Commenting on the upcoming UK-Rwanda Business Forum scheduled in Kigali from January 29th to 31st, 2024, the envoy conveyed that companies from the European country are set to increase their investments in Africa, with Rwanda being the starting point. Ambassador Daair underscored that, for UK investors eyeing operations in Rwanda and other African nations, ensuring security in the region is crucial to safeguard their businesses.
“When we are talking about regional trade, we would help for good regional relationships. I know there have been tensions there, but I know the governments of the region are working to defuse this. I think trade companies like to see stability and peace as one of the things that attract them here to Rwanda,” he noted.
The UK High Commissioner emphasized that Rwanda’s development across various sectors, including security, is the driving force behind the organization of the business forum involving both countries.
“I think this is another reason that the Government of Rwanda has been supportive of this forum. Rwanda has made very rapid progress over the last thirty years. The economy was transformed, the City of Kigali is modernized generally,” he said.
The forum aims to bring together senior policymakers and business leaders from both nations, fostering trade and investment.
Rio Tinto Minerals Development Limited is part of Rio Tinto, a leading global mining and materials company, which operates in 35 countries.
Commenting on the development, Yamina Karitanyi, CEO of Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board revealed that the entry of Rio Tinto marks Rwanda’s resolve to further unlock the potential of the country’s mining sector.
“This development is part of our continued efforts to boost and modernize Rwanda’s mining sector with application of the highest ESG standards,” she noted.
Lawrence Dechambenoit, Global Head of External Affairs expressed delight for the partnership with the Government of Rwanda, and pledged to apply the company’s global experience ‘to accelerate the search for primary lithium deposits in Rwanda’s Western Province’.
Rio Tinto Group is a British-Australian multinational corporation, holding the position of the world’s second-largest metals and mining company.
Its inception dates back to 1873 when a consortium of investors acquired a mining complex along the Rio Tinto river in Huelva, Spain, from the Spanish government.
He made the remarks in a post on social media platform X while blaming the West’s human rights organizations for their failure to stop the Israeli strikes in Gaza during the past 114 days, and some Western countries’ support for Israel in its attacks against the coastal enclave.
“The hypocritical face of so-called human rights advocates, including the U.S. government, has been unmasked before the world (in the wake of the developments and situation in Gaza),” he noted.
“Over 1.9 million of the 2.2-million-strong population of the Gaza Strip have been displaced and become homeless, and more than 26,000 of them, including around 18,000 women and children, have been killed,” said the spokesman, saying Israel’s supporters should be “ashamed of their intense moral decay” concerning the Gaza residents’ destiny.
Israel has been fighting with Hamas in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, after the group launched a surprise attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people. The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza has risen to 26,422, said the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Sunday.
The ECOWAS Commission said in a statement that it was yet to receive any direct notification from the three member states about their intention to withdraw from the community.
“Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the community and the Authority of Heads of State and Government remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse,” read the statement.
Earlier on Sunday, the declarations by the military junta leaders were broadcast on national televisions of Mali and Niger, sparking concern among the international community.
According to Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, Malian minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, and spokesperson for the transitional government of Mali, this decision was taken in “full sovereignty” by Ibrahim Traore, president of the Transition of Burkina Faso, Colonel Assimi Goita, interim president of Mali, and Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tchiani, president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland of Niger, and they decided to take “all their responsibility before history” by responding “to the expectations, concerns and aspirations of their populations.”
ECOWAS was founded in 1975 with a mission to promote economic integration in all fields of economic activities, particularly industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, monetary and financial questions, and social and cultural matters. To demand a return to constitutional order, ECOWAS, with headquarters in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, has imposed drastic sanctions on the three countries since the military took power in the three countries.
One such myth, ingrained in my childhood by my father, was the cautionary tale of not pointing a finger at a pumpkin, for fear it would rot. Absurd as it may sound now, back then, we treated pumpkins as if they held some mystical power, pretending not to have seen it when one crossed its path in the garden.
These seemingly trivial beliefs had a peculiar way of influencing our choices and interactions.
Then there were the gender-bending whispers. Girls, apparently, were forbidden from whistling, especially after sunset, as if the night air was a snake summoning hotline
Such notions, though seemingly harmless, seeped into the fabric of our daily lives, subtly shaping our behaviors and perceptions.
Reflecting on my foray into the world of religious diversity, I recall an incident at a Catholic church where I partook in the holy communion.
In our village, the ritual was exclusive to Catholics, and the rumor circulated that consuming the Eucharistic bread without being a member of the faith would result in one’s home being set ablaze.
Fueled by curiosity, I defied the myth, only to find my house standing as solid as ever upon my return. It became a source of hearty laughter.
There’s an intriguing story surrounding the locally known wooden mortar, referred to as “ISEKURU.” This tool is commonly used for pounding a variety of foods, particularly cassava leaves, in Rwanda and neighboring countries.
Boys were warned that sitting in this tool would transform them into girls. The absurdity of such beliefs is now apparent, but in our formative years, they played a role in shaping our understanding of societal norms.
As we unpack these whimsical tales from our past, it’s not just about debunking myths; it’s a journey into the quirky, absurd, and downright hilarious side of our childhood.
These myths weren’t just cautionary tales; they were the spice that flavored our growing years, adding a pinch of the fantastical to our reality. So, let’s raise a glass to the myths that made us, the stories that shaped us, and the laughter that echoes through the corridors of our nostalgic minds. Cheers to a childhood filled with fantastical fables and the colorful characters we’ve become!
This initiative, which resembles the Nyandungu Park in Gasabo District, is projected to incur a cost of $80 million (over Rwf101.6 billion). The official launch of the wetland restoration project took place on January 27, 2024, during the community work (Umuganda) event, held at Gikondo wetland in Kicukiro District.
The targeted wetlands cover a total area of 408 hectares and include Gikondo, Rwampara, Rugenge-Rwintare, Kibumba, and Nyabugogo swamps. Each wetland will undergo specialized restoration based on its location.
According to Kabera Juliet, the CEO of REMA, the renovation project is expected to cost $80 million, with Rwanda collaborating with various partners, including the World Bank, to secure $32 million (equivalent to slightly over Rwf40 billion) for the initial phase of this initiative.
She stated that the wetlands will undergo a modernized renovation, eliminating unwanted grass, reclaiming stolen springs, and incorporating sidewalks for pedestrians and cyclists. The plan includes seating areas, the restoration of damaged grass, and the installation of additional water filters. The objective is to enhance the appearance of Nyandungu.
Commencing in the first week of February, the implementation of these improvements is expected to conclude within 18 months. The wetlands will be treated using contemporary water-receiving and filtering methods to facilitate the flow of clean streams.
The rehabilitation aims to eliminate unpleasant odors, eradicate litter such as used bottles, and transform the area into a tourist attraction teeming with biodiversity that was previously diminishing.
The primary focus is on widening the rivers within the wetlands and directing them through modern channels. Reservoirs will be created to regulate water flow speed, preventing potential floods that could jeopardize infrastructure.
Various traditional trees, including those from Gishwati, Mukura, and other rare species found in Kigali, will be added to enhance the educational experience for visitors, allowing them to learn about the diverse trees present in natural forests. While the primary goal is environmental conservation, the wetlands will incorporate various amenities to cater to recreational tourists.
Infrastructure developments in these wetlands will encompass facilities such as libraries with internet access, recreational spaces featuring football fields, bicycle paths, and pedestrian walkways for sports and leisure activities. Additionally, there will be food stalls, exhibitions, children’s games, and more. Dedicated parking areas equipped with solar energy solutions will be available for vehicles. The wetlands will boast four-meter-wide bicycle lanes, benches every 500 meters, sky bridges over artificial ponds, and street lights every 20 meters.
The amenities further include bicycle sheds, large tables for educational purposes, information booths, drinking water stations, benches for sightseeing, and gyms for fitness enthusiasts. Residents will not only find employment opportunities during the wetland cleaning process and subsequent developments but also have a vibrant recreational space funded by visitor contributions.
In Nyabugogo wetland, a sizable lake, filled with filtered water, will be installed to provide water-based recreational activities, offering an alternative to traveling to Rubavu. Additionally, a boat will be available for those who prefer water travel.
The Minister of Environment Jeanne D’Arc Mujawamariya likened wetlands to kidneys, emphasizing their vital role in filtering water and supporting ecosystem health. The minister sees the wetland restoration project as a collective opportunity for employment, services, and a safe recreational environment.
The restoration efforts are expected to directly and indirectly benefit over 220,500 people facing challenges such as disasters, lack of clean water, and other issues resulting from wetland degradation. The master plan for Kigali City until 2050 reveals a 4% reduction in wetland area from 2013 to 2022 due to human activities, currently accounting for 10.6% of the city’s total area.
Kigali City currently has 37 wetlands covering 9,160 hectares, estimated to be valued at over $74 million. The government’s initiatives since 2017, involving the relocation of families and removal of destructive activities, aim to address wetland degradation. A study by the Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS) projects that taking care of Kigali’s wetlands could contribute more than $1.9 billion to Rwanda’s economy by 2025.
Mukuralinda elucidated that since the announcement of this program by both countries following the agreement signed in April 2022, a coalition of UK politicians, alongside individuals advocating for “racial extremists, including those implicated in the Genocide against the Tutsi,” has emerged to launch attacks against Rwanda.
Opponents argue that Rwanda lacks the capacity to accommodate migrants, a claim Mukuralinda dismissed, emphasizing that the country already hosts over 130,000 refugees. He underscored that the criticism against Rwanda based on the migration agreement has emboldened extremists aiming to undermine Rwanda’s security and the reconciliation of its people.
Citing a document circulated by a Genocide denier and trivializer, Norman Nishimwe, who leads the Jambo Asbl organization, Mukuralinda highlighted how some members of Parliament relied on it to cast doubt on Rwanda’s development. He pointed out that Nishimwe falsely claims there were two genocides in Rwanda, aiming to sanitize those involved in the planning and execution of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Mukuralinda revealed, “This group provided a platform to leaders of the FDLR genocidaire group, consisting of murderers who fled Rwanda in 1994. These genocidaires have been involved in deadly attacks in Rwanda, seeking to overthrow the government that liberated the country and continues to transform it.”
Addressing politicians opposing the program, Mukuralinda urged them to scrutinize their alliances, emphasizing that they are associating with genocide deniers and individuals advocating for violence and hatred, seeking to plunge the country back into chaos and conflict.
He reiterated Rwanda’s remarkable economic growth and the improved lives of its citizens, with life expectancy doubling to an average of 70 years.
This revelation comes as a stark reminder of the extreme cruelty that unfolded in a area known for its significant concentration of scholars at that time. The minister’s talk took place on January 27, 2024.
Dr. Bizimana highlighted the role of the former Butare Prefecture, a focal point of political activities, where hate activities were initiated by Gitera from Save.
Gitera, responsible for drafting the ten commandments of Hutus, set in motion a history of hatred that persisted among the residents, shaping the ideologies of both children and neighbors.
The narrative of hatred, according to Dr. Bizimana, extended even to the medical community, typically associated with preserving health. In Butare during the Genocide, some doctors deviated from their oath, committing acts that contradicted their profession.
During the address, Dr. Bizimana shared shocking statistics, revealing that Huye town (formerly Butare) boasted the largest number of doctors in 1994, with approximately 40 of them working at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare-CHUB and Kabutere hospitals.
Astonishingly, three-quarters of these doctors, totaling 26, were convicted of genocide. The minister emphasized the significant involvement of medical lecturers and doctors in the atrocities.
Notably, 31 nurses from Butare faced convictions for crimes despite their sworn duty to treat and protect life. Dr. Bizimana cited a disheartening example of a doctor couple, both working at CHUB, who participated in the genocide and were sentenced.
One chilling example presented by Dr. Bizimana was that of Ndindabahizi Jean Chrysostome, a doctor at CHUB, and his wife, Nduwamariya Jeanne, an otolaryngologist, who both committed genocide.
The minister recounted a horrific incident involving Dr. Nduwamariya, who, as the sole expert in treating ears, throats, and noses, inserted a nail into a child’s ear during the Genocide, illustrating the extreme cruelty exhibited by Butare doctors.
Dr. Bizimana urged the youth to learn from these real-life examples, emphasizing the importance of understanding the country’s history to become exemplary professionals. He called on students to reject any association with the dark past and strive to be positive contributors to society.
Regrettably, two doctors involved in these heinous acts have fled the country and have yet to face legal consequences for their actions. The minister’s revelations serve as a poignant reminder of the need to confront and learn from the atrocities committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The accident occurred Friday evening on Lake Mugesera in Rwamagana District. The boat was carrying passengers, mainly farmers who were returning from harvesting their produce in the Rukumberi sector in Ngoma district, heading to Rwamagana district, when it blew a strong wind.
The boat capsized before it sank, according to local officials.
“As of Saturday evening, 14 bodies were recovered, and two others who were still unaccounted for were recovered on Sunday,” Rwamagana District Mayor Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi told Xinhua.
Forty-seven people were on the boat when it sank, not 46 as reported earlier, he said.
Marine officers rescued 31 people.
Mbonyumuvunyi said the boat was overloaded with passengers and agricultural produce including maize and beans, as several people were returning from harvesting their produce across the river.
Rou Manyiel Rou, the secretary general of Abyei Special Administrative Area, said that the attacks in Nyinkuac, Majbong, and Khadian areas by armed youth from the Twic community in collaboration with Nuer youth loyal to their spiritual leader Gai Machiek also left 35 people wounded.
“As we face these barbaric coordinated attacks, the government of Abyei Special Administrative Area condemns in the strongest terms possible the attempt by Twic and their allied armed youth to defy the presidential order issued recently by President Salva Kiir to end the conflict between Ngok Dinka and Twic communities,” Manyiel told Xinhua in an interview.
President Kiir’s order issued on Jan. 18 called on security forces to expel from Warrap state the Nuer spiritual leader Gai Machiek and his loyal Nuer youth in a bid to resolve the conflict between Ngok Dinka and the Twic communities. The order also called on security forces to summon and arrest politicians from both warring communities who appeared to incite violence between the two communities.
Manyiel called for the speedy deployment of neutral security forces along the border between Twic County and the Abyei Administrative Area.
Simon Aguek Chan, the commissioner of Twic County of Warrap state, said that their youth were not involved in the violence in the Abyei Administrative Area. Aguek said that the fighting was between armed Nuer youth staying within Abyei and the local Ngok Dinka youth.
“The Nuer armed youth who fought with Abyei youth on Saturday are the ones who have been killing people in Twic, they have heavy machine guns and I believe they are from organized forces because the weapons they have are not supposed to be for civilians,” he said.
The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) condemned the series of armed attacks that took place Saturday in the Abyei Administrative Area, which resulted in the death of a UN peacekeeper from Ghana.
“The Mission confirms that the inter-communal clashes that took place in the Nyinkuac, Majbong, and Khadian areas led to casualties and the evacuation of civilians to UNISFA bases to provide safety for those caught up in the violence. Efforts are underway to verify the number of those killed, injured, and displaced in the violence,” it said in a statement.
It added that the UNISFA base in Agok came under attack by an armed group that was repelled by the peacekeepers.
UNISFA called for a swift and thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to these attacks to ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable.
In November 2023, 32 people were killed in deadly communal fighting between Ngok Dinka and Twic communities in the Abyei Administrative Area.
The two communities have been contesting for years the ownership of a strip of land in the Aneet border area, which separates the two communities.
Abyei Administrative Area remains a contested area between South Sudan and its neighbor Sudan which is currently mired in conflict since April 15.
