NEC Chairperson, Oda Gasinzigwa, approved the candidature of three candidates and rejected bids from six others, citing noncompliance with electoral guidelines.
Those who met the criteria include Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) chairman and incumbent president Paul Kagame, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Frank Habineza, and Mbayimana Philippe, who is running for the presidency on an independent ticket.
Six independent candidates, who had expressed interest in the country’s top seat, had their candidature invalidated for various reasons.
Herman Manirareba had his nomination rejected after he failed to submit a list of 600 registered voters supporting his candidature, in line with the commission’s requirements. To qualify to run for the presidency in Rwanda, a candidate must submit a list of 12 registered voters supporting their candidacy from 30 districts across five provinces.
NEC said Innocent Hakizimana submitted voter lists from 28 districts, falling short of two districts. Fred Sekikubo Barafinda’s nomination was invalidated for lacking a valid doctor’s certificate and signatures from twelve districts.
On the other hand, Thomas Habimana suffered a setback in his bid to be president after he failed to provide a list of 12 voters supporting his candidacy from five districts.
Diane Nshimyimana Rwigara, the only woman interested in the race, did not provide a criminal record certificate, citizenship certificate, and a list of voters from eight districts. The law requires that a person running for president must be a Rwandan citizen by origin, with at least one parent being a citizen of Rwanda. The candidate must not hold dual citizenship.
Jean Mbanda only provided a list of signatures from three districts out of the 30 required by the commission.
The law requires that all incomplete documents be submitted before the final list is published on June 14.
The NEC boss, however, announced that the list of voters supporting a candidate cannot be submitted after May 30, 2024, which was the deadline for submitting candidatures. This locks out all six candidates from the much-anticipated poll.
Regarding the parliamentary election, the commission approved lists submitted by six political parties, adding that only one independent candidate met the criteria.
Additionally, NEC approved the list of 181 Women parliamentary candidates, 23 Youth Parliamentary candidates, and seven candidates representing persons with disabilities.
The final list of approved candidates will be unveiled on June 14, with the official electoral campaign period scheduled to commence on June 22.
The initiative rolled out on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, makes the legalization process for public documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and death certificates faster, simpler, and digitized through the use of electronic Apostilles (e-Apostilles).
“Rwandan documents intended for use abroad will be processed digitally and accessible through the Irembo e-government platform [https://irembo.gov.rw->https://irembo.gov.rw]. Foreign documents apostilled abroad will be directly usable in Rwanda,” officials said, adding, “This initiative aligns with Rwanda’s efforts to deliver digital and citizen-centred public services.”
Additionally, the Irembo portal has expanded its services to include:
-Legalization of Power of Attorney for property transfer
-Issuance of diplomatic plate numbers
-Recommendation letters for Rwandans abroad for land-related services
-Issuance of Note-Verbale for Rwandan officials on official missions
Notably, the new e-Apostilles service is only available to members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
The members are:
#
Country
1
Albania
2
Andorra
3
Antigua and Barbuda
4
Argentina
5
Armenia
6
Australia
7
Austria
8
Azerbaijan
9
Bahamas
10
Bahrain
11
Barbados
12
Belarus
13
Belgium
14
Belize
15
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
16
Bosnia and Herzegovina
17
Botswana
18
Brazil
19
Brunei Darussalam
20
Bulgaria
21
Burundi
22
Cabo Verde
23
Canada
24
Chile
25
China
26
Colombia
27
Cook Islands
28
Costa Rica
29
Croatia
30
Cyprus
31
Czech Republic
32
Denmark
33
Dominica
34
Dominican Republic
35
Ecuador
36
El Salvador
37
Estonia
38
Eswatini
39
Fiji
40
Finland
41
France
42
Georgia
43
Germany
44
Greece
45
Grenada
46
Guatemala
47
Guyana
48
Honduras
49
Hungary
50
Iceland
51
India
52
Indonesia
53
Ireland
54
Israel
55
Italy
56
Jamaica
57
Japan
58
Kazakhstan
59
Kosovo
60
Kyrgyzstan
61
Latvia
62
Lesotho
63
Liberia
64
Liechtenstein
65
Lithuania
66
Luxembourg
67
Malawi
68
Malta
69
Marshall Islands
70
Mauritius
71
Mexico
72
Monaco
73
Mongolia
74
Montenegro
75
Morocco
76
Namibia
77
Netherlands
78
New Zealand
79
Nicaragua
80
Niue
81
North Macedonia
82
Norway
83
Oman
84
Pakistan
85
Palau
86
Panama
87
Paraguay
88
Peru
89
Philippines
90
Poland
91
Portugal
92
Republic of Korea
93
Republic of Moldova
94
Romania
95
Russian Federation
96
Rwanda
97
Saint Kitts and Nevis
98
Saint Lucia
99
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
100
Samoa
101
San Marino
102
Sao Tome and Principe
103
Saudi Arabia
104
Senegal
105
Serbia
106
Seychelles
107
Singapore
108
Slovakia
109
Slovenia
110
South Africa
111
Spain
112
Suriname
113
Sweden
114
Switzerland
115
Tajikistan
116
Tonga
117
Trinidad and Tobago
118
Tunisia
119
Türkiye
120
Ukraine
121
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, while official opening the 11th symposium edition, said that the global landscape is marked by rapid and profound changes.
He added that the geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainties, technological advancements, and environmental challenges shape today’s reality with far-reaching implications for peace and security globally, regionally, and nationally. These challenges, he said, require strategies, operations, and collaborations.
“The global governance and multilateralism are at a crossroads. Across the globe, multilateralism appears to be in crisis. The very foundations of multilateralism—peace and security, human rights, and development—have been strongly shaken by individualistic, nationalism, and unilateralism tendencies. This exacerbates the decline of the current global order while destroying the very foundation of peace, security, and justice,” Minister Ugirashebuja said.
He added that Human Rights and other global values and aspirations are in jeopardy because of unilateral wars, whether open armed conflicts, trade wars, or cyberwarfare.
Available data shows that approximately 180 conflicts are currently taking place across the globe. These include interstate, intrastate, extra-systemic, non-state conflicts, and one-sided violence. At least 150 conflicts have been recorded each year, recently. In the Sub-Saharan Africa, there were at least 18 states (out of a total of 54) with active armed conflicts by 2021.
“The situation in the East African region is no better than the rest of the other affected parts of the world. Nine of the 22 states or territories were involved in active armed conflict in 2021, with five experiencing ongoing or sharp escalations in large-scale armed violence,” the Minister said.
The concept of peace and, to a large extent, of security, he observed, is not defined within the limits of the absence of violence. Almost all the armed conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa and East Africa, he added, were internationalized due to the involvement of external state actors or the transnational activities of armed groups and criminal networks.
The Minister emphasized that key questions should be posed to understand current global dynamics and how they affect Africa. Thus, issues such as ongoing geopolitical tensions, economic pressures, technological threats, and environmental challenges should be given due consideration in terms of strategic competition among the so-called super powers directly impacts Africa, resource, conflicts in key regions, digital age with both opportunities and risks, climate change and youth radicalization toward violent extremism.
In Africa where approximately 60% of the population is under 25 years old, he observed that understanding the factors driving young people toward extremist groups is crucial.
“Africa’s youth are its greatest asset. Empowering them through education, employment, and civic participation ensures a peaceful future. The critical role each of you plays in safeguarding peace and security on our continent… your dedication, expertise, and leadership are vital in navigating the complex and evolving global dynamics we face today,” Minister Ugirashebuja said.
The 12th intake of the Police Senior Command and Staff Course is attended by 34 students from Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda, the host.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Rafiki Mujiji, the Commandant of NPC, said that the symposium presents a significant opportunity for debate towards collective efforts to foster a safer, more peaceful world, and a more peaceful Africa in particular.
“As we navigate through an era marked by unprecedented global challenges, the need for comprehensive strategies and collaborative efforts to ensure peace and security has never been more critical. Our discussions will explore various aspects of these issues from understanding today’s global peace and security trends, through Africa’s peace and security landscape, to proposed solutions to building a resilient, peaceful, and prosperous Africa,” CP Mujiji said.
{{Panelists}}
During the two-day event, panelists will explore different topics under the theme: “Peace and Security in The Evolving Global Dynamics: Implications for Africa.”
Discussions on the first day focused on two key issues: Global Peace and Security Trends and Africa’s peace and security landscape: Issues and responses.
Panelists reflected on understanding peace and security, international peace and security normative frameworks, and Protection of Civilians in the context of peacekeeping operations; state of conflicts in Africa: Understanding complexities and dynamics; Impact of emerging threats on security systems and practices in Africa; Scope and limits of response mechanisms to security challenges in Africa: A focus on countering terrorism.
Spanning over 20 years of development, Hengdian World Studios is not only a premier filming location but also a top-rated national tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Boasting an impressive array of over ten major scenic areas, including the grandiose Palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties and the historically rich Palace of Emperor Qin, Hengdian World Studios has become synonymous with cinematic excellence.
Hengdian World Studios features over ten major scenic areas, including the Palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Palace of Emperor Qin, Qingming Shanghetu, and the New Yuanmingyuan.
This impressive development earned it the national 5-A tourist attraction rating in 2010, drawing nearly 20 million visitors annually and reaching a total of almost 200 million visitors over the years.
As the largest film shooting base in the world, Hengdian boasts over 100 top-grade (film-level) and secondary-grade (TV-level) studios, alongside more than 2,000 various film and TV shooting scenes. The studios host over 300 film and TV crews each year, with more than 4,000 crews having filmed there in total.
This bustling activity has drawn over 1,500 film and television companies, including industry giants like Daylight Entertainment, iQiyi, Bona Film Group, and New Classics Media. Remarkably, eight of China’s top ten film and television companies have set up operations in Hengdian, making it the area with the highest concentration of leading film and cultural enterprises in China.
Known as the “Oriental Hollywood,” Hengdian World Studios is where two-thirds of China’s films and TV dramas are shot, serving as a crucial “barometer” and “weathervane” of the Chinese film and television industry.
Among its many attractions, the Palace of Emperor Qin stands out as a highlight. Built in 1997 and modeled after the Qin Xianyang No.1 Palace, this majestic site covers approximately 53 hectares with a building area of 110,000 square meters.
The scenic area is designed around a central axis connecting the city gate, central palace gate, and main hall, with symmetrical architecture that includes corner towers, arrow towers, Que towers, watchtowers, long corridors, and cloud ladders.
The Hall of Universal Unity, the centerpiece of the Palace of Emperor Qin, stands 44.8 meters high with a building area of 6,400 square meters. The hall’s grandeur is accentuated by 99 steps leading up to it, symbolizing Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s ambition to unify the six states. This historical and architectural marvel has been the backdrop for many blockbuster films, including Chen Kaige’s “The Emperor and the Assassin,” “Hero,” and “The Forbidden Kingdom.”
The Palace of Emperor Qin is more than just a filming location; it is a comprehensive area that combines film shooting with tourism. Designated shooting areas such as Hanjie and Huayangtai authentically recreate the street scenes and architectural styles of the Qin and Han dynasties. The ancient roads, battle scenes, and buildings of the Yan, Zhao, Qin, and Han cultures are brought to life with meticulous detail.
Over 500 film and television works have been completed here, including notable titles like “A Step into the Past,” “The Emperor Hanwu,” “The Promise,” “Beauty’s Rival in Palace,” “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,” “Swords of Legends,” “Dragon Blade,” “Prince of Lan Ling,” “Legend of Lu Zhen,” “The Legend of Mi Yue,” “The Virtuous Queen of Han,” “The Legend of Qin,” “The Empress of China,” “A Happy Life,” “The Legend of Zu,” “God of War, Zhao Yun,” “Hero in Turbulent Times,” “Chinese Paladin 3,” “The Legend of Haolan,” “The Untamed,” “Joy of Life,” “Sword Dynasty,” and “The Promise of Chang’an.”
The retail price for gasoline decreases by RWF 101, to retail at RWF 1,663 per litre for the next two months, while diesel will retail at RWF 1,652, down from RWF 1,684.
The new pump prices will take effect at 9:00 pm on Wednesday.
{{Global market dynamics
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“These adjustments are based on recent fluctuations in international petroleum product prices,” RURA Director General Rugigana Evariste explained.
New fuel pump prices for the next two months, effective from 05 June 2024, at 9:00PM. pic.twitter.com/jlTHENxOro
Before the last review in April, which saw the retail price of fuel revised upwards, gasoline was priced at RWF 1,637 per litre, and diesel at RWF 1,632 per litre.
Brent crude oil averaged $90 per barrel in April with the conflict between Ukraine and Russia exacerbating the oil market’s instability.
The price of Brent oil per barrel has been fluctuating ever since to retail at $77.1 on Tuesday, May 4, 2024. Further, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude Oil plummeted by 1.5 per cent to retail at $73, down from the $77.3 on Monday.
Last month, the price of Brent oil was around $85 per barrel, while WTI oil prices hit $81 in May.
The Head of State, credited with spearheading various policy and economic transformations in Rwanda, was honoured during his trip to South Korea, where he attended the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit.
“I would like to thank you for the tremendous honour you have bestowed on me and my country with the award of this honorary doctorate,” Kagame stated in his acceptance speech.
“This is my fourth visit to Korea but my first to the Yonsei campus, I wish that our connection had started much earlier,” he added.
In his speech, President Kagame emphasized the importance of public policy in nation-building, especially in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, saying, “The purpose of public policy is to make our citizens safe, united, free, creative, and prosperous, more or less in that order.”
“We inherited a country that was completely broken and devastated physically, financially, and spiritually. Our people were displaced and divided. Establishing security was our first policy objective; without it, nothing else is possible.”
Founded in 1885, Yonsei University is one of the top private Universities in South Korea. The university boasts of 158 research centres.
The South Korean varsity has multiple campuses, with the Sinchon campus in Seoul as its main location. Other locations include the International Campus in Songdo, which opened in 2010, and the Wonju Campus.
During his visit to the university’s campus in Seoul, President Kagame held discussions with Professor Dong-Sup Yoon and faculty members about furthering the partnership and increasing the number of Rwandan students.
{{Korea-Africa summit
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During the Korea-Africa summit that attracted 48 African leaders, President Paul Kagame called for more partnerships between Africa and South Korea, emphasizing that the two regions stand to benefit from each other’s immense resources and potential.
President Kagame said “the moment was long overdue”, praising Korea as a strategic partner for Africa.
“Korea is a global pivotal state and Africa is a pivotal continent. It’s only natural for us to draw closer together in the years ahead for many reasons. First, Korea knows the value of sovereignty and independence as well as the struggle required to achieve accountable and inclusive politics. Those experiences allow us to look at each other eye to eye with mutual respect and admiration,” President Kagame said in his address on Tuesday.
President Kagame noted that Africa has much to learn from Korea’s rapid economic transformation over the past few decades, emphasizing the need to invest in political stability, health, education, and technology.
“Korea’s experience shows that a country can be radically transformed in the course of a generation. Is there any explanation why Africa has not become a high-income continent? Africa can go much faster and there is no better way than focusing on stability, health, education and technology. All of these are possible depending on how we address our security and governance challenges. Africa’s young people need these opportunities. It’s possible,” the Head of State said.
Africa, President Kagame explained, stands to benefit from cutting-edge innovations from Korea to boost advancements in various sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Jinhua comprises two districts, Wucheng and Jindong, four county-level cities, Lanxi, Dongyang, Yiwu, and Yongkang, and three counties, Pujiang, Wuyi, and Pan’an. In 2023, Jinhua’s regional GDP reached an impressive 601.13 billion yuan (more than 80 billion US$), a testament to its robust economic growth.
Renowned for its rich historical and cultural heritage, Jinhua is often referred to as “another hometown of Confucius and Mencius.” The city boasts a 10,000-year-old rice planting civilization and an institution history spanning more than 2,200 years.
Over the centuries, Jinhua has been a cradle for numerous notable figures. Ancient luminaries include writer Song Lian, strategist Zong Ze, Taoist Wong Tai Sin, doctor Zhu Danxi, and musician Li Yu.
In more recent times, the city has produced influential individuals like Chen Wangdao, the first Chinese translator of the Communist Manifesto, historian Wu Han, writer Feng Xuefeng, Chinese painting master Huang Binhong, newspaper publisher Shao Piaoping, musician Shi Guangnan, poet Ai Qing, and scientist Yan Jici. Since China’s reform and opening-up, 1.2 million Jinhua natives have ventured out for development, with over 30,000 high-level talents contributing to the global community.
Strategically located, Jinhua is a central transport hub, essential for connecting various parts of China. The city is the second largest information port in Zhejiang and a national logistics hub for production and trade. With 10 railways and 9 highways, Jinhua and Yiwu stations accommodate 462 high-speed trains daily, directly connecting to 21 provincial capitals. These developments aim to establish Jinhua as a national comprehensive transport hub.
The city’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its green landscapes and clean rivers, earning it the prestigious Dayu Golden Prize for water management. With a forest coverage rate of 61% and Class I drinking water quality, Jinhua is a haven for nature lovers, boasting five national scenic spots and one national 5A tourist area. Prominent attractions include the Double Dragon Cave, the Residence of Lord Shi of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, Hengdian World Studios, and Lanxi Zhuge Bagua Village.
Jinhua is also a powerhouse of industry and commerce, playing a pivotal role in Zhejiang’s private economy. The city is notable for its numerous market entities, with over 1.5 million registered businesses, ranking second in Zhejiang. Jinhua was the first prefecture-level city in the province to surpass one million privately or individually owned businesses.
The city hosts 86 markets with annual turnovers exceeding 100 million RMB (approximately 14 million US$) and four surpassing 10 billion RMB (around 1.4 billion US$). Yiwu China Commodity City, Yongkang China Science and Technology Hardware City, and Dongyang China Woodcarvings City are internationally recognized.
Jinhua’s industrial prowess includes 18-billion-yuan-level industrial clusters in sectors such as automotive, hardware, textiles, and medicine. Remarkably, two out of every three safety doors in China are produced in Jinhua, and one in every three TV dramas is filmed there. The city is also a leader in emerging economic models like cross-border e-commerce and influencer marketing, with its express delivery business consistently ranking first in China.
As a trailblazer in reform and opening-up, Jinhua has implemented over 50 national and provincial pilot reform programs. The Yiwu International Trade Comprehensive Reform Pilot Program, the only one of its kind in China, has set a precedent with its innovative “mart procurement” trade model.
Jinhua has also established several significant zones and clusters, including the Yiwu International Trade Comprehensive Reform Pilot Zone, the National Cross-border E-commerce Pilot Zone, the Jinyi New Area, the Hengdian Film and Television Cultural Industry Cluster, and the Zhejiang Free Trade Zone Jinyi Area.
The city’s three major opening-up channels—the Yiwu-Madrid Railway, the Yiwu-Ningbo-Zhoushan Channel, and cross-border e-commerce—connect Jinhua with 233 countries and regions. The city’s exports exceed 1 billion RMB (over 13 million US$) to 80 of these destinations, making Jinhua a significant player in international trade.
{{Partnership with Rwanda}}
On March 28, Jinhua signed a Sister Cities Agreement with Musanze District in Rwanda’s Northern Province, marking the first such agreement between China and Rwanda and symbolizing a new chapter of friendship and cooperation.
The signing ceremony was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun, Mr. Zhu Chonglie, Secretary of the Jinhua Municipal Committee of the CPC, Nzabonimpa Emmanuel, Executive Secretary of Rwanda’s Northern Province, and Claudien Nsengimana, Mayor of Musanze District.
Ambassador Wang reiterated the embassy’s support for promoting cooperation that benefits both peoples. Mr. Zhu Chonglie expressed Jinhua’s eagerness for better industrial collaboration, closer trade relations, and deeper cultural exchanges with Musanze. Mayor Nsengimana also highlighted that the agreement would enhance mutual understanding and build a brighter future for both cities.
On the same day, Dr. Sylvie Mucyo, Vice Chancellor of Rwanda Polytechnic, and Dr. Zhang Yanping, Vice President of Jinhua Polytechnic, signed a five-year agreement for an exchange program where 30 students from IPRC Musanze will study for two years in Rwanda and one year in China for an Advanced Diploma.
This initiative has already started, with 30 Rwandan students embarking on a year-long study program in China to delve into e-commerce and electrical automation vocational skills at Jinhua Polytechnic in Zhejiang Province.
This agreement follows a longstanding partnership between IPRC Musanze and Jinhua Polytechnic, spanning more than a decade. Notable achievements include the inauguration of the Rwanda Luban Workshop last November, which enhances technical and vocational education training (TVET) in Rwanda. The workshop features a laboratory equipped with new technologies, including robots, to train students.
So far, the partnership has recruited 210 students and conducted “Chinese language plus vocational skills” training for nearly 10,000 people, providing vital support for Chinese-funded enterprises in Rwanda and improving the employability of Rwandan youths. Both China and Rwanda attach great importance to TVET due to its role in human resource development and national transformation.
At the workshop launch, Ambassador Wang said the 10 years of collaboration between Rwanda Polytechnic and Jinhua Polytechnic “reflects the deep friendship between Chinese and Rwandan people, and more importantly, shows what we can achieve through working together.”
Since 2018, IPRC Musanze has graduated over 1,700 students and offers courses in irrigation and drainage technology, construction technology, highway engineering, e-commerce, and information technology. Student enrollment has grown from 171 in 2014 to over 1,800 currently.
{{Photos: Théophile Niyitegeka / Zhejiang, China }}
These remarks were part of a message President Museveni delivered to attendees at a ceremony and prayers in memory of Uganda’s martyrs. This annual event is held in Namugongo, where the martyrs were burned alive.
Museveni emphasized that Christianity upholds good values that strengthen the family both in Uganda and worldwide.
He urged the youth of Uganda and Africa in general to invest their time in activities that build their lives, rather than wasting it on European pursuits.
He said, “You young people, you spend a lot of your time watching European football, and you are not concerned with what is happening in Africa. You cannot comprehend how African youth have been misled. You cannot understand them talking about African unity that Mwalimu Nyerere fought for and we continue to fight for.”
He continued to sternly warn those who seek to promote homosexual beliefs in Uganda.
He stated, “Today, Uganda is the land of martyrs because of their faith. Those outsiders talking about homosexuality do not know that Uganda is a land where people chose to die for their beliefs. If you want to play, you can do so, but you will not enjoy the consequences.”
Museveni’s statement comes after some foreign countries began imposing sanctions on his country due to the law Uganda passed that penalizes homosexuality.
This law stipulates that it is prohibited to promote or support homosexual groups and their activities, and that acts of homosexuality should be punishable by life imprisonment.
Speaking during the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul on Tuesday, June 4, President Kagame said “the moment was long overdue”, praising Korea as a strategic partner for Africa.
“Korea is a global pivotal state and Africa is a pivotal continent. It’s only natural for us to draw closer together in the years ahead for many reasons. First, Korea knows the value of sovereignty and independence as well as the struggle required to achieve accountable and inclusive politics. Those experiences allow us to look at each other eye to eye with mutual respect and admiration,” President Kagame said in his address.
President Kagame noted that Africa has much to learn from Korea’s rapid economic transformation over the past few decades, emphasizing the need to invest in political stability, health, education, and technology.
“Korea’s experience shows that a country can be radically transformed in the course of a generation. Is there any explanation why Africa has not become a high-income continent? Africa can go much faster and there is no better way than focusing on stability, health, education and technology. All of these are possible depending on how we address our security and governance challenges. Africa’s young people need these opportunities. It’s possible,” the Head of State said.
Africa, President Kagame explained, stands to benefit from cutting-edge innovations from Korea to boost advancements in various sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“Partnerships with Korea have focused on the cutting edge of innovation, helping bring the latest technologies to Rwanda and Africa more quickly. This summit serves to remind us that even more can be done. From artificial intelligence and robotics to small model nuclear reactors to driving the energy transition with critical raw materials, Africa and Korea should be working side by side.”
He insisted that Africa, on the other hand, has much to offer in its partnerships with Korea, especially in ongoing efforts to create a single continental market for goods and services in Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Notably, by taking advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) connecting with Africa, particularly with our very capable young people will pay dividends for decades to come. Africa will be a central driver of global trade before too long so long as we don’t take our future for granted. We have to keep on the path of partnerships such as these one between Africa and Korea. In doing so we may also enhance our cooperation on other matters of mature concern in the global arena.”
During the summit attended by 48 African leaders, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged to expand development aid to Africa and pursue deeper cooperation with the region on critical minerals and technology.
Yoon said South Korea plans to expand its cumulative development aid contributions to Africa to around $10 billion by 2030 and separately provide $14 billion in export financing to encourage South Korean investment in the region.
The graduation ceremony, held at Intare Conference Arena in Gasabo District on Friday, was attended by various dignitaries, including government officials, university representatives, university administrators and parents.
Among the graduates, 388 completed their Master’s degrees, while others graduated with Bachelor’s degrees and PGDE
The graduates included 103 in Education, 595 in Business and Economics, 257 in Computer Science and Technology, and 85 in Law.
Prof. Nshuti Manasseh, one of the university’s founders, stated that the university was established with the goal of offering high-quality education by instructing required courses, particularly because it had become apparent that there was a void in this industry.
He added that the quality has increased, as those who started it had received extensive and complete education themselves, which has continued to guide its excellence.
“At that time, there was confusion in the universities due to various reasons. That’s when we decided to bring in education suitable for Rwandans, providing necessary courses for the job market, but also giving students practical lessons.”
Prof. Nshuti reminded the students that Rwandans expect results from their studies, to improve themselves, represent their university well, and contribute to the country’s development.
“For both graduates and current students, learning is a journey. Learning never ends; as you progress, knowledge evolves. Because an educated person strives to increase their knowledge, reaching a level where the country relies on your ideas as an intellectual, strive for that honour.”
Fanny Umunyana, who excelled in Business, Economics, and Finance, expressed confidence in the comprehensive knowledge she received, stating that she would use it to tackle challenges in her field.
She said, “I got the knowledge I wanted, and God helped me to be among the top. It requires nothing but setting goals, avoiding distractions, listening to teachers, and seeking knowledge beyond the classroom. There is no other secret. By collaborating with others, the knowledge I have is a resource that will help me achieve my goals.”
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kigali, Prof. Danson Musyoki, noted that despite various challenges during these times, the values of unity, inclusivity, determination, perseverance, and striving to achieve goals instilled in these students will help them continue to progress in whatever they undertake.
“I urge you, even after graduating, to maintain the values of resilience, determination, and inclusivity, collaborating with others in different sectors. Let all these be guided by the pursuit of success in the areas you engage in. Continue striving to ensure that your future is marked by the values you acquired at the University of Kigali.”
The Vice-Chancellor assured parents that their children received education of international standards, thanking them for their cooperation throughout this period. He also thanked the university staff for their dedicated efforts, ensuring students received up-to-date knowledge.
Among the 1,428 graduates from the University of Kigali, there were 769 female and 659 male students. Prof. Musyoki highlighted that these numbers reflect how the university provides equal opportunities for everyone to access quality education.
