After meeting Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) in Cape Town, South Africa, at an event named ‘World Liberty Congress,’ Carine announced that both would join forces as spokespeople for democracy and justice.
She affirmed that the governments of Uganda and Rwanda “collaborate in oppressing and killing citizens.”
She stated, “We are uniting to be voices for democracy and justice, alongside the platform of African democrats. I am pleased to see my brother Bobi Wine here in South Africa.”
Carine began to emerge publicly when Rusesabagina was imprisoned in Rwanda, facing terrorism charges. During that time, she utilized various organizations to request assistance in securing her father’s release.
Over the past couple of years, the company has made strides in innovating and expanding its brand portfolio to meet evolving consumer preferences.
As part of the expansion project, Bralirwa invested over 30 million Euros (40 billion RWF) that included the installation of its inaugurated packaging line. This is in line with the company’s commitment to developing the Rwandan beer market for sustainable growth and proactively investing in digital technology and innovation to improve its operations.
The new production line will also operate with reduced energy and water consumption, contributing to HEINEKEN’s mission to achieve net-zero across all its production sites by 2030.
The event, which was held at the company’s brewery in Rubavu District, was graced by RDB Ag. Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Philip Lucky, Her Excellency the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Ambassador Joan JJ Wiegman, the Mayor of Rubavu District, Mr. Mulindwa Prosper, the Director General of Industrial Promotion and Entrepreneurship Development at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr. Fred Mugabe, as well as representatives from the private sector, distributors, and others.
Speaking at the event, Saada Etienne, Bralirwa’s Managing Director, thanked the Rwandan government for its visionary leadership, transparency, and commitment to promoting sustainable investment.
” For the past 67 years, Bralirwa has continuously invested in innovation and growth with a clear goal – to win the hearts of our customers. This has been made possible by an environment conducive to growth and prosperity, as well as the commitment and dedication of our key stakeholders and employees,” said Etienne Saada, Managing Director of Bralirwa.
RDB Ag. Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Philip Lucky, commended Bralirwa for its continued investment in the country and said that the new production line is a testament to the company’s commitment to its vision, dedication, and continuous investment.
“This brewery expansion is a shining example of the positive impact that strategic investments can have on our economy and society,” said Mr. Philip.
Bralirwa’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident through its ongoing investment initiatives. The leading beverage company has taken a significant step towards its commitment to excellence, quality, and passion for delivering products that its consumers love.
This architectural marvel, inaugurated in 2021 just ahead of the CPC’s 100th anniversary, serves not only as a repository of historical artifacts but also as a “spiritual home” for the Party, paying homage to its storied past and ongoing influence in shaping China’s present and future.
The museum’s design, a visual representation of the Chinese character “gong,” which signifies workers or labor, encapsulates the essence of the CPC’s identity as the vanguard of the working class, the Chinese people, and the nation as a whole.
This symbolic structure, with its traditional colonnade architecture, embodies the principles of Chinese design—upright, foursquare, yet simple and grand. The 28 colonnades flanking its sides represent the 28 years of struggle leading up to the establishment of New China, highlighting the CPC’s enduring commitment to its cause.
Central to the museum’s outdoor display are five significant sculptures featuring different figures, narrating the Party’s century-long quest for the well-being of the Chinese populace and the nation’s rejuvenation, a testament to the CPC’s guiding spirit and the sacrifices made throughout its history.
Situated within the Beijing Olympic Park, the Museum of the Communist Party of China is strategically placed among other national cultural landmarks, creating a cohesive cultural and educational hub. This location not only underscores the museum’s importance but also aligns with the broader vision of promoting a rich cultural atmosphere within the capital.
The museum’s collection is vast and varied, comprising over 4,548 pieces or sets of cultural relics, including 420 original state-level artifacts. These pieces range from personal items of historical figures like Mao Zedong and Karl Marx to symbols of pivotal moments in the Party’s and the nation’s history, such as the first Five-Star Red Flag and artifacts from the Long March.
This collection not only preserves the physical history of the CPC but also offers insights into the ideological and cultural evolution of the Party and its leadership over the decades.
The founding of the CPC, marked by its early struggles against imperialist and feudal forces, is a narrative of resilience and ideological fervor. From the backdrop of the “Century of Humiliation” following the Opium Wars to the transformative movements of the early 20th century, including the May 4th Movement and the eventual establishment of the Party in 1921, the museum meticulously chronicles the conditions and the revolutionary zeal that led to the CPC’s creation.
This period was characterized by a burgeoning desire for national independence, reform, and the adoption of Marxism as a guiding philosophy to address China’s challenges.
The museum also delves into the post-1949 era, showcasing the Party’s efforts to navigate the complexities of governing a new China, from the early days of the People’s Republic through the reform and opening-up policy initiated by Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s, and into the modern era under Xi Jinping’s leadership.
The exhibits detail the CPC’s transformative policies, its struggles and successes, and the continuous endeavor to uplift the Chinese people out of poverty, culminating in the significant milestone of eradicating extreme poverty by 2021.
Moreover, the construction of the museum itself is a narrative of collective effort and visionary leadership. Initiated by the CPC Central Committee under Xi Jinping, the project was a significant undertaking completed after nearly 1,000 days of tireless effort, involving nearly 50,000 people from its groundbreaking ceremony in 2018 to its completion in 2021.
The museum was envisioned as a sacred hall, a beacon of education, and a center for Party history research and publicity, embodying Xi’s vision of it as a spiritual and educational hub for both Party members and the public.
The Museum of the Communist Party of China is more than a collection of artifacts and historical narratives; it is a physical manifestation of the CPC’s journey, ideologies, and contributions to the Chinese nation.
It stands as a testament to the Party’s past, a reflection of its present, and a vision for its future, offering visitors a comprehensive insight into the heart and soul of the CPC. As such, it not only educates and inspires but also serves as a bridge connecting the past with the future, ensuring that the lessons and legacy of the CPC’s hundred-year history continue to resonate with generations to come.
The three envoys, Janet Mwawasi Oben, Nermine Mohamed Essam Eldin Elshaffie El Zawahry, and Julie Crowley, held a meeting with President Kagame at his Office in Village Urugwiro on Tuesday afternoon.
Addressing members of the press at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) after the presentation, the ambassadors expressed their unequivocal commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between their respective nations and Kigali.
The Kenyan High Commissioner noted that Kenya and Rwanda have continued to enjoy cordial and fraternal relations dating back to 1965, which began with the opening of a diplomatic mission by Kenya in 1986.
She emphasized Kenya’s aim to retain its position as one of Rwanda’s top three trade partners.
Notably, Kenya exports foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceutical products, cement, iron, and skin products to Rwanda, while Rwanda exports coffee, tea, horticultural foods, and raw hides and skins to Kenya.
Kenya is also the main route for Rwanda’s exports and imports through the Port of Mombasa.
“The trade volumes in recent years have risen, and I look forward to engaging the Rwandan authorities to build on this good relationship built over the years for the exchange of goods and services,” Ms. Oben stated.
The High Commissioner committed to following up on the existing cooperation agreements between Kenya and Rwanda, including 10 agreements signed during President William Ruto’s state visit to Rwanda in April last year.
The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aim to enhance cooperation in several areas, including education, ICT, health, gender and child development, youth and capacity development for the public service, as well as correctional services.
“I commit to following up on the implementation of the existing agreements to ensure they expand and give rise to new opportunities to boost our bilateral relations,” she added.
She also pledged Kenya’s commitment to partnering with Rwanda to promote peace and security in the region.
On the other hand, the Egyptian Ambassador to Rwanda affirmed the political goodwill on Egypt’s side to engage and enhance bilateral relations in different sectors, including political, economic, health, security, and military.
The Canadian High Commissioner to Rwanda, on her part, said she looks forward to strengthening the good commercial relations between the two countries, even as she praised the secure business environment.
“It will be easy for me to do so considering how already well-established these relations are… We have a large Rwandan diaspora in Canada that we can count on, and we already have some companies established here in Rwanda. The environment here has been safe and very dynamic,” Ms. Crowley affirmed.
Canada also aims to expand its support and technical assistance in the health sector, education, and job creation.
“We collaborate quite closely with learning institutions, with the University of Rwanda being one of them… We are very grateful for the interest in studying in Canada that we see year on year from young students, and I have no doubt that will continue.
“We will also encourage partnerships between Canadian universities and Rwandan universities so that technical collaborations can take place and enrich the offerings here in terms of master’s, Ph.D.s, and the like,” she added.
In a revealing presentation at the German Parliament on March 22, 2024, Dr. Reinhardt outlined the urgent need for initiatives to counteract the denial and revisionism of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
He suggested that the reluctance among journalists and academics to delve into this subject might stem from their associations with those implicated in the genocide or with entities that reject its reality.
Dr. Reinhardt detailed how various sectors in Germany, including academia, journalism, and legal professions, actively engage in the denial and minimization of the genocide, employing sophisticated methods to propagate denial ideologies.
{{Germany as a refuge for FDLR activities}}
Highlighting a specific case, Dr. Reinhardt spoke of Ignace Murwanashyaka, the former FDLR terrorist group leader who, under false pretenses, sought asylum in Germany.
In April 1994, at the height of the genocide, Murwanashyaka, along with Straton Musoni and Hutu students in Germany, established a network spreading ideologies that denied and trivialized the genocide.
Murwanashyaka’s involvement in directing FDLR operations from Germany underscored the country’s unintentional role as a logistical hub for genocide deniers.
The legal proceedings against Murwanashyaka, Musoni, and other FDLR members in Germany marked significant, albeit belated, steps towards accountability. Particularly notable was the life sentence handed to Onesphore Rwabukombe, a former mayor, for his role in the massacre of over 2000 Tutsis, a landmark case in the German legal system.
Criticism from individuals aligned with the former Rwandan regime targeted the German government, accusing it of bias and infringing on human rights. Such accusations often echo the rhetoric of genocide perpetrators who have found refuge in Europe.
Dr. Reinhardt also criticized the German literary and journalistic circles for perpetuating the denial of the genocide, specifically pointing to works by Helmut Strizek and the controversial reception of figures like Victoire Ingabire and Paul Rusesabagina in Germany.
The German media’s portrayal of these figures often ignores their contentious backgrounds and associations with denial groups, highlighting a concerning trend of bias and misinformation.
Dr. Reinhardt’s revelations call for a comprehensive reevaluation of Germany’s role and responsibilities in addressing the legacy of Genocide against the Tutsi, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and action against the denial and trivialization of such atrocities.
These reports have documented FARDC officers working with the FDLR against the M23 group.
Following discussions with Rwanda and the United States in late 2023, FARDC Chief of Staff Christian Tshiwewe ordered a halt to any cooperation with the FDLR. However, Rwanda claims that collaboration persisted even after the FDLR launched attacks in 2022.
DRC Foreign Affairs Minister Christophe Lutundula, in a March 25, 2024, press briefing, insisted on the absence of information on the FDLR within the DRC government.
He urged the international community to share any intelligence to help eliminate the group and mentioned the need for identifying FDLR members for repatriation to Rwanda.
Lutundula also highlighted ongoing joint military operations with Burundi against various armed factions in South Kivu, aligning with the Nairobi declaration’s objectives. Nonetheless, he did not address why the DRC rejected Rwanda’s offer to dispatch troops to combat the FDLR, a move agreed upon in the declaration.
At a recent meeting in Luanda, Angola, Lutundula promised to outline measures for dismantling the FDLR in an upcoming April 2024 session.
These officers are Gabriel Kasongo, responsible for the salaries of soldiers on leave, and Jerry Ngoy Katengo, in charge of the soldiers’ census.
The prosecution presents evidence that these officers also attempted to bribe the commission responsible for financial oversight, IGF, which was auditing how the soldiers were paid their salaries.
Lt Col Ngoy explained that he paid the salaries of all soldiers working in the 34th military region, indicating that the problem occurred with those who were sent to work in other regions.
As Radio Okapi explained, there was also an issue with the list of those paid, showing that the signatures appeared to be similar. This suggests that some of them might not have received their money.
Understanding the significance of balanced nutrition and sustainable development, Enabel and MINAGRI have set out on a mission to enlighten the populace on the nutritional merits of pig and poultry products.
The event drew an attendance of around 150 stakeholders from diverse sectors, including the Rwandan Poultry Industry Association (RPIA), the Rwandan Pig Farmers Association (RPFA), chefs, culinary instructors, and students from technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.
The day was packed with activities geared towards encouraging the consumption of pork and chicken, such as live cooking demonstrations, recipe tastings, and networking opportunities. Gerrit Bosman, Project Manager of the PRISME-Enabel project, encapsulated the essence of the event, stating, “Let’s share tasty pig and poultry products, combining the rational aspect of animal protein for a healthy diet with the intuitive/emotional aspect of tasty meat products, as the proverb goes: the way to the heart is through the stomach.”
The event also served as a platform for mini-exhibitions, allowing industry stakeholders to display their products, share knowledge, and establish valuable business connections.
One of the event’s attendees, Niyoyita Peace, a pig farmer from the Ntarama Pig Farm in Bugesera, expressed her enthusiasm and optimism in an exclusive interview, saying, “I started in 2017 with ten pigs, and now I have over 440. Pork is among the most consumed meats, and its consumption is widespread in bars, hotels, and beyond. There is hope that its consumability will increase after this event. I encourage Rwandans to embrace pork not only as an affordable and nutritious meat option but also to overcome societal norms and cultural myths surrounding its consumption.”
Agnes Uwamahoro, who began their journey in 2017 and currently manages 3,000 chickens, half of which are broilers and the other half layers, addressed the misconception that poultry farming is only for the affluent.
“Our farms provide healthy meals to our chickens, keeping them free from diseases. It’s a myth that poultry and eggs are only for the rich. I believe that Rwandans already recognize the importance of chicken and eggs but need to be further encouraged. I have faith that this event will lead to an increased desire among our people to consume more poultry.”
Providing further insights into the motivation behind the event, Jean Claude Ndorimana, the Director General of Animal Resources Development at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources explained the idea for this event emerged from the realization that meat consumption in Rwanda is significantly low.
“In partnership with Enabel and IFAD, we want to raise awareness about meat consumption. Our strategy includes establishing meat stores across the country to facilitate easy access to meat, teaching people how simple and feasible it is to cook meat at home. We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy chicken and pork, regardless of their financial capabilities,” he noted.
The Chicken and Pork Gastronomic Event 2024 represents a pivotal initiative in altering dietary habits in Rwanda, advocating for increased meat consumption through an engaging and educational culinary experience.
Speaking during a recent interview with French newspaper Jeune Afrique, President Kagame said the ‘hate ideology’ poses a security threat to Rwanda and its people.
He faulted Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye over the involvement of the Burundian troops in the ongoing DR Congo-M23 war, saying he had warned the Head of State against the deployment of the soldiers to fight alongside FDLR militia.
Kagame went on to accuse Ndayishimiye of lying to him regarding the secret operation.
“I called, by phone, and I asked to talk to President Ndayishimiye and I did and I asked him, President, I have heard that you are sending a force, another force other than that one in the East African Community Regional Force to fight on behalf of the government of Kinshasa. I said, that is in contradiction with why the East African Regional force was formed, that you are participating in,” he revealed.
“So, you’re going to participate in something else. And I told him, ‘This is dangerous and you understand the implication. You are actually threatening us with your presence in support of the FDLR near our border,’” Kagame added.
He disclosed that the Burundian Head of State had sworn to him that the intelligence he had was wrong and that there were no plans to deploy Burundian troops to the troubled eastern region.
“I said, I’m happy to be wrong. If I’m wrong we’re good. I’m really happy to hear that,” Kagame said.
“But two weeks after, they were in Goma – or even less than two weeks. So, you can see he even told me lies.”
President Kagame blamed ethnic primitive politics for the collaboration.
“I think of primitivity. We still have politics going on based on ethnic [affiliation] and this is exactly what brings together Tshisekedi, Ndayishimiye and the FDLR,” Kagame added.
At the same time, President Kagame said the conditions set by Tshisekedi were a stumbling block to peaceful resolution of ongoing instability in the Eastern DRC.
President Tshisekedi had earlier demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory as a precondition for meeting Kagame for discussions over the conflict.
He also said he was ready to meet Kagame on the condition of the precontaining of the M23 militia, which DRC accuses Rwanda of backing.
Reacting to the conditions, Kagame accused President Tshisekedi of manipulation and playing to the gallery of ‘external forces’.
“Tshisekedi has been able to manipulate individual leaders, countries and is now almost bringing a misunderstanding between and among regions. Because he was playing SADC (Southern African Development Community) against East Africa,” Kagame stated.
“Why don’t we therefore find a way of talking about it and not allowing Tshisekedi to dictate the terms of what must happen because we know he is wrong.”
Kagame said he could also declare his conditions but maintained that he won’t for the sake of finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
“I could also start by giving conditions, but it’s the wrong way to go about it,” he noted, adding, “I could also say that unless the FDRL is removed from Congo, I am not going to talk to President Tshisekedi. However, this does not serve the purpose of bringing peace.”
The Rwandan Head of State further noted that President Tshisekedi’s threats to invade Rwanda should not be taken lightly.
“I think he has the capacity to understand what he is saying as the leader of the country. That’s a serious problem I need to prepare for and take care of… This means that one night he could wake up and do something that you never thought normal people would do,” he said in response to a question about whether he was concerned about Tshisekedi’s remarks during the campaign period last year, suggesting he could break off cautious diplomacy with Rwanda and declare war if re-elected.
The meeting between these two delegations took place on the 21st day of March, as stated in a communication from the Angolan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While the specifics of the discussions and the conclusions reached have not been disclosed, it is evident that the focus was on addressing security issues in the Eastern region of the Congo, where the M23 rebel group has recently intensified its operations in clashes with government forces, neighboring countries, and other armed groups.
This dialogue follows President Paul Kagame’s recent visit to Angola, where he met with Angolan President João Lourenço to discuss security issues in the region.
Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, although Rwanda denies this allegation.
The Rwandan government asserts that the root causes of insecurity in the Eastern Congo include the presence of the FDLR militia, implicated in various atrocities including attacks on civilians, perpetuation of genocide ideology, and destabilization.
Rwanda highlights the need for addressing the FDLR presence in the DRC, as outlined in the agreements of Luanda and Nairobi, considering the overall security situation in the Eastern region and beyond, as issues such as the resurgence of genocidal militias continue to threaten stability, particularly due to their involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Angolan President Lourenço held discussions with Félix Tshisekedi on the 27th of February 2024 during their meeting in Luanda.
