Regarded as one of the most influential diplomats of the 20th century, Kissinger’s legacy elicits varied perspectives. While he is lauded for his crucial role in shaping American foreign policy, particularly in Asia and South America, critics argue that he operated autocratically and betrayed ethical principles, resulting in widespread turmoil and loss of innocent lives.
Kissinger’s involvement in international politics prominently featured his role in the Vietnam War, drawing both acclaim and condemnation. His influence extended to the establishment of dictatorships in countries such as Pakistan, Cambodia, and Chile, prompting accusations of orchestrating instability.
Despite his significant contributions to global affairs, Kissinger’s attention to Africa appears limited in historical accounts. His policies seemingly marginalized the continent, with scant evidence of initiatives aimed at fostering development. Notably, Kissinger’s reluctance to support African nations seeking independence, such as South Africa and Angola, is underscored.
A leaked WikiLeaks document from January 18, 1975, reveals the U.S. State Department’s response to economic support requests from Rwanda and Burundi. Kissinger’s office expressed reservations, citing limited U.S. interests in these nations. The document highlights ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi in Rwanda and Burundi at the time as complicating factors for American intervention.
The document underscores Kissinger’s caution about involvement in conflicts arising from the volatile situation between the two ethnic groups. It suggests a prudent approach, emphasizing that the United States should avoid entanglement in the affairs of Rwanda and Burundi.
As Kissinger exited his role in U.S. foreign affairs, American policy towards African countries persisted, maintaining a stance that some argue views Africa more as a challenge than a collaborative partner. This perspective sharply contrasts with the strategies of other global players like China and Russia, who see Africa as an investment opportunity rather than a problem to be managed.
Kissinger’s impact on U.S. international policy in Africa remains enduring, molding the nation’s approach to the continent, albeit with mixed consequences and perceptions.
Dr. Munana Gilbert, the Rector of UTAB emphasized the unique nature of the counseling evening, designed to provide guidance to the graduating class. Unlike traditional celebrations of knowledge, this event aimed to underscore that the graduands not only acquired knowledge but also received valuable education.
During the event, UTAB graduates, who have gained considerable experience in the job market, along with other experts, shared insights with the graduands. The discussions centered around instilling values that characterize Rwandans and fostering personal and national development.
Dr. Munana highlighted the focus on talks about the attitudes essential for thriving in the competitive job market. Tito Rutaremara, the Chairperson of the Council of Elders Advisory Forum , stressed the importance of having a dream, stating that it not only guides one’s aspirations but also motivates hard work, contributing to personal and national development.
Several students expressed gratitude for the much-needed advice received after four years of academic pursuit. Twizerimana Katonda Anastase, a graduate from the Department of Education, affirmed their readiness to provide quality education, emphasizing their connection to the institution.
Nyirandashimye Vestine, who completed studies in animal husbandry, appreciated the guidance on transitioning to professional life outside of school. She acknowledged the practical tips on animal care and production, recognizing their value in working with integrity and professionalism.
In total, 788 individuals received degrees from UTAB, marking the culmination of their academic journey and the beginning of their paths towards contributing meaningfully to society.
The conference discussions should spark renewed energy and commitment to constructing healthier and more robust health systems, said Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango while addressing the challenges in the health sector.
Encouraging participants to leverage the knowledge gained and foster connections, Nalumango stressed the importance of translating discussed issues into actionable plans across the continent to fortify public health systems.
Zambia’s Health Minister Sylvia Masebo said the discussions would propel progress in public health across Africa, and that the conference would help identify common public health challenges and seek interventions to enhance the continent’s health security.
Held under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture,” the conference brought together about 5,100 delegates, with an additional 30,000 participating virtually.
Rwanda’s Presidency has disclosed that Kagame joined leaders including Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nayhan, President of the United Arab States; Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations, and other dignitaries.
Approximately 200 countries were represented at COP28, with attendees ranging from business and financial leaders to civil society representatives.
The primary objective was to collaboratively explore strategies for adopting climate-friendly energy solutions in the future.
Addressing the gathering, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue of extreme heat, which has significant economic implications, impacting global price fluctuations and increasing the cost of living.
Guterres highlighted the potential benefits of renewable energy, describing it as a valuable asset for both the well-being of the planet’s inhabitants and the global economy.
A noteworthy development on the first day of COP28 was the official launch of a fund dedicated to assisting developing nations most severely affected by climate change. This initiative, spearheaded by COP28 President and the United Arab Emirates Minister of Industry and Technology, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, gained approval at the preceding COP27 conference in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort that transformed the fund from a commitment made in Sharm El Sheikh to a tangible reality in Dubai within a year. He praised the collective dedication of the involved teams, underscoring the accomplishment as evidence that the world can unite to achieve significant goals.
Here is some essential information worth knowing about the World Media Summit.
{{What is World Media Summit?}}
The notion of holding the summit was first proposed by Xinhua in 2008 with the aim of facilitating exchanges among leading media groups worldwide on the challenges posed by the emergence of the “New Media” and enhancing their win-win cooperation.
Co-initiated by a collection of media organizations with global influence — including Xinhua News Agency, the Associated Press, Reuters, TASS Russian News Agency, the first summit, organized by Xinhua, was held in Beijing in 2009.
With Moscow hosting the second in 2012, followed by the third in Doha, Qatar, in 2016, and Beijing in 2021 for the fourth summit via video link, the World Media Summit has demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity and a diverse representation of global media perspectives.
From top executives and editors-in-chief to seasoned journalists and media scholars, as well as press officials, the summit seeks to foster dialogue, share insights and collectively address the multifaceted challenges confronting contemporary media.
{{What has been achieved by the summit?}}
Since its inception, the summit has achieved remarkable progress in its effort to promote international people-to-people exchanges as well as exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.
A series of documents have been issued to strengthen media connections and promote cooperation, including the World Media Summit Joint Statement, the World Media Summit Convention on the Protection of Intellectual Property Related to Media Results, the World Media Summit Doha Statement, the Fourth World Media Summit Presidium Meeting Shanghai Consensus, and the joint statement of the 4th World Media Summit.
Multiple activities have been successfully held to enhance practical cooperation.
For instance, the World Media Summit Global Awards for Excellence were organized in 2014 and 2021. Training programs for media professionals from Asia, Africa and Latin America were set up, and several large-scale international public welfare projects were initiated, like the Global News Day for Children with a global live broadcast around the clock, the Zoom-in on Poverty Global Photo Contest, as well as media campaigns focused on Africa.
Through establishing the presidium, the supreme decision-making body of the summit, and the Secretariat as part of the daily administrative structure, the summit has made significant strides in institutional building, which ensures the long-term stability and development of the summit.
{{Key facts of the fifth World media Summit}}
The fifth summit will be hosted by Xinhua on Dec. 2-8, in China’s Guangzhou city of Guangdong Province and Kunming city of Yunnan Province.
Over 450 attendees from 101 countries and regions — representatives from nearly 200 mainstream media outlets, think tanks and government agencies, as well as international organizations — will participate in the event this year in the hope of reaching practical cooperation.
Themed “Boosting Global Confidence, Promoting Media Development,” the summit will address topics including bolstering media confidence, coping with opportunities and challenges presented by new technologies, exploring new markets in the digital age, and striving for a shared future in global media cooperation.
The new members were sworn-in on November 30, 2023, at the High Court in Nyamirambo.
Lawyer Moïse Nkundabarashi, the President of the Rwanda Bar Association, emphasized the importance of embodying values and transparency in their daily work.
He cautioned them against mistakes that could tarnish the reputation of their profession, urging adherence to the law, self-respect, respect for other institutions and courts, discretion, and humanity.
“I urge you, as you commence your career, to adhere to the principles laid out in the law, maintain self-respect, show respect for other institutions and courts, exercise discretion, and embrace humanity. By doing so, you will not only excel in your chosen profession, but your clients will also hold you in high regard and trust,” stated Nkundabarashi.
He encouraged the new lawyers to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations governing their profession, treating them as guiding principles throughout their careers.
Nkundabarashi also highlighted the government’s push, particularly from the Justice Department, for alternative dispute resolution (ADR), urging the legal professionals to embrace and implement this approach.
Additionally, Nkundabarashi reminded the new lawyers that their entrance into the legal profession coincides with the government’s emphasis on resolving issues through ADR, aligning with the principles endorsed by the Justice Department.
He stressed the significance of their role in the justice system, prompting them to enhance their professional performance. The President of the High Court, Jean Pierre Habarurema, underscored the importance of lawyers in facilitating swift and efficient justice, benefiting both the Department of Justice and the broader legal system.
Habarurema cautioned against extending assistance to the High Court due to its final decision-making authority, preventing the possibility of a second appeal. The Rwanda Bar Association, having grown from its inception with 37 lawyers to 1550 over the past 25 years, continues to expand its capacity to advocate for justice and assist individuals in legal matters.
Attended by 855 people of 10 different religions from 73 countries, the conference featured an impactful order of events, beginning with an opening by the emcee who expressed the urgency of addressing global conflicts and the organization’s heartfelt desire for the cessation of wars. It highlighted the importance of unity among religious individuals and the shared values embedded in various scriptures that promote peace, justice, human dignity, respect, and harmony.
The event included prayers led by representatives from major religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism. The prayers represented by leaders of various religions were different in form, but their contents were all prayers for peace as each religious leader offered prayers rooted in their respective traditions, emphasizing the shared goal of ending war and achieving global peace.
The emcee, in detailing the order of events, explained that a real-time prayer and wish board would be operated where participants could share their own prayers and wishes for peace.
At the end of the prayer meeting, HWPL proposed a “Relay Prayer Campaign” through the moderator as a practical measure for peace. Religious leaders were urged to consistently hold prayer meetings for the cessation of war and world peace, creating opportunities in various forms to gather the hearts of as many people as possible.
Amid persisting conflicts and disputes among religions, HWPL’s dedication to fostering religious harmony is evident through initiatives such as the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Offices where religious leaders of various faiths and disciplines gather regularly to discuss their scriptures, HWPL International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA), Religious Youth Peace Camp, Open Dialogue with Religious Leaders, and MOUs with Religious Organizations. As of September 2023, there are 282 WARP Offices in operation in 131 countries.
The overall winner, Wiston Shimirwa, was presented with a prize of 200 square meters of roofing sheets valued at Rwf2.5 million. Boniface Tuyisenge, an architect, received a voucher worth Rwf300,000 for purchasing construction materials from IngCo. Meanwhile, Eric Maniraguha secured a ticket for two to Kigali Lounge, valued at Rwf200,000.
The selection process for these deserving recipients was meticulous, considering factors such as filled-out profiles, valuable feedback, and thoughtful inquiries.
Architect Boniface Tuyisenge, who claimed the second prize, expressed his motivation for participating in the awards. He highlighted the innovative nature of Mr Roof’s work in the Rwandan market, emphasizing the company’s ability to tailor roofs to individual client needs—a unique feature that resonated with architects who appreciate innovation and natural beauty.
“This opportunity aligns with our values, and winning tools we need for our daily work is a great addition to our professional resources,” Tuyisenge shared.
Jenny Rutaysire, the Sales Manager at Mr Roof, shed light on the company’s commitment to introducing new products and services to the Rwandan market. She emphasized the uniqueness of their offerings, prompting the strategic use of their newsletter as a platform for promotion.
“We chose this newsletter to disseminate information about our products, share updates on price reductions, and highlight various opportunities,” Rutaysire explained.
Encouraging continued engagement, Mr Roof expressed optimism about the future. Rutaysire encouraged those who did not secure prizes this time to stay connected, as the newsletter will feature numerous activities and opportunities in the future.
Acknowledging the increased interest in the ‘Mr Roof Newsletter,’ Rutaysire assured subscribers that their questions would be addressed in upcoming stories.
The newsletter, published twice a month at the beginning and end of each month, serves as a comprehensive source for all company-related news, providing subscribers with timely updates on products, promotions, and other exciting developments.
COP28, commencing on Thursday, is scheduled to conclude on December 12, 2023. On the inaugural day of COP28, member nations reached an agreement to operationalize a Loss and Damage (L&D) fund designed to compensate countries grappling with climate change.
The L&D fund, located at the World Bank but overseen by an independent secretariat, has garnered commitments exceeding $450 million from various countries. Although billions are still required to fulfill its purpose, this marks a positive step forward.
The L&D fund’s inception traces back to COP-27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, last year. It took five separate meetings, facilitated by ‘transitional committees,’ to achieve unanimous agreement among countries. Delegates hailed the first-day launch of the fund as a positive start, fostering good momentum for ensuing discussions.
Financial commitments, as of Thursday, include $100 million from the United Arab Emirates (the host country), $100 million from Germany, $17 million from the United States, approximately $50.6 million from the United Kingdom, and $10 million from Japan. The European Union also pledged $145 million, supplementing Germany’s contribution.
The decision to kickstart the fund on the inaugural day of COP28, after years of contention, serves as a noteworthy example of the summit’s efficacy in addressing urgent global challenges.
On the sidelines of COP28, President Kagame participated in the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) reception, co-hosted by King Charles III and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Launched by King Charles III in 2020 at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, the Sustainable Markets Initiative serves as the premier global private sector organization for sustainable transition. Its ability to convene leading organizations from industry, financial services, and governments is instrumental in driving innovation and expediting progress toward a just, sustainable, and prosperous future.
The Sustainable Markets Initiative’s mandate, known as the Terra Carta, aims to coordinate a global effort enabling the private sector to accelerate the achievement of global climate, biodiversity, and Sustainable Development Goal targets. Introduced in 2021 at the One Planet Summit, the Terra Carta outlines guiding principles and ambitious actions through 2030, placing Nature, People, and Planet at the core of global value creation.
The acquisition follows the fulfilment of conditions precedent to the acquisition, including regulatory and corporate approvals and was completed on November 30, 2023. EGH now holds 198,250 shares representing 99.1250% of the issued share capital of Cogebanque, officially making Cogebanque its subsidiary.
On June 14, 2023, EGH publicly disclosed its entry into a binding term sheet for the acquisition of 91.93% of Cogebanque’s issued shares from the Government of Rwanda, Rwanda Social Security Board, Sanlam Vie Plc, and Ms. Judith Mugirasoni (the sellers).
The completion of the acquisition was subject to various conditions, including confirmatory due diligence, execution of definitive agreements, regulatory approvals from the Central Bank of Kenya, the National Bank of Rwanda, the COMESA Competition Commission, and corporate approvals.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana said, “The consolidation of Equity Bank Rwanda Plc and Cogebanque will create a stronger and more resilient banking institution better equipped to serve the needs of the people of Rwanda and will contribute to Rwanda’s economic growth and development. Additionally, this partnership demonstrates investors’ confidence in Rwanda’s economic potential and presents new opportunities for the financial sector to thrive.”
On July 28, 2023, EGH entered into a share purchase agreement with the Sellers by which it agreed to acquire, on completion, 183,854 shares at a price of Rwanda Francs 297,406 per share.
Simultaneously, EGH offered to acquire all the remaining shares from the rest of the Cogebanque shareholders, intending to acquire up to 100% of the issued shares of Cogebanque.
Equity Group Holdings Plc Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, said, “We are delighted to welcome Cogebanque’s employees and customers to Equity Group. Through our focus on innovation, cutting-edge technology, and superior service, we aim to provide enhanced financial services, improve lives, expand opportunities for wealth creation, and deliver significant value to all our stakeholders in Rwanda.
The eventual merger of Cogebanque and Equity Bank Rwanda will consolidate Equity Group’s position in Rwanda and support delivery of its overarching strategy, the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan. The expansion of Equity Group’s business in Rwanda aims to bolster Rwanda’s financial services landscape and fortifies the Group’s commitment to catalyzing socio-economic development across the African continent.”
Dr. Mwangi went further to add, “By synergizing the operations of Cogebanque and Equity Bank Rwanda, EGH is strategically positioned to deliver an expanded array of competitive, customized financial services. This strategic alignment is designed not only to meet the diverse needs of our customers but also to catalyze economic growth, empower local communities, and contribute to the realization of the Group’s vision as Sub-Saharan Africa’s premier financial institution.”
According to its recently released results as at 30th September 2023, Equity Group Holdings reported deposits growth of 20% to Kshs1,208.6 billion up from Kshs 1,007.3 billion with subsidiaries contributing a 49% growth and Equity Bank Rwanda growing by 39%. Loans grew by 26% to Kshs 845.9 billion up from Kshs 673.9 billion with subsidiaries contributing a 46% growth, and Equity Bank Rwanda growing by 20%. Total assets grew by 24% to Kshs1,691.2 billion up from Kshs1,363.7 billion again with subsidiaries contributing 47% and Equity Bank Rwanda growing by 40%.
{{About Cogebanque}}
Cogebanque is a public limited company licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda to provide banking services in Rwanda. At the end of 2022, Cogebanque was the fifth largest bank in Rwanda as measured by reported book value of total assets and shareholders’ equity and served customers in the corporate, small- and medium-sized enterprise and retail customer segments through twenty-eight (28) branches, approximately six hundred (600) active bank agents and thirty-six (36) automated teller machines.
As at 31st December 2022, Cogebanque reported net assets of Rwf47.35 billion and profit after tax of Rwf9.06 billion.
{{About Equity Bank Rwanda Plc}}
Equity Bank Rwanda Plc is a wholly owned subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings Plc and is licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda to provide banking services in Rwanda. Equity Bank Rwanda ranked third amongst Rwandan banks in terms of reported total assets as at 30th September 2023 and served over 1,351,486 customers through a network of 18 branches, 3,880 agents, 23 ATMs and 1,775 merchants.
As of 30th September 2023, Equity Bank Rwanda Plc reported total assets of Rwf682.9 billion, and profit after tax of Rwf23.2 billion.
{{About Equity Group Holdings Plc and Equity Group}}
Equity Group Holdings Plc is a non-operating holding company with banking subsidiaries in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo, a Commercial Representative Office in Ethiopia and non-banking subsidiaries in Kenya that are engaged in providing investment banking and stock-broking, insurance, custodial services, payment services and telecommunication services.
Equity Group Holdings Plc is listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange and other regional exchanges with a market capitalization of KES. 1.34 trillion (USD 0.9bn).
Equity Group Holdings Plc reported a consolidated asset base of KES. 1.7 trillion (USD 11.4bn), deposits of KES. 1.21 trillion (USD 8.2bn) and 8,155.0a customer base of over 18.9 million customers as at 30th September 2023. Equity Group has a footprint of over 360 branches, 69, 656 Agents, over 950,000 Pay With Equity (PWE) Merchants, 34,844 Point-of-Sale (POS) Merchants, over 700 ATMs and an extensive adoption of digital and mobile banking channels.
