The legislation, approved by Iraq’s parliament on Saturday, claims to “safeguard Iraqi society against moral corruption and the widespread advocacy of homosexuality.”
Titled the Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality, it aims to maintain the Islamic nation’s religious values by making same-sex relationships illegal in Iraq, with penalties ranging from 10 to 15 years in prison.
The statute also penalizes those who “promote” homosexuality or prostitution with a minimum of seven years in prison. Initially, the bill included a death penalty for same-sex acts, but this was omitted following an amendment due to significant pressure from the United States and European countries.
Furthermore, the law mandates a prison term of one to three years for anyone who alters their “biological gender” or adopts effeminate attire.
The legislation received strong backing from conservative Shia Muslim factions that lead the largest coalition in the Iraqi parliament, although it faced severe criticism from the international community and human rights organizations.
The US State Department expressed concerns, stating, “This amendment endangers the most vulnerable in Iraqi society. It could restrict free speech and expression and hinder the activities of NGOs throughout Iraq.”
Rasha Younes, the deputy director of the LGBT+ rights program at Human Rights Watch, remarked: “The passage of this anti-LGBT law by the Iraqi parliament confirms Iraq’s dreadful record of rights abuses against LGBT individuals and represents a significant setback to fundamental human rights.”
Previously, Iraq was one of the few Islamic countries that had not explicitly outlawed gay sex, though vague moral provisions in its penal code were still used to target LGBT+ individuals.
Violence against community members, including killings by armed groups and individuals, has also occurred.
According to Our World in Data, over 60 countries worldwide criminalize gay sex.
The initiative was announced during a signing ceremony in Washington at the World Bank’s Spring Meetings and is expected to provide a boost to businesses with high-potential but limited by a lack of finance.
The investment seeks to address the critical lack of foreign currency in the region by providing trade finance liquidity to Citi’s extensive network of commercial banks, enabling financial institutions to increasingly support African businesses with imports of key commodities such as wheat, fertiliser, rice and sugar.
The BII and Citi facility will help local businesses in underserved markets to finance the import of economically productive goods, transport, essential equipment and machinery supporting the emergence of manufacturing industries in frontier and emerging economies, including Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
The funding comes as local businesses struggle to secure key imports due to challenges precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, which have led to high inflation, rising interest rates and an increase in commodity prices.
As a result, the trade finance gap in Africa has increased by approximately a third since the onset of the pandemic, climbing from $81 billion in 2019 to $120 billion in 2023.
BII has supported businesses in Africa since 1948 and Citi opened its first office in the continent in 1920. The new facility leverages their combined expertise and will potentially deepen Citi’s relationships with over 200 local banks who in turn can empower ambitious companies facing severe funding constraints in harder-to-reach markets.
Commenting on the development; the UK’s Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said: “This investment underlines BII’s commitment to supporting fragile economies across Africa in accessing vital goods to support food production, including fertiliser and agricultural machinery. By investing in countries where support is most needed, BII continues to take a lead in the fight against food insecurity.”
Nick O’Donohoe, CEO, British International Investment highlighted that this investment with Citi deepens BII’s footprint across the continent and supports local businesses struggling to maintain and expand operations due to a lack of capital.
“The facility is testament to our commitment to tackle complex issues such as food security in Africa by extending liquidity solutions to strategic sectors. This empowers local businesses to strengthen supply chains and accelerate the flow of essential trade,” he noted.
Stephanie von Friedeburg, Head of DFI Strategic Partnerships, reiterated Citi’s commitment to work with BII in seeking to strengthen trade, and food security in frontier and emerging African economies.
“Today’s announcement brings together BII’s long history of support in the region, with Citi’s unique cross-border vantage point. At Citi, we understand the transformative potential of global trade and are committed to bringing solutions that facilitate critical investments to enable economic growth,” she stated.
This investment contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2 and 8, No Poverty, Zero Hunger, and Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Rwandan government deputy spokesperson Alain Mukuralinda told The Guardian that the authorities are ready to receive the asylum seekers ahead of the first flights scheduled to depart for Rwanda in about 12 weeks, as announced by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week.
“We are ready, and even if asylum seekers arrive here tomorrow, we shall receive them and accommodate them,” Mukuralinda said.
The two governments have made arrangements to host the migrants at city facilities, including Hope Hostel, which is located about 20 kilometres from the airport.
The hostel manager, Ismael Bakina, told the UK publication that plans are underway to accommodate the individuals and ensure their comfort throughout their stay. This includes giving them an orientation that will help them familiarize themselves with the country and its people.
At the well-maintained and elegant hostel, the migrants will be allowed to engage in extracurricular activities, including football and basketball games.
“We have designated even smoking places,” Bakina revealed, adding, “We shall offer them internet services.”
The migrants will enjoy three meals a day and have the freedom to walk to the city at will.
“This is not a prison or detention center. The migrants will go everywhere they want to go, including visiting the city center,” Bakina said.
The government will use the first three months to process the migrants’ documents before taking them to live in permanent houses alongside Rwandans.
The authorities will also cover their expenses for at least five years, during which they are expected to start looking after themselves. During this period, those who are educated will be encouraged to apply for jobs to earn a living and contribute to nation-building.
Mukuralinda further noted that the migrants’ safety is guaranteed. He insisted that those who were claiming that Rwanda was not safe had been proved wrong after the UK government finally approved the scheme last week.
Meanwhile, the UK government is expected to start detaining migrants arriving in the UK through irregular routes in the coming weeks ahead of their removal to Rwanda.
The Guardian reports that officials plan to hold up asylum seekers who turn up for routine meetings at immigration service offices. They will also pick people up nationwide in a major two-week exercise.
The migrants would then be transferred to detention centers awaiting their removal to Kigali.
The Rwanda migration plan is part of the UK government’s strategy to deter people from arriving in the UK via small boats across the English Channel.
The UK signed the deal with the Rwandan government in 2022, but the plans were delayed due to protracted legal tussles and parliamentary ping-pong.
The UK plans to offer failed asylum seekers up to £3,000 (RWF 4,866,727) to move to Rwanda under the new voluntary scheme.
Speaking on Sunday, April 28, during the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Rwandan Head of State called out what he described as hypocrisy in efforts by some players to solve problems facing developing countries in the Global South.
“The divide is there. Let us not be vague about it. For example, if you look at it from the perspective of global shocks that we talk about, all countries in the world are affected. Of course, some are affected more than others. But that is a reminder that we need to look at the inclusiveness and collaborations that bring different entities of the world together.
“For that, we must be able to call out hypocrisy whenever we see it. We keep talking about the North and South divide, but we don’t find quick solutions to that, yet we can,” President Kagame stated.
At the same time, President Kagame challenged African leaders to overcome the victim mentality, stating that the continent has what it takes to thrive and narrow the divide between the global North and South.
“In this case, I am going to argue for our continent, Africa. Africa has the fastest-growing middle class. In the not-too-distant future, it will be the only place with a growing middle class. How can you forget that this is a very important place in our world?”
“To narrow the divide, the rest of the world has to see that this is an important place to invest in and to invest with. Secondly, it’s for Africa itself to avoid any victim mentality and start raising ourselves to the levels where we should be, and in fact, where we are — a very important geographical part of our world with a lot of resources. It’s not just natural resources but also the people,” he stated.
He maintained that developed countries must recognise Africa as an important player in global affairs including politics and economy
“As much as you may find problems here and there, Africa is coming together. Africa is moving forward. Different countries have decent or impressive growth of the economy. This can’t be coming from nothing but the good efforts that Africans are putting in place.
“Therefore, it’s important that the rest of the world looks at Africa as an important entity in global affairs be it politics or economy,” President Kagame stated.
On her part, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva called for increased collaborations to increase the distribution of resources to underdeveloped countries and marginalised groups.
“Over the last 100 years, despite a huge second world war and despite the cold war that followed, we as humanity have achieved so much. Life expectancy almost doubled, income per capita has increased eight times, with the population almost tripling. The question is: how did we do it? We did it with technology and we did it with capital accumulation, and then deployment of capital to generate that wealth.
“Where did we fail? And we have to be honest and admit it. In a world of plenty, we still have almost 800 million people who are hungry. We failed to more inclusively share the benefits of this growth. I look forward, I am optimistic, and I think in 100 years we can achieve the same degree of wealth but with much better distribution of the benefits of growth. May we have the will to work together to achieve that,” the IMF boss stated.
Speaking on Sunday, April 28, during the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Rwandan Head of State said there is a need to recognize efforts Africans have put in place in the huge economic strides the continent continues to make.
“As much as you may find problems here and there, Africa is coming together. Africa is moving forward. Different countries have decent or impressive growth of the economy. This can’t be coming from nothing but the good efforts that Africans are putting in place.
“Therefore, it’s important that the rest of the world looks at Africa as an important entity in global affairs be it politics or economy,” President Kagame stated.
President Kagame further lauded gains made by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying that its full implementation will significantly boost intra-Africa trade.
“We have developed the African Continental Free Trade Area – in fact, the biggest in the world. What we are trying to do now is to make sure that it becomes real. The obstacles that are there for the African continent to come together are being removed, but it takes time and effort. However, there is progress,” he added.
Reflecting on Rwanda’s economic growth over the last 30 years, after the country was derailed by the Genocide against the Tutsi, President Kagame said the country’s gains should provide optimism to the rest of the world.
“So, growth that we continue to realize is driven by what we are trying to do within the country itself, with all those constraints, but also what we can do with sub-regions we find ourselves in or cooperating with. But everything adds to the optimism we are talking about. Looking at where Rwanda has come from and where it is now should actually add to the optimism that people should have, looking at even wider where the world is coming from and where it is going,” President Kagame said.
He noted that Rwanda had managed to rise from the ashes of the 1994 Genocide against The Tutsi through sound investments in the people, technology and collaborations with various stakeholders in Africa and beyond.
“We have invested in education, health, and, above all, technology, which has been a focus for us and integrating it into education and health services. For the health service, for example, we have made use of technology like drones which are delivering health services to rural hospitals,” he added.
“Rwanda has also not been left behind in adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI). We have invested in it as well as agriculture. The question for us has been, how do we achieve food self-sufficiency and take it to the integrated continent?”
He noted that accountability and good governance had also contributed to Rwanda’s growth.
“Rwanda has come from the dead 30 years ago and we are now alive and thriving. It’s the investment in our people. Accountability and governance that we bring into play that we share with the rest of the continent,” President Kagame added.
The discussions also featured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and Lazard Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Orszag.
Georgieva called for increased collaborations to increase the distribution of resources to underdeveloped countries and marginalised groups.
“Over the last 100 years, despite a huge second world war and despite the cold war that followed, we as humanity have achieved so much. Life expectancy almost doubled, income per capita has increased eight times, with the population almost tripling. The question is: how did we do it? We did it with technology and we did it with capital accumulation, and then deployment of capital to generate that wealth.
“Where did we fail? And we have to be honest and admit it. In a world of plenty, we still have almost 800 million people who are hungry. We failed to more inclusively share the benefits of this growth. I look forward, I am optimistic, and I think in 100 years we can achieve the same degree of wealth but with much better distribution of the benefits of growth. May we have the will to work together to achieve that,” the IMF boss stated.
Amb. Shyaka addressed this critical issue during the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, which took place at the Jewish History Museum in Warsaw, Poland, on April 26, 2024.
The commemoration was attended by members of the Rwandan community in Poland, primarily students from various universities, along with Polish government dignitaries, including ministers, senators, presidential advisors, diplomats stationed in Warsaw, defense attaches from various embassies, and investors engaged with Rwanda.
In his speech, Amb. Prof. Shyaka acknowledged the efforts of some countries in prosecuting genocide suspects but noted that many still find sanctuary in parts of Europe and America. He remarked, “There are still over 1,000 indictments and arrest warrants for suspects of the genocide against the Tutsi… Most of these suspects are located in major cities across Europe, America, and Africa. Fortunately, none are currently in Poland.”
He called on all nations currently harboring these individuals to take action by investigating, arresting, or extraditing them to Rwanda. Amb. Shyaka also pointed out that the Genocide against the Tutsi was enabled by the then-prevalent genocidal ideology among the leadership. He contrasted this with the current era, where positive politics and policies are fostering Rwanda’s growth, peace, security, and unity.
Furthermore, Amb. Shyaka expressed optimism about Rwanda’s future, emphasizing the young demographic (75% under the age of 35), many of whom have no direct memory of the genocide, with others not yet born at the time.
He described the youth as the custodians of Rwanda’s future and the cornerstone of its unity, stressing the continuous need to safeguard and nurture this unity.
The ambassador extended gratitude to countries that have adopted international treaties aimed at preventing and punishing genocide, integrating these treaties into their national legislation.
The 30th commemoration event comes two and a half years after Rwanda opened its embassy in Poland and follows a three-day visit to Rwanda by Polish President Andrzej Duda in February 2024.
Rwanda and Poland continue to strengthen their cooperation in education, technology, politics, investment, and other areas. The commemoration of Genocide against the Tutsi began on April 7, 2024, and will last for 100 days.
The annual commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi commenced on April 7, 2024, and will continue for 100 days.
The leaders met on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum special meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
President Kagame arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday evening and is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion themed “A New Vision for Global Development”, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia.
Georgieva will also participate in the discussions alongside Lazard Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Orszag.
Rwanda became the first African country to benefit from $319 million in funding from the IMF in December 2022 under the Resilience and Sustainability Trust to fund key climate change initiatives.
RSF was created in 2022 to help low-income and vulnerable middle-income IMF members address longer-term structural challenges such as climate change with longer-term, low-cost financing.
At the time, the RMF Executive Board also approved a new 36-month Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) to support Rwanda’s economic policy and reform agenda designed to maintain macroeconomic stability and foster more inclusive growth.
“The new PCI will continue to support Rwanda’s macroeconomic policies and reforms, with a greater emphasis on policies to ensure macroeconomic stability and reforms to mitigate pandemic scars and to build socioeconomic resilience to shocks and insure against downside risks,” the Board said in a statement after the approval of Rwanda’s financing request.
Georgieva visited the East African country a month after the Board’s decision, where she had discussions with green entrepreneurs as well as young environmentalists on their efforts to address climate change-related challenges.
“I came away impressed by the dynamism and creativity of Rwandan youth advocating for climate action and environmental conservation, and entrepreneurs using their ingenuity to bring climate-friendly solutions for a greener tomorrow,” Georgieva said after her three-day visit to Rwanda.
Georgieva also participated in a round table discussion with Rwanda’s senior government officials on climate financing and ongoing climate mitigation and green projects.
“I was glad to have the opportunity to exchange views with policymakers from the region on the multi-faceted challenges they face on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic fallout from the war in Ukraine, the cost-of-living crisis and climate change. We also discussed how the IMF could help them better address these challenges,” she added.
Constructed between 1406 and 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, the Forbidden City functioned as the imperial palace for over five centuries, serving 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
The construction was a monumental endeavor, taking 14 years to complete. The palace complex covers an area of 720,000 square meters (about 180 acres), with a construction area of 150,000 square meters, consisting of 980 surviving buildings with over 70 halls and palaces. It is the largest palace and wooden structure complex in the world.
The architectural brilliance is showcased through its symmetrical design and vibrant hues, emblematic of traditional Chinese architecture. The complex is divided into two primary areas: the Outer Court, which includes three grand halls used for ceremonies, and the Inner Court, for the emperor and his family.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony, the centerpiece, historically used for significant state ceremonies and imperial coronations, is flanked by the Hall of Central Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, which hosted preparations for significant events and various imperial activities, including banquets and examinations.
The Palace Museum today houses an impressive collection of over 1.8 million cultural artifacts, including paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, and imperial treasures.
The collection of imperial robes and accessories is particularly renowned, offering a window into the imperial court’s splendor through intricate embroidery and symbols of power.
These artifacts, along with an extensive collection of ancient books, manuscripts, and historical documents, provide invaluable insights into China’s storied past.
The design principles of the Forbidden City, deeply rooted in the ancient Chinese concepts of yin and yang, feng shui, and symbolic motifs like dragons and phoenixes, reflect the cultural importance of balance, harmony, and auspiciousness.
Efforts to preserve this iconic heritage site include extensive restoration projects and international collaborations, facilitating cultural exchanges and exhibitions with museums worldwide. Daily visits by an average of 40,000 people underscore the Forbidden City’s role as a bridge to the rich cultural diversity and historical significance of ancient China, further cementing its status as a remarkable United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.
{{Why was it called the Forbidden City?}}
In ancient times, the Chinese, diligent observers of the heavens, meticulously charted the skies and identified constellations and celestial bodies, finding patterns and meanings in the vast expanse above them.
They discovered a particularly luminous star—the Pole Star—which they believed marked the center of the sky. This central position led them to conceive of it as the heavenly abode of an emperor, a divine counterpart to their earthly sovereign.
Surrounding the Pole Star, they identified constellations of stars which they interpreted as the celestial court of this emperor.
This area was designated the “Purple Palace,” a name derived from the color purple, which in Chinese culture symbolizes auspice, honor, and the highest status. The Pole Star itself was sometimes referred to as the “Purple Star,” further emphasizing its supreme importance.
The ancient Chinese held a belief in the harmonious alignment of heaven, earth, and humanity. Just as there existed a Purple Palace in the celestial realm, they reasoned that a corresponding palace should exist on earth.
This led to the construction of a grand imperial residence at the heart of Beijing, which was seen as the terrestrial counterpart to the central point of heaven.
Thus, the imperial palace on earth was also named the “Purple Palace,” though it is more commonly known in English as the Forbidden City.
The term “forbidden” in its name stems from the stringent restrictions placed on entry to the palace. Only the emperor, his family, and selected dignitaries were permitted within its walls.
The common people and lower-ranking officials were strictly barred from entering without permission from emperors, a rule that reinforced the sacred and exclusive nature of the site.
The emperors of the time, considering themselves the sons of the Jade Emperor—the supreme deity in Chinese mythology—proclaimed their divine right to rule, further justifying the palace’s exalted and restrictive status.
{{Photos: Théophile Niyitegeka / Beijing, China }}
The closing of the 12th intake, which lasted for six-month, was presided over by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Felix Namuhoranye. It was also attended by the Director General of CAR National Police, Controller-General, Bienvenu Zokoue.
The highly demanding course equips trainees with the required skills to confront contemporary security challenges especially in counter terrorism operations, VIP protection, quick reaction, and related timely intervention.
IGP Namuhoranye commended course participants for the discipline and determination that guided them to successfully complete the training.
He also thanked the CAR officers for the courage and right attitude to train and create good rapport with their fellow trainees.
“This kind of joint training is a true indicator of our continuous willingness to working together and building brotherly relations between CAR and Rwanda. This has only been possible thanks to the guidance and strong foundation set by leadership of our two countries,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
He pledged further sustainable and productive collaboration between Rwanda and CAR law enforcement agencies.
Gen. Zokoue appreciated the good relations between Rwanda and CAR as well as good collaboration between enforcement agencies in the two countries.
“The good cooperation between our two countries paved way for our 33 officers to be trained here to attain the required skills especially against terrorism, to ensure security,” Gen. Zokoue said.
He particularly reminded the CAR trainees of their duty to extend the acquired knowledge and skills to their colleagues back home, and to protect the people of CAR and their property against any security threats.
The event began with a visit to the memorial on April 25, 2024, followed by discussions at the offices of Akagera Business Group and Toyota Rwanda in Karuruma, Jali Sector, Gasabo District. The discussions focused on the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Faustin Mafeza, a researcher at the Ministry of Unity of Rwandans and Civic Engagement (Minubumwe), spoke about how the genocide against the Tutsi was not unexpected, as there had been a history of hate speech that dehumanized the Tutsi. He highlighted some of the ideologues of the genocide, including Joseph Gitera Habyarimana.
He said, “This Joseph Gitera Habyarimana spread the ideology of hatred against the Tutsi through the 18 Hutu commandments, which he concocted and announced during his party’s meetings in Butare on the date I mentioned, September 27, 1959.”
Nicole Mudenge, who survived the genocide and is the child of a former employee of ‘La Rwandaise’ commemorated today, reinforced that the Tutsi had been subjected to brutal acts even before the 1994 genocide. Mudenge, who was 10 years old during the genocide, shared how teachers did not hesitate to humiliate Tutsi children in front of their peers who were yet to understand ethnic divisions.
“I was in elementary school, I remember a teacher named Noëlle, who was my neighbor but also taught me at school. I don’t remember what lesson we were on, but I remember she called me out to the front of the class alone, not knowing why she had called me.”
“She put me in front of the students, I was wearing a blue dress the kind of uniform students wore back then, which had a belt. She tightened the belt around my stomach until it hurt, then told all the other students to look at me, saying, ‘this is what Tutsi children look like’.”
Solange Mukanizeyimana, the secretary of IBUKA in Gasabo District, who attended the event, noted that those who were not present during the planning and execution of the Genocide against the Tutsi might perceive it as distant history or an exaggerated story, possibly doubting its occurrence. However, the survivors are witnesses to its reality because they lived through those events.
Senthil Ganesh Shanbagamoorthy, the Managing Director of Akagera Business Group, emphasized that considering the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the world has a duty to teach young people to grow up with love and respect for fellow human being, avoid discrimination in all forms, and to ensure that such atrocities do not occur anywhere, again. He lauded and was extremely proud of the immeasurable efforts that the nation have put in to reconcile such a painful past, to make the glorious Rwanda that it stands today! Hats off.
