The spokesperson made the remarks in response to a reporter’s query that the U.S. Defense Department on Oct. 26 announced that the U.S. State Department has approved 1.988 billion U.S. dollars in arms sales to Taiwan, including the “National Advanced Surface-to-air Missile Systems” and radar systems.
The U.S. arms sales to China’s Taiwan region severely violate the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982. The sales seriously infringe upon China’s sovereignty and security interests, harm China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and send a gravely wrong message to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, the spokesperson said.
China strongly condemns and firmly opposes the sales and has lodged solemn representations with the U.S. side, the spokesperson noted.
The U.S. decision to use Taiwan to contain China and help advance “Taiwan independence” agenda by arming Taiwan goes against the U.S. leaders’ commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence” and the two sides’ effort of stabilizing the China-U.S. relations, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson revealed that China will take resolute countermeasures and take all measures necessary to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
Taiwan’s separation from China traces back to 1949, following the Chinese Civil War. After years of conflict, the Chinese Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, gained control of mainland China and established the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Meanwhile, the defeated Nationalist government, led by Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang (KMT) party, retreated to Taiwan. There, they established a separate government, continuing to refer to themselves as the Republic of China (ROC).
Since then, Taiwan has operated with its own government, economy, and military, while the PRC has maintained that Taiwan is a breakaway province.
Each type can also be Rh-positive or Rh-negative, which makes a total of eight blood types. Here’s what each blood type means, why it matters, and what health implications it can have.
Whether you need a blood transfusion, are pregnant, or simply want to stay informed about your health, knowing your blood type is essential. It’s a simple fact that can impact your health decisions and understanding of your body’s unique needs.
{{Blood Type A}}
People with Blood Type A have A antigens on their red blood cells and B antibodies in their plasma, which help the immune system identify foreign invaders. Blood Type A can receive donations from Type A and Type O, and it can be given to those with Type A and AB blood.
Health-wise, some studies suggest that people with Type A blood might have a slightly higher risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Although these health risks are small, they highlight that different blood types can have unique traits that may affect health in various ways.
{{Blood Type B}}
For those with Blood Type B, B antigens are present on red blood cells, while A antibodies are in the plasma. Blood Type B can receive blood from Type B and Type O donors and is compatible for donation to both Type B and AB recipients.
People with Blood Type B may be at a slightly higher risk for certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer. However, they may have a somewhat lower risk of heart disease, showcasing once again that blood types can have connections to specific health risks.
{{Blood Type AB}}
Blood Type AB has both A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells but has no A or B antibodies in the plasma. This blood type is known as the “universal recipient” because people with AB blood can receive blood from all types—A, B, AB, and O. However, they can only donate blood to other AB recipients.
There is some research suggesting that Type AB may have a slightly higher risk of cognitive decline and certain cardiovascular conditions. This could be due to the way AB blood interacts with specific proteins in the body, which may influence overall health in the long run.
{{Blood Type O}}
Type O blood has no A or B antigens on red blood cells but has both A and B antibodies in the plasma. Type O is often referred to as the “universal donor,” particularly for O-negative, meaning that it can be donated to people of any blood type. However, Type O individuals can only receive blood from other Type O donors.
Individuals with Blood Type O may enjoy a lower risk of heart disease, but they can be more susceptible to stomach ulcers and certain infections. This suggests that Type O blood might have unique ways of affecting health due to the lack of A and B antigens.
{{The Rh Factor: Positive or Negative}}
Another important aspect of blood types is the Rh factor. This factor is a protein that can either be present (Rh-positive) or absent (Rh-negative) in the blood. Rh-positive people can receive both Rh-positive and Rh-negative blood, while Rh-negative individuals should ideally receive only Rh-negative blood to prevent immune reactions.
Rh compatibility is especially crucial in pregnancy. If an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby, her body may create antibodies against the baby’s blood, potentially causing complications. Doctors often manage this with a special injection to prevent these issues and ensure the health of both mother and child.
{{Key facts to remember}}
Knowing your blood type is valuable for many reasons. Blood compatibility is crucial in transfusions, as mixing incompatible blood types can cause dangerous immune reactions. For instance, O-negative is known as the universal donor, meaning it can be given to anyone, while AB-positive is the universal recipient, able to receive blood from any type without issues.
Research has shown that blood types may also relate to health risks and disease resistance. Different blood types carry different immune responses, which can slightly impact susceptibility to certain conditions, though these risks are generally small.
In emergencies, understanding your blood type helps ensure you receive the right type of blood quickly, and it’s also beneficial for people considering organ transplants. Blood type compatibility between donors and recipients can make a life-saving difference.
These meetings underscored Rwanda’s continued commitment to strengthening its international partnerships, both within the Commonwealth and beyond.
In his interaction with Minister Dar, Nduhungirehe highlighted the importance of the new Rwandan mission in Islamabad, which marks a significant step forward in strengthening Rwanda-Pakistan relations.
The two Ministers discussed increasing cooperation in areas such as trade, security and educational exchanges. Acknowledging the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening these ties, particularly through direct trade channels and through the growing Pakistani community in Rwanda, which contributes to local development.
The meeting is a continuation of Rwanda’s outreach to Pakistan in recent years. In January 2024, Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Muganga Mubarakh, led high-level discussions in Islamabad with Pakistani military and diplomatic officials.
The discussions focused on shared security challenges, military training, and defence partnerships, with broader implications for trade and development cooperation.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Naeem Ullah Khan, also launched projects to directly connect Rwandan producers to Pakistani markets, particularly for tea and coffee. In this vein, the Ambassador set up a training programme for Rwandan youth, aimed at strengthening their marketing skills to facilitate cross-border trade.
Minister Nduhungirehe also met with Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss strengthening diplomatic and tourism ties. This meeting follows the signing in 2022 of two bilateral memoranda between Jamaica and Rwanda during President Paul Kagame’s state visit, establishing agreements on political cooperation and tourism development.
These memoranda lay the foundation for deeper engagement, with a focus on cultural and tourism exchanges, highlighting the two countries’ historical ties and shared interests within the Commonwealth framework.
These discussions at CHOGM2024 illustrate Rwanda’s commitment to nurturing dynamic partnerships with Pakistan and Jamaica, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s broader vision of unity, shared development and enduring collaboration.
While presenting the credentials, Ngango delivered a message from President Paul Kagame, highlighting the strong diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the Principality of Liechtenstein, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to furthering this partnership and promoting mutual development.
In their discussions, Prince Alois emphasized the excellent relationship between the two countries, showing understanding of the regional issues surrounding Rwanda and the important role that small nations should play on the international stage, particularly regarding global peace and security.
Prince Alois also received credentials from ten other new ambassadors, granting them the right to represent their countries in his country.
Prior to this ceremony, Ngango met with Elena Klein, the Director-General of Protocol, who represented Mrs. Dominique Hasler, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Sports, to whom he presented copies of his credentials.
Their conversation focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as culture and tourism, investment, financial services, and education.
This ceremony follows Ngango’s presentation of credentials to the President of the Swiss Confederation on June 11, 2024, in Bern.
In addition to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Ngango has also been entrusted by the President of Rwanda to represent the country in Austria, Slovenia, and the Vatican, where he will present his credentials in the coming days.
The Principality of Liechtenstein is located in the heart of Europe’s alpine region, between Switzerland and Austria. It is home to around 40,000 inhabitants.
{{karirima@igihe.com}}
Dafroza Gauthier Mukarumongi, the founder of CPCR, told IGIHE that the accusations are compiled in three detailed documentations against the French government. These claims focus on the collaboration between the French and Rwandan governments from 1990 to 1994 and military and political agreements signed during that period.
Dafroza explained that they are suing the French government for abandoning and refusing to protect their Tutsi employees who worked at the French Embassy and the French Cultural Center and for the alleged sexual violence by French soldiers against Tutsi women in the Turquoise Zone.
The organizations further allege that French soldiers stationed in Rwanda during those years were involved in discriminatory practices based on ethnicity, such as checking citizens’ ID cards at various roadblocks.
Since June 1994, French troops were stationed in the Turquoise Zone on a so-called humanitarian mission however, it is alleged that their aim was to support the Interahamwe militia former Rwandan Armed Forces to escape from the country.
Dafroza stated that the evidence in the case shows that Tutsis who sought refuge with French forces in this zone continued to be killed, as the French forces did not separate them from the Interahamwe and Ex-FAR.
She provided an example of the killings in the Bisesero, Karongi district where French troops refused to rescue Tutsis who had appealed for their protection as the Interahamwe and Ex-FAR were killed over 40,000 people. Between June 27 and June 30, 1994, another 4,000 were killed.
The trial involving these organizations and the French government took place on October 24, 2024. CPCR was represented by lawyer Philippe Raphaël, who prepared the case.
Raphaël stated, “The French government could have prevented the genocide but did not. Instead, they supported Hutu extremists in political, diplomatic, and military affairs before, during, and after the Genocide.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, in April 2024, acknowledged that France and other nations could have prevented the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi but lacked the will to do so. “As the extermination of the Tutsi began, the international community had the capability to know and act. France, alongside Western and African allies, could have stopped the genocide but did not have the will,” he said.
This statement reiterated Macron’s earlier speech on May 21, 2021, at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, in which he admitted France’s role in this history, a position also reflected in a report by a team led by French historian Prof. Vincent Duclert.
However, the French Ministry of Armed Forces, representing the defense, requested the Administrative Court to declare itself incompetent in this matter, arguing that government actions are what is being challenged. They added that decisions made in national policy matters hold immunity in domestic courts.
This lawsuit was filed in April 2023, followed by an investigation conducted between May and June 2024. The organizations are seeking 500 million euros in compensation for damages. The ruling is expected on November 14, 2024.
CPCR stated that there is an opportunity to appeal the Administrative Court’s decision up to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) if the French government is not held accountable for actions before and during the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
{{Women assaulted by French soldiers continue to suffer trauma.}}
French soldiers under Operation Turquoise arrived in Rusizi (former Cyangugu Prefecture) and split into teams, with a large number remaining at Kamembe Airport while others moved to Nyarushishi, Bugarama, Ntendezi, and Kirambo. When they reached Nyarushishi, they toured the entire camp while taking photos.
At that time, they inspected the tents. After three days, they had identified where women and girls were located and began taking them away for sexual assault, despite being responsible for protecting them.
The book The Genocide Against the Tutsi in the Former Cyangugu Prefecture by CNLG contains testimonies from witnesses to these atrocities.
Constance Kambogo said, “The French soldiers would openly take girls from the camp and sexually assault them. They would come around, take the girls out in armored vehicles, and pick those they wanted under the pretense of taking them for cleaning duties.”
Among those assaulted at Nyarushishi was Claudine, who was between 14 and 15 years old at the time, which left her traumatized to the point of becoming mentally unstable.
Others sexually assaulted included Mukayiranga Mado, Mukayeze Pascasie, Mukayitesi Jacqueline, Umulisa, girls from EAV Ntendezi, and others.
“The victims were subjected to brutal acts, including having pepper inserted into their private parts, being assaulted orally and anally, being photographed naked, and more. After abusing them, the soldiers would pass them around, commenting on their beauty and comparing them to the women back home. After the assault, they would give them biscuits as a reward,” reads the book in part.
Apart from Nyarushishi Camp, it is reported that French soldiers also sexually assaulted women and girls at Kamembe Airport, Kamarampaka Stadium, and other locations.
Jean Bosco Habimana, an Interahamwe collaborator who worked closely with French soldiers, as they had given him a gun, testified that the French at the stadium asked him to find girls for them, particularly Tutsis, claiming they would not cause problems if it was discovered.
The first girl he brought to them was Beata, around 15 years old, whom he took from Mururu and whom he knew was a Tutsi. After assaulting her, the French soldiers requested that the Interahamwe not kill her.
The second girl, Mukasine Florence, was about 14 years old. Habimana took her from Winteko Sector, Bugayi Cell, where she was hiding after her family was killed.
“Once in Kamarampaka Stadium, she was severely assaulted, and when they released her, she could barely walk. Afterward, they requested the Interahamwe not to kill her,” reads part of Page 361 of the book.
Beata and Mukasine had sought refuge in Nyarushishi camp but had ventured out to find food, hoping to get provisions as their neighbors had started fleeing to Congo. Colonel Jacques Hogard, who led Operation Turquoise in Cyangugu, has often been named for allegedly allowing his soldiers to abuse women sexually and commit various acts of sexual violence.
There are similar accusations against Colonel Sartre Patrice, who led Operation Turquoise in Gikongoro.
She takes over from Patricia Scotland, who became the first woman to hold the position in 2015. Patricia Scotland expressed her delight at being succeeded by another woman and affirmed her confidence that Botchwey would achieve much in advancing the Commonwealth
“It is an honor to pass on the leadership to my sister Shirley Ayorkor, who will succeed me as Commonwealth Secretary General. May she find the same fulfillment I did in leading and serving this esteemed organization,” Scotland said in a statement.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, joined others in wishing Shirley Ayorkor success in her new role.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on her part, thanked the Commonwealth leaders who entrusted her with this position, pledging to enhance cooperation that would enable them to achieve their shared goals.
“I am honored with the confidence placed in me by the Commonwealth leadership. Together, we will continue our work and create a new Commonwealth that serves the interests of all its citizens,” she said.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has held various roles, including chairing the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.
During her tenure, she advised ECOWAS Heads of State and governments on various pathways to achieving peace and security in the Sahel region, reforming some democracy and governance agreements, making changes to the ECOWAS Commission, budget adjustments, and more.
She also participated in discussions aimed at transitioning power to civilians in West African countries affected by coups since 2020, such as Guinea and Burkina Faso, and was one of the mediators appointed by ECOWAS for Mali.
A seasoned diplomat, she previously served as Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs under President John Agyekum Kufuor from 2006-2009.
In Ghana, she is credited with contributing to the country’s strong international reputation under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
She also served as Deputy Minister of Information from 2005-2006 and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry from 2007-2008.
Botchwey was also a member of the ECOWAS Parliament, where she chaired various committees, including those focused on gender and children’s issues to promote inclusivity.
Before joining politics, Shirley Ayorkor led a marketing and communications firm, served as an advisor in the Ministry of Tourism, and worked in several other organizations.
She holds a Master’s degree in Project Management, another Master’s in Communications, a Bachelor’s degree in Law, and an undergraduate degree in Public Relations and Marketing.
The mother of two completed most of her education in Ghana and the UK at the University of London and the University of Westminster.
The new officers passed out on Friday, October 25, 2024, after completing a nine-month Basic Police Course at the Police Training School in Gishari, Rwamagana District. Among the graduates are 1,777 men and 479 women.
During the ceremony, presided over by the Minister of Interior, the officers demonstrated some of the skills they acquired, including crowd control, shooting, hostage rescues, drills, martial arts, and various self-defence techniques.
The Director of the Gishari Police Training School, CP Robert Niyonshuti, said the officers underwent rigorous training to prepare them for service in the Rwanda National Police.
While 2,135 students initially enrolled, 26 did not complete the training due to various reasons. An additional 147 students trained at the Musanze Police College, where they also began university studies. Some of these graduates will join the Rwanda National Police, while others will serve in the National Intelligence and Correctional Services.
Minister Biruta highlighted that Rwanda’s historical journey has made security a top priority, enabling the country to rebuild and advance significantly over the past 30 years through unity and collaboration.
He stated, “To continue on this path, it’s essential to maintain a professional police force that is skilled, equipped with modern tools, and has the discipline derived from training like today’s and other programs.”
Minister Biruta acknowledged the general sense of safety in Rwanda but noted that certain crimes, such as drunkenness, theft, assault, drug abuse, and road accidents, still pose challenges.
“There are criminals who continuously learn and adapt their tactics, including using technology to commit crimes. This necessitates ongoing training, increasing the number of officers, and enhancing our resources to prevent and combat all forms of crime,” the minister added.
He praised the Rwanda National Police for its valuable contributions to national security since its establishment, which has also supported Rwanda’s consistently growing economy. He also thanked the parents who allowed their children to undergo this police training, integrating them into a team of dedicated officers.
The minister encouraged the new officers to uphold discipline, professionalism, diligence, integrity, and pride in serving Rwanda and its citizens wherever they may be posted.
Mugisha Steven, who graduated top of the class, expressed pride in joining the Rwanda National Police, saying it has been a lifelong dream.
“My goal now is to work alongside my colleagues, as a young officer, to support others and contribute my energy to the team,” he said.
Mirembe Liliane, the second-ranked graduate, also shared her excitement, stating her commitment to ensuring lasting security in collaboration with her peers.
The College of Arts and Social Sciences graduated 760 students, the College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM) had 722 graduates, the College of Business and Economics (CBE) awarded degrees to 1,453 students while the College of Education graduated a whopping 2,308 graduates.
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) had 1,157 while the College of Science and Technology graduated 1,663.
Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente presided over the graduation ceremony. In his keynote speech, he congratulated the University for making significant strides in development and delivering quality education.
“I have no doubt that the university has provided you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and values, and we expect you to contribute to solving various issues related to the country’s development. As you go on to serve the nation, we look forward to seeing you bring about substantial change that will improve the lives of Rwandans,” Ngirente said.
He urged the graduates to think broadly and help society find solutions to pressing issues that lead to development. “You must think widely, innovate solutions for development, and initiate impactful projects that benefit both yourselves and the country. Remember that the nation’s progress begins with you. That’s why I encourage you to seize every opportunity your country provides,” he stated.
Dr. Ngirente emphasized that having international students among the graduates is clear evidence of the advancing quality of education offered by the university. “The fact that 126 international students from various countries have graduated today shows that the University of Rwanda has achieved its goal of expanding its reach. This progress must continue,” he affirmed.
“We are pleased that the University of Rwanda continues to enhance the quality of education it offers, making it attractive even to students from outside Rwanda. Improving education quality must continue, and we celebrate that the progress made so far will not be reversed,” he added.
He also mentioned that once all reforms are fully implemented, the University of Rwanda will establish a strong international reputation. “Our universities must strengthen their research capacities and equip graduates with the relevant knowledge to support our country’s economic growth and development efforts,” he said.
He pointed out that this can be achieved through partnerships between private sector stakeholders and the university by refining the curriculum, providing internships, and creating job opportunities.
On his part, Dr. Didas Muganga, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda highlighted that this 10th graduation ceremony marked a celebration of reforms that have enabled the university to produce skilled graduates ready for the job market.
“As you receive your degrees, you have overcome challenges that prepared you to be leaders, innovators, and thinkers for the future,” he said.
Muganga reminded the graduates that their time in school should have shaped them into experts poised to offer top-tier services in the future. “The knowledge you have gained can bring change, spark innovation, and drive development. This is our commitment as a university,” he said.
He also noted that in the past decade, significant changes have been made in higher education in Rwanda, particularly through the unification of public institutions to form the University of Rwanda, which has promoted quality education across all levels.
Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana acknowledged the hard work of the graduates and expressed optimism about their contributions to the country’s development. He noted that the University of Rwanda is not just an educational institution but a place for nurturing future leaders who will drive sustainable development in the country.
Reflecting on Rwanda’s two-year term as Commonwealth Chair-In-Office, the Rwandan Head of State noted the particular climate vulnerabilities faced by small island nations like Samoa, which this year became the first Pacific island state to host CHOGM.
“Temperatures are rising, and for small island developing states in the Pacific and the Caribbean, this is literally a matter of survival,” Kagame emphasized.
As the world prepares for the forthcoming COP-29, an annual international conference that addresses climate change, President Kagame stressed the need for genuine commitments, specifically urging wealthy nations to increase climate financing for developing countries without adding to their debt burdens.
“What will make us cross the finish line in the fight against climate change is more finance from wealthy countries. Still, our collective efforts must not stop there,” Kagame stated.
“The terms must be favourable, without pushing developing countries into more debt,” he added.
Rwanda, he noted, continues to back the Sustainable Markets Initiative led by King Charles III, advocating for green investments across Commonwealth countries.
President Kagame also highlighted the need to empower young people, whom he described as the Commonwealth’s comparative advantage—a unique and valuable asset for the 56-member community.
“Creating digital jobs for women and young people should remain at the top of the agenda this year,” he added.
He also stressed the Commonwealth’s potential to harness technology for sustainable development, saying, “We must rely on the potential for innovation and technology to resolve the daunting challenge of rising unemployment and irregular migration.”
“Artificial intelligence should not become a problem. If we use it responsibly and establish sound policies, we can transcend the realm of our imagination and become even more resilient.”
President Kagame has served as Chairperson of the Commonwealth since June 2022, after Rwanda successfully hosted CHOGM.
During the opening ceremony on Friday, he congratulated Samoa Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa and wished her success as Chair, assuring her of Rwanda’s support.
“It has been a great honour for Rwanda to serve as Chair-in-Office for the past two years,” he stated.
This year, Rwanda will be represented by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) and Bella Flowers, in collaboration with its embassy in the Netherlands.
Last year, the Export and Innovation Department of NAEB stated that the trade fair is an opportunity for Rwanda to expand its market to the international scene.
In an interview with IGIHE, Rwanda’s former Ambassador to the Netherlands, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, confirmed that the trade fair enhances the value of Rwandan flowers in different markets.
“We firmly believe that the flower farming and trading sector, which we started less than ten years ago, will continue to grow,” he said.
“As we continue to expand, so will the market for our flowers. This is crucial for the growth of the flower business, especially as we still import flower seeds from other countries. It is important for the government to establish research mechanisms that will allow us to produce our own seeds,” he added.
NAEB statistics on flower farming in Rwanda show that over 23 million rose stems and more than 8 million summer flowers were exported from Rwanda in 2022-2023, generating $4.5 million in revenue. Additionally, 98% of these flowers were sent to the Netherlands, with expanding markets in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Last year, Rwandan representatives from different companies involved in flower farming and trading, such as Duhamic-Adri and Bright Harvest, expressed their satisfaction with participating in the event.
Karemera Annonciathe, a representative from Bright Harvest, said that it was her first time attending the trade fair, and it left her with valuable insights, including discovering new types of flowers that could be grown in Rwanda.
“It was my first time attending this event, and I was impressed to find that flowers are a significant investment. I realized that we are missing out on many varieties of flowers that are on demand at the international market. This motivated me to think about producing new types of flowers in Rwanda,” she said.
Janvier Ugeziwe, a representative from Duhamic-Adri, was also pleased with how they showcased flowers grown in Rwanda, presenting more than 18 varieties that attracted a large number of buyers.
Statistics show that flower farming generates substantial income for the country, with over $6.85 million earned in the past five years.
Horticulture, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables, brought in over $42.86 million for Rwanda in the 2021/22 fiscal year, with flowers alone contributing $6.85 million.
Rwanda’s Embassy has announced that visitors are welcome to visit Rwanda’s stand, number 5.06, located in “Hall C.”
IGIHE will keep you up to speed on the developments, for the eighth consecutive year regarding Rwanda’s floriculture at the trade fair. The event provides the Rwandan delegation with the opportunity to strengthen trade relations and promote the quality of Rwandan flowers.
These photos depict Rwanda’s vibrant participation in the 2023 event.
{{karirima@igihe.com}}
