The new system reflects a broader effort to modernise traffic regulations and improve accountability on the roads. At its core is a merit/demerit point system, which assigns drivers a set number of points annually. Safe drivers will maintain or even earn points, while those who violate traffic rules will see points deducted.
If a driver accumulates too many violations, their license could ultimately be suspended or revoked, adding real consequences to repeat offences. Officials hope this will encourage more responsible behaviour behind the wheel and reduce the rate of road accidents.
The draft law also introduces other reforms, such as updated driving school standards and provisions to leverage new technology for better enforcement. The changes are intended to enhance transparency in the transport sector and strengthen public trust in traffic management systems.
Specific details, including the categories of infractions, the number of points deducted per offence, and associated fines, will be outlined in a Ministerial Order currently under review.
As Rwanda continues prioritising safety and efficiency in its transport sector, the point-based system is being viewed as a practical tool to promote a culture of careful and responsible driving.
In addition to the upcoming point-based system, Rwanda has implemented several other measures over the years to promote road safety. These include the enforcement of strict speed limits—typically 40 km/h in urban areas and 60–80 km/h on highways—monitored by speed cameras installed across various locations.
Seat belt use is mandatory for all vehicle occupants, and failure to comply results in fines. Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited unless a hands-free device is used. The country also upholds a firm stance against drunk driving, with a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08%.
To further ensure order on the roads, adherence to traffic signals and signs is strictly enforced, and helmet use is compulsory for both drivers and passengers on motorcycles (motos).
He shared this message during a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where officials from the Sudanese Embassy and Sudanese nationals residing in Rwanda were taken through Rwanda’s history, from the colonial era to the execution of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Musa stated that they wanted to learn from the resilience of the Rwandan people, who managed to stop the genocide, rebuild their nation, and move forward without forgetting their past.
“What I would say to Rwandans is that they must continue to remain united and stay the course of nation-building. They must preserve the unity they have today, and strive for lasting peace, development, security, and stability in their country,” he said.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, involves fighting between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and government forces. It has already claimed over 24,000 lives and displaced more than 13 million people. Civilian property and infrastructure have also been devastated.
In his message to the people of Sudan, Ambassador Musa described Rwanda as a clear example of how a nation can recover and thrive after going through extreme turmoil.
“It is a country that rose from difficult times, during the genocide, and achieved progress through unity, strong leadership, and firm principles. We in Sudan can also achieve this,” he emphasized.
A Sudanese national, Rwan Eljack, shared her impressions from the memorial visit, saying she was deeply moved by what she saw and learned, especially in contrast to Rwanda’s current state of peace and progress.
“What I saw was truly heartbreaking, but I believe everyone who visits this place leaves with a lesson. As Sudanese youth, we’ve learned that even after a dark chapter, there is hope for rebuilding. We believe that even our two-year-long war will one day end,” she said.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial, located in Gisozi, is the final resting place of over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, who were killed in Kigali and surrounding areas.
This development follows a decision by SADC heads of state on March 13, 2025, to end the regional peacekeeping mission and initiate a phased withdrawal of South African, Tanzanian, and Malawian troops.
In an interview with SABC News, SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya announced that the technical team was formed during a meeting of defense chiefs from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi on April 11, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.
“On Friday, a meeting of the Chiefs of Defence Forces was held in Dar es Salaam. The meeting resolved to establish a technical team tasked with finalizing the withdrawal of our members from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This team is currently busy in Tanzania. While I cannot provide a specific completion date, we have instructed the team to work with speed to ensure our members return home as soon as possible,” he stated.
The withdrawal process faces logistical and diplomatic challenges. Two weeks ago, SADC noted that the reopening of Goma International Airport, controlled by the M23/AFC coalition, was critical for troop departure.
The AFC/M23 rebel group recently on April 12, accused SADC forces of violating a key ceasefire agreement following a failed attempt to retake the eastern Congolese city of Goma and demanded the forces to quit.
“We demand the immediate withdrawal of SAMIDRC forces and the surrender of FARDC troops stationed within MONUSCO facilities,” M23 said in a statement.
The breach came just weeks after the rebels and SAMIDRC troops signed an agreement on March 28 to facilitate the peaceful withdrawal of regional forces following their defeat and the rebels’ takeover of Goma.”
Negotiated in Goma, the deal outlined the immediate and orderly withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops, allowing them to leave with their weapons and equipment, while stipulating that any FARDC arms in their possession be left behind.
The accord also included plans for SADC to support the rehabilitation of Goma International Airport and conduct a joint technical assessment to ensure its operational readiness for troop withdrawal.
IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that Rwanda has received a request to allow SADC troops to pass through its territory for repatriation.
This bilingual thematic report is the first of its kind jointly developed by an academic think tank and a media think tank, integrating the latest insights from both academia and industry on China’s green and low-carbon development.
The report was officially released at the Seminar on China’s Green and Low-Carbon Development: Vision and Action, which was jointly hosted by Tsinghua ICCSD and Global Times Online.
More than 30 representatives from international organizations, such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Commission, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and Harvard University, attended the event.
They witnessed the release of the report and engaged in in-depth discussions on China’s green and low-carbon practices, opportunities for international cooperation, and global climate governance.
The report not only summarizes the logic and achievements of China’s green transition but also systematically reviews the country’s policy framework, domestic actions, and international cooperation under the dual carbon goals.
Furthermore, through case studies and strategic recommendations, the report provides replicable practices for developing countries and contributes Chinese insights to global climate governance.
The report features five exemplary case studies, illustrating China’s multifaceted pathways to green and low-carbon development.
One case is China-Africa agricultural cooperation. The report highlights efforts such as those made by the team led by globally renowned Chinese agronomist Yuan Longping to promote hybrid rice in Madagascar. In recognition of China’s efforts to help Africa enhance food security and climate resilience, the achievements of the team’s hybrid rice demonstration project were even featured on the local currency.
Another case focuses on the transformation of the power sector. China is developing a new energy-dominated power system, guiding the transition of coal-fired power plants towards flexible peak-load regulation through policy support and technological innovation.
Green finance innovation is also a key area highlighted in the report. Huzhou, a city in east China’s Zhejiang Province and one of the country’s first green finance pilot zones, has established a digital platform and standardized system to support sustainable finance.
In ecological governance, China’s project to stabilize the edge of the Taklamakan Desert has built a 3,000-kilometer green shelterbelt over 40 years, pioneering a “who invests, who benefits” model for desertification control, while driving the growth of local industries.
Lastly, the report introduces state-owned enterprise transformation. China Energy Investment Corporation (China Energy) has facilitated the transition of high-carbon assets into low-carbon benchmarks through coal-fired power modernization, renewable energy expansion, and innovative technology applications.
The report presents four key conclusions and universally shared international concepts: China’s green transition experience is open to the world; the cooperation in building a green Belt and Road aims for shared prosperity; new energy capacity serves as “advanced capacity” to address global supply shortages; and Chinese innovations reduce the global costs of low-carbon transition, promoting inclusive development.
The research report aims to highlight China’s practical achievements in harmonizing green growth with economic development, stressing the country’s commitment to deepening international cooperation in an open and inclusive manner and providing guidance for stakeholders concerned with green and low-carbon transition and global climate governance.
At the seminar, experts from both China and abroad discussed the progress of global climate governance and China’s growing role in driving green transitions.
They emphasized China’s dual-track approach to international cooperation—North-South and South-South—, which contributes China’s solutions to building a fair and equitable global climate governance framework.
Representatives from various industries also shared practical experiences. A delegation from Wuxi city in east China’s Jiangsu Province introduced the city’s Eight Major Action Measures for Taihu Lake Governance, which ensure regional drinking water safety and prevent lake eutrophication.
A representative from CRCC Development Group Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, shared desertification control efforts in Hetian, Xinjiang, demonstrating how developing the sand industry can support both ecological restoration and economic growth.
It’s widely believed that the successful seminar and the release of the report have provided a valuable platform for international exchange among experts and scholars and offered insights and solutions for advancing green and low-carbon development.
According to a statement released by EAC Secretariat on Thursday, the launch took place during a three-day workshop held from 13th to 15th April, 2025 at Afrik Hotel in Mogadishu.
The event was jointly organised by the EAC Secretariat and the Government of Somalia.
In her remarks, Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, commended Somalia for this significant step forward on the integration journey.
“The launch of the National Monitoring Committee is more than a procedural step; it is a symbol of institutional readiness and a shared commitment to unlocking regional trade opportunities. Somalia’s entry into the EAC brings dynamic potential and opens a new trade frontier,” said Ssemuwemba.
Ssemuwemba underscored the strategic role of NMCs in driving the EAC’s goal of increasing intra-regional trade to 40% by 2030.
“We count on Somalia’s NMC to actively eliminate NTBs, engage the private sector, and collaborate with regional counterparts to build a barrier-free trading space,” added the DSG.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Mohammed Isaac Ibrahim, the Director General for EAC Affairs at Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasised the country’s readiness to support EAC integration objectives.
“This launch reflects not only our institutional preparedness but also our political commitment to advancing regional trade and integration,” said Ibrahim.
Ibrahim disclosed that Somalia had established various technical committees to fast track the implementation of the EAC Customs Union and Common Market protocols, as well as other ongoing bilateral trade engagements, particularly with the Republic of Kenya.
The establishment of the NMC reflects Somalia’s strong political will to foster a predictable, transparent, and efficient trade environment. It also underlines the country’s commitment to regional trade integration.
The Somalia NMC structure includes representatives from 16 public sector institutions and eight key private sector associations. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will serve as Chair, while the Somalia Chamber of Commerce and Industry will act as Co-Chair.
The NMC will lead the identification, reporting, and resolution of NTBs through regional mechanisms such as the EAC NTB Mobile Application, the Tripartite Online Reporting Platform, and quarterly national coordination meetings.
In addition to formally inaugurating the NMC, the workshop finalized and adopted Somalia’s NTB Elimination Workplan as well as strengthened the capacity of nominated NMC members.
The workshop brought together officials from line ministries, departments and agencies in Somalia, representatives of private sector associations and technical officers from the EAC Secretariat.
“Putting together all the recent tariff increases, pauses, escalations, and exemptions, it seems clear that the U.S. effective tariff rate has jumped to levels last seen several lifetimes ago,” Georgieva said in a speech before the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings scheduled for next week.
“The complexity of modern supply chains means imported inputs feed into a broad range of domestic products. The cost of one item can be affected by tariffs in dozens of countries. In a world of bilateral tariff rates, each of which may be moving up or down, planning becomes difficult,” Georgieva said.
“The result? Ships at sea not knowing which port to sail to; investment decisions postponed; financial markets volatile; precautionary savings up. The longer uncertainty persists, the larger the cost,” she continued.
The IMF chief noted that rising trade barriers hit growth “upfront,” and protectionism erodes productivity over the long run, especially in smaller economies.
The IMF will quantify these costs in its new World Economic Outlook, to be released early next week.
“In it, our new growth projections will include notable markdowns, but not recession. We will also see markups to the inflation forecasts for some countries,” Georgieva said.
The IMF chief urged policymakers to redouble efforts to “put their own houses in order,” noting that most countries must “take resolute fiscal action to rebuild policy space,” setting out gradual adjustment paths that respect fiscal frameworks.
She also called for “agile and credible” monetary policy, along with strong financial regulation and supervision.
Highlighting the importance of “cooperation in a multi-polar world,” the IMF chief emphasized that trade policy must aim for a settlement among the largest players that preserves openness and delivers a more-level playing field – “to restart a global trend toward lower tariff rates while also reducing nontariff barriers and distortions.”
Held in the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room of the Palais des Nations, UN Headquarters at Geneva, the ceremony brought together Rwandans, friends of Rwanda, diplomats, UN officials, and university students in a moment of remembrance, reflection, and renewed commitment to the promise of “Never Again.”
On the same day earlier, a Students Conference on the 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was held.
A group of students from the University of Vienna in Austria explored the role of literature in preserving memory and confronting genocide denial, reaffirming the importance of educating future generations.
Sissi Domitrie Mukanyiligira, survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and author of Do not accept to die, retraced her journey of survival, a life shaped by unbearable loss, near-death encounters, and an unyielding will to live.
Her voice carried more than memory; it stood as a solemn tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Mr. Edmond Tubanambazi, First Counsellor and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Rwanda, reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to fighting genocide ideology, countering genocidal denial, and demanding justice for genocide survivors.
He challenged the international community to face an uncomfortable truth, pointing out that the international community has not learned from its failure to stop the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, nor has it done enough to render justice to genocide survivors and to prevent genocide from happening again anywhere in the world.
He cited as evidence the fact that Genocide fugitives are still at large in some countries because of lack of political will to act.
Referring to the genocide ideology that is persistent in the region, he cautioned that no vested interests should prevail over the warning signs of another genocide in the region.
He paid tribute to the courage and resilience of survivors like Ms. Mukanyiligira and emphasized the importance of educating youth to resist historical distortion, reminding attendees that the Genocide against the Tutsi was the culmination of decades long ethnic-based hate and ideology of division instigated, taught and spread since the colonial period by colonial administrations.
In her address, Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of UN Geneva, delivered the Secretary-General’s message and expressed solidarity with the people of Rwanda.
Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, delivered a reflection on the need to uphold international commitments to prevent genocide, calling on the international community to address atrocity crimes wherever they occur.
César Murangira, President of IBUKA Mémoire et Justice Suisse, delivered a powerful message grounded in historical clarity and moral urgency.
He recalled how the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was the result of a long process of racial ideology, deeply rooted in colonial manipulation and reinforced by propaganda and institutional complicity.
He warned that the same genocidal rhetoric continues to resurface, particularly in the ongoing targeting of Kinyarwanda-speaking Tutsi communities in Eastern DRC.
Echoing this warning, Itonde Kakoma of Interpeace urged global actors to confront the cyclical nature of violence, and to invest in healing that spans generations.
Fifteen-year-old Rwandan student Belko Kenza Naike moved the audience with a stirring poem titled “Rwanda, essuie tes larmes!”.
Her message reflected the voice of a new generation raised in remembrance and committed to protecting the truth.
Seventeen-year-old pianist Peter Grove offered a moving tribute through music, his performance echoing the solemnity of the occasion and offering a moment of quiet reflection that resonated deeply with those in attendance.
This ceremony formed part of a broader series of commemorative events marking Kwibuka31 across Switzerland.
These included a wreath-laying ceremony at Place des Nations in Geneva on 7 April, and a memorial vigil in Lausanne on 12 April.
Each event contributed to preserving memory and reaffirming solidarity with genocide survivors and the Rwandan people.
As the lights dimmed at the UN Office at Geneva, the message of the day remained clear: truth must be protected, justice must be pursued, and the memory of the victims must guide humanity’s path forward to ensure that no genocide happens again — anywhere in the world.
The internal document, which has circulated among senior diplomatic circles, outlines a broad cost-cutting initiative that could reshape U.S. engagement overseas, particularly in regions where American diplomatic presence has traditionally played a stabilising role.
If enacted, the proposals would reduce the United States’ diplomatic infrastructure across nearly every continent, with embassies in Africa and Europe particularly affected.
Among those listed for potential closure are embassies in Lesotho, the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Gambia, South Sudan, and the Republic of Congo. Two small European missions — in Luxembourg and Malta — also face the axe, with recommendations to shift their duties to nearby posts.
The consular network is also set to take a major hit. In Europe alone, five consulates in France — including in Marseille, Lyon and Strasbourg — are on the chopping block, alongside two in Germany and two in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Outside Europe, closures are proposed for consulates in Cameroon, Indonesia, South Africa, and South Korea.
The rationale behind the sweeping changes, according to the document, centres on a wider push by the administration to shrink federal government operations, in line with President Trump’s long-standing pledge to reduce spending. The initiative aligns with previous attempts to cut the State Department’s budget by nearly half.
However, the plan is raising alarms among diplomats and foreign policy experts who warn that scaling back America’s diplomatic presence could weaken national security and cede geopolitical ground to rivals such as China.
Data from the Lowy Institute indicates that the U.S. currently has more diplomatic missions in Europe than China — a lead that could vanish if the proposed closures go ahead. In Africa and East Asia, Chinese missions already outnumber their American counterparts.
Particularly sensitive are the proposed reductions in conflict-prone regions. The memo recommends either downsizing or eliminating the U.S. presence in Somalia, and reducing staffing in Baghdad and Erbil, Iraq — both areas central to counterterrorism operations.
It also floats a shift in how the U.S. structures its overseas missions. Suggestions include the creation of so-called “FLEX-style” posts with smaller teams and narrower mandates, as well as combining leadership roles at missions serving multilateral institutions — such as the U.S. delegations to the OECD and UNESCO in Paris.
When asked about the potential closures, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to confirm the authenticity of the document or discuss its contents.
“I would suggest you check with the White House and the President as they finalise their budget proposals,” Bruce said. “The kinds of numbers we’re seeing in media reports often stem from leaked documents that may not reflect final decisions.”
To date, the administration has only announced ambassadorial nominees for two of the embassies marked for closure: Malta and Luxembourg. Analysts say this could indicate that some decisions are already being acted upon quietly.
While the proposal has yet to be formally approved by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, it forms part of a broader, Elon Musk-backed effort to overhaul and streamline federal agencies under the newly minted Department of Government Efficiency.
As Washington debates the merits of retrenchment versus global engagement, the future of American diplomacy — and its influence in strategically important regions — hangs in the balance.
The move signals a potential shift in the country’s internet landscape, with Starlink promising high-speed, low-latency connectivity, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, provides internet through a network of low-earth orbit satellites, offering faster speeds compared to traditional fiber and mobile networks. The service is particularly beneficial for rural communities where infrastructure challenges have made reliable internet access difficult.
With Uganda’s growing digital economy, Starlink’s entry could enhance e-learning, e-commerce, telemedicine, and remote work, bridging the gap between urban and rural internet accessibility. The UCC requires all telecommunications providers to obtain a license before offering services in Uganda.
Starlink’s application will undergo technical and financial evaluations to ensure compliance with national regulations. If approved, the company will join other internet service providers in expanding Uganda’s digital connectivity.
While Starlink’s technology is promising, concerns remain about pricing, accessibility, and competition with existing providers. The service has been known to charge higher installation fees, which could limit adoption among lower-income users.
However, industry experts believe Starlink’s presence will increase competition, potentially driving down internet costs and improving service quality across Uganda. As Starlink awaits regulatory approval, Ugandans are eager to see how the service will transform internet access in the country.
If licensed, Starlink could play a key role in enhancing digital inclusion and supporting Uganda’s vision for a more connected future.
When I first arrived at Lenovo’s innovation centre in Beijing, I expected to see the usual: rows of laptops, desktop computers, maybe a few advanced servers. That’s the Lenovo most people know—a global leader in personal computing.
After all, this is a company that operates in over 180 countries and regions, has offices in 60 different locations, more than 30 manufacturing facilities, and brings in an annual turnover of 56.9 billion US dollars. It ranked 248th on the Fortune Global 500 list in 2024, and its name is often linked with reliable business laptops or gaming PCs.
But the Lenovo I encountered was far beyond what I imagined. It felt like stepping into the future. Behind the familiar brand is a powerhouse of innovation driven by over ten thousand engineers, scientists, and researchers. The company runs 18 global research and development bases and has recently established four new AI innovation centers. And what they’re building goes way beyond laptops.
One of the most surprising things I saw was Lenovo’s smart car project. This is not just a car—it’s a moving intelligent system. The vehicle is designed with smart, transparent windows that do more than just let you look outside.
As you drive past a building, you can tap on the window, and information about that building pops up instantly. Want a picture with it? The car lets you take one without ever stepping outside. It’s fully autonomous and equipped with AI services, a computing platform, display sensors, an entertainment system, intelligent solutions, and an advanced automotive operating system. It combines hardware and software in ways that make the entire experience smarter and more interactive.
Then there’s Lenovo’s Age Computing Empower smart branch platform, which is changing how banks and service branches operate. Traditional strategies can’t keep up with the current pace of technology. Lenovo’s solution integrates AI with cloud and edge computing to enable unified management.
In places with multiple branches, the system can analyse video and image data in real time, producing insights for monitoring, marketing, analysis, and even customer care. It’s all handled by a single system that also tackles network latency and data security. It can run multiple AI models at once, including computer vision, natural language processing, and video rendering, all supported by multiple cameras.
Another innovation I saw was the Daystar Bot GS. Despite its name, it’s a six-legged robot. Unlike wheeled or four-legged robots, this one is built for tough terrain. Its design allows it to move smoothly and steadily in rough environments. It can carry up to 80 kilograms and operate at speeds of up to 1.6 meters per second, though 1 meter per second is ideal for stable performance.
It’s 102 by 72 by 60 centimetres in size and weighs 68.5 kilograms. It’s equipped with LIDAR sensors and PTZ payloads, and has an IP66 protection rating, meaning it can function in harsh conditions. The robot runs on a 1 kWh lithium-ion battery, charges fully in three hours, and reaches 70 percent in just 100 minutes with quick charging. It’s designed for industries that need smart, mobile data collection systems in challenging environments.
Lenovo is also pushing forward in computing infrastructure. Their ThinkSystem SR9250-V3, powered by 8th and 4th generation Intel Xeon processors, is designed for industries that demand high performance and advanced computing capabilities. It supports heavy digital workloads and represents Lenovo’s continued dominance in enterprise-level technology.
Then there’s the vision: “Smarter AI for All.” Lenovo wants artificial intelligence to be accessible, fair, and useful to everyone. Whether in homes, businesses, or public institutions, the company is building systems that are inclusive and easy to use.
One example is their 3D display laptop that lets users control objects on the screen using just their fingertips. You can rotate, move, or examine objects from any angle, all with simple hand gestures. It’s more than interaction—it feels like you’re shaping the digital world with your hands.
They’ve also developed 3D and 5D laptops, high-performance gaming devices, and a unique dual-screen laptop that features both a standard display and a second screen where the keyboard usually sits. A physical keyboard can still be attached, offering flexibility for different users.
On top of that, Lenovo is working on automated kitchen systems, smart living rooms, and even AI-powered beds. These innovations are not science fiction—they’re real products designed to fit into modern homes and lifestyles.
What I saw at Lenovo’s innovation center changed my understanding of what this company truly is. It’s not just a laptop brand—it’s a technology giant that’s reshaping how we interact with the world. Lenovo is building a smarter, more connected future.
