between FDLR and FARDC, shedding light on the complexities of the situation.
The M23 rebel group claims to have captured FDLR combatants dressed in FARDC military uniforms, attesting to the close alliance between the Congolese army and this terrorist outfit.
Additionally, Corneille Nangaa, the former Chairperson of the electoral body in the DRC, has recently disclosed the integration of some FDLR combatants into the guards of President Felix Tshisekedi.
Mesa, along with his delegation, conveyed greetings from the Cuban people and the Communist Party of Cuba.
Uwimana expressed gratitude on behalf of the party’s Chairperson, President Paul Kagame for the growing cooperation between Cuba and Rwanda. The collaboration, spanning education and health, has yielded significant results for both nations.
Uwimana highlighted the strides made in various sectors and the commitment to further advancements in technology, economy, and diplomacy.
Notably, he commended the educational exchange, including scholarships for Rwandan students to study medicine in Cuba. Despite the progress, Uwimana stressed the need for a continued and strengthened relationship, particularly between youth and women’s organizations.
Mesa echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Cuba’s interest in expanding cooperation beyond education and health. He underlined the importance of political dialogues to enhance relations across various sectors. The Vice President expressed the desire for collaboration in tourism, health technology, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines.
Addressing the challenges posed by U.S. sanctions, Valdés Mesa explained the impact on Cuba’s stability and its ability to combat crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted Cuba’s resilience, showcasing its expertise in producing medicine locally during challenging times. Mesa expressed the Cuban government’s focus on strengthening ties with friendly nations in the face of economic challenges.
Cuba’s prominent role in medicine, boasting over 100,000 specialized doctors and a life expectancy of 79.2 years. In 2021, Cuba sent over 30,000 doctors to assist nearly 60 countries worldwide. The cooperation agreement signed in September 2023 between Rwanda and Cuba further emphasized the commitment to political knowledge sharing and visa waivers for officials.
The concluding remarks included Mesa’s well-wishing for success in Rwanda’s upcoming presidential elections and highlighted Cuba’s impressive contributions to global healthcare.
In Rwanda, the route of this railway is outlined by strategically placed posts indicating its path, with an additional stretch of 18 kilometers required to reach Bugesera International Airport. This long-awaited project, envisioned for over two decades, aims to enhance connectivity among East African countries.
The agreement to construct this extensive 532-kilometer railway was formalized on March 9, 2018. However, progress has primarily materialized on the Tanzanian side, marking advancements as of November 14, 2023.
In a discussion with members of the senatorial committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Security, Patricia Uwase, the State Minister in the Ministry of Infrastructure, highlighted the significant role of political considerations hindering the extension of the railway to Rwanda.
Uwase emphasized the necessity of political will for the successful realization of the railway project connecting Rwanda to Dar es Salaam port via Isaka. While progress seemed promising until 2019, discussions encountered a standstill, notably due to the considerable financial resources required.
The route from Dar es Salaam to Makutupora spans 400 kilometers, with subsequent segments from Makutupora to Morogoro and Morogoro to Mwanza showing substantial progress. Uwase disclosed that Rwanda sought more than $1.5 billion, while Tanzania, responsible for a significant portion of the railway, required over $2.5 billion.
Efforts were made to establish a Public-Private Partnership, but an agreement between the involved parties remained elusive. Uwase expressed that talks, initially progressing positively, eventually halted, with political rather than technical reasons cited as the primary cause.
Despite previous optimism, negotiations have yet to regain momentum. President Kagame’s discussions with Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan earlier in 2023 encompassed efforts to boost trade, with the railway project remaining on the agenda.
Rwanda asserts that the railway’s completion will reduce transportation costs by 40%, particularly benefiting traders and facilitating the movement of 70% of Rwanda’s cargo through the Dar es Salaam port.
In addition to collaboration with Tanzania, Rwanda is engaged in joint projects with Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan in the Northern Corridor. The initiative, launched in October 2013, aims to accelerate the development of various commitments, including railways and oil refineries.
The project connecting Rwanda to the port of Mombasa through Uganda faced setbacks in 2018 due to strained relations between Rwanda and Uganda.
Uwase revealed that discussions on the railway project connecting Rwanda and Mombasa through Uganda have resumed, involving multiple countries.
Emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue, Uwase remains optimistic that sustained conversations will lead to practical actions, fostering swift progress.
“With population growth and rapid urbanization, the food industry will continue to grow in the coming years. Investing in the capacity of farmers to increase production will be vital,” said Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the UNECA, in a statement at the fifth edition of the Conference on Land Policy in Africa (CLPA).
On the theme of “Promoting Sustainable Land Governance in Africa for Accelerating Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA),” the high-level conference runs from Nov. 21-24 at the African Union (AU) headquarters in the Ethiopian capital.
The UNECA chief underscored the importance of investing in research institutions to develop models of appropriate and sustainable agro-processing, technological innovations and implementation of land and agriculture policies.
“Inclusive digital technologies can support land and trade policy-making processes through data driven decision-making. They can identify opportunities for reform, job creation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and food needs,” he said.
The UNECA chief said the AfCFTA, if well implemented, holds the potential to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty, boost Africa’s income by 450 billion U.S. dollars, while connecting 1.3 billion people.
Noting that Africa is committed to agro-industrialization for value addition and economic diversification, he said the youth can “tap into the growing agriculture and agribusiness sector, projected to be 1 trillion U.S. dollars by 2030.”
The UNECA chief regarded sound land governance systems as essential to promoting secure access to land and creating an enabling environment for investments to unlock the productive capacities of Africa.
“Good land governance will support agro-industrial parks, infrastructure and renewable energy, all needed ingredients for industrialization and trade,” Gatete said.
He further called for concerted efforts in seeking solutions that impact the livelihoods of youth, women and smallholder producers, which he said constitute Africa’s largest private sector and an integral part of the continent’s quest to find climate smart solutions.
This conference is organized biennially by the African Land Policy Centre, which is a joint initiative of the UNECA, the AU, and the African Development Bank.
