Kagame was speaking Monday in Kigali while opening the 2018 Giants of Africa Camp.
Giants of Africa is a Kenyan non-profit organization aimed at facilitating young talented basketball players gain experience and access to coaching and facilities.
At the camp in Kigali, the young players will be facilitated by Adam Silver, the Commissioner of the National Basketball Association, a men’s professional basketball league in North America. Also attending the camp is Masai Ujiri, the President of the Toronto Raptors, a Canadian Professional basketball team based in Toronto.
Kagame thanked both participants saying that it is pleasure to be in the camp for young people and for basketball.
“We are grateful that you have identified and spotted our country’s young talents and you are doing this work to develop them,” Kagame said.
Speaking to young basketball players, Kagame said “we look up to you for you to be what you want to be among other things including basketball players,”
He told participants of Giants of Africa camp to invest possible efforts if they want to become giants.
“You don’t become giants anyhow. Invest your energy, time, thinking and passion into it, you may end up being giants,” he urged.
Mugisha sealed the 120.5 kilometer road followed by another Rwandan Jean Claude Uwiyeze playing for POC Côte de Lumière in France and Mulu Hailemichael from Ethiopia. Currently, Mugisha plays for Dimension Data but his team did not participate, a reason why in the competition he plays for Team Rwanda.
In Kigali—Huye stage, Mugisha used 3hours 8minutes and 56seconds with 21 seconds ahead of the second Uwizeye who used 3hours 9minutes and 17 seconds.
{{Top five on the list in Kigali-Huye stage}}
1. Mugisha Samuel (Team Rwanda) – 03h08’56”
2. Uwizeye Jean Claude (POC Côte de Lumière yo mu Bufaransa)—03h09’17”
3. Mulu Hailemichael (Ethiopia)—03h09’17”
4. Munyaneya Didier (Team Rwanda) –03h12’20”
5. Doring Jonas (Team Descartes Romandie) –03h12’22”
{{Top five players on general list}}
1. Mugisha Samuel (Team Rwanda)
2. Uwizeye Jean Claude (POC Côte de Lumière yo mu Bufaransa)
3. Mulu Hailemichael (Ethiopia)
4. Lozano Riba David (Team Novo Nordisk)
5. Lagab Azzedine (Algeria)
The Head of State was speaking to the youth yesterday at Gabiro Combat Training Centre in Gatsibo District while closing the XI edition of Itorero Indangamirwa.
The edition brought together 568 trainees, 430 Rwandan residents and 138 Rwandans residing in 20 countries across the world.
Kagame reminded them that the training they received was not only about military drills, but, it is about their daily tasks and mindsets.
“You see the good and the bad in all the places you live. We want you to take the good and use it to build yourself and your nation. And we need to learn from the bad, to protect yourselves and your country from it,” Kagame urged the youth.
“When you build something, however big or small, you work to protect it from any harm. It is the same for our country. We each have a role to protect what we have built together,” Kagame added.
Kagame said that the essence of Itorero comes from Rwandan culture about investing in every Rwandan citizen to ensure that they can become the best they can be.
“It is about ensuring every Rwandan strives to be useful members of society,” he noted.
He reminded the youth that knowledge is important when facilitated by good values.
“Knowledge is important, but if you do not have any values, the knowledge you have gained becomes useless,” he said.
Kagame encouraged youth interested in joining the army to do so, adding that it is the profession joined by best people.
“It is an honor and a pride to know that you are capable of defending yourself, your home and your nation. That is how those of us who joined the army at your age understood it,” Kagame told the youth.
In a statement released on Monday, the Office of the United States Trade Representative said that Rwanda would retain other benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows sub-Saharan African countries to export to the United States without facing tariffs but would, for example, lose the right to export duty-free apparel to the United States.
The former US Trade Official, who helped design AGOA, told CNN that the Trump administration was threatening to suspend the trade benefit out of a “warped sense of America-first.”
“The Trump administration is making a symbolic statement rather than a substantive statement,” she said. “I see America picking trade battles, but I was surprised we would have time to pick one with Rwanda. We are talking about such a small amount of trade.” She said
The conflict playing out started when the Rwandan government increased import duties on used clothing from the United States from $0.25 to $2.50 per kilogram, a move that upset traders in the United States into filing a complaint.
Critics of the US decision say the government has overreacted to the tariffs on used clothing, which affect just $17 million in US exports a year and target a country where average annual income is around $700.
“One of the whole points of the agreement was to help African countries to develop an apparel manufacturing base, because we understood that apparel is the first entry point into manufacturing,” Whitaker said.
According to Whitaker, the move goes against the original intent of the legislation.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA is a piece of legislation that was approved by the U.S. Congress in May 2000. The initiative provides eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa with duty-free access for exports of more than 6,400 products, into the US market.
Recently, the Minister of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), Vincent Munyeshyaka said that the companies which used to export apparel and footwear products through AGOA, started connecting to new international markets.
“For example C&H Garments has market in the United Kingdom and German. But, we discussed with them on exploring opportunities on local market because it needs clothes, they have started and currently are participating in the exhibition so that they showcase themselves to Rwandans,” he explained.
“In case industries stop production and people lose jobs or, as the government, we will decide on how to support them,” he added.
The Head of State was speaking Thursday at the opening of a two-day African Leadership Forum (ALF) taking place in Kigali.
The forum taking place under the theme ‘Financing Africa’s Transformation for Sustainable Development’ was attended by different former African Heads of States.
Kagame said that there is no doubt that Africa can finance a big part of its own development, as it has always financed other’s development.
“The value of illicit financial flows, evaded taxes, and commodity extraction greatly exceeds that of foreign aid, as a matter of fact. But we have to take responsibility for the misallocation of Africa’s resources and take steps to correct that,” he said.
“I would rather argue, that we need to mobilise the right mindsets, rather than more funding,” he noted.
He said that Africa has everything it needs, in real terms, but Africans remain mentally married to the idea that nothing can get moving, without external finance.
“We are even begging for things we already have. That is absolutely a failure of mindset,” he added.
According to Kagame, through accountability, Africa can change through domestic tax collection and building the trust that public funds will be spent on the right things.
He said that through regional integration and working together across the continent, Africa can change the records.
Kagame said that another way to reach a turning point is to continue making it easier for African businesses to grow and create jobs for young people.
“This is about changing the mindset of our youth from one of dependence and ‘poverty reduction’, to one of prosperity and wealth creation,” he added.
As for its 7th edition, the forum was organized by the office of former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa and the institute that supports African leaders to attain sustainable development for their nation and for Africa known as UONGOZI Institute.
In a newly opened website entirely designed to support her campaign for La Francophonie, the Foreign Minister offered the public an inside view on the ideals she aimed to prioritize when elected as Secretary General of La Francophonie.
“While continuing to defend and promote the values of the International Organization of La Francophonie, which are universal, I intend to dedicate my mandate to finding concrete solutions to the problems that are common to all member states and governments.”
“My project for the OIF revolves around four axes: The influence of the French language; the relevance of the Francophonie; the employment of good people and the exchange of good practices.” reads Ms Mushikiwabo’s statement on the website.
From a recent interview she had with Rwanda Broadcast Agency (RBA), Min. Mushikiwabo announced that she went to campaign for the position, having first asked for advices.
“Submitting my candidature to the position of Secretary General of Organisation of French speaking countries, La Francophonie was a decision that I and the GoR took after we discussed it out with other French Speaking countries that are friends of Rwanda, and came to find it as a great initiative.”
In support of her candidature, President Paul Kagame officially wrote to all African states who are members of the organization requesting them to back the Rwandan candidate. She also has been shown support by French President Emmanuel Macron who wields great influence in la Francophonie and pays the largest portion of its bills.
La Francophonie was founded in 1970. The movement that Rwanda is currently subscribing to, is an international language movement led by government and nongovernment elites in over thirty countries where French is official or used by a significant population.
ALF is a non-profit organization which mission is to help improving the quality of current leadership in Africa.
Kagame will address the forum running under the theme ‘Financing Africa’s Transformation for Sustainable Development’
In attendance are different former Heads of States including former Tanzanian President, Benjamin Mkapa, former Somalia President Hassan Mohamed and Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, the Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Also the forum features former Mozambique Presidents, Armando Guebuza and Joaquim Chissano, Former Tunisian President Mohamed Moncef Marzouki and former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo.
As for its 7th edition, the forum was organized by the office of former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa and the institute that supports African leaders to attain sustainable development for their nation and for Africa known as UONGOZI Institute.
A statement released early this week by the Office of the United States Trade Representative says that US suspended AGOA benefits for a class of imports that totaled $1.5 million in 2017, which accounts for approximately only 3% of Rwanda’s total exports to the United States.
However, a statement notes that Rwanda remains eligible to receive non-apparel benefits available under AGOA, and the President’s action does not affect the vast majority of Rwanda’s exports to the United States.
{{Rwanda to enter new markets}}
Speaking to IGIHE, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Vincent Munyeshyaka said that the companies which used to export apparel and footwear products through AGOA, started connecting to new international markets.
“For example C&H Garments has market in the United Kingdom and German. But, we discussed with them on exploring opportunities on local market because it needs clothes, they have started and currently are participating in the exhibition so that they showcase themselves to Rwandans,” he explained.
Munyeshyaka ensured the government’s support in case the AGOA decision affects production and jobs.
“In case industries stop production and people lose jobs or, as the government, we will decide on how to support them,” he ensured.
According to the Minister, last year, Rwanda’s exports under AGOA from apparel and footwear products amounted to US$1.5 million.
“In case we do not get new markets to export those products, that is the only loss can be caused by the decision, but, entering new markets will help us secure the amount or earn beyond that,” he added.
According to Munyeshyaka, only eight industries have been exporting apparel and footwear products to the US market, with C&H Garments dominating, covering 90%.
Munyeshyaka reminded that Rwandan products are not totally banned on the US market as both countries have other agreements like Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) where taxes are exempted to some other Rwandan products exported there.
He reminded that Rwanda was not banned from exporting apparel and footwear products, “we were only denied duty-free exportation” he clarified.
The Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Clare Akamanzi said that Rwanda understands the decision on who stays as the beneficiary of AGOA as the decision of the United States.
Akamanzi was commenting on the decision in a press conference on Tuesday.
She said that in line with transiting to new markets, some companies have already sent samples of their products to European markets.
“We have a plan to maintain people who have been employed in those companies; I think the impact is not something we can’t manage” she said.
{{Expert commends Rwanda’s decision}}
The Chief Executive Officer of a world leading high-level international meeting of African CEOs, Africa CEO Forum, Amir Ben Yahmed hailed Rwanda’s decision adding that the decision would not be regarded as business issue, but it is politically motivated.
“Africans should be proud of the decision Rwanda took on this stage. No country in the World would accept second-hand clothing; it doesn’t exist for intellectual reasons and at the expense of its own industries. So, I have seen this debate shifted as the decision of Trump as business issue, but it’s political,” he noted.
This was revealed in a joint statement released yesterday signed by the President of Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, Bishop Philippe Rukamba; Anglican Church of Rwanda Archbishop, Laurent Mbanda ; Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Salim Hitimana; the President of Protestant Conference of Rwanda, Bishop Samuel Kayinamura and Bishop Alexis Birindabagabo, the Head of Peace Plan.
The established body has mission of; developing religious groups’ self-regulation status, supporting the government developing guidelines for religious groups functioning and advocacy.
Speaking in an interview with IGIHE, Bishop Rukamba said that the body will not interfere in any religious’ leadership but prioritize sharing ideas and conducting advocacy on different matters so that they create harmony among religions and the government.
Referring to the recent closure of places of worship across the country, Rukamba said that if the body had been there, they would have had meaningful discussions with government.
“I think the government would have consulted us collectively instead of individual religious units and avoid spontaneous decisions visited upon us,” he explained.
The body has appointed an interim committee that will develop the working framework, laws, the name and legal registration of the body.
Kagame was speaking Wednesday in Kigali while presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, and Commercial High Court judges.
The judges were appointed by the cabinet recently.
The Head of State reminded that justice delayed is justice denied, a reason why all Rwandans should be served on time.
“The Court of Appeal was established to help fast-track hearing process and enable Rwandans access quick justice as it is basically known that justice delayed is justice denied,” he said.
“Our justice system should be free of corruption, work in transparency and judges take decisions without any influence,” he said.
He said that for justice sector to achieve this there is a need for all essential requirements to be in place so that they get empowered.
“We cannot await results from them without providing what they need from us, we need complementarity,” he noted.
“All that package creates trust among Rwandans and investors to work without obstructions because they are assured of their rights and free from any violence as there are institutions and justice system that protect their rights,” he added.
Kagame said that the rule of law makes people work responsibly as they trust laws which serve to protect them.
He said that much has been done in past two years to develop justice sector like reform in institutions, establishment of infrastructure, increasing the number of judges, capacity building and use of technology among others.
Kagame requested justice system on contribution to national security and liberty, and promised government support towards achieving their mission.
Sworn-in are Aloysie Cyanzayire, a Judge in Supreme Court; Richard Muhumuza, a Judge in Court of Appeal; Aimé Muyoboke, the Court of Appeal President and Vice-President, Marie Thérèse Mukamulisa.
Also in the Court of Appeal eleven judges sworn-in. those are, Charles Kaliwabo, Patricie Mukanyundo, Marie Josée Mukandamage, Reuben Rugabirwa, Alphonse Hitiyaremye, Justin Gakwaya, Prof. Alphonse Ngagi Munyamfura, Agnès Nyirandabaruta, Innocent Munyangeli, Muhumuza Richard and Fidelité. Kanyange
Xavier Ndahayo, the President of High Court and Vice-President Bernadette Kanzayire and Angeline Rutazana, the vice-president of Commercial High Court also sworn-in.
