Acknowledging the sacrifice of those spending the holiday season away from loved ones, President Kagame emphasized the significance of reflection and renewal in the New Year, urging the forces to continue their crucial role in safeguarding the nation and contributing to its development.
Commending the discipline and hard work exhibited by the defence and security forces, President Kagame highlighted their pivotal role beyond national borders.
He underscored their contribution to peace and security on the African continent through active participation in United Nations Peacekeeping and bilateral missions.
The President lauded the forces for representing Rwanda’s values with excellence and professionalism, acknowledging the significant efforts invested in restoring peace in the region.
Expressing solidarity with the families who have lost loved ones in service, President Kagame paid tribute to their sacrifices, assuring them that the nation will always stand by them.
He described the duty of defending the country as an honor and urged the forces to fulfill this duty with courage and diligence.
I remember when I was a tween, there were loose-end pants that were really on trend. Almost every stylish girl would always put on that kind of pants, and I, on the other hand, would always be like “wow, that is one heck of a cool pair of pants!” But as time went on, I watched them evanescing like mist before the morning sun. Now, guess what every girl’s dream pant is. Loose-end pants, again!
Just like the face of fortune, fashion really changes over time. That stylish top you’re attending every gathering with, will eventually turn out to be the number one cheesy cloth in a few years yet to come. You’ll find yourself putting on wearables that you’ve never dreamt of buying. Something that you always deemed as outmoded will be the dashing one in your closet.
Yes, that’s how fashion, just like everything in life, changes. And like that, that’s how cold-shoulder style enjoyed its precious time and gave space to the off-shoulders and high-neck styles. Even though the change in styles is something that we all agree on, there is also a beautiful truth that some late styles will always find their way back in the future. Now, why don’t we stay diligent and explore the fashion trends that are making a comeback?
{{Ripped jeans}}
Let’s all be honest, aren’t these kinds of jeans all over the town? While the pair of jeans with the knees blown out was undeniably trending in the 70s, the style is already back with us. The only difference is that holes are not only on knees, but also on other parts, revealing too much of the skin.
{{Cargo pants}}
Maybe you have another name for this, but to make it simple, they are those loose-fitting trousers with patch pockets down each leg. Did this make you check your closet? Well, it’s true that these kinds of pants were a hit in the 90s, but now things are swinging back in our direction. These pants are more than just a hit. They are almost a favorite to every stylish person.
{{Palazzo pants}}
Also called wide-leg pants are a unisex trending style that has made a comeback after being popular in the 60s and 70s. Nowadays, not so many people are chasing tight trousers, they are more into those that almost never touch their body.
{{Chunky sneakers}}
These kinds of shoes are known for their huge undersurface. Take a look throughout your shoe rack. How many pairs of this kind did you see? Not one, right? Being almost every person’s preferable pair of shoes, this is how chunky sneakers bounced from the 80s to 2023.
{{High-Waisted/ high-rise jeans}}
Yes, you guessed it right! These are pants with a long seam between the crotch and waistband. They were more popular in the 80s, continued to be popular throughout the ages, and with their unique evolution, they are able to fit within the current fashion standards.
{{Headbands}}
Made famous by celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana, these accessories have found their way back to us from the late 60s and 80s. They are now more admirable to artists and other people who are more into fashion.
All these fashion trends and many others that we didn’t mention were once our parents’ or aunts’ styles, but now, they are our favorites. This is why they say ‘true styles never die”.
Efforts begin at the community level, where community health workers play a crucial role, and health posts are established to ensure access to fundamental healthcare services. The infrastructure has undergone extensive renovations and expansions, with the construction of new hospitals strategically located in areas with limited healthcare accessibility.
Rwanda currently boasts 1247 health posts and 512 health centers, accompanied by 40 district-level hospitals, four provincial-level hospitals, and eight referral hospitals. Notable additions include Gatonde in Gakenke District, Gatunda in Nyagatare, Minini in Nyaruguru, Nyabikenke in Muhanga, and Nyarugenge in Kigali City.
The government has invested approximately Rwf137.2 billion in the recent past to construct high-quality hospitals nationwide. This allocation addresses the shortage of healthcare professionals, a challenge expected to quadruple in the near future according to the Ministry of Health. Presently, there is one doctor per 1,000 patients, falling short of the ideal ratio of five doctors per 1,000 patients.
In 2023, Rwanda is witnessing significant strides in the field of medicine. A flagship project is Kigali Health City, located in Masaka, housing various initiatives aligned with Rwanda’s vision of becoming a hub for diverse medical services.
One noteworthy project within Kigali Health City is IRCAD Africa, a subsidiary of the French Institute for Research and Training in Human Surgical Technology. Focused on colorectal cancer research, this center aims to contribute to Rwanda’s goal of increasing annual graduates in medicine, nursing, and midwifery from 2,000 to 8,000. Plans also include the establishment of an international university in Masaka to nurture future medical professionals.
The African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation, supported by the African Development Bank, is set to be based in Rwanda, contributing to a $3 billion project. This initiative seeks to boost drug and vaccine production on the African continent, encourage research, and leverage technology for life-changing innovations.
Rwanda is also investing in medical capabilities to provide care for infants born at 20 weeks and is pioneering solutions for easy sight replacement for eye patients. A significant milestone was achieved in May with the successful completion of the country’s first kidney transplant at King Faisal Hospital.
On December 18, 2023, the inauguration of the first segment of the BioNTech vaccine manufacturing factory took place in Rwanda. President Kagame highlighted the factory’s origin as a response to the inequities faced by the African continent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The factory, situated in Masoro, Gasabo District, has been in development since June 2022.
Addressing a longstanding issue, reports indicate a rising prevalence of mental health problems in Rwanda, attributed to historical factors and daily life challenges. Caraes Ndera Hospital reported an increase in patient numbers, with more than 70% being young individuals grappling with issues related to drug use. In response, the Ministry of Health has launched campaigns against alcohol, particularly targeting the youth, emphasizing the critical role of individuals in safeguarding the well-being of the community.
Despite Rwanda’s population being considerably smaller at 13.2 billion compared to China’s 1.4 billion, both nations have demonstrated noteworthy achievements. In 2022, China’s GDP surged to a staggering 18.1 trillion USD, while Rwanda experienced a substantial increase in its GDP from $11.07 billion in 2021 to $13.31 billion in 2022.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Rwanda in 1971, China has proven itself to be a friendly partner, setting an example with its bold ambitions and impressive strides in poverty alleviation. To this end, the need for interdependence and the sharing of best practices cannot be understated.
China’s prowess in poverty reduction is marked by remarkable progress and innovative strategies. As of 2020, China witnessed an astonishing pace of poverty reduction, lifting one person out of poverty every 2.24 seconds translating into 10 million every year since 2012. The Chinese government’s commitment to this cause is evident in its annual funding increase of US$14.3 billion.
From 2013 to 2019, the disposable income of rural poor citizens in China experienced a notable growth of 19.7%, surpassing the national average by 2.2 percentage points. Key to this success was the substantial improvement in rural infrastructure, providing safe housing for 57 million residents and relocating 10 million to new communities, resulting in a fivefold increase in rural per capita housing area.
China implemented comprehensive rural development initiatives, including paved roads, universal electricity coverage, broadband accessibility, and widespread adoption of universal health insurance in impoverished regions. Impressively, over 95% of impoverished counties in China maintained school retention rates.
China, despite possessing only 9% of the world’s arable land and 6% of its fresh water, manages to feed 22% of the global population. Per capita consumption of staple foods in China grew from 209 kg to 472 kg annually, surpassing the international 400-kg security line. This progress is reflected in the decline of Engel’s coefficient, addressing concerns about food and clothing.
China’s commitment to agricultural advancement is evident through increased subsidies for machinery, surpassing a 70% mechanization rate for major crops, and the abolition of agricultural taxes. Targeted poverty alleviation efforts lifted nearly 100 million people out of poverty from 2012 to 2019, reducing the rural impoverished population from 98.99 million to 5.51 million.
China’s comprehensive approach involved officials working in impoverished areas, significant central government funding, and broad societal participation. This collective effort contributed to a global poverty reduction exceeding 70%, with over 700 million people lifted out of poverty since the 1970s.
By 2020, China achieved its goal of poverty alleviation, surpassing the UN Sustainable Development Goals by a decade. In 2021, China declared the eradication of extreme poverty, lifting 770 million people out of poverty since 1978 and establishing a moderately prosperous society.
By drawing inspiration from China’s experience, Rwanda can further its journey toward alleviating poverty and creating a brighter future for all.
In May 2021, the subsidiaries of Jali Group Ltd embarked on a two-year journey with ambitious goals aimed at fostering development and boosting their assets. Key objectives included augmenting assets, implementing a technology integrating asset management with EBM, and obtaining licensing from the BNR to operate as a financial institution.
Within a year and a half, Jali Finance and Jali Partners celebrated the successful attainment of these goals with an event named ‘Success Day.’ During this event, the company expressed gratitude to all contributors, particularly acknowledging the efforts of employees who played crucial roles.
Nkundimana Felix, CEO of Jali Group Ltd, attributed the accomplishment of their goals to the active engagement of various investors. “We navigated the challenging path familiar to all entrepreneurs in building wealth, which demands patience and focus on the essential aspects of growth,” he remarked.
Nkundimana continued, “By attracting numerous investors, primarily from foreign sources, we managed to retain all earnings without sharing profits with shareholders. This dual strategy played a pivotal role in realizing our goals.”
In addition to recognizing outstanding employees, Jali Group took the opportunity to express gratitude to partners who played a significant role in the achievements of 2023. Nkundimana emphasized the importance of acknowledging exceptional contributions, stating, “While we are all compensated for our roles, it is essential to recognize those who go above and beyond their responsibilities.”
Employees and partners who received appreciation expressed their gratitude, noting that such recognition motivates them to exert even greater effort. Shema Jean Luc, an employee at Jali Partners, shared, “Being recognized as the employee of the year is meaningful because it goes beyond mere competence; it acknowledges something special.”
Habumusha Joseph, a customer of Jali Finance, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the acknowledgment signifies the value they receive as stakeholders in the company.
Established in 2013, Jali Group operates subsidiaries in the fields of finance, accounting, and auditing. The ‘Success Day’ celebration not only highlighted the company’s achievements but also served as a testament to its commitment to fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation among its workforce and partners.
In this loud world where humans, machines and everything make intolerable noises, it is almost impossible to spend an hour in total silence. Even if one chooses to, it always feels like a lethal penalty, because after all, our lips are there to express what our brain thinks.
Even after experiencing abuse, torture and humiliation, sometimes our emotions are too strong to be easily pronounced. Even if they were, sometimes the truth that none is going to understand or give a real meaning to what you’re feeling hits hard, and that is when you wish you could just choose silence even when it is not easy.
Every living human seeks for understanding. None wishes to be misunderstood at least when their lips are not sealed. This is probably why everyone struggles to speak, be it for the purpose of winning an argument, showing their knowledge or simply getting themselves from any kind of trouble. However, though speaking for yourself can really help, the power of silence should never be neglected.
When I asked my friend if she thinks silence really helps, she smiled a bit and gave me a satisfying answer. “Keeping silence is really a powerful tool when it comes to creative thinking. There is this time when I felt like I couldn’t think anymore. I am a content writer, so thinking was a part of my job. When that happened, I tried all possible things but none worked. That’s when I decided to practice silence. It was only after 2 hours that I started getting ideas, and from then, silence has become my loyal assistance in thinking and creating new things,” she said.
Silence exists as a free tranquilizer in times of uneasiness. During all troubles and stress that we experience in life, silence emerges as the best way to endure all of it. It gives us a sense of peace and mental clarity. It additionally improves our listening, learning and decision-making ability.
According to Dr. Cloninger, silence gives us time and space to understand who we are. “Silence leaves us alone with our inner dialogue, which allows us to reflect, resolve conflicts, and understand our feelings by granting us access to higher levels of our own creativity and inspiration. Being alone with our inner voices is crucial to knowing ourselves” he said.
Though silence is not everyone’s pill to swallow, especially, in this roaring world, it carries hidden treasures once embraced. It is undoubtedly worthwhile when practiced.
The agreement signed on December 28, 2023, stipulates that ILPD will conduct training using various approaches, including the development of short-term courses for employees. These courses will incorporate real-world examples to familiarize participants with practical scenarios.
Established in 2012, KIAC is a collaborative effort between the private sector and the government, aimed at fostering investment by resolving disputes among traders outside the courtroom. This initiative aims to redirect the time and money that would otherwise be spent on legal proceedings towards the development of projects.
The agreement emphasizes the diversity of trained arbitrators, recognizing that they need not only be lawyers but can also include professionals such as doctors, architects, journalists, etc. This diversity ensures a broader understanding of various professions and enhances the effectiveness of dispute resolution.
Resolved disputes in this context are typically non-criminal, involving issues such as contract non-compliance or errors in adherence. Criminal matters are still adjudicated through traditional court processes.
Despite having over 130 arbitrators, KIAC faces a shortage of Rwandan arbitrators, numbering no more than eight. Mugabe Victor, the Secretary-General of KIAC, attributes this scarcity to the nascent nature of arbitration in Rwanda.
The collaboration with ILPD aims to address this shortage by improving the professionalism of Rwandans interested in arbitration and mediation.
Mugabe explains, “This school has a significant number of law graduates. Early education, followed by university, provides a solid foundation for understanding and applying legal principles, making it easier to resolve conflicts without resorting to court.”
The collaboration is expected to alleviate the considerable costs associated with engaging foreign arbitrators, as locally trained professionals can now handle disputes within Rwanda more efficiently.
Increasing the number of Rwandans involved in arbitration is seen as a strategic move, as these individuals possess a deep understanding of Rwandan society, facilitating smoother dispute resolution.
Aimé Muyoboke Karimunda, the Rector of ILPD, acknowledged the connection between KIAC’s work and the courses offered by ILPD. He emphasizes the school’s historical role in producing professional lawyers and contributing to the establishment of a legal framework in Rwanda.
KIAC has gained recognition for its success in resolving business disputes, with 67% of cases involving Rwanda. The remaining cases are related to foreign entities. The centre’s efforts have resulted in the resolution of 224 cases within two years, a noteworthy achievement given the typical timeline for the initiation of arbitration systems in other countries.
Mugabe highlights that, in 2020, KIAC ranked among the top three companies globally offering arbitration services, preceded only by South Africa and Egypt. The collaboration with ILPD is expected to elevate Rwanda’s status in this field, aligning it with other countries that have built a strong reputation in arbitration services.
It was on Saturday, holding my big sister’s smartphone on which I was watching YouTube shots. Just as I was recklessly sliding, I saw a caption that read like ‘a funny scene from Suspicious Partner’. Just as the movie name convinced me enough, I found myself watching it. Since then, I have been not just a fan but a lover of Korean movies.
Do you think it is just the drama that I fell head over heels for? Hot romantic scenes? Funny acting? No. Those are just a bonus. There are a lot of life lessons disguised in funny-like acting of Korean dramas, and those are what created my sweet addiction
Even though you’re most likely to encounter a lead who is almost non-human in Korean dramas, there are more to the fantasies, supernaturalism and unrealism that are depicted. If you’re ready, I will just give you a sip on hundreds of lessons I learned through this hobby:
Things aren’t always what they seem. In a movie called ‘Suspicious Partner’ where a girl was accused of killing her ex-boyfriend, the evidence, past, present and almost everything pointed at her. Everyone accused, hated and insulted her even when she knew she never did it. She would neither get a job nor a friend.
If it wasn’t for a person who decided to dig and reveal the truth, the girl would have really rotted in jail. Not always about crimes or justice things, sometimes we are forced to believe things just as they seem to be. This is why it is always easy for con artists to scam us.
There is also this movie where young entrepreneurs strive to turn their dream into reality, it is called ‘start up’. Though this might sound like a motivational joke to you, the most dangerous barrier between us and our success is our ‘mindset’ as the movie teaches. In this world where people suffer due to poverty and whatever, everything is most likely to fail if you don’t have a diligent mind.
Everyone has their own uniqueness, and that can be used for their success, be it financial, relationship or anything. I have learned it from most of the second leads of K-dramas. Sometimes all we do is waste our time envying others and dreaming of what they have instead of recognizing and making use of our own abilities. Everyone has got drawbacks but strengths are there too. Embracing that, countless opportunities await us.
Most importantly, I have learned that as long as I am being truthful and doing my best, all I have to do is give it time. Just like the saying ‘the truth will prevail’, K-dramas has taught me to believe in positivity that loyalty bears.
On top of that, Korean movies have taught me a lot about science, history and relationships. You can’t believe that I first heard of phobias through them. Sometimes I could even sit in an exam and answer a certain question according to what I got from them.
Whether you’re at the edge of giving up, feeling down or chasing knowledge, if you’re a movie lover, I hope you learn to choose ones that can help with your certain situations. And like that I hope you get all incredible lessons and try to execute what you learned.
In response, the Office of the Government Spokesperson issued a statement on Friday, refuting the allegations and stating, “there is no truth whatsoever in Burundian President’s allegation referring to Rwanda.” The statement emphasized that Rwanda is not associated with any Burundian armed group.
Highlighting the ongoing efforts to normalize diplomatic relations between the two countries since 2020, the statement mentioned Rwanda’s cooperation in handing over Burundian combatants through the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism. In 2020, Rwanda delivered nearly 20 rebels and their ammunition to Burundi after intercepting them in southwestern Rwanda, having crossed into Rwandan territory.
The Government of Rwanda urged Burundi to address concerns through diplomatic channels for amicable resolution. The December 22 attack was claimed by RED-Tabara, which asserted that they targeted security forces, not civilians. President Ndayishimiye linked members of the armed group to the 2015 coup attempt against his predecessor, late President Pierre Nkurunziza.
This development follows the strategic move by Equity Group Holdings PLC, which acquired a majority 99.2610% stake in Cogebanque, signaling a unified front with heavyweight backers such as the Rwandan government, Rwanda Social Security Board, Judith Mugurasoni and other minority shareholders.
The merger, which follows a period of diligent planning and adherence to regulatory requirements, reflects the collaborative effort to continuously improve the banking experience for customers.
Hannington Namara, the Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda and Emmanuel Mugandura , the Ag CEO of Cogebanque have reassured stakeholders of a smooth transition, with a focus on sustaining service excellence and operational superiority.
On Friday, December 29, 2023, a joint communiqué released by both entities detailed the upcoming merger, marking a new chapter in the financial narrative of Rwanda.
The fusion of these two banking institutions is set to enhance the economic landscape, promising a future of innovative banking solutions and a strengthened market presence as the new year approaches.
