This attack occurred in Sake, a town located about 20 km from Goma, capital of the eastern province of North Kivu, MONUSCO said in a press release published late Saturday.
Bintou Keita, head of MONUSCO, condemned the attack in the strongest terms, saying one of the victims was seriously injured.
For weeks, the Blue Helmets have been deployed as part of Operation Springbok in North Kivu, where MONUSCO and the DRC armed forces (FARDC) are carrying out joint actions to counter armed groups, in particular the rebellion of the March 23 Movement (M23).
While calling for an immediate cessation of violence of all armed groups against civilians, Keita reaffirmed MONUSCO’s commitment to strengthening joint and unilateral patrols alongside the FARDC to protect civilian populations.
“I particularly call on the M23 armed group to lay down their arms,” she added.
The town of Sake, considered the last barrier for the city of Goma, has been plagued by repeated fightings between the FARDC and M23 rebels for months.
The discussion took place on Friday at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, during the 22nd extraordinary session of the executive council. Senior officials, including Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chairperson of the AU Commission, were present.
Speaking on the occasion, chairperson of the executive council of the AUC Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug underscored the need to strengthen the AU institutions to help the commission fully discharge its responsibilities and accelerate Africa’s integration.
“The process of selecting leadership of the AUC in 2025 should be defined by prioritizing considerations of cohesion, equity, rationality, and a spirit of consensus,” said Merzoug, also Mauritania’s minister for foreign affairs.
The 2025-2028 election of senior leadership for the AUC will take place in February next year. New AUC leaders are expected to succeed the incumbent chairperson, deputy chairperson and commissioners.
“Our vision for the future of our continent is intricately linked to our fervent belief in the African Union, a union that cannot exist without us, by us, and for us,” said the chairperson, noting that a strong AU cannot be materialized without the deep commitment of its member states.
The AU’s senior leadership is elected to serve a four-year term, with the option for re-election for another four-year term. The senior elective posts include the position of the African Union Commission chairperson, the deputy chairperson and six commissioners.
According to a statement released late Friday by the AU, the executive council also discussed the modalities of regional rotation and gender parity to ensure all five regions of the AU have a fair chance of having leadership roles at the continental organization.
This pioneering initiative is designed to weave the use of robots into the fabric of education, commencing at the primary school level. Within this framework, educators will leverage robots, equipped with cutting-edge technology, as a medium to deliver conventional curriculum content to students.
The rationale behind this innovative approach is grounded in observations that the inclusion of robots in pedagogy significantly enhances student engagement, particularly in the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
This method not only makes learning more enjoyable for students but also plays a crucial role in bolstering their innovative thinking and creativity.
Moreover, these robots act as tangible educational tools, enabling students to put theory into practice. This hands-on methodology aids in a more comprehensive exploration and comprehension of academic concepts, thereby nurturing a deeper level of student engagement through firsthand interaction and observation.
Oversight of the program will be provided by the Ministry of Education, with the Rwanda Education Board (REB) and the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) conducting daily supervisions.
The program’s official launch was spearheaded by Ingabire Musoni Paula, the Minister of Information Technology and Innovation, and Twagirayezu Gaspard, the Minister of Education, on Friday, March 15, 2024.
The launch event saw the participation of notable individuals such as Belén Calvo Uyarra, the European Union Ambassador to Rwanda, and Primus Peter, the German Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires in Rwanda, along with representatives from various sectors.
Minister Ingabire articulated that the initiative to integrate robots into the educational sector is a result of a joint endeavor with the Ministry of Education, aimed at acquainting students with robotics and artificial intelligence – key components in the modern era of the fourth industrial revolution.
Minister Twagirayezu Gaspard underscored the program’s objective to equip students with critical problem-solving capabilities via contemporary technology. He expressed the imperative of congregating collective efforts to furnish students with essential knowledge resources for their academic pursuits.
Twagirayezu also highlighted that this initiative is about bringing people together to ensure students are well-equipped with the knowledge they need in their studies.”
In Rwanda, the emphasis on augmenting the population’s capabilities through education stems from the belief in its people as the nation’s most valuable resource.
To this end, initially, five tech companies specializing in robotics have been selected to devise educational robots for use across various disciplines.
This includes technology aimed at teaching internet-related subjects (Internet of Things – IoT), robotics technology for illustrating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for Electrical Technology and ICT Networking students, as well as robotics technology to support science education for high school students, ICT for freshmen and sophomores, and technology for primary schoolers in grades four and five, with a focus on fostering creativity, understanding of electricity, and beyond.
Norman Schraepel, the Head of Cluster Digital Transformation & Digital Economy at GIZ Rwanda, reflected on the importance of this endeavor and the path forward. He advocated for the expansion of this pilot program to a national scale through collaborative efforts, stating, “Collaboration is key to the success of this program.”
Within the upcoming three months, the companies involved are expected to finalize the development of the robotics technology.
This will be followed by a phase dedicated to training teachers on how to integrate these technologies into their instructional practices. Initially, the program will be piloted in 15 schools across Rwanda, benefiting more than 500 students.
This industrial park transcends mere manufacturing and innovation spaces, embodying a dynamic emblem of international collaboration, technological progress, and the mutual economic growth of China and Germany within the broader narrative of China’s economic reforms and global engagement.
The inception of the Beijing China-Germany Industrial Park was driven by the aspiration to not only fortify the economic bonds between China and Germany but also to spotlight innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity. It aims to meld Germany’s technological excellence with China’s manufacturing strength, serving as a vibrant hub for both.
Strategically located within China’s expansive economic terrain, the park enjoys prime access to both local and global markets—a deliberate decision mirroring the foresight of its initiators and the Chinese government’s ambition to establish a nationwide network of such parks to accelerate the country’s economic globalization and integration.
The partnership within the park epitomizes a significant shift in China’s economic approach, transitioning from a mainly inward focus to a strategy embracing globalization. It not only attracts direct investment from Germany but also facilitates technology exchange, skill enhancement, and innovation, significantly benefiting the local and wider economy.
Since its establishment in 2021, the Beijing China-Germany Industrial Park has achieved remarkable milestones, with an annual industrial output reaching 35 billion yuan (around US$5 billion), demonstrating the substantial benefits of international cooperation.
As of November 2023, officials indicated that over 100 German companies had established operations within the park.
The park is setting its sights on expanding its German business presence to more than 150 companies, including over 30 leading niche enterprises, by the end of 2025, with a goal to elevate the annual industrial output to exceed 50 billion yuan.
Housing German giants like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ameco, Allianz, ottobock, starmix, ROPA and BOSCH among others, the park is situated in the Shunyi District, heralding it as the foremost national-level German cooperation park within the Beijing German-China Economic and Technological Cooperation Demonstration Zone.
This park is at the forefront of facilitating German exchange activities, constructing a national-level German cooperation platform, and linking resources for German national cooperation.
It collaborates with local governments, industrial associations, universities, research institutes, and companies from both nations to carve new avenues for Sino-German economic and technological partnership.
Beijing, uniquely positioned with policies like the ‘Integrated National Demonstration Zone for Opening Up the Services Sector’ and the Pilot Free Trade Zone, leverages its openness to global businesses.
Ranked among the world’s most livable cities, Beijing offers a fertile environment for international enterprises, buoyed by an integration of premium resources, a conducive business climate, and abundant opportunities.
The city hosts over 45,000 foreign-invested enterprises from more than 160 countries and regions, along with 35,000 permanent foreign country offices, over 4,000 regional headquarters, Research and Development (R&D) centers, and 55 Fortune Global 500 company headquarters, cementing its status as a global economic and innovation hub.
Scheduled for 22nd March 2023 in the German Parliament, Berlin, this conference is in the framework of the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The event will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers who will delve into various aspects of the genocide, including its history, the subsequent reconciliation initiatives, and the ongoing fight against genocide ideology and denial.
The conference will open with remarks from the Ambassador of Rwanda to Germany, Igor Cesar and Judence Kayitesi, president of Ibuka-Germany. A genocide survivor will also share their harrowing experiences.
Dr. Eric Ndushabandi will then explore the dissemination and impact of genocidal ideology in the Great Lakes region, emphasizing the imperative of peace and stability in Rwanda and its neighboring countries.
A significant portion of the conference will address the challenge of genocide denial, with various experts discussing the importance of legal measures in Europe and Germany against genocide denialism, and its role in fostering a culture of remembrance and justice.
The resilience of genocide survivors will be highlighted, with speakers like Ernest Sagaga sharing inspiring stories of survival and recovery, underscoring the strength and spirit of those affected by the genocide.
The conference will also include an interactive panel discussion featuring experts like Ernest Sagaga, Dr. Eric Ndishabandi, Prof. Jens-Christian Wagner, Lawyer Richard Gisagara, and Kordula Schulz-Asche, Member of Parliament. This session aims to foster a collaborative dialogue on effective strategies to combat genocide ideology and denialism.
This event comes shortly after the inauguration of a memorial in Germany dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, signifying the global commitment to remembering and honoring the victims.
Today, Rwanda has over 20 Genocide memorials worldwide including Europe, Canada, Africa and as the local community continues to recognize the importance of preserving the memory of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
These troops, forming the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), entered North Kivu in December 2022, following a decision made by the heads of states of the EAC during their meeting in Nairobi in April 2022.
The EACRF was tasked with protecting areas previously captured by the armed group M23 and to prevent conflicts between M23 and the DRC’s forces, awaiting negotiation between the two sides.
However, the DRC government expressed a desire for the EACRF to combat M23, a stance the leadership of M23 reminded was not part of its mandate. This led to the expulsion of these troops at the end of 2023, replaced by forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi.
In an interview with NTV Kenya, President Kagame highlighted that the breakdown began when the DRC “assumed the authority ” to decide against the inclusion of Rwandan troops in the EACRF, a decision the EAC accepted.
Kagame explained that Rwanda agreed to this, showing that its priority was for the EACRF to achieve its objective of restoring peace in eastern DRC and contributing to the resolution of conflicts between opposing sides.
He reminded that the EACRF’s mission was to assist the DRC government in resolving conflicts, and it had been decided that any side violating the ceasefire agreement would be opposed.
The President expressed surprise at the EAC leadership’s lack of response to the expulsion of EACRF from the DRC.
He said, “The EAC troops were expelled. Until now I Am still wondering , what is EAC? In reality, EAC does not exist since this issue arose. Because we were never told what happened. Since their expulsion, no one has explained to us.”
Kagame also mentioned that when the DRC expelled the EACRF, it was in discussions with SADC leaders to deploy troops against M23 in North Kivu, which was agreed upon by South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi in December 2023.
He noted that by requesting SADC to replace EAC in North Kivu, the DRC was creating conflicts between the two regional blocs, which should have collaborated to resolve the country’s conflicts.
He commented, “It seems they were creating conflicts and misunderstandings between SADC and EAC. There wasn’t even a statement saying, ‘It’s okay, let’s join forces, work together,’ it was about replacing EACRF with SADC troops.”
“Why don’t people discuss this? Why don’t EAC and SADC talk about the issue and seek a solution? There are ways people can cooperate, communicate, and avoid unnecessary problems.”
The EAC is led by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir since November 24, 2023, succeeding Burundi’s Evariste Ndayishimiye, who had breached the community’s decisions by deploying his country’s troops to the Masisi territory to fight M23, based on an agreement with Félix Tshisekedi in August 2023.
The ASECNA representative to the Republic of Rwanda recently announced a fully funded scholarship competition for training at the prestigious African School of Meteorology and Civil Aviation (EAMAC) in Niamey, focusing on the field of Air Traffic Control.
This initiative aims to groom skilled professionals who will contribute to the safety and efficiency of air transportation across the African continent. Successful candidates will undergo a comprehensive two-year training program at EAMAC and will subsequently be employed by ASECNA.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to register online at www.EAMAC.ne to participate in this competitive selection process. However, there are specific criteria that must be met to qualify for consideration:
{{Age Requirement: }} Applicants must be between 21 and 29 years old as of January 1, 2024, ensuring a balance of youthful energy and maturity in the selected cohort.
{{Educational Background: }} Candidates should have either completed at least two years of university studies or hold a bachelor’s degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field. Additionally, individuals with a polytechnic diploma are also eligible to apply, reflecting the diversity of educational backgrounds suitable for this opportunity.
Once the online registration phase concludes, only selected candidates will be invited to physically submit their application files. It is essential to note that the deadline for online registration is March 22, 2024, so interested individuals should act promptly to secure their chance.
For those seeking further clarification or information, ASECNA has provided contact details: interested parties can reach out via phone at 0780037697 or 0726944353.
Selected candidates will undergo a written test on June 3rd and 4th, 2024, marking the next phase of this rigorous selection process. This examination will assess the candidates’ aptitude and readiness for the intensive training program ahead.
The opportunity presented by ASECNA and EAMAC is not just about acquiring skills; it’s about shaping the future of air traffic control in Africa. By investing in the training and development of young professionals, ASECNA is laying the groundwork for a safer, more efficient aviation industry on the continent.
Aspiring air traffic controllers, this is your chance to make a difference. Seize this opportunity, register online, and embark on a journey towards a rewarding career in aviation safety and navigation. ASECNA and EAMAC await your application, ready to guide you towards a promising future in the skies.
As the President explained in an interview with James Smart of NTV Kenya, he gave this warning to Tshisekedi in 2022 when they met during a summit of East African Community heads of state in Nairobi, Kenya.
President Kagame reminded that he has often stated that if anyone attempts to jeopardize Rwanda’s security, he will make a decision within his responsibilities as the Head of State to protect it.
He said, “I have often said on camera that if Rwanda’s security is compromised, I will not ask anyone for permission to do what I must do to protect Rwanda.”
The President continued, “The Armed Forces of the DRC fired on our territory three times in 2022 using heavy weaponry. It happened once, we advised in Nairobi, and the President of Congo was there.”
“I told him, ‘This is enough’; he gave explanations, and I told him, ‘One time with explanations is enough, no problem.’ I told him if it happens a second and third time, and it continues, it will be a different story.”
After warning Tshisekedi, rockets from the DRC were again fired into the Musanze District in May and June 2022.
He said, “I think he did not take it seriously because after leaving the meeting, it happened a second and third time. Heavy artillery missiles, BM21 missiles landed on our territory, killing civilians in the north.”
President Kagame explained that the message he gave to Tshisekedi was clear, so what he had to do after the third time missiles were fired into Northern Rwanda, was to take measures to protect the country’s security.
He told the journalist that while the DRC government accused Rwanda of sending troops to North Kivu Province, influential countries contacted him advising on what to do, to which he responded that he would do whatever possible to prevent further missiles from being fired onto Rwandan territory.
He said, “These influential people with power called me, telling me what I should and shouldn’t do. I told them, ‘I hear you, I appreciate it,’ but I also told them that I would do whatever possible to ensure that no heavy weaponry fires onto Rwandan territory again. That is my responsibility, that’s why I am President, and even before I was President, I contributed to the struggle to bring positive changes to this country.”
President Kagame stated that Rwanda seeks peace and wishes to contribute to solutions to existing problems, through peaceful means more than anyone else would desire.
Considering these new tactics, Dr. Murangira warned Rwandans to be cautious.
He revealed, “They use many tricks. The first trick they use is to promise something extraordinary to the person they want to take. These people use names that are not theirs. There are those taken by their friends. […] So trusting your friend not to harm you is a trap that some fall into.”
He further elaborated on the false narratives created by traffickers, “There are also those trafficked by their friends, convincing them how well they know them. […] saying ‘I am in Dubai’, and they show you pictures saying that you too can find a good job there, showing you pictures of themselves in nice houses and cars, making you think that is the life they live.”
RIB reports indicate that a significant number of Rwandans trafficked abroad are deceived via social media, with the majority being young people who are less likely to critically analyze the risks.
Victims are promised lucrative jobs or scholarships, and women are often enticed with promises of marriage to foreigners. Upon arrival, they face dire situations including forced organ harvesting, sexual exploitation, forced labor, and begging.
Dr. Murangira stressed, “We cannot say it is only uneducated people; even well-educated people are trafficked. People in established households are lured away from their homes with promises of good jobs that can support their families.”
He also highlighted the tactics used to isolate victims, “Then there is another thing they tell them: ‘Make sure you do not consult anyone. If you consult, you’ll see that things will not work out for you.’ What they want is for you not to consult anyone so that someone does not tell you, ‘But have you thought about it? Are you not being trafficked?’”
Dr. Murangira further discussed how traffickers erode trust between victims and state authorities, “Another thing I want to tell people, these people who go to traffic them promising them jobs, they instill distrust between the person being trafficked and the state or security agencies. The distrust I’m talking about is when they tell you, ‘Make sure you don’t talk to those people lest they deny you opportunities tomorrow.’’
RIB’s advice is to be wary of too-good-to-be-true opportunities, especially when documentation is rushed or advice is discouraged.
In the last five years, RIB reported that 314 Rwandans were trafficked abroad, with 82 being rescued.
Women make up 77% of the victims, predominantly young people between 18 to 30 years old.
Most trafficking victims are sent to Arab countries, which is also where many repatriated Rwandans are rescued from.
The commemoration, held annually on April 7th, is a time for reflection and remembrance, attended by leaders from around the globe and friends of Rwanda. It serves as a somber reminder of the past atrocities and a commitment to preventing such horrors from occurring again.
In an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Mbeki highlighted the significance of this event not only as a personal commitment but also as a critical lesson for all Africans.
He acknowledged the invitation from President Paul Kagame and expressed his belief in the importance of commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Thabo Mbeki emphasized the lessons it offers for preventing similar tragedies and the importance of unity and preservation of life to avoid conflicts leading to genocide.
His acknowledgment of South Africa’s past failures to intervene or prevent the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and his critique of certain policies reflect his outspoken nature on various issues.
His leadership, spanning from 1999 to 2008, and his tenure as Vice President under Nelson Mandela, have been marked by moments of controversy, including his stance on the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and interactions with the Rwandan Patriotic Front (FPR) in the early ’90s regarding arms sales.
Thabo Mbeki’s planned participation in the 30th commemoration underscores the ongoing importance of remembering the Genocide against the Tutsi and the broader implications it holds for peace and unity in Africa and beyond.
