The decision to support President Kagame’s candidacy was reached after he confirmed his intention to participate in the upcoming presidential polls scheduled for the following year.
PDI expressed its gratitude to Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, for accepting the call of Rwandans to continue their nation’s journey of rebuilding and to strengthen the gains in its development.
In a statement, PDI said, “After learning that President Kagame has agreed to run as a candidate in the 2024 elections, the party extends its heartfelt appreciation for his dedication to upholding Rwandans’ unity, safeguarding national sovereignty, and fostering the country’s development through consensual and inclusive democracy.”
The statement adds that the party’s endorsement of President Kagame aligns with a resolution made by its high council in Nyandungu, Kigali City, during preparations for the presidential elections in 2003. The resolution stated PDI’s commitment to support President Kagame whenever he is a candidate, ensuring the continuation of his leadership in the best interests of the nation.
It is noteworthy that PDI played a pivotal role in advocating for a constitutional amendment in 2015 to revise the article that previously restricted the head of state from seeking re-election.
President Kagame, who assumed office in 2000 and was first elected in 2003, is currently in his third term, set to conclude in 2024. The elections are scheduled for August of the same year.
In June of this year, the Parliament passed a constitutional amendment allowing Rwanda to conduct both presidential and parliamentary elections concurrently.
This harmonized approach is estimated to yield substantial cost savings, with the National Electoral Commission estimating up to Rwf 6 billion in savings.
The earthquake occurred on Sunday, September 24, at 4:21 pm local time in Kigali and was felt in neighboring countries such as Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB) reported that the earthquake was most strongly felt in Karongi District.
While this earthquake had a magnitude of 5.1, which is considered moderate and typically not associated with severe damage, its effects could vary depending on several factors.
Vestine Mukarutesi, the Mayor of Karongi District, told RBA that the earthquake was felt across different sectors, including Rugabano and Gashari. It resulted in the destruction of five houses, with one house suffering structural damage, and the roofs of two classrooms were also damaged.
Another moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9 was recorded in Rwanda on March 27, 2023, affecting some areas in the Western Province and Kigali City.
Additionally, Kagame had a meeting with Don Peebles, the founder, chairman, and CEO of The Peebles Corporation, a prominent private real estate investment and development company.
Their conversation centered around potential investment opportunities in Rwanda. The Peebles Corporation is headquartered in New York, Miami, and Washington DC and was established in 1983. The company has been involved in various infrastructure projects in the United States, including hotels and roads, with one notable project being the 90-storey Affirmation Tower.
Among others, President Kagame engaged in talks with Barry Segal, the founder of the Segal Family Foundation (SFF), alongside Dolly Segal and Martin Segal, SFF’s Board Chair. These discussions followed the 10th Annual Meeting of the Segal Family Foundation, which took place in Kigali in July of this year. They deliberated on the ongoing investments that SFF has made, impacting organizations worldwide, including 60 in Rwanda.
While the Segal Family Foundation is based in the USA, it operates in over 20 Sub-Saharan African countries, supporting approximately 200 community development projects. SFF provides training and financial support.
Established in 2004, the foundation expanded its presence to Rwanda after Barry Segal’s visit to the country in 2007. In Rwanda, the Rwanda Segal Family Foundation collaborates with other organizations, such as iDebate, which organizes debates to enhance students’ skills, and Solid’Africa, an organization that assists patients at various hospitals across Rwanda.
Through epochs known and unknown, these masterpieces have enthralled generations, encapsulating the very essence of their eras.
Whether hewn from primitive rocks in the prehistoric past or chiseled from colossal monoliths during medieval times, these iconic sculptures have not only captured the imaginations of tourists and archaeologists but have also etched their names indelibly in the annals of fame.
{{Seventeen Sculptures That Transcend Time}}
Each of these statues, a triumph of craftsmanship, tells a unique story and stands as a symbol of the place it graces today. They are the stuff of dreams and deserve a place on every traveler’s bucket list. Without further ado, let’s embark on a journey to discover the magnificence of the 17 most famous statues in the world.
{{1. Statue Of Liberty, New York}}
The embodiment of freedom and democracy, Lady Liberty stands tall in New York Harbor, a beacon of hope to immigrants seeking a new life in the United States.
{{2. Christ The Redeemer, Rio De Janeiro}}
Perched atop the Corcovado Mountain, this colossal statue of Jesus Christ watches over the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, offering solace and inspiration to all who behold it.
{{3. Moai, Easter Island, Chile}}
The mysterious Moai statues of Easter Island, with their enigmatic expressions and colossal proportions, have baffled historians and archaeologists for centuries.
{{4. Little Mermaid, Denmark}}
Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved character comes to life in the form of the Little Mermaid statue, captivating visitors with her wistful gaze in Copenhagen’s harbor.
{{5. The Thinker, Paris}}
Auguste Rodin’s iconic sculpture, The Thinker, invites contemplation as it sits in silent reflection at the entrance to the Musée Rodin in Paris.
{{6. David Statue, Italy}}
Michelangelo’s David, a symbol of human potential and beauty, stands as a testament to the artistic genius of the Italian Renaissance in Florence.
{{7. Terrace Of The Lions, Delos, Greece}}
On the sacred island of Delos, the Terrace of the Lions stands as guardians of ancient Greek mythology, preserving the legacy of this ancient civilization.
{{8. The Statues Of Mount Nemrut, Turkey}}
The colossal stone heads at Mount Nemrut, surrounded by an air of mystery, pay tribute to a once-mighty kingdom that has long since faded into history.
{{9. The Motherland Calls Statue, Russia}}
This colossal statue in Volgograd, formerly Stalingrad, commemorates the sacrifices of the Soviet soldiers during the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II.
{{10. The Statue of Unity, India}}
The imposing figure of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, stands as a symbol of national unity in the Indian state of Gujarat.
{{11. The Manneken Pis, Belgium}}
Brussels’ cheeky icon, the Manneken Pis, has delighted visitors for centuries with its irreverent sense of humor.
{{12. Great Sphinx Of Giza, Egypt}}
The enigmatic Sphinx, guardian of the pyramids, continues to captivate the world with its timeless allure, shrouded in tales of ancient Egypt.
{{13. Spring Temple Buddha, China}}
The world’s tallest statue, the Spring Temple Buddha, exudes serenity and grace as it towers over the lush Chinese landscape, embodying the essence of Buddhism.
{{14. The Pieta, Tuscany}}
One of the oldest and largest statues in the world is The Pieta located in Italy. Every year thousands of tourists come to visit this masterpiece which is known for its unique architecture and culture. The statue depicts mother Mary holding Jesus after the crucifixion
{{15. The Terracotta Army, Xian}}
One of the world famous statues is none other than The Terracotta Army located in China which is carved out of Terracotta clay. Legends say that more than 700,000 labourers worked day in and out to built this masterpiece which is an army where every soldier has a different facial expression.
{{ 16. Olmec Colossal Heads, San Lorenzo}}
Olmec Colossal Heads located in Mexico is indeed one of the famous statues around the world. The statue is sculpted out of enormous basalt bounders and the heads have a mysterious history. A total of 17 heads have been discovered till date and each head expressing differently.
{{17. The Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan}}
In Lushan, the Leshan Giant Buddha is one of the most popular and tallest statues in China. It is considered to have been carved out of a cliff of Qifeng Peak which is regarded as the largest stone statue of Maitreya. The statue is built over the meeting point of the three rivers which was to calm down the turbulence which occurred due to falling of stones in the river.
These 17 statues, scattered across the globe, are more than mere works of art; they are living witnesses to the passage of time, reflecting the spirit and ethos of their respective cultures.
Each one tells a story, carries a message, and leaves an indelible mark on all who are fortunate enough to behold them. So, as you plan your travels, remember to include these marvelous sculptures in your itinerary, for they are not just monuments; they are testaments to the enduring power of human creativity and expression.
She was received at the Centre by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza.
DIGP Ujeneza reiterated the RNP’s commitment to work with all entities and to ensure that the centre becomes a central hub in addressing gender based violence and child abuse issues, collectively.
Minister Uwamariya emphasized the importance of the Centre to create impact in gender and child abuse related matters.
“I came here to know how this Regional Centre of Excellence on GBV and Child Abuse operates, and how to ensure its sustainability through partnerships and having long term projects.
A lot has been done by this centre but we can do more better together as the Ministry, Gender Monitoring Office, the Police and other entities charged with gender and child abuse issues, through more research and availing more necessities to achieve its purpose,” Minister Uwamariya said.
The Minister emphasised on having a comprehensive working framework that will define all partnerships to enable the Center to sustain what has been achieved.
Launched by the government in November 2016, the Centre serves as a regional hub in addressing capacity issues in the gender sector.
It is the brain of the 2010 Kigali International Conference Declaration (KICD).
This was in response to the UNiTE global campaign to end violence against women and girls.
In 2017, it was adopted by the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) as the Regional Centre of Excellence on GBV and Child Abuse .
It hosts the Permanent Secretariat of KICD to coordinate security organs and law enforcement agencies in Africa in GBV and Child Abuse management.
It is a national training centre for stakeholders and partners in the area of gender, GBV and child protection.
It was established mainly to conduct research, build capacity of security organs and civilian personnel, promote regional initiatives and share good practices on ending Gender based Violence and Child Abuse.
It has since hosted international meetings and capacity building programmes for national and international law enforcement agencies, including Field Training Exercise (FTX) and Command Post Exercises (CPX) as well as training of about 700 nationals.
This funding is specifically designed to empower organizations and institutions to embark on practical initiatives, projects, and programs that bolster community resilience against the adverse effects of climate change.
This remarkable opportunity has been made possible thanks to the support of the Adaptation Fund’s Rwanda Subnational Adaptation Fund Enhanced Direct Access Project, currently being executed by the Ministry of Environment (MINEMA) in partnership with the Rwanda Green Fund.
Projects eligible for funding range from Climate Smart Agriculture, Sustainable Land-Use Management, Integrated Water Resource Management to Small-Scale Irrigation.
It’s imperative that proposed projects demonstrate sustainability beyond the conclusion of the funding, provide an exceptional return on investment, reach a substantial number of beneficiaries, advocate for gender and social inclusivity, and align with the Rwanda Green Fund’s Environmental and Social Management Framework.
The application window is now open and will remain so until 5:00 PM on Friday, October 20, 2023.
Applications can be submitted at www.greenfund.rw while prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out to application@greenfund.rw for any inquiries or clarifications.
This relocation effort is a proactive response to the heavy rains and landslides that tragically took the lives of 135 Rwandans earlier this year in May. These disasters also resulted in the destruction of 5,963 houses and infrastructure, including roads.
Kigali City Mayor, Pudence Rubingisa emphasized that the relocation process has been ongoing but stressed the urgency of expediting the resettlement of residents from high-risk zones.
He also urged residents to adhere to recommended proactive measures, especially considering the current heavy rainfall predictions.
As of now, a total of 4,230 families have been relocated since April and May. Rubingisa disclosed that an additional 2,809 families, primarily from Gisozi and Gatsata in Gasabo District, require immediate relocation.
The press conference was held the day following a rain-related disaster in Gisozi, where a house collapsed, resulting in the tragic loss of four family members.
Additionally, the heavy rain caused the roofs of six houses to be blown away.
Efforts are ongoing to more residents within Kigali to prevent further loss of lives.
In the lawsuit, Turner alleges that Jonas has committed the grievous act of refusing to return their children to their homeland, England, amidst their divorce proceedings. The couple shares a 3-year-old daughter named Willa, and their second daughter, born in July 2022, remains unnamed to the public being mentioned as D in the documents.
According to media reports, this tumultuous situation unfolded following a meeting between the estranged couple, which was intended to discuss the terms of their separation. Turner claims that the children were supposed to be returned to her care on a specific date, but Jonas has allegedly withheld their passports and adamantly refused to send them back to England.
Jonas, on the other hand, disputes these allegations and asserts that a Florida court has issued an order preventing either parent from relocating their children. He cites this legal order as his reason for not complying with Turner’s request to allow the children to return to England.
The tangled web of their divorce proceedings began when Jonas initiated the process by filing for divorce in Miami-Dade County court on September 5. In his filing, he sought “shared parental responsibilities” for their two daughters, as well as the enforcement of their prenuptial agreement, which was established in April 2019.
Interestingly, Turner claims that she first learned about Jonas’ divorce filing through the media, while Jonas’ representatives maintain that she was aware of his intentions. A crucial point of contention centers on where the children have been residing. Jonas insists they have been living with him in various locations throughout the United States, including Miami, a claim Turner vehemently disputes.
Turner’s lawsuit paints a different picture, alleging that the children have been residing in England since April 10, 2023. According to her filing, she and Jonas had made the decision to make England their “forever home” during discussions in December 2022. This decision prompted them to sell their mansion in Miami and search for new residences in the idyllic English countryside.
Furthermore, Turner’s work commitments, including filming a new drama series, influenced their choice to settle in England.
As Jonas embarked on a world tour with the Jonas Brothers recently, it was agreed that their daughters, Willa and her younger sibling, would stay with him. This decision was influenced by Jonas having more daytime availability to care for the children, given Turner’s demanding filming schedule. However, Turner expressed some hesitation over this temporary arrangement.
The divorce proceedings took a sudden and unexpected turn on August 15, leading to their four-year marriage coming to an abrupt end. Shockingly, Turner claims that she first learned of Jonas’ divorce filing from the media on September 1, further adding to the complexity of their dispute.
In a dramatic legal twist, Turner’s recent petition was filed under The Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and the International Child Abduction Remedies Act.
These legal frameworks address situations where children are internationally abducted from one parent. Additionally, Turner has indicated her intention to file a case in England, citing Jonas’ custody arrangement as a breach of her rights under English law.
Jonas’ representatives, however, contest these claims, denouncing the use of the term “abduction.” They argue that the children were not abducted and have been in Joe’s care by mutual agreement for the past three months. They suggest that Sophie’s legal actions are aimed at shifting the divorce proceedings to the UK and permanently removing the children from the U.S.
As the legal battle unfolds, the public watches with bated breath, hoping for an amicable resolution that prioritizes the well-being of the children caught in the middle of this tumultuous divorce.
Discussions with Guterres revolved around productive cooperation with various UN agencies contributing to Rwanda’s progress. They also exchanged on the security situation in the region and on topics of continental and global impact.
Meanwhile, Kagame and Infantino discussed FIFA’s partnership with Rwanda in football development.
Infantino was in Rwanda early this year during the 73rd FIFA Congress at BK Arena in Kigali.
Among others, Kagame held talks with James Manyika, Senior Vice President of Technology and Society at Google for a conversation on furthering partnerships towards harnessing the power of technology, such as Artificial Intelligence, to accelerate economic growth.
Google entered agreements with Rwanda aimed at helping the country to accelerate digital transformation. This initiative is in line with Rwanda’s ambition to drive inclusive economic development leveraging technology.
The President also met with Under-Secretary-General United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator, Achim Steine for a discussion on the status of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the UNDP-Rwanda partnership, including the agency’s role in the country’s development.
This concern came to light from 18th to 20th September, 2023, when members of the Rwanda Association of Professional Environmental Practitioners (RAPEP) received the first session of environmental protection training on Environmental and Social and Governance (ESG) from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The IFC, a firm dedicated to fostering business growth, recognizes the significance of addressing environmental concerns. The global community and organizations are increasingly united in their commitment to preventing human activities that exacerbate climate change and cause natural ecosystem degradation.
Leading institutions like the World Bank, in partnership with entities such as IFC, have pledged to prioritize sustainable practices when providing financial support to institutions worldwide. Under this framework, financial institutions will conduct thorough environmental and social analyses before granting loans. These assessments will gauge not only project feasibility but also their environmental impact and potential repercussions on local communities.
Moreover, given that both corporations and non-governmental organizations funnel their development assistance through the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), there is a growing consensus that this bank should serve as a role model.
BRD, since its cooperation with International Development entities, has been encouraged to demonstrate its project analysis techniques to ensure environmental and social integrity. In this pursuit, the adoption and effective implementation of a Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS) was achieved.
An ESMS empowers companies to conduct comprehensive environmental analyses for projects seeking loans and helps companies to integrate the rules and objectives promoting effective environmental and social management into core business operations, through a set of clearly defined, and repeatable processes.
In a forward-thinking move, even financial institutions seeking funding from BRD are now required to adopt and implement an ESMS, thereby extending the commitment to environmental and social protection across the financial sector.
Since the inception of this program in 2021, progress has been made, with seven banks, and 96 microfinance institutions having successfully adopted an ESMS into their operations. However, more efforts are needed to increase financial institutions ownership and full implementation of adopted Environmental and Social Management System.
BRD’s Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist, Kanangire Ruti Rubis, highlights a critical issue: the lack of qualified personnel to effectively operate adopted ESMSs.
“We’ve assisted in establishing ESMSs, but the system itself requires skilled users to maximize its potential for environmental and social protection initiatives. This is a pressing challenge. While the system exists, our banks lack the trained personnel to wield it effectively,” remarked Kanangire.
In response to this persistent issue, BRD is urging financial institutions to appoint dedicated staff responsible for environmental and social analysis and provide them with essential training. However, despite these efforts, productivity remains low, with an average compliance rate of less than 50%.
{{The way forward}}
Recognizing the urgency of this matter, in March 2023, the IFC forged agreements with several institutions, including the Rwanda Banking Association (RBA), the Rwanda Capital Market (CMA), and RAPEP. These agreements were made possible through generous funding from the Japanese Government, amounting to over Rwf400 million.
Beginning on September 18, 2023, IFC Rwanda and RAPEP jointly initiated specialized training for environmental experts. These experts will play a pivotal role in guiding financial institutions in the proper implementation of ESMS and associated environmental and social initiatives.
Rose Lumumba, Head of the Environmental Department at IFC Rwanda, emphasized the collaborative approach taken before signing these agreements.
She stated, “Climate change and Natural ecosystem protection is a global issue, and Rwanda has developed comprehensive plans to address it. Our collaboration with various companies aims to collectively combat this challenge.”
Richard Ngendahayo, Chairman of RAPEP, reiterated the importance of RAPEP building capacity of its experts, playing its role and concerted efforts in environmental and social preservation. “From project inception to completion, multiple agencies must unite to ensure proper environmental and social management. Our current focus is on fostering collaboration among various institutions to safeguard the environment comprehensively.”
Kanangire anticipates that following this training, banks will have two options for complying with key environmental and social requirements. They can either engage RAPEP members with expertise in environmental and social matters or hire permanent staffs with a professional background on Environmental and Social aspects to bridge the gap.
