For several days, Burundi has been claiming that Rwanda refuses to transfer individuals suspected of being involved in the attempt to overthrow its government in May 2015.
Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye even went so far as to assert that these individuals constitute the “core” of the armed group RED Tabara, responsible for recent attacks in the provinces of Bujumbura and Bubanza, an allegation denied by Kigali.
Rwanda justifies its refusal to extradite these Burundians by their status as refugees, protected by international law.
In an interview with Primo Media Rwanda, Mukuralinda explained that the two countries have not concluded any extradition treaties or agreements on the exchange of criminal suspects.
He also noted that many Rwandans fled to Burundi after participating in the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 in Rwanda, just as 16 Burundians had taken part in the genocide.
“Rwanda wanted to conclude an agreement on the exchange of criminal suspects with Burundi, but the latter rejected this request,” said the deputy spokesperson.
Mukuralinda emphasized that while Burundi cannot expel its citizens, it is still responsible for investigating and bringing them to justice. However, this responsibility has simply not been fulfilled.
Regarding Burundians involved in the attempted coup who are currently in Rwanda, the spokesperson explained that the Burundian administration had withdrawn from ongoing talks on this issue.
Mukuralinda explained that several reasons justify why an exiled crime suspect cannot be extradited immediately, including ongoing case examination, their legal refugee status, and their appeal against the decision to return them to the country they fled from. This was therefore the subject of discussion between Rwanda and Burundi.
“These are the topics we were discussing, but the Burundians are not telling us why they decided to withdraw from the talks,” Mukuralinda lamented.
According to the Rwandan Prosecutor General’s Office, not less than 1,148 fugitives accused of serious crimes, some of whom are hosted in neighboring countries like Burundi, are currently evading justice.
This month-long celebration is not only a time to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality but also an opportunity to acknowledge the challenges women have faced and continue to face.
Let us delve into the rich history of Women’s Month and explore the remarkable journey that has led us to this moment.
{{Early beginnings}}
The roots of Women’s Month can be traced back to the early 20th century.
In 1909, the first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States, as women rallied for better working conditions, the right to vote, and equal pay.
This event marked a significant step forward in the pursuit of women’s rights.
{{International recognition}}
Women’s Month originated from the observance of International Women’s Day, which was first celebrated on March 8, 1911. The idea of dedicating a specific day to honor women’s achievements gained international recognition during the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910.
German activist Clara Zetkin proposed that International Women’s Day be recognized as an international holiday, and all 17 countries in attendance agreed.
Europeans began recognizing International Women’s Day on March 18, 1911, while Americans continued to rally for Women’s Day on the last Sunday in February until the 1970s
{{Evolution into Women’s Month}}
The concept of Women’s Month evolved from Women’s History Week, which was first celebrated in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978.
The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women organized the event to increase awareness of women’s contributions to society. The organizers selected the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women’s Day.
Over the next few years, other cities across the United States joined Santa Rosa in celebrating Women’s History Week. In 1980, U.S. President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week, urging everyone in the United States to participate.
The aim was to recognize the vital contributions of women throughout history that often went unnoticed or unsung. In 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March as Women’s History Month, and since then, U.S. presidents have issued annual proclamations designating March as Women’s History Month
{{Women’s Month Today}}
Today, Women’s Month is celebrated by numerous countries around the world, each with their own unique events, initiatives, and campaigns. It has become a platform to raise awareness about gender inequality, promote women’s rights, and highlight the achievements of women in various fields.
Throughout Women’s Month, organizations, communities, and individuals come together to honor the extraordinary women who have paved the way for progress. It is a time to acknowledge the accomplishments of trailblazers, activists, and leaders who have fought tirelessly for gender equality, challenging societal norms and breaking barriers.
Moreover, Women’s Month is an opportunity to shed light on the ongoing struggles women face. It serves as a reminder that despite significant advancements, there is still work to be done to achieve true equality in all aspects of life, whether it be in the workplace, politics, education, or personal freedoms.
Women’s Month stands as a testament to the strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit of women throughout history. It is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women, while also acknowledging the challenges they have faced.
As we continue to progress towards a more inclusive and equitable society, let us use this month as a catalyst for change, ensuring that every day becomes a celebration of women’s achievements and a commitment to their rights.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has emerged as a prominent example of collaborative development efforts, serving as a crucial platform for mutual growth and connectivity.
Within 23 years, Chinese companies have undertaken awe-inspiring infrastructure projects in Africa.
They have undertaken awe-inspiring infrastructure projects in Africa where they have constructed or upgraded more than 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, approximately 1,000 bridges, and 100 ports.
These transformative projects have not only enhanced trade, but they have also created millions of jobs, breathing new life into African communities.
In a bid to continue charting the course, another important milestone was reached last week when African and Chinese Think Tanks endorsed the document known as the ‘China-Africa Dar es Salaam Consensus’ – the “Consensus Among African and Chinese Think Tanks on Deepening Global Development Cooperation.”
It was issued following consultation from both sides during the 13th Meeting of the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum which was held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on March 8.
This document calls on the international community to deepen development cooperation in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, solidarity, cooperation, openness for mutual benefit, and shared prosperity.
The consensus seeks, among other things, to encourage countries to collaborate towards modernization and foster a community with a shared future for humanity.
It comprises eight specific agreements, prioritizing development, global multipolarity, economic globalization, international financial reform, sustainable development, endogenous development momentum, global security development, and knowledge sharing for development.
These agreements provide significant guidance and principles for human development, with a lasting impact on deepening China-Africa cooperation and global development collaboration.
The release of the “Africa-China Dar es Salaam Consensus” comes at an opportune moment especially in a new era where human society requires increased interdependence, greater wisdom, and a broader consensus in knowledge and ideology.
Speaking to journalists during a virtual press conference on Sunday, a Chinese scholar on global development who has participated in the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum meetings, acknowledged the imperative need for global and domestic stability to pave the way for prosperous collaborations.
Prof. Ling, who once served as the Senior Vice President and the Chief Economist of World Bank, underscored the importance of knowledge sharing, particularly from the Global South, in fostering a collective understanding of successes, failures, and pathways to realizing shared dreams.
Moreover, Prof. Ling, Professor Lin underscored the necessity of financial support, access to domestic and international markets, and infrastructural improvements to bolster Africa’s economic landscape.
Hosted by the Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the 13th Meeting of the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum attracted more than 300 people.
These include representatives of international organizations in Tanzania, diplomatic envoys, government officials, think tank scholars, media reporters, and entrepreneurs from China and 49 African countries.
The China-Africa Think Tank Forum is among one of the most significant sub-forums within the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Over the past 15 years, a total of 15 international academic exchange activities, including thirteen China-Africa Think Tank Forums and the inaugural China-Africa Think Tank and Media Seminar, have been successively held in both China and African countries.
The decision was made during an extraordinary congress held at the RPF-Inkotanyi headquarters in Rusororo, Kigali, attended by over 2,000 party cadres on Saturday, March 9.
The party’s list of flag-bearers for both presidential and parliamentary elections, scheduled for July, will soon be shared with the Electoral Commission. Kagame, aged 66, has been Rwanda’s president since 2000 and was re-elected in 2017 with over 98 percent of the vote.
During the congress, the party reviewed the implementation of its 2017-2024 manifesto and adopted a new five-year plan for its candidates.
RPF’s Secretary General, Wellars Gasamagera, highlighted the party’s achievements in economic development, social welfare, and infrastructure despite challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Gasamagera outlined improvements in economic growth, infrastructure, education, and healthcare, emphasizing the party’s commitment to the national Vision 2050 for sustainable development. He also mentioned plans to focus on green transportation, AI-driven economic growth, and education quality.
Speaking at the congress, RPF’s Vice Chairperson, Uwimana Consolée, expressed gratitude for the party’s achievements over the past three decades, recalling personal experiences and thanking Kagame for his leadership.
In his acceptance speech, Kagame expressed gratitude for the party’s trust and acknowledged the weight of leading the nation, likening it to a “shock absorber” against daily challenges. He emphasized the importance of mindset in facing these challenges.
The selection of Kagame as the RPF’s flag-bearer sets the stage for the 2024 elections, with the party aiming to continue its efforts towards national development and improving the quality of life for all Rwandans.
However, in a recent interview with IGIHE in Berlin, Germany, Weck shared a change of heart.
After three decades and witnessing Rwanda’s remarkable progress from afar, he expressed a keen interest in revisiting the nation. His reflection came while attending the International Tourism Exhibition (ITB-Berlin 2024), an event where Rwanda showcased its developments.
Weck recalled the despair he observed in 1994, doubting Rwanda could ever rehabilitate its image.
The sights of devastation and loss marked the lowest point in his 40-year media career.
“I saw many bodies in rivers; it was humanity at its darkest,” he recounted.
This led him to swear off not only Rwanda but the entire African continent, fearing the atrocities could be a common sight elsewhere.
However, Weck acknowledges the transformative power of determined governance and community resilience.
Rwanda, once ravaged by hopelessness, now stands as a testament to recovery and unity, attracting tourists worldwide. “I’ve visited over 140 countries since 1994, yet I’m captivated by Rwanda’s transformation,” he said.
What particularly moved him were the strides Rwanda has made, defying his earlier resolution never to return. He now views Rwanda as a beacon of progress and unity, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.”
Weck is now eager to witness Rwanda’s evolution firsthand and potentially document the experience. He has initiated conversations with Rwandan tourism officials to facilitate his visit, aiming to share Rwanda’s success story with his audience back home.
He was speaking at a press conference held on the sidelines of the second session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing.
As Huai said, this vision is deeply rooted in the theoretical innovation introduced by General Secretary Xi Jinping, aiming at the heart of China’s modernization endeavor.
This roadmap on developing new quality productive forces lays down a future where China not only thrives on its manufacturing prowess but also leads in innovation, creativity, and technological advancement.
Huai outlined a transformative agenda that looks beyond the conventional, signaling a pivotal shift towards cultivating a high quality talent pool capable of driving this vision into reality.
The Minister provided a brief on the content, relevance, and pathways for nurturing these forces, insisting on the need to “develop a quality system, education system, and talent system to unclog the barriers restricting its development.”
Echoing the government’s work report, Huai outlined a comprehensive strategy to “better the system to train talent at home and cultivate top innovators,” acknowledging the indispensable role of high-caliber talent.
“To develop new quality productive forces, innovation is at core, and basic education is very important,” he stated, reinforcing the belief that foundational knowledge coupled with advanced research and development capabilities are crucial for sustained innovation.
The plan recognizes the need for a diverse talent pool, comprising not only top scientists and engineers but also skilled craftsmen, outstanding team leaders in science and innovation, and a vibrant generation of young scientists.
This diversity underscores China’s strategy to harness comprehensive strengths across various sectors, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to contribute to national development and technological innovation.
In line with the acceleration of technological innovation and industrial transformation globally, China aims to fortify its competitiveness by focusing on higher education and talent cultivation.
“China’s higher education is becoming more universally available, with a gross enrollment rate of more than 60%, and the world’s largest scale,” Huai pointed out.
Besides, China seeks to become a leading education hub and a talent powerhouse, transforming demographic dividends into talent dividends.
The reform in higher education is pivotal in this journey, with an emphasis on “comprehensive reform to meet the demand of development and the society,” as Huai remarked.
The aim is to foster a diversified development of universities, highlighting their uniqueness while focusing on disciplines most needed by the country.
Moreover, the integration of the education sector with industries and the emphasis on transferring research outcomes highlight a pragmatic approach towards achieving tangible results.
The press conference was also attended by China’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Security Wang Xiaoping, Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Ni Hong, and Chief of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration Wang Hesheng who gave a picture of past achievements and outlined new areas of priorities in respective institutions.
The Africa Education Medal recognises the tireless work of those who are transforming education across the continent – celebrating the stories of those who have lit the spark of change so others will be inspired to take up the torch. It is given to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated impact, leadership, and advocacy in the field of education.
The winner of this year’s Africa Education Medal will be given a global platform to support their work and, in recognition of the urgent need to solve the teacher recruitment and retention crisis to tackle learning gaps, will be entitled to nominate a school of their choice to receive membership of T4 Education’s new Best School to Work programme – an independent, evidence-based mechanism to certify schools for their culture and help them transform their working environment to attract and retain the best teachers.
In its third year, the Africa Education Medal is the oldest of the three World Education Medals established by T4 Education and HP. This year saw the launch of the new Asia Education Medal and Latin America Education Medal.
Last year, two Rwandans – Rogers Patrick Kamugisha, Country Director of Educate!, and Jean-Claude Nkulikiyimfura, Executive Director of Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village – were named as Top 10 finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2023. When Nkulikiyimfura was announced as a finalist, he won praise from Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron.
Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa has said that winning the Africa Education Medal 2023 was a tremendous honour that has drawn significant attention to the important work done at JA Africa, equipping young Africans across the continent for employment and financial independence.
“The Africa Education Medal is a prestigious recognition, shining a spotlight on education champions in Africa. I am aware of the numerous changemakers on our continent pushing boundaries to shape a better future for our youth. To fellow inspirational leaders, I encourage you to step forward. Apply for the Africa Education Medal in 2024; let your stories inspire thousands more. Together, we can continue to transform lives through education and pave the way for a brighter African future,” she enthused.
Mayank Dhingra, Senior Education Business Leader at HP, observed that despite the progress made towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, significant learning gaps persist in Africa and COVID has greatly exacerbated learning poverty.
He however expressed hope to address them if leaders from across the continent come together, with everyone sharing their expertise to help build a continent in which every child receives a quality education.
“HP has a bold goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people globally by 2030. Only by joining forces between NGOs, government, educators and businesses can we truly improve the education environment. The Africa Education Medal brings together the leaders who are making a real difference to African education, whose tireless work deserves to be celebrated,” Nwogugu noted.
Vikas Pota, Founder and CEO of T4 Education has also said: “A good education is not only the key to unlocking the potential of Africa’s next generation, it’s a right. The Africa Education Medal honours all those who are working to make that a reality.
One of the most important things we can do to improve education in Rwanda and around the world is to solve the teacher recruitment and retention crisis. That’s why the winner of the Africa Education Medal 2024 will not only be given a platform to advocate for their work, but the right to nominate a school to join our Best School to Work programme, enabling schools to build a culture in which education flourishes because teachers thrive.”
The Africa Education Medal is open to individuals working to improve early childhood, K-12, vocational and university education ranging from educators or school leaders, civil society leaders, public servants and government officials, political leaders, entrepreneurs and business leaders to technologists.
Besides, nominees must demonstrate their contribution in different key areas of education including; significantly improving learning outcomes, promoting girls’ education promoting equity and broadening access to education, advancing pedagogical or technological innovation, building and strengthening educator capacity, catalysing civic participation in education
and championing the rights of education stakeholders.
The Top 10 finalists for the Africa Education Medal will be announced in August and the winner will be announced in September. Nominees will be assessed by a Jury comprising prominent individuals based on [ rigorous criteria->https://t4.education/world-education-medals/judging-process/].
This workshop, powered by AIESEC in Rwanda and specifically designed for penultimate and final-year students, lasted for three days from 27th to 29th February 2024, from 8 am to 3 pm at the University of Rwanda, Nyarungenge Campus.
The goal of the workshop was to educate students on essential skills needed for a seamless transition into the professional world.
This 3-day workshop went beyond the conventional, offering participants hands-on experiences and expert insights to navigate the challenges and unique opportunities awaiting them in their career journeys.
The program covered a range of topics, facilitating networking opportunities for students to connect with industry experts and peers. Attendees left fully equipped with practical skills and a holistic understanding of the competencies required in today’s competitive job market.
AIESEC in Rwanda has extended heartfelt gratitude to the KeyComp4Practice@UR project team and stakeholders for putting together a very insightful workshop to prepare students for the real world.
KeyComp4Practice@UR is dedicated to empowering university students with the essential practical skills and knowledge necessary for success in the professional world.
Through workshops, seminars, training programs, and research collaborations, they strive to bridge the gap between theory-oriented higher education and practice-oriented industry.
More details about the project can be accessed via provided link: https://wp.uni-koblenz.de/keycomp4practice/
Building on the November 2023 signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a collaboration with Google Cloud in Africa, Liquid C2 is set to improve cyber security and cloud offerings across the continent while introducing them to Google Cloud’s latest AI, data, collaboration, and security solutions. Customers of Liquid C2 can expect heightened security measures, access to advanced cloud technologies, and a commitment to securing their digital assets.
Liquid C2 is set to be one of Google Cloud’s largest Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) in Africa, combining Google Cloud’s leading security solutions with Liquid C2’s expertise and vision in offering comprehensive security consulting. In addition, the collaboration enables Liquid C2 to bring the capabilities of both Google Cloud and Anthropic’s AI models to its customers via Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform1, helping businesses develop and deploy solutions quickly within their cloud environments.
As a strategic partner of Google Cloud’s innovative solutions in Africa, Liquid C2 will also deliver Google Workspace to customers across the continent. Designed to facilitate team connections in a cloud-native environment, Google Workspace also features embedded generative AI tools to help employees create content and achieve greater productivity and collaboration in the workplace.
By fortifying cyber security measures and infusing gen AI capabilities, Liquid C2 envisions a future where security, collaboration, and innovation go hand-in-hand, creating a safer, more productive digital experience for all. As Africa continues to emerge as a hub for technological advancements, collaboration between leading companies like Liquid C2, Google Cloud, and Anthropic play a crucial role in driving progress, fostering innovation, and attracting global investment.
In a separate but related development, Liquid C2 is also working directly with Anthropic, one of the largest and fastest-growing AI companies globally, to develop AI solutions for large enterprises that want to use it to improve productivity and revenue growth. Anthropic has a strategic partnership with Google Cloud, and Claude – Anthropic’s family of foundational AI models that excel at thoughtful dialogue, content creation, complex reasoning, creativity, and coding – is available in Google Cloud’s Vertex AI.
Liquid C2’s partnership with Anthropic signifies a shared commitment to empowering businesses in Africa with state-of-the-art AI solutions. By integrating AI models and services across various industries, Liquid C2 and Anthropic aim to accelerate growth for clients, further positioning Africa as a global player in the digital landscape. The collaboration presents opportunities to apply gen AI to African businesses irrespective of the industry or organisation size.
Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud said, “Businesses are increasingly turning to generative AI to drive operational efficiencies, improve the customer experience, and empower their employees like never before. Building on Google’s commitment to investing $1 billion to boost Africa’s digital transformation, our collaborations with market leaders like Liquid C2 and Anthropic will help bring gen AI, security, and other cloud technologies to businesses across the continent. This partnership has the opportunity to transform how African businesses serve and engage their customers as we provide them a foundation for innovation.”
Currently, more than 80% of the largest businesses and organisations operating in more than 31 African countries use a broad spectrum of advanced digital technologies from Liquid supplied by global vendors. Many are keenly interested in moving AI readiness. Liquid C2 will remain a multi-vendor provider, offering its customers best-in-class solutions.
Commenting on the collaboration, Strive Masiyiwa, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Cassava Technologies, said, “Our collaborations with Google Cloud and Anthropic signify a significant step change in our journey as Africa’s leading cloud and cyber security provider. We recognise the importance of responsible AI in enabling access to economic opportunities and empowering individuals and businesses across the continent.
Our partnerships with these two leading technology firms will help us deliver AI-powered solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities in Africa’s digital transformation journey. Together, we are setting new benchmarks for these solutions that cater to the complex needs of a diverse clientele.”
Daniela Amodei, President of Anthropic, said: “We’re excited to partner with Liquid C2 and Google Cloud, bringing frontier AI to businesses across Africa. Combining Anthropic’s safe, steerable AI with Google Cloud’s secure, scalable infrastructure means this partnership has huge potential to enable African companies to grow.”
{{About Anthropic }}
Anthropic is an AI safety and research company based in San Francisco. Its interdisciplinary team has deep experience across machine learning, physics, policy, and product. Together, they create reliable, interpretable, and steerable AI systems. Anthropic’s flagship product is Claude, an AI assistant that is designed to be helpful, harmless, and honest.
{{About Google Cloud}}
Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.
Highlighting the intrinsic strength of women, President Kagame expressed perplexity and disapproval towards the notion of men inflicting violence on women.
“I do not understand how a man can beat a woman. Where do you learn that from?, Iis not in our culture. Who teaches you that?” he questioned, reinforcing that such behavior is alien to Rwandan values and culture.
Kagame’s message was clear: violence against women is intolerable, and laws in Rwanda are designed to deter such actions. He suggested that men inclined towards violence should confront their own gender, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards domestic abuse.
The president also highlighted the significant role of women in development, reminding his audience of the tragic history Rwanda has overcome.
He pointed out that, despite the larger female population, women had a minimal role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, a dark chapter in the country’s past. This observation served to underscore the generally peaceful and constructive nature of women’s contributions to society.
President Kagame’s speech was not just a condemnation of gender-based violence; it was also a call to action for women to assert their rights.
“Women do not wait for anyone to give you the right. Go get the right, give it to yourself and fight for it,” he urged, advocating for self-empowerment and active participation in all spheres of life.
His concluding remarks extended a warm Woman’s Day greeting not only to women but to everyone, recognizing the interconnectedness of all members of society in achieving gender equality.
“Happy Women’s Day to you, the Women, but to us as well, Men,” he said, highlighting that the celebration of women’s achievements and the fight against gender inequality benefits society as a whole.
President Kagame’s speech reflects Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and empower women.
The country is known for its progressive policies in this area, including significant female representation in the government. Kagame’s words underscore the belief that respecting and uplifting women is not only a matter of cultural pride but also a critical component of national development and harmony.
As Rwanda continues to heal and grow from its historical challenges, the emphasis on women’s rights and contributions is a beacon of hope and a model for other nations striving for gender equality and social cohesion.
