The ministry revealed on Thursday, March 28, 2024, that its plans to spend USD 7,937 (Rwf 10.2 million) per student in the ambitious four-strategy program with 32,973 students expected to graduate by 2028.
The new strategy is aimed at ensuring availability of a minimum of four healthcare workers for every 1,000 people by the next four years. Currently, one healthcare worker serves about 1,000 people.
The ministry plans to spend USD 141,288,063 (Rwf 182.6 billion) to increase the quantity and quality of trained health professional students in priority programs and USD 172,847,301 (Rwf222.2 billion) to recapture local faculty and hire visiting faculty to fill immediate teaching needs.
An additional USD 80,992,886 (Rwf 104.1 billion) will be used to improve training capacity and teaching facility sites and another USD 168,776 (Rwf217 million) in the coordination of the 4×4 reform implementation.
“Hiring new faculty in rare fields is the biggest cost driver, accounting for 44% of the total budget. Support to students for increased enrollment also accounts for 36% of the budget and about 20% of the total cost is related to laboratory, infrastructure and equipment needs,” the ministry said in its update on the implementation of the reforms during an event held at the Kigali Convention Center (KCC).
The new healthcare workers set to join the profession by 2028 will be drawn from at least seven professional cadres including resident and fellows (897), general practitioners (1,686), dental surgeons (185), pharmacists (832), nurses (15,770), midwives (5,209), and allied health sciences (8,394).
While lauding the program, the Minister for Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, expressed confidence that the new workforce would also benefit the international market.
“The 4X4 reform will help us improve the way we deliver our courses and provide people with quality knowledge. We consider where they will work because they may be needed in the labor market both domestically and internationally. Although the epidemics are increasing every day, we can also explore opportunities in the labor market outside the country,” he said.
The ministry emphasized that 4×4 reform has been prepared and reviewed extensively through a series of consultations with the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), Ministry of Finance (MINECOFIN), partners in the health sector and teaching institutions.
The 4X4 strategy was endorsed by the Cabinet on July 13, 2023 for immediate implementation.
On November 2, 2023, 31 institutions including 13 Higher Learning Institutions, 14 Teaching Hospitals and 4 professional councils signed a Synergy Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 4×4 reform emphasizing the commitment to work together and share knowledge and resources where needed to increase Rwanda’s health workforce.
Currently, four development partners are also involved in funding and providing technical support for the 4×4 reform. The partners are Susan Thompson Buffet Foundation (STBF), Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Management Science for Health (MSH), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
China, fundamentally, is a nation that has consistently shattered the norms of conventional success, establishing new standards in technology, infrastructure, and international cooperation.
The core of this advancement lies in a people-centered approach, focusing on quality, efficiency, and trust-based alliances. This strategy propels not only domestic progress but also cultivates an environment conducive to global collaborations, ensuring mutual development and shared success.
Within the expansive panorama of China’s infrastructure accomplishments, the Changtai Yangtze River Bridge shines brightly, not merely as an engineering wonder but as a demonstration of the power of dreaming ambitiously and the relentless pursuit of those dreams.
Located in East China’s Jiangsu Province, the bridge forms a crucial nexus between the cities of Changzhou and Taizhou, spanning the Yangtze River – the longest river in Eurasia and a cradle of Chinese civilization for thousands of years.
The Yangtze River, being the longest river flowing entirely within a single nation, originates from Jari Hill in the Tanggula Mountains on the Tibetan Plateau, winding 6,300 kilometers eastward to the East China Sea. It stands as the world’s fifth-largest river by discharge volume.
Historically, the Yangtze has played a critical role in China’s development, serving various functions such as water supply, irrigation, sanitation, transportation, industry, and demarcation.
The river is embracing a new era with the erection of the Changtai Yangtze River Bridge. This structure is not just a crossing over water; it represents a multi-dimensional avenue for high-speed travel, economic amalgamation, and technological advancement.
From its initial concept in October 2019 to the nearing completion of its upper structure, the journey of the Changtai Yangtze River Bridge has been a saga of surmounting obstacles and realizing ‘four world firsts’ in construction milestones. It symbolizes China’s engineering prowess and its vision for a future where distances are diminished, not just physically but also in the hearts and minds of its people.
Beyond its tangible features, the bridge acts as a strategic fulcrum in the urbanization and regional integration of the Yangtze River metropolises, unlocking new avenues for transportation, commerce, and cultural interchange.
Boasting an impressive length of 10.03 kilometers, it features a dual-layered design accommodating both rail and road traffic, thereby pioneering a new genre of river crossing infrastructure.
The upper deck featuring a two-way six-lane expressway is designed to enable swift travel at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, while the lower deck with a four-lane highway accommodates conventional vehicular traffic, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of goods and individuals.
Constructed by the China Communications Construction Co (CCCC), the bridge’s completion is expected to drastically shorten travel times between Taizhou and Changzhou, thereby stimulating economic growth in southern Jiangsu and the broader Yangtze River Delta region.
As CCCC management articulated, traversing between the two cities previously took an hour and a half, but the bridge is anticipated to cut this duration to 30 minutes.
Today, significant milestones have been achieved, including the completion of the open caisson foundation in March 2021, the topping out of the cable tower at Pier 5 in October 2023, and substantial progress in 2023 with the northern connection and the assembly of the main channel bridge’s steel truss beam. Presently, the bridge is in the final stages of construction. The construction of this monumental project is expected to last five and a half.
The CCCC overseeing the project, is a leading global provider of large-scale infrastructure services, specializing in the investment, construction, and operation of transportation infrastructure, equipment manufacturing, real estate, and urban comprehensive development.
Boasting listings in Hong Kong and Shanghai, the company’s profitability and capacity for value creation are recognized as leading globally. In 2021, CCCC achieved the 61st rank in the Fortune Global 500.
With over 60 wholly-owned or controlled subsidiaries and a history spanning a century, CCCC has been at the forefront of industry innovation in China. The company’s products and services are available in more than 150 countries.
Among CCCC’s notable engineering platforms are the China Roads and Bridge Corporation and the China Harbour Engineering Company.
The project’s total investment amounts to 28.6 billion RMB (approximately US$4 billion), with the cross-river bridge component costing approximately 16 billion RMB ( over US$ 2 billion.
The management emphasizes their commitment to innovation and adaptation of the latest technologies in the realization of their projects, underscoring the robustness of their engineering solutions.
The Changtai Yangtze River Bridge’s significance transcends its immediate geographical and economic impacts. It serves as a vibrant testament to quality infrastructure undertaken through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to which CCCC has contributed in no small part .
The BRI, initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, has become a fundamental platform for infrastructure development cooperation, significantly benefiting Africa’s economic and social advancement.
As of January 2023, 151 countries had joined the BRI, representing nearly 75% of the global population and over half of the world’s GDP. This initiative is projected to elevate the global GDP by $7.1 trillion annually by 2040, demonstrating its substantial potential for addressing infrastructure gaps and propelling global economic growth.
Over fifty African nations have engaged with the BRI, experiencing benefits such as improved infrastructure, reduced unemployment, and expanded trade opportunities.
Chinese enterprises have been instrumental in implementing significant infrastructure projects across Africa, including railways, roads, bridges, and ports, generating over 4.5 million jobs and revitalizing communities.
CCCC has played a crucial role in these developments, with management expressing confidence in the continued flourishing of cooperation.
According to Zha Chan Gmiao, Executive General Manager of the Brand & Corporate Culture Department at CCCC, their business encompasses roads, airports, railways, and ports, essentially connecting infrastructure.
Notable projects across the continent enhancing connectivity and economic growth include Algeria’s El Hamdania Central Port, the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway and Water Pipeline, various projects in Egypt, Kenya’s Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, and several transformative endeavors in Rwanda.
Leveraging its existing expertise, the company aims to make further contributions to Africa’s development. CCCC management highlights the importance of skills transfer, as seen in the railway project in Mombasa, where Chinese engineers collaborated closely with local workers.
As the Changtai Yangtze River Bridge approaches completion, its story transcends the realms of concrete and steel, embodying the essence of dreams turned into tangible reality.
{{Photos of the Changtai Yangtze River Bridge under construction}}
President Kagame, in a statement shared on his official X account on Tuesday night, termed the 44-year-old’s victory as a true testimony to the confidence of the Senegalese people on his leadership.
“My sincere congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his election as President of Senegal. Your victory is a true testimony to the confidence of the Senegalese people, whom I congratulate for the peaceful conduct of the elections. I look forward to further strengthening the good relations between our two nations,” Kagame wrote.
Mes sincères félicitations à Bassirou Diomaye Faye pour son élection comme Président du Sénégal. Votre victoire est un véritable témoignage de la confiance du peuple sénégalais, que je félicite pour le déroulement pacifique des élections. Je me réjouis de renforcer davantage les…
Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s main rival from the governing coalition, Amadou Ba, has already conceded defeat, setting the stage for Faye to become the youngest president in the country’s history.
“The Senegalese people have reinforced the good health of our democracy. I wish him (Faye) success at the head of our country,” Ba said.
Provisional results showed Faye with about 53.7% and Amadou Ba – from the current ruling coalition – with 36.2% based on tallies from 90% of polling stations in the first-round vote, the electoral commission said.
Faye is set to become the Africa’s youngest elected president as he commands a huge lead in the vote held on Sunday.
Faye, backed by prominent opposition figure Ousmane Sonko during the election, has pledged to make the fight against corruption and national unity his top priorities upon taking office.
“In electing me, the Senegalese people have decided on a break with a past,” Faye told journalists in his first public appearance since the election. “I promise to govern with humility and transparency.”
Sonko endorsed the former tax inspector for the presidential seat after being barred from vying.
Faye’s participated in the election barely two weeks after being released from prison in Dakar.
The President-elect had in April last year been charged with several offences, including contempt of court, after broadcasting a message critical of the judiciary in legal cases against Sonko.
Sonko joined Faye in jail in July on, among other charges, calling for insurrection.
This architectural marvel, inaugurated in 2021 just ahead of the CPC’s 100th anniversary, serves not only as a repository of historical artifacts but also as a “spiritual home” for the Party, paying homage to its storied past and ongoing influence in shaping China’s present and future.
The museum’s design, a visual representation of the Chinese character “gong,” which signifies workers or labor, encapsulates the essence of the CPC’s identity as the vanguard of the working class, the Chinese people, and the nation as a whole.
This symbolic structure, with its traditional colonnade architecture, embodies the principles of Chinese design—upright, foursquare, yet simple and grand. The 28 colonnades flanking its sides represent the 28 years of struggle leading up to the establishment of New China, highlighting the CPC’s enduring commitment to its cause.
Central to the museum’s outdoor display are five significant sculptures featuring different figures, narrating the Party’s century-long quest for the well-being of the Chinese populace and the nation’s rejuvenation, a testament to the CPC’s guiding spirit and the sacrifices made throughout its history.
Situated within the Beijing Olympic Park, the Museum of the Communist Party of China is strategically placed among other national cultural landmarks, creating a cohesive cultural and educational hub. This location not only underscores the museum’s importance but also aligns with the broader vision of promoting a rich cultural atmosphere within the capital.
The museum’s collection is vast and varied, comprising over 4,548 pieces or sets of cultural relics, including 420 original state-level artifacts. These pieces range from personal items of historical figures like Mao Zedong and Karl Marx to symbols of pivotal moments in the Party’s and the nation’s history, such as the first Five-Star Red Flag and artifacts from the Long March.
This collection not only preserves the physical history of the CPC but also offers insights into the ideological and cultural evolution of the Party and its leadership over the decades.
The founding of the CPC, marked by its early struggles against imperialist and feudal forces, is a narrative of resilience and ideological fervor. From the backdrop of the “Century of Humiliation” following the Opium Wars to the transformative movements of the early 20th century, including the May 4th Movement and the eventual establishment of the Party in 1921, the museum meticulously chronicles the conditions and the revolutionary zeal that led to the CPC’s creation.
This period was characterized by a burgeoning desire for national independence, reform, and the adoption of Marxism as a guiding philosophy to address China’s challenges.
The museum also delves into the post-1949 era, showcasing the Party’s efforts to navigate the complexities of governing a new China, from the early days of the People’s Republic through the reform and opening-up policy initiated by Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s, and into the modern era under Xi Jinping’s leadership.
The exhibits detail the CPC’s transformative policies, its struggles and successes, and the continuous endeavor to uplift the Chinese people out of poverty, culminating in the significant milestone of eradicating extreme poverty by 2021.
Moreover, the construction of the museum itself is a narrative of collective effort and visionary leadership. Initiated by the CPC Central Committee under Xi Jinping, the project was a significant undertaking completed after nearly 1,000 days of tireless effort, involving nearly 50,000 people from its groundbreaking ceremony in 2018 to its completion in 2021.
The museum was envisioned as a sacred hall, a beacon of education, and a center for Party history research and publicity, embodying Xi’s vision of it as a spiritual and educational hub for both Party members and the public.
The Museum of the Communist Party of China is more than a collection of artifacts and historical narratives; it is a physical manifestation of the CPC’s journey, ideologies, and contributions to the Chinese nation.
It stands as a testament to the Party’s past, a reflection of its present, and a vision for its future, offering visitors a comprehensive insight into the heart and soul of the CPC. As such, it not only educates and inspires but also serves as a bridge connecting the past with the future, ensuring that the lessons and legacy of the CPC’s hundred-year history continue to resonate with generations to come.
The three envoys, Janet Mwawasi Oben, Nermine Mohamed Essam Eldin Elshaffie El Zawahry, and Julie Crowley, held a meeting with President Kagame at his Office in Village Urugwiro on Tuesday afternoon.
Addressing members of the press at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) after the presentation, the ambassadors expressed their unequivocal commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between their respective nations and Kigali.
The Kenyan High Commissioner noted that Kenya and Rwanda have continued to enjoy cordial and fraternal relations dating back to 1965, which began with the opening of a diplomatic mission by Kenya in 1986.
She emphasized Kenya’s aim to retain its position as one of Rwanda’s top three trade partners.
Notably, Kenya exports foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceutical products, cement, iron, and skin products to Rwanda, while Rwanda exports coffee, tea, horticultural foods, and raw hides and skins to Kenya.
Kenya is also the main route for Rwanda’s exports and imports through the Port of Mombasa.
“The trade volumes in recent years have risen, and I look forward to engaging the Rwandan authorities to build on this good relationship built over the years for the exchange of goods and services,” Ms. Oben stated.
The High Commissioner committed to following up on the existing cooperation agreements between Kenya and Rwanda, including 10 agreements signed during President William Ruto’s state visit to Rwanda in April last year.
The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aim to enhance cooperation in several areas, including education, ICT, health, gender and child development, youth and capacity development for the public service, as well as correctional services.
“I commit to following up on the implementation of the existing agreements to ensure they expand and give rise to new opportunities to boost our bilateral relations,” she added.
She also pledged Kenya’s commitment to partnering with Rwanda to promote peace and security in the region.
On the other hand, the Egyptian Ambassador to Rwanda affirmed the political goodwill on Egypt’s side to engage and enhance bilateral relations in different sectors, including political, economic, health, security, and military.
The Canadian High Commissioner to Rwanda, on her part, said she looks forward to strengthening the good commercial relations between the two countries, even as she praised the secure business environment.
“It will be easy for me to do so considering how already well-established these relations are… We have a large Rwandan diaspora in Canada that we can count on, and we already have some companies established here in Rwanda. The environment here has been safe and very dynamic,” Ms. Crowley affirmed.
Canada also aims to expand its support and technical assistance in the health sector, education, and job creation.
“We collaborate quite closely with learning institutions, with the University of Rwanda being one of them… We are very grateful for the interest in studying in Canada that we see year on year from young students, and I have no doubt that will continue.
“We will also encourage partnerships between Canadian universities and Rwandan universities so that technical collaborations can take place and enrich the offerings here in terms of master’s, Ph.D.s, and the like,” she added.
Speaking during a recent interview with French newspaper Jeune Afrique, President Kagame said the ‘hate ideology’ poses a security threat to Rwanda and its people.
He faulted Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye over the involvement of the Burundian troops in the ongoing DR Congo-M23 war, saying he had warned the Head of State against the deployment of the soldiers to fight alongside FDLR militia.
Kagame went on to accuse Ndayishimiye of lying to him regarding the secret operation.
“I called, by phone, and I asked to talk to President Ndayishimiye and I did and I asked him, President, I have heard that you are sending a force, another force other than that one in the East African Community Regional Force to fight on behalf of the government of Kinshasa. I said, that is in contradiction with why the East African Regional force was formed, that you are participating in,” he revealed.
“So, you’re going to participate in something else. And I told him, ‘This is dangerous and you understand the implication. You are actually threatening us with your presence in support of the FDLR near our border,’” Kagame added.
He disclosed that the Burundian Head of State had sworn to him that the intelligence he had was wrong and that there were no plans to deploy Burundian troops to the troubled eastern region.
“I said, I’m happy to be wrong. If I’m wrong we’re good. I’m really happy to hear that,” Kagame said.
“But two weeks after, they were in Goma – or even less than two weeks. So, you can see he even told me lies.”
President Kagame blamed ethnic primitive politics for the collaboration.
“I think of primitivity. We still have politics going on based on ethnic [affiliation] and this is exactly what brings together Tshisekedi, Ndayishimiye and the FDLR,” Kagame added.
At the same time, President Kagame said the conditions set by Tshisekedi were a stumbling block to peaceful resolution of ongoing instability in the Eastern DRC.
President Tshisekedi had earlier demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory as a precondition for meeting Kagame for discussions over the conflict.
He also said he was ready to meet Kagame on the condition of the precontaining of the M23 militia, which DRC accuses Rwanda of backing.
Reacting to the conditions, Kagame accused President Tshisekedi of manipulation and playing to the gallery of ‘external forces’.
“Tshisekedi has been able to manipulate individual leaders, countries and is now almost bringing a misunderstanding between and among regions. Because he was playing SADC (Southern African Development Community) against East Africa,” Kagame stated.
“Why don’t we therefore find a way of talking about it and not allowing Tshisekedi to dictate the terms of what must happen because we know he is wrong.”
Kagame said he could also declare his conditions but maintained that he won’t for the sake of finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
“I could also start by giving conditions, but it’s the wrong way to go about it,” he noted, adding, “I could also say that unless the FDRL is removed from Congo, I am not going to talk to President Tshisekedi. However, this does not serve the purpose of bringing peace.”
The Rwandan Head of State further noted that President Tshisekedi’s threats to invade Rwanda should not be taken lightly.
“I think he has the capacity to understand what he is saying as the leader of the country. That’s a serious problem I need to prepare for and take care of… This means that one night he could wake up and do something that you never thought normal people would do,” he said in response to a question about whether he was concerned about Tshisekedi’s remarks during the campaign period last year, suggesting he could break off cautious diplomacy with Rwanda and declare war if re-elected.
Speaking during a recent interview with Jeune Afrique, President Kagame said the conditions set by Tshisekedi were a stumbling block to peaceful resolution of ongoing instability in the Eastern DRC fueled by the ongoing fight between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group.
President Tshisekedi had earlier demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory as a precondition for meeting Kagame for discussions over the conflict.
He also said he was ready to meet Kagame on the condition of the precontaining of the M23 militia, which DRC accuses Rwanda of backing.
reacting to the conditions, Kagame accused President Tshisekedi of manipulation and playing to the gallery of ‘external forces’.
“Tshisekedi has been able to manipulate individual leaders, countries and is now almost bringing a misunderstanding between and among regions. Because he was playing SADC (Southern African Development Community) against East Africa,” Kagame stated.
“Why don’t we therefore find a way of talking about it and not allowing Tshisekedi to dictate the terms of what must happen because we know he is wrong.”
Kagame said he could also declare his conditions but maintained that he won’t for the sake of finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
“I could also start by giving conditions, but it’s the wrong way to go about it,” he noted, adding, “I could also say that unless the FDRL is removed from Congo, I am not going to talk to President Tshisekedi. However, this does not serve the purpose of bringing peace.”
The Rwandan Head of State further noted that President Tshisekedi’s threats to invade Rwanda should not be taken lightly.
“I think he has the capacity to understand what he is saying as the leader of the country. That’s a serious problem I need to prepare for and take care of… This means that one night he could wake up and do something that you never thought normal people would do,” he said in response to a question about whether he was concerned about Tshisekedi’s remarks during the campaign period last year, suggesting he could break off cautious diplomacy with Rwanda and declare war if re-elected.
Kagame’s recent remarks comes two weeks after he confirmed his readiness to engage in talks with Tshisekedi in order to tackle the crisis in eastern Congo.
The announcement followed mediation efforts led by Angola President João Lourenço, who is serving as the African Union’s mediator in the DR Congo crisis.
Originally penned by the late American author Helen Keller, the quote has been used by millions of people around the world to encourage others to take risks in life, especially in the business realm.
The quote resonates well with Mbundu’s business career. He started out as a clerk helping his father manage their family coffee business in the modern-day Kanungu District of Uganda before trying his hand at the gold business his father had also ventured into.
Speaking on Sanny Ntayombya’s recent podcast, the owner and chairman of MFK Group Ltd revealed that helping his father manage their family business as a teenager prepared him for what would be the business empire he runs today.
Born in 1964, the Rwandan national spent his childhood in Uganda, where his parents had taken refuge. He went to Mbarara for his primary school education. During his free time, he helped his father’s farmhands do some clerical work and made some pocket money in the process.
“This helped him earn some money for pocket money. I was an ambitious young kid. My father was impressed and I enjoyed it. I must say that when I went to my senior one, I had much more pocket money than any other kid in school,” he stated.
He attended St Mary’s College Kisubi for his senior school and later Makerere University, where he pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce.
While still studying at Makerere University, he continued to help his father run his businesses, although now under a tough political environment that forced his father to nearly go into exile twice. He said his father lost most of his properties during the reign of President Idi Amin.
{{Banking}}
In the early 1980s and at the age of 17 years, his father introduced him to banking. He was tasked with preparing cheques and reconciling accounts. This, he says, helped him to be responsible from a very early age.
“It opened up my mind to being responsible because of the risks I had to deal with at my young age,” he revealed.
After his graduation in 1988, he decided to fully focus on business and played a big role in expanding his father’s gold trading business to the European market.
Mbundu and members of his family relocated to Rwanda in 1994 after the genocide against the Tutsi and the coming to power of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).
He admits that while the business environment was tough at the beginning, the RPF administration helped put the country on track. Some of the challenges he faced while starting out as a businessman in Rwanda include the monopoly enjoyed by Rwandex Ltd in the processing and export of coffee.
Another key challenge was inadequate labor force at the time due to the genocide that led to deaths and many locals seeking refuge in neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The business environment, however, started showing signs of recovery and stabilization in 1995, giving his business the much-needed reprieve.
Mbundu’s business acumen and the enabling environment have seen his business achieve great success in the last 30 years. His MFK Group has holdings in businesses across industries such as agriculture, education, real estate, IT, and more.
As the founder and equity partner in more than half a dozen companies and an advisor to several boards, Mbundu credits his success to hard work, teamwork, and skilled managers whom he trusts to run the enterprises as he plays the overseer role.
Despite what he terms as a shortage of skilled workforce in Rwanda, he believes the country is on the right economic trajectory.
“We are in a better place than we were before,” he retorts when asked to comment on the status of the country’s economy.
Regarding his advice to aspiring and budding entrepreneurs, he encourages people to venture into businesses they are passionate about to avoid disappointments common in the sector.
“I think it’s important not to just copy someone but to think through something. It’s better to go slowly, and if you make a mistake, it’s easy to correct it,” he quipped.
“Plan well and always be mindful of risks. Suppose this doesn’t go as planned, what is the fallback plan because your banks and financiers will not be kind. You have to be very careful,” he added.
He also encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of financial credits available to them and to embrace partnerships and collective investments.
An ardent supporter of the English Premier League Club Manchester United, the businessman enjoys working out in the morning and reading business-related content during his free time. Some of his recent reads include “Rich Dad Poor Dad” and “Atomic Habits,” among others.
This is one of the 82 articles supporting the goals and objectives outlined in the PSD manifesto for the upcoming general elections scheduled for July 2024.
The method of integrating conscription into national defense laws varies widely across the approximately 85 countries globally that employ it.
Countries requiring compulsory military service, depending on individual circumstances, typically enlist individuals from the age of 18.
Senator Nkusi Juvenal, speaking at the Second National Congress of the PSD party, where the manifesto was unveiled on March 24, 2024, emphasized that in prioritizing security, there is a need to introduce an annual conscription quota specifically for secondary school graduates.
He stated, “The PSD party advocates for the introduction of an annual quota for conscription of secondary school graduates.”
While this provision is not explicitly stated in the current legislation, it implies that every individual completing secondary education would be eligible for conscription into the military when required.
In the East African region, Rwanda mandates conscription at the age of 18, Sudan requires individuals to serve for 24 months, but conscription is not enforced in Tanzania.
In Somalia, the law allows conscription for individuals aged between 18 and 40 for men and between 18 and 30 for women, but it is not actively implemented.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, individuals aged between 18 and 45 are eligible for conscription when necessary.
In Europe, approximately 15 countries enforce conscription. In Russia, individuals aged between 18 and 27 are required to serve for one year, with 25% entering annually.
The Russian Ministry of Defense’s website indicates that many government and private sector jobs require military experience.
Joining the military often exempts individuals from state university entrance exams.
In Austria, conscription registration starts at 18, and service can last up to nine months. Those unwilling to serve can opt for civil service, which lasts for nine months.
In Ukraine, conscription laws were enacted in 2013 but were amended after Russia annexed Crimea. As of 2021, around 13,575 individuals had been conscripted.
In South Korea, men aged between 18 and 36 are obliged to serve in the military.
In countries like Algeria, Angola, Eritrea, and elsewhere in Africa, individuals as young as 18 can be conscripted into military service.
Some countries implement selective compulsory military service based on quotas and the knowledge of conscripts.
In Benin, individuals aged between 18 and 35 are conscripted, but students are exempt. In Cape Verde, conscription lasts for two years.
In Egypt, conscription is mandatory for men aged between 18 and 30, with a reserve commitment until the age of 36, after which they may be placed in a standby reserve.
This subtropical expanse, averaging a shallow depth of 2 meters, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it an essential destination for anyone yearning to experience China’s unparalleled landscapes.
Lake Taihu is a mosaic of over 90 islands, ranging from tiny landforms just a few feet in length to expansive territories stretching across several miles.
From its waters, the life-giving Suzhou Creek begins its journey, symbolizing the lake’s nurturing role in the region.
The Grand Canal’s connection in the northwest marks the lake’s historical significance in China’s grand water network, while its shores—a blend of sandy beaches and rugged rocks—are a testament to its natural allure.
The limestone formations that cradle the lake have been the backbone of Chinese traditional architecture, particularly in the construction of the nation’s classic gardens.
Straddling the vibrant cities of Wuxi, Suzhou, and the picturesque Zhejiang Province, Lake Taihu is not just a body of water but a central figure in the tapestry of Eastern China’s geography and development.
Amidst this scenic backdrop, agriculture thrives, with the surrounding lands contributing significantly to China’s grain production.
The lake’s ecosystem is intricate, home to 48 inlets and adorned with 72 peaks and peninsulas, offering countless vantage points for visitors to soak in its majesty. A notable gem is Turtle Head Islet, a prime spot in Wuxi that juts into the lake, providing panoramic views of Taihu’s splendor.
Lake Taihu is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a haven for the soul. Its parks and gardens dot the landscape, serving as tranquil retreats and making the lake a beloved destination for both tourists and locals. Its beauty and the myths it has inspired enrich the cultural fabric of China, bridging the past with the present.
However, Lake Taihu’s journey has not been without challenges. Once plagued by pollution and algae blooms that threatened its vitality, the lake became a focal point for environmental restoration efforts.
The infamous blue algae outbreak of May 2007 marked a turning point, leading to significant government intervention. The response was swift and substantial, targeting sewage control, pollution abatement, and the rehabilitation of the lake’s natural balance.
The initiatives undertaken, including a monumental dredging project implemented by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), have been transformative.
The project’s goal was clear: to restore the health of the Meiliang Lake region by removing pollutants and revitalizing the lake’s waters.
Covering an area of 28.9 square kilometers and dealing with over 8 million cubic meters of sediment, the endeavor is a testament to China’s commitment to its natural heritage.
These efforts have borne fruit, as recent reports celebrate the lake’s improved water quality, reaching its best levels since the crisis. The significant reduction in phosphorus and nitrogen levels, coupled with a marked decrease in algae outbreaks, illustrates a remarkable turnaround.
The lake reported 53 algae outbreaks in 2023, a drastic decline from 104 recorded the year before.
Meanwhile, the lake’s aquatic vegetation area reached 200 square kilometers, up 25.8 percent year on year.
These yielding efforts are leading to a rejuvenated ecosystem, vital for the well-being of the 17 million people in one of China’s densely populated and economically developed areas, who rely on Lake Taihu.
Lake Taihu’s story is one of resilience and beauty. From its historical role as a muse for celebrities including emperors, painters, poets and generals and scholars to its modern-day status as a symbol of environmental recovery, the lake remains an emblem of China’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Xihui Park located in Wuxi’s western expanse, emerges as a premier vantage point for Lake Taihu’s panoramic vistas. Ascending the Dragon Light Pagoda within the park, visitors are treated to a sweeping bird’s eye perspective of both the bustling cityscape and the tranquil lake waters.
Equally captivating, Yuantouzhu, or Turtle Head Island, enchants tourists with its unique turtle-head-like contour. Rising to prominence in the early 20th century, this picturesque locale boasts over ten distinct scenic spots, each offering a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
Whether you’re drawn to its environmental saga, captivated by its scenic beauty, or intrigued by its cultural significance, Lake Taihu invites exploration.
It stands not only as a natural wonder but as a vibrant example of harmony between human needs and environmental stewardship.
