Speaking during the release of the Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Statement on Thursday, March 21, 2024, Rwangombwa said the central bank had received numerous queries about platforms such as Super Free to Trade Ltd (STT) and warned that users risk being scammed, as these platforms are neither regulated by the NBR nor the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).
“We have said this again and again that these cryptocurrency businesses are not regulated in Rwanda. There are a lot of scams around these cryptocurrency and other online businesses. We have given warning to people to avoid investing or buying these assets.
“I have seen a lot of questions on social media about STT and we have always answered those asking that these are risky businesses… They are not regulated and we advise people not to invest in these assets because people have lost money and they keep losing money,” Rwangombwa said in response to a query from the audience during a Question and Answer (QA) session.
He emphasized that some of the platforms have only registered with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) as business entities, hence lack a mandate to handle financial assets.
“The question that we are asked back is but they are registered by the Rwanda Development Board. But I would like to tell the general public that anybody transacting in business dealing with financial assets must be licensed by the central bank or Capital Markets Authority,” he said.
“If any of the businesses doesn’t have a license from Central Bank and the CMA don’t invest. I strongly advise people to avoid these businesses that promise overnight riches; such claims are false. You are going to lose your money and you can only count yourself responsible for that,” the governor warned.
High internet penetration has, in recent years, seen online pyramid schemes become popular in Rwanda.
The schemes leverage technology to lure users into investing a certain amount of money, with false promises of huge returns in interest within a short period.
Some of the platforms have been shut down in the past while others continue to operate, fleecing Rwandans their hard earned money.
The newspaper interviewed them as witnesses to argue that Rwanda is an unstable country, to the extent that it should not receive migrants from the United Kingdom (UK), based on the agreements these countries made in December 2023.
Ali, who lives in the UK as a refugee, and Ingabire, who leads the unrecognized DALFA Umurinzi party in Rwanda, said that human rights are not respected and that no Rwandan is allowed to express opinions different from the government’s stance.
Channel 4 used another witness, whose voice and name were changed for security reasons, calling him Robert Wood, who said that anyone who tries to criticize the Rwandan government, even from abroad, is pursued.
Makolo stated that the RNC, founded by Kayumba Nyamwasa, is a terrorist group that has attacked Rwanda, resulting in the loss of Rwandan lives. Regarding Ingabire, she said that she collaborated with the FDLR terrorist group in a plan to overthrow the Rwandan government.
She said, “It’s inappropriate for Channel 4 to provide a platform to criminals. The RNC is a terrorist group that has launched grenade attacks and others on Rwandan soil, killing innocent civilians and Rwandans.”
“Victoire Ingabire collaborated with the genocidal FDLR group in plans to remove the government. She was convicted by the court, in a trial that included testimonies from her co-conspirators and extensive evidence, some of which was provided by the Dutch government,” added Makolo.
In this interview, Ingabire mentioned that the supreme court refused to clear her record so she could run in the elections scheduled for July 2024.
Makolo explained that, like in other countries, anyone suspected of crimes is pursued by justice in Rwanda and is not allowed to be a candidate in elections if they come out of prison. She said, “In Rwanda and elsewhere, the law is respected.”
The RNC attacks the government spokesperson referred to were carried out in the City of Kigali in the 2010s. As a result, the court sentenced Nyamwasa to 24 years in prison and stripped him of his ‘Lieutenant General’ rank in the Rwandan military.
Ingabire was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of conspiring against the country, intending to deprive it of its freedom and create a group of malefactors.
She was released in 2018 after receiving a pardon from the President, but was later investigated following an attack by the RUD-Urunana group, originating from FDLR, in Musanze in 2019.
Reports show that even though Mitterrand’s government continued to send military aid, it was informed that the then Rwandan government was planning the genocide.
In an interview with L’Express, Kouchner, a co-founder of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), stated that as Tutsis were being killed from 1990, French authorities claimed that it was a fighting between the Rwandan Armed Forces and RPA-Inkotanyi.
Kouchner said, “When I returned to Paris, I spoke on television but no one understood the extent of the killings. There was a simplified perception of the situation in Rwanda, portraying the RPF led by Paul Kagame as the villains and the recognized government in Kigali as fighting against them. France, especially the close circle around President François Mitterrand at the Élysée, had endorsed this stance.”
This politician and experienced doctor explained that he was one of those who warned Mitterrand, informing him about the killings of Tutsis, but the President ignored him. Kouchner attempted to alert Mitterrand by saying, “There are bodies everywhere here,” to which Mitterrand replied dismissively, acknowledging Kouchner’s tendency to exaggerate.
Kouchner clarified that while France did not directly kill Tutsis, it played a significant role in the genocide by training the Rwandan soldiers and Interahamwe who carried out the genocide.
“France was not on the frontline firing, but it was at the forefront because it trained the genocidal military. But it wasn’t just the military; it was anyone who participated in the genocide, killing their neighbor and children.”
During ‘Operation Turquoise,’ which was under the guise of a UN peacekeeping mission, Kouchner explained that the operation’s goal was not to save Tutsis being killed in the Cyangugu, Kibuye, and Gikongoro zones.
“Operation Turquoise followed orders. It was not intended to rescue Tutsis. It aimed to restore peace, but it seemed to favor the Hutus. It was a French operation under a UN peacekeeping mission. The soldiers allowed the genocidaires to pass, especially those in the government.”
In May 2021, during a visit to Kigali, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that his country’s government had supported the genocidal regime and had ignored international community’s warnings.
This follows the 2011 policy to promote industrial growth, leading to a significant increase in industrial output value from 1.5 billion Rwandan Francs in 2019 to 3.2 billion Rwandan Francs in 2023.
The factory was established in 2018 by Chinese investors Hu Ting Tina and her husband Guo Jin Lei, choosing Rwanda for its security, investor support, and central location for easy export within the region.
Starting with just 15 employees in 2019, the workforce has now expanded to 1,300 Rwandans and 20 Chinese nationals, with a majority being women.
Despite the capacity to produce 150,000 pairs of shoes daily, current production stands at 90,000 pairs due to market demand.
Half of its market is in Rwanda, with the Democratic Republic of Congo consuming 30% of its output. Landy Industries Ltd also supplies boots to the Rwanda Defence Force, strengthening its commitment to supporting local manufacturing.
Annually, the factory produces plastic shoes valued at 18 million USD (over 23 billion Rwandan Francs).
The production relies heavily on modern machinery and imports basic materials from China, the USA, and South Korea, with a monthly electricity cost of 70 million Rwandan Francs.
The factory is divided into five sections, each specializing in different aspects of shoe production.
The first section uses polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and a mix of colors and special oils to produce boot soles, which are durable and waterproof.
Another section produces non-boot plastic footwear, utilizing ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) for a variety of colors without additional coloring agents.
In late 2021, a third section was added to make sandals and closed shoes, aiming to facilitate access to school shoes and sports footwear in Rwanda.
The top parts of these shoes are imported, with plans to localize production entirely within two years.
A fourth section combines the shoe tops with soles made of thermoplastic rubber (TPR), focusing on women’s footwear.
The final section serves as a warehouse for the finished products, ready for market distribution.
The Chinese Embassy in Rwanda supports such entrepreneurial efforts by Chinese nationals, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation and improve the livelihoods of Rwandans.
According to existing family law, a person must be at least 21 years old to marry legally. However, a legislative proposal currently under consideration by the Rwandan Parliament could allow individuals aged 18 to marry if they present valid reasons to the district authorities.
Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, noted that many young women aged between 18 and 20 have attempted to petition the government for permission to marry, despite the current law not permitting it.
Initially, these requests were directed to the Minister of Justice, but as the law stands, they had to wait until the age of 21. Consequently, they turned to writing to the Minister of Local Government, who also responded that the law does not permit it.
Research on health and living conditions shows that 6.7% of girls at age 18 had babies at the time of the survey, with 1.9% pregnant with their first child, and for 19-year-olds, 12.1% had babies, with 3.3% pregnant for the first time.
Dr. Uwamariya confirmed that a significant number of those who wrote to the government seeking to marry before the age of 21 were pregnant.
Despite pregnancy being a common reason, there were other circumstances where individuals aged 18, legally eligible to work, might need to marry.
This includes situations where employment opportunities abroad require being married, which also could affect other opportunities related to their responsibilities or jobs found.
The 2022 census data revealed that 4.7% of youths between 16 and 20 years old were living in unions not recognized by law, without including widows, while 0.2% were separated from their partners.
Deputy Nyabyenda Damien argued that allowing individuals between 18 and 20 years old to marry could address the issue of couples living together without legal recognition due to age restrictions.
He noted that some couples wait for one partner to reach the age of 21 to legally marry, which could lead to separation within those two years, a situation that legal marriage could prevent.
Minister Dr. Uwamariya also pointed out that at the age of 18, individuals are considered adults capable of working, living independently, and making other decisions, as long as they present valid reasons.
The current law sets the marriage age at 21 to ensure that individuals have the opportunity to pursue their education further before taking on marital responsibilities.
According to IPPR, deporting 20,000 migrants who have entered the UK since 2023 could cost between £1.1 billion and £3.9 billion. This means that the transfer of each migrant to Rwanda could cost around £228,000.
Marley Morris, an IPPR Associate director focusing on migration, trade, and communities, argued that deporting migrants to Rwanda would be more expensive for the UK government than supporting them within the UK.
He stated, “In this government program, billions will be sent to Rwanda to deport people who have arrived in the UK illegally since the passage of the law governing unauthorized migrants.”
A spokesperson for the UK’s Home Office criticized the IPPR’s figures as speculative and accused them of ignoring the facts and emphasized that without innovative solutions, the cost of housing migrants could reach £11 billion per year by 2026.
He argued that illegal migration endangers lives and fosters human trafficking, justifying the search for solutions to this long-standing issue.
The spokesperson further suggested that deporting migrants to Rwanda is a cost-effective measure aiming to prevent unauthorized entry into the UK.
The strategy is part of an updated agreement between the UK and Rwanda signed in December 2023, intending to deport approximately 30,000 migrants to Kigali over five years.
According to the management, Sinopharm Bonded’s mission transcends mere logistics; it is about nurturing a healthier tomorrow. Located strategically within the Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) Economic Zone , it sprawls across 80 acres, boasting a state-of-the-art facility that spans 26,000 square meters.
Since its inception in 2014, Sinopharm Bonded has not just been a facility; it’s been a revolution in pharmaceutical supply chain management, adhering to the stringent GSP specifications, setting benchmarks in quality and reliability.
The center is a hub of activity, where the finest minds and the latest technology converge to ensure that healthcare products reach their destinations across the globe efficiently and safely.
It is a testament to China’s commitment to becoming a pivotal player in international health service provision, hosting world-renowned clients such as Novartis Pharmaceuticals among others.
{{Technological prowess and strategic advantage}}
Sinopharm Bonded leverages cutting-edge technology to operate two modern warehouses equipped with a myriad of storage environments to cater to the specific needs of pharmaceuticals, including room-temperature, fully shaded, refrigerated, and even deep-freeze storage.
The integration of advanced systems such as the Manhattan Associate WMS for warehouse management, a comprehensive temperature and humidity monitoring system, and a highly sophisticated Transport Management System (TMS) for transportation and delivery, exemplifies their commitment to excellence and innovation.
Positioned within the fully integrated Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and airport area, Sinopharm Bonded enjoys unparalleled advantages for customs clearance services. This strategic location allows for streamlined operations, from once-and-for-all customs clearance services to intricate cargo management within the bonded area, emphasizing efficiency and expediency in handling imported pharmaceuticals.
{{The heart of innovation}}
At the forefront of Sinopharm Bonded’s technological prowess is its three-dimensional warehouse, a marvel of automation and efficiency. This facility, covering 2,914.56 square meters with a towering height of 18 meters, is outfitted with 5,600 cargo spaces distributed over seven floors.
It epitomizes the future of warehousing with its fully automated operations, maintained within stringent temperature and humidity parameters to ensure the integrity of pharmaceutical products.
The incorporation of an automated library system further underscores Sinopharm Bonded’s dedication to providing customized, innovative, and diversified supply chain solutions. This approach not only caters to the pharmaceutical and health industries but also sets a new standard in logistics service provision.
{{A legacy of top notch supply chain services}}
Over the past decade, Sinopharm Bonded has evolved into a leader in international pharmaceutical supply chain services.
As the firm’s management says, its journey is marked by continuous innovation, rigorous quality audits by multinational pharmaceutical corporations, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
After a decade of relentless progress within the industry, Sinopharm Bonded has emerged as the preeminent leader in international pharmaceutical supply chain services. The company has successfully met the stringent quality standards of over ten global pharmaceutical giants, including Novartis, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Takeda, Jetbelin, and Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals.
Throughout this period, thanks to the backing of the Administrative Committee, Customs, the Food and Drug Administration, and other key agencies, Sinopharm Bonded has benefited from several advantageous policies.
These include the implementation of intelligent checkpoints, the centralization of distribution declarations, enhanced supervision of cargo locations, the simplification of customs procedures with single clearance and the option for multiple declarations, along with streamlined drug testing processes.
{{A hub of comprehensive services}}
Sinopharm Bonded is more than just a warehouse; it’s a comprehensive service provider.
From heavy-duty racking areas designed for optimal storage conditions to specialized cold chain logistics ensuring product integrity from transportation to storage, every aspect of the operation is meticulously planned and executed.
The racking areas cover 2,016.11 square meters and 2,143.23 square meters with a height of 14 meters, and house approximately 3,676 cargo spaces.
Meanwhile, the cold storage areas, equipped with advanced refrigeration systems and dual-circuit power supplies, reflect the attention to detail and the commitment to maintaining the highest standards of product safety and quality.
As Sinopharm Bonded continues to expand its services and capabilities, it stands not just as a company but as a symbol of the future of pharmaceutical logistics.
His story unfurls with a blend of ambition, pastry, and an unyielding commitment to the environment, weaving the extraordinary journey of a man who baked his cake and photographed it too.
At the tender age of 17, Luo Hong ventured alone to Chengdu, a city that promised to nurture his photographic dreams. However, life, with its peculiar sense of humor, served him a slice of unpredictability.
At 25, unable to find a birthday cake that met his exacting standards for his mother, Luo inadvertently founded the bakery chain “Hollyland.” Little did he know, this venture was merely a detour, not a departure, from his true calling.
The year 1995 marked Luo’s rekindled passion for photography, prompting a journey across western China’s vast landscapes. Yet, it was his accidental voyage to South Africa in 2001 that profoundly shook him, expanding his canvas to the ends of the earth.
From the polar chill of Antarctica to the vibrant ecosystems of South America, Luo’s lens captured the planet’s heart, visiting Africa 54 times, the Antarctic twice, the Arctic Circle four times, South America four times, and North America 10 times.
Luo’s relentless pursuit of beauty earned him an invitation from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in 2006, making him the first Chinese to hold a personal photography exhibition at the United Nations.
That same year, he established the “Luo Hong Environmental Protection Fund,” pioneering personal philanthropy at the UN as a Chinese national.
His initiative, the “China Children’s Environmental Protection Education Plan,” engaged 23 million Chinese children, earning acclaim as the world’s largest children’s environmental education activity.
The accolades didn’t stop there. In 2009, Luo was christened a Global “Climate Hero” by the United Nations, a title bestowed upon only five individuals worldwide, making him the sole recipient from the Asia-Pacific region.
His environmental crusade further received the Kenyan President’s nod in 2011 with the “Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear” (MBS) medal, a first for a foreigner that year.
Amid these accolades, Luo’s magnum opus was taking shape. By 2010, dedicating six years and all his life’s work, he founded the “Luo Hong Photography Art Museum.”
Spanning 180 acres, this museum is a triptych of nature’s and ingenuity’s beauty, comprising the Photography Exhibition Hall, the Oriental Garden Landscape Group, and the Black Swan Cake Art Museum.
The Luo Hong Photography Art Museum stands as a monument to the convergence of art, nature, and education. Within its expansive 5500 square meters, the Luo Hong Photography Works Exhibition Hall houses a vast collection of Luo’s photographs, capturing the ethereal beauty of natural landscapes and wild animals.
These images, often taken from a helicopter, offer a divine perspective of the Earth’s unparalleled splendor. Luo’s dedication to showcasing the planet’s beauty is evident through his extensive travels, including 54 trips to Africa, two expeditions to Antarctica, and several journeys across the Americas, all aimed at photographing wildlife and breathtaking sceneries such as the emperor penguins and Patagonia’s peaks and autumn hues.
Adjacent to the exhibition hall lies the Oriental Garden Landscape Group, a serene assembly designed by an Australian architect and further enhanced by the descendants of a renowned Korean gardening family. Over 30 traditional stone craftsmen from Shandong were commissioned to create intricate stone art, adding to the garden’s tranquility and aesthetic appeal.
The museum’s third jewel, the Black Swan Cake Art Museum, is a creation of the acclaimed Japanese artist and architect Dejin Yoshioka. Themed “Touch of Life,” this section merges the art of pastry with visual art, forming a sanctuary that celebrates the delicate interplay between life’s sweetness and its fleeting nature.
Founded with the noble aim of inspiring children with the beauty of nature and art, the Luo Hong Photography Art Museum has been welcoming those under fifteen for free since its inauguration.
This policy underlines Luo’s belief in the transformative power of art and nature on young minds, making the museum not just an art space but a vibrant educational hub.
On September 15, 2020, Luo fulfilled a lifelong dream by undertaking an aerial photography project across western China. Starting from Gongga Mountain in Sichuan, his journey covered the Daocheng Yading Three Sacred Mountains, Meili Snow Mountain in Yunnan, and several peaks in Tibet, including the illustrious Kailash.
Despite the physical toll and the recurrence of a lumbar injury, Luo’s resolve remained unshaken. The majestic vistas of his homeland brought him to tears, instilling a profound sense of pride and renewing his commitment to share China’s beauty with the world.
This endeavor, he proclaims, is his most challenging yet rewarding creation, a testament to the beauty that his homeland harbors, ready to be shared through his lens with the world.
This pioneering initiative is designed to weave the use of robots into the fabric of education, commencing at the primary school level. Within this framework, educators will leverage robots, equipped with cutting-edge technology, as a medium to deliver conventional curriculum content to students.
The rationale behind this innovative approach is grounded in observations that the inclusion of robots in pedagogy significantly enhances student engagement, particularly in the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
This method not only makes learning more enjoyable for students but also plays a crucial role in bolstering their innovative thinking and creativity.
Moreover, these robots act as tangible educational tools, enabling students to put theory into practice. This hands-on methodology aids in a more comprehensive exploration and comprehension of academic concepts, thereby nurturing a deeper level of student engagement through firsthand interaction and observation.
Oversight of the program will be provided by the Ministry of Education, with the Rwanda Education Board (REB) and the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) conducting daily supervisions.
The program’s official launch was spearheaded by Ingabire Musoni Paula, the Minister of Information Technology and Innovation, and Twagirayezu Gaspard, the Minister of Education, on Friday, March 15, 2024.
The launch event saw the participation of notable individuals such as Belén Calvo Uyarra, the European Union Ambassador to Rwanda, and Primus Peter, the German Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires in Rwanda, along with representatives from various sectors.
Minister Ingabire articulated that the initiative to integrate robots into the educational sector is a result of a joint endeavor with the Ministry of Education, aimed at acquainting students with robotics and artificial intelligence – key components in the modern era of the fourth industrial revolution.
Minister Twagirayezu Gaspard underscored the program’s objective to equip students with critical problem-solving capabilities via contemporary technology. He expressed the imperative of congregating collective efforts to furnish students with essential knowledge resources for their academic pursuits.
Twagirayezu also highlighted that this initiative is about bringing people together to ensure students are well-equipped with the knowledge they need in their studies.”
In Rwanda, the emphasis on augmenting the population’s capabilities through education stems from the belief in its people as the nation’s most valuable resource.
To this end, initially, five tech companies specializing in robotics have been selected to devise educational robots for use across various disciplines.
This includes technology aimed at teaching internet-related subjects (Internet of Things – IoT), robotics technology for illustrating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for Electrical Technology and ICT Networking students, as well as robotics technology to support science education for high school students, ICT for freshmen and sophomores, and technology for primary schoolers in grades four and five, with a focus on fostering creativity, understanding of electricity, and beyond.
Norman Schraepel, the Head of Cluster Digital Transformation & Digital Economy at GIZ Rwanda, reflected on the importance of this endeavor and the path forward. He advocated for the expansion of this pilot program to a national scale through collaborative efforts, stating, “Collaboration is key to the success of this program.”
Within the upcoming three months, the companies involved are expected to finalize the development of the robotics technology.
This will be followed by a phase dedicated to training teachers on how to integrate these technologies into their instructional practices. Initially, the program will be piloted in 15 schools across Rwanda, benefiting more than 500 students.
These troops, forming the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), entered North Kivu in December 2022, following a decision made by the heads of states of the EAC during their meeting in Nairobi in April 2022.
The EACRF was tasked with protecting areas previously captured by the armed group M23 and to prevent conflicts between M23 and the DRC’s forces, awaiting negotiation between the two sides.
However, the DRC government expressed a desire for the EACRF to combat M23, a stance the leadership of M23 reminded was not part of its mandate. This led to the expulsion of these troops at the end of 2023, replaced by forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi.
In an interview with NTV Kenya, President Kagame highlighted that the breakdown began when the DRC “assumed the authority ” to decide against the inclusion of Rwandan troops in the EACRF, a decision the EAC accepted.
Kagame explained that Rwanda agreed to this, showing that its priority was for the EACRF to achieve its objective of restoring peace in eastern DRC and contributing to the resolution of conflicts between opposing sides.
He reminded that the EACRF’s mission was to assist the DRC government in resolving conflicts, and it had been decided that any side violating the ceasefire agreement would be opposed.
The President expressed surprise at the EAC leadership’s lack of response to the expulsion of EACRF from the DRC.
He said, “The EAC troops were expelled. Until now I Am still wondering , what is EAC? In reality, EAC does not exist since this issue arose. Because we were never told what happened. Since their expulsion, no one has explained to us.”
Kagame also mentioned that when the DRC expelled the EACRF, it was in discussions with SADC leaders to deploy troops against M23 in North Kivu, which was agreed upon by South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi in December 2023.
He noted that by requesting SADC to replace EAC in North Kivu, the DRC was creating conflicts between the two regional blocs, which should have collaborated to resolve the country’s conflicts.
He commented, “It seems they were creating conflicts and misunderstandings between SADC and EAC. There wasn’t even a statement saying, ‘It’s okay, let’s join forces, work together,’ it was about replacing EACRF with SADC troops.”
“Why don’t people discuss this? Why don’t EAC and SADC talk about the issue and seek a solution? There are ways people can cooperate, communicate, and avoid unnecessary problems.”
The EAC is led by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir since November 24, 2023, succeeding Burundi’s Evariste Ndayishimiye, who had breached the community’s decisions by deploying his country’s troops to the Masisi territory to fight M23, based on an agreement with Félix Tshisekedi in August 2023.
