Kabarebe made the remarks on Thursday, July 25, 2024, while taking youths from the diaspora on a tour of the Gikoba Liberation Trail in Nyagatare District, a site used by the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) during its liberation struggle from 1990 to 1994.
At the time, Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe was the commander of the forces protecting the RPA leader Kagame during the war.
During the tour, Kabarebe told the Rwandan youth from various countries that during the early months of the war, there was constant fighting day and night as government forces attempted to dislodge them, but their determination helped them to prevail.
From January to May 1991, the struggle consisted of guerrilla attacks aimed at weakening and confusing the enemy, causing him to disperse his forces.
In June of that year, Kagame, who was the commander of the RPA, decided to send his troops to an area called Muvumba, choosing it because the abundant banana groves provided good cover and food to sustain the troops.
Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe revealed that they were preparing to engage in a new, entrenched form of combat rather than guerrilla attacks.
“He decided to move the troops from the mountains, changed the tactics from mobile guerrilla warfare to positional warfare. He instructed all the commanders and the soldiers to dig trenches just across here. He brought all the military leaders to show them his trench and asked them to dig their own. They were to face the enemy. The enemy well equipped with artillery, with mortars, with APCs, armored personnel carriers, helicopters, and everything,” he revealed.
Kabarebe disclosed that he was the one who dug that historic trench, which is still visible today.
“I was the commander of the force that protected the president and I am the one who dug this trench,” he added.
Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe noted that the battle was tough because then Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana had put all his efforts into fighting the RPA forces. However, sustained attacks on the government army forced the former Head of State to give some concessions, allowing for peace negotiations in Arusha, Tanzania.
“There was a time when Habyarimana sent many troops, heavily armed. The fighting was intense. Do you know what the Chief of Staff told us? He said, ‘We will never leave this place, even if we have to dig trenches under those mountains and hide there, but we will stay here.’”
“He wanted to tell us that no matter what happens, we should not leave this area and fight until we win.”
From that time, the RPA forces began to encircle the enemy, digging trenches that surrounded the government forces, cutting off all supply routes for food and other necessities, and also blocking their own escape routes.
Whoever starved first would be forced to abandon their positions.
“There was no point in time when our force ever succumbed and left its defence because of hunger. Our level of resilience was very, very high,” he stated.
The war would go on for more than three years until the RPA forces captured Kigali and ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Meanwhile, during the tour, Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe urged the young people from the diaspora to emulate the patriotism of the youth who sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle.
From its lush national parks teeming with wildlife, to its vibrant cities and welcoming people, Rwanda promises an unforgettable [journey->http://www.Easyride.rw]. Here’s why you should consider making Rwanda your next travel destination.
According to Forbes’ Bucket List Travel, there are as many reasons to visit Rwanda as there are people who call it home. The 26,338 square km area is home to over 14 million people, making it one of the most densely populated nations on the African continent.
Yet, it stands out as a leader in conservation efforts, (with four national parks) ranked as the third greenest place globally by The World Travel Guide, 2015.
In Rwanda, you will find tourists searching for a luxury experience, those roughing it in campsites or seeking out the country’s famous gorillas and chimpanzees- a small tip on the iceberg.
From historical inspirational museums, to incredible meals served high above the city’s lights, Rwanda is full of promise and wonder. Exploring it will leave you emotional and enlightened.
Some must-do experiences to add to your itinerary include gorilla trekking to see mountain gorillas, visiting national parks like Akagera and Nyungwe, Gishwati-Mukura for wildlife species, golden monkey trekking, boat cruises, bird sighting, to mention but a few.
You can also explore traditional dance and rich culture through visits to cultural villages like Ibyiwacu in Kinigi at the foothills of the Volcanoes National Park. Rwandan hospitality will leave an indelible memory.
Rwanda is also home to the “Big Five (wildlife species),” thanks to conservation efforts that reintroduced extinct species like rhinos and lions.
Additionally, Rwanda is one of the safest African countries, ensuring security for tourists during their stay. The country’s cleanliness and ease of access are also significant pull factors.
Notably air transport is readily at hand with Kamembe Airport and Rubavu Airstrip facilitating domestic travel while Kigali International Airport serves as the main gateway for international tourists, offering direct flights to numerous cities worldwide.
This experience is deeply felt and appreciated by tourists who have witnessed Rwanda’s attractions firsthand.
“As a tourist in Rwanda, I was captivated by the breathtaking landscape, the thrill of gorilla trekking in the misty mountains, and the warmth of the Rwandan people,” says George Tinashea from Zimbabwe.
“From exploring the vibrant streets of Kigali to relaxing by the serene shores of Lake Kivu, every moment was a beautiful blend of adventure and culture. This enchanting country is a testament to resilience and hospitality, and it left an indelible mark on my heart,” he confesses.
For Kerim Abdel Rahim from Egypt, Rwanda is a must-visit place considering the great moments he had in the country.
“Rwanda has captured my heart with its breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and warm hospitality. It’s a place where adventure meets serenity, and every moment feels like a cherished memory in the making,” he says.
This amazing experience is shared by Suzgo Chitete from Malawi and Patrick Mogani from the Central African Republic.
They both recount that the order and security in Kigali make it a compelling destination, attracting visitors for another trip to Rwanda.
Frank Muzungu, Managing Director of [Kigali Car Rentals->http://www.Kigalicitytour.com], shares his view noting that Rwanda offers a combination of nature, adventure, and culture.
“From trekking through the forest for gorillas to hanging out in Kigali visiting the [eco-parks ->http://www.gorillatourrwanda.com]where one watches hundreds of birds including the treasured grey crested cranes, doing a canopy walk and primates watching in Nyungwe forest Rwanda offers everything one would wish for,” Muzungu says.
“It’s a special place which you may want to never miss out on as you will feel emotionally attached to the land, the people, and nature. It is a country that truly reinvigorates your soul and defines the spirit of travel,” he adds.
Due to a variety of attractions and government initiatives, the tourism sector has grown significantly.
Reports from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) indicate that the sector generated growth from 1.4 million visitors in 2023, surpassing 2019 revenues with a recovery rate of 124% from the hurdles of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Domestic tourism increased to $47.7 million, contributing to increased visits to national parks which generated $35.79 million in 2023.
Volcanoes National Park registered the highest increase of 38% in visitors, followed by Akagera National Park with a 24% increase, and Nyungwe National Park with a 10% increase. Nyungwe National Park was declared a World Heritage site in 2023.
According to Rugwizangoga, the Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, the growth results from strategies to position Rwanda as a unique high-end, low-volume, eco-tourism destination, and conservation efforts.
The country has consistently participated in top global tourism business fairs over the past 20 years, including ITB Berlin, We Are Africa, ILTM (Singapore, Cannes, and Virtuoso), where Rwandan travel agencies engage with tourism buyers.
Rwanda’s capacity to attract top hospitality global brands such as One&Only, Singita, Radisson, and Marriott, the promotional role played by Visit Rwanda partnerships, as well as incentive opportunities for local and international investors are also key factors for such incredible growth.
Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 29 years ago, Luladey Takele Teshome has been captivated by the world of art since childhood. Over the years, she has developed a passion for telling unique stories through artistic cultural curation, aiming to inspire positivity in society.
Luladey moved to Kigali about six years ago, where she has continued to explore her creativity through various mediums, including painting, design, photography, and ink sketching. She is currently the Art Project Management Consultant at the British Council, after several years in Rwanda’s education sector.
IGIHE caught up with the sassy artist at the Mundi Centre in Kicukiro district, where she is showcasing a solo art project she has been working on over the last two years.
Luladey explains that the collection of artwork dubbed “Blue Circle” depicts her journey of discovery and rediscovery. The artwork conveys different emotions, aiming to inspire people to experience life as a full circle, embracing both lows and highs with optimism.
“The circle is the emotional circle – the growth that we are going through. Wherever we are today is not where we are going to be tomorrow. Sometimes you feel the peak, sometimes you feel the low, and sometimes you are just on the journey,” Luladey stated.
“There are pieces that are about my highs, the things that make me happy, the things that make me hopeful. And then there are lows that make me feel sad, vulnerable and lonely,” she added.
She explains that the blue colour is used to depict different emotions in her drawings and paintings having changed its identity over time.
“The blue colour has been associated with concepts such as tranquillity, stability, trust, loyalty, and spirituality. It’s often considered a calming colour, evoking feelings of peace and serenity,” she says.
Luladey’s exhibition at Mundi Centre features several paintings and 11 ink sketches.
She is passionate about one of the paintings titled “Blue Moon,” “A blue moon is something that comes once in a season. It signifies that whenever we experience peaks or lows, each moment is as present as you can be, and can only be lived once. If you’re sad about something once, you won’t be sad about the same thing at the same level every single time. It will shift over time.”
More than a hundred artists attended the first day of the three-day solo exhibition on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
The highly interactive session was more than just a moment to appreciate art; it was also a platform for artists from diverse backgrounds to network and challenge each other in pursuit of their dreams.
“I would want us as artists and the general public to give ourselves a challenge to overcome something we wanted to do but didn’t. We have the capacity to break that barrier in our way. So just lift that up and do what you said you will do,” Luladey said, citing her solo exhibition as a big win.
Artists Jackson Manzi and Carley Cyuzuzo lauded Luladey’s work and urged other colleagues in the industry who didn’t manage to attend the exhibition to take advantage of the remaining two days to learn something new from Luladey’s creativity.
“Any artist willing to come will learn something from her. She is a good artist – she’s really good at what she does. The message she’s giving out is good for anyone who wants to feel the love and feel free,” Cyuzuzo noted.
The exhibition continues on Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27, 2024.
Unlike Thursday’s exhibition, which was limited to invited artists, Friday and Saturday’s exhibitions will be open to the public.
The Friday session is scheduled to start at 11 am and run until 9:00 pm, while Saturday’s session will close at 5:55 pm.
The Saturday session will be special and will feature a talk between Luladey and another artist, Sophie, from 1 to 3 pm. Afterwards, the floor will open to a highly engaging session dubbed “create, critic, and connect.
Luladey’s captivating paintings and drawings will be available for acquisition throughout the three-day expo. Prices range from $251 to $940.
This lineup includes a mix of traditional sports, such as athletics and swimming, as well as newer additions like surfing and skateboarding, reflecting the evolving nature of the games.
Rwanda will be represented by eight athletes at the 2024 Summer Olympics, including five women and three men across four sports disciplines–cycling, athletics, swimming, and fencing.
The Rwandan Olympic team arrived in France on July 6, 20024 and commenced their pre-training camp two days later with athletes training at various venues.
Despite Rwanda’s consistent participation in the Olympic Games since 1984, a medal of any kind remains a far-fetched dream for the country’s athletes. And their dream continues in Paris for the next fortnight.
{{Meet Rwandan Athletes at the Paris 2024 Games:}}
{{Clementine Mukandanga (Women’s Full Marathon)}}
Born on December 8, 1985 in Ngoma district, Eastern Province, Mukandanga plays for Italian side, G.S. Orecchiella Garfagnana as a full Marathon runner.
She will hit the track on August 11 at Hôtel de Ville and Les Invalides.
Mukandanga achieved the required “Minima” time of 2:26:50 at the 39 Firenze Marathon in December 2023 with a time of 2:25:54, the fourth fastest in the event’s history and a personal best, improving on her previous record set in Florence in 2022.
She is the only Rwandan athlete in the Olympic Team who qualified for the Paris 2024 Games.
{{Eric Manizabayo (Men’s Road Race)}}
Manizabayo was born on August 28, 1997 in Nyabihu district in the Western Province. His current team is Benediction Club.
His road race (Cycling) category will take place on August 3 at Pont d’ Iéna.
Manizabayo made it to Paris through a wildcard, a special entry granted to an athlete or team that might not have qualified through the usual competition or qualification process.
{{Diane Ingabire: (Women’s Road Race and Individual Time Trial)}}
Ingabire was born on July 17, 2001 in Nyabihu district located in the Western Province.
She currently plays for Canyon//SRAM Generation team based in Germany but her training base is in Barcelona, Spain.
Her Individual Time Trial event will take place on Saturday, July 27 while the road race is scheduled for August 4, 2024 at Pont d’Iéna.
Her qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics was also through wildcard
{{Jazilla Mwamikazi (Women’s Mountain Bike)}}
Mwamikazi is approaching 20years of age because she was born on September 8, 2004; in Rwamagana district, Eastern Province.
She is a member of Ndabaga Cycling Team and is expected to hit the road on July 28, 2024 when the mountain bike racing takes place at Élancourt Hill. She made it to Paris 2024 through a Wildcard.
{{Yves Nimubona (Men’s 10,000m)}}
Nimubona was born on August 15, 1998 in Nyamasheke didstrict, Western Province.
He will ironically hit the track just 12days before his 26th birthday at Stade de France
Currently he trains at Tuscany Training Camp, Italy. Nimubona also reached Paris 2024 through a wildcard
{{Peyre Mitilla Oscar Cyusa (Men’s 100m Butterfly)}}
Cyusa is one of the two swimmers representing Rwanda at the Paris 2024 Olympics through a wildcard.
Born on April 27, 2005 in France, Cyusa currently resides in Marseille
The event (100m Butterfly) in which he is set to participate will take place on August 2 with the final slated for August 3 at Paris La Défense Arena
{{Lidwine Umuhoza Uwase (Women’s 50m Freestyle)}}
Just like Cyusa, Uwase is the other swimmer representing Rwanda at the Paris 2024 Olympics through a wildcard.
She was born on June 13, 1999 in Karongi district, Western Province and plays for Gisenyi Beach Boys.
Her category of 50m Freestyle qualifiers will be played on August 3, 2024, with Semi-finals and Final on August 4, 2024 at Paris La Défense Arena.
{{Tufaha Uwihoreye (Women’s Epée)}}
Uwihoreye will represent Rwanda at the Olympics in the sport of fencing; a combat sport where two competitors, called fencers, use swords to score points by hitting their opponent.
Born in Nyamirambo, Nyarugenge District on January 1, 1996, Uwihoreye is a member of Dreams Fencing Club who also finds herself in Paris through a wildcard.
Her event (Epée) will be held on July Saturday 27, 2024 at Grand Palais.
In a brief interview with IGIHE, RIB spokesperson Dr. Thierry B. Murangira confirmed the development.
“The investigation involving Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya and Permanent Secretary Patrick Karera are based on the mismanagement of forest conservation projects,” he said.
Murangira added that the investigation extends to other individuals. “It’s not only them being investigated; all those involved in forest project management are under scrutiny,” he noted.
The spokesperson assured Rwandans that the Bureau is responsible for investigating and prosecuting anyone who violates the law, emphasizing the importance of legal compliance.
“RIB has the responsibility and authority to pursue anyone who does not adhere to the law. Anyone who violates the law will face justice,” he said.
In 2020, Patrick Karera was appointed as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, after serving as an advisor to the Minister of Environment in 2019.
On the morning of Thursday 25th July 2024, the Office of Prime Minister released a communique announcing the dismissal of Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya who has been serving as the Minister of Public Service and Labor, citing matters of accountability under investigation.
Dr. Mujawamariya was the Minister of Environment before she was moved to the docket of Public Service and Labor.
From 2013 to 2019, she served as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Russia. Prior to that, she had been the Vice Chancellor and Rector of the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) from 2011 to 2013.
Between 2008 to 2011, she held the position of Minister of Gender and Family Promotion.
She was the Minister of Education from 2006 to March 2008, after serving as the State Minister in Charge of Higher Education within the same ministry, a year earlier.
Between 2003 and 2005, she was the Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education
Mujawamariya worked as a lecturer of Physical Chemistry at the University of Rwanda from 2001 to 2003.
“President Kagame has done exceptionally well in recent years. I saw it myself during the basketball competition in Kigali,” Macron said in reference to a shared experience of watching a basketball game together at the BK Arena.
In 2021, President Paul Kagame and his French counterpart watched the quarter-final game of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) together, where Rwanda’s Patriots BBC defeated Mozambique’s Ferroviário de Maputo.
Macron made these remarks during the International Summit on Sport and Sustainable Development held at the Louvre on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
The French leader, highlighted the importance of investing in sports infrastructure to engage youth in sports and improve accessibility calling upon the international community to support and fund countries hosting various competitions as a way of achieving shared goals.
“We must work harder and faster to achieve this objective. It is key. At the same time, we must help Africa, the Pacific, and Latin America further develop infrastructure for major events,” he said.
In the past five years, Rwanda has completed the BK Arena and renovated Amahoro Stadium to a 45,000 seater, offering the country an outstanding eligibility in Africa to host international sports competitions.
President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame are in France to attend the official opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, set to take place along the Seine River on Friday July 26, 2024.
Years pass, and 1979 arrives. Fatback releases what is considered the beginning of recorded hip-hop music, “King Tim III,” appearing on their disco album Fatback XII.
Still, in 1979, Sylvia Robinson, an American singer and record producer, introduces the Sugarhill Gang to the world. The Sugarhill Gang releases what is considered the introduction of hip-hop music to a wider audience, “Rapper’s Delight.”
The genre goes mainstream. Artists start to express various social issues through it. Political issues, poverty, inequality, and police brutality become prominent topics. Hip-hop is now a different type of culture.
As hip-hop music evolves, 1984 arrives. The Roxanne Wars begin with Roxanne Shante and Marley Marl’s “Roxanne’s Revenge,” a diss record targeting U.T.F.O, a hip-hop group from Brooklyn, New York. U.T.F.O replies with “The Real Roxanne,” and the beef begins.
A series of beefs follow, most notably the Bridge Wars and the famed East Coast and West Coast hip-hop rivalry, involving artists from New York and California. The East Coast and West Coast hip-hop rivalry culminates in violence.
From the Roxanne Wars and the Bridge Wars to the East and West Coast rivalry, G-Unit vs. Murder Inc., and the ongoing Kendrick vs. Drake beef, how did beefs transition from artistic rivalries to real-life hatred?
Tupac vs. Biggie might be the biggest beef the hip-hop community has ever seen, arguably. The feud was also linked to the competition between two of the most powerful record labels of their era, Bad Boy Records and Death Row Records. The feud also played a significant part in the West Coast and East Coast hip-hop rivalry but was more personal.
The two had met for the first time in 1993 and became friends. They even performed together at a concert at Madison Square Garden, New York, that same year. But things between the two of the best to ever grace hip-hop took an unexpected turn.
In 1994, Tupac was shot, and the shooting accusations fell on Biggie and Puff Daddy, who was Biggie’s boss at Bad Boy Records. “Who Shot Ya,” a record believed to be a diss towards Tupac, was released later in 1995. Believing the song was aimed at him, Tupac released “Hit ‘Em Up” in 1996 after coming out of prison, taking shots at Biggie, his rap supergroup Junior M.A.F.I.A., and the entire Bad Boy Records. On the night of September 7, 1996, Tupac was shot dead, and the accusations fell on Biggie and Bad Boy Records again. On March 9 of the following year, Biggie was also shot dead. The animosity between the two was beyond art, and their tragic deaths illustrate how far their feud had gone. Was that still art?
Jay-Z vs. Nas might be another of the biggest beefs the hip-hop community has ever witnessed. Even though the two reconciled in later years and have been on good terms for quite some time, their beef wasn’t solely from an artistic point of view. It is believed that the beef dates back to 1996 when Nas refused to appear on Jay-Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt.
In 1997, following Biggie’s death, JAY-Z proclaimed himself as the best MC out of New York. In 2001, JAY-Z released his sixth studio album, The Blueprint. On the second single off the album, “Takeover,” JAY-Z attacked Nas and claimed the Queensbridge MC averages only one good album every 10 years. The Brooklyn MC further criticized Nas’s style of rapping as ‘garbage.’
In that same year, Nas released his fifth studio album, Stillmatic. On the album, the response to Jay-Z’s “Takeover” came with the second single, “Ether.” On the song, Nas calls Jay-Z ‘weak’ and claims that Eminem outrapped him on his own song. “Eminem murdered you on your own sh*t,” in reference to Jay-Z and Eminem’s song “Renegade.” Nas also sent homophobic shots at his rival by calling him “GAY-Z.” It is also said that the song had a previous version that was not released, where Nas claimed that Jay-Z deserved to die in the plane crash that took Aaliyah’s life on August 25 of that same year. Was that still art?
Tupac vs. Biggie or Jay-Z vs. Nas aside, you can’t talk about hip-hop beefs without mentioning 50 Cent vs. Ja Rule. Yes, 50 Cent vs. Ja Rule. The beef started with robbery. Ja Rule was robbed and accused 50 Cent of being behind the incident. Later in 2000, 50 Cent was stabbed by Murder Inc. associates, a record company to which Ja Rule was signed.
Following this, a series of diss records were released towards each other and involved other artists like Eminem, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, and Jadakiss. The feud escalated to a G-Unit vs. Murder Inc. beef. Over 20 years later, the two are still enemies and don’t seem to be putting aside their differences anytime soon. Isn’t that beyond art?
It’s 2024, and Drake is at his peak as an artist. Away from Toronto is Kendrick Lamar, a Compton native believed to be one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time and the best of his generation. In the other corner is Jermaine Cole, and the three are said to be the ‘BIG 3,’ referring to the biggest three rap artists of the modern era.
Let’s go back a little to October 6, 2023. Aubrey ‘Drake’ Graham releases his eighth studio album, For All the Dogs. On the album appears “First Person Shooter,” featuring two of the acclaimed BIG 3. On the song, Jermaine crowns himself as the ‘Muhammad Ali’ of the three. The claims reach Kendrick, and we return to 2024.
It’s March 22, 2024. Metro Boomin and Future release their collaborative album, We Don’t Trust You. “Like That” is the sixth track off the album, and Kendrick is featured on it. On the song, the Compton MC distances himself from the BIG 3 comparisons. It’s not the ‘BIG 3,’ it’s the ‘BIG KENDRICK.’
April 5 arrives, and Jermaine unexpectedly drops his fourth mixtape, Might Delete Later. On the mixtape is “7 Minutes Drill,” where the North Carolina rapper attacks his Compton friend.
Then, on April 19, Aubrey attacks Kendrick with “Push-Ups,” which had been leaked about a week before. The AI-assisted “Taylor Made Freestyle” drops on the same day, too.
By April 30, Euphoria is released in response to “Push-Ups.” On May 3, 6:16 in L.A. drops, with Kendrick still going at Aubrey. On the same day, “Family Matters” is unleashed toward Kendrick. Was that enough? No! It’s only twenty minutes since “Family Matters” came out, and “Meet the Grahams” is playing in Aubrey’s speakers.
Still not over? No! May 4 arrives, and Aubrey is bombarded again with “Not Like Us.” In response, May 5 brings “The Heart Part 6” from Aubrey.
Throughout the Kendrick-Drake beef, dating back to 2012, personal lives were attacked, insults were exchanged, and families were involved. Is that still art?
Throughout hip-hop’s existence, beefs have arisen. Some were resolved peacefully, while others became the center of violence and loss of life. There are many examples illustrating how hip-hop beefs have gone beyond art and created lasting hatred among those involved.
Notable cases include Pusha T vs. Drake, Eminem vs. Benzino, Gucci Mane vs. Jeezy, 50 Cent vs. Game, Rick Ross vs. 50 Cent, 50 Cent vs. Diddy, Mase vs. Diddy, and the currently squashed PFLA vs. Bulldog case.
This follows a recent meeting between Chinese officials and Dmytro Kuleba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, who visited China from July 23 to 25, 2024.
During the meeting, China, which was seen as one of Russia’s major backers in the wake of the 2022 invasion, also assured that it would not supply weapons to Russia.
The visit of a Ukrainian official at this level to China was the first in many years, Ukrainian official Vasyl Ivashko said in a statement.
“This is a clear signal of Beijing’s openness to dialogue with Kyiv,” Ivashko stated.
The official further affirmed Ukraine’s readiness for a diplomatic settlement of the war with the Russian Federation but accused Russia of lacking such commitment.
“Moscow is not ready to conduct negotiations in good faith,” Ivashko added.
Following the recent talks, the Ukrainian side has invited China to a second summit aimed at securing lasting peace with the Kremlin after more than two years of war. The country says efforts are ongoing to attract Russian representatives to the meeting.
The first summit was held in Switzerland in June and was attended by delegations from 92 countries. Russia was not represented at the meeting.
“Ukraine is convinced that a just peace in Ukraine corresponds to China’s strategic interests, and China’s role as a global peace force is important,” Ivashko noted.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. This marked a dramatic escalation of a conflict that had been simmering since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatists in eastern Ukraine.
The invasion was a surprise to the world and widely condemned as an illegal act of aggression. The conflict has caused a massive humanitarian crisis, with millions of Ukrainians displaced and thousands killed.
{{Global Impact
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The invasion has had far-reaching consequences, including economic sanctions on Russia, a surge in energy prices, and a strengthening of NATO. The war continues, with intense fighting in various parts of Ukraine.
According to Rwanda’s Presidency, President Kagame commenced his visit on Thursday, July 25, 2024, by participating in the Sports for Sustainable Development Summit held at the Louvre.
Organized by the French Presidency and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with support from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Summit offers a unique platform for Heads of State and Government, international organization leaders, athletes, and representatives of the sporting movement and development finance sectors to come together.
On Friday, July 26, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame will attend a reception hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, followed by the Olympics Opening Ceremony.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024, are the 33rd Summer Olympics since the inaugural event held in Athens, Greece, in 1896.
Rwanda first participated in these Games in 1984 in Los Angeles, with three athletes competing in track events. Since then, Rwanda has consistently participated, gradually increasing the number of athletes over the years.
Notably, 10 Rwandan athletes competed in the 1992 Barcelona Games, and five athletes represented Rwanda in the 2020 Tokyo Games, held in 2021.
For the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Rwanda is fielding eight athletes across various disciplines, including cycling, swimming, track events, and fencing.
Clémentine Mukandanga will compete in the 42-kilometer marathon, while Yves Nimubona will run the 10-kilometer race.
The cycling team includes Eric Manizabayo, who will compete in the road race, Diane Ingabire, who will participate in both the road race and the individual time trial (ITT) for women, and Jazilla Mwamikazi, who will compete in mountain biking.
In swimming, Oscar Peyre Mitilla Cyusa will compete in the 100-meter butterfly, and Lidwine Umuhoza Uwase will participate in the 50-meter freestyle. Tufaha Uwihoreye will represent Rwanda in fencing.
Additionally, Rwandan Jean de Dieu Mukundiyukuri will make history as the first black referee to officiate Beach Volleyball events at the Olympic Games.
Museveni made the remarks on Thursday, July 25, 2024, while accusing “imperialists” of sponsoring the protests witnessed in the country on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
In a statement shared on social media, the Ugandan Head of State said he had received credible intelligence that the protests were sponsored. He warned that he won’t allow “imperialists” to meddle with the internal affairs of Uganda.
“All those involved should know that Uganda is not a neo-colony where those shallow schemes can be deployed,” President Museveni stated.
Museveni noted that organizers and participants of the demonstrations were “planning very bad things” and the “evidence in court will shock many”.
“Those very bad things will come out in court when those arrested are being tried,” Museveni said as he lauded the security forces for foiling the demonstrations.
He argued that if the protests were patriotic, peaceful and coordinated with the police he would have been the first to join.
The President contrasted the failed protest with a past anti-corruption march in 2019 organized by Ugandan military officer Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema, saying he was ready to participate in a similar exercise.
“In the year 2019, Nakalema organized us and we marched from the city Square through Kampala Road to Jinja Road and went to Kololo. So many people were there- Bishops, Soldiers, Wanainchi, etc.
“…Nakalema can co-ordinate with the genuine anti-corruption fighters for a similar effort, especially on a Sunday,” he added.
He, however, emphasized that heavily populated suburbs in the country should never be used for demonstration as they will “damage the little wealth creation that our people are painstakingly building up”.
More than 70 youths accusing members of parliament of graft were arrested on Tuesday during a march to parliament.
The protesters stormed the streets of Kampala after drawing inspiration from weeks of youth-led protests in Kenya that forced President William Ruto to dissolve his cabinet and withdraw proposed tax hikes.
The Ugandan Head of State had warned against such demonstrations, saying those behind the plans were “playing with fire”.
