The ECCAS commission is awaiting the convening of an extraordinary session of Heads of State and Government under the format of the Council for Peace and Security of Central Africa (COPAX), with a view to the appropriate examination of the situation in Gabon, read the press release.
The commission also called for the “rapid return of constitutional order.”
With its headquarters in Libreville, the capital of Gabon, the ECCAS is an international organization for the economic, social and cultural development of Africa with a view to creating regional structures that can gradually lead to a common market.
Gabon currently holds the rotating presidency of the ECCAS this year.
Earlier Wednesday, the national electoral body of Gabon announced that President Ali Bongo had won a third term. The military, however, declared on state television that the election results were canceled and placed Bongo under house arrest.
Following the coup, Brice Oligui Nguema, commander-in-chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard, was named as the transition leader of the Central African country Wednesday night. Leaders of the Gabonese military agreed by unanimous vote to appoint Nguema as president of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), said Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, the committee’s spokesperson.
In a video clip Wednesday, Ali Bongo Ondimba called on the population to “make noise.” His son Noureddin Bongo Valentin, along with several senior officials, were said to have been arrested for treason, embezzlement and corruption, among other allegations.
This coup has caused concern among countries in the region.
Angolan President Joao Lourenco will travel to the Republic of the Congo Thursday to discuss the situation in Gabon with the Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso, the Angolan News Agency reported Wednesday. Both countries are members of the ECCAS.
Omar Alieu Touray, the president of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), will attend an informal meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Spain Thursday to discuss the situation in the Sahel and other issues.
African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki also condemned the coup as a way to resolve the post-election crisis.
Nuclear energy is important for the African continent, as it holds immense potential to address various challenges on the continent today. With increasing energy demands, limited natural resources, and the urgent need to combat climate change, nuclear energy can play a pivotal role in empowering countries to become self-reliant, sustainable, and progressive societies and make a contribution to a responsible use of this powerful source of energy.
According to UN statistics, Africa is a continent of young people. 65% of the population is under 35 and almost 50% under 19, which means that Africa has tremendous potential to educate a new generation of scientists. Nuclear science will receive special attention, as its technologies are able to solve many endemic problems of African energy, healthcare, agriculture and other spheres.
Currently there are more than 5000 African students, studying nuclear science all over the world.
Some applicants choose Russian technical universities due to the high quality of education and great career prospects. Nowadays about 35,000 African students are currently studying in Russia, their number will increase even more in the coming years due to African unprecedented economic and industrial leap. Nuclear education programs include not only nuclear energy, but also various non-energy applications of nuclear technology including agriculture, healthcare, transportation, water resources and the environment protection.
While the nuclear energy is only taking its first steps in Africa, the nuclear science is already available to African youth who want to explore this impressive area of human knowledge. African students now studying nuclear in Russia will soon can become highly valuable experts in their home countries.
{{The nuclear educational bridge}}
Since 2013, free training of African youth has been organized at Russian universities with nuclear programs. Currently 256 students from African countries, including Rwanda, Ghana, Egypt, Zambia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Africa, are being trained there. The high demand of nuclear specialists provides them with excellent opportunities for career growth both at home and around the world.
In 2011 the Consortium of nuclear universities was established. This association was designed to provide nuclear educational support for projects in Russia and twelve other countries. Now the Consortium includes 18 specialized universities, such as Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) and the Tomsk Polytechnic University, training personnel for design, creation and operation of nuclear power plants.
Moreover, in 2019 nuclear scholarships for African students were introduced to help the next generation of African scientists and nuclear engineers to emerge. The purpose of this program is to support the interest of young Africans in nuclear research and opportunities.
{{Unleashing potential }}
The project “Russian Nuclear Education Ambassadors” is also closely connected with nuclear education. It is an ambitious information and educational program all over the world, aimed at promoting Russian education and advanced nuclear technologies, including in non-energy sectors. This year it gathered more than a hundred participants at the qualifying stage, and 26 students from 14 countries, including a number of African states, got into the final. The project participants completed four training programs to develop presentation skills, public speaking skills and social media skills and also had the opportunity to meet the scientists and top leaders of the nuclear sphere.
Russian Nuclear Education Ambassadors regularly take part in online events with foreign audiences and carry out active information and educational activities in social networks. This work is aimed at promoting nuclear education, popularizing nuclear and related technologies in many countries.
{{Open lectures}}
Open lectures play a crucial role in providing quality education due to they offer a unique opportunity for anyone interested in learning, regardless of their age, background, or financial status. Such series of open lectures by leading scientists from the best nuclear universities were held for students from South Africa and Namibia. The lectures were quite popular among the students – more than 500 people attended these events. The purpose of the lectures was to show students and future applicants the relevance of the challenges facing the nuclear industry, as well as the professional and career potential for talented young people in Africa in the field of nuclear energy.
Leading nuclear experts Masamba Kakh of Peoples’ Friendship University, Vera Verkhoturova of Tomsk Polytechnic University, Vasily Kornoukhov of MEPhI and Andrey Polisan of MISIS participated in the online lecture cycle. Relying on scientific research and practical experience they shared their knowledge and opinion on the most important and urgent issues – prospects of nuclear industry development, use of nuclear technologies in medicine, industry and agriculture, the impact of nuclear industry on the environment and methods to reduce the negative impact on the environment in the world.
Interactive format of such events allowed the listeners to address their questions to the speakers, learn about the latest and most interesting research in the field of nuclear energy, and get a full picture of the various non-energy uses of the peaceful atom.
{{Navigating a nuclear world}}
In addition to open lectures, Russian nuclear education also includes several projects aimed at promoting nuclear technologies among African youth.
Starting in 2015 the “Atoms Empowering Africa” online competition was held to engage talented African youth, encouraging their interest in nuclear technology studies and promoting science and engineering. To participate in the contest, entrants create and share videos on Facebook. An expert committee comprising representatives from nuclear companies and media professionals selects the most intriguing and innovative submissions.
This year a tourist tour to St. Petersburg was organized for the winners from Egypt, Ghana, Tunisia, and Nigeria. During this excursion, participants had the opportunity to visit real nuclear facilities and explore popular historical sites in Russia. Beyond museum exhibits, the guests gained rare access to Russia’s largest operational nuclear power plant, the Leningrad NPP, situated in Sosnovy Bor. Student could take a glimpse into its intricate infrastructure, including the turbine room, cooling towers, and splash pools. Most notably, these African visitors experienced a sense of working at the plant through a training session on a simulator.
{{From science to art}}
Promoting nuclear education at a young age encourages scientific curiosity and critical thinking. Kids can develop problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and a scientific mindset that can serve them well in any field they choose to pursue later in life.
Another international and creative project for the popularization of nuclear technologies Nuclear Kids (“NucKids”) is aimed at this. NucKids is being carried out for children of employees of Russian nuclear industry enterprises and foreign partners in nuclear technologies. Over 15 years of the project’s existence, 900 children from 25 countries have become participants and members of one big community. The main goals of the project are to develop new traditions of cultural interaction between children of nuclear industry employees and create conditions for realizing the creativity of these talented children.
This year 5 countries took part in the project: Bangladesh, Hungary, the Republic of Belarus, Tanzania and the Russian Federation. Kids had a responsible task to stage a professional musical in 3 weeks. The children presented 4 performances in Ostrovets (Belarus), 3 performances in Nizhny Novgorod (Russia), 4 performances in Obninsk (Russia) and 4 performances in Moscow (Russia). It is symbolic that in the 15th anniversary season the musical was shown to the audience 15 times. The participants also had time to prepare and hold the Gala Concert “The Best Songs of Nuckids”. The concert programme included more than 30 songs, all of which were performed live by the project’s seniors and this year’s participants.
“Nuclear Kids” has an important social significance: the project allows children from different cities and countries to not only visit different parts of the world free of charge, but also work with experienced teachers, and build relations with peers sharing the same interests and ideas. By introducing kids to the nuclear science, future generations can be inspired to embrace STEM fields, contribute to scientific advancements and make well-informed decisions that positively impact today’s world.
For several years, starting in 2015, Rosatom has been hosting the “Atoms Empowering Africa” online competition to engage talented African youth, encouraging their interest in nuclear technology studies and promoting science and engineering. To participate in the contest, entrants create and share videos on Facebook. An expert committee comprising representatives from nuclear companies and media professionals selects the most intriguing and innovative submissions.
In 2021, several video creators were chosen to embark on a fully funded tourist journey to Russia as a reward from the competition organisers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the winners had to wait for two years before finally able to attend the trip. The wait was worth it, and the recipients now stand as rightful owners of their well-earned rewards.
The competition victors had the privilege of immersing themselves in Russia’s nuclear infrastructure. They visited the Museum “Grand Maket”, where they encountered the cutting-edge nuclear icebreaker “Arctic” and with a Generation 3+ power unit featuring the VVER-1200 reactor. This reactor boasts exceptional safety during operation, the capability to function without human intervention, and even the ability to operate without external power supply.
Beyond museum exhibits, the guests gained rare access to Russia’s largest operational nuclear power plant, the Leningrad NPP, situated in Sosnovy Bor. Typically restricted to foreign visitors, the LNPP welcomed the “Atoms Empowering Africa” winners, offering them a glimpse into its intricate infrastructure, including the turbine room, cooling towers, and splash pools. Most notably, these African visitors experienced a sense of working at the plant through a training session on a simulator.
Alexander Belyaev, Chief Engineer of LNPP-2, expressed the importance of African youth showing interest in Russian nuclear technologies: “It’s significant that the young generation from African countries exhibits interest in Russian nuclear technologies. This visit could potentially mark the start of their careers in the nuclear industry, offering Africa promising pathways toward energy independence”.
The tour participants were delighted by their visit to the nuclear power plant. Emmanuel Adom, one of the trip’s participants and teaching assistant at the University for Development Studies, exclaimed, “The NPP is the most astounding place I’ve visited in St. Petersburg. It showcases machinery I’ve never seen before, from the reactor to the cooling systems and turbine. Witnessing an NPP firsthand feels incredible and awe-inspiring. Knowing it contributes about 30% northwestern region of Russia’s electricity supply and 55% of Saint Petersburg and Leningrad region is mind-boggling. I’d love to return to this place again and again”.
Similar to many tourists, the guests explored St. Petersburg’s renowned landmarks, including the Peter and Paul Fortress with its noon cannon shot, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Hermitage, and Peterhof. They also experienced the city from the water during a cruise along its rivers and canals. The participants particularly enjoyed Russian cuisine at local restaurants and indulged in shopping at nearby centers.
Munachimso Oguine, one of the tour members and student at National Open University of Nigeria, shared her impressions: “St. Petersburg is an unforgettable experience. Known as the City of Palaces, it boasts over 100 or 200 palaces. We had the privilege to visit iconic places like the Winter Palace and the Summer Palace. The people in Russia are remarkable. Even if they don’t speak English, they go out of their way to assist, often using sign language. They are kind, helpful, and open-minded. I’m eager to return.”
Rwanda’s leading beverage company, Bralirwa Plc, has taken another significant step towards its commitment to sustainable development by partnering with Bboxx Rwanda, a data-driven super platform connecting underserved rural communities and aspiring urban ones with a highly convenient and affordable way to access life-changing solutions.
Together, the companies will provide clean energy to 59 off-grid families in the village of Gapfura, Rusororo cell, Muhororo sector in Ngororero district.
The two companies signed a MoU earlier this year in May 2023, to contribute to sustainable energy solutions by installing solar panel systems in 51 residences and 8 businesses set ups supporting over 300 beneficiaries to improve their quality of life. Each household was given a radio while the businesses were supported with TV screens to increase their access to information.
Bboxx Rwanda, which was launched in 2014, works with government and international partners to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions, such as solar electricity and clean cooking solutions. John Uwizeye, Managing Director of Bboxx Rwanda, highlighted the pivotal role of providing electricity in community development.
“Access to electricity serves as a catalyst for enabling economic development of communities and making progress on a host of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are delighted to partner with like-minded companies such as Bralirwa that have environmental sustainability and social impact as part of its pillars to transform lives and unlock potential through energy access,” said Benjamin Bizima, Head of Retail Operations.
Etienne Saada, Managing Director of Bralirwa, said that environmental sustainability is part of the company’s strategic pillars.
“We believe in promoting sustainable practices and enhancing our social impact in the communities we serve. Our collaboration with Bboxx is yet another step toward our goal of improving the quality of life for the people we serve while reducing our carbon footprint,” noted Saada.
The event, which was held in Muhororo sector, in Ngororero district was presided over by the Mayor of Ngororero, Mr. Nkusi Christophe, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Infrastructure, Mr. Fidele Abimana, Deputy Director of Rwanda Environment Management Authority, Mr. Faustin Munyazikwiye, community members and leaders among others.
The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Infrastructure, Mr. Fidele Abimana said that it through great collaboration and partnership with the private sector that ‘we can create efficiency and bring services closer to all communities’.
Mayor of Ngororero district, Mr. Nkusi thanked BRALIRWA for their contributing to the social wellbeing of the community and called upon the residents of Gapfura village to work together for the district’s continuing progress and advancement.
The selection and installation of the solar energy systems was done in close collaboration with district authorities to a total cost of Rwf12 million.
Bralirwa’s steadfast commitment to social responsibility is evident through its continued investment in initiatives such as water access, tree planting, responsible consumption campaigns, and agricultural farming, totaling to over one billion Rwandan francs over the last three years.
This includes individuals whose contractual duties have concluded and others who are departing the military due to medical reasons. The announcement regarding these retirements was made on Wednesday, August 30, through an official statement released by RDF.
Among the notable retirees are four-star generals including James Kabarebe and Fred Ibingira.
Additionally, two three-star generals, Charles Kayonga and Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, are included in the list. Both Kabarebe and Kayonga have previously held the position of Chief of Defence Staff within the RDF, while the other two have served as service chiefs in the past.
James Kabarebe, who has also served as the Minister of Defence, presently holds the role of Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security. Meanwhile, Frank Mushyo Kamanzi currently serves as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Russia.
The roster of retirees also encompasses five Major Generals: Martin Nzaramba, Eric Murokore, Augustin Turagara, Charles Karamba, and Albert Murasira. Additionally, there are three Brigadier Generals: Chris Murari, Didace Ndahiro, and Emmanuel Ndahiro. Noteworthy among them, Albert Murasira is the Minister of Emergency Management, and Charles Karamba currently serves as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union.
Eric Murokore has held the position of Regional Reserve Force Commander-Northern, while Augustin Turagara was formerly the Commandant of the RDF General Headquarters-Kanombe.
In conjunction with the retirements, the statement from the RDF also communicates that President Kagame has approved the retirement of 83 senior officers, six junior officers, and 86 senior noncommissioned officers.
Furthermore, this approval covers 678 individuals whose contracts have concluded and 160 individuals who are leaving due to medical discharges.
Among these was Ronald Micallef, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Malta, who stated that Malta’s decision to strengthen ties with Rwanda was made in January 2021 when the former launched the ‘strategy of Africa’, identifying countries to work with.
Rwanda appeared on the list distinctly because both countries are small in size yet have a ‘big’ voice, members of the Commonwealth, and look greatly to the future.
Micallef said they wish to amplify that voice in partnership with Rwanda through trade.
“In the last 12 months, we have established two multi-million-dollar companies that are already in operation here and have provided 130 jobs. The ambition is to go beyond that with two more companies in the field of tourism,” he stated.
Mesfin Gebremariam Shawo, the Ambassador of Ethiopia, recalled the relationship between his country and Rwanda that dates as far back as 1994 when Ethiopian troops came for peacekeeping missions in Rwanda.
Ethiopia established its embassy in Rwanda in 2017 and in 2019, diplomatic relations were officiated.
In 2012, both nations established a partnership and have held a couple of joint meetings which have led to the signing of a lot of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and agreements.
Korea was represented by Ambassador Jeong Woo-Jin. He has been in Rwanda for two months and was attracted by the country’s charm and its people.
Woo-Jin said Korea was once a very poor and recipient country, but within one generation, it became a provider country in development and cooperation.
He thus pledged to be supportive of Rwanda’s journey to growth in areas of corporation, particularly in Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT), Agriculture, and Education.
“Rwanda has become an example of development cooperation; they have a very effective, transparent, and efficient government, and as an ambassador, I’m pleased to render support,” he noted.
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Heike Uta Dettmann, expressed sincere gratitude to the president for being kind and talking nicely about bilateral relations.
She vowed to be committed and work hard to strengthen the relations between Rwanda and Germany, noting that there’s a ‘multitude and real wealth of connections’ between the two countries.
“I’m discovering what’s going on and look forward to seeing everything in this beautiful country,” she stated.
Pakistan, through Naeem Ullah Khan, the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, stressed that they want to improve relations in the areas of health by training Rwandan doctors and nurses in Pakistan, while in turn, they learn from the health experiences in Rwanda.
In addition, he said Pakistan wants to connect Rwanda to exporters through establishing a free trade zone in Rwanda for Pakistan investors.
“Pakistan has 240 million people; this is a huge number for Rwandan products. For example, 70% of Rwandan tea goes to Pakistan,” he mentioned.
Among others; Elnat Weiss, Ambassador of the State of Israel, expressed her privilege to present credentials. She noted that Israel hopes to make the Cyber-tech conference an annual thing in Rwanda as a way of developing Agriculture, Education, and Innovation among the two countries.
Matthews Jere, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia, said that the presenting of his credentials reaffirms the commitment of Zambia to enhancing cooperation and deeper understanding with Rwanda.
“President Kagame has visited Zambia on two accounts, and so has the president of Zambia come to Rwanda. The visits resulted in the signing of seven MOUs in the fields of; Trade, Investment, Health, Agriculture and Technology, among others,” he remarked.
Stating that Rwanda is his second home, Mandi Solomon Diamini, High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Eswatini, stressed that his 10 years in office will be to ensure that matters of mutual benefit between his state and Rwanda are improved from good to excellent.
Other Ambassadors included; Majid Saffar, the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Mohammed Mellah, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Angola.
Musinguzi raised his concerns at the celebration of YouthConnekt’s Aluminum anniversary at Intare Conference Arena last week where he claimed that he purchased a motel from Col. Mabano, but the retired soldier allegedly refused to transfer ownership to him.
In response to the complaint, President Paul Kagame instructed relevant authorities from the City of Kigali, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Defence to address the situation.
Speaking to IGIHE, Musinguzi has revealed that the situation turns out to be a positive step, considering the support he has received from relevant authorities so far.
He has extended utmost gratitude to president Paul Kagame for intervening into his ‘motel’ ownership matter with Rtd Col. Joseph Mabano.
“I extend sincere thanks to the president for the help he has rendered to me, for being an honest and intelligent man, and for always inspiring the youth,” he said.
According to Musinguzi, ever since the matter was brought to the attention of the president, different institutions like the City of Kigali and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), to mention but a few, have stepped forward to provide support in his quest for justice.
Musinguzi purchased ‘Best Inn Motel’ from Rtd Col Mabano on March, 11th, 2023. However months later, he allegedly refrained from handing it over despite having involved authorities from different levels.
As Musinguzi revealed, the motel, based in Kanombe of Kicukiro District, was on auction by the bank when he decided to purchase it having rented it in October, 2022 alongside Rtd Col Mabano.
Upon realization of how profitable the business was, Musinguzi secured a loan from Equity Bank and with a payment totaling Rwf 210 million, he bought out his counterpart.
IGIHE tried reaching out to Rtd Col Mabano over a phone call by press time but didn’t succeed.
{{Thriving business}}
Musinguzi is the CEO of ‘Sinan Frank’ General Supply Limited, a Kanombe based business that deals in juice supply, outlet stocks with Bralirwa, disco hire, car rentals and logistics, among others.
Employing almost 20 youths in his business ventures, Musinguzi started doing business in May, 2013 after completing his secondary school at Kagarama secondary school.
With just Rwf75,000, he opened his hospitality shop in Karangazi, in the Eastern Province of Rwanda where he sold juice and other beverages.
In 2018, Musinguzi moved back to Kigali with an aim to grow his business further and also continue with his studies. He joined East African University Rwanda (EAUR) and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (BBA), faculty of Finance.
Today, the young entrepreneur is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Executive Administration at the University of Kigali where he enrolled two weeks ago.
A third born from five, Musinguzi draws motivation from his childhood background which he terms ‘unpleasant’ having lost his dad at age two.
Musinguzi’s mom took up sole responsibility of him and his siblings, but later left him with his aunt and moved to Uganda.
At age fifteen, while he was studying at Kagarama secondary school, Musinguzi went back home only to find his aunt gone.
He traveled back to school where he was looked after until he completed his secondary studies. During his study, he composed the school anthem and a campaign song (Tuzamutora Paul Kagame) for President Paul Kagame, whom he says inspires him and other youths to work hard.
Once he gets his motel, Musinguzi wants to work hard, invest in more businesses, in addition to clearing his bank loan.
Musinguzi advised fellow youths to always set goals and have objectives for nothing is impossible once one is focused.
As announced by the RNP on Wednesday, August 30th, ACP Rutikanga will assume the role of Police Spokesperson, succeeding Commissioner of Police John Bosco Kabera, who held this position since October 2018.
CP Kabera has been reassigned to the role of Commissioner for Infrastructure Security and Private Security Providers (ISPSP).
Before this latest appointment, Rutikanga had been serving as the Commissioner for Peace Support Operations. Prior to that, he had fulfilled the role of deputy spokesperson for the Rwanda National Police.
The appointments and promotions have been announced through a statement released by RDF.
Those promoted to the rank of Colonel include Joseph Mwesigye, Simba Kinesha, Egide Ndayizeye, William Ryarasa, Sam Rwasanyi, Issa Senono, Thadee Nzeyimana, Alphonse Safari, Fidele Butare and Emmanuel Nyirihirwe.
Among others, Maj Gen Emmy Ruvusha has been named the first Division Commander in RDF. He once served as RDF troops commander in Southern Province.
Maj Gen Eugene Nkubito has been appointed as the commander of the Third Division. He previously served as the Joint Task Force Commander of Rwanda Security Force (RSF) deployed to fight terrorists in Mozambique.
Other changes saw Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi named commander of the Second Division. He also once worked as Task Force Battle Group Commander of the initial Rwandan troops deployed to Mozambique.
Brig Gen Vincent Gatama has been named commander of the fourth division. He once served as the Commander of the East African Standby Force.
Meanwhile, Brig Gen Frank Mutembe who recently worked as Battle Group Commander in Mozambique, has been named RDF Task Force Division Commander while Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba has been appointed as the Commander of RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama.
The statement released by RDF shows that the promotions and appointments take immediate effect.
Frank Baine, spokesperson of the Uganda Prisons Service, told Xinhua by telephone on Tuesday that those pardoned were all Ugandans.
He also said this was not the first time the president was pardoning prisoners. “In 2021, the president pardoned 800 prisoners,” Baine added.
A statement from the prisons authorities on Monday said the presidential pardon is enshrined in the country’s laws, “under Article 121 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995 as amended and on advice of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.”
Baine told local media, the advisory committee reviewed a list of 1,800 names submitted for consideration before coming up with the 200.
Baine said the pardon was a gesture of compassion and an opportunity for convicts to reform.
The country’s prisons have at least 72,620 inmates, a number more than triple the capacity of all prisons, according to prison authorities.
