The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, and sent a group of satellites into the planned orbits.
This launch marks the third flight mission of the Lijian-1 carrier rocket series.
The unprecedented move, led by the Lords International Agreements Committee (IAC), aims to scrutinize the proposed asylum scheme and ensure the safety of deported individuals.
The government agreed to a legally-binding treaty with Rwanda in December, addressing concerns raised by the Supreme Court about potential risks faced by asylum seekers deported to Rwanda.
However, the Lords IAC deemed the promised safeguards in the agreement “incomplete” and insisted that Parliament should not ratify the pact until the government can demonstrate Rwanda’s safety.
Labour former attorney general Lord Goldsmith, chair of the IAC, emphasized the need for additional legal and practical steps, stating, “Parliament should have the opportunity to scrutinize the treaty and its implementing measures in full before it makes a judgment about whether Rwanda is safe.”
The vote signals a challenging road ahead for the government’s Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, as the Lords assert their role in scrutinizing and advising on such crucial matters.
The debate surrounding the Rwanda Bill is set to continue in the House of Lords on January 29.
During the event, President Ndayishimiye engaged with over 500 Congolese youth and openly pledged his active support to Rwandan youth in their efforts to topple the current government.
Ndayishimiye asserted that while the population in the region lives decently, the core issue lies in what he perceives as “bad leaders.”
He expressed unwavering determination to persist in the struggle until Rwandans themselves apply pressure on their leaders.
Rwanda has through a statement indicated that President Ndayishimiye, serving as the African Union Champion for Youth, Peace, and Security, utilized a platform provided by the continental organization ‘to make baseless and incendiary allegations aimed at sowing division among Rwandans and destabilizing peace and security in the Great Lakes Region’.
The Rwandan government expressed deep concern over President Ndayishimiye’s actions, particularly given his role as an African Union representative. The statement emphasized that the Burundian leader’s attempt to incite young Rwandans to overthrow their government is not only troubling but also a clear violation of the principles outlined in the African Union Charter.
Directly addressing the issue, the statement from the Government of Rwanda highlighted the nation’s unwavering commitment to unity and development. It stressed that Rwandans, particularly the youth, have actively embraced the opportunity to contribute to the country’s progress, and any attempt to undermine these efforts is deeply concerning.
The government further underscored that Rwanda has no interest in creating conflicts with its neighbors, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to regional partnerships aimed at fostering stability and development. The response also called for responsible leadership and adherence to the principles of the African Union Charter, urging leaders to prioritize constructive dialogue over divisive rhetoric.
The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining regional stability, especially when inflammatory remarks are made by leaders on platforms meant for cooperation and unity.
Tensions between Rwanda and Burundi escalated at the end of 2023 following Ndayishimiye’s accusations that Rwanda supported the RED-Tabara rebel against his regime.
Rwanda staunchly denied these allegations, highlighting its lack of interest in disrupting Burundi’s security and reminding that they had extradited RED-Tabara fighters who had illegally entered the territory to the Burundian government.
Rwanda, recognized as a frontrunner in environmental preservation, demonstrated its dedication to sustainability through this agreement. The nation’s proactive stance underscores the global importance of addressing environmental challenges. In a reciprocal manner, Denmark, a world leader in environmental protection, brings its expertise to the collaboration.
Denmark boasts a remarkable record, with wind energy contributing to at least 40% of the country’s electricity consumption. The country has set ambitious targets, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
This commitment is achieved through strategic investments in renewable energy, conscientious energy policies, and advancements in sustainable transportation. Additionally, Denmark has championed a circular economy, minimizing waste by promoting recycling practices.
The collaboration between Rwanda and Denmark is a significant step for Rwanda, aligning with the environmental practices of a renowned country in the field. This partnership positions Rwanda to effectively address the impacts of climate change and bolster its environmental protection initiatives.
It is worth noting that this agreement builds upon an existing partnership between the two nations, encompassing various areas such as cooperation in handling refugee crises.
Denmark has been cooperative by deporting to Rwanda individuals accused of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who sought refuge in the country. Notable instances include Dushimiyimana Emmanuel in 2014 and Wenceslas Twagirayezu in 2018.
Humans, if not everything in nature, are unpredictable as we have heard. In a blink of an eye, a person can change from being kind to being the cruelest you’ve ever met. With that in the line, it is not that easy as it is said, to choose the right person to spend your whole life with.
Though that is true, the role of some points in assessing a life partner can’t be neglected. That’s why if you’re feeling the urge to find the right life partner, I can advise you to consider the following tips:
{{Weigh your similarities and differences}}
They say opposites attract each other, and that is undoubtedly true. However, it is better to make sure you have some few similarities, so that later in life, you can always find an easy way to connect. Differences should be there too. Just make sure you’re not polar opposites or doppelgangers in terms of characters and personality.
{{Looks are just a drop in the ocean}}
Yes, you are free to choose a partner whose physique attracts you more than anybody else’s. However, you should remember that looks are so deceiving. Go into depths, analyze the behaviors, preferences, and everything that a naked eye can’t see.
{{Listening and being open during arguments}}
They say “you can’t live with someone without having some random fights”. That being true, living together is not about being perfect. It is about understanding and patience. If a person can’t stay calm during a simple argument, imagine the time when there will be some serious family problems. Are you sure you will be able to handle them? Are you sure the whole family won’t be messed up in a blink of an eye?
{{Respect}}
There are many issues that respect can handle even when bare love can’t. In that line, it is always important to be with someone who respects your preferences, choices and personal space.
{{Do not rush}}
They say ‘anything worth doing is worth doing slowly’. Do not let society, age-related myths and the pace of someone else trick you into moving things faster. Take your time, observe, learn about mistakes, reflect and finally, choose.
Choosing a partner should be done slowly and properly, because after all, who would want to spend their life with a wrong person. These tips can really help, but the important thing to know is that it is not as easy as it sounds. Give it time, give it a thought, and live a long happy life.
In October 2023, BRD issued treasury bonds valued at Rwf30 billion. Shortly after, the bank reported that these bonds were oversubscribed at a rate of 110.59%, exceeding the target and resulting in earnings of Rwf33.17 billion.
A substantial portion of these funds is slated for development projects and sustainable investments. Recently, BRD announced its intention to allocate 50% of this amount (Rwf15 billion) to a program offering loans to entities in the public transport sector, enabling them to acquire buses.
BRD justifies this decision as part of its commitment to fostering sustainable and livable cities by supporting the private sector’s investment in efficient transportation, aligning with its mission to contribute to the country’s progress.
The bank intends to grant this loan to companies looking to purchase 200 buses recently introduced to Rwanda by the Government, facilitating easier access for interested entities.
Richard Tusabe, the Minister of State in charge of National Treasury at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, recently clarified that the government’s purchase of these vehicles does not signal a return to the transportation business. Instead, it addresses an existing problem, recognizing a gap in Kigali City and committing to resolving it.
Tusabe revealed that a study indicated a shortage of 305 buses, prompting the government to import 200 initially by January 2024 to assess further efforts needed to improve transportation in the city. To alleviate the burden on the private sector, the government opted to purchase and distribute the buses conveniently.
The loan agreement was initially signed by five transport companies, including RITCO, Remera Transport Cooperative, City Center Transport Cooperative, Nyabugogo Transport Cooperative, and Jali.
The loan is anticipated to carry a 12% annual interest rate, with a repayment period of five years.
According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, over 300 buses are required in the City of Kigali to address the growing number of people using the public transport system. BRD asserts its readiness to provide loans to cover 70% of the required buses.
The initial phase of the project, Isange Estate, concluded in 2022 with the construction of 15 houses, all of which were quickly occupied. The second phase includes an additional 18 houses, consisting of six standard houses and 12 apartments, thereby contributing to the diversification of the city’s residential offerings.
Families particularly appreciate the equipped playgrounds for their children, fostering a close-knit and intergenerational community.
David Benazeraf, CEO of Imara Properties, highlights the positive impact of the project on local property values and its significant contribution to the growth of Kigali. “By initiating this project in 2021, we transformed a village into a dynamic neighborhood, thereby enhancing the value of the surrounding land,” he states. He emphasizes the company’s commitment to providing quality housing, thereby contributing to Rwanda’s economic development.
Murabukirwa Vicky, heading the association of French commercial companies in Rwanda, also recognizes the significance of this project for the local economy, emphasizing the employment opportunities generated for many Rwandans.
The company has plans to construct housing units in the Gasabo and Kicukiro districts, with real estate projects in Kibagabaga and Kanombe, named Ituze. These residences, valued between 60 and 145 million Rwandan francs, will be constructed with environmental considerations and offer generous communal spaces.
Each building, featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, and parking, has a floor area ranging from 89 to 97 square meters, combining comfort and modernity.
This development is part of Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to improve housing and accelerate its urban development. The Rwandan government aims to build 150,000 homes by 2050, with the ambition of increasing the urbanization rate to 70%. For this purpose, 1,100 hectares across the country, including 890 in Kigali, are dedicated to social housing projects.
The city of Kigali, expected to host 3.8 million inhabitants by 2050, has a crucial need for 859,000 homes to accommodate this demographic growth.
The central focus of this event was arbitration, positioned as a preferred approach to conflict resolution in contrast to the systematic judicialization of disputes. Prof. Rugege underscored the significance of this methodology, particularly in the context of post-genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, where reconciliation played a pivotal role in the nation’s reconstruction.
Addressing an audience comprising recent graduates and ILPD staff from diverse African countries such as The Gambia, Gabon, Cameroon, Ghana, Sudan, and Rwanda, Prof. Rugege delved into the historical roots of arbitration within pre-colonial African traditions. He highlighted the disruption introduced by the arrival of colonizers and their imposition of a judicial system.
To illustrate the advantages of reconciliation, an eloquent example involving a dispute between a patient and a hospital was presented. The decision to amicably resolve the conflict not only steered clear of negative publicity and legal consequences but also satisfied the involved parties.
Prof. Rugege also delved into the law enacted on May 12, 2023, which permits public prosecutors and investigators to act as mediators in certain offenses. This innovative approach, adopted in Rwanda since 2019, aims to expedite dispute resolution while fortifying the culture of mediation within the courts.
This conference forms part of a series of public lectures organized by ILPD, renowned for its diverse teaching methods that seamlessly integrate theoretical lectures, practical exercises, and assignments. It provided attendees, particularly students, with an enriching perspective on alternative conflict resolution methods, a vital aspect in modern legal practice.
Prof. Maringe has a remarkable research track-record over a career spanning more than 30 years. He began his academic career at the University of Zimbabwe, before moving to the Bindura University of Science Education where he was the inaugural Dean of Education.
Under the supervision of Professor Nick Foskett, Prof. Maringe completed his doctoral degree in education in the area of higher education marketing in 2003. In 2004, he was recruited to teach on the PGCE programme at Southampton, United Kingdom.
Notably, he was appointed Director of the Education Doctoral Programme, and replaced Professor Taylor as Director of the prestigious (Centre for Higher Education Management Policy at Southampton (CHEMPaS). He achieved promotion to the rank of Senior Lecturer at Southampton.
He was then recruited by the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) in Johannesburg, South Africa, as an Associate Professor in 2012 and confirmed as full professor in 2015. At WITS, Prof. Maringe was appointed Assistant Dean for Internationalisation and Partnerships between 2013-2018. In 2019, he was appointed Head of the WITS School of Education, working through the COVID period until the end of his tenure in 2022.
Prof. Maringe is a well-published scholar, with 122 outputs in the public domain, including 13 books, 12 commissioned reports, refereed journal articles and book chapters. He has over 5,570 google citations, an H-index of 32 and an i10 index of 56.
Throughout his career, he has won more than 15 competitive research grants. He is currently Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious Journal of Educational Studies based in South Africa.
He has successfully supervised 31 doctoral students to completion and currently has two doctoral students who are almost completing their theses at Africa University in Zimbabwe and at University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
Ndayishimiye asserted that while the population in the region lives decently, the core issue lies in what he perceives as “bad leaders.”
He expressed unwavering determination to persist in the struggle until Rwandans themselves apply pressure on their leaders.
He stated, “This is a regional issue; first, there is the unity of citizens. I know there is no problem between citizens; it’s bad leaders. As in the army, they say there are no bad troops; it’s the commanders who are bad. So, at this moment, I believe our struggle must continue until the Rwandan people also start to exert pressure because I see that Rwandan youth cannot accept being prisoners in the region.”
This position aligns with that of his counterpart in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, who has also expressed a desire to challenge the Rwandan government.
The bold statements quickly drew reactions, with the Rwandan ambassador to the Netherlands, Olivier Nduhungirehe, strongly criticizing Ndayishimiye’s remarks, labeling them as mediocre. He emphasized the unacceptability of an African Head of State, acting as the ‘African Union Champion for the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda,’ promising to aid an African people in overthrowing their legitimate government, especially during a conference co-sponsored by the AU Commission.
Nduhungirehe pointed out, “This is not only an incongruous diversion from the mandate conferred upon him by his peers during the African Union Conference in February 2023 but also a blatant violation of the letter and spirit of our continental organization’s Charter.”
Tensions between Rwanda and Burundi escalated at the end of 2023 following Ndayishimiye’s accusations that Rwanda supported RED-Tabara rebel group against his regime. Rwanda staunchly denied these allegations, highlighting its lack of interest in disrupting Burundi’s security and reminding that they had extradited RED-Tabara fighters who had illegally entered the territory to the Burundian government.
Subsequently, Ndayishimiye appears to have forged an alliance with Tshisekedi, who has long harbored intentions of overthrowing the Rwandan government. This coalition was spotlighted during Tshisekedi’s second-term inauguration ceremony. Upon his arrival, journalists from the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s National Television, RTNC, emphasized Ndayishimiye’s status as a “great friend” of the country, showcasing a unified stance on the Rwandan issue.
Reliable sources indicate that the relationship between Ndayishimiye and Tshisekedi is fortified by a financial commitment from the DRC, promising $5,000 per month for each Burundian soldier present in the East of the DRC, supporting the Congolese army (FARDC) in clashes against the M23.
