The prosecution explained that in February 2019, Nosiviwe allegedly received a bribe of over $15,000 and this wig while she was at the airport, later agreeing to receive another $105,000 although it was not paid.
This politician temporarily stepped down from her role as the President of this Assembly while under investigation. However, she denied the charge.
Nosiviwe also requested not to be arrested while under investigation. Judge Sulet Potterill informed those involved in the case that a decision on this request will be announced on April 2, 2024.
Nosiviwe served as South Africa’s Minister of Defence from May 2014 until August 2021. She was succeeded in this position by Thandi Modise.
This project, named the ‘Smart Education Project’, is a collaboration with the Government of China, featuring technology installations that enable these institutions to access fast and affordable internet.
The initiative will be implemented through two data centers located at the University of Rwanda, specifically in the Gikondo and Huye branches.
These data centers serve a dual purpose: providing fast and affordable internet to the schools and housing various educational materials for easy access by those who need them.
The project, which began in 2018 and implemented towards the end of 2023, has already reached 500 schools and universities. It is expected to expand to 1,500 institutions across the country. To date, $30 million, equivalent to approximately 38 billion Rwandan Francs, has been invested in the project.
The State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Irere Claudette, stated that this project will help schools and universities in accessing fast and affordable internet, simplifying the teaching process.
“We have been focusing on spreading internet access in schools for some time. Often, the issue was the limited availability, preventing students and teachers from accessing it, usually confined to the management level only. Thus, our recent efforts have been towards increasing internet capacity and affordability,” she said.
To achieve this, the Rwandan Government sought the necessary resources to expand the internet infrastructure. “We started with a few schools to test the functionality. Today, they are using it to assess its speed and efficiency, and we are observing positive results,” she continued.
She added that this development would allow lessons to be delivered more efficiently, urging school leaders to maintain and expand internet access within their institutions.
Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Strategic Planning and Administration at the University of Rwanda (UR), commended the Ministry of Education for their trust and support, noting that it would enhance teaching methods.
Schools and universities that have begun using this internet service reported it as a timely and cost-effective upgrade from their previous connections.
Jean Marie Vianney Samarwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance at ICK, noted that internet costs had been a significant expense for the university, but this has now been reduced.
“We are among the universities that received this internet service three months ago. It offers many benefits, including significant savings on one of the major expenses for private universities, which is internet procurement. Previously, the high costs meant purchasing limited and often inefficient services,” Samarwa remarked.
“The affordable and efficient internet service we now have is highly beneficial. Especially during Covid-19, when we were required to conduct online teaching, we faced significant challenges due to poor internet service. This will greatly aid in remote teaching and allow foreign teachers to conduct classes from their home countries. We thank MINEDUC and the Rwandan Government,” added.
This sentiment was echoed by Ingabire Dominique,the Principal of IPRC Karongi, who mentioned that the project has reduced their internet costs and made it easier and faster for students to access the internet.
Initially targeting over 500 schools, the project aims to reach all educational institutions across the country.
President Kagame, in a statement shared on his official X account on Tuesday night, termed the 44-year-old’s victory as a true testimony to the confidence of the Senegalese people on his leadership.
“My sincere congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his election as President of Senegal. Your victory is a true testimony to the confidence of the Senegalese people, whom I congratulate for the peaceful conduct of the elections. I look forward to further strengthening the good relations between our two nations,” Kagame wrote.
Mes sincères félicitations à Bassirou Diomaye Faye pour son élection comme Président du Sénégal. Votre victoire est un véritable témoignage de la confiance du peuple sénégalais, que je félicite pour le déroulement pacifique des élections. Je me réjouis de renforcer davantage les…
Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s main rival from the governing coalition, Amadou Ba, has already conceded defeat, setting the stage for Faye to become the youngest president in the country’s history.
“The Senegalese people have reinforced the good health of our democracy. I wish him (Faye) success at the head of our country,” Ba said.
Provisional results showed Faye with about 53.7% and Amadou Ba – from the current ruling coalition – with 36.2% based on tallies from 90% of polling stations in the first-round vote, the electoral commission said.
Faye is set to become the Africa’s youngest elected president as he commands a huge lead in the vote held on Sunday.
Faye, backed by prominent opposition figure Ousmane Sonko during the election, has pledged to make the fight against corruption and national unity his top priorities upon taking office.
“In electing me, the Senegalese people have decided on a break with a past,” Faye told journalists in his first public appearance since the election. “I promise to govern with humility and transparency.”
Sonko endorsed the former tax inspector for the presidential seat after being barred from vying.
Faye’s participated in the election barely two weeks after being released from prison in Dakar.
The President-elect had in April last year been charged with several offences, including contempt of court, after broadcasting a message critical of the judiciary in legal cases against Sonko.
Sonko joined Faye in jail in July on, among other charges, calling for insurrection.
After meeting Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) in Cape Town, South Africa, at an event named ‘World Liberty Congress,’ Carine announced that both would join forces as spokespeople for democracy and justice.
She affirmed that the governments of Uganda and Rwanda “collaborate in oppressing and killing citizens.”
She stated, “We are uniting to be voices for democracy and justice, alongside the platform of African democrats. I am pleased to see my brother Bobi Wine here in South Africa.”
Carine began to emerge publicly when Rusesabagina was imprisoned in Rwanda, facing terrorism charges. During that time, she utilized various organizations to request assistance in securing her father’s release.
Over the past couple of years, the company has made strides in innovating and expanding its brand portfolio to meet evolving consumer preferences.
As part of the expansion project, Bralirwa invested over 30 million Euros (40 billion RWF) that included the installation of its inaugurated packaging line. This is in line with the company’s commitment to developing the Rwandan beer market for sustainable growth and proactively investing in digital technology and innovation to improve its operations.
The new production line will also operate with reduced energy and water consumption, contributing to HEINEKEN’s mission to achieve net-zero across all its production sites by 2030.
The event, which was held at the company’s brewery in Rubavu District, was graced by RDB Ag. Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Philip Lucky, Her Excellency the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Ambassador Joan JJ Wiegman, the Mayor of Rubavu District, Mr. Mulindwa Prosper, the Director General of Industrial Promotion and Entrepreneurship Development at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr. Fred Mugabe, as well as representatives from the private sector, distributors, and others.
Speaking at the event, Saada Etienne, Bralirwa’s Managing Director, thanked the Rwandan government for its visionary leadership, transparency, and commitment to promoting sustainable investment.
” For the past 67 years, Bralirwa has continuously invested in innovation and growth with a clear goal – to win the hearts of our customers. This has been made possible by an environment conducive to growth and prosperity, as well as the commitment and dedication of our key stakeholders and employees,” said Etienne Saada, Managing Director of Bralirwa.
RDB Ag. Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Philip Lucky, commended Bralirwa for its continued investment in the country and said that the new production line is a testament to the company’s commitment to its vision, dedication, and continuous investment.
“This brewery expansion is a shining example of the positive impact that strategic investments can have on our economy and society,” said Mr. Philip.
Bralirwa’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident through its ongoing investment initiatives. The leading beverage company has taken a significant step towards its commitment to excellence, quality, and passion for delivering products that its consumers love.
This architectural marvel, inaugurated in 2021 just ahead of the CPC’s 100th anniversary, serves not only as a repository of historical artifacts but also as a “spiritual home” for the Party, paying homage to its storied past and ongoing influence in shaping China’s present and future.
The museum’s design, a visual representation of the Chinese character “gong,” which signifies workers or labor, encapsulates the essence of the CPC’s identity as the vanguard of the working class, the Chinese people, and the nation as a whole.
This symbolic structure, with its traditional colonnade architecture, embodies the principles of Chinese design—upright, foursquare, yet simple and grand. The 28 colonnades flanking its sides represent the 28 years of struggle leading up to the establishment of New China, highlighting the CPC’s enduring commitment to its cause.
Central to the museum’s outdoor display are five significant sculptures featuring different figures, narrating the Party’s century-long quest for the well-being of the Chinese populace and the nation’s rejuvenation, a testament to the CPC’s guiding spirit and the sacrifices made throughout its history.
Situated within the Beijing Olympic Park, the Museum of the Communist Party of China is strategically placed among other national cultural landmarks, creating a cohesive cultural and educational hub. This location not only underscores the museum’s importance but also aligns with the broader vision of promoting a rich cultural atmosphere within the capital.
The museum’s collection is vast and varied, comprising over 4,548 pieces or sets of cultural relics, including 420 original state-level artifacts. These pieces range from personal items of historical figures like Mao Zedong and Karl Marx to symbols of pivotal moments in the Party’s and the nation’s history, such as the first Five-Star Red Flag and artifacts from the Long March.
This collection not only preserves the physical history of the CPC but also offers insights into the ideological and cultural evolution of the Party and its leadership over the decades.
The founding of the CPC, marked by its early struggles against imperialist and feudal forces, is a narrative of resilience and ideological fervor. From the backdrop of the “Century of Humiliation” following the Opium Wars to the transformative movements of the early 20th century, including the May 4th Movement and the eventual establishment of the Party in 1921, the museum meticulously chronicles the conditions and the revolutionary zeal that led to the CPC’s creation.
This period was characterized by a burgeoning desire for national independence, reform, and the adoption of Marxism as a guiding philosophy to address China’s challenges.
The museum also delves into the post-1949 era, showcasing the Party’s efforts to navigate the complexities of governing a new China, from the early days of the People’s Republic through the reform and opening-up policy initiated by Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s, and into the modern era under Xi Jinping’s leadership.
The exhibits detail the CPC’s transformative policies, its struggles and successes, and the continuous endeavor to uplift the Chinese people out of poverty, culminating in the significant milestone of eradicating extreme poverty by 2021.
Moreover, the construction of the museum itself is a narrative of collective effort and visionary leadership. Initiated by the CPC Central Committee under Xi Jinping, the project was a significant undertaking completed after nearly 1,000 days of tireless effort, involving nearly 50,000 people from its groundbreaking ceremony in 2018 to its completion in 2021.
The museum was envisioned as a sacred hall, a beacon of education, and a center for Party history research and publicity, embodying Xi’s vision of it as a spiritual and educational hub for both Party members and the public.
The Museum of the Communist Party of China is more than a collection of artifacts and historical narratives; it is a physical manifestation of the CPC’s journey, ideologies, and contributions to the Chinese nation.
It stands as a testament to the Party’s past, a reflection of its present, and a vision for its future, offering visitors a comprehensive insight into the heart and soul of the CPC. As such, it not only educates and inspires but also serves as a bridge connecting the past with the future, ensuring that the lessons and legacy of the CPC’s hundred-year history continue to resonate with generations to come.
The three envoys, Janet Mwawasi Oben, Nermine Mohamed Essam Eldin Elshaffie El Zawahry, and Julie Crowley, held a meeting with President Kagame at his Office in Village Urugwiro on Tuesday afternoon.
Addressing members of the press at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) after the presentation, the ambassadors expressed their unequivocal commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between their respective nations and Kigali.
The Kenyan High Commissioner noted that Kenya and Rwanda have continued to enjoy cordial and fraternal relations dating back to 1965, which began with the opening of a diplomatic mission by Kenya in 1986.
She emphasized Kenya’s aim to retain its position as one of Rwanda’s top three trade partners.
Notably, Kenya exports foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceutical products, cement, iron, and skin products to Rwanda, while Rwanda exports coffee, tea, horticultural foods, and raw hides and skins to Kenya.
Kenya is also the main route for Rwanda’s exports and imports through the Port of Mombasa.
“The trade volumes in recent years have risen, and I look forward to engaging the Rwandan authorities to build on this good relationship built over the years for the exchange of goods and services,” Ms. Oben stated.
The High Commissioner committed to following up on the existing cooperation agreements between Kenya and Rwanda, including 10 agreements signed during President William Ruto’s state visit to Rwanda in April last year.
The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aim to enhance cooperation in several areas, including education, ICT, health, gender and child development, youth and capacity development for the public service, as well as correctional services.
“I commit to following up on the implementation of the existing agreements to ensure they expand and give rise to new opportunities to boost our bilateral relations,” she added.
She also pledged Kenya’s commitment to partnering with Rwanda to promote peace and security in the region.
On the other hand, the Egyptian Ambassador to Rwanda affirmed the political goodwill on Egypt’s side to engage and enhance bilateral relations in different sectors, including political, economic, health, security, and military.
The Canadian High Commissioner to Rwanda, on her part, said she looks forward to strengthening the good commercial relations between the two countries, even as she praised the secure business environment.
“It will be easy for me to do so considering how already well-established these relations are… We have a large Rwandan diaspora in Canada that we can count on, and we already have some companies established here in Rwanda. The environment here has been safe and very dynamic,” Ms. Crowley affirmed.
Canada also aims to expand its support and technical assistance in the health sector, education, and job creation.
“We collaborate quite closely with learning institutions, with the University of Rwanda being one of them… We are very grateful for the interest in studying in Canada that we see year on year from young students, and I have no doubt that will continue.
“We will also encourage partnerships between Canadian universities and Rwandan universities so that technical collaborations can take place and enrich the offerings here in terms of master’s, Ph.D.s, and the like,” she added.
In a revealing presentation at the German Parliament on March 22, 2024, Dr. Reinhardt outlined the urgent need for initiatives to counteract the denial and revisionism of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
He suggested that the reluctance among journalists and academics to delve into this subject might stem from their associations with those implicated in the genocide or with entities that reject its reality.
Dr. Reinhardt detailed how various sectors in Germany, including academia, journalism, and legal professions, actively engage in the denial and minimization of the genocide, employing sophisticated methods to propagate denial ideologies.
{{Germany as a refuge for FDLR activities}}
Highlighting a specific case, Dr. Reinhardt spoke of Ignace Murwanashyaka, the former FDLR terrorist group leader who, under false pretenses, sought asylum in Germany.
In April 1994, at the height of the genocide, Murwanashyaka, along with Straton Musoni and Hutu students in Germany, established a network spreading ideologies that denied and trivialized the genocide.
Murwanashyaka’s involvement in directing FDLR operations from Germany underscored the country’s unintentional role as a logistical hub for genocide deniers.
The legal proceedings against Murwanashyaka, Musoni, and other FDLR members in Germany marked significant, albeit belated, steps towards accountability. Particularly notable was the life sentence handed to Onesphore Rwabukombe, a former mayor, for his role in the massacre of over 2000 Tutsis, a landmark case in the German legal system.
Criticism from individuals aligned with the former Rwandan regime targeted the German government, accusing it of bias and infringing on human rights. Such accusations often echo the rhetoric of genocide perpetrators who have found refuge in Europe.
Dr. Reinhardt also criticized the German literary and journalistic circles for perpetuating the denial of the genocide, specifically pointing to works by Helmut Strizek and the controversial reception of figures like Victoire Ingabire and Paul Rusesabagina in Germany.
The German media’s portrayal of these figures often ignores their contentious backgrounds and associations with denial groups, highlighting a concerning trend of bias and misinformation.
Dr. Reinhardt’s revelations call for a comprehensive reevaluation of Germany’s role and responsibilities in addressing the legacy of Genocide against the Tutsi, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and action against the denial and trivialization of such atrocities.
These reports have documented FARDC officers working with the FDLR against the M23 group.
Following discussions with Rwanda and the United States in late 2023, FARDC Chief of Staff Christian Tshiwewe ordered a halt to any cooperation with the FDLR. However, Rwanda claims that collaboration persisted even after the FDLR launched attacks in 2022.
DRC Foreign Affairs Minister Christophe Lutundula, in a March 25, 2024, press briefing, insisted on the absence of information on the FDLR within the DRC government.
He urged the international community to share any intelligence to help eliminate the group and mentioned the need for identifying FDLR members for repatriation to Rwanda.
Lutundula also highlighted ongoing joint military operations with Burundi against various armed factions in South Kivu, aligning with the Nairobi declaration’s objectives. Nonetheless, he did not address why the DRC rejected Rwanda’s offer to dispatch troops to combat the FDLR, a move agreed upon in the declaration.
At a recent meeting in Luanda, Angola, Lutundula promised to outline measures for dismantling the FDLR in an upcoming April 2024 session.
These officers are Gabriel Kasongo, responsible for the salaries of soldiers on leave, and Jerry Ngoy Katengo, in charge of the soldiers’ census.
The prosecution presents evidence that these officers also attempted to bribe the commission responsible for financial oversight, IGF, which was auditing how the soldiers were paid their salaries.
Lt Col Ngoy explained that he paid the salaries of all soldiers working in the 34th military region, indicating that the problem occurred with those who were sent to work in other regions.
As Radio Okapi explained, there was also an issue with the list of those paid, showing that the signatures appeared to be similar. This suggests that some of them might not have received their money.
