The UNECA, in its latest publication on unlocking the full potential of the AfCFTA with a case study for the Central Africa region, said the free trade pact would enhance intra-regional trade as well as trade with continental partners.
The UNECA underscored the need for African countries to tap into the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA to build upon their respective national and regional integration strategies.
Free trade under the AfCFTA Agreement officially started in January 2021. In response, Central African governments began developing national AfCFTA implementation strategies with the support of the UNECA and its partners. A sub-regional AfCFTA strategy for Central Africa is also under development.
Noting that trade strategies are linked to the productive capacity of each country, the UNECA said the development of trade strategies requires direct linkages with the national industrialization plans which advocate industrialization based on natural resources and driven by trade.
Preliminary results of its research, entitled “Industrialization and Economic Diversification – Keys to Unlocking the Full Potential of the AfCFTA – A Case Study for Central Africa,” show that liberalizing tariffs within the African continent would lead to overall increases in trade among member countries of the Economic Community of Central African States across all products, except for extraction products, which decrease
Auweraert said in a statement issued in the South Sudanese capital of Juba that a large armed group on motorbikes looted five trucks loaded with food supplies on Tuesday.
The trucks were loaded with 100 metric tons of World Food Programme (WFP) food assistance, enough to feed more than 11,000 people for one month and to support those in most need living in Twic East County, according to the statement.
“All looting of humanitarian assets and attacks on humanitarian facilities is utterly unacceptable. Humanitarians save lives and must be able to safely deliver life-saving supplies to those in need,” Auweraert said.
He said almost seven metric tons of the food were looted in the attack, forcing the WFP to pause movements out of Bor for the third time this year.
Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Representative to South Sudan, said the UN agency has been grappling with a significant number of attacks on its convoys this year, as it provides humanitarian aid to people in urgent need of assistance.
“To have lorries (trucks) attacked on the perimeter of the UN compound is beyond unacceptable and we have no choice but to pause operations out of Bor until the safety and security of our staff and assets can be assured,” McGroarty said.
She said a pause in movements out of Bor will have an impact on more than a million people in Jonglei and Pibor, many of whom are women and children relying on the assistance WFP provides.
According to the UN, the Sudan crisis puts an additional strain on the humanitarian response as humanitarian organizations are redirecting their limited resources toward the new emergency to address the most critical needs of the newly arriving vulnerable returnees and refugees.
Auweraert said soaring prices, disruption of supply chains, and a lack of basic services are negatively impacting the already overstretched humanitarian response. Looting of humanitarian assistance further compounds the problem faced by the neediest.
There have been several violent acts against humanitarian personnel and assets since the beginning of the year, according to the UN.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence has revealed that Lt Gen Mubarakh received the students today at the Defence Headquarters.
The student officers from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Pakistan, Somalia, Türkiye, Iraq, Oman and Kuwait are currently pursuing the Joint Command and Staff Course at Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies.
During their visit to RDF Headquarters, they received a briefing on the RDF transformation journey on Monday, and prior to that they visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Campaign against Genocide Museum.
The delegation will also visit Zigama CSS, Military Medical Insurance, Rwanda Military Hospital, RDF Command and Staff College and few other Government and private institutions.
The annual event brought together exceptionally talented mathematicians from diverse African backgrounds, who competed for medals, scholarships and the opportunity to represent Africa in the global PAMO competitions. The participants also engaged in cultural and social activities, fostering stronger connections and collaborations among themselves and with their mentors.
PAMO is an event organized each year by the African Mathematics Union (AMU) since 1987.
It aims to encourage youth engagement, particularly among girls, in the fields of mathematics and sciences. It also serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building among African nations. PAMO 2023 was co-hosted by AIMS Rwanda, the Rwandan government, and the University of Rwanda (UR), with support from the Pan-African Mathematics Union’s PAMO Commission.
The presence of Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Valentine Uwamariya, among the distinguished guests, emphasized the country’s dedication to promoting science and mathematics.
The Rwandan participants received guidance from a diverse group of mentors, including professors from the University of Rwanda and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS). For these prodigies, PAMO provides an opportunity to showcase their skills while exploring different cultures through travel.
“PAMO is a great experience for me. I learned a lot from my mentors and peers. I also enjoyed visiting different places in Rwanda and meeting new friends,” said Jean-Paul Nshimiyimana, a bronze medalist from Rwanda.
PAMO 2023 introduced some innovations to enhance the participation and experience of the participants. For instance, eight participants joined online from countries that had not sent teams on-site before, expanding the reach and diversity of PAMO.
Moreover, a significant public event called “Math on the Street” was organized in Kigali on May 21st, which was car-free day. This event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of mathematics and sciences in everyday life while stimulating critical thinking among the public.
PAMO 2023 witnessed record-breaking participation, with 26 countries sending teams on-site and an additional 8 participants joining online. Each team comprised six members, consisting of three boys and three girls. Participants faced the challenge of two 4-hour and 30-minute exams, featuring carefully selected questions by the problem selection committee and the PAMO jury. A total of 36 medals were awarded: 12 gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze. The top three countries were Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa. The winners of PAMO 2023 will go on to represent the African continent in the global PAMO competitions.
PAMO 2023 was made possible by the generous support of various sponsors and partners who share the vision of advancing mathematical education in Africa. The organizers are AIMS Rwanda, the Republic of Rwanda and UR. The gold sponsor is Jane Street, a quantitative trading firm that uses innovative technology and scientific methods to trade in global markets.
The silver sponsors are The German Cooperation GIZ through the Digital Transformation Center-Rwanda, which supports digital innovation and entrepreneurship in Rwanda; and The MasterCard Foundation, which works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa to access quality education and financial services. The bronze sponsor is RwandAir, Rwanda’s flag carrier that operates domestic and international flights to over 25 destinations.
The supporters are Rawise, a Rwandan company that provides software solutions for education; Hence, a global platform that connects students with mentors; Liquid Telecom, a leading communications solutions provider across Africa; Airtel, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services in Africa; and Global Talent Network, a network that connects talented professionals with opportunities across Africa.
PAMO 2023 was a successful event that celebrated the mathematical talent across Africa and inspired many young students to pursue their passion for mathematics and sciences. The organizers thank all the sponsors, partners, mentors, teachers, volunteers and participants for their contribution and collaboration in making PAMO 2023 a memorable experience.
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The body was found on Wednesday morning as security officials went to the scene for further investigation and assessment of damages
“Security officials established that one person died in the incident today. It is suspected that the person had entered the building to rescue some items without being noticed by anyone else. Details emerged in the morning,” the Executive Secretary of Gisozi Sector, Providence Musasangohe has confirmed to IGIHE.
The fire outbreak, which claimed the life of Zunguruka, is believed to have been caused by poor electrical installation. It originated at a fruit market nearby and quickly spread to the furniture workshop, engulfing timber, mattresses, and other valuables.
Eyewitness Jean Pierre Uwera shared his account, stating that they brought some items outside as fire gutted the workshop around 4:00 p.m. but their efforts ended to no avail as they ended up also catching fire.
The Rwanda National Police (RNP) Fire and Rescue Brigade promptly responded to the scene to extinguish the fire and prevent further damage. It is worth noting that this specific section of the furniture workshop had previously caught fire in June 2019.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper electrical installations and the necessity of taking necessary precautions to prevent fire outbreaks in buildings.
Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, said the China-Central Asia Summit held last week has drawn up a new blueprint for cooperation between the two sides, providing strategic guidance and identifying the pathway for building an even closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.
The media on both sides should continue to enhance solidarity and mutual trust, contribute to deepening cultural exchanges and mutual learning, and jointly promote China-Central Asia relations as well as regional peace and development, Li added.
The foreign representatives said they look forward to strengthening institutionalized exchanges with Chinese media and deepening practical cooperation on media and culture to foster cultural affinity and promote amity among the people.
He presented credentials to the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vui during a ceremony held on Monday 22nd May 2023.
The ceremonial event not only symbolizes the Ambassador’s formal accreditation, but also a commitment to deepening cooperation and fostering mutual understanding.
Following the presentation of credentials, Amb. Kamanzi delivered a message from President Paul Kagame to President Aleksandar Vui and the people of Serbia.
President Vui greeted Amb. Kamanzi warmly and assured him of his full support during his tour of duty.
In addition, the Serbian president conveyed his best wishes to Rwandan President Kagame and the Rwandan people.
Prior to presenting the letters of credence in Serbia, Amb. Kamanzi met with members of the Rwandan community in Serbia as well as friends of Rwanda.
Last month, Rwanda entered agreements with Serbia to import wheat and maize from the country. Meanwhile the East African country will also export coffee and tea to Serbia.
The latter exports 8.1 million tonnes annually.
With the current global crisis and shortage of supplies due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Rwanda is expected to largely benefit from Serbia- which is one of the largest exporters of cereals globally.
Before the crisis, 64% of Rwanda’s wheat imports were from Russia and Ukraine.
Rwanda also plans to send students to pursue technology related courses in Serbia.
On Tuesday, May 23, Rwanda National Police addressed weekly village gatherings commonly known as ‘Inteko z’abaturage’ and reminded them of their responsibility as daily road users.
They were enlightened on traffic rules and regulations and urged them to comply with road safety standards not because they are bound by law but rather their choice to arrive safely to their destinations.
The RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera stated that the road safety awareness campaign mission is to ensure safe roads for every road user and that everyone should participate.
“The ultimate goal of Gerayo Amahoro campaign is to reach every road user with road safety messages.
Drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians; all live in communities. They should know that they have a role in ensuring road safety as most accidents occur due to reckless human behaviours,” CP Kabera said.
He continued: “Road safety should be everyone’s responsibility, this is why we are disseminating road safety messages in the community so no one would be left out, every road user should be aware of traffic rules and regulations along with how to properly behave on the road for their own safety and that of others.”
Pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists are the majority victims or cause of road crashes.
CP Kabera hinted at careless behaviours of road users, which are likely to trigger fatal accidents like walking on the wrong side of the road, reckless crossing, drunk driving, dangerous overtaking and being distracted on the roads, among others.
Some of those, who attended Gerayo Amahoro awareness in different community gatherings, commended the Police efforts in educating all groups of road users countrywide to promote road safety culture.
“We were privileged to have our Police with us today in our community meeting. We discussed on different points of how to behave while on the road, there are some traffic rules and regulations that we were not aware of as pedestrians.
Only when every road user understands his or her role as a pedestrian, motorists and passenger, that we will all make our road safer for all,” said Jeannine Munyankindi, a resident of Muhima sector in Nyarugenge District.
She added: “I urge fellow parents to not let children on the road without supervision, we have to watch the kids and also teach them road regulations, pedestrian also should respect road signs. It is all about mindset and attitude change.”
Personnel from Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda participated in the training that aims to create synergies and enhance the knowledge and understanding of peace support mission planning, said the East African Standby Force (EASF) in a statement.
“We cannot fulfil our mandate of enhancing peace and security without an effective planning entity for our region,” said Uganda’s Chief of Staff of the Air Force Brig. David Gonyi.
He said the training will enable regional countries to respond to scenarios like terrorism, election violence and disaster management.
“There is no doubt that the commitment given to this learning process is a clear testimony that capacity building and enhancement have a place they deserve in Africa and the region,” Gonyi said.
The EASF, which consists of military, police and civilian components, was established to provide capability for rapid deployment of forces to carry out preventive deployment, rapid intervention, peace support and stability operations, and peace enforcement.
