Eid al-Adha, meaning “Feast of the Sacrifice,” is one of the holiest Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year (the other being Eid al-Fitr). It honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience to God’s command.
“Given that the celebration of Eid al Adha will be on Sunday, June 16, 2024, the Ministry of Public Service and Labour wishes to inform employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Monday, June 17, 2024, will be a public holiday to celebrate Eid Al Adha,” the Ministry of Public Service and Labour said in a notice on Wednesday night.
— Ministry of Public Service and Labour | Rwanda (@RwandaLabour) June 12, 2024
Before Abraham sacrificed his son, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. In commemoration of this, an animal (usually a camel, goat, sheep, or ram depending on the region) is sacrificed and divided into three parts: one-third for the poor and needy, another third for relatives, friends and neighbours, and the remaining third is retained by the family.
In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. In the international (Gregorian) calendar, the dates vary from year to year, shifting approximately 11 days earlier each year.
Meanwhile, Dr. Biruta has been reassigned as the Minister of Interior (MININTER), replacing Alfred Gasana designated as Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands to replace Amb. Nduhungirehe.
These changes were confirmed through a communiqué released by the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, outlining several other key changes in the cabinet made by President Paul Kagame.
Consolee Uwimana has been named the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, succeeding Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, who has been appointed as the Minister of Environment. Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, previously the Minister of Environment, is now the Minister of Public Service and Labor.
Other changes saw Yussuf Murangwa, formerly the Director General of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) appointed as the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning. Ivan Murenzi will take over the leadership of NISR.
In the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), Olivier Kabera has been appointed as the State Secretary while Linda Mutesi, who was the Director General of the Agaciro Development Fund, has been appointed as the Minister of State for Resource Mobilization and State Investments in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN).
According to the communiqué , Aimable Havugiyaremye, who was the Prosecutor General, has been appointed as the Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), replacing Major General Joseph Nzabamwita.
Maj Gen Nzabamwita has been appointed as the Senior Security Advisor in the Office of the President, a position previously held by General (Rtd) James Kabarebe before his nomination as the Minister of State in charge of East African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
At the Prosecution, the president appointed Angelique Habyarimana as Prosecutor General, replacing Havugiyaremye. Habyarimana has been serving as the National Prosecutor.
At Rwanda Revenue Authority, President Kagame named Ronald Niwenshuti as the Commissioner General, replacing Pascal Ruganintwari while Dr. Innocente Murasi will deputize him.
In the City of Kigali, Fulgence Dusabimana has been appointed as the Vice Mayor in charge of Infrastructure and a member of the City Council.
Built in 1272 and reborn from the ravages of two devastating fires, these iconic structures were more than architectural wonders; they were the very heartbeat of the capital during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties (1271-1911), regulating the rhythm of daily life for centuries.
Originally, the bell and drum were not intended for timekeeping. These instruments served as musical accompaniments, echoing the melodies of ancient China. However, as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220), their role evolved into something far more essential. The phrase “a morning bell and a dusk drum” became ingrained in the cultural lexicon, signifying their importance in helping people navigate the passage of time.
In ancient times, telling the time by them played an important role in helping Chinese people live and work regularly when there was no other means to keep track of the time.
As a result, these towers became public architectural landmarks and were widely constructed in almost every city throughout the country since the Han Dynasty.
Thus, the towers that housed these instruments became integral public structures, their unique fore-and-aft alignment in Beijing setting them apart from the traditional side-by-side arrangement found elsewhere.
The Bell Tower, a striking brick and stone edifice, commands attention with its two floors, each adorned with arched doors on all four sides. Visitors ascend via stone stairs to the second floor, where stone windows offer glimpses of the city’s expanse.
Here, the largest and heaviest bell in China resides, a colossal copper creation standing 23 feet (7.02 meters) tall and weighing 63 tons. Its resonant, clear sound, produced by two 2-yard-long (2 meters) wooden logs, once echoed across Beijing, marking the hours with a timeless clarity.
South of the Bell Tower, 110 yards (91 meters) away, stands the Drum Tower, perched on a 13-foot-high (4 meters) stone and brick base. Slightly shorter than its counterpart at 153 feet (46.7 meters), it nonetheless exudes a commanding presence. The Drum Tower’s first floor now houses the China Committee for the Promotion of Minority Art, while the second floor serves as an exhibition area.
Historically, this tower contained one large drum and 24 smaller ones; today, only the large drum remains. The intricate rhythm of 108 tolls—three rounds of 18 quick beats followed by 18 slow beats—symbolized a year in ancient times, marking time with a profound significance.
The practice of using the bell and drum for timekeeping ceased after Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, left the Forbidden City. Yet, in a poignant revival of tradition, the bell’s melodious chime returned on New Year’s Eve in 1990, followed by the drum’s resonant beat on New Year’s Eve in 2001. Since January 1, 2002, the drum has been struck four times daily, each session lasting 15 minutes. On every New Year’s Eve, both the bell and drum are struck 108 times, sending a blessing to the people of Beijing and connecting the modern city with its ancient roots.
Throughout their storied history, the Bell and Drum Towers have witnessed the ebb and flow of Beijing’s fortunes. During the Yuan Dynasty, they stood behind the imperial palace, overlooking a bustling downtown district. By the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the area in front of the Drum Tower had become Beijing’s busiest shopping street. During the Republican Period, the space between the towers teemed with impoverished individuals, handicraft merchants, and snack vendors, creating a vibrant marketplace that drew people from all walks of life.
Today, despite being dwarfed by Beijing’s modern skyscrapers, the Bell and Drum Towers remain the tallest structures in their vicinity, offering breathtaking views of the city’s traditional hutong neighborhoods. The Bell Tower’s 360-degree panoramic view captivates visitors, while the Drum Tower features hourly drum performances that enthrall with their rhythmic precision. However, the ascent to these vantage points requires climbing about 70 steep steps, a challenge not recommended for those with mobility issues.
Between the towers lies a small square, a gathering place where local elders and children from the surrounding hutongs come together, especially in the evenings. Here, amidst the echoes of history, visitors can immerse themselves in the charming local atmosphere, often visiting the towers before or after exploring the narrow alleyways of the hutongs.
This statement was released on June 11, 2024 by the government spokesperson, accusing the UNHCR of fabricating allegations presented to the United Kingdom (UK)’s courts and undermining Rwanda’s longstanding policy of providing refuge to those in need.
The UNHCR has claimed that Rwanda abuses the rights of asylum seekers and that they have no freedom while in the country. However, Rwanda asserts that it is not clear how the UNHCR files false accusations while continuing to work with Rwanda to host asylum seekers from Africa.
“UNHCR is lying. The organization seems intent on presenting fabricated allegations to U.K. courts about Rwanda’s treatment of asylum seekers, while still partnering with us to bring African migrants from Libya to safety in Rwanda through the Emergency Transit Mechanism,” the spokesperson said.
Rwanda highlighted a specific case involving a man who was denied asylum in the Seychelles. Later, the UNHCR in South Africa unilaterally decided he should be given asylum in Rwanda without involving the Rwandan government. The UNHCR often uses such cases to justify their claims.
This incident is part of what the Rwandan government describes as a series of unfounded allegations. Another example provided was a claim that Rwanda denied asylum to a group of Burundians.
“These individuals never claimed asylum but instead were found to have breached Rwandan immigration laws. This is made all the more ridiculous when you consider the fact that Rwanda currently provides refuge to tens of thousands of our Burundian neighbours who have sought safety in our country,” the spokesperson said.
Additional false allegations, according to the spokesperson, involve people with legal status in other countries arriving in Rwanda without meeting entry requirements or claiming asylum and individuals leaving Rwanda voluntarily.
“Again, these are not examples of refoulement. As we have said time and again, Rwanda does not refoule asylum seekers,” the statement reiterated.
The Rwandan government expressed frustration over the UNHCR’s actions, especially given Rwanda’s binding agreements with the U.K. to process migrants and asylum seekers.
“Rwanda has entered into binding agreements with the U.K. to process migrants and asylum seekers, building upon our already proven record of providing safety to those fleeing conflict,” the spokesperson noted.
Reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to its international obligations, the spokesperson concluded, “Rwanda remains committed to upholding all of our obligations as signatories to the refugee convention. We will continue to provide safety and opportunity to those fleeing conflict, as we have done for the last thirty years.”
The competition took place on June 9, 2024, at the University of Rwanda’s Remera Campus. It is organized by the Confucius Institute, which has a branch at UR, and is attended by university students, primary school students, and secondary school students.
The competitors are students who study Chinese alongside their regular courses, but they must first pass a written exam.
They demonstrate their knowledge of the Chinese language and culture through songs, dances, drama, speeches, poems, and various other performances.
Niyongabo Viateur, who outshined all other university competitors, told IGIHE that this is a significant achievement in his life and that he prepared for it.
He said, “I am extremely happy because learning the Chinese language is not easy. I have participated in previous years and did not come first, but today it has happened.”
He continued, “Representing the country in China will give me the opportunity to meet other people in China, and I am confident that I will perform well in the next round of competitions there. The certificate they will give me is highly valuable in the job market because, here in Rwanda, Chinese companies need translators, and when you have it, they do not hesitate to give you a job.”
The first-place winner in the university category receives various prizes, including a computer, a trip to China, and other items.
They also have the opportunity to apply for a third-level university scholarship to study Chinese and receive an international certificate.
For primary and secondary school students, the first-place winner is awarded the chance to participate in another round of competitions in China, a tour of the country, and other items.
The Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun, said that the Chinese language is rising globally and that Rwandan students who have studied it have played a role in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
He said, “Many Rwandans, especially the youth, have joined the large community of Chinese language learners. Together with this large community, they understand Chinese culture, and this has helped to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between China and Rwanda.”
“Chinese is a beautiful language, and lea’rning it is a great journey to understand cultural differences and enjoy sharing them from both sides.”
Ambassador Xuekun also said that in the past 15 years, over 40,000 Rwandan students have benefited from learning Chinese and that currently, the Chinese education program is taught in over 190 countries worldwide.
In this 19th edition of the Kigali International Peace Marathon, Carcarbaba was a sponsor, with its vehicles responsible for leading the athletes along the route and showing them the time they had spent.
In 2022, there were T5 EVO petrol cars, in 2023 there were T5 EVO Hybrid 2023 cars using both electricity and petrol, but this time Carcarbaba showcased “Dongfeng Forthing Friday ” vehicles that use only electricity.
All these vehicles are made by Dongfeng LIUZHOU Motor Corporation Ltd, a Chinese state-owned company and one of the leading ones.
The ambassador of Carcarbaba Ltd, Kalimpinya Queen, who was driving the car leading the runners, said that this car came as an environmental solution because it does not pollute the air.
She said, “This car is one of the best modern cars here in Rwanda and it aligns well with the government’s goals because it does not harm the environment. We have a large number of these cars, and the first buyers have already started purchasing them. We also have Hybrid ones. As someone who usually engages in motorsport, I like these cars because they perform well and are fast.”
“Dongfeng Forthing Friday” has the capacity to travel 410 kilometers when fully charged. It takes six hours to charge it fully at home, while at a regular station it can be charged in 45 minutes.
Carcarbaba started importing vehicles made by these manufacturers at the end of 2021, including those suitable for the Rwandan market, which have become popular because they are new and reasonably priced.
Kalimpinya mentioned that Carcarbaba tested how these vehicles perform on Rwandan roads and found that they work well.
How can someone who bought a Carcarbaba vehicle get help if they encounter a problem?
Regarding how someone with a Carcarbaba vehicle can get assistance in case of a problem, the company has trained staff and its own garage.
They have engineers sent by the manufacturer who make these vehicles, plenty of spare parts, and they offer a warranty that gives the customer confidence in the vehicle.
The warranty is three years for the car and five years for its battery.
Carcarbaba is located on ‘Poids Lourds’ road, next to Sawa Citi, on the road to Kanogo, and is open every day including weekends.
It is easy to visit anytime or call 6699/ 0788708280.
It takes no more than five minutes by car or motorcycle from Musanze City to reach the state-of-the-art craft center built for artisans who previously operated near the city’s bus station.
This craft center, which accommodates over 700 people, mainly carpenters, is one of the projects funded by the Belgian Development Agency, Enabel. The center is modernly constructed, with separate sections for carpenters, metalworkers, and display and sales areas.
The Director of the Musanze Craft Center, Ndayambaje Deogratias, told IGIHE that their operations changed from January 15, 2022, when they moved to a spacious, beautiful location where they can also benefit from collective learning.
He said, “Comparing where we used to work and where we are today, there is a vast difference in size and appearance. Engaging in craftsmanship involves continuous learning, observing the innovations of others, and trying to create new things in your work. This is different from our previous situation where we were very few, as craftsmen were scattered all over Musanze City.”
Nyirasafari Sawiya, who sells timber at the craft center, entered the business after realizing that selling clothes had become overly common. She decided to venture into the craft center.
She told IGIHE that she sells no fewer than two thousand pieces of timber per month, each priced between 2500 and 3500 Frw.
She said, “Many things we need come from timber, and there is never a time when it’s not needed. This is the central point for all timber, making it quicker to access than in the city, which was congested. Today, this place is spacious and accommodates many people from nearly all the sectors of the district.”
The craft center also serves as a training ground for the youth, enabling them to develop skills for self-improvement through various crafts and trades.
On the other hand, another group of young people gathers in the Muhoza Sector at the Youth Center, also built with Enabel’s support, where they gain knowledge and skills in technology, entrepreneurship, and job hunting.
Mwamarakiza Martin, who now provides technology services in Musanze City, told IGIHE that the knowledge he gained from the youth center in the district enabled him to become an entrepreneur and employ his peers.
He said, “I had just left school in Butare and felt like a student who hadn’t reached the level of doing things to sell. But here, they were a good example of how I could start my own project, how to procure things and sell them, especially as technology involves mostly using your brain and buying a few tools to achieve what you want.”
The Mayor of Musanze District, Nsengimana Claudien, told IGIHE that the projects developed in partnership with Enabel are helping residents, particularly the youth, to conduct research and advance themselves.
He said, “They helped us build the youth center where they gather and the equipment within that building, enabling them to conduct research and enhance their knowledge because it is a center equipped with modern technology and tools. It helps the youth in conducting research, such as farmers finding modern farming methods, students enhancing their education quality, and various groups benefiting from the center.”
Mayor Nsengimana stated that the Musanze Craft Center plays a role in boosting the economy of the residents as it accommodates over 700 workers.
“Their families are sustained because of the income generated from the work they do there, and it continues to help various people create jobs.”
The Youth Center cost 1.7 billion Frw to build, while the craft center cost 1.5 billion Frw.
Currently, the Musanze Youth Center receives around 600 visitors seeking job opportunities and entrepreneurship training, 700 monthly visitors seeking reproductive health services, 500 monthly visitors using computers, and approximately 9,000 participants in sports and recreational activities.
The officers, who constitute Rwanda Formed Police Unit One rotation 10 (RWFPU1-10) under the command of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Nelson Bugingo will replace the same number in Malakal, Upper Nile State.
“The responsibility you have as police officers, who are going to represent Rwanda in the United Nations mission, is to always be ready to execute tasks assigned to you with enthusiasm and professionalism to make your country proud,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
He reminded them to always be where they are needed in the right time with the required tools. He added that the duties they are deployed to do will benefit them, their country, the people of South Sudan and the international community.
“You are going to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security; do it with pride which will also be a pride to your country,” the Police Chief said.
Teamwork, respect, discipline, handling contingent owned equipment well, working in unison with other peacekeepers, he said, are ingredients to a successful tour-of-duty.
Rwanda started deploying FPU contingents to the UN mission in South Sudan in 2015, and currently, it maintains two contingents there. Rwanda FPU3 of 160 officers, majority female, operate in the capital Juba.
Rwanda maintains six Police contingents both in South Sudan and Central African Republic (CAR) of more than 1000 officers.
The youths mostly comprise students from secondary schools in Rubavu District and members of youth peace groups from Uganda and the the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their goal is to educate their peers back home.
Speaking to the young people on Friday, Eric Mahoro, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, urged them not to remain passive in the face of those who continue to deny and spread genocide ideology.
He stated, “We ask the youth two things: not to be misled by those who continue to spread genocide ideology, especially among the youth living near the borders. They should stand firm on the truth about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi because when we tell them this, we want them to find the strength within themselves so that deniers do not mislead them.”
“Secondly, we ask them to preserve the achievements because many did not experience these historical events first hand. However, we explain to them that the unity of Rwandans is what has led us to the development we see today. Their daily choices should support and safeguard these achievements, without taking any steps backward.”
Brother Vital Binguyeneze, the Director of Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle, who organized the discussions, emphasized that this initiative brings youths together to learn history and build peace.
Given that genocide ideology is gaining traction in the Great Lakes Region, he urged the youth to be catalysts for peace.
He said, “We want this youth to be catalysts for peace in this region and convey this message to their peers who couldn’t be here, ensuring our country continues to be a beacon of peace in this region and globally.”
Some international youth participants expressed that the fight against genocide ideology should not be the responsibility of Rwandans alone, as its negative impacts are felt worldwide. Therefore, as young people, they must collaborate with others to combat it.
Noerine Muhindo Basa from Kasese, Uganda, remarked, “We learned about the history and consequences of the Genocide against the Tutsi. As young people, our contribution to preventing genocide ideology is to educate the public and share accurate information to prevent propaganda from taking hold and leading to violence.”
Elie Syauswa from Goma, DRC, added, “We must strive for unity because it is the lack of unity that led people to kill others. It is not a virtue for one person to kill another, as God asks us to help one another. We must do good things that promote the well-being of the community.”
The youth attending this five-day camp were taught about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the eradication of genocide ideology, and the importance of contributing to the preservation of the progress achieved.
These new routes will be operated by the airline’s dedicated freighter, the Boeing 738SF, and mark a significant milestone in the expansion of RwandAir’s cargo network.
With these additions, RwandAir’s cargo destinations will increase to seven, further supporting its growth strategy across Africa and the Middle East.
The airline aims to provide efficient and reliable connections for businesses and boost trade opportunities between Rwanda, the UAE, Djibouti, and the rest of the continent.
Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, emphasized the importance of these new routes:
“The added destinations will support efficient and reliable connections for business and provide significant opportunities for enhanced trade between Rwanda, the UAE, Djibouti, and the rest of the continent. As a landlocked nation, we recognize the importance of air freight in Rwanda’s economic growth across Africa and beyond. Our geographic location at the heart of Africa enables us to connect every part of the continent, and we eagerly anticipate expanding this connectivity even further.”
The introduction of services to Dubai World Central Airport (DWC) marks RwandAir’s second cargo destination in the United Arab Emirates, complementing its existing operations in Sharjah. The first flight to Dubai departed from Kigali Monday, June 10, 2024.
Starting June 17, 2024, RwandAir Cargo will also commence dedicated freighter services to Djibouti, with connections via Dubai World Central and Sharjah. These flights will operate twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays, respectively.
Bosco Gakwaya, Director of RwandAir Cargo Services, highlighted the strategic importance of this expansion:
“Our expansion to Dubai and Djibouti strengthens RwandAir Cargo’s role as a key trade facilitator on the African continent and is well aligned with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), transforming Kigali into a regional cargo hub.”
RwandAir plays a crucial role in Rwanda’s economy, facilitating the transportation of fresh produce, medical supplies, and other essential goods. The new destinations will enhance market reach, offering cargo services to a wider range of businesses and consumers, thereby driving the diverse and growing economy of both the country and the continent.
The airline’s continued commitment to expanding its cargo services is set to bolster Rwanda’s economic growth and strengthen its position as a vital logistics hub in Africa.
