The meeting held at at Urugwiro Village on Thursday, October 12, 2023, as reported by Rwanda’s Presidency, focused on exploring various business opportunities for potential partnerships with Rwanda. The key areas of interest for collaboration included education, technology development, and consumer electronics.
LG Corporation, a prominent South Korean multinational conglomerate, has a rich history dating back to its founding by Koo In-hwoi.
Over the years, it has been continually managed by successive generations of the Koo family. The conglomerate is widely recognized for its diverse portfolio, encompassing a wide range of industries, including electronics, chemicals, and telecommunications products.
LG Corporation operates a multitude of well-established subsidiaries, including LG Electronics, Zenith, LG Display, LG Uplus, LG Innotek, LG Chem, LG Household & Health Care, LG CNS, G2R, HS Ad, and LG Energy Solution. These subsidiary operations extend their influence across more than 80 countries worldwide, reflecting the conglomerate’s global reach and influence.
Highlighting LG Corporation’s impressive global presence is its substantial annual revenue.
According to 2023 data, the company’s total revenue stands at an impressive $63 billion, equivalent to more than Rwf77 trillion. This substantial financial stature underscores LG Corporation’s capacity for meaningful contributions to business partnerships and collaborative endeavors.
Edward Buba, the spokesman for the military, told reporters in the national capital of Abuja that 114 others were detained during the operations across the northern region within the period.
The troops also rescued at least 49 victims of kidnapping in the northeastern part of the country, Buba said, adding some leaders of the Boko Haram group and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province surrendered, laying down their arms due to the superior firepower of the military.
Armed attacks have been a primary security threat in Nigeria’s northern and central regions, leading to deaths and kidnappings in recent months.
Some 293 Police officers, including 44 allied students from law enforcement agencies in Central African Republic (CAR), are taking part in the six-month highly demanding course.
The official opening ceremony was also attended by the Director General for CAR Gendarmerie Nationale, Gen. Landry Ulrich Depot.
IGP Namuhoranye thanked the leadership of Central African Republic for trusting Rwanda to train their Gendarmerie and Police officers.
He also thanked Gen. Ulrich for attending the opening of the course, and pledged continued support in the journey of transformation and professionalism of Rwanda and CAR law enforcement institutions.
“This training will equip participants with the required skills that can be applied in contemporary policing, especially in counter terrorism operations, VIP protection, but also develop trainers, who will be able to train others,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
He reminded the trainees that their attitude will determine their altitude, and that discipline is key to success.
Gen. Ulrich lauded the existing friendly relations between Rwanda and CAR, which paved way for stronger cooperation between security forces in the two countries.
He told the Gendarmerie and Police trainees from CAR that this is not a visit but a duty to learn.
“You are here in Rwanda for a mission; be focused, learn from this friendly country and aim for success because a lot is expected from you back home to use the acquired knowledge and skills to address the security challenges and to build your country,” Gen. Ulrich said.
Cindy Flash, aged 67 and originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, resides in Kfar Aza, a kibbutz located in southern Israel, near Gaza. It’s in this region that some of the most heart-wrenching and grim accounts have emerged in recent days.
According to media reports, the final messages from Cindy included distressing pleas to her daughter, Keren, 34, as she detailed the imminent breach of their safe room by assailants. Keren was in touch with her parents from a neighboring house.
Describing her mother as someone with an exceptionally compassionate and caring nature, Keren, who works at a local college, spoke of Cindy’s lifelong dedication to advocating for Palestinian rights, including those living in Gaza – the very place where she might currently be held captive. Cindy had emigrated to Israel many years ago after falling in love with the kibbutz system during her college visit.
Cindy and Igal’s home in Kfar Aza was situated right next to the Gaza security fence, which Hamas militants breached during their attack on Israel by land, sea, and air. The couple had recently renovated their home, necessitating a temporary move away from the kibbutz. Despite their proximity to Gaza, the family had always felt secure and appreciated the lush surroundings, tranquility, and strong sense of community in their area.
The Flash family had anticipated a different Saturday, planning a family picnic and an afternoon of kite-flying on the local soccer field as part of a yearly community event. However, their day took a tragic turn as they woke up to alarms and the sounds of explosions around 6:30 a.m.
Keren and her husband, Avidor Schwartzman, along with their 1-year-old baby, Saar, took shelter in a reinforced room. Simultaneously, Cindy and Igal secured themselves in their own safe room. The sounds of explosions soon transitioned into the rattle of automatic gunfire as Hamas militants encircled Kfar Aza, going house to house in search of people.
Keren and her family were eventually rescued by Israeli security services. They lost contact with numerous individuals in various WhatsApp groups during the ordeal, hearing reports of injuries and then sudden silence.
Disturbingly, Israeli media reported that the bodies of 40 children and babies were discovered in Kfar Aza, with some having been beheaded. An IDF spokesperson described Kfar Aza as a “massacre,” although declined to comment on the beheadings. The death toll from the Hamas attack in Israel has now exceeded 1,200.
Despite the lack of information from both U.S. and Israeli authorities about her parents’ whereabouts, Keren remains hopeful and anxious for any news, her heart sinking each time someone contacts them with no new information.
SEZs have become powerful tools for promoting economic growth and development. Rwanda, a country experiencing rapid economic growth cannot afford to overlook the potential of SEZs.
{{A glance at Rwanda’s journey in promoting SEZs}}
Rwanda’s SEZ program began with the drafting of the SEZ law in 2011, followed by the development of the Kigali Special Economic Zone (KSEZ). The KSEZ served as a model for future SEZ projects in Rwanda. Since then, the country has established industrial parks in Bugesera, Rwamagana, Muhanga and Musanze among others.
The Kigali Special Economic Zone spans 385 hectares, with plans to expand to 400 hectares.
Housing approximately 150 companies; the Kigali Special Economic Zone attracted private sector investments worth an estimated $2.3 billion, resulting in over 13,000 permanent job opportunities and generating export revenues surpassing $1 billion since 2018.
Moreover, between 2018 and 2021, it contributed around Rwf120 billion in taxes. The recently unveiled Kigali Innovation City, valued at $300 million, is set to be established within the zone, further enhancing its reputation as a burgeoning tech hub.
As per figures released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda in June 2023, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was estimated at Rwf3,901 billion, up from Rwf 3,021 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2022.
The industry sector’s contribution to the GDP rose to 22 percent, up from 14 percent in 2014.
{{Lessons from Shanghai}}
Despite making significant strides, Rwanda can further boost its economy by adopting best practices and drawing inspiration from successful models. One such captivating success story comes from Shanghai, China’s pioneering efforts in establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Shanghai’s triumph in developing Free Trade Zones (FTZs) can be traced back to its early efforts in the 1980s. Through strategic positioning and leveraging its advantageous trade location, Shanghai emerged as an irresistible magnet for investments.
In 1990, Shanghai took a bold step by creating the Pudong New Area, a comprehensive FTZ. This area became the premier destination in Shanghai for investors, talents, and innovators, offering a supportive business environment and unbeatable policy support.
The establishment of Pudong New Area was a turning point in Shanghai’s history. Over the years, it went through various expansions and transformations, eventually becoming a national development area in 1990, a pilot area for comprehensive reforms in 2005, and finally, the Shanghai FTZ in 2013.
In 2022, Pudong New Area’s GDP surpassed 1.6 trillion yuan, accounting for 35.9 percent of Shanghai’s total. It also achieved a 4 percent increase in the gross industrial output value above designated size from the previous year. With ambitious plans, Pudong aims to achieve about 7 percent GDP growth in 2023, outperforming the city’s average.
Looking ahead, Pudong has set ambitious goals for the next five years, with plans to expand its economic aggregate to 2 trillion yuan and increase per capita GDP and disposable income significantly.
Today, China has created an astounding 21 FTZs and the Hainan Free Trade Port, demonstrating the immense potential of these zones to drive economic progress.
From 2013 to 2022, China’s GDP grew from 56.9 trillion yuan ($9.4 trillion) to 121 trillion yuan (around $18.1 trillion).
SEZs have contributed 22% of China’s GDP, 45% of total national foreign direct investment, and 60% of exports. By 2021, SEZs had created over 30 million jobs in China, increased the income of participating farmers by 30%, and accelerated industrialization, agricultural modernization, and urbanization.
The success of Shanghai and other FTZs in China can be attributed to several factors, including clear development strategies, strategic locations, a reform-oriented approach, constant upgrading of strategic sectors, and strong government-enterprise partnerships.
It is no brainer that learning from Shanghai’s success story and leveraging its own strengths to pave the way for structural transformation can undoubtedly propel Rwanda’s economy forward.
The Shema Methane Gas Power plant project, launched in 2019, is on track for completion by February 2024, with a total investment of Rwf400 billion. It aims to generate more than 57 megawatts of electricity.
While the overarching project is still in progress, methane extraction and electricity production operations are already underway, marking the approach of the final construction phase in Busoro, situated in the Nyamyumba sector of Rubavu District.
The initiation of electricity supply, particularly on the main grid, will bolster the national electrical capacity, benefiting various industries and essential sectors.
In an interview with IGIHE, Kabuto Alexis, the CEO of Shema Power Lake Kivu, affirmed, “The power plant we are constructing is in its final stages. Currently, we are providing 37.5 megawatts, which will integrate into the REG network. Our objective is to enhance capacity within this network. We have already completed 90% of the work and will conclude it by February 2024.”
He underscored the significance of this plant for Rwanda’s energy self-reliance, explaining, “We employ innovative technology to extract methane from Lake Kivu and convert it into electricity. With a $300 million investment, this technology will enable us to boost production capacity.”
He further added, “This plant is a response to the low electricity consumption. The government is actively working to expand electrical availability and actively seeking investors for methane gas exploitation.”
Focusing on Lake Kivu’s potential, research indicates that the lake could yield methane capable of producing between 160 and 960 megawatts, depending on the extraction methods. This level of production could be sustained for 50 years before witnessing a 15 to 20% reduction.
Rwanda has identified five areas suitable for methane gas extraction, while the Democratic Republic of Congo, a co-owner of this resource, has identified six. The Rwandan zones have a combined potential of 300 megawatts.
Among these areas, two are located in Rubavu, one in Karongi, and the remaining two near Rusizi. Three of them are already in the process of exploitation.
In addition to Shema Power Lake Kivu, two other projects are also in progress: KivuWatt with a capacity of 26 megawatts and Kibuye Power I, which produces three megawatts.
Gasmeth Energy Ltd is planning a significant project set to commence in 2024. This project aims to address the shortage of petroleum and gas products, crucial for cooking, industries, schools, and various other institutions.
Weiss clarified that she had been in contact with the Rwandan envoy to Israel, Ambassador James Gatera, who confirmed the safety of all 250 Rwandans in Israel.
Since the emergence of hostilities on October 7th, numerous lives have been lost, innocent individuals have been abducted, and a nation has been plunged into mourning. Over 1,200 people have tragically lost their lives, while more than a hundred have been taken hostage, all of which the world has witnessed with disbelief.
The attack, originating from Israel’s southern borders, has laid bare the vulnerability of the neighboring villages.
The victims of this horrifying act of terrorism represented a diverse group from various corners of the world. Among them was a group of youth who had gathered in Israel to celebrate the values of peace, hope, and faith, but they met a brutal end. They were subjected to unspeakable acts of violence, including burning, slaughter, and rape.
The perpetrators of this heinous crime have been identified as HAMAS, a militant organization notorious for its ruthless actions, hailing from Palestine.
The Ambassador of Israel in Rwanda has suggested that Iran has been providing support to this ‘terrorist organization’ over an extended period, perpetuating such horrific acts. The evidence reveals a deep-rooted threat that not only endangers Israel but also extends its menace to the entire world.
The brutality displayed by these assailants knew no bounds, as they killed indiscriminately, sparing neither infants nor the elderly. Families were obliterated in an instant, and some bodies are still being discovered.
An individual who was volunteering in Rwanda, working on seeds, was also taken hostage and transported to GAZA in Palestine.
Hamas militants have been responsible for the deaths of people from diverse backgrounds, including those from the United States, Germany, Thailand, and Africa.
In the wake of these tragic events, the Israel Ambassador to Rwanda, deeply moved by the circumstances, called upon the global community to stand in solidarity with Israel during this trying time. She urged nations around the world to remain vigilant and prepared to protect their citizens from such senseless acts of violence.
Amid the darkness, she expressed her gratitude towards the Government of Rwanda and Rwandans worldwide for their unwavering support throughout the five-day ordeal, and to the global community at large.
The events of October 7th serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of our world, where evil can strike when least expected. It’s a call to action for nations worldwide to unite in the face of terrorism, work tirelessly to prevent such atrocities, and ensure that the values of peace, hope, and faith remain unwavering in the face of adversity.
The medal parade ceremony for Rwanda Formed Police Unit-Three (RWAFPU3-1) was held at their base-camp in Bangassou city.
The ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Head of MINUSCA Police Component, Commissioner of Police (CP) Habi Garba.
It was also attended by Rwanda’s Head of Diplomatic Mission to Central African Republic, Olivier Kayumba, MINUSCA officials, the Governor of Mbomou Prefecture, Madam Bengwere Pierrette and peacekeepers from other contributing countries.
CP Garba recognized the decorated peacekeepers for their outstanding service to protect civilians and to ensure peace in Bangassou.
He commended Rwanda’s role in ensuring international peace, as the first African contributing country and fourth globally.
“The outstanding leadership of the Government of Rwanda and in particular Rwanda National Police inspires…it sets a tone for your service excellence all over the world,” CP Garba said.
He added: “Rwanda placed trust in you and we are here today to recognize your efforts, sacrifice, discipline and professionalism dispite the mission challenges.”
The RWAFPU-3 contingent commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Athanase Ruganintwari thanked the MINUSCA leadership, the people, security forces and Government of CAR, as well as other peacekeepers, for their support and close collaboration, which helped them to execute and accomplish their mandated tasks.
“Our duties are embodied in the MINUSCA mandate; protection of civilians and creating conducive atmosphere for the delivery of humanitarian assistance,” SSP Ruganintwari said.
“We defined these duties not only in day and night mobile and foot patrols, escorts, providing security for Bangassou Airstrip… but also working with the local community in community policing activities, human security initiatives such as providing medical assistance and communal work; all which add value to the Protection of Civilians mandate.”
The contingent commander further thanked the commitment, discipline teamwork and dedication of the officers under his command and called for their continued engagement until the end of their tour-of-duty.
The RWAFPU-3 is an additional contingent deployed in November, last year, and the first UN peacekeepers to operate in Bangassou, north-east of the Capital, Bangui.
It is one of the four Rwandan Police contingents deployed in CAR, with a total strengthen of 640 peacekeepers, and other 70 peacekeepers serving as Individual Police Officers (IPO).
“The Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Sudan estimates that 4,551,795 individuals have been internally displaced,” the IOM said in its latest update.
It added that the conflict has also caused “the mixed cross-border movements of 1,237,103 individuals into neighboring countries, namely Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Ethiopia.”
Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, which have resulted in at least 3,000 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries, according to figures released by the Sudanese Health Ministry.
The French side agreed upon the schedule, said an official statement released on national television, calling for “vigilance and a sense of responsibility from each of us to ensure a peaceful passage for these convoys.”
A source close to the matter revealed that the first group of around 50 soldiers, including medical personnel, has already left the country via air transport, and another contingent will follow by land route heading for Chad.
French Ambassador to Niger Sylvain Itte left the country in September upon the request of the Nigerien military junta following the coup in July.
France has announced the end of its military presence in Niger, with the withdrawal of around 1,500 French soldiers based in Niger by the end of the year.
Last Thursday, the French Joint Defense Staff announced in a press release that the pullout of the French troops and military assets stationed in Niger will begin this week.
