The Mozambican News Agency, AIM (Agência de Informação de Moçambique), detailed the assault on the Mucojo military base in the Macomia region on February 9, 2024, where the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) oversees control in Macomia, covering areas such as Nandage, Mwidumbe, Meluco, Mueda, among others.
Meanwhile, peace was restored in regions under control of Rwandan troops like Palma, Mocimboa da Praia, Quionga, Afungi, Mbau, Pundanhar.
Tomás Badae, the leader of Macomia, confirmed on February 12 that the assailants had successfully seized the Mucojo base, emphasizing the tragic demise of 25 Mozambican soldiers.
Mayor Badae provided further insights, stating that the terrorists attacked the military base, ‘but we lack information on whether they are still present or have departed’.
Detailing the timeline of events, Badae recounted, “On Friday morning, the terrorists initiated the assault, and due to blocked roads, escape was impossible. Eventually, our response was, ‘We can leave, but our comrades are no more.’”
Subsequently, on February 12, another attack unfolded in the Chiúre region, spanning from the evening hours into the night. According to the Mozambique-based Lusa newspaper, the assailants targeted the office of the Mazeze area, the residence of its leader, hospitals, and churches.
This information was corroborated by Chiúre’s Mayor, Oliveira Amimo, who lamented, “Unfortunately, our infrastructure has been destroyed; it is nonfunctional.”
The origins of this terrorist group trace back to 2017 in Cabo Delgado. In 2021, Rwanda and the Southern African Community (SADC) forces intervened, successfully expelling the group from numerous captured areas. However, remnants of the militants sought refuge in the forests, launching periodic attacks from their hidden bases.
The Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) has credited this impressive performance to a series of strategic measures, including increased value addition, heightened professionalization, and substantial investment in the mechanization of mining practices. These steps not only underscore Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable mining but also reflect the industry’s potential as a cornerstone for the nation’s economic growth.
The surge in earnings is particularly noticeable in the fourth quarter of 2023, where mineral export earnings were reported at $252.99 million. This figure represents a 34.9% increase from the corresponding quarter in 2022, signaling a robust end to the year.
An analysis of the export figures reveals that cassiterite was a top earner for the country, with October 2023 exports reaching 431,035 kilograms valued at USD 6,487,192. November saw a slight dip in both volume and value, but December bounced back with 446,342 kilograms worth USD 6,923,495.
Coltan, another significant mineral in Rwanda’s export portfolio, also showed a strong performance, particularly in October, with exports of 159,297 kilograms bringing in USD 6,907,161. Wolfram followed suit, contributing significantly to the total earnings with 182,099 kilograms worth USD 2,293,588 in October alone.
Gold, a perennially valuable resource, did not disappoint, with its highest earning month in December, where 1320 kilograms of gold were worth a staggering USD 87,521,667. This reflects both the global market’s unwavering demand for gold and Rwanda’s capability to meet it.
Other minerals collectively added over a million kilograms to the export tally each month, with earnings peaking in November at USD 1,720,701 for 1,725,993 kilograms.
The data from 2023 is a testament to Rwanda’s growing prominence in the mineral export market and serves as a beacon of progress for other nations looking to harness their natural resources sustainably. With the strategic implementation of responsible mining practices, Rwanda is not only securing substantial revenue but is also setting a precedent for environmental stewardship in the mining industry.
He made the proposal during the opening of the 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU that began Wednesday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Addressing the session, Atske Selassie noted that in alignment with the AU’s Agenda 2063, empowering indigenous African languages should be strengthened to contribute to the progress of the African continent.
“I wish to propose the inclusion of Amharic as one of the official languages of the African Union,” Atske Selassie said.
He said it is worth noting that the charter of the Organization of African Unity, the predecessor of the AU, was initially signed in four languages, including Amharic.
“Adopting Amharic as one of the official languages of the union would honor Africa’s linguistic diversity and boost our collective identity as Africans,” he added.
The foreign minister also emphasized the collective responsibility of the union to build a resilient educational system across the continent. He also highlighted the need to significantly improve the AU’s working methods, and strengthen the AU Commission and its organs through availing adequate resources.
This year’s AU summit is being held under the theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.”
The 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the AU is set to take place on Feb. 17-18. It is preceded by the 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council which runs on Feb. 14-15.
This came after the latest report on the state of global education issued by the World Bank, UNICEF and other partners, which revealed that nearly nine in 10 children in Sub-Saharan Africa are unable to read and understand a simple text by the age of 10.
“The foundational level of education among African children is so weak and that has resulted in a human capital deficit in the continent,” said founder and chief executive officer of the Human Capital Africa Obiageli Ezekwesili Tuesday in a joint briefing in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
According to Ezekwesili, leaders of the continent should recognize the scale of the learning crisis confronting the continent and commit to a continental strategy to address it through effective policies and interventions.
She said failing to address the learning crisis will have catastrophic results for the continent’s education outcomes across secondary, and tertiary schools, significantly restricting future employment opportunities.
“Agenda 2063 of the African Union will go nowhere until our leaders react now on crisis related to foundational learning,” Ezekwesili said.
Lieke Van de Wiel, UNICEF’s education adviser, said children who were out of school failed to learn what they were supposed to and that means investments in education have not been generating the right return.
“African leaders must feel a sense of urgency to solve the problem,” said Wiel, further noting that nine out of every 10 children in Africa are in school but not learning.
Albert Nsengiyumva, the executive secretary of ADEA, warned that failing to react to the existing learning crisis in the continent will prevent the achievement of the African Union’s vision for the “Africa we want” by 2063.
“We must now ensure that our concerns are shared as widely as possible and that heads of state and government hear our message in the context of all the challenges facing the continent,” Nsengiyumva said.
At the Africa Human Capital Heads of State Summit in July 2023, 43 African leaders signed the Dar es Salaam Declaration and pledged to increase accessibility, affordability, and quality education, and improve literacy rates to 75 percent by 2030.
The officials gave the briefing upon the conclusion of a two-day summit on Human Capital Africa that dwelt on foundational learning in the African continent.
The summit, co-convened by UNICEF, called for increased investment in technology to enhance foundational learning such as access to digital resources, creating e-learning platforms, and ensuring that both teachers and students have the necessary skills to use technology effectively.
The initiative is open to a wide array of contributors, including Rwandan citizens, international partners, government entities, development agencies, industry experts, the Rwandan diaspora, and leaders within the private sector. These stakeholders are encouraged to present forward-thinking and impactful project proposals that will contribute significantly to the nation’s progress.
These Lab sessions are designed to foster deep collaboration across the entire ecosystem, involving government officials, development partners, private sector figureheads, specialists, potential investors, and the original idea proponents. The goal is to evolve these ideas into viable, investor-ready projects.
Francis Gatare, the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, emphasized the critical role of the private sector as a catalyst for national economic progress. He highlighted RDB’s commitment to supporting this sector through resources and policy initiatives, aiming to secure a future of rapid and sustainable growth for Rwanda and offering a gateway to broader opportunities within Africa.
Aida Azmi, Joint Managing Director & Partner at PEMANDU Associates, shared her enthusiasm for the project, drawing parallels with Malaysia’s economic success story driven by private sector innovation. She expressed confidence in replicating this success in Rwanda, supporting the nation’s shift towards an innovation-led economic model, and fostering the development of scalable sectors across Africa.
Interested parties are invited to submit their project ideas via [an online platform->https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=pYG0WzWnnkySckyHWt-WOrq5sx-RyK9LsNl9H0fi43dUNlRHQUpNUUoyWUZaVE1RSE5TOENNU0lFRSQlQCN0PWcu] before 21 February 2024 at 11:59 PM CAT.
{{About the Rwanda Development Board}}
The RDB stands as a pivotal government agency in Rwanda, dedicated to transforming the country into a vibrant hub for business, investment, and innovation. Its mission is to expedite Rwanda’s economic development by fostering private sector growth.
{{About PEMANDU Associates}}
PEMANDU Associates is a leading consulting firm specializing in public sector transformation, business revitalization, and strategic communications. The firm partners with top government and corporate leaders worldwide to achieve their strategic objectives effectively and inclusively.
Umusambi village has shot to stardom globally by providing a conducive environment for more than 50 grey-crowned cranes. The sanctuary, with an area of roughly 21 hectares, has become a popular destination that draws tourists from Europe, Africa, and Asia who enjoy learning about conservation work and the importance of protecting natural environments.
Winnie Kyamujara, the village’s head guide, said they were inspired to restore the area to conserve the majestic birds. “They were endangered, and their population was declining in the country. We thought of a place where they can reproduce and allow them to be in their natural environment,” Kyamujara told Xinhua.
About seven years ago, the grey-crowned cranes were almost driven to the edge of extinction by illegal bird hunters in Rwanda. As of 2017, there were fewer than 500 cranes of the species in the East African country.
The plight has driven conservation efforts by the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, a non-governmental organization (NGO), to restore a wetland area at Umusambi village to safeguard the endangered birds, after Olivier Nsengimana, a Rwandan veterinary doctor, designed a unique conservation project to combat the illegal trade of the endangered bird species in Rwanda.
The organization started the restoration work in 2018 and brought in the birds at the end of 2019.
“We restored this place because cranes love to be in native trees. That is why we focused on restoring the place and bringing the grey-crowned cranes saved from the illegal pet trade so that they can thrive and live freely like they used to be in the wild before,” Kyamujara said.
Cranes do not like to live in captivity or any enclosure or home. The organization, however, rescued many cranes that were disabled due to their capture and transportation or because people had cut their wings to stop them from flying away.
Restoration of the place involved knowing the kinds of trees and plants that needed to be planted.
The organization marked trees that were exotic and invasive. It hired community members to help remove invasive and exotic trees. It then sourced seedlings for indigenous trees and planted more than 10,000 trees with the help of casual laborers.
“In the 2017 census, we had less than 500 cranes in the country, but by last year, we had 1,216, so the population of cranes doubled, and we are proud of that,” said Kyamujara.
She believed that the establishment of the sanctuary at the Umusambi village impacted the community and surrounding areas beyond conservation.
“We employed more than 200 people daily during restoration. Besides casual workers, we hired permanent workers. We are working here because this place was restored. It is a nice place that everyone would wish to visit,” she said.
She said besides cranes, Umusambi village sanctuary is now also home to many other bird species and wildlife.
The village has more than 130 bird species, according to her. Other wildlife, including butterflies and lizards meant to be in the wild, can be found there.
“We hope that in the years to come, Umusambi village will have more animals compared to cranes,” she said.
About 10 tourists from China have signed up for an annual pass to the village, and they are its good supporters, according to Kyamujara. “The feedback they give us is that we are doing a great job, we are making a change; they are supportive of us,” Kyamujara said.
To ensure the safety of the birds, the conservation area is fenced off with an electric fence.
Besides, guides monitor the birds every morning and evening to ensure they are healthy.
“We have a team of veterinary doctors who treat sick birds. We also have a clinic for wildlife which treats birds and small mammals,” she said, adding that the safety of the cranes is guaranteed.
The Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association started with campaigns on various media platforms, teaching people the dangers of keeping cranes in their homes. It carries out education campaigns in schools and communities about conservation. It also hosts schools to teach students about the importance of conserving cranes.
Kyamujara said the campaign helped combat poaching of the cranes for petty trade.
Umusambi village is just one of the six places the NGO has since restored for conservation.
Kyamujara thought that the lessons learned from the Umusambi village project to save cranes could help to protect other wildlife under threat. “Many people now understand the importance of conserving the environment. But conservation requires collective efforts,” said Kyamujara.
In addressing the economic challenges posed by the pandemic, the Government of Rwanda established the Economic Recovery Fund to assist businesses affected by the crisis. Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente informed the Parliament on February 13, 2024, that since its initiation in 2021 with $150,000, the fund has seen an increase to Rwf459 billion, with Rwf206.6 billion already disbursed to support the private sector.
Dr. Ngirente explained, “The fund has already given Rwf206.6 billion to different members of the private sector out of Rwf459 billion that was put into the fund in its two categories.” He emphasized that these funds, beyond aiding projects affected by Covid-19, have also been directed towards supporting new investments.
Initially, the fund began with Rwf300 billion in response to private sector requests, later augmented to Rwf459 billion Frw. Dr. Ngirente highlighted that the service sector, particularly hotels, received the first funds, contributing to a positive impact on the economy. The service sector, which saw a 6% contraction in 2020, experienced a 12% rise in 2021 and 2022, with provisional figures for 2023 indicating a 1% increase over the three quarters.
Prime Minister Dr. Ngirente remarked, “The support we have given them through the economic fund has not been wasted because you have seen that it has contributed to the improvement of our economy. The more money we earn, the greater the production, which increases the overall production of the country.”
Dr. Ngirente emphasized the significant size of the funds allocated to the private sector, highlighting the continuous growth of the fund. He assured that the fund would persist in its efforts, particularly in supporting various investments. Furthermore, he disclosed a plan to promote industrial development, with 136 approved projects expected to generate over 43,000 jobs for Rwandans across diverse backgrounds.
Elaborating on the industrial development plan, he stated, “There was an established plan to develop the industry so that we can contribute more to the economic development and job creation.” The program, implemented in 2021, has led to the approval of 136 projects valued at more than $2.3 billion.
Statistics indicate a notable increase in loans received by the private sector from banks, reaching Rwf1927 billion in 2023 compared to Rwf1065 billion in 2020. Over the period from 2021 to 2023, more than 590,000 new jobs have been created, aligning with the government’s goal of generating at least 200,000 new jobs annually.
This move follows the removal of subsidies introduced during the economic challenges posed by Covid-19.
Announcing the development, the Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, stated, “It will require that the existing technology used in buses be supplemented with additional machines.”
In the traditional Single Fare system in Rwanda, passengers swiped a card once and paid a fixed amount for the entire journey. The proposed shift to a distance-based model is seen as a means to benefit passengers, especially after the government’s financial contribution was terminated.
Dr. Gasore emphasized, “Paying for miles traveled by a person is something that can help travelers a lot that was thought of when the contribution of the government was stopped.”
Karasira Willy from Centrika, a technology provider involved in the transition, affirmed that it could be done on the road in Rwanda because they have already built it.
Dr. Gasore discussed two possible methods for implementing the distance-based fare system. One involves charging passengers per kilometer traveled, using a predetermined cost per kilometer.
The other method incorporates a setup fee calculated before the journey, combined with the regular per-kilometer charge. Dr. Gasore stressed, “If a person goes to a certain place and does not clean again, he will be charged for the whole journey.”
Testing of the new system is expected to begin on specific routes before a widespread rollout, particularly targeting inter-province travel.
Those arrested in operations conducted on Tuesday, February 13, include dealers, who buy stolen electronics, and technicians, who sometimes modify serial numbers.
They were all handed over to RIB for further investigations.
During the operations, Police also recovered from the suspects 28 tablets, four laptops and a desktop.
One of the arrested phone technicians was found in possession of 110 smartphones, ACP Boniface Rutikanga, the RNP spokesperson, said.
“Those arrested are mainly buyers and dealers of stolen electronics. They are suspected of working with thieves to steal electronics especially mobile phones, computers and television sets.
These are ongoing operations to break chains, especially those who buy and sell stolen electronics because they are fuelling theft,” ACP Rutikanga said.
{{Regulations governing trade of used electronics}}
In July 2022, the government published regulations governing trade of used electrical and electronic equipment, including licensing. The regulated electronics telephones, electric cables, computers, television sets, music instruments (guitar, piano, keyboard, sound speakers), cameras as well as TV and satellite receivers.
Others include CD and MP3 players, radios, scanners, video mixing and cutting devices, decoders, air conditioners, washing machines, cooking stove, and amplifier.
Under the regulations, for one to trade in used electrical and electronic equipment, you apply for a license issued by Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA), which is valid for two years, renewal.
Business operators are required to ensure that used electrical and electronic equipment they intend to buy meets the safety requirements of the standards IEC 60950-1; record description of the equipment bought and sold.
The records kept for at least two years, should indicate the category, brand and model name, model number, serial number, information relating to International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and International Mobile Equipment Identity Software Version (IMEI-SV) per slot where applicable; any other distinguished marks or features, where applicable and equipment status description.
Before buying second-hand electronics, the business operator must first verify that the seller is the rightful owner of the equipment and record detailed particulars.
This period, observed by millions of believers, mirrors the 40 days Jesus Christ spent in the desert overcoming temptations, as recounted in the New Testament.
Lent embodies a time for followers to mimic Christ’s sacrifice and seclusion through fasting, prayer, and charitable deeds. This article delves into Lent’s core, its universal celebration, practices, and various elements underscoring its importance.
{{Spiritual journey and preparation}}
Lent symbolizes a spiritual journey and readiness for Easter, Christianity’s most significant festival, which celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection. It affords the faithful a moment to ponder their lives, seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings, and pledge towards spiritual and personal development.
It is an occasion for Christians to enhance their grasp and devotion to God’s teachings, fostering a deeper spiritual existence through introspection and self-denial.
{{Global observance and cultural impact}}
The practice of Lent varies extensively among Christian denominations and cultures. Western Christianity — encompassing Roman Catholic, Anglican, and some Protestant traditions — observes Lent from Ash Wednesday to the Saturday before Easter Sunday.
On the other hand, Eastern Orthodox Christianity begins Lent on Clean Monday, concluding on the Friday before Palm Sunday, incorporating distinct traditions and calendars.
Lent’s influence extends to social and cultural customs in countries with deep-rooted Christian traditions. For instance, nations with predominantly Catholic populations like Italy, Spain, and Brazil witness Lent through processions and special church services.
Similarly, the Philippines, with its strong Catholic heritage, participates in fasting, abstinence, and religious rites such as the Stations of the Cross.
{{Historical roots and cultural significance}}
The term ‘Lent’ originates from the Old English ‘lencten,’ denoting spring and symbolizing renewal and new life as days lengthen. Initially describing the season, Lent eventually became associated with the Christian fasting period before Easter, reflecting spring’s theme of rejuvenation.
Tracing back to the early Christian church, Lent served as a preparatory time for Easter, with the faithful fasting and repenting in anticipation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This 40-day period mirrors Jesus’ time of fasting in the wilderness.
{{Practices and traditions}}
Lent spans 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, excluding Sundays — each a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. During this time, Christians partake in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, with fasting typically involving the omission of specific foods or meals. Prayer and almsgiving are directed towards spiritual enrichment and aiding others.
Symbolism and reflection
Lent is imbued with symbolism, chiefly focusing on repentance and renewal. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent with ash distribution on the foreheads of the faithful, representing mortality and repentance.
Many also refrain from meat on Fridays as a sacrificial act, externalizing internal spiritual rejuvenation.
{{Modern observances}}
In contemporary times, Lent has embraced additional practices, with believers renouncing personal indulgences or partaking in community service as fasting acts.
Technology fasts have also become prevalent, encouraging reduced use of electronic devices to concentrate on personal reflection. Special services, prayer meetings, and study groups are commonly offered by churches and Christian communities to aid the faithful in their spiritual journey.
{{Ecumenical observances}}
While predominantly acknowledged by Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and many Protestants, Lent is observed distinctively across denominations. Orthodox Christians adhere to a stricter fasting protocol and commence Lent on Clean Monday, whereas many Protestant denominations emphasize Lenten study and reflection without the stringent fasting observed by Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
Lent beckons Christians to introspection, penance, and readiness for Easter’s festivity. Through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, believers introspect on their existence, aspiring for spiritual growth and closer adherence to Christian principles.
As Lent has evolved, its observances have adapted, maintaining profound spiritual significance.
Whether through traditional or modern practices, Lent remains a crucial period for Christians globally to rejuvenate their faith and commitment to their spiritual path.
