“The two little angels enjoying their time together,” he tweeted.
The picture posted on Twitter shows his first granddaughter holding the recently born baby.
The Head of State has two grandchildren born to his daughter, Ange Kagame.
Ange Kagame was married to Ndengeyingoma in July 2019. The couple was blessed with the first child born on 19th July 2020.
In July this year, they gave birth to the second child. The news was made public by President Kagame through a photo posted on his Twitter handle.
In 2020, President Kagame said that having a grandchild is very delightful.
Speaking to the national broadcaster in September 2020, the Head of State revealed that he was enjoying the promotion from being a father to being a grandfather.
“The Security Council needs to do some deep thinking in helping Africa achieve lasting peace,” Zhang told a Security Council open debate convened by China on the theme “Peace and security in Africa: capacity-building for sustaining peace.”
Considering China’s own development experience, experience from China-Africa cooperation, and the historical lessons from all over the world, China believes that to help Africa achieve long-term stability, it is imperative to make sustained and increased investments, have long-term thinking, and build a strong foundation for Africa to strengthen its own development capacity and improve its resilience to external shocks, he said.
“In this regard, capacity building is the most crucial part,” Zhang noted.
The envoy urged support for African countries in strengthening governance capacity. “To enhance government capacity, we need to maintain the right direction and respect the independently chosen development pathway and social system by their peoples.”
There should be no political conditions attached to aid, nor should there be interference in internal affairs of African countries, or to replace the role of local governments, he said.
For post-conflict countries, Zhang emphasized the need to support the newly established governments in exercising state authority, instead of endless criticism and fault-finding, let alone attempt of “democratic transformation” and arbitrary use of sanctions for exerting pressure.
It is important to support African countries in improving security sectors’ capacity to perform their duties. Heeding the complaints of African countries, it is necessary to conduct comprehensive reviews of some of the peacekeeping operations deployed by UN in Africa, and reform practices that do not fit the situation on the ground, he said.
Arms embargoes imposed by the Security Council on countries such as Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have a negative impact on capacity building of security sectors in these countries, and need to be adjusted and lifted in time. The funding of the African Union-led peace operations has been a persistent difficulty, which calls for a solution, he said.
Zhang underscored the need to support African countries in improving their sustainable development capacities.
At present, the African continent is beset with economic, financial, food, energy and other challenges. These are related to a turbulent international situation, but the underlying cause is the unjust and unfair international economic order.
African countries have expressed strong wishes for the unfair treatment to end, and the international community has the obligation to support them by helping Africa industrialize, accelerate infrastructure modernization, achieve financial autonomy, and increase economic independence, he said.
“Developed countries should honor their commitments on climate financing as soon as possible, and make up for what they owed to Africa in history,” he stressed.
Zhang also called for efforts to support African countries in building a bigger talent pool. “The international community should help African countries train more talents based on the urgent needs in reconstruction and social and economic development. There is a particular need to encourage countries affected by conflict to enhance policy support and resource input for youth and children, and expand special assistance in development and education.”
FDLR is a terrorist group comprised of remnant masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Recently, findings from an unvalidated report of UN Group of Experts dominated headlines of different international media houses. It was reported that the supposedly leaked report confirmed ‘solid evidences’ that Rwandan soldiers went to DRC to fight along with M23 rebel group.
Speaking to RFI, Minister Biruta said that Rwanda will react to the report once it is released.
Minister Biruta explained that he heard about the allegations where Rwanda is accused of having sent soldiers to DRC among other support.
The official said that the report would be problematic in case the experts confirm that they only saw Rwandan soldiers but fail to see FDLR combatants and report the collaboration between Congolese Army (FARDC) and FDLR.
The fact that drones said to have been deployed to monitor movements of Rwandan soldiers did not identify the rockets shelled on Rwandan territory at different times on 19th March, 3rd May and 10th June is also questionable.
It is said that the unvalidated report did not draw attention to hate speeches propagated by Congolese government, non-government organizations and Congolese people.
Minister Biruta revealed that FDLR is the root cause issues like M23 over continuously spreading genocide ideology.
The terrorist group continued to attack targeted groups of Congolese, triggering the establishment of more armed groups.
“There are over 130 armed groups present in eastern DRC but the group of experts only draw attention on one of them, make possible efforts to link it to Rwanda and assume that they have made a great discovery,” he said.
“The major and evident issue of concern which should have been detected is the existence of FDLR and its genocide ideology. It is like a doctor treating symptoms of a disease without drawing attention on causes,” added Minister Biruta.
The unvalidated report indicates that some members of Congo’s army have supported and fought alongside a coalition of armed groups including the FDLR.
Minister Biruta highlighted that Rwanda condemned the collaboration between FARDC and FDLR from the outset noting that there are evidences ignored by the experts and MONUSCO for the past 20 years.
“We want the international community and Congolese government to focus on the issue of FDLR and other groups threatening security in the region. All these groups harbouring genocide ideology and intentions to destabilize Rwanda’s security, want to finalize their Genocide plan as they say. This is our major concern,” he said.
“Whenever the problem is not solved with inaction of the international community and the Government of Congo, relations between Rwanda and DRC will continue to be affected,” added Minister Biruta.
He revealed that negotiations between both countries are ongoing where Rwanda requests DRC to find a solution for armed groups including M23 with which they signed peace accords in 2013 that were not implemented.
The prices will go into effect for two months from 8th August 2022.
The rise in fuel prices saw the cost of diesel increasing by Rwf104 from Rwf1503 while the price of petrol rose by Rwf149 from Rwf1460.
Speaking to RTV on Sunday, the Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Ernest Nsabimana revealed that the prices would have gone much higher hadn’t it been the government’s subsidy program.
He said that government injected almost Rwf10 billion to subsidize prices.
Hadn’t it been the subsidy, the price of diesel would be set at Rwf1757, an increase by Rwf254 while a liter of petrol would be set at Rwf1767, an increase by Rwf307.
Minister Nsabimana said that fuel prices continued to rise owing to effects of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
At the onset of the war in February this year, a liter of diesel was set at US$0.57 and increased to US$0.97 in July.
Dr. Nsabimana said that the increase in price in countries with natural reserves went in parallel with the cost of transport and insurance but expressed optimism that they might reduce gradually.
He revealed that the rise will not affect the price of public transport.
Azerbaijan’s Presidency has revealed that Amb. Ntampaka presented his credentials and held talks with President Aliyev on Saturday.
During their discussions, Aliyev pointed out the need for the establishment of closer relations between the two countries both at the bilateral level and within the framework of international organizations, and touched upon the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Rwanda in the United Nations (UN) and the Non-Aligned Movement.
The head of state expressed his gratitude for the support of Azerbaijan in the extension of its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, as well as Rwanda’s support for the initiatives put forward by Azerbaijan as chair of the Movement, especially the efforts related to COVID-19.
President Aliyev said that the main goal of Azerbaijan’s efforts in this direction was the fair distribution of vaccines and the fight against vaccine discrimination.
Regarding bilateral relations, the head of state stressed the need for identifying new areas for cooperation and emphasized the importance of organizing reciprocal visits of delegations and business groups in this regard.
Amb.Ntampaka conveyed greetings of President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame to the head of state, and recalled his visit to Azerbaijan with respect.
The head of state expressed his gratitude for the greetings and asked the Ambassador to convey his greetings to the President of Rwanda.
The Ambassador also expressed confidence that extensive contacts would be established with relevant agencies of Azerbaijan in order to expand relations between the two countries
Since 2017, Azerbaijan’s interests in Rwanda are represented by its ambassador with residence in Ethiopia.
The land is a gift of Kenya to Rwanda. Amb. Masozera received the land title along with other envoys from five East African countries including Burundi, Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which were also gifted land in the area.
The 4.047 hectares given to Rwanda will be used to build warehouses for in-transit cargos from Mobassa port before they are shipped to Kigali.
Rwanda already had land in Kenya. In 1986, the then President of Kenya, Daniel Arap Moi gave 12 hectares to Rwanda in the vicinity of Mombassa port.
Later, a Kenyan businessman identified as Salad Awale, filed a lawsuit claiming that the land belonged to him.
The businessman said that he had land titles given to him in 1986 valid for 99 years.
The Kenyan High Court ruled that the claimant’s title was not genuine as the details provided on the land differed with those stated on the land’s deed plan. The land was given back to Rwanda.
In 2019, Amb. Dr. Masozera told IGIHE that disputes related to the land had ended where the next move was to have it exploited.
At the time, he revealed that the land can be developed to reduce the time it takes for goods (shipped from or to Rwanda) at Mombassa port or offer the space for rent.
It is said that the incident took place in the evening of Thursday as a Congolese soldier chased children grazing sheep to seize their livestock. They were grazing sheep in a plain separating Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Spokesperson of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga has told IGIHE that the soldier was shot after crossing into Rwanda.
Following the incident, his body was handed over to Congolese leaders at Kabuhanga Border.
There have been different incidents in the plain separating Rwanda and DRC where smugglers attempting to sneak into Rwanda and Congolese soldiers crossing into Rwanda were confused with enemies and shot dead.
Combatants of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) terrorist group have been also maneuvering through the same plain to attack nearby sectors including Bugeshi, Busasamana and Cyanzarwe.
In June this year, a Congolese soldier was shot dead as he attacked Rwandan Policemen on guard with a rapid fire at the country’s small border with Rwanda in Rubavu District commonly known as ‘Petite Barrière’.
At the time, RDF released a statement indicating that the attacker who also opened fire on civilians crossing the border was shot back in self-defence.
“This morning at around 08:45 a.m., an unidentified Congolese soldier armed with an AK 47 rifle crossed the “Petite Barrière” border in Rubavu District and began shooting at Rwandan security personnel and civilians crossing the border, injuring two Rwandan police officers. A Rwanda National Police officer on duty shot back in self defence, to protect civilians crossing the border and border agents,” reads part of the statement released in June.
RDF also disclosed that the Congolese soldier was shot dead 25 metres inside Rwandan territory and requested probe into the circumstances.
The supposedly leaked report of UN Group of Experts indicates that it has “solid evidence” that Rwandan troops have been fighting alongside the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and providing it with weapons, ammunitions and uniforms among other support.
The Government of Rwanda released a statement announcing that it cannot comment on an unpublished and unvalidated report.
Reuters has published a story featuring findings of the supposedly leaked report that Rwandan troops and the M23 jointly attacked the Congolese army camp in Rumangabo in May.
“When the M23 took control of the strategic border town of Bunagana in June, Rwandan soldiers were either present or had provided equipment to the rebels,” reads part of the report’s findings published by Reuters.
The report reads that the target of the M23 and Rwandan operations in Congo has been the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group which Rwanda accuses Congo of using as a proxy.
It also indicates that some members of Congo’s army have supported and fought alongside a coalition of armed groups including the FDLR.
These allegations were not part of a recent experts’ report submitted to UN Security Council in June 2022.
On the other hand, it is said that the mid-term report will be released in December where the Government of Rwanda considers the allegations as a tactic to distract people from the real issues.
“Until the problem of FDLR, which operates in close collaboration with the DRC army, is taken seriously and addressed, security in the Great Lakes region cannot be achieved. This is happening in full view of MONUSCO, which has been present in DRC for more than twenty years, but with no solution in sight,” reads part of a statement released by Rwanda.
Meanwhile, Rwanda reported different incidents where rockets shelled on its territory from DRC injured civilians and destroyed houses.
It is said that investigations were made and were part of UN Group of Experts’ report in June.
“Rwanda has a legitimate and sovereign right to defend our territory and citizens, and not just wait for disaster to unfold,” adds the statement.
It also indicates that the presence of M23 and its origins are well-known as a problem of the DRC, which they seek to make a burden of other countries yet Rwanda hosts tens of thousands of Congolese refugees, some of whom stayed there for more than 25 years.
“As regional frameworks are trying to manage the situation in Eastern DRC, Rwanda has consistently raised the alarm with the United Nations and other international actors about this infringement of the security of our country. Rwanda is working for peace and stability, from which Rwanda and all our neighbours can benefit,” reads the statement.
Blinken is awaited in Kigali next week for the first visit of US top official since the incumbent President Joe Biden took office.
MINAFETT has through statement disclosed that Rwanda looks forward to further strengthening the relationship with the United States and discuss partnership in the areas including peacekeeping, global health, global food and energy security, trade and investment, counterterrorism and climate action.
Discussions with Blinken are also expected to address security challenges in the Great Lakes Region where Rwanda remains committed to various regional mechanisms in place to find durable solutions.
“Rwanda looks forward to a robust exchange of views on governance and human rights, as has always been the case in the Rwanda-U.S. relationship,” reads the statement in part.
The US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee recently told the media that Blinken will meet with President Paul Kagame on his visit to Rwanda where the arrest of Rusesabagina will be part of topics of discussions.
She said that the State Secretary has been expressing concerns that Rusesabagina was illegally arrested.
Rwanda and US enjoy cordial relations but some of its officials have been exerting pressure on Rwanda over the arrest of Paul Rusesabagina, the former President of MRCD-FLN terrorist group who was handed 25-year jail term.
Some US lawmakers proposed sanctions against Rwanda accusing the country of having kidnapped Paul Rusesabagina.
As the statement released by MINAFFET reads, Rwanda will make clear that the arrest of Rusesabagina was lawful.
“On the case of Rwandan citizen Paul Rusesabagina, on which we had engaged with the United States for more than a decade, Rwanda welcomes the opportunity to once again make clear that his arrest and conviction for serious crimes against Rwandan citizens [alongside 20 other accomplices in the same trial], while residing in the United States, were lawful under both Rwandan and international law,” adds the statement.
Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that Kagame met with the CEOs on Wednesday 3rd August 2022.
In 2016, Kagame received another delegation of 17 CEOs from the organization who spent days in Rwanda engaging in discussions with investors and representatives from public institutions to explore areas of investment.
At the time, the then CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Francis Gatare said that some of the young leaders invested in different projects in the areas of solar energy, technology and value addition for agricultural produce among others.
YPO is the largest global network of business leaders which comprises 30,000 members from 130 countries committed to improve lives and businesses.
In 2003, YPO bestowed the Global Leadership Award on President Kagame for his role in Rwanda’s transition to democracy and peace.
