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A statement issued by RDF confirms that President Paul Kagame, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Rwandan Defence Force, approved the retirement of General Kazura, along with four Brigadier Generals including; John Bagabo, John Bosco Rutikanga, Johnson Hodari, and Firmin Bayingana.

In addition, President Kagame also approved the retirement of 170 senior officers and 992 soldiers of various ranks.

General Kazura has held key leadership roles within the Rwandan Defense Force for many years, including his tenure as Chief of Defense Staff from November 2019 to June 2023.

He has also served in several other significant positions, such as the Commandant of Nyakinama Military Academy, Military Advisor to the President, Deputy Commander of the African Union forces in Darfur, Sudan, and Commander of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

Brig Gen John Bagabo, known for his extensive work in military justice, recently served as the President of the Military High Court and was a Commissioner in the Demobilization and Reintegration Commission.

Brig Gen John Bosco Rutikanga once served as the RDF Division Commander in the Northern Province and as the Commander of the 204th Brigade. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 2018.

Meanwhile, Brig General Johnson Hodari, once served as military commander in the districts of Bugesera, Ngoma, and Kirehe, and later led the 305th Brigade in Musanze and part of Burera districts.

Brig Gen Firmin Bayingana is also recognized for his leadership role in APR FC.

During the send-off ceremony held on Friday, Defense Minister Juvenal Marizamunda expressed gratitude to the retiring Generals and Senior Officers for their contributions from the period of the liberation struggle, stopping the Genocide against the Tutsi and to the current development programme.

“I encourage you to uphold the same dedication you have shown throughout the years. The young RDF soldiers have gained valuable insights from your example, and I am confident that you will continue to contribute to the protection of our country,” said Marizamunda.

In his remarks, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, emphasised that this is a unique milestone, marking the culmination of long and distinguished military careers, reflecting the highest credit upon the retiring military personnel.

“Behind each of our historical successes have been your sacrifices, dedication, and commitment to accomplishing the mission of defending our country. You have served our nation with distinction and honour, and you can be proud of your contributions to current peace and security. You have left behind a tremendous legacy, not just in the accomplishment of your duties but in strengthening the respected institution of the RDF,” said Gen Mubarakh.

Brig Gen John Bagabo, speaking on behalf of the retirees, expressed gratitude to President Paul Kagame and the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF for his leadership and guidance over the years, noting that during the struggle to liberate the country, the President emphasised the importance of good conduct to benefit the nation and distinguish themselves from their adversaries.

“These principles have remained with us and continue to guide our actions. As we move into the Reserve Force, we take great pride in bidding farewell with honour.

“We ask our leaders present today to relay our message to the Commander-in-Chief, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to serve and protect the accomplishments we have fought for over the years. We stand ready to support the RDF active force in our future deployments,” said Brig Gen Bagabo.

The retirees were awarded certificates in recognition of their service to the Rwanda Defence Force.

The development was disclosed during a press briefing held on August 30, 2024.

NEC’s Executive Secretary, Charles Munyaneza, said that the Commission received 41 candidacies in accordance with legal provisions, but the Supreme Court approved only 32.

Munyaneza explained the reasons considered by the Supreme Court to reject some candidacies include failure to meet the necessary qualifications, such as lacking relevant work experience or not meeting the minimum age requirement of 40 years.

Additionally, some candidates lacked the required documents, and those from universities and higher learning institutions did not meet stipulated requirements.

This will be the fourth senatorial election since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with previous elections held in 2003, 2011, and 2019. This marks the second time senators will be elected for a five-year term, different from the previous eight-year terms.

NEC’s Chairperson, Oda Gasinzigwa, mentioned that the campaigning process for the approved candidates is progressing smoothly.

She emphasized that the elected senators will serve a five-year term, subject to renewal, and the law stipulates that the elections must be held at least 30 days before the end of the current senators’ term.

Rwanda’s senate consists of 26 senators, including eight appointed by the sitting President, four appointed by the Consultative Forum of Political Organizations, and elected senators through Electoral Colleges.

The upcoming elections in September 2024 will be for 12 senators elected according to the country’s Constitution, two senators elected respectively from lecturers and researchers from the public and private universities.

Both mosques are central to the religious life of Muslims in Kigali—Masjid Alfatah located in Biryogo, adjacent to Onatracom head office, and the Madina Mosque in the city center.

Preparations regarding the renovation project began before the COVID-19 pandemic, involving the Rwanda Muslim Community (RMC) and the Saudi Arabian government, which was expected to fund the initiative.

The plans for Masjid Alfatah included expanding its capacity from 500 to over 2,500 worshippers and adding a commercial facility to generate revenue.

The Madina Mosque was expected to undergo an extensive overhaul, with a new structure with over 10 floors, where the ground floor would serve as the mosque and the upper floors would be used for commercial activities. The total cost was estimated at Rwf8 billion for the Madina Mosque and Rwf6.5 billion for Masjid Alfatah.

In an interview with IGIHE, the Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya, explained that the project was to be implemented through cooperation with the Saudi Arabian government, which had also funded the original construction of Masjid Alfatah in 1974.

“This mosque at Onatracom was built 50 years ago in 1974 by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At the time, the King of Saudi Arabia visited Kampala, and Muslims from Rwanda went there to welcome him. They presented a request to build a mosque which he welcomed and funded the project,” Sheikh Sindayigaya noted.

“Given this historical connection, the leadership of the Muslim community in Rwanda reminded them about the mosque they had helped us build, which has now aged and needs renovation. They agreed to assist with this mosque as well as the one in the city center.”

Sheikh Sindayigaya mentioned that representatives from Saudi Arabia visited Rwanda to discuss the implementation of this project with the leadership of the Muslim community in Rwanda.

“A delegation comprising officials from various ministries convened: they included the Finance Ministry and that in charge of Religious Affairs who contacted us through our very own Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Sindayigaya explained.

He said that they met with the former Mufti, Sheikh Salim Hitimana, who then presented the projects, which they had already received in writing and got them approved.

According to him, a site visit was then conducted and appreciated, leaving them with a solid hope that the project would be implemented.

However, as preparations to implement the project proceeded the COVID-19 pandemic struck, delaying the planned activities.

“They later informed us to start preparing, as the funding agreements would be signed soon. We started gathering the necessary documents, but then COVID-19 hit, leading to an economic downturn in many countries, and after the pandemic, some countries became more focused on their own issues,” Sindayigaya explained.

He however revealed that the new leadership of the Rwanda Muslim Community has resumed discussions, and expressed hope that the project will be revived, with the support of the Rwandan government.

Major General Nzaramba was dismissed for corruption and the misappropriation of funds designated for soldiers’ welfare during his time as Commandant of the Basic Military Training Centre in Nasho.

Similarly, Colonel Dr. Etienne Uwimana was removed for gross misconduct and violating the core ethics and values of the RDF.

Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, the RDF spokesperson, underscored the gravity of these offenses, stating, “The RDF has zero tolerance for corruption, gross indiscipline, and misconduct. These dismissals reflect our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards within our ranks.”

Joining the celebration was Professor Lin Zhanxi. Since the 1980s, the octogenarian scientist has led a research team on Juncao technology in China’s southeastern Fujian Province. The hybrid grass technology enables fungi to grow on grass-based substrates instead of felled trees, a solution to the mushroom industry’s threat to forests.

The plant’s name means “mushroom” and “grass” in Chinese. Its versatility is a key feature, allowing it to grow edible mushrooms, provide livestock feed and help battle desertification.

Thanks to the active and visionary promotion by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Juncao is thriving in and beyond China, improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable development in developing nations across the Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America.

{{A way out of poverty}}

Before known as “the father of Juncao,” Lin grew up in the impoverished rural mountains of Fujian. His personal experiences with poverty profoundly shaped his commitment to Juncao technology.

After decades of work, Lin and his team succeeded in selecting and breeding a type of high-yield, drought and salinity-resistant herbaceous plant that can be used as a substitute for wood to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms.

At the ninth Aid-for-Trade Global Review Conference held by the WTO in Geneva in June, Lin reflected on how Juncao technology began its global journey. It was back in 1992 when Lin first presented Juncao to widespread acclaim at an international exhibition on inventions, also in Geneva. There in Switzerland, Lin received many calls to learn more about the technology.

Lin recalled how Xi has passionately supported using scientific and technological means to combat poverty.

In 1997, Xi, then deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China Fujian Provincial Committee, listed Juncao technology as part of the province’s poverty reduction efforts with the northwestern Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Upon receiving the assignment, Lin immediately took his team, as well as grass and fungus seeds, to Xihaigu, a poverty-stricken region in Ningxia.

Today, Juncao technology is used in 31 provinces across China and has significantly contributed to ending poverty and revitalizing rural areas.

With Xi’s support, a pilot project to introduce Juncao technology in Papua New Guinea was launched in 2000, becoming one of the first applications of Juncao technology overseas.

Fuelled by their dedication and pioneering spirit, Lin and other Chinese researchers have since introduced the technology to 106 countries and regions across the globe.

With a mission to end poverty around the world, Chinese scientists have applied Juncao technology to some challenging environments. In Papua New Guinea’s Eastern Highlands, they witnessed tribes still practicing slash-and-burn agriculture. In Rwanda, families without access to cattle or tractors labored in muddy fields using only hoes. In the Central African Republic, they observed the devastating impact of post-conflict famine.

Throughout these years, Lin has faced gunpoint robberies, malaria, altitude sickness and long periods in remote outposts without electricity or water. Witnessing extreme poverty in developing countries further strengthened Lin’s commitment to Juncao.

“We go to the poorest places with a genuine intent to help the people,” Lin stated.

{{A plant of prosperity}}

Agnes Ayinkamiye is the first coordinator of the Juncao project in Rwanda.

“One of the things that made me especially happy was how we helped people. The project was well-received, and we trained many people, particularly women’s cooperatives and youth groups,” she said. “I enjoyed my work immensely and was thrilled to collaborate with experts.”

“People can earn money through Juncao technology, and it’s become quite popular,” Ayinkamiye added.

Lin noted that around 4,000 Rwandan households have benefited from the technology, with some experiencing their incomes double or even triple over the years.

“Juncao technology is affordable … This technology is applied in such a way that makes it affordable for people at a very local level, which I believe is the key benefit,” said Earle Courtenay Rattray, chef de cabinet to the United Nations Secretary-General.

Seruwaia Kabukabu, an entrepreneur in Serea Village of Fiji’s Naitasiri Province, is one of the women trained at the Juncao demonstration center in Nadi, Fiji’s third-largest city.

“After the training, every one of us received mushroom substrate bags for free from the center. Under the guidance of technical experts, we began to harvest and sell mushrooms within 7-10 days, earning money for our family,” Kabukabu said.

The income from the Juncao project allowed her to improve her family’s living standards by purchasing essential appliances, building a concrete toilet and bathroom, and even contributing to a clean water project in her community.

“Fiji faces numerous problems ranging from geographical isolation, susceptibility to natural disasters due to climate change that hinders agricultural, and sustainable development and food security,” Kabukabu said.

Over the past decade, over 2,400 people in Fiji have received training on Juncao technology, with the Juncao cultivation area in Fiji exceeding 2,000 hectares.

“Simple to learn and effective to implement,” said Lin, emphasizing that Juncao technology should lower its technical application threshold abroad “so that even the poorest farmers can get involved.”

To date, nearly 350 international workshops have trained over 14,000 people in Juncao technology, with introductory papers now available in 18 languages for global use.

{{Never-ending expriment }}

Apart from cultivating mushrooms, Juncao technology has continued to innovate, expanding its production to include feed and fertilizer.

Since using Juncao as fodder, Tahiya Massawe, a farmer in Bumbwi Sudi, Tanzania, has observed improved milk density and nutrition and increased milk production.

“It has also saved money for me,” she told Xinhua, “because the budget I previously spent on other feed is now saved by using this grass.”

Farmers multiply Juncao and use it on their farms. Many testimonials show that farmers have accepted the technology simply because the feeds are rich, said Makame Kitwana, director of Planning, Policy and Research at Tanzania’s agriculture ministry.

“In a number of ways, scientifically, it has (been proven) that the protein content, as well as carbon content, is high, making cattle more satisfied when consuming Juncao grass compared to other grasses,” he said.

Juncao can also help with ecological management.

Soil erosion has been a serious problem in countries such as Rwanda. Rwandan officials used to worry that if the soil problem could not be resolved, Rwanda would have no land to cultivate. Lin always kept their concerns in mind.

He still remembers the experimental data in Rwanda during his visit over a decade ago. On one day the rainfall for two and a half hours reached 51.4 millimeters. All the rain was captured by the giant (Juncao) grass, and it was very effective in water conservation and soil retention.

In February in Fiji, Lin also worked on applying Juncao technology to saline soil management, aiming to seek additional solutions to combat climate change for developing countries, including Pacific island nations.

“The experimental results were very promising,” Lin said. “Juncao is the grass of happiness, a gift from China to all.”