The testimonies were delivered by farmers grouped in Kopakaki-Dutegure Cooperative as Japan’s ambassador to Rwanda, Isao Fukushima visited them on 7th March 2023.
Japan supports five cooperatives including Kopakaki-Dutegure belonging to coffee farmers in Kibuye to enhance the quality of their produce. Kopakaki-Dutegure is based in Rubengera Sector of Karongi District.
The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) indicates that Japan is among top three destinations for Rwanda’s coffee whereby coffee exports to the country increase gradually.
In 2012, Japan through International Cooperation Agency (JICA) started working with farmers in the area of capacity building. In the following year, Rwandans started travelling to Japan to learn from best practices in coffee farming.
Amb. Isao Fukushima said that the country plans to continue marketing Rwanda’s coffee on the international market.
Eric Ruganintwari, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Division Manager at NAEB said that cooperation between Rwanda and Japan is an opportunity for Rwanda’s coffee farmers because the country’s coffee consumers have increased for the past ten years.
“Upon arrival in Rwanda, the ambassador himself visited joint projects being implemented in Rwanda through JICA. There is optimism for this program to make a great impact, benefit farmers and the country as well,” he said.
{{Farmers thankful }}
Nyirabantu Thérèse, a farmer owning 444 coffee trees told IGIHE that Japanese agronomists trained them on quantities of fertilizers to be applied in their plantations and mulching techniques.
“Before, we practiced rudimentary farming techniques. After receiving training, the produce has increased from four to six sacks,” she said.
The President of Kopakaki-Dutegure, Bonavanture Munyeshema explained that cooperation with Japan capacitated farmers to regenerate trees and increase the number of young people growing coffee.
The Mayor of Karongi District, Vestine Mukarutesi said that coffee farming has a great significance to economic growth and improved wellbeing of residents.
Through coffee, she said, farmers in the district subscribe for Community Based Health Insurance (Mutuelle de Santé), make contributions in Ejo Heza saving scheme, pay school fees and feed their families.
Mukarutesi encouraged farmers to adopt best practices to make coffee a sustainable source of income.
In the fiscal year 2021-2022, Rwanda exported 15 million kilograms of coffee that generated US$75.5 million.
-* { {{In September 2022, Tshisekedi affirmed that the postponement of elections was not possible
-* On 26th October 2022; Patrick Muyaya, DR Congo’s Minister of Communication announced that provocations could disrupt elections
-* In January 2023, Speaker of Parliament, Christophe Mboso said that elections would not be possible amidst ongoing fighting
-* On 27th February 2023, President Tshisekedi reminisced on postponement of polls}} }
{It is obvious that there are people who succeed in finding an excuse for their flaws but others fail at the onset. This is what the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been trying as part of a broad plan that existed for long to postpone elections until the country dragged Rwanda into its mess under the cover of an ongoing fighting with M23 rebel group yet the reality is self-evidencing.}
Congolese government has been making utterances that elections cannot be held amidst insecurity facing the country ignoring evidences proving that it was the country’s long-term plan to blame neighbours, particularly Rwanda for the postponement.
DR Congo started declaring the adjournment of presidential polls early, but surprisingly, the country did not outline plans to address those challenges.
This proves how the goal was to find justification ahead of time to be proactive on mixed reactions that would emerge from the country’s President, Felix Tshisekedi’s prolonged stay in office.
Since September 2021, before M23 resumed fighting, there were plans to revise electoral law to hold polls in two phases in case the presidential aspirant on top did not secure above 50% of votes.
At the time, Parliamentarian André Claudel Lubaya who once served as cabinet member said that there was high possibility for postponement of elections in case all requirements were not met by 15th September 2023.
He explained that elections would hardly be held without disruptions in case the country was not fully prepared.
As he assumed duties in February 2022, the Chairperson of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Denis Kadima was fast to declare that there are reasons pushing for adjournment of elections.
Kadima outlined three reasons that might lead to the postponement of elections.
Among them, he cited insecurity in some parts of the country, financial constraints and political unrest.
At the time, the fighting with M23 and relations with Rwanda were not part of these reasons.
On 28th July 2022, Kadima told Jeune Afrique that he made the statement ahead of time lest he would be held accountable in case the date could be changed without prior notice.
He was raising concerns that the commission was faced with financial constraints and needed US$624 million to buy equipment to be used during elections including 29,000 machines for voters’ registration.
“[If it happens], the government will be responsible for the delay of elections.”
Congo turned back on all these concerns but considered tricks to find an excuse for postponement of elections.
Initially, Tshisekedi would not comment on these statements because he was busy making a thorough planning.
During an interview with RFI and France 24 in September 2022, Tshisekedi affirmed that the postponement of elections was not possible that ‘there was nothing to worry about’ but later fell for contradictory statements.
{{Open declarations}}
Presidential polls in DRC are scheduled on 20th December 2023. The date was confirmed on 26th November 2022.
Before the confirmation, DRC government had already found an excuse to postpone elections.
On 26th October 2022; Patrick Muyaya, DR Congo’s Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson released a statement claiming that his country continues to face provocations from Rwanda, ‘which might disrupt elections’.
At the time, he sounded alarm to the international community noting that ‘peace and security in eastern DRC are paramount for smooth elections in 2023’.
Since then, intentions to adjourn elections were openly disclosed until the Speaker of Parliament, Christophe Mboso, held a visit to Belgium in January 2023 to demand support for a war against Rwanda.
Mboso elucidated that elections would not be possible in North Kivu Province when the fighting was going on.
DRC did not make efforts to address barriers hindering elections’ process but rather overlooked resolutions reached by regional heads of state to restore peace in eastern part of the country.
It continued to work with armed groups including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), Mai Mai and made reactions that intensified violence against Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.
FDLR is a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Besides, Tshisekedi travelled to Geneva, Switzerland to attend the fifty-second session United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council on 27th February 2023 that is normally attended by ambassadors, where he hinted at the postponement of polls.
He declared that elections are likely to be disrupted, if the fighting continues in eastern Congo, due to a large number of displaced citizens.
Tshisekedi and his government continuously ignored the truth and leaned on war as an excuse for postponement of elections.
He tried to put forward his reasons to convince the international community but efforts seem to be futile.
In front of Pope Francis, Tshisekedi blamed Rwanda for insecurity in his country again. He did the same during the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to the country but attracted no special attention.
Tshisekedi explained that voters’ registration may delay because citizens have fled the country, which is also deemed to affect timelines for elections.
It is worth noting that postponing elections has become a hot topic at a time when Tshisekedi is being reminded that his installation as President did not go through a transparent process.
President Macron recently told him that circumstances under which elections were held in 2018 are known.
There are more evidences that Tshisekedi did not win recent polls but was installed after agreements with his predecessor, Joseph Kabila.
The conference organized by the African Society of Forensic Medicine (ASFM) brought together over 400 participants from 40 countries. These include forensic experts, researchers and specialists.
Rwanda has hosted the 10th edition of the summit through Rwanda Forensic Laboratory (RFL).
{{Exhibitors}}
{{-Visit Rwanda}}
Rwanda has a stand at the exhibition to take participants through the ‘Visit Rwanda’ campaign introduced by Rwanda development Board (RDB) to lure foreigners to visit the country and explore available opportunities in the areas of tourism and investment.
Nicholas Tugume, Tourism Practitioner at RDB explained that they participated in the conference to bring to light Rwanda’s offerings in tourism and investment.
“Guests attending the meeting also need to explore our country’s attractions. We are here to help them without necessity to make movements. In most cases, they are guests who do not know where our offices are located. It is about decentralizing services to promote tourism,” he said.
{{- Inter Business Company Ltd}}
Inter Business Company Ltd is a medical equipment supply company specialized in the importation and distribution of medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, laboratory equipment, chemicals and re-agents in Rwanda.
It also supplies equipment to RFL. Jean Claude Habarugira, a Biomedical Equipment Technologist at Inter Business Company Ltd has said that they attended the exhibition to showcase offered services expected to be expanded to other countries.
He explained that the company works with leading manufacturers in the areas of medical supplies giving them a competitive edge to offer convenient services.
{{-QIAEN}}
Qiagen is a company based in Germany that supplies equipment used to conduct tests for forensic evidences.
QIAGEN N.V. runs operations in more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe.
It is a large company with total assets estimated at US$2,252 billion.
The company’s head of marketing, Laurent Moncomble explained that most of their activities take heed on DNA tests.
{{-AFSA}}
Launched in Kigali on 7th March 2023, African Forensic Science Academy (AFSA) will serve as a professional representative body for forensic science practitioners in Africa.
It is expected to build the capacity of African countries in forensic services.
AFSA activities will be rolled out either in online or in-person format overtime.
It envisages training programmes in various formats, development of best-practice guidelines, webinars, workshops and much more.
The Acting President of AFSA, Dr. Antonel Olckers said that the academy is a testament that the time has come for Africa to develop home-grown solutions.
{{ASFM}}
The African Society of Forensic Medicine (ASFM) is behind the organization of the conference bringing together leaders, experts, specialists and researchers in forensic evidence sector.
The management says that Rwanda was selected because of achieved milestone in the area of forensic evidence services in Rwanda, the region and beyond.
The Secretary General of ASFM, Oshunbayo Remilekun, said that the meeting was much needed to discuss how forensic evidence services in Africa can be taken to greater heights for quality justice to deepen roots.
{{-RFL}}
Rwanda Forensic Laboratory was launched in 2018. Since it was launched five years ago, RFL has greatly contributed to justice delivery with forensic evidence services.
After enacting the law establishing RFL in 2016, the institution started offering convenient services to the judiciary, members of the private sector and citizens in 2018.
It became an autonomous body in the same year and is currently run under the aegis of the Ministry of Justice.
The RFL has modern equipment as well as experts and specialists capacitating it to conduct forensic investigations used to boost justice delivery.
Today, RFL provides 12 services including forensic toxicology, drug and chemistry, and documents examination and fingerprint analysis, DNA forensics, ballistics, forensic pathology and digital forensics.
As at November last year, RFL was offered services to more than 20 African countries.
The Director General of RFL, Dr. Charles Karangwa recently told the media that the institution has so far released over 35,000 forensic evidences since 2018.
Rwanda is among other countries represented at the exhibition that runs from Tuesday 7th March to 9th March at Messe Berlin.
Rwanda is represented by Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda’s national airline, RwandAir, Akagera Aviation and the Tourism Chamber in Private Sector Federation (PSF) among others.
The Head of Tourism and Conservation Department at RDB, Ariella Kageruka has said that participating in the trade fair is of great significance as it presents an opportunity to increase Rwanda’s visibility.
The Rwanda Development Board is delighted to be back at the ITB Tourism Fair in Germany where we got an opportunity to engage with members of the private sector in the tourism sector,” she noted.
In collaboration with Rwanda’s embassy, Kageruka the exhibition was an opportune moment to interact with travel media and travel trade for B2B event and a cultural show of Rwanda.
“We look forward to continue engaging with our stakeholders to continue promoting the country’s destination and increase partnership with travel players from around the world, especially from Germany and the rest of Europe,” said Kageruka.
The Director General of the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism at the Private Sector Federation, Frank Gisha emphasized that the exhibition presents unique opportunities for Rwandans.
“This is an exciting year as we came with a large number of members totaling to 19. We normally work with RDB to coordinate such exhibition along with other key partners. Seven of our members met with travel companies and were glad for the experience. This year, they are discussing how tourism can be turned into a sustainable business. Most of our visitors are eager to visit Rwanda,” he revealed.
Habba Hadijah Kamwesiga representing RwandAir explained that participating in the exhibition served as a platform helping them to interact with partners and hear concerns of the airline’s clients.
RwandAir recently announced plans to commence flights to Paris in France.
Kamwesiga further stated that the airline has been serving clients in different destinations in Africa and Asia among others with plans to continue enriching their experience.
Jeanne Ndatirwa dwelling in Berlin who attended the exhibition said that she was impressed by Rwanda’s participation.
“Visit Rwanda has become popular and we are glad to be represented here. Most importantly, we were given enough space to showcase our country’s attractions,” she noted.
Apart from RDB, 19 more companies from Rwanda that participated in the trade fair include RwandAir, Africa Journeys, Amahoro Tours, Gerry Tours-Safaris, Wilderness Rwanda, International Tours and Travel, Primate Safaris, International Travel Agency, Destination Rwanda, Jambo Tours and Fine Safaris Afrika.
Mist Rwanda Safaris, Silver Bird Tours, Palast Tours & Travels, Heritage Safaris Ltd, Kingfisher Journeys, Akagera Management Company, Akagera Aviation and Intore Expeditions and Business Tours have also participated.
The trade fair is expected to attract exhibitors from over 60 countries across the world and 160,000 visitors.
AFSA was launched in Kigali on Tuesday 7th March 2023 at the official opening of the African Society of Forensic Medicine (ASFM) International Conference which brought together researchers and experts in the area of forensic services.
The academy was officially launched by the Minister of Justice and State Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja and the Head of AFSA during the ASFM International Conference held in Kigali.
The academy will serve as a professional representative body for forensic science practitioners in Africa.
It is expected to build the capacity of African countries in forensic services.
AFSA activities will be rolled out either in online or in-person format overtime. It envisages training programmes in various formats, development of best-practice guidelines, webinars, workshops and much more.
Minister Ugirashebuja said that the launch of the academy in Rwanda as the host country of the conference is a result of RFL’s achievements.
Since it was launched five years ago, RFL has greatly contributed to justice delivery with forensic evidence services.
Dr. Ugirashebuja emphasized that forensic evidence services are crucial in enhancing quality justice.
The Head of ASFM, Dr Uwom Okereke Eze explained that the academy was opened in Rwanda because of achieved milestone in forensic services.
He underscored that the academy will set pace for transformations with impact on the entire African continent.
Rwanda Forensic Laboratory offers services including forensic toxicology, drug and chemistry, and documents examination and fingerprint analysis, DNA forensics, ballistics, forensic pathology and digital forensics.
As at November last year, RFL was offering services to more than 20 African countries since it was established in 2018.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of RFL, Dr. Charles Karangwa said that AFSA will play an important role not only for Rwanda but also for the African continent as it will promote research and foster cooperation in forensic evidences.
The President of Supreme Court, Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo said that Rwanda will continue working closely with players in the sector to deliver justice to citizens.
He emphasized that Rwanda is pleased to host the academy and expects continued collaboration to provide needed contribution to the delivery of quality justice in Africa.
Dr. Ntezilyayo also reiterated the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to develop the AFSA to become more meaningful to different countries.
The academy will also intervene in conducting DNA tests, investigate disputed death circumstances, and deploy latest technology in forensic services among others.
Dr. Nteziryayo delivered the message on 7th March 2023 as he officially officiated the opening of African Society of Forensic Medicine (ASFS) International Conference.
The conference was hosted by Rwanda through RFL. After enacting the law establishing RFL in 2016, the institution started offering convenient services to the judiciary, members of the private sector and citizens in 2018.
It became an autonomous body in the same year and is currently run under the aegis of the Ministry of Justice.
The RFL has modern equipment as well as experts and specialists capacitating it to conduct forensic investigations used to boost justice delivery.
Today, RFL provides 12 services including forensic toxicology, drug and chemistry, and documents examination and fingerprint analysis, DNA forensics, ballistics, forensic pathology and digital forensics.
As at November last year, RFL was offered services to more than 20 African countries.
The Director General of RFL, Dr. Charles Karangwa said that the conference provided a platform for participants to share knowledge and expertise in forensic services.
“This conference is seen as a catalyst for expansion or our activities. We want to harmonize approaches to fight crimes in Africa and technology using available resources on our continent,” he said.
“Technology used in Forensic science evolves every day like crimes get gradually sophisticated. That is why this conference serves as a platform to learn from the latest technologies lest we are left behind,” added Dr. Karangwa.
In his remarks to participants of ASFM2023, Dr. Ntezilyayo said that hosting the 10th edition of the conference is of great significance and commended the management of ASFM for having selected Rwanda.
“ASFM International Conference is a good initiative that brings together hundreds of scientists, forensic practitioners and other players from the forensic science community to exchange knowledge in the fast-increasing number of forensic science disciplines,” he said.
Dr. Ntezilyayo further stated that RFL continues to contribute to the delivery of quality and timely justice.
“Having a Forensic Institution that supports the justice system with evidence based on science and technology for use in our courts of law and other justice bodies is a great achievement to the country,” he noted.
“Besides providing relevant scientific evidence, Rwanda Forensic Laboratory services contribute towards reducing the turnaround time of judicial proceedings. It is worth noting that RFL has now concluded strategic forensic partnerships with international bodies and organizations and other sister institutions in order to enhance its expertise,” added Dr. Ntezilyayo.
He highlighted that RFL has been providing services not only in Rwanda but also to regional countries.
Today, RFL has so far released over 35,000 forensic evidences since 2018.
The President of ASFM, Dr. Uwom Okereke Eze said that forensic evidence services are much needed but stressed the need to harmonize them with other evidences to deliver quality justice.
“The evidences are important. How do we know they are valid evidences? I have just met you, I shake hands with you and I die. Then Police arrest you and conduct DNA test. Does it make you my murderer?” he wondered.
“We need to look at forensic evidences in a broader perspective to conduct investigation critically taking into consideration the reality of situations,” added Dr. Uwom.
He also said that governments should cater for the cost of forensic evidence services needed in justice delivery.
The African Forensic Science Academy which will be based in Rwanda was opened during the ASFM International Conference.
The Head of State delivered the message via Twitter handle on 8th March 2023.
The International Women’s Day is a global day observed on 8th March to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, while also making a call to action for strengthening gender equality and accelerating women’s empowerment.
President Kagame took advantage of the day to send best wishes to women in Rwanda and across the world.
“Salute to all women in Rwanda and Globally on this important day. We are with you in this Gender equality struggle in its real sense!!” he tweeted.
Figures from the latest Population and Housing Census in 2022 indicated that Rwanda registered 13,246,394 population of whom 48.5% are men while 51.5% are women.
Rwanda is globally reputed for efforts to promote gender equality and women empowerment.
The country has instituted policies aimed driving women’s inclusion in the areas of education, economy and leadership among others.
Rwanda’s Constitution of 2003 revised in 2015 provides for the minimum 30% quota for women in all decision-making organs.
Promoting gender equality was among Rwanda’s priorities following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Today, women have representation at different leadership levels and have ushered their way into prosperity in the private sector.
In 2008, Rwanda’s Lower Chamber of Parliament became the first globally with the highest proportion of women representation at 61.25% today, a way above the current global average of 26.4%.
Rwanda has maintained the leading position in Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Global Ranking of Women in Parliament for the past ten years.
Among others, women account for 50% in the cabinet. The law also provides for 30% women representation among local leaders.
Not far from the main venue of the sessions, the Great Hall of the People, a popular exhibition is being staged at the National Museum of China to showcase the progress of the country’s manned space program over 30 years, precisely illustrating how China has accomplished in sci-tech self-reliance as well as benefits it has brought to the world.
{{Self-reliant but open}}
According to a government work report submitted Sunday for the national legislators to deliberate, breakthroughs have been made in core technologies in key fields, and a series of innovations have emerged in areas such as manned spaceflight, lunar and Martian exploration, deep-sea and deep-earth probes, supercomputers, satellite navigation, quantum information, nuclear power technology, airliner manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
In late 2022, China’s space station Tiangong entered the new phase of application and development. It now features a basic three-module configuration consisting of the core module named Tianhe, and two lab modules, Wentian and Mengtian.
The construction of the space station benefits from China’s system of pooling national resources and strengths. Hundreds of thousands of scientific researchers have participated in the program, inspired by the spirit of self-reliance and independent innovation. The self-development rate of key components of the space station reached 100 percent.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed on many occasions the importance of self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology.
Speeding up efforts to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology is the path China must take to advance high-quality development, said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, while attending a deliberation with his fellow deputies from the delegation of Jiangsu Province on Sunday at the ongoing first session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s national legislature.
To open up new areas and new arenas in development and foster new growth drivers and new strengths in face of fierce international competition, China should ultimately rely on scientific and technological innovation, he said.
Building self-reliance and strength in science and technology is key to building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects within the set time frame, Xi added.
The nation’s achievements in space exploration, with the space station construction as an outstanding example, reflect the strength of innovation in China, said Wang Xiaojun, head of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology and a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the top political advisory body.
Sci-tech empowerment is a prominent symbol of China’s high-quality development, while sci-tech innovation has become an important driving force for Chinese modernization, Wang added.
The country moved up to the 11th place in the 2022 Global Innovation Index and firmly remains the only middle-income economy in the top 30, according to the latest ranking published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.
China’s spending on research and development totaled 3.087 trillion yuan (about 445 billion U.S. dollars) in 2022, an increase of 10.4 percent over the previous year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Not only does the perseverance with self-reliance advance the sci-tech development of China, but it also creates more opportunities for global cooperation.
In its manned space program, China has signed agreements and carried out cooperation projects with France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Pakistan, and many space agencies and organizations. Its Tiangong space station is the first of its kind open to all UN member states.
In a cooperation program with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, projects from 17 countries have been included in the first batch of Tiangong’s experiments in aerospace medicine, life sciences and biotechnology, microgravity physics and combustion science, astronomy and other emerging technologies.
China is fully aware that independent innovation should never exclude international cooperation.
{{The global chain}}
Self-reliance in science and technology has helped Chinese high-tech enterprises to forge their core competitiveness, and enabled them to become an essential part in the global innovative industrial chain.
Located in Ningde, east China’s Fujian Province, battery producer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) is now operating at full capacity, with its blue battery cells to be shipped to automakers worldwide, including BMW, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Volvo.
Founded in 2011, CATL has ranked first in the world in terms of the usage of its power battery system for six consecutive years, and also in the shipment of its energy storage battery for two consecutive years.
To get more deeply involved in global industrial cooperation, CATL has built power battery production plants in Thuringia of Germany and Debrecen of Hungary. In February, it confirmed that it would work with Ford Motor Company on the latter’s lithium iron phosphate battery plant in the U.S. state of Michigan, providing technology and service support to the new plant.
In 2022, China’s foreign trade withstood the impact of multiple unexpected factors, with exports of EVs, photovoltaic (PV) products and lithium batteries growing by 131.8 percent, 67.8 percent and 86.7 percent, respectively.
According to the China Photovoltaic Industry Association, China’s global market share of PV polysilicon, lithium battery cells and modules exceeded 70 percent in 2021.
“China today is the biggest driver of clean energy technologies,” Fatih Birol, chief of the International Energy Agency, said at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January.
Zou Ming, an NPC deputy and a senior engineer with the Panzhihua Iron and Steel Research Institute, said that enterprises should give full play to the major role of innovation and transform sci-tech innovation into the biggest driving force on the Chinese path to modernization.
{{Benefits for all}}
While adhering to independent innovation, China has been actively promoting sci-tech sharing and exchanges, aiming to benefit all mankind.
The contribution of scientific and technological progress to the country’s economic growth has exceeded 60 percent, said the government work report.
In February, a group of guests from Mexico came to Fujian Province to study the technology of “Juncao,” an economical and environmentally friendly substitute for timber as a substrate for growing mushrooms.
Discovered by Chinese scientists, Juncao is famed as “magic grass,” as it is particularly suitable for developing countries to improve their agriculture and reduce poverty.
It is becoming a new sustainable industry in countries and regions along the Belt and Road and has been introduced to 106 countries, creating hundreds of thousands of job opportunities and helping to alleviate poverty.
At a UN meeting in 2019, former President of the General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces described Juncao as “emblematic of China’s Belt and Road Initiative,” which, according to the World Bank’s estimates, could contribute to lifting 7.6 million people out of extreme poverty and 32 million out of moderate poverty.
China has also hosted a large number of international students learning about the Juncao technology. So far, the country has held 310 international training sessions on the technology, both at home and abroad, training more than 10,000 people.
When chairing a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee last month, Xi noted that efforts should be made to enhance openness, trust and cooperation in the international sci-tech community to make new and greater contributions to the progress of human civilization.
China has established sci-tech cooperation relations with more than 160 countries and regions, and signed 116 inter-governmental agreements on sci-tech cooperation.
In 2022, China signed or renewed 25 international sci-tech cooperation documents, and carried out fruitful cooperation with many countries in multiple fields, including COVID-19 control, biodiversity, climate change and clean energy.
The country’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope has been available for scientists worldwide since April 1, 2021. Meanwhile, products, technologies and services related to the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System have been applied in more than half of all countries around the world.
After the recent devastating earthquake hit Türkiye, China quickly deployed several satellites to help analyze the disaster situation and allocate relief resources.
Sci-tech progress will make China better prepared for international sci-tech cooperation, and the country will continue to contribute to global sci-tech development for the benefit of humanity.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Mucyo Rukundo, the Western Region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO), said that the trafficker was intercepted at about 9a.m. following information that he was trafficking and supplying the outlawed polythene bags.
“He was arrested in Birambo cell will 111 cartons (22,200 pieces) of polythene bags. He was working with other dealers in Rubavu District, who were supplying him before selling them to his clients in Ruhango and other districts. Available information indicates that he has been selling plastic bags for over five months now,” CIP Rukundo said.
Manufacturing, use, importation or sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items are prohibited under article 3 of law N° 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 relating to the prohibition of manufacturing, importation, use, and sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items in Rwanda.
In article 10, any person, who imports plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to the dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items, and to an administrative fine equivalent to ten times the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.
In article 11, a wholesaler of plastic carry bags and single use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf700, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
In article 12, a retailer of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf300,000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
He succumbed to natural at a hospital in Belgium where he was receiving treatment.
RDF has through a statement mourned his death and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
“The Rwanda Defence Force is deeply saddened by the untimely death of Gen (Rtd) Marcel Gatsinzi,” reads the statement in part.
“The Rwanda Defence Force extends its condolences and joins the family in grief during this sad moment. May his soul rest in peace,” adds the statement.
Gen Marcel Gatsinzi served in various leadership roles for the army and the country including serving as Rwanda’s Minister of Defence from 2002 to 2010, and as the Minister of Disaster Preparedness and Refugee Affairs from 2010 to 2013.
Following his death, a source told IGIHE ‘that Gatsinzi was not critically ill’ but felt unhealthy and went to a hospital where he died shortly after arrival as doctors prepared to attend to him.
He has been living in Rwanda but traveled to Belgium for medical attention.
People who lived with him attest that he was a patriotic and honest man.
Gen Marcel Gatsinzi was born in Muhima, Nyarugenge District in 1948.
He attended Primary School at Sainte Famille and pursued secondary education at Saint André where he studied Latin and Science courses.
He later joined the military at the age of 20.
Gatsinzi spent two years undergoing military training at “Ecole Supérieure d’Officiers Militaires (ESM)” where he graduated with the rank of Lieutenant in 1970.
He served as an instructor, and attended different professional training in Belgium between 1971 and 1976 at “Institut Royale Supérieure de Défense”.
During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Gtsinzi was at the rank of Colonel and was the commander of Non-Commissioned Officers School in Ngoma Commune, current Huye District.
Following the shooting down of former President Juvénal Habyarimana’s airplane on 6th April 1994, Gen Gatsinzi was named Defence Chief Staff replacing Gen Maj Augustin Nsabimana who died with Habyarimana.
He assumed the duties for ten days before dismissal by the then interim government and was replaced by Col Augustin Bizimungu.
By the time RPA soldiers captured Kigali, Gatsinzi had the rank of Brigadier General and was living in Kigeme camp along with other soldiers.
He left the camp for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Rusizi.
Gatsinzi stayed in DRC for one month before returning to Rwanda where he joined RDF. Upon joining the army, he was given the rank of Colonel.
Gatsinzi served as the Deputy Army Chief of Staff, Commander of Military Police and Headed the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).
He held the rank of Major General at the time.
In 2004, Gatsinzi was promoted to General and became the first soldier to rise to to the rank.
He served as the Minister of Defence between 2022 and 2010.
In October 2013, Gen Gatsinzi was sent to retirement along with five other generals.
