{BERLIN, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) — German carmaker BMW on Wednesday started the in-house production of fuel cell systems for its hydrogen-powered ix5 sport utility vehicle (SUV), which is to be rolled out worldwide for testing and demonstration purposes from the end of this year.}
The car combines hydrogen technology with an electric drive and a high-performance battery. The combination is “adding a unique form of drive system for the premium segment,” according to BMW.
“As a versatile energy source, hydrogen has a key role to play on the road to climate neutrality. And it will also gain substantially in importance as far as personal mobility is concerned,” Oliver Zipse, chief executive officer (CEO) of BMW AG, said at a press conference.
BMW has been working on hydrogen drive technology with fuel cells since 2015. Previously, the carmaker had already tested hydrogen combustion engines, which were deemed less effective in the end.
At its hydrogen competence center in the Bavarian capital of Munich, BMW is stacking the individual fuel cells from Toyota with other components to form a complete fuel cell system.
The BMW fuel cell system alone has an output of 125 kilowatts (kW) or 170 hp (horsepower). Together with the electric motor and a power battery developed for the hydrogen car, the powertrain can deliver 275 kW/374 hp.
The state of Bavaria will invest 500 million euros (500 million U.S. dollars) in hydrogen technology with a research center and hydrogen filling stations, Minister President Markus Soeder said at the press conference. “Hydrogen has a future and Bavaria is a leader in electromobility.”
However, the federal government should also support the development of the technology, Soeder said. “There is an urgent need for hydrogen networks in the south from the federal government as well.”
“More than 100 vulnerable asylum seekers have been evacuated on a flight out of Libya to Rwanda,” the UNHCR said in a statement.
The asylum seekers, including 38 children, are from different African countries, it added.
“We are also grateful to the relevant Libyan authorities for their support in facilitating necessary formalities for these humanitarian evacuation flights,” it noted.
Many undocumented migrants, mostly from Africa, choose to cross the Mediterranean Sea to European shores from Libya, which has been suffering chaos since 2011 when the late former leader Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown.
According to the International Organization for Migration, 14,157 illegal immigrants have been rescued at sea and returned to Libya so far in 2022.
Lacroix particularly recognized the contribution and impact Rwandan female peacekeepers especially in addressing gender based violence related matters.
The Under-Secretary General made the remarks on Thursday when he received at his office, Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Claver Gatete and the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Felix Namuhoranye.
DIGP Namuhoranye is in New York to attend the UN Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS-2022).
DIGP Namuhoranye reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to contribute peacekeeping personnel in “numbers and quality” in different aspects.
{{Bilateral meetings}}
Meanwhile, the Deputy Police Chief attended separate sideline bilateral meetings with delegations from Sweden and Zimbabwe, on Wednesday, August 31.
Commissioner Hakan Wall, Swedish Police director of International Operations Division and head of Peace Support Operations, hailed the cooperation between Sweden and Rwanda especially in peacekeeping operations.
Rwanda and Sweden formed a Specialized Police Team for Gender- Based Violence (SPT-GBV) operating under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
Rwanda maintains three Police contingents in MINUSCA; two Formed Police Units (FPUs) and a Protection Support Unit (PSU), with combined strengths of 460 officers.
Hakan commended the professionalism of Rwandan peacekeepers on the SPT-GBV team and expressed need for further cooperation.
DIGP Namuhoranye, who commended the existing partnership, briefed them on Rwanda’s will and ability to contribute “special skills” in peacekeeping to impact civilian lives beyond Central African Republic (CAR).
On the other hand, the bilateral meeting between Rwanda and Zimbabwe was co-chaired by Ambassador Gatete and Zimbabwe’s minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe.
It was held at the request of Zimbabwe to learn best practices from Rwanda’s policing model.
Rwanda gave a presentation on various areas of policing, including smart policing and peacekeeping operations.
The meeting concluded with both parties devising ways to develop a framework for future cooperation in various policing areas.
Rwanda National Police and Zimbabwe Republic Police have cooperated especially in training where the latter’s senior officers have attended the Police Senior Command and Staff Course (PSCSC) at the National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District.
Total trade value stood at 3.39 trillion yuan (about 492.6 billion U.S. dollars), according to the data.
Service exports expanded 22.8 percent year on year to 1.64 trillion yuan, and service imports were 1.75 trillion yuan, up 18.9 percent from a year ago.
The service trade deficit dropped 20.1 percent to 107.73 billion yuan between January and July.
China’s trade of knowledge-intensive services maintained steady growth in the period, rising 10.2 percent year on year to about 1.42 trillion yuan.
Sectors such as telecommunications and information services saw rapid increases in exports, while insurance services were among the fastest growing areas in imports.
Travel service trade continued to recover, with its trade value expanding 7.5 percent from a year ago to 462.23 billion yuan.
In contrast to merchandise trade, service trade involves transportation, tourism, telecommunications, construction, advertising, computing, and accounting.
The ministry said it would promote the negative list on cross-border service trade nationally and seize opportunities coming from implementing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to expand service trade with all member countries.
New business models such as bonded artwork exhibitions will be nurtured, and the imports of technologies and services in carbon emission reduction and environmental protection will be encouraged, the ministry added.
Meanwhile, the census inside the country began on 16th and ended on 30th August 2022.
NISR has announced the census for Rwandans living abroad is ongoing and expected to be concluded on 15th September 2022.
Rwandans living outside the country are enumerated online through NISR website where responding to provided answers takes up to five minutes.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Director of Censuses Department at NISR, Venant Habarugira called on Rwandans living abroad to participate in the census because it holds great significance to individuals and the country.
“We encourage them to get enumerated because they are important to the country. Else, we need to know the livelihoods of our people outside the country to come up with a thorough planning relevant to national development programs,” he said.
NISR plans to release the provisional report of the Fifth Population and Housing Census in December 2022.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that the discussions took place on Thursday 1st September 2022.
The diplomatic and political consultations between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs is a continuation of the commitment of the Heads of State to further deepen and strengthen the cordial bilateral relations between the two sisterly countries.
They are held at a time when efforts to mend both countries’ relations are on good progress.
Rwanda, Uganda relations worsened since 2017 where Rwanda expressed concerns over Rwandans who travel to Uganda for business purposes but are abducted, imprisoned and tortured accused of being spies.
Rwanda also accused Uganda of hosting dissidents posing threat to national security.
In 2019, the Government of Rwanda closed Gatuna border and officially advised citizens against travelling to Uganda for their security following testimonies of over 1000 Rwandans tortured and deported from Uganda.
In August 2019, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame signed a memorandum of understanding ‘Luanda Agreement’ in a bid to solve conflicts between both countries.
Negotiations did not yield expected results until efforts to mend Rwanda and Uganda relations took shape in February this year following the visits of Lt Gen Muhoozi, the first born son of Uganda’s President who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations and Commander of Land Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Since he was involved in the process to restore relations to normal, Lt Gen Muhoozi has been warning Rwanda’s dissidents that they have no place in Uganda. He revealed that no official fighting Rwanda would retain job in Uganda.
Lt Gen Muhoozi also echoed similar message in February this year where he warned Rwanda’s dissident Kayumba Nyamwasa against using his country to threaten the neighbouring country’s security.
His first visit to Rwanda was on 22nd January 2022, a move that was followed by the reopening of Gatuna border.
Later on, Rwanda reopened all land borders on 7th March 2022.
Lt Gen Muhoozi visited Rwanda for the second time on 14th March 2022 where he held talks with President Kagame on pending issues affecting bilateral relations.
On the occasion of his birthday celebration in April this year, Lt Gen Muhoozi said that both countries currently have good relations with optimism that the situation would improve further in the future.
A joint statement released after the meeting held today, shows that both ministers acknowledged the ongoing progress made so far to normalize bilateral relations.
“They reiterated their commitment to focus efforts on the mutual regional security and development issues that impact on the socio-economic welfare of the peoples of the two countries,” reads part of the statement.
The ministers also appreciated the leadership of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his counterpart of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for their continued commitment to revive and strengthen bilateral relations.
Additionally, the ministers recognized President Kagame’s visit to Uganda and the subsequent Museveni’s visit to Rwanda during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM2022) as a strong signal toward renewed bilateral relations.
As the statement reads, the ministers exchanged views on regional matters relating to security, trade, investment and strategic regional projects.
Among others, they agreed to review and revive bilateral cooperation in the different areas of interest by convening the next Joint Permanent Commission between Rwanda and Uganda.
The ministers agreed that the next Joint Permanent Commission which will be hosted by the Republic of Rwanda by March 2023; will focus on critical areas taking into consideration the outcomes of the last Joint Permanent Commission.
Minister Biruta and his counterpart, Gen Odongo expressed gratitude for the steps taken to renew good and cordial relations between the two sister countries highlighting that they look forward to seeing the people of both Rwanda and Uganda enjoying the full benefits of the cordial relations.
The ceremony held on 28th August 2022, was an occasion for over 300 participants to celebrate and share the harvest, set targets for the future and relive Rwanda’s cultural values of hard work, unity and patriotism.
Addressing the community at the event, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the UAE, Emmanuel Hategeka explained the origin and significance of Umuganura Day and its role in promoting values of humanity, friendship and unity in Rwandan society.
“As Rwandan community abroad, Umuganura has a very significant meaning. It is not only a moment to share our harvest but also an occasion to reflect on our cultural values embodied in Umuganura including hard work, unity and love for the country. We celebrate a Leadership that has crafted a development model that draws from our rich traditions and aspirations for a better life. We celebrate our achievers mindful that we reap what we sow. We call upon all to defend Rwanda’s image and exhibit values of integrity and unity of purpose,” Amb. Hategeka said.
Reflecting on national harvest and achievements, Amb. Hategeka noted that there is a lot to celebrate ‘as we set targets for the future”. Rwanda’s GDP grew by 10.9% in 2021, up from a contraction of 3.4% recorded the previous year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Rwanda continues to perform well in international partnerships and trade. The UAE has been a leading Rwanda’s trade partner for the last two years.
“We thank Rwandans in the UAE for your contribution towards the development of Rwanda and your role in finding solutions to challenges faced by Rwandans in the jurisdiction and back home. In CanaCallenge campaign, Rwandans in the UAE supported solar based system lighting for up to 213 families. This is a commendable contribution,” said Amb. Hategeka.
“You need to keep working hard, create businesses, provide jobs, and bring new innovations and acquired skills that are solutions oriented to spur our country’s development,” he added.
In his remarks; the Chairperson of the Rwandan Community in UAE, Kassim Kaganda reiterated the community’s commitment to Rwandan culture and their resolve to contribute to Rwanda’s development programs.”
“A country without a culture is on its downfall. We understand the responsibility to uphold our values. We commit to celebrate Umuganura every year. I also call upon my fellow community members to participate in all government programs,investment and saving, among others,” Kaganda said.
The celebration of Umuganura in UAE featured tasting Rwandan food and beverages and cultural entertainment by UAE RCA Uruyange cultural troupe who staged an exciting performance. Best dressed attendees in traditional and Made In Rwanda attires were awarded different prizes including a business class ticket offered by RwandAir.
The celebration of Umuganura started at the reign of Gihanga Ngomijana around 11th century. In 1925, the colonizers banned Umuganura as part of the infamous divide and rule policy. It was restored by the Government of National Unity in 2011.
Normally, Umuganura is celebrated on the first Friday of August every year but activities celebrating the day are organized throughout the month of August.
This year marks the 18th edition of the international conservation event, and is the first time the ceremony is set to take place in person since 2019 following the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic.
Held in Kinigi at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, the Namers will join communities living around Volcanoes National Park, the home of the endangered mountain gorillas, as well as rangers, trackers, researchers and friends from around the world in the ultimate celebration of nature and conservation.
The event will feature a naming ceremony of 20 baby mountain gorillas born in the park over the last 12 months and one newly formed family group. Since the naming ceremony began in 2005, 354 baby gorillas have been given names. Today, Rwanda is home to one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and the population is steadily increasing.
The 20 baby gorillas to be named are members of the Noheli, Musilikali, Ntambara, Mutobo, Igisha, Susa, Kureba, Pablo, Sabyinyo, Muhoza, Amahoro, and Hirwa families.
Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, says this year’s Kwita Izina will be a celebration of conservation and the return of tourism.
“We’re delighted to be back in Kinigi in Rwanda’s Northern Province, near the habitat of these majestic creatures for Kwita Izina, two years since our last in-person ceremony. Initiatives such as the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony play a major role in conserving gorillas. Thanks to Rwanda’s conservation efforts, we have improved the gorilla trekking experience for our visitors and increased the support to local communities through our Tourism Revenue Sharing programme,” she said.
“We are also happy to celebrate the safe return of tourism to Rwanda, after managing the Covid-19 pandemic well. We look forward to continuing to protect our natural heritage, providing world class experiences that highlight the diverse natural beauty of Rwanda, while also ensuring that Rwandans benefit from tourism and conservation,” added Akamanzi.
{{Below is the list of 2022 Kwita Izina Baby Gorilla Namers:}}
-* The Prince of Wales (virtually)
-* Uzo Aduba – American Actress
-* Dr Evan Antin – Veterinarian and Television Presenter
-* Neri Bukspan – Managing Director, Standard & Poor’s Credit Market Service
-* Dr Cindy Descalzi Pereira – Philanthropist and Entrepreneur
-* Didier Drogba – Football Legend
-* Itzhak Fisher – Chairman, Rwanda Development Board
-* Laurene Powell Jobs – Founder and President, Emerson Collective
-* Dr Frank I. Luntz – Founder and President, Luntz Global
-* Stewart Maginnis – Deputy Director General, International Union for the Conservation of Nature
-* Thomas Milz – Board Director, Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen Group South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa
-* Salima Mukansanga – International Football Referee
-* Louise Mushikiwabo – Secretary-General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie
-* Youssou N’Dour – Musician
-* Naomi Schiff – Professional Racing Driver and Presenter
-* Kaddu Sebunya – CEO, African Wildlife Foundation
-* Gilberto Silva – Arsenal Football Club Legend
-* Sauti Sol – Musical Band
-* Juan Pablo Sorin – Paris Saint-Germain Legend
-* Moses Turahirwa – Creative Director, Moshions
-* Sir Ian Clark Wood, KT, GBE – Chairman, The Wood Foundation
{{About Kwita Izina}}
The Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony is a modelled off centuries-old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends. For three decades before the first official gorilla naming ceremony, park rangers and researchers named Rwanda’s mountain gorilla babies to monitor each gorilla in their family and habitat.
In 2005, Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in what has become a global celebration of nature. By giving a name to these majestic animals, they are given the value they undoubtedly deserve.
The ceremony is, first and foremost, an opportunity to thank the communities that live around the gorilla habitat, Volcanoes National Park, research partners, vets and the dedicated conservationists, rangers and trackers who protect the gorillas daily.
Over the last fifteen years, more than 350 mountain gorillas have been named.
Today, Kwita Izina forms part of an ambitious strategy to preserve Rwanda’s natural heritage and further expand the role of tourism in the country’s transformation. As a result of the naming ceremony, Rwandans from all walks of life understand the intrinsic value of gorillas and their contribution to the country’s economic prosperity. Rwandans have become gorilla guardians.
Overall, Rwanda has emerged as a conservation and sustainable tourism leader on the continent. For instance, during the 2010 Census, there were 480 mountain gorillas, the 2016 Census report indicated 604 individuals in the Virunga Massif.
These efforts have contributed to the increase in mountain gorillas worldwide (1,063) and are categorised as no longer critically endangered.
Bamporiki was suspended from his duties in May this year owing to matters of accountability that were under investigation and placed under house arrest.
Following his suspension, Bamporiki posted a message on his Twitter handle admitting that he received a bribe and apologized to the President of the Republic.
Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) recently confirmed to IGIHE that it submitted Bamporiki’s case file in July 2022.
The Spokesperson of the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA), Faustin Nkusi has told IGIHE that a lawsuit was filed after receiving the dossier.
“We received the dossier on 8th July 2022 and filed a lawsuit to the court on 24th August 2022. The hearing will begin at Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on 16th September 2022,” he said.
Article 4 of the law N° 54/2018 of 13/08/2018 on fighting against corruption states that any person who offers, solicits, accepts or receives, by any means, an illegal benefit for himself/ herself or another person or accepts a promise in order to render or omit a service under his or her mandate or uses his or her position to render or omit a service, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of more than five (5) years but not more than seven (7) years with a fine of three (3) to five (5) times the value of the illegal benefit offered, solicited or received.
“Bruce Melodie is held in custody for investigation over swindling,” reads a tweet posted by the ministry.
The statement was released last night after the artiste had spent hours in Police custody for interrogation over the money he allegedly swindled from a company which invited him for a live concert in 2018 but didn’t perform.
Bruce Melodie was arrested around 4:00 p.m. as he arrived in Bujumbura City on 31st August 2022 to perform in different concerts.
As soon as he left the airport, Bruce Melodie was taken into Police custody for interrogation on the accusations filed by a man identified as Toussaint who had invited him in 2018.
The artiste had to perform in Burundi on 25th December 2018 but missed out.
Later on, it was reported that the organizer asked for reimbursement.
The man wants Bruce Melodie to refund the advance of US$2000 he had paid him out of US$6 million contract to stage a concert and provide 30 million Burundian Francs in compensation of incurred losses.
IGIHE has learnt that the artiste agreed to refund the advance of US$2000 but rejected the request of paying 30 million Burundian Francs claiming that he is not aware of related transactions.
The article 301 of Burundian Penal Code stipulates that anyone convicted of swindling is liable to a sentence between two months and five years and a fine ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 Burundian Francs or one of the two penalties.
Around 10:00 p.m, journalists were still waiting for Bruce Melodie in a press conference which has been postponed to 1st September 2022.
Bruce Melodie is expected to stage two concerts in Burundi on 2nd and 3rd September at Zion Beach and Officers’ Mess respectively.
