Braverman responded by urging the Labour Party to “get off Twitter” and visit Rwanda, where she recently made her first trip as Home Secretary.
She pointed out the recent success of the government’s deal with France to increase cross-Channel cooperation and measures to detain and remove illegal migrants.
Braverman also met with refugees who have successfully been resettled in Rwanda and saw the accommodations people will be using.
In contrast, Braverman criticized the Labour Party’s lack of action and stated, “What has the Labour Party done? Well, the shadow home secretary has been on Twitter. She is very good on Twitter.”
She then suggested that the Labour Party “get to Rwanda” to learn how to stop the boats, rather than solely relying on social media.
The Head of State arrived in Doha in the morning of Tuesday.
Rwanda and Qatar enjoy existing bilateral relations in different areas strengthened by the signing of cooperation agreements.
In April 2019; the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani came to Rwanda for two-day working visit.
At the time, both heads of states also visited Akagera National Park which is home to the big five animals.
During his stay in Rwanda, President Kagame and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the Emir of Qatar witnessed the signing ceremony of four agreements meant to promote various development sectors between both countries.
These include 4 agreements in sectors of culture, sports, tourism and business events and aviation travel and logistics.
They were added to existing ones signed in Doha, Qatar when President Kagame visited the country at the end of 2018. These were related to air service transport services, promoting and protecting joint investment and cooperation in trade and technical areas among others.
In May 2017, Rwanda and Qatar signed agreements in diplomatic cooperation.
On 26th May 2015, both countries signed cooperation agreements to fight against drug abuse on the sidelines of Qatar International Anti-Drug Forum held in Doha.
Among others, Qatar’s interests in Rwanda include a 60% stake in Bugesera International Airport, currently under construction and a 49% stake in RwandAir.
Qatar also mulls constructing new hotels in Rwanda expected to give boost to the country’s ambitions to become tourism hub.
On Wednesday 14th July 2021, Qatar inaugurated a new embassy building located in Kimihurura, Kigali City.
At the time, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta said that the launch of the new embassy is another milestone to deepen bilateral relations further.
{The 21st March 2023 marks a milestone: the 60th anniversary of Korea-Rwanda diplomatic relations. Six decades have passed – and we have come so far. Korea and Rwanda initiated their bilateral relations in 1963. Yet it was not until around 2010 that the two countries embarked upon a more thriving and substantial cooperation with the establishment of their embassies in the respective capitals. (Rwanda first established its full-fledged Embassy in Seoul in 2009, and the Korean Embassy settled in Kigali in 2011.) }
Rwanda has been one of the priority partner countries of Korea since 2010. There are many similarities between them. Both Korea and Rwanda have a lack of natural resources. They both pursue an economic development strategy focusing on innovation in agriculture and technology, education, and capacity-building for human resources. With these common elements Korea and Rwanda have worked closely on a range of projects. They have shared lessons learned.
{{Two Countries’ Common Features – Expanding the Horizons of the Cooperation}}
The Korean War, which resulted in the deaths of 2.4 million Koreans, left the country in ruins. As a person from a country which emerged from the rubble of the Korean War (1950-1953) to achieve industrialization and democratization, I am delighted to see Rwanda’s remarkable success in rebuilding the country within a generation since the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. Our success stories resonate with each other. Rwanda has sustained steady economic growth rates of over 7% over the last 20 years. With political stability and gender equality, it has placed itself 38th in the ease of doing business index and as the 54th least corrupt nation out of 180 countries in the world in 2022. It also achieved 4G network coverage for 97% of the population in 2021 and ranked first in Africa in terms of Internet speed in 2023 – no wonder the world is taking a great interest in Rwanda as the leading low-income country in East Africa.
Korea has been a solid partner for Rwanda in equipping institutions and nurturing human capital with knowledge and technologies, and hard and soft infrastructure for its economy. KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), the leading cooperation agency of the Korean government, supported a variety of grant-based projects focusing on ICT and institutional innovation, TVET and agricultural productivity of a value of $173 million as of 2022.
The Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM Bank) is cooperating through its EDCF (Economic Development Cooperation Fund) on developing the infrastructure of the University of Rwanda and on expanding electricity infrastructure. In addition, KEXIM bank is cooperating with the Rwandan government to map out Rwanda’s priority projects, such as building principal roads, strengthening district hospitals and TVET schools and centres of excellence which hold great promise for having a real impact in boosting Rwanda’s economy.
From the private sector, Korea Telecom has established 4G broadband networks around the country by investing $80 million in a joint venture with the Rwandan Government in 2013, contributing to Rwanda’s fundamental digital infrastructure. Korea will continue to commit to strengthening its partnership with Rwanda to achieve its aspiration to become a Middle-Income Country by 2035 and a High-Income Country by 2050 through the National Strategy for Transformation. The aspiration of Rwanda touches our hearts because we ourselves travelled such a path. And we know how great it feels to achieve such lofty goals.
Korea and Rwanda are creating an affinity and synergy in the cultural realm too. More and more Rwanda people take an interest in learning Korean language and experiencing Korean culture as K-content is gaining more popularity in Rwanda. Seeing the increased number of participants and support for the Embassy events such as the ‘Korean Song Festival’ and ‘Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championship, it is clear that cultural exchanges are playing a crucial role in connecting the peoples of the two nations.
{{Shared Values and Way Forward for the Future Cooperation}}
Korea and Rwanda have witnessed extensive high-level exchanges in recent years between the Foreign, Defence and Infrastructure ministries. In October 2022 the Korean National Assembly Speaker H.E. Jin-pyo Kim visited Rwanda to participate in the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly held in Kigali, marking the first such visit to Rwanda from the Korean National Assembly.
The two nations share a firm belief in the power of multilateral cooperation. We both prize the importance of the United Nations principles and core mandate to build and maintain peace and security in the international community. With this as a firm basis, the two countries are enjoying an ever-deepening partnership at the governmental and parliamentary levels.
Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced his intention to host the first Korea-Africa Summit in 2024. This is indeed a reflection of his deep wish to strengthen relations with Africa. Indeed, this is in tune with Korea’s goal of serving as a global pivotal state. Korea will indeed give genuine thought to and further explore mutually beneficial ways to cooperate with African countries. Korea has a heartfelt wish to work together with our friends in the wonderful African continent which is set to truly flourish for the sake of development, for the sake of prosperity for humankind.
In this spirit, Korea is exerting wholehearted efforts to host the World Expo 2030 in Busan, the greatest port city, a city of tremendous charm and energy. With the main theme of “Transforming Our World, Navigating toward a Better Future”, the World Expo 2030 Busan will guide Korea and Rwanda towards the nurturing of yet more substantial bonds of partnership to address global challenges. And indeed it is our heartfelt aspiration that it will serve to diversify Korea-Africa relations more broadly.
{{Celebrating the year 2023}}
This year, in celebration of the 60th anniversary, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Rwanda is arranging several events.
First of all, the ‘Korea-Rwanda 60th Anniversary Logo Design Contest’ is under way in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Seoul. The logo selected will be the symbol for this year and used at every occasion hosted by the respective embassies.
Second, the Embassy will introduce Korean films with a variety of genres on the occasion of the ‘Korean Film Festival’. We hope you will enjoy this event which will take place from May 5th to 7th at the Century Cinema in Kigali. This will provide an optimum opportunity for audiences to explore Korean screenplays that have proved popular among Koreans and indeed people all over the world.
Third, the Embassy is planning to host a seminar on development cooperation in May. I believe we can take stock of what has been achieved in the path traveled. And indeed share perspectives which will serve as a guiding light on the path ahead.
Lastly, a Taekwondo demonstration team from Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters) will perform at BK Arena on June 3rd and 4th. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the much respected demonstration team will visit Rwanda. They will display not only the dynamic movements but indeed the spirit of Taekwondo. Your participation will be most sincerely welcomed and appreciated.
As you can see, Korea and Rwanda have indeed continued to develop the bilateral partnership in a whole spectrum of areas since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1963. I look forward to the two countries further strengthening the shared efforts in a spirit of cooperation and achieving common prosperity in the decades to come.
So far, investors have set up hospitality facilities including Twin Lakes Recreational Resort, a project expected to expand through the establishment of Twin Lakes Recreational Island Hotel. It takes a 20-minute drive to reach Burera District and more than 10 minutes sailing from Ntaruka hydropower station to arrive at the islands.
Patrick Masozera and his wife Kerry Ann Kimone, from Jamaica have invested on the islands that remained unexploited for long. They established Twin Lakes Recreational Resort located in Buhembe Village, Mariba Cell, Gitovu Sector, in Burera District.
Masozera and Kerry Ann lived in the United Kingdom. In 2014, they came to Rwanda where they visited Rwanda’s attractions in Rubavu and Muhazi among other places. They later visited Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes.
As they explored the islands, one of them was thirsty but could not find anywhere to buy water. When they visited Lake Burera for the first time in 2017, the couple was impressed by its magnificence.
At the time, Kerry had a six-month pregnancy and failed to find a place to buy food or soft drink despite the strong need to re-energize her body.
As Masozera disclosed, the couple started considering the establishment of a hotel in the area or other recreational facility. He said that they took photographs of the area and returned to the UK.
After attending the Rwanda Day event that was held in Amsterdam, the couple that had traveled from London decided to return to Rwanda to invest in the land.
As Masozera said, they negotiated with residents, bought land from 30 individuals and began construction in 2019. More preparations continued in 2020 and 2021 where they used boats to take cows and other essentials to the island.
In August 2022, Twin Lakes Recreational Resort was successfully set up and has increasingly gained popularity that many tourists express interest in visiting the place.
Artiste Gaël Faye is among guests who recently enjoyed an amazing experience at the facility. Tented structures ordered from the UK have been assembled at the village for guests’ camping.
Masozera went on to explain that the facility currently consisted of tents, and two cottages, with six rooms that can accommodate between 12 and 14 guests.
He however disclosed that they have a large land where an individual can bring his/her tent to be used while exploring the area.
The tents are structured in separate units so that families can enjoy comfort in their own settings.
Masozera said that there are plans to build self-contained cottages once the land use status is changed. The entire island is lit with solar energy. The lights on the island are installed on different corners and emit light in different colours.
Guests spending nights at this island, Masozera said, wake up in the morning for bird watching experience and consume the attractiveness of Lake Burera.
Kerry Ann says that she had had a desire to visit Rwanda following the tragic history the country was reported to have experienced. As he visited the country in 2014, Kerry discovered that some people did not tell her the truth about the country. The hotel was built in an area that previously had no electricity or access to safe water.
Kerry said that they were aware of those enormous challenges but did not get discouraged as they wanted to run a project with an impact to the community.
With this mindset, they started the project that attracted public attention gradually.
One of the challenges was the lack of roads along the lake but there are plans to build them. The investors recently overcame some of the barriers as the land was classified under areas designated for tourism activities.
As of today, water used at the island is still fetched using jerry cans but there is a plan to introduce a water treatment system.
However, the couple affirms that challenges are being solved gradually
{{Cow-based tourism}}
Apart from exploring the beauty of Burera, Twin Lakes introduced cow-based tourism where guests are taught to milk cows and other aspects of cow farming as one of domestic animals holding great significance in Rwanda’s culture.
Masozera revealed that they are also considering introducing the Masozera Farm Initiative, to donate cows to residents in the surroundings of the hotel.
They are mainly farmers where a cow can be a source of milk, compost and improved livelihoods.
{{Plan to build state-of-the art hotel}}
The structure of the place and anticipated projects give hope for creation of many jobs for the youth and others to supply different items. Buildings at the facility used stones available in the area. It also used water fetched by residents and stored in reservoirs as an alternative before finding a way to purify water from Lake Burera.
However, the projects to distribute safe water and electricity to residents in the surrounding communities of the hotel are in advanced stages. Masozera says that Burera is among places where tourism is not advanced where they want to take advantage of the situation to improve its visibility with eco-friendly practices.
He also disclosed that the facility wants to use food supplied by residents in the surroundings or produced from their own fields. Masozera said that they want to develop the area and build five more cottages with each having two rooms and three beds.
The project is expected to be rolled out in three phases, with the first comprising existing structures. The second will have five cottages and a multi-storey bar and restaurant while more structures will be developed in phase three.
The project was initiated from the couple’s savings but has optimism to generate returns and expand activities.
For Kerry, her dreams will come true once the project thrives and brings positive transformations in the area. Keery has expressed optimism that a state-of-the art hotel will be built in the area going hand in hand with other activities attracting more investors with projects impacting the community.
Apart from a hotel, they also want to operate a modern boat that will transport guests to the facility. The couple wants to implement the project through collaboration with other investors even though the time has not yet come. It is expected to cost US$500 million.
{{Investment opportunities in Rwanda}}
Masozera said that they detected investment opportunities in Rwanda and decided to settle in the country to follow up their project.
He explained that their visits to Rwanda impressed her wife who realized how beautiful the country is. It did not take much effort for the couple to agree on settling in Rwanda.
Kerry who worked in the health sector for over 10 years says that it is time for her to explore other opportunities even though she still stands a chance to work as a health professional licensed in Rwanda.
The first championship scheduled for September 2024, is expected to bring 150 football legends from around the world and will be hosted at Amahoro Stadium, currently under renovation.
Visit Rwanda branding will be visible in the stadium and on marketing collateral such as the jerseys and tickets. The games will also be broadcast on live television to global audiences.
Speaking after signing the agreement, Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board said: “Hosting this event puts Rwanda on the world map as a fast-growing sports tourism destination. This is a championship that is expected to attract thousands of not only global football spectators but also leading brands and partners looking to create impact through sports.
We are excited at the income and job opportunities the tournament will create for Rwandans and encourage more people to come and host their sporting events in Rwanda.”
On his part, Fred Siewe, Chairman of Veteran Clubs World Championship said: “We want the world to come to Rwanda not only to enjoy the tournament but to also visit its wonderful attractions and establish businesses and invest.”
Following the signing, a Leading Legends Gala Dinner was organised to announce the team captains of the 8 competing regions. They are:
● North America team: Captain is Charmaine Hooper from Canada
● South America team: Captain is Maicon Douglas from Brazil
● North Africa & Middle East team: Captain is Wael Gomaa from Egypt
● West & Central Africa team: Captain is Patrick Mboma from Cameroon
● East & South Africa: Captain is Jimmy Gatete from Rwanda
● North & West Europe team: Captain is Robert Pires from France
● East & South Europe team: Captain is Gaizka Mendieta from Spain
● Asia team: Captain is Tzuneyasu Miyamoto from Japan
In the lead up to the championships, roadshows will be conducted around the world encouraging people to visit, meet and invest in Rwanda.
In addition to the roadshows, five high-level forums on peace, education, investment and business, health and tourism will be organised during the tournament to address social, economic, cultural and environmental opportunities.
A special drone show was held after the Leading Legends Gala Dinner welcoming the legends who will participate in the championship with a Visit Rwanda, home of legends message.
The study tour for 35 law enforcement officers of the 11th PSCSC intake, from seven African countries, links the theory class-work with field practical experiences.
It is conducted under the theme: Understanding the contribution of socio-economic development, good governance and justice to sustainable peace and security in Rwanda.
The Police students are from Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Lesotho, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Rwanda.
The tour started in City of Kigali where they will visit different institutions and get insight into complex aspects of socio-economic development, good governance and justice; before visiting other public and private entities, including factories, in other parts of the country.
In Kigali, they will visit the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters at Kacyiru and some of its operational units; Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum.
They will also visit Rwamagana solar power station, Zipline in Kayonza District, King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda in Huye District, Gisakura Tea factory, CIMERWA, Bralirwa and Kinigi IDP model village.
The NPC Commandant, Commissioner of Police (CP) Rafiki Mujiji said that the study is part of the academic programme to acquaint the Police students with the Rwandan realities on socio-economic development, governance and justice.
“The study tour will give the students an insight on how governance, fair justice and socio-economic development contribute to national security; they will get deep understanding on the challenges and benefits of inter-agency cooperation in contemporary policing and create an opportunity for them to link the theories and practices to draw lessons that will help them in their future policing duties,” CP Mujiji said.
At the end of the tour, he added, the students are expected to conduct research in the four key disciplines; national security, socio-economic development, governance and justice.
“They will produce a report at the end of their tour, on what they learnt and how these lessons add value to their previous experiences and knowledge in policing.”
The one year PSCSC has five main components; a Master’s in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation, operational and routine staff work, strategic leadership and management, international computer driving license, and peace support operations.
“The agenda offered by the Indian hosts fully reflects the aspirations of all states to overcome the persisting crisis, ensure sustainable growth, remove artificial barriers, guarantee fair competition in trade, enhance the multilateral character of the global system, support the UN’s central role and help developing nations have more of a say in international decision-making. All these issues are reflected in the document that our representatives and experts discussed for several days. Agreement was reached on all issues of the G20 agenda, including the need to ensure genuine multilaterism and bolster the positions of developing nations.
It was agreed that from now on the African Union will be a full-fledged member of the G20, just as the EU that has been working in this capacity for several years now. The document concerns the need to ensure food and energy security and reform the WTO. These are useful and correct agreements.
Unfortunately, the G20 declaration was not approved on behalf of all G20 foreign ministers. As a year ago (under Indonesia’s Presidency), our Western partners were going all-out to highlight the situation around Ukraine, which they were presenting as “Russian aggression” in numerous rhetorical statements. No good came of it. The remarks by Western delegations, primarily the G7 countries, became too emotional, disrupting the normal discussion of the issues on the G20 agenda. As a result, the final document on behalf of all ministers was not adopted. The West insisted on reproducing the text on the situation around Ukraine, which was coordinated at the G20 Summit in Bali in 2022, fully ignoring our arguments that much had happened since then, such as the sincere admissions by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former President of France Francois Hollande, former President of Ukraine Petr Poroshenko and President Vladimir Zelensky himself to the effect that none of them were going to fulfil the Minsk agreements. In terms of Western interests, they were signed to gain time to pump Ukraine full of weapons and prepare for war against Russia. Our Western partners categorically refused to mention this well-known fact that no normal person would dispute. Likewise, they also refused to accept another fact – the act of terror against the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Our Western partners categorically rejected our appeal to reflect the need for an unbiased and honest investigation in the final declaration. Their position blocked adoption of the final declaration. Results of the discussion will be set forth in a summary to be made by the Indian Presidency. I hope they will objectively reflect the exchange of views we had.
We pointed out that UN Security Council reform is long overdue in the context of the developing countries playing a greater role in global governance. We reaffirmed Russia’s position on the importance of this by expanding the representation of the developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America and have re-emphasised our position where there’s no need to provide additional seats to the West or its allies because the West is “overrepresented” in this main UN body as it is. No one claiming a seat as a permanent UNSC member will add any value to this body. Our position on this is well known. Today, we reiterated it.
The Indian Presidency continues. I hope the discussion of the items on the G20 agenda will result in corresponding draft recommendations for the G20 Summit to be held in Goa in September.”
“All multilateral institutions are being tested for compliance with the new geopolitical realities. Given the new circumstances, the associations (this includes the UN and the G20 alike) which act as platforms to find a balance of interests rather than to present their approaches or to make claims to justify their alleged entitlement to hegemony, will remain in high demand.”
“To what extent does the West realise that its line is leading to a blind alley? They are declaring the need to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia, that this is an “existential problem for the West.” I am referring to their bid to preserve their hegemony in the world arena (which they don’t conceal). The developing nations understand this perfectly well. It’s another matter that some of them, feeling unprecedented pressure from below-the-belt tactics, are compelled to mention this issue in their remarks, emphasising in different forms their commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, especially to territorial integrity and respect for sovereignty. We are all for that. I would like to merely recall that like any document adopted by the entire international community, the UN Charter cannot be fulfilled selectively. It is not a menu to choose from.
In addition to what I’ve said, the UN Charter lays more emphasis on the principle of the right of nations to self-determination. Since the very start of the UN, its member countries have noted the need to have a common understanding of the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity on the one hand and the right of nations to self-determination, on the other. A process launched with the participation of all UN members culminated in the adoption of the Declaration on Principles of International Law in 1970. Nobody has rejected or disputed this document since then. It interprets the link between these two principles in the following way: every state must observe the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any other state whose government respects the principle of self-determination and represents the whole nation living in said country. There is no need to prove that since 2014, after the bloody coup in Ukraine organised and supported by the West, the radicals that came power do not reflect the interests of either Crimeans or the people of eastern Ukraine. Everyone is well aware of this.”
“The issues at stake were the exercise of inalienable human rights, including the right of the Russian-speakers in Ukraine to speak their native tongue and educate their children in it. These rights were not just trampled underfoot but banned by laws adopted by Parliament and signed by the President of Ukraine on education in Russian, Russian language media, Russian literature and culture in general, and many other things.
I drew the attention of my Western colleagues to this fact during conversations on the sidelines. They looked at me but could say nothing in response. They have only one explanation of why Russia opted for “invasion.” Everyone stresses that it was unprovoked. The “invasion” is a reaction to the war that the West was preparing for many years and for which it was arming the Ukrainian regime that came to power as a result of the coup.”
“If we talk about history, the prototype of the “golden billion” is the colonial powers that conquered territories on different continents and established systems there in such a way as to exploit their natural and human resources and essentially enjoy life at their expense. More than half a century has passed since the decolonisation process ended. Although it is not completely over. There is a UN General Assembly decision on the remaining colonies of France and Great Britain in violation of the relevant UN resolutions. We also continue to work on these issues. We will seek implementation of the United Nations decisions.
Unfortunately, the West has not lost its neo-colonial habits and aspirations. Everything that is being done to subjugate the world economy to the interests of the West is nothing but neo-colonial instincts and practices. This includes sanctions, which many G20 members from developing countries spoke of today as being detrimental to the world economy, especially to food and energy security. It also includes attempts to manipulate prices on the world market. The declaration by Western countries of a price cap on oil is nothing short of theft of other countries’ natural resources. That is if we look at the root of the problem. Manipulation of global trade rules, including WTO standards, and more.
The West continues to advance its interests by other means and methods in the new environment without taking into account the opinion of the vast majority of the world community. Developing countries see it all perfectly well. I have already touched on this issue. Under tremendous, unseemly and immoral pressure, some of them speak or vote in such a way as to ease the pressure from the United States and its allies. But not a single developing country (maybe except for a couple of states that have made some decisions) has joined the sanctions against the Russian Federation. They understand very well what it is all about, what game the West has unleashed, and that it is not about Ukraine at all, but that our Western colleagues want to prove to everyone that they will still “solve” any issues.
The threats made against the People’s Republic of China raise doubts as to the adequacy of those who utter them. In principle, no one should be threatened. But when threats are made against China in the current circumstances, it is beyond comprehension. Our Western colleagues have badly deteriorated manners. They cast diplomacy aside long ago and only engage in blackmail and threats.”
“With regard to assistance in overcoming the crisis, we have repeatedly stated publicly that we never turn down serious proposals that sincerely seek to find a political solution. While calls are being made for Russia to sit down for talks, I can’t remember anyone from among our colleagues in the Western and several other states call on Ukraine to do the same. There must be something to it, because Ukraine is being encouraged to continue the war. In late March 2022, it was ready to talk and proposed a number of settlement principles. We supported them and were ready to sign an agreement based on these principles. But then it got a slap on the wrist. Everyone knows this for a fact. The United States, Great Britain and a number of figures from the EU countries told Kiev that if the Russians were willing to conclude a settlement agreement, Kiev should bide its time, wear them down some more and achieve (as was openly stated later) victory over Russia “on the battlefield” and inflict a “strategic defeat” on it.
See what German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock or head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell had to say the other day: no talks until Ukraine secures an advantage on the battlefield. Reaching out to Russia with serious proposals to hold talks, which we never refused, would be an incorrect approach. No serious offers have been made since March 2022. Military rhetoric and bellicose NATO decisions is all we hear.
Everyone keeps forgetting it. Journalists in the West and a number of developing countries never talk about the fact that head of the Kiev regime Zelensky signed an order banning all talks with the Russian Government in September 2022. We make this clear several times a day as we take questions of that kind. But our foreign media colleagues seem not to hear that and keep asking why Russia doesn’t agree to hold talks.”
“As I have said, the developing countries have not demonstrated any misunderstanding of our position since the beginning of the acute phase of the Russia-West confrontation over Ukraine and in the context of the United States and its satellites’ global geopolitical aspirations for domination.
By and large, I can explain this by the fact that we did not announce our decision, which we were forced to take, a day before it all began. We have been explaining our position for years, ever since the 2014 state coup in Ukraine, and after the Minsk agreements were signed in February 2015. We told our Western colleagues that it is impossible to keep lying. And they were not just ordinary lies but pledges not to infringe on our interests. This is how it was with the non-expansion of NATO, which moved ever close to our borders five times, and the promise not to station “substantial combat forces” in the territory of new bloc members. They have openly admitted that they did the same with regard to the Minsk agreements. For years since the Kiev regime came to power as a result of a coup, they have been consistently destroying everything Russian, from education to the media and culture. I have already spoken about this. Nobody responded to our calls to the West to bring those people to their senses, to force them to honour at least their own Constitution, which guarantees, in black and white, the rights of the Russian and other national minorities, and to make them implement the numerous conventions that set out these rights on the global level.
It is even possible that many of our Western colleagues incited the Kiev regime to destroy everything Russian. President Vladimir Putin said that Ukraine was being turned into an anti-Russia, which is a concise explanation. There is no doubt that this plan was put into effect long ago.
It has already been said that the foreign ministers have not coordinated a final declaration. In my statement, I reminded our colleagues that the first G20 meetings were held in 1999 at the level of finance ministers and central bank governors. It was decided to take them to the level of heads of state and government in 2008. Since 1999, the West has implemented a number of illegal and illegitimate operations in Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya and Syria.
Libya and Iraq are still trying to regain their statehood. Hundreds of thousands of people, including civilians, women and children, have been killed there. Entire cities have been razed to the ground, like Mosul in Iraq or Raqqa in Syria. The threat of terrorism has increased many times over, in particular after they ruined Libya. The threats created by terrorists in Africa, above all in the Sahel-Sahara region, is to a huge degree the result of the Libyan gamble.
Moreover, the Americans planned all these actions on the assumption that they have a right to address any problem anywhere in the world. None of the situations I have mentioned created a threat to the United States. On the contrary, they developed tens of thousands of miles from the American coast. Nevertheless, they made the decision at night, Colin Powell showed a vial with a white substance at the UN Security Council next morning, and the day after they were bombing Iraq. Several years later, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair admitted that they were wrong and there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. There were no such weapons, yet the country was bombed out of existence. Our Iraqi friends are still trying hard to rebuild their national unity.
In our case, we have been warning for years: do not turn Ukraine into a threat to the Russian Federation. It is not located somewhere across the ocean but right here, on our border, in the territory where Russians have lived and nurtured their culture for centuries. Their culture has been cancelled by the neo-Nazi government that seized power in Ukraine.
We will continue fighting for justice for the Ukrainian people, protect the interests of ethnic Russians in Ukraine, and ensure the interests of the Ukrainian republics and regions that spoke out at the referendum in favour of reuniting with the Russian Federation.”
“The United States, senior officials from NATO and the EU keep travelling around the world demanding that everyone condemn Russia. What kind of a democracy is that? Is this what respecting the right of every country to make independent choices mean? The UN Charter stipulates that the Organisation is based on the sovereign equality of states. The West has never respected this principle and keeps up its illegitimate pressure, if I may say so, on everyone. It is also worth examining how it makes its case. I heard from many of my friends in developing countries what the Americans have been promising them when asking to condemn Russia. They say that they will not be punished then. And nothing more. An even trade, isn’t it? You comply with my ultimatum, otherwise you will be punished. This is not the way we operate. But this is the way our Western colleagues work, regretful as it is.
As for the references to the G20 meeting in Bali and the fact that this or that country condemned us, I have already said that the G20 has been working since 1999. Since then, the West embarked on all these reckless ventures in Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Syria and Afghanistan, and they all continued for many years. Their consequences are felt to this day, including rampant terrorism, drug trafficking, including in Afghanistan where NATO failed abysmally after 20 years in the country, as well as in terms of disrupting supply chains, global markets, etc. However, this was not mentioned at any of the G20 meetings since its founding in 1999. Not a single country mentioned any of these crises or conflicts, as if nobody cared. The G20 focused on its immediate mandate as long as hundreds of thousands of Africans, Arabs or Afghans were dying. But now that the Western countries failed to deliver on their ventures the way they planned, the West wants to force everyone to talk about it. This is dirty politics, of course.”
Uwamahoro,42, a naturopath and nutritionist therapist born in Gitega Sector of Kigali City, is a mother to Ange Mukunde aged 23.
Speaking with IGIHE recently, Uwamahoro said that she went to Belgium in 1999 after surviving Genocide against the Tutsi. Arriving there, she considered erasing her history to turn a new page of life. At the time, Uwamahoro would refrain from talking about her history lest it revives her wounds.
“I used to do it thinking it would help me to rebuild but I later realized that I was wrong because one cannot progress without reconnecting to roots,” she said.
Uwamahoro went on to explain that she stood chance to hear from the resilience journey of other survivors with whom they share the same history which inspired her to create an impact to the society.
“That is why I find it necessary to support people. It is my time to spread love as a person who benefited from acts of generosity,” she noted.
As he arrived in Belgium, Uwamahoro pursued nursing and later immersed her knowledge in herbal medicine.
“I considered this to combine conventional medicine with herbal medicine using food supplements and techniques to heal the body, headaches and deal with emotions. I chose this because it helped me along the journey to heal from bitter history and related wounds,” she revealed.
Uwamahoro explained that conventional medicine is very helpful but emphasizes that it complements with herbal medicine or naturopathic medicine (a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself).
“The foods we eat can serve as medicine to strengthen the body’s immunity when used appropriately,” she said.
Uwamahoro affirms that drugs are essential but sometimes come with side effects due to contained chemicals. This pushed her to develop a solution to strengthen body’s immunity.
“We help individuals to remain healthy through tips on appropriate consumption of foods or how conventional medicines can be used along with nutraceuticals to avoid side effects, stress and maintain sound health,” she revealed.
As Uwamahoro says, records on medical history and dietary habits among other considerations are taken into account while attending to patients to ensure they receive needed support.
When a patient has bellyaches, Uwamahoro said, the clinic uses various herbal medicines for treatment, provides relevant vitamins or advise on appropriate dietary intake.
“I usually tell patients that being aware of a disease is an opportunity to develop routines helping you to prevent it,” she asserted.
Uwamahoro believes that developing healthy habits and appropriate dietary routines contribute cancer prevention in no smaller part.
She disclosed that her clinic helps people from different age brackets to maintain sound health and protect vital human organs.
The 528 housing units to be constructed under UK-Rwanda Migration Partnership in Gahanga, Kicukiro District will be completed in six months at a tune of Rwf60 billion.
The deal signed in April last year paves the way for deportation to Rwanda of migrants and asylum seekers staying in the UK illegally.
Through the agreement, the latter will provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund invaluable opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons and higher education.
These asylum seekers from African countries and others outside the continent will be treated decently like Rwandans. It is expected that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.
Braverman said that her country is awaiting the ruling of the Court of Appeal before moving forward with the implementation of signed deal.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Nsabimana said that a total of 1500 housing units will be constructed under this project beginning with 538 in the first phase.
As he said, these homes will be developed on 12 hectares in different phases.
The project includes recreational facilities, an early childhood development center and market among others.
Braverman commended Rwanda’s leadership for outstanding efforts to develop the country and address migration crisis.
“This is a big step forward in Rwanda increasing its existing capacity to accommodate refugees and provide humanitarian support to thousands of people around the country,” she said.
Apart from officiating the groundbreaking event, Braverman also toured Car Free Zone, Cricket Stadium and Kepler College among other projects.
During her two-day visit to Rwanda, she visited Kigali Genocide Memorial, Bwiza Riverside Homes, addressed a press conference along with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta and met with President Paul Kagame with whom they discussed migration crisis.
Braverman’s visit to Rwanda was aimed at underlining her government’s commitment to the deportation deal signed last year.
Figures from the UK show that 45,756 migrants crossed to the country in 2022 through the English Channel, a higher number compared to 28,526 registered in 2021. This number represents an increase by 17,000.
These illegal migrants come from various countries in Africa, Asia and Europe.
The UK spends at least 5.5 million pounds a year on migrants where they stay in hotels while their claims are being processed.
Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that Kagame hosted Braverman on Sunday 19th March 2023.
The deal signed in 2022 paves the way for deportation to Rwanda of migrants and asylum seekers staying in the UK illegally.
The UK made the decision to discourage people crossing to the country illegally and reduce the budget spent on them every year.
Discussions between President Kagame and Braverman were attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta and British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Omar Daair.
Also present were the Government Spokesperson, Yolande Maloko and Monique Mukaruliza, Strategic Advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Braverman has been in Rwanda for two-day visit.
During her stay, she visited Kigali Genocide Memorial, toured different projects and addressed members of the press.
Braverman disclosed that Rwanda and UK signed additional agreement aimed at expanding the provision of support for migrants to be deported to Rwanda.
The UK believes that agreements signed with Rwanda will pave the way for a solution for increasing illegal migrants to the country.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Biruta who also participated in the press conference indicated that the country is ready to work with partners to address migration crisis.
On Sunday 19th March 2023, Braverman also officiated a ground-breaking ceremony marking the beginning of the construction for a housing project of 528 units in Gahanga.
The housing units to be built under UK-Rwanda Migration Partnership will host the migrants to be sent to Rwanda. They will be completed in six months at a tune of Rwf60 billion.
Through the deal signed between Rwanda and UK in April last year, the latter will provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund invaluable opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons and higher education.
These asylum seekers from African countries and others outside the continent will be treated decently like Rwandans upon arrival. It is expected that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.