Historically, Rwandan football was more modest, with foreign players from neighbouring countries making their mark in the 1980s and 1990s. Most of these players came from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and a few from Uganda.
Notable figures include the late Jean-Marie Ntagwabira, who played for local clubs in the 1980s before becoming a celebrated coach, and Hassan Gasana, a prolific striker from Burundi known for his goal-scoring prowess at APR FC in the late 1990s.
Other prominent names were Shabani Nonda and Bokota Kamana Labama from the DRC, along with Uganda’s Ibrahim Mugisha, a revered goalkeeper for APR FC and Rayon Sports during the 1990s and early 2000s.
In recent years, Rwanda has emerged as a hub for sporting excellence, investing in modern infrastructure to bolster its sports scene, particularly football.
With the government’s investments in state-of-the-art infrastructure, including Amahoro Stadium, Rwandan football clubs are increasingly elevating their game and scouting for talent beyond regional borders.
By tapping into the talent pool, especially from West Africa—known for strong national teams and football talent—the clubs have improved the competitiveness of the league while also fostering collaboration and growing local talent.
IGIHE recently spoke with Police FC striker Peter Agblevor and La Jeunesse FC Central defender Isaac Eze, who shared their motivations for joining the Rwandan League and their experiences playing professional football in Rwanda. The two players hail from Ghana and Nigeria, respectively, two of the continent’s leading football powerhouses.
The two leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between their nations, as confirmed by Rwanda’s Presidency.
President Kagame arrived in Samoa’s capital on Tuesday evening, where he was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio.
Following his arrival, President Kagame met with Samoa’s Prime Minister, Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, to explore avenues for strengthening cooperation between Rwanda and Samoa.
Kagame also met with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Honourable Gaston Browne. The two leaders focused on fostering stronger diplomatic ties and exploring new areas of collaboration across various sectors.
In addition to these discussions, President Kagame attended the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) hosted by King Charles III.
The initiative focuses on sustainable development and climate action, key issues on this year’s agenda.
The Commonwealth, which consists of 56 member countries from all continents, includes 33 small states, of which 25 are island nations. By 2023, the Commonwealth’s population had grown to approximately 2.5 billion people.
President Kagame has served as Chairperson of the Commonwealth since June 2022, after Rwanda successfully hosted CHOGM that year.
This year’s meeting marks the end of Rwanda’s two-year chairmanship, with Samoa set to take over as Chair-In-Office.
Additionally, a new Secretary-General for the Commonwealth is expected to be elected during this year’s summit, replacing Patricia Scotland, who has held the position since March 2016.
CHOGM 2024 is a historic event, being the first-ever meeting held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State and the first since Gabon and Togo officially joined the Commonwealth, raising the total membership to 56 nations.
This year’s discussions will address critical global challenges, including economic, environmental, and security issues.
Leaders are also expected to focus on enhancing resilience, boosting trade, fostering innovation, and empowering the Commonwealth’s youth to build a more peaceful and sustainable future.
The main CHOGM event will take place on October 25, 2024, preceded by side meetings such as the Youth Forum, the Women’s Forum, and the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on October 24.
Xi made the remarks when addressing the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin chaired the summit, which was also attended by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva participated in the summit via video link.
During a small-group meeting, Xi welcomed new members to the BRICS family and invited many countries to become partner countries.
Xi pointed out that the enlargement of BRICS is a major milestone in its development history, and a landmark event in the evolution of the international situation. It is for their shared pursuit and for the overarching trend of peace and development that BRICS countries have come together, he said.
Stressing that the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century, marked by new trends of multipolarity and the risks of a “new Cold War,” Xi said BRICS countries should seize the historical opportunity, take proactive steps, remain committed to the original aspiration and mission of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, conform to the general trend of the rise of the Global South, seek common ground while reserving differences, work in concert to further consolidate common values, safeguard common interests, and strengthen BRICS countries through unity.
“We must work together to build BRICS into a primary channel for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations and a vanguard for advancing global governance reform,” Xi said.
He stressed that the more turbulent the world is, the more BRICS countries should uphold the banner of peace, development and win-win cooperation, refining the essence of BRICS and demonstrating its strength. BRICS countries should raise the voice of peace, advocating a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation and partnership over alliance.
Xi urged BRICS countries to jointly pursue a path of development, advocate a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and stay committed to the principle of common development. He said BRICS countries should consolidate the foundation of cooperation, deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as agriculture, energy, minerals, economy and trade, expand cooperation in emerging areas such as green, low-carbon and artificial intelligence, and safeguard trade, investment and financial security.
The Chinese president then attended a large-scale meeting, made important statements on BRICS’ future development and put forward five suggestions.
“As the world enters a new period defined by turbulence and transformation, we are confronted with pivotal choices that will shape our future. Should we allow the world to descend into the abyss of disorder and chaos, or should we strive to steer it back on the path of peace and development?” Xi said.
He stressed that the more tumultuous our times become, the more firmly we must stand at the forefront, exhibiting tenacity, demonstrating the audacity to pioneer and displaying the wisdom to adapt, adding that China is willing to work with all BRICS countries to open a new horizon in the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation.
“We should build a BRICS committed to peace, and we must all act as defenders of common security,” Xi said. Only by embracing the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security can we pave the way for universal security, he added.
Xi urged the BRICS countries to uphold the three key principles: no expansion of the battlefields, no escalation of hostilities, and no fanning flames, and strive for swift deescalation of the situation in Ukraine.
He also urged BRICS countries to promote an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and make unremitting efforts toward a comprehensive, just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question.
“We should build a BRICS committed to innovation, and we must all act as pioneers of high-quality development,” Xi said. “We must keep pace with the times and foster new quality productive forces.”
Xi said China has recently launched a China-BRICS Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation Center, and will establish a BRICS Deep-Sea Resources International Research Center, a China Center for Cooperation on Development of Special Economic Zones in BRICS Countries, a China Center for BRICS Industrial Competencies, and a BRICS Digital Ecosystem Cooperation Network, welcoming active participation from all interested parties.
“We should build a BRICS committed to green development, and we must all act as promoters of sustainable development,” Xi said.
He noted that China’s high-quality production capacity, as exemplified by its electric vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products, provides a significant boost to global green development.
Xi said China is willing to expand cooperation with BRICS countries in green industries, clean energy and green mining, and promote green development through the entire industrial chain, so as to increase the “green quotient” of our cooperation and upgrade the quality of our development.
“We should build a BRICS committed to justice, and we must all act as forerunners in reforming global governance,” Xi said.
He said the international power dynamics is undergoing profound changes, but global governance reform has lagged behind for a long time, urging BRICS countries to champion true multilateralism and adhere to the vision of global governance characterized by extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits.
Xi said BRICS countries must ensure that global governance reform is guided by the principles of fairness, justice, openness and inclusiveness, and enhance the representation and voice of developing nations in global governance.
Xi said BRICS countries should promote the connectivity of financial infrastructure, apply high standards of financial security, expand and strengthen the New Development Bank, ensuring that the international financial system more effectively reflects the changes in the global economic landscape.
“We should build a BRICS committed to closer people-to-people exchanges, and we must all act as advocates for harmonious coexistence among all civilizations,” Xi said.
Stressing that it is important that BRICS countries promote the spirit of inclusiveness and harmonious coexistence among civilizations and enhance the exchange of governance experiences among BRICS countries, Xi said he is delighted to see that the initiative for BRICS digital education cooperation has become a reality, and China will implement a capacity-building program for BRICS digital education, open 10 learning centers in BRICS countries in the next five years, and provide training opportunities for 1,000 local education administrators, teachers and students.
China is willing to work with BRICS countries to open a new horizon in the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation, and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi concluded.
Under the theme of “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” the participating leaders exchanged in-depth views on BRICS cooperation and major international issues of common interest.
The leaders made positive comments on the development of BRICS institutions and the important role they have played in addressing global challenges, expressing the belief that BRICS countries, with their large population, rich resources, huge development potential, growing appeal and international influence, have become a model of multilateralism.
They called on BRICS countries to uphold the BRICS spirit, strengthen solidarity and coordination, deepen the strategic partnership within greater BRICS, enhance cooperation in politics and security, economy, trade and finance, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and sustainable development of the world, and further increase the voice and representation of the Global South in international affairs, and promote the building of a more just and equitable international order.
The leaders vowed to safeguard multilateralism, uphold the core role of the United Nations in the international system, and support the United Nations in playing an important role in global governance such as artificial intelligence.
They also expressed commitment to peacefully resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, support all efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of crisis, and respect the legitimate security concerns of all countries.
The leaders agreed to promote reform of the existing international economic and financial architecture and build the New Development Bank into a new type of multilateral development bank for the 21st century.
They also commended the UN General Assembly for adopting relevant resolutions on the China-proposed International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, calling for respect for the diversity of world civilizations and strengthening exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations.
The Kazan Declaration of the 16th BRICS Summit was issued and the establishment of BRICS partners was announced at the summit.
During the summit, the BRICS leaders also heard reports on the work of President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff and other heads of BRICS institutions.
Home to over 10 million Uygur Muslims and 47 ethnic groups, it’s a true cultural melting pot, shaped by its history as a vital hub of the ancient Silk Road.
From the awe-inspiring Taklamakan Desert to the serene beauty of Kanas Lake, and the vibrant city of Urumqi, Xinjiang is a treasure trove for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Whether it’s the fiery Flaming Mountains or the peaceful grasslands dotted with traditional yurts, the reality on the ground is a province full of life, color, and captivating stories that go far beyond the misconceptions.
Ready to discover a side of Xinjiang the world rarely shows? Here are 15 interesting facts about Xinjiang:
{{1. Urumqi, the world’s most remote city from the Sea}}
Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang which recently hosted the 6th World Media Summit, holds the distinct honor of being the city furthest from any sea or ocean in the world.
It is located about 2,500 kilometers from the nearest coastline. Despite its geographical remoteness, Urumqi is a major city in western China and a vibrant center of culture, commerce, and tourism.
{{2. A land of ethnic diversity}}
Xinjiang is home to 47 different ethnic groups, with the Uygurs being the largest group, making up about 48% (over 10 million) of the population.
However, many other ethnicities also call this region home, including Han Chinese, Kazakhs, Hui Muslims, and others.
This rich mix of cultures gives Xinjiang its unique character, as these groups coexist while maintaining their own distinct traditions, languages, and religious practices.
{{3. Silk Road Legacy}}
Xinjiang’s history is intertwined with the famous Silk Road, an ancient trade route that connected China to Europe and the Middle East.
This route that passed through this province facilitated not only the exchange of goods but also ideas, religions, and cultures.
Cities like Kashgar became vital trading hubs, where merchants from distant lands met to trade silk, spices, and other goods. This historic connection to the Silk Road has made Xinjiang a melting pot of cultures and religions.
{{4. Sharing borders with eight countries}}
Geographically, Xinjiang shares borders with eight countries, more than any other region in China.
These countries include Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
This location makes Xinjiang a key strategic area for China and contributes to the rich cultural and economic exchanges that have shaped the region’s history.
{{5. A unique time zone difference}}
Though all of China officially runs on Beijing Time, Xinjiang operates on its own unofficial schedule due to its distance from the capital.
Xinjiang is two hours behind Beijing, and locals often adjust their routines accordingly.
People typically start work at 11 a.m., eat lunch at 2 p.m., and leave work at 7 p.m., with daylight lasting until well into the evening in the summer months.
{{6. China’s largest provincial region}}
Spanning 1.66 million square kilometers, Xinjiang covers one-sixth of China’s total territory.
The region’s vastness is mirrored by the diversity of its geography, which includes deserts, mountains, grasslands, and lakes.
Bayinbuluk is the second-largest grassland in China, offering a glimpse of
nomadic life with yurts, grazing herds, and Swan Lake, home to thousands of swans and
migratory birds.
It also has the longest international borders of any province in China, making it a crucial gateway to Central Asia.
{{7. The land of extreme landscapes}}
Xinjiang is a region of contrasts when it comes to its landscapes. It is home to the Taklamakan Desert, China’s largest shifting desert and the second-largest in the world, known as the “Sea of Death.”
On the other hand, it also boasts K2, the second-highest mountain in the world at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level.
Furthermore, the region contains Aydingkol Lake in Turpan, the second-lowest point on Earth at 155 meters (509 feet) below sea level.
{{8. One of China’s main fruit-producing regions}}
Xinjiang’s unique climate—long sunny days and significant temperature differences between day and night—makes it an ideal place for growing fruits.
The region is famous for its Hami melons, Turpan seedless grapes, Korla pears, and Ili apples.
It also produces cotton, lavender, and other agricultural products like tomatoes, mutton, beef, and jujube. This agricultural richness has made Xinjiang an essential part of China’s food supply.
{{9. A hub of religious diversity}}
Thanks to its long history and diverse population, Xinjiang is a region where multiple religions thrive.
Islam, which is the dominant religion among the Uygurs, coexists with Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Eastern Orthodoxy.
This religious diversity is reflected in the region’s architecture, with mosques, Buddhist temples, and Christian churches all present in the region.
{{10. Traditional cuisine}}
Xinjiang’s cuisine reflects the cultural influences of its various ethnic groups. The region is known for its hearty meat dishes, especially lamb.
One of its most famous dishes is “Polo,” a pilaf made with rice, lamb, carrots, and various spices.
Another beloved dish is “Dapanji,” a spicy chicken stew often served with hand-pulled noodles. For vegetarians, Xinjiang offers dishes like mung bean salad and vegetable Polo, proving that the region’s cuisine caters to all tastes.
{{11. Kanas Lake and its legendary monster}}
In northern Xinjiang lies Kanas Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by Siberian forests and rolling grasslands.
The lake’s beauty has inspired legends, including the tale of a mysterious lake monster similar to the Loch Ness Monster. For decades of years, legends of an enormous water monster in the lake have captured the imagination of locals and visitors.
Whether or not the monster exists, Kanas Lake remains a top destination for travelers, offering breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting.
{{12. It has the longest airline routes in China}}
Xinjiang currently has 16 airports, the most of all provinces and regions in China. This is naturally because of the fact that it is the largest province-level division of China.
The region’s vast distances make air travel essential, and the government has invested heavily in building roads, airports, and railways to ensure Xinjiang remains well-connected to the rest of China and beyond.
{{13. Extreme temperatures}}
Xinjiang is known for its dramatic temperature swings. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop significantly at night after a hot day.
Locals often say that in Xinjiang, you can wear a fur coat in the morning and a t-shirt by the afternoon.
This large daily temperature variation is particularly evident in the Turpan Basin, one of the hottest places in China, where temperatures can reach up to 47.8°C (118°F).
{{14. Mineral riches}}
Xinjiang is home to more than 80% of China’s discovered mineral types,
including nephrite jade, making it an important part of the country’s economy.
{{15. Tourism boom}}
In recent years, Xinjiang has become a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors from both within China and abroad.
Between January and September 2024 alone, the region welcomed 245 million tourists, contributing over 287.58 billion yuan (around 40.4 billion U.S. dollars) to the economy.
Visitors flock to Xinjiang to experience its stunning landscapes, such as Tianchi Lake, the Taklamakan Desert, and the Pamirs Plateau, Flaming Mountain as well as its vibrant bazaars and rich cultural heritage among others.
Xinjiang’s unique geography, rich history, and vibrant cultures make it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the true diversity of China.
The center aims to train 10,000 tech experts over the next five years, with a focus on those already working in the technology field, who will receive advanced knowledge using various technological tools. Its goal is to help Rwanda achieve its target of building a technology-driven economy.
Additionally, the center will support the Rwandan government’s plan to train a million people, mainly youth, in technology-related courses like coding over the next five years, and 500,000 others in advanced technology training.
During the center’s official launch on October 23, 2024, the Managing Director of Vuba Technologies Limited, Srimal Rajapaksha, said the center aims to bridge the skills gap between what students learn in school and the skills needed in the job market. Many graduates find themselves lacking sufficient expertise to handle challenges in their fields.
“Often, the knowledge provided in schools is purely theoretical and doesn’t sufficiently prepare students for the workplace. We established this center to provide hands-on training, allowing tech experts to learn through practical, work-based experiences,” Rajapaksha explained.
The center is envisioned to become a model for Africa, with tech experts from countries like Malawi, Zambia, and other African nations coming to Rwanda for training. This will help reduce the number of people traveling abroad to seek modern technological education.
Currently, the center is collaborating with government institutions, schools, and private sector companies to foster partnerships aimed at promoting the technology sector. Students who complete the training will receive internationally recognized certificates that validate their acquired skills.
The center offers training in various fields, including networking, data processing and analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), software development, and more. Graduates will also be supported in obtaining internationally recognized certifications after completing their courses.
In addition to Rwandans, the center is expected to welcome international students from different African countries, with training provided either through technology-based methods or in-person.
With an investment of over 200 million RWF, the school is poised for future expansion into other regions of the country. The planning and development of the center has been underway since 2019.
At an event held on October 23, 2024 to present the company’s environmental audit report, Peter Geleta, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) highlighted the critical role of environmental sustainability in the mining industry and emphasized the importance of aligning mining operations with international standards.
“The days of mining companies heading into Africa, pillaging resources, and leaving a trail of environmental damage are gone. We see ourselves as stewards of the environment and are committed to responsible mining that adheres to the highest international standards,” he said.
The assessment was conducted on Trinity’s three major mines which include Rutongo mines, Musha mines and Nyakabingo mines and represents a comprehensive review of the environmental and social impacts associated with their operations.
The last similar assessment was conducted in 2015, making this latest review particularly timely as the company works to improve its environmental footprint and adopt more sustainable practices.
“Since our last assessment nearly a decade ago, the mining industry in Rwanda, has evolved significantly. We embarked on this journey last year to update our environmental and social impact studies, recognizing that this is key to our long-term success and sustainability,” Geleta noted.
Geleta explained that the company is focused on leaving the environment in a state that is safe and conducive for future use once mining operations are complete.
“We need to ensure that we do our environmental planning properly, that we manage our closure planning responsibly, and that we leave the environment in a good state for the next generation,” he emphasized.
Trinity Metals is also making strides in the social impact arena. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees, 99% of whom are Rwandans, the company has been a major contributor to local communities, providing jobs and opportunities for economic development.
Furthermore, the company has made a concerted effort to promote gender equality within the mining sector, with women now making up 18% of the workforce across its mines, a figure expected to raise to 30% in the coming years.
The CEO also underscored the importance of international partnerships and investments in ensuring that Trinity Metals operates at the highest standards.
The unveiling of these findings, along with the company’s approach to sustainable mining, signals a good will for the Rwandan mining industry as Innocent Safari, the Chief Finance Officer at the Rwanda Mining Board (RMD) explains.
“Mining companies are expected to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility by aligning their operations with international standards,” he said.
Safari expressed gratitude for Trinity metals for positioning itself as a leader in responsible mining and setting an example for other companies in Rwanda.
He called out for the general public, the wider mining community and stakeholders to follow suit and practice responsible mining by doing it in a way that benefits both the economy and the environment, ensuring a future that everyone can be proud of.
Fidele Ruzigandekwe, an expert consultant in environmental impact assessment revealed that water pollution, soil erosion, air and noise pollution are some of the findings that were identified in this particular ESIA.
“Unregulated mining practices lead to significant environmental and social inequalities. Trinity’s forward-thinking approach, coupled with its commitment to sustainable practices, is paving the way for a modern era in Rwandan mining,” he said.
In yet another political divorce in Kenya, Gachagua has gone bare-knuckles on his boss, President William Ruto, accusing him of orchestrating his impeachment. Gachagua has also claimed that the impeachment motion against him was a culmination of persistent persecution and two failed assassination attempts.
In this week’s edition of Perspective, we explore the factors fueling the seemingly irreparably broken relationship between Ruto and Gachagua, and examine the potential options available to Gachagua moving forward.
The biennial summit, running from Monday, October 21, 2024, to Saturday, October 26, 2024, will address critical global issues such as climate change, economic cooperation, and sustainable development while also strengthening diplomatic ties among Commonwealth nations.
A host of world leaders, including President Kagame and Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla, have already arrived in Samoa for the high-level forum.
This is the first CHOGM to be held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State.
As Samoa takes the spotlight, here are key facts that showcase its unique culture, history, and tourism potential:
{{1. Location and Population}}
The Samoa Islands are located in the South Pacific, approximately 15,000 kilometers from Rwanda. The islands are positioned halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. The country has a population of about 220,000 people.
{{2. Twin Islands}}
Samoa is made up of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i, along with several smaller islets. The more populous of the two, Upolu is home to the capital city of Apia and offers a mix of urban and rural experiences. In contrast, Savai’i is known for its rugged landscapes, volcanic peaks, and pristine beaches, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
{{3. Political Entities}}
The Samoa Islands consist of two political entities: the Independent State of Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) and American Samoa, a U.S. territory.
{{4. Independence}}
Samoa was a German colony from 1899 to 1914 and was then administered by New Zealand until achieving independence in 1962. This marked a significant milestone for Samoa, allowing the country to chart its own course.
{{5. Date Line Shift}}
In 2011, Samoa shifted its position across the International Date Line, skipping an entire day to better align with its primary trading partners, New Zealand and Australia. In doing this, the country essentially moved its clocks forward by 25 hours.
{{6. Deepest Ocean Trench}}
The Tonga Trench, the world’s deepest ocean trench, lies just north of Samoa. It reaches a depth of over 10,000 meters (33,000 feet), making it the deepest point in the ocean. This trench is crucial for scientific research, providing insights into the Earth’s geological processes and marine life.
{{7. Mataafa Island}}
Samoa’s Mataafa Island is a popular tourist destination known for its pristine beaches, snorkeling, and cultural experiences. The stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Visitors can experience traditional Samoan culture, including village visits, fire-walking ceremonies, and kava ceremonies.
{{8. Traditional Tattooing (Tatau)}}
Samoa is famous for its traditional tattooing practice, known as “tatau,” which involves intricate patterns carved into the skin. The tattooing process is time-consuming and often takes multiple days to complete.
Tatau is more than just body art; it holds deep cultural significance, representing a person’s lineage, status, and personal journey.
{{9. Rugby Powerhouse}}
Samoa has consistently performed well in international rugby competitions, earning a reputation as a formidable team. In rugby sevens, Samoa has achieved notable success, including winning the World Rugby Sevens Series in 2009-2010 and competing regularly in the Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games.
Samoan players are known for their physicality, speed, and flair, making the country a respected force in the sport.
{{10. Language Diversity}}
In Samoa, the Samoan language is divided into two primary dialects: High Samoan (T-Style) and Low Samoan (K-Style). Both dialects share a common linguistic foundation but differ in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar.
High Samoan is typically used in formal settings such as religious ceremonies, speeches, or official texts, while Low Samoan is more common in everyday conversation. The choice between these dialects may also vary regionally, with some areas favouring one over the other based on cultural and contextual factors.
{{11. Polynesian Culture}}
Samoa is often referred to as the “cradle of Polynesia,” with a rich cultural heritage known as “fa’a Samoa” that emphasizes community, family, and respect for elders.
{{12. Religion}}
Samoa is a highly religious country, with over 98% of the population identifying as Christian. Attending church is a vital part of Samoan life.
{{13. Robert Louis Stevenson}}
The famous Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson spent his final years in Samoa. His residence, Villa Vailima, is now a museum and a major tourist attraction.
{{14. Fa’afafine Tradition}}
Samoa recognizes a third gender known as “fa’afafine,” a respected identity that blends both male and female traits, playing an important role in Samoan culture.
{{15. Currency}}
Samoa’s currency is the Samoan tālā (WST), while American Samoa uses the US dollar (USD).
{{16. Fale}}
Fales are traditional Samoan homes characterized by their open-sided structures and thatched roofs, creating a cool and airy living environment. Beyond being residences, fales also serve as important community gathering places where people come together to socialize, share stories, and perform traditional dances, fostering a strong sense of community and cultural heritage.
{{17. Kava Ceremony}}
Kava is a traditional drink made from the roots of the kava plant, which are chewed and mixed with water to produce a frothy beverage.
The kava ceremony holds great significance in Samoan culture, serving as a social and ceremonial event that welcomes guests, resolves disputes, and celebrates special occasions, reinforcing community bonds and cultural traditions.
{{18. Samoan Fruit Bat (National Animal)}}
The Samoan fruit bat, known locally as pe’a, is the national animal of Samoa and is classified as an endangered species. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and dispersing seeds.
Culturally, the fruit bat holds significant importance in Samoan society, making its protection a priority for conservation efforts. The preservation of this species reflects the broader commitment to safeguarding the unique biodiversity of Samoa.
{{19. National Park of American Samoa}}
The National Park of American Samoa is the only U.S. national park located south of the equator. It features coral reefs, rainforests, and volcanic peaks, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
{{20. Climate}}
Samoa enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season runs from May to October, which is an ideal time for tourism. Cyclones can occur between November and April.
Samoa’s blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and modern conveniences makes it an exciting destination for CHOGM 2024 attendees and tourists alike. With its relaxed island lifestyle and deep-rooted traditions, Samoa promises to offer an unforgettable experience.
According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, this funding will support efforts to end the outbreak in collaboration with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health.
“The funds will address the remaining needs in Rwanda’s national MVD response that include case management, contact tracing, and infection prevention and control,” the statement reads.
The U.S. has praised Rwanda’s swift response in implementing effective measures to protect its citizens’ health and expressed hope that the additional funding will further strengthen Rwanda’s disease preparedness, response, and advance the global health security agenda.
Since the start of the outbreak, the U.S. has committed over $8.35 million in emergency funding, donated nearly 2,000 testing kits, provided essential medical supplies to frontline workers, and sent U.S. medical experts to assist with disease detection and surveillance.
In early October, the U.S. government delivered an initial shipment of vaccine doses and therapeutic drugs for Marburg disease to Rwanda, in a joint effort to contain the outbreak.
Rwanda’s response to the Marburg outbreak has been recognized by key institutions, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in their official statements.
Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024. So far, the country has reported 62 cases, 46 recoveries, and 15 deaths from 4,924 tests conducted.
To contain the outbreak, Rwanda recently launched vaccination efforts for frontline health workers and initiated clinical trials for Marburg treatment.
The Marburg virus, which causes hemorrhagic fever, is believed to originate from fruit bats and spreads through close contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, rash, chest pain, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding.
Health experts advise strict hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with personal items or bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals, to prevent infection.
The Ministry of Environment said in a statement on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, that the funding was approved during the 40th Board Meeting of the GCF, held in South Korea.
The ministry affirmed that the Green City project, which is being implemented by the Rwanda Green Fund , will serve as a model for sustainable urbanization, showcasing climate-resilient, low-emission infrastructure development.
Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, said the project aims to address challenges emerging from the city’s rapid urbanization, with a focus on upgrading informal settlements through innovative, sustainable, and climate-resilient solutions. These solutions will help mitigate climate-related risks such as floods and landslides.
“This agreement underscores the strength of our partnership at a critical time when the effects of climate change are increasingly evident. These impacts not only threaten the country’s economy but also pose serious risks to the lives of our people. The Green City Kigali Project represents a proactive step towards creating a sustainable and resilient urban environment, aiming to mitigate these challenges and promote a better quality of life for all Rwandans,” said Dr. Uwamariya.
The GCF funding will support the Ngaruyinka Project, which forms part of a larger 600-hectare urban transformation plan. This initiative includes several key components, starting with green infrastructure investments aimed at developing resilient systems for stormwater management, ensuring water security, incorporating renewable energy, and enhancing waste management within Ngaruyinka Village.
Another essential element is capacity building and skill development, with the establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center. This center will focus on nurturing green construction skills and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Additionally, the project emphasizes the scaling-up and replication of best practices throughout Rwanda, achieved through training programs designed for professionals in green construction and urban development.
Henry Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer of the Green Climate Fund, stated that the project not only introduces a new model for urban development in Rwanda but also has the potential to serve as a blueprint for other cities in Africa and globally, enabling them to plan resilient and sustainable urban growth in response to a changing climate.
“GCF will look to replicate this approach in other countries, drawing on the lessons from Kigali,” said Gonzalez.
The project will be implemented over the next five years, positioning Kigali as a model for sustainable, climate-resilient urban development in the region.
“The GCF board’s decision to support this project is a significant boost to our vision for sustainable urban development. By integrating green technologies and improving settlements in a challenging environment, this initiative complements the broader Green City Kigali program, addressing climate challenges and promoting long-term resilience,” said Teddy Mugabo, CEO of the Rwanda Green Fund.
GCF is a global initiative established to help developing countries combat climate change by funding projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate resilience. The fund was launched in 2010 as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
