The officers, who constitute Rwanda Formed Police Unit One rotation 10 (RWFPU1-10) under the command of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Nelson Bugingo will replace the same number in Malakal, Upper Nile State.
“The responsibility you have as police officers, who are going to represent Rwanda in the United Nations mission, is to always be ready to execute tasks assigned to you with enthusiasm and professionalism to make your country proud,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
He reminded them to always be where they are needed in the right time with the required tools. He added that the duties they are deployed to do will benefit them, their country, the people of South Sudan and the international community.
“You are going to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security; do it with pride which will also be a pride to your country,” the Police Chief said.
Teamwork, respect, discipline, handling contingent owned equipment well, working in unison with other peacekeepers, he said, are ingredients to a successful tour-of-duty.
Rwanda started deploying FPU contingents to the UN mission in South Sudan in 2015, and currently, it maintains two contingents there. Rwanda FPU3 of 160 officers, majority female, operate in the capital Juba.
Rwanda maintains six Police contingents both in South Sudan and Central African Republic (CAR) of more than 1000 officers.
The youths mostly comprise students from secondary schools in Rubavu District and members of youth peace groups from Uganda and the the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their goal is to educate their peers back home.
Speaking to the young people on Friday, Eric Mahoro, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, urged them not to remain passive in the face of those who continue to deny and spread genocide ideology.
He stated, “We ask the youth two things: not to be misled by those who continue to spread genocide ideology, especially among the youth living near the borders. They should stand firm on the truth about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi because when we tell them this, we want them to find the strength within themselves so that deniers do not mislead them.”
“Secondly, we ask them to preserve the achievements because many did not experience these historical events first hand. However, we explain to them that the unity of Rwandans is what has led us to the development we see today. Their daily choices should support and safeguard these achievements, without taking any steps backward.”
Brother Vital Binguyeneze, the Director of Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle, who organized the discussions, emphasized that this initiative brings youths together to learn history and build peace.
Given that genocide ideology is gaining traction in the Great Lakes Region, he urged the youth to be catalysts for peace.
He said, “We want this youth to be catalysts for peace in this region and convey this message to their peers who couldn’t be here, ensuring our country continues to be a beacon of peace in this region and globally.”
Some international youth participants expressed that the fight against genocide ideology should not be the responsibility of Rwandans alone, as its negative impacts are felt worldwide. Therefore, as young people, they must collaborate with others to combat it.
Noerine Muhindo Basa from Kasese, Uganda, remarked, “We learned about the history and consequences of the Genocide against the Tutsi. As young people, our contribution to preventing genocide ideology is to educate the public and share accurate information to prevent propaganda from taking hold and leading to violence.”
Elie Syauswa from Goma, DRC, added, “We must strive for unity because it is the lack of unity that led people to kill others. It is not a virtue for one person to kill another, as God asks us to help one another. We must do good things that promote the well-being of the community.”
The youth attending this five-day camp were taught about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the eradication of genocide ideology, and the importance of contributing to the preservation of the progress achieved.
These new routes will be operated by the airline’s dedicated freighter, the Boeing 738SF, and mark a significant milestone in the expansion of RwandAir’s cargo network.
With these additions, RwandAir’s cargo destinations will increase to seven, further supporting its growth strategy across Africa and the Middle East.
The airline aims to provide efficient and reliable connections for businesses and boost trade opportunities between Rwanda, the UAE, Djibouti, and the rest of the continent.
Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, emphasized the importance of these new routes:
“The added destinations will support efficient and reliable connections for business and provide significant opportunities for enhanced trade between Rwanda, the UAE, Djibouti, and the rest of the continent. As a landlocked nation, we recognize the importance of air freight in Rwanda’s economic growth across Africa and beyond. Our geographic location at the heart of Africa enables us to connect every part of the continent, and we eagerly anticipate expanding this connectivity even further.”
The introduction of services to Dubai World Central Airport (DWC) marks RwandAir’s second cargo destination in the United Arab Emirates, complementing its existing operations in Sharjah. The first flight to Dubai departed from Kigali Monday, June 10, 2024.
Starting June 17, 2024, RwandAir Cargo will also commence dedicated freighter services to Djibouti, with connections via Dubai World Central and Sharjah. These flights will operate twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays, respectively.
Bosco Gakwaya, Director of RwandAir Cargo Services, highlighted the strategic importance of this expansion:
“Our expansion to Dubai and Djibouti strengthens RwandAir Cargo’s role as a key trade facilitator on the African continent and is well aligned with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), transforming Kigali into a regional cargo hub.”
RwandAir plays a crucial role in Rwanda’s economy, facilitating the transportation of fresh produce, medical supplies, and other essential goods. The new destinations will enhance market reach, offering cargo services to a wider range of businesses and consumers, thereby driving the diverse and growing economy of both the country and the continent.
The airline’s continued commitment to expanding its cargo services is set to bolster Rwanda’s economic growth and strengthen its position as a vital logistics hub in Africa.
In a statement on Monday, June 10, Meteo Rwanda Director General Aimable Gahigi said that parts of the Bugarama plain are expected to record higher maximum temperatures compared to other parts of the country, with temperatures ranging between 30°C and 32°C for the months of June, July, and August.
Eastern Province, Eastern parts of Kamonyi, Ruhango, Nyanza and Gisagara Districts, Kigali City will also experience warmer conditions with maximum temperature ranging between 28°C and 30°C. The parts of highland areas including the Volcanoes National Park are expected to record lower maximum temperature than other parts of the country and will vary between 22°C to 24°C.
On the other hand, the expected minimum temperature will range between 10°C and 18°C across the country, which is above the normal minimum temperature during the June, July and August season, which range between 7°C and 16°C.
The forecast shows that Musanze, Burera, Nyabihu and few parts of Rubavu and Gakenke districts will be cooler than the other parts of the country during the three-month period with the temperature varying between 10°C and 12°C. Additionally, parts of Bugarama plain, and most parts of Kirehe District and southern part of Kayonza District are expected to have higher minimum temperature ranging between 16°C and 18°C.
Rainfall
The forecast indicates that the country will experience normal rainfall during June and July across the country, and above-normal rainfall during August. The Met Department attributes this weather pattern to the neutral sea surface temperature conditions in the central tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans throughout the three-month period.
Rainfall ranging between 120-150 millimeters is expected over Rubavu and Rutsiro districts, most parts of Nyabihu and Musanze districts, the western parts of Ngororero District, and the northern parts of Burera and Karongi districts.
Rainfall ranging between 90-120 millimeters is expected in Nyamasheke District, parts of Nyamagabe, Ngororero, and Karongi districts, the northern parts of Rusizi, Gicumbi, Gakenke, and Rulindo districts, and the western parts of Ruhango and Muhanga districts.
Rainfall ranging between 60-90 millimeters is expected in Nyaruguru, Huye, Gisagara districts, most parts of Ruhango, Nyanza, Kamonyi, Rulindo, and Nyagatare districts, the northern parts of Gasabo District, and the western parts of Gatsibo District.
Additionally, rainfall ranging between 30-60 millimeters is expected over Kirehe, Ngoma, Kayonza, Bugesera, and Kicukiro districts, most parts of Gisagara, Nyarugenge, and Gatsibo districts, the eastern parts of Nyanza, Ruhango, and Kamonyi districts, and the northern parts of Gasabo and Rwamagana districts.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has frequently highlighted Yiwu’s significance on international stages, aptly calling it the “World’s Capital of Small Commodities.” His visit to the market on September 20, 2023, underscored this sentiment as he encouraged Yiwu to forge ahead with its “small commodities, big market” philosophy.
Yiwu’s market is a powerhouse in China’s export sector, trading with over 230 countries and regions. Impressively, 65% of its trade volume is attributed to foreign transactions. Each year, over 560,000 overseas merchants flock to Yiwu, and more than 21,000 foreign merchants have set up permanent bases in the city. The market has drawn the attention of major multinational retail groups such as Walmart and Metro, alongside over 30 prominent domestic chain supermarkets.
The market’s prosperity is not confined to its physical presence. Yiwu has seamlessly integrated online and offline commerce, fostering a thriving e-commerce sector with over 600,000 entities. It is the only county-level city in China approved by the State Council to establish a national cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zone.
This digital innovation is complemented by the Yiwu Import Commodity Market and the Yiwu Import Commodity Incubation Zone, which have introduced 150,000 overseas products from over 100 countries, epitomizing the market’s slogan: “buying global goods and selling global goods.”
In September 2020, the State Council’s approval to expand the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone marked another milestone for Yiwu. The Jinyi area, one of the three expansion zones, is set to transform into a pivotal international small commodity free trade center, a hub for digital trade innovation, an inland logistics powerhouse, a manufacturing innovation showcase, and a crucial node for “Belt and Road” cooperation.
Yiwu’s story is one of continuous evolution and adaptation, making it a vital cog in the global trade machine and a beacon of China’s economic prowess.
This was highlighted during the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, an event held on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Members of Rotary Club Rwanda visited Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where they were informed about the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, how it was planned and executed by the bad leadership, and how the youth in the RPF-Inkotanyi sacrificed to stop it.
After paying tribute to more than 250,000 victims laid to rest at this memorial, the Deputy Governor of District 9150 in Rotary Club Rwanda, Carole Karema, said that this is a good time to learn again as people who teach peace.
“We come to learn so that we understand the history, thus ensuring that genocide never happens again in Rwanda. Additionally, this involves teaching the younger generation to promote peace and reconciliation starting from Rwanda to the entire world because Rotary is present worldwide,” she said.
Karema further highlighted the role of Rotary in confronting genocide deniers.
“We should publicize what happened in Rwanda because we have a lot of evidences including survivors, footage, and more. Every three months we publish a magazine, so we must present the truth about what happened to confront genocide deniers,” she said.
Tom Ndahiro, a researcher on history and genocide who gave a talk during the event, emphasized that fighting genocide denial should be treated as another war to be fought.
He said, “Genocide denial is a very serious issue, and as Rwandans, we must take it upon ourselves, treat it as another war to be fought, and the young should know about it and fight it. Otherwise, the victim ends up being seen as the cause of the crime committed against them.”
Rotary Club Rwanda is comprised of 12 clubs including Rotary Club Kigali, Rotary Club Butare, Rotary Club Kigali Mont Jali, Rotary Club Kigali Virunga, and Rotary Club Kigali Gasabo.
Other clubs include Rotary Club Musanze Murera, Rotary Club Bugoyi Ibirunga, Rotary Club Kivu Lake, Rotary Club Kigali Senior, and Rotary Club Kigali Karisimbi.
Rotary Club is a non-profit organization that engages in charitable activities such as helping the underprivileged, providing clean water to citizens, fighting epidemic diseases like polio, and contributing to all activities aimed at developing society.
The 45,000-seat facility has been undergoing a facelift since August 2022 at a cost of $160 million. Turkish construction company Summa, tasked with expanding the stadium, whose initial capacity was 25,000, is expected to hand over the facility to the government before August this year, paving the way for hosting major events and tournaments.
Ahead of the formal opening of the stadium, photos and videos showing the transformation of the facility have been circulating on social media, gaining admiration from netizens across the African continent and beyond.
Besides the football turf with a cutting-edge hybrid surface, blending natural grass and artificial turf, Amahoro boasts an eight-lane track for athletics events, a paralympic gymnasium, and training facilities for football, handball, and volleyball.
The sports arena has also been fitted with various amenities, including VIP lounges, an Amavubi bar, dressing rooms, washrooms, coaches’ offices, a massage room, a changing room, and a FIFA office.
Additionally, there are rooms for match officials, a medical room, a doping control room, a staff management room, and a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Room, among others.
Kenyans, arguably the most vibrant online community on the continent, couldn’t help but marvel at the well-equipped, world-class stadium.
“Amahoro Stadium, right here under our noses, in Rwanda. Bwana kwani sisi tulifanyia Mungu nini (What did we do to God)?” Gabriel Oguda wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Amahoro Stadium, right here under our noses, in Rwanda. Bwana kwani sisi tulifanyia Mungu nini? pic.twitter.com/Rk6XBkkN23
“Amahoro Stadium in Kigali is just superb. Waiting to see how it will finally look once completed later in the year. {Kenya ni mdomo tu tunapiga} (Kenya we are just making noise),” Michal Okinyi opined.
Notably, despite ranking among the biggest economies on the continent and being the first in East Africa, Kenya’s promises to build world-class stadiums in recent years have remained just that—promises.
In yet another attempt to get it right, early this year, the government embarked on an ambitious project to build an ultra-modern facility earmarked to host some of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) matches.
The construction of the Talenta Hela Stadium, with a capacity of 60,000 seats, began in the capital, Nairobi, in March, with President William Ruto presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony.
The stadium is being constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation. The Ministry of Defence has been tasked with supervising the work to ensure the facility meets the required standards and is completed within the set timelines.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed between the two countries’ judiciaries encompasses various aspects, primarily focused on sharing knowledge and best practices. This initiative aims to expedite the hearing and determination of cases and improve the overall quality of judicial services. Additionally, the MoU will facilitate peer-to-peer capacity-building exercises, exchanges, study tours, and institutional consultations.
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Speaking to a local news outlet, Harrison Mutabazi, President of the Rwanda Judicial Officers Association, emphasized the importance of sharing best practices within East African countries. He noted that this exchange is crucial for improving local jurisdictions’ access to justice.
“We are thinking about benchmarking; that is one of the things we are going to be working on. For example, countries have started using electronic case management systems. In Rwanda, we are using them, in Tanzania, they are using them, and in Kenya too. So, Uganda can learn from us,” Mutabazi stated.
As part of the agreement, Rwanda and Kenya will collaborate in areas of common interest, particularly in academic, jurisprudence, and intellectual exchanges, as well as information and communication technology (ICT).
Rwanda’s justice system has undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by new policies for criminal justice and alternative dispute resolution approved by the cabinet in 2022. These changes aim to shape legal proceedings and the justice system positively.
The criminal justice policy focuses on increasing the use of non-custodial mechanisms for handling detainees and convicts. Tools like GPS bracelets are being introduced as alternatives to custodial detention. Community service and fines have also been implemented as substitutes for detention in some cases.
Furthermore, the policy aims to make Rwanda’s prison system more corrective and rehabilitative by ensuring prison officers are equipped with the necessary knowledge to positively impact inmates. The goal is for inmates to acquire skills, knowledge, and a better attitude by the time they leave correctional facilities.
On the other hand, the alternative dispute resolution policy prioritizes non-litigation mechanisms for resolving conflicts. The justice ministry continues to encourage the use of mediators (Abahuza), conciliators (Abunzi), and arbitrators, reducing the reliance on direct litigation.
The village originally consisted of 183 households and 496 residents, covering an area of 0.99 square kilometers. In October 2004, Huayuan Village merged with nine neighboring villages, expanding its area to 5 square kilometers.
Further expansion occurred in March 2017 when it merged with nine additional surrounding villages, bringing the total area to 12 square kilometers. Today, Huayuan Village boasts 5,246 farming households, a permanent population exceeding 65,000, and over 50,000 migrants.
The turnaround of Huayuan Village began over 40 years ago with a strong focus on Party building, industrial development, business prosperity, improved living standards, and enhanced governance.
These efforts have transformed the village into a model of thriving industries, livable ecology, rich rural culture, effective governance, and prosperous living standards.
Recognized as a beautiful village exemplar and a pioneer of common prosperity, Huayuan Village has received numerous accolades. On July 1, 2016, the Huayuan Village Party Committee was awarded the title of “National Advanced Grassroots Party Organization” by the Central Committee of the CPC.
The same year, it was named one of the “Top 10 International Famous Villages in China.” In December 2019, it was selected as Zhejiang Province’s only comprehensive pilot for rural revitalization reforms. By October 2020, it was included in the fourth batch of small city cultivation pilots in Zhejiang Province, marking the birth of China’s first “village-level small city.”
Huayuan Village has also made significant strides in tourism. It is the first village in Zhejiang Province to independently create a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. It has been recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as one of the “Top 10 Excellent International Rural Tourism Destinations in China” and a “National Key Rural Tourism Village.”
Additionally, it is a 5A-level scenic town in Zhejiang Province. The village serves as a training base for village officials in China and an A-level observation site for new rural construction nationwide, earning titles such as “Number One Village in Zhejiang,” “The World’s Top Redwood Village,” and “A Role Model of China’s Rural Modernization.”
Economically, Huayuan Village is thriving. In 2023, it achieved an operating revenue of 72.5 billion yuan (over US$10 billion). The Huayuan Group contributed 42.7 billion yuan (roughly US$5.8 billion), while 3,035 private businesses generated 29.8 billion yuan (more than 4 billion USD). Villagers now enjoy an average annual income of 176,000 yuan (around 24,000 USD).
The village hosts the world’s largest vitamin D3 producer, the world’s widest copper plate manufacturer, a leading new wall material producer in China, a high-performance copper foil producer, and the province’s most intelligent and automated new building material enterprises. It also boasts the world’s largest redwood furniture market, China’s largest precious wood trading center, and the country’s largest village-level hospital, school, shopping mall, and Ferris wheel.
Huayuan Village’s journey from an impoverished mountain hamlet to a thriving, modern community is a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and community spirit. It stands as a shining example of rural revitalization and a model for other villages to follow.
Emmanuel Mutabazi bagged a bronze medal for Rwanda after finishing third, with a time of one hour, four minutes, and 27 seconds, during the 19th edition of the Global Elite Label men’s half marathon. Kenyan runner Francis Kipkorir Langat claimed the first position with a time of one hour, four minutes and four seconds, followed by his compatriot Leonard Kipkoech Langat who finished second with a time of one hour, four minutes and 24 seconds.
The winners were awarded $5,000, $4,000, and $3,000 in prize money.
In the women’s half marathon category, Emeline Imanizabayo was awarded a bronze medal after finishing the race in one hour, 14 minutes and two seconds. The gold and silver medals went to Kenya’s Winfridah Moraa Moseti and her compatriot Vivian Jepkogel Cheruiyot, who ran in 1:12:50 and 1:14:01, respectively.
It was a podium sweep for Kenya in the full marathon category, with Laban Kipngetich Korir, Cornelius Kibet Kiplagat, and Moses Mengich taking the top three positions. Kipkorir clocked 2:16:06 to lead the clean podium sweep, followed by Kibet (2:16:18) and Mengich (2:18:38).
In the female category, Joan Kipyatich and Florence Chepsoi Jepkosgei, both from Kenya, walked home with gold and bronze after running 2:33:27 and 2:39:34, respectively. The silver went to Ethiopia’s Abebayehu Meseret, who finished second in 2:36:08.
The annual sports event is organised by the Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, to promote peace and athletic excellence on a global stage.
The 19th edition of the marathon attracted a total of 10,183 participants from 35 countries, including 4,001 foreign participants. This is the highest number of participants since the marathon’s inception in 2005.
Those who attended the event included Minister of Sports Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana, Mayor of the City of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, and President of the Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF), Lt Col (Rtd) Kayumba Lemuel, among others.
Also present were First Daughter Ange Kagame and Clare Akamanzi, the CEO of NBA Africa, who participated in the 10-kilometer ‘Run for Peace’.
