John Ntirushwamaboko, her husband, confirmed to IGIHE that Mukaruliza’s illness was sudden and brief.
“The tragic event occurred today, roughly two hours ago. She was under medical care in Brussels for approximately two weeks,” he stated.
In early March, President Paul Kagame appointed her as Ambassador at Large with a focus on regional integration efforts within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Prior to this role, she served as an Advisor within the same ministry.
Amb. Mukaruliza’s most notable tenure was as Rwanda’s first Minister to the East African Community (EAC), a position she held from 2008 until February 25, 2013.
Her leadership significantly contributed to Rwanda’s diplomatic and regional integration initiatives.
Between 2016 and 2017, she led the City of Kigali as Mayor, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s development and governance.
Her diplomatic career also included serving as the Rwandan Ambassador to Zambia and Malawi, roles she assumed after her mayoral tenure in Kigali.
Furthermore, from 2006 to 2007, she was the acting representative of the African Union in Sudan and previously the deputy head of the African Union mission in Sudan from 2004 to 2006.
Amb. Mukaruliza was not only a seasoned diplomat but also a skilled financial expert. She played a crucial role in establishing the Rwanda Revenue Authority, where she served as Commissioner of Internal Audit and later Commissioner of Domestic Taxes.
Her financial expertise also extended to the Bank of Kigali, where she worked as an auditor, and to the SOS Children’s Villages International-Rwanda, where she was the Chief Financial Officer.
Amb. Mukaruliza’s contributions to Rwanda’s diplomatic, financial, and governance sectors have left an indelible mark on the nation, and she will be remembered for her dedication, expertise, and leadership.
He announced that he obtained this information from various documents and also from his personal observations while he was leading a United Nations team tasked with investigating the Genocide against the Tutsis.
During a conference held in Brussels, Belgium, on March 29, 2024, focusing on the planning of the Genocide, Galand explained that the World Bank and European banks provided financial support to the government of Juvénal Habyarimana for purchasing weapons in 1990.
This annual conference was organized by the Socialist Party and the IBUKA organization, which advocates for the interests of the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Attendees included Rwandans living in Europe, university professors, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
As explained by the BBC, the researcher stated, “Approximately one billion US dollars from the World Bank’s mission in Rwanda was given to the Rwandan government in the early 1990s to purchase weapons used during the Genocide.”
Galand highlighted that this support was significant because, since 1990, the military was allocated 50% of the country’s total budget, which significantly strengthened it before 1994.
Since the Rwandan government at that time was under an arms embargo, Galand explained that the World Bank and the IMF chose to channel this support through BNP Paribas Bank in France and Lambert Bank in Belgium.
He said, “BNP Paribas Bank in France and Lambert Bank in Belgium were the channels used for the money to buy weapons used in the Genocide because Rwanda was under an embargo on purchasing weapons, and it’s no secret because we have the documents to prove it.”
Regarding BNP Paribas, Galand explained that the documents showing its involvement are being used to sue it in court to compensate the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Genocide against the Tutsi was perpetrated by soldiers, the Interahamwe militia, and politicians. From April 7 to July 4, 1994, it claimed the lives of over one million people.
It was announced that 61-year-old Sir Jeffrey and another 57-year-old woman, whose identity was not disclosed, were arrested on Thursday and interrogated about the crimes the man is accused of and the woman is alleged to have assisted him with.
The country’s police announced that Sir Jeffrey and the woman will be brought to court next month to face the charges against them. However, the man stated that he does not accept the accusations against him and will continue to vehemently deny them.
The DUP’s leadership announced that “The Leader has received a letter from Sir Jeffrey Donaldson confirming that he is being pursued for alleged crimes he committed in the past, stating that he resigns from his position as the leader of the DUP party immediately.”
“As per the party’s regulations, the leadership has stripped Donaldson of his membership pending the outcome of the trial, appointing Gavin Robinson as the interim leader.”
Robinson, who succeeded Donaldson as the party’s leader, expressed his shock at the allegations against Donaldson.
“It was very surprising, not just for me but also for my colleagues in the DUP, and indeed across all of Northern Ireland. We are a party that believes in our justice system, and we hope that in the coming days and months, no one will try to behave in a manner that could hinder the ongoing investigation.”
Speaking at a press conference held on 29th March in Beijing, under the theme “Promoting High-Quality Development,” Mr. Wang Weizhong, the Governor of Guangdong, shed light on the province’s strategic advancements and future prospects.
As he explained, Guangdong’s journey towards high-quality development is deeply rooted in the directives of CPC’s General Secretary and President of China, Xi Jinping, emphasizing the province’s pioneering role in reform and development.
The guiding principle, as outlined by the General Secretary, is for Guangdong to lead in constructing a new development pattern, focusing on high-quality development as its core task.
This vision was encapsulated in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s development, aiming to serve as a strategic support point and a demonstration area for high-quality development and Chinese-style modernization.
Governor Wang Weizhong detailed the “1310” strategic deployment, aiming to anchor Guangdong’s leadership role in development through reform, opening up, and innovation, while making breakthroughs in ten key areas. This strategic approach has been pivotal in seizing opportunities brought forth by technological revolutions and industrial transformations, setting a blueprint for “recreating a new Guangdong.”
Guangdong’s economic milestones are impressive, with a GDP reaching 13.57 trillion yuan (over 2.5 trillion US$), maintaining its position as China’s leading economic province for 35 consecutive years. This economic prowess is coupled with significant efforts in expanding investment, promoting consumption, and stabilizing foreign trade to achieve a targeted economic growth of 5% in 2024.
The construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area marks a significant stride towards deepening reforms and opening up, creating a synergistic effect across the region. This initiative is bolstered by major infrastructural developments and the collaborative efforts with Hong Kong and Macao to position the Bay Area as a world-class economic hub.
Innovation and the cultivation of new productive forces are at the heart of Guangdong’s strategy for high-quality development. With leading positions in industrial enterprises, high-tech firms, and intellectual property rights, Guangdong is steadfast in its commitment to the real economy and manufacturing, aiming to develop new trillion-level industrial clusters.
Moreover, the province’s dedication to ecological sustainability and the well-being of its residents underscores the holistic approach to development. Efforts in ecological construction and improving people’s livelihoods through the “Ten Major Projects for People’s Livelihood” exemplify the province’s commitment to a green and equitable development path.
The province’s journey is a blueprint for others, showcasing the possibilities of sustainable development in the 21st century. With its eyes set on the future, Guangdong welcomes the world to witness its transformation, inviting global audiences to explore the charm and vibrancy of a region at the forefront of China’s march towards modernization.
Chronic exposure to air pollution, especially in educational settings, has been associated with a range of negative health outcomes such as increased respiratory issues, diminished lung function, more frequent school absences, and decreased cognitive abilities.
In response to these challenges, Egide Kalisa, an Assistant Professor at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, initiated an innovative air pollution education campaign in Rwandan schools, dubbed #HumekaNeza (Breathe Easy).
In 2023, Prof. Kalisa’s research, which was published in a peer-reviewed journal, revealed that air pollutant levels during school drop-off hours were more than double those during off-peak times. This underscored the significant impact of vehicle emissions on school premises in Rwanda.
Building on this finding, Prof. Kalisa launched an educational initiative aimed at raising awareness about air pollution among school children. The campaign includes discussions about the science of air pollution, anti-idling efforts, and the introduction of an Air Quality Flag Program. This program employs low-cost sensors and colorful flags to inform school communities about the current air quality, both outdoors and indoors.
Prof. Kalisa’s approach involves interactive workshops that empower children to use air quality sensors and monitors, enabling them to collect and analyze data firsthand. This hands-on experience not only enriches their STEM education but also personalizes their understanding of air pollution. The initiative seeks to heighten students’ awareness and motivate them to minimize their exposure to air pollution, particularly around cooking activities.
Moreover, Prof. Kalisa has taken several measures to assess and improve the air quality in schools. These measures include the installation of air pollution monitors, the use of air purifiers in classrooms, the planting of trees (allocating one tree per student), and advice on optimal times for outdoor play and choosing cleaner routes to school.
The campaign kicked off at Kigali Parents School and Dove International Montessori School in Kigali. Students were educated on air pollution monitoring, launching anti-idling campaigns, and managing air quality flags based on real-time pollution data. They also expressed their understanding and concerns about air pollution through art, creating posters that encourage mitigation efforts and positioning themselves as change agents.
As the campaign concluded, the participating students penned letters to their parents, urging them to join the fight against air pollution. They suggested practical steps such as avoiding car idling, considering electric vehicles, and monitoring air quality at home.
Prof. Kalisa’s efforts were recognized when he received the Most Outstanding Research Contribution Award from the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST), acknowledging his work in addressing national societal challenges. His campaign is a part of the “HELTH” research group, which focuses on the nexus of human health, environmental quality, transportation, urbanization, and the use of citizen science to bolster air quality policies in sub-Saharan Africa and Canada.
A pivotal moment in this ongoing revolution was recently witnessed by a group of African journalists in Beijing, who were given an exclusive opportunity to delve into the advancements spearheaded by Baidu, Inc. a market leader in autonomous driving in China in terms of number of test miles and number of test licenses.
This exploration at Baidu’s headquarters located in the northwest section of Beijing, revealed the strides made by Apollo Go, the company’s autonomous ride-hailing service, in reshaping the future of urban mobility.
Baidu, established in 2000, has always been at the forefront of leveraging technology to simplify the complexities of the modern world. With a deep commitment to innovation, Baidu made a strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence in 2010, aiming to enhance internet content discovery.
This decision paved the way for the creation of Baidu Brain, the company’s core AI technology engine, which has since become the backbone of its new AI ventures.
Today, Baidu stands as a leading AI entity, offering a comprehensive AI stack that includes AI chips, deep learning frameworks, and core AI capabilities such as natural language processing, knowledge graph, speech recognition, computer vision, and augmented reality.
Apollo Go, an autonomous ride-hailing service platform, is a testament to Baidu’s relentless pursuit of innovation.
The journey of Apollo Go is characterized by a series of remarkable achievements. In a significant operational upgrade, Apollo Go recently announced the launch of a 24/7 autonomous driving service in selected areas of Wuhan, setting a new benchmark as China’s first provider to offer such a service.
On February 27, 2024, the service took a bold step by launching fully driverless rides across the challenging terrains of the Yangtze River, including both the north and south banks, demonstrating its capability to navigate complex landscapes with precision.
This followed the introduction of driverless airport transportation services in Wuhan in August 2023, making Baidu the pioneer in autonomous airport rides in China. Furthermore, on February 23, 2024, Apollo Go expanded its services to Beijing, launching a robotaxi pilot operation on highways to Beijing Daxing Airport, thereby connecting urban roads and highways with seamless autonomous transportation.
Wuhan, recognized as a leading city in intelligent transportation, has seen its autonomous vehicles cover a total test mileage of over 3,378.73 kilometers by the end of 2023, reflecting the city’s commitment to advancing smart mobility solutions.
Apollo Go’s operation of 300 fully driverless vehicles in Wuhan underscores its dedication to transforming urban transportation. The platform’s user-first approach has resonated well with its customers, as evidenced by an impressive 97.12% of five-star reviews on the app.
With over 5 million cumulative rides provided as of January 2024, Apollo Go’s ambition is to extend its fully autonomous ride-hailing services to a wider audience, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in the field.
Beyond ride-hailing, Baidu’s Apollo platform embodies the company’s vision for the future of intelligent driving. Apollo serves as an open platform, fostering a collaborative ecosystem with more than 200 partners, including tier-one suppliers and strategic collaborators.
This ecosystem approach enhances the reach and value of Apollo’s technology, offering comprehensive solutions that support all major functionalities of autonomous vehicles. Through initiatives such as HD Maps, automated valet parking (AVP), and autonomous navigation pilot (ANP) services, Apollo is at the forefront of building intelligent vehicles and smart roads.
Apollo Go offers robotaxi services in over 10 Chinese cities, marking itself as a leader in delivering fully autonomous robotaxi services in major cities like Beijing, Wuhan, Shenzhen, and Chongqing.
Currently, more than 20 cities in China have established policies favoring autonomous driving tests, enabling upwards of 60 companies to obtain licenses for these experiments.
Central to this quest is its subsidiary, CCCC Tianhe Mechanical Equipment Manufacturing Co Ltd, nestled in Changshu, Jiangsu Province.
This facility isn’t just a manufacturing unit; it’s the birthplace of some of the most advanced Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) the world has seen, marking a significant leap in the engineering domain.
TBMs, the workhorses of modern tunnel construction, are at the heart of CCCC Tianhe’s innovation. Unlike traditional tunneling methods, which often involve labor-intensive processes like rock drilling and blasting, TBMs offer a less intrusive alternative.
They not only minimize the impact on surrounding environments but also ensure the structural integrity of the tunnel walls, making them indispensable for projects traversing unstable geological conditions.
The scope of TBMs manufactured by CCCC Tianhe is impressively vast. The facility boasts the capability to produce over 160 shield machines annually, with sizes ranging up to 18 meters in diameter, alongside 50,000 tons of large steel structures.
This diversity caters to a wide spectrum of tunneling needs, encompassing mud water, earth pressure, dual-mode, composite, open, vertical tunneling, and even rescue tunneling machines, thus demonstrating CCCC Tianhe’s commitment to versatility and innovation.
The journey of CCCC Tianhe is marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements that underscore China’s transition from a follower to a frontrunner in the global engineering scene.
From the first ultra-large diameter shield machine “Tianhe,” which shattered the foreign monopoly, to the “Zhenxing” mud-water shield machine that incorporated numerous domestic core components, CCCC Tianhe’s innovations have consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.
Other notable achievements include the “Canal” shield machine, which represents a monumental advancement in continuous excavation technology, and the “Shouchuang,” a vertical boring machine designed for the challenging conditions of the Tianshan Mountains.
CCCC Tianhe’s TBMs have carved tunnels in over 30 urban areas across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, and have crossed borders into countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Russia, Lesotho, the Philippines, and more.
This international footprint is a testament to the company’s engineering excellence and its ability to meet the complex demands of both domestic and international markets.
The accolades and recognitions received by CCCC Tianhe, such as “National Key New Products,” “High-tech Enterprise,” and “Jiangsu Province Shield Machine Key Technology Engineering Technology Research Center,” further affirm its status as a benchmark in the global tunnel excavation equipment industry. These honors not only reflect the company’s technological prowess but also its role as a trailblazer in the field of transportation infrastructure construction and management.
With a mantra that resonates with the spirit of innovation—”Innovation builds dreams and shields the future!”—CCCC Tianhe is dedicated to making the world more accessible, cities more livable, and life better. This vision, coupled with a corporate spirit of “hard work, innovation, integrity, and harmony,” drives the company towards providing comprehensive, world-class services in high-end engineering equipment.
During a special session with journalists as part of the ‘2024 Travelogue of China’ Media Exchange Programme, Zha Chan Gmiao, the Executive General Manager of the Brand & Corporate Culture Department at CCCC, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovations to deliver top-tier services.
Zha highlighted the significant contributions the company has made in Africa and conveyed a hopeful outlook for the continued provision of high-quality infrastructure services across the continent and beyond.
He particularly noted CCCC’s capabilities and determination to foster a collaborative future with Africa through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
“For instance, in Kenya, the Mombasa Railway stands as a testament to our work, alongside numerous railways in Cameroon and harbors in Nigeria. Our projects include the construction of over 13,000 kilometers of roads,” he stated.
“Wherever you find railways, ports, or bridges, you’ll see the handiwork of CCCC. The Chinese have made substantial efforts in nation-building, and CCCC possesses the complete capability and commitment to partner with African countries towards a brighter future,” Zha elaborated.
With more than 130,000 workers, CCCC’s global presence spans over 150 countries and regions, securing the 61st spot in the Fortune Global 500 in 2021. The company is behind several iconic projects, such as the 55-kilometre Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world; phase IV of Shanghai Yangshan Port, the largest automated terminal globally; and the Beijing-Xinjiang Expressway, the longest desert-crossing expressway on the planet.
By 2021, CCCC had accomplished the construction of over 13,000 kilometers of roads, in excess of 180 bridges, 121 deep-water berths, and 17 airports. It had supplied over 760 container cranes, managed 23 industrial parks, and constructed and operated more than 10,000 kilometers of railways, with signed contracts exceeding US $100 billion.
Those arrested in the coordinated operations conducted on Wednesday and Thursday (March 27-28), include 37 suspected thieves, who were stealing minerals from Rutongo and Musha concessions in Rulindo and Rwamagana, respectively, and 11 people, who were buying the minerals from thieves.
“In Rutongo mining concession, Police arrested 33 people, who were found stealing minerals. Police also seized 35kgs of cassiterite from the group, impounded a motorcycle which they were using to transport the stolen minerals as well as traditional tools which they were using in illegal mining activities; and apprehended other three suspected illegal mineral dealers, who were buying minerals from these thieves,” the RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said.
At Musha mining concession, he added, Police apprehended eight illegal mineral traders, four suspected thieves and seized 14kgs of cassiterite from them.
“These are continuous countrywide operations in response to several cases of illegal mining, theft of minerals from concessions, which are also influenced by illegal mineral buyers, and have impact on the environment and security,” ACP Rutikanga said.
In some cases, these illegal mining activities conducted especially at night or during heavy downpour, have ended fatal due to landslides and tilting weak cliffs.
Article 54 of the law No. 58/2018 of 13/08/2018 on mining and quarry operations, states that; any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.
The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a license.
Located in Jiangsu Province, Lake Taihu, China’s third-largest freshwater marvel, extends its serene waters across 2,250 square kilometers.
The project’s origins trace back to June 2002 when TDC made history by leading the 863 environmental dredging pilot project in Wuli Lake, laying the groundwork for the ambitious Taihu Lake project. TDC has since distinguished itself in the field of environmental projects in China, boasting the longest operational frontline and the most extensive dredging area, with nearly 10 million cubic meters of sediment removed.
On September 1st, 2023, TDC took a significant stride forward by entering into a strategic partnership with the Wuxi Municipal Government. This collaboration led to the creation of a state-of-the-art, multifunctional integrated dredging equipment that sets new benchmarks in efficiency, environmental sustainability, and safety for dredging operations. This innovative solution combines ecological dredging, sediment dewatering and drying, and tail water treatment, addressing the limitations of conventional dredging techniques.
In October 2023, the unveiling of the Taihu Star, the world’s premier intelligent integrated platform ship for ecological dredging, marked a milestone in China’s pursuit of innovation. The fleet, including Taihu Junqing No.1, Taihu Star No.1, and Taihu Star No.2, represents the pinnacle of environmental dredging technology, with a remarkable daily dredging capacity of 5000 cubic meters and advanced sludge pressure filtration and solidification capabilities. The Taihu Star symbolizes the symbiotic relationship between technological advancement and ecological preservation.
The project embarked on its latest phase on March 7, 2024, in the Meiliang Lake area, heralding a renewed commitment to the ecological restoration of Taihu Lake. Focusing on sediment sludge with medium to high levels of pollution, the initiative aims to dredge over 8.3 million cubic meters of sediment across a 28.9 square meter area. The deployment of the Taihu Star in this endeavor highlights a leap in dredging efficiency, water quality enhancement, and algae control, echoing the “Beauty of Taihu Lake” ethos, which contrasts sharply with the pollution and algae blooms that once compromised the lake’s health in 2007.
Recent data underscores significant improvements in water quality, with 2023 witnessing the fewest algae outbreaks since the environmental crisis began. The expansion of aquatic vegetation in the lake to 200 square kilometers represents a 25.8% increase compared to the previous year, contributing to the revitalization of the ecosystem vital for the 17 million inhabitants of one of China’s most populous and economically vibrant regions reliant on Lake Taihu.
With roots dating back to 1897, TDC’s legacy is a testament to its dedication to excellence in dredging and environmental conservation. As a vanguard of innovation, TDC’s fleet of over 70 modern dredgers, array of accolades, and wealth of patents exemplify its leadership in sustainable dredging solutions. TDC’s vision extends beyond mere dredging, embodying the future of environmental stewardship.
The Taihu Lake dredging initiative is a celebration of human creativity’s ability to recalibrate ecosystems. It narrates the fusion of technological progress and environmental awareness, charting a new course for the planet. As TDC pioneers this journey, the Taihu Lake project emerges as a beacon of hope, charting a sustainable course for future generations.
In a traffic advisory issued on Friday, the police stated that Akabuga ka Musha (Murrum road)-Gisenyi center-Mubuga-Agahozo-Ntunga will be temporarily closed from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm to pave the way for the event.
Road users plying the route have been urged to exercise caution and cooperate with traffic officers on site during the rally.
“We would like to inform the public that due to the ‘Sprint Rally 2024’ scheduled for tomorrow, on 30th March 2024, the road: Akabuga ka Musha (Murrum road)-Gisenyi center-Mubuga-Agahozo-Ntunga, will be temporarily closed from 1000hrs to 1700hrs,” the notice reads in part.
“We request road users to bear with these changes. Traffic officers will be on the road to direct traffic flow.”
The rally, organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC), will see at least 10 drivers battle it out for the ultimate prize, which includes a trophy and points to participate in the motorsport championship.
The drivers are Yoto Isheja Butera, who will be driving a Subaru Impreza; Kalimpinya Ngabo (Subaru Impreza); Mitraros Paganin (Subaru Impreza); Giancarlo Damien Bernard (Mitsubishi Evo X); Kanangire Mujiji (Subaru Impreza); Gakwaya Mugabo (Subaru Impreza); and Semana Hakizimana (Peugeot 205GTI).
Others are Sekamana Muhire, Ssozi Birwinyo, and Murengezi Habuwera, all driving Subaru Imprezas.
The previous event, the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, was held in Bugesera in September 2022. Kenyan driver Karan Patel was crowned the winner of the rally, with Zambia’s Leroy Gomes finishing second.
Gomes was poised to win the race after claiming the top spot in Leg One race with a 20-second advantage ahead of Patel, but the Kenyan bounced back to win Leg Two race in the dusty roads of Nemba, Kamabuye, and Gako to win the championship in style.
The Kenyan, who was driving a Ford Fiesta R5 with his co-driver Khan Tauseef, won the rally after racing a total of 171.29km in 01 hour 19 minutes and 40.3 seconds.
