Faki said while the effect of the Russia-Ukraine crisis is constantly growing, the Israeli- Palestinian conflict is continuing with indescribable intensity, causing humanitarian tragedies and destruction of properties.
“African conscience is shaken by the tragedy that has occurred due to the conflict and I reiterate once again our call for humanitarian ceasefire and engagement of the international community to materialize the two-state solution to end the conflict there,” he said.
Noting the continuing shelling of Palestinian civilians and destruction of their means of existence, Faki recalled that the conflict has been of great concern for Africa for over 60 years.
He noted that a lasting solution is required to ensure the co-existence of both nations to allow their peoples live in a state of peace and stability.
Africa is not free from conflict either, said the chairperson, noting the unfolding security problems in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other parts of the continent, affecting peace, stability and development of the continent.
He said the African Union needs to go a long way to achieve the general objective of the union, namely peace, the integration and development of Africa.
The PRC session is held under the theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.”
It will be followed by the 44th ordinary session of the Executive Council and the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU, starting from mid-February.
The suspect, who was enroute to Muhanga District, was intercepted midway in Ngororero District, Ngororero sector in Rususa cell, Rususa village.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Karekezi Twizere Bonaventure, the Police spokesperson for Western region, said that the suspect was being transported by a taxi-moto operator, who fled during the operation.
“Police received a phone call from a resident about a suspected drug dealer traveling from Busasamana sector in Rubavu district heading to Muhanga District,” said SP Karekezi.
He added: “A checkpoint was mounted in Rususa village, Ngororero District where a taxi-moto operator and the passenger, who had the narcotics were intercepted at about 6p.m, with a consignment of 5000 rolls of cannabis, although the moto rider managed to flee.”
The suspect had sneaked the narcotics into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), through a porous border point.
Reports indicate that the same suspect has been frequenting Goma in DRC, where he get the narcotics and supplies others dealers especially in Muhanga and Kigali.
His arrest came less than a mother after another drug dealer was arrested in Rusizi District with 108kgs and 500 pellets of cannabis.
In November, last year, a woman and her son were also arrested in Rwamagana District, Mwulire sector with 105kgs of cannabis.
Cannabis is classified as a severe narcotic drug in Rwanda.
Trafficking and distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is punishable under article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in general.
It partly states that, any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, the offender is liable to an imprisonment of between 20 year and life, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million, in regard to severe narcotic drugs.
Valens Muhakwa, the PSD’s First Vice President, underscored the party’s active engagement in the preparations for the imminent presidential and parliamentary elections. “The party is not standing idle,” he declared, emphasizing the PSD’s commitment to playing a substantial role in Rwanda’s political landscape.
Muhakwa outlined the internal process for selecting the PSD’s presidential candidate, stating, “According to the party’s regulations, the decision will be made by the national congress scheduled for next Wednesday.” This clarification sheds light on the formal procedure governing candidate nominations.
Expressing pride in the party’s accomplishments over its 33 years of existence, Muhakwa highlighted the PSD’s noteworthy contribution to Rwanda’s national development. He intends to leverage this track record as a compelling argument in the upcoming electoral campaign, stating, “We are preparing plans and strategies that we will present to the Rwandans,” and indicating that the party will emphasize its achievements when seeking votes.
Despite not fielding a presidential candidate since 2010, when Jean Damascène finished second with 5.15% of the votes, the PSD appears determined to make a robust comeback on the presidential stage.
Rwanda was well-represented by institutions such as the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), RwandAir (Rwanda’s national carrier), Wanderluxe Safaris, Blue Monkey Tours, Palast Tours & Travels, and Mist Rwanda Safaris. The delegation received support from the Embassy of Rwanda in the Netherlands throughout the exhibition.
Speaking on the first day as he opened Rwanda’s pavilion; Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Olivier Nduhungirehe expressed satisfaction that Rwanda is among the nations showcasing its tourism offerings at the fair.
He highlighted Rwanda’s 12th consecutive participation, emphasizing the progress made in the tourism sector since the Genocide against the Tutsi, crediting the government’s efforts through RDB. The ambassador acknowledged the success of the Visit Rwanda campaign, which engaged major European football clubs.
Ariella Kageruka, Head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB, emphasized the value of Rwanda’s participation in the exhibition, describing it as an excellent opportunity to showcase the nation’s diverse tourism resources. She highlighted the chance for tourism service providers to strengthen collaborations within the joint market of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, a region that significantly contributes to Rwanda’s tourist influx.
Representatives from Palast Tours & Travels, Blue Monkey Tours, and Wanderluxe Safaris expressed their happiness as young professionals in the tourism sector participating in the Vakantiebeurs 2024 international tourism fair. They thanked RDB for facilitating their participation, the Embassy of Rwanda in the Netherlands for stand preparations, and the accompanying artists for showcasing Rwanda’s rich culture.
The Rwandan pavilion featured a group offering visitors a taste of Rwandan coffee, led by Paul Van Weert, along with captivating performances by the Ukwezi ballet from Belgium.
Ministry records indicate that out of the 5,000 individuals intended for transfer, only about 700 can be located at present.
Officials estimate that the first flight could carry between 100 and 150 people, depending on the whereabouts of those still unaccounted for.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that transfers are scheduled to commence early this year, pending legislative approval.
The proposed bill seeks to eliminate specific legal barriers related to the UK’s policy with Rwanda and make amendments to aspects of human rights law. This would grant ministers the authority to override judgments from European courts.
However, the bill faced criticism last week from 50 MPs, who called for a reassessment and reforms to strengthen it.
Initially planned for June 2022, the transfer was halted by the European Court of Human Rights.
The primary challenge faced by the ministry remains locating the majority of the concerned migrants. Additionally, the transportation process from reception centers to planes is complicated by various obstacles, including protests, adverse weather conditions, and resistance from those responsible for monitoring and escorting migrants.
Suggestions have arisen that the Home Office could use Ministry of Defence aircraft to expedite the process, but the military has declined involvement in this plan.
Concerns have been raised about Rwanda’s preparedness, especially regarding the availability of lawyers to assist migrants. However, a recent agreement between the two countries aims to address these shortcomings by strengthening Rwanda’s judicial system.
The increasing influx of migrants to the UK and their disappearance before placement in transit centers further complicates the situation, potentially delaying transfers due to insufficient numbers.
Speaking to The Telegraph; Yvette Cooper, a political analyst at the Home Office highlighted numerous challenges in the transfer process. Although 17,000 people were initially expected, many remain unaccounted for.
In December last year, the UK proposed legislation facilitating the sending of migrants to Rwanda, a day after the British Home Secretary signed a new agreement in Kigali.
This agreement, initially signed in 2022, was revised following concerns from the UK Supreme Court regarding the legality of the approach and the risks of returning migrants to their home countries.
The new agreement and the bill aim to address the concerns expressed by the British Supreme Court.
The incident occurred on Saturday, January 13, 2023, at Gicumbi District Stadium during a match between Rambura WFC and Inyemera WFC. In the 65th minute of the game, moderate rain accompanied by lightning struck eight individuals, including players and coaches from both teams.
The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) confirmed on Sunday that all the affected players had been released from the hospital and were showing signs of improvement.
“We are pleased to inform you that the six players who spent the night in Byumba Hospital and the two who spent the night in King Faisal Hospital have all been discharged as they have started to recover,” announced the federation.
The Rambura WFC players undergoing treatment were Uwimaniduhaye Diane, Isubirizihe Jeannine, Uwayisaba Olive, Kaze Deline, Gisubizo Umulisa, and Uwiduhaye Valentine. The Inyemera WFC players involved in the incident were Niyokwizerwa Devotha and Mutuyimana Clarisse, along with coaches Niragire Jean de Dieu and Umutoniwase Marie Gisèle.
It remains unclear whether the interrupted game would be restarted or continued from the 65th minute.
However, according to regulations, if there is a compelling reason for the game not to conclude, it may be restarted and continue from the minute it reached.
The much-anticipated tournament kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony on Saturday night in Abidjan, the commercial capital of Cote d’Ivoire, where the spotlight is on the continent’s premier football talents.
The event, spanning a month, will witness the participation of 24 national teams vying for glory at six stadiums across five cities as they seek to claim the AFCON title.
Many Chinese football fans, wearing orange, white and green T-shirts — colors of the national flag of Cote d’Ivoire — joined passionate crowds singing and dancing to afrobeat and rap. Together with hundreds of thousands of Chinese people living in Africa, they share the joy and pride of the locals about the grand event.
Beyond the realm of sports, the tournament is viewed as a golden opportunity to stimulate the local economy, foster international cooperation, and showcase African culture on a global stage. As the country sets the stage for this grand event, all eyes are on the unfolding drama and excitement that AFCON 2023 promises to deliver.
{{Glory of African Football }}
In the first match, Cote d’Ivoire secured a 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara stadium, following an opening celebration of African culture with the participation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, African football chief Patrice Motsepe, and Cote d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara, who proudly declared his country “a land of football.”
In the last few decades, African football has made remarkable progress, with notable achievements on the global stage. Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana made their mark by reaching the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup, while Morocco’s remarkable journey led them to the semifinals of the 2022 tournament.
The influence of African players worldwide is growing, with many top clubs boasting talents from the continent in their ranks. Icons like Liverpool’s “Egyptian King” Mohamed Salah, West Ham’s dynamic Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus and Stuttgart’s Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy have become integral to the success of their respective teams.
Those players, many of whom honed their skills on grassless pitches or sandy beaches during their childhood, now serve as inspirational figures for youth across Africa.
“This is fantastic,” said Serges Deble, a player from Cote d’Ivoire. “After everything we have been through, AFCON marks good progression for development in our country and the whole of Africa.” Born in Abidjan and embarking on his football journey at the age of 16, Deble has represented his country at U20 and U23 levels and has pursued his profession in both Europe and Asia. He spent two years playing for China’s Meizhou Hakka, which he called “a fantastic memory.”
Commenting on the progress in the football industry in Africa, he said, “Things are turning better for African football players.” However, he added, there is still room for increased investment to fortify the industry across the continent, and China is a natural partner in this regard.
“China already started. Not only in football but in many markets, and many people want to work with China. Our government is working closely with China. It is good collaboration. Maybe after football, I will go to China to make my business,” Deble said.
{{Long-term legacy}}
Cooperation between China and Africa in the football industry dates back more than a decade. Chinese companies assisted African countries in constructing stadiums used for AFCON 2012, 2017 and 2021. This year, China has helped Cote d’Ivoire build key infrastructure to facilitate the matches.
The president of Cote d’Ivoire’s Football Federation, Idriss Diallo, said that the country has committed investments in infrastructure linked to the competition, including the construction of four new stadiums, road improvements, as well as the renovation of hospitals and airports. Among these, the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, situated in Ebimpe on the outskirts of Abidjan, stands as a long-term legacy for the nation.
The stadium, with a seating capacity of 60,000, is scheduled to host the opening and final matches of AFCON 2023. Completed by the Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG) and handed over to the local government in 2020, this stadium is now recognized as one of the most modern in Africa. Complemented by ancillary facilities like Olympic City, it is part of a broader plan to develop the northern outskirts of Abidjan.
Even before the tournament’s opening, the stadium had become a point of interest for football fans. Taxi driver Kone Adama said, “I am as busy as a bee these two weeks. I have been taking fans in various jerseys from the airport, and they always want to make a stop first at the national stadium.”
When President Alassane Ouattara attended the stadium’s inauguration in October 2020, he recalled that the first president of the country, Felix Houphouet-Boigny, planned to build an Olympic city in Epimbe. More than 40 years later, the completion of the stadium fulfilled the wishes of several generations of leaders and tens of millions of people in Cote d’Ivoire, Ouattara said.
In addition to the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Chinese companies have also constructed two additional arenas and several key roads, addressing the potential congestion on Abidjan’s thoroughfares as tens of thousands of football enthusiasts are coming to the country for the tournament.
Moreover, the Chinese technological firm TECNO, also the official sponsor of the tournament, has embarked on a campaign to renovate 100 football fields in underprivileged communities across 12 African countries to make football accessible to everyone and unleash the potential of young football enthusiasts.
“It is all about empowering African children in the sports sector by providing them the joy of playing on lush fields,” said Guo Lei, TECNO’s general manager.
{{Long-lasting friendship}}
The connection between China and Africa, as exemplified in AFCON 2023, is part of broader ties nurtured by generations on both sides.
Lu Lu, the manager of BCEG’s Cote d’Ivoire branch, said she was impressed by the China-Africa friendship and felt “the warmth of the African people toward the Chinese” while working in several African countries since 2010.
In Togo, local patients expressed their gratitude by sending fruits to Chinese doctors, while in Mali, appreciation for Chinese assistance in constructing a university was shown as locals filled pick-up trucks with oranges, delivering them to Chinese workers on the construction site. Even during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in China, African businessmen extended their support by donating money at the Chinese embassies, she recalled.
“People often say that with my experiences, I am considered an African now and should stay on the continent forever,” Lu said.
Her connection to Africa is deeply rooted and shaped by her father’s experiences. As a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, Lu’s father arrived in Gabon in 1995 as part of a cooperative agreement between the governments of the two countries. He was among the medical staff dedicated to advancing healthcare in Africa over the past 60 years.
Since the deployment of the first Chinese medical team to Algeria in 1963, China has sent 30,000 medical personnel to 76 countries and regions across five continents, with a primary focus on Africa, providing 290 million diagnoses and treatments for local communities.
Over the past decades, China-Africa cooperation, with joint efforts, has yielded fruitful results. The two sides have built railways, highways, airports and seaports, improving connectivity both within the continent and with the rest of the world. They have also constructed renewable energy power plants, providing local populations with access to electricity without causing environmental damage.
After AFCON 2023 kicked off on Saturday, people living in remote areas in Cote d’Ivoire and other African countries were able to watch the matches at home, thanks to broadcast services provided by StarTimes, a Chinese digital TV operator. The satellite TV project was announced at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Since then, the project has helped nearly 10,000 villages in more than 20 African countries receive digital TV signals.
The ninth forum is expected to be held in China later this year, during which Chinese and African leaders will discuss new initiatives to bring benefits to people on both sides.
Reflecting on China-Africa cooperation, Deble said “I know the Chinese people are here to help, not only in football but in so many industries … We are together on the path to development.”
“Prior to our arrival in Africa, our predecessors had dedicated their lives to fostering China-Africa friendship, and we deeply admire their accomplishments. Their efforts have left an invaluable legacy that serves as both inspiration and guidance for our mission today,” Lu said.
The discussions between the two officials, as reported by Rwanda’s embassy in Saudi Arabia, primarily focused on exploring investment opportunities between Rwanda and Saudi Arabia. The talks also delved into broader aspects of bilateral relations and cooperation.
Diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Saudi Arabia were established in 2018 with the signing of a cooperation agreement. Despite differences in natural resources, the two nations engage in various forms of business, including the trade of oil, a significant resource for Saudi Arabia.
The embassy highlighted the positive relations between Rwanda and Saudi Arabia in fields such as medicine, education, energy, and infrastructure. Moreover, both nations see potential for increased collaboration in technology, finance, tourism, trade, and general investment.
This meeting underscores the commitment of both countries to strengthening their diplomatic ties and exploring new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Embarking on a new venture can be daunting in today’s dynamic business landscape. Acknowledging the challenges that aspiring entrepreneurs encounter, the Jasiri Talent Investor stands out as a unique program – operating under Allan and Gill Gray Philanthropies – with a firm commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in developing high-impact, marketing-creating, and value-based ventures for the common good. Jasiri Talent Investor strives to remove barriers that hinder the success of new businesses. The program guides the Fellows from Ideation to Venture Creation, by providing funding, coaching, strategic advisory, and guidance in the complex space of innovation.
“Jasiri draws inspiration from three Entrepreneurial Imperatives: alchemy, ambition, and attitude. Our work, akin to alchemy, guides aspiring entrepreneurs from ground zero. We introduce Marketing Creating Innovations as a blueprint to shape the future prosperity of Africa. The intentional choice of our program name, Jasiri—a Swahili word for bravery—reflects our commitment. Thinking big, thinking long-term, and embodying responsible, ethical entrepreneurship demand courage.” Anthony Farr, CEO Africa of Allan and Gill Gray Philanthropies.
We continue to make a significant impact. Since the program’s inception, we have incubated 144 Fellows across 4 Cohorts, facilitated the creation of 61 Ventures that would otherwise not have existed in the Eastern Africa ecosystem.
Application for this 6th cohort will open on January 15, 2024, and close on April 5, 2024. Jasiri will host various virtual information sessions to assist interested applicants in navigating the application process and addressing any inquiries they might have. Detailed information about these virtual sessions can be found on Jasiri’s social media platforms.
Visit https://jasiri.org/application/ to apply.
{{About Jasiri}}
Jasiri invests in, nurtures, and empowers entrepreneurs who benefit society and attack poverty by creating high-impact businesses, creating new markets on the African continent. Jasiri believes that entrepreneurial teams are at the heart of new venture creation and provides the entrepreneur with access to a diverse group of potential co-founders. The program supports new ventures from idea generation to venture creation and takes a long-term approach to developing exceptional, responsible entrepreneurs on the African continent.
In light of strained relations between Rwanda and the DRC, primarily fueled by insecurity in the eastern part of the DRC, where armed groups, including the M23, clash with the Congolese army, accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 persist. However, the country refutes these allegations and urges the neighbor to solve internal problems without seeking excuses for failure through blame games.
Dr. Awazi, in an interview with IGIHE, underscored the prevailing sense of security felt by the Congolese diaspora in Rwanda.
“I am a free man. If I did not feel at peace, if I did not have the freedom to work, or if I did not feel safe here, [speaking here as a representative of the Congolese community], the over 100,000 Congolese living in Rwanda would not be here,” he explained.
The doctor further stated, “I am a doctor. I would have left here and returned home if it were not for the fact that Rwanda has offered us a favorable business environment, provided us with security, and treats us on an equal footing with its citizens. That’s why we continue to stay here.”
Dr. Awazi expressed the desire for Congolese and Rwandan leaders to engage in negotiations for peace, urging a shift away from the current war rhetoric. Acknowledging political interests, he emphasized the need for dialogue between the two neighboring countries.
Referring to President Tshisekedi’s recent remarks about a potential attack on Rwanda, Dr. Awazi highlighted the potential impact on both Rwandans and Congolese residing in Rwanda. He observed an improvement in diplomatic relations, indicating positive signs for dialogue between the two nations.
“I am optimistic that positive developments are underway as evidenced by the effective functioning of the diplomatic mission of Congo in Rwanda. We observed a temporary withdrawal of some diplomats at one point, but today we witness their return, along with the arrival of others. This indicates a significant shift towards fostering dialogue between the two nations.”
Concluding his statements, Dr. Awazi called on the region’s residents to unite for peace, addressing Burundians, Rwandans, Ugandans, and Congolese as brothers. Emphasizing the role of the diaspora in promoting peace, cohesion, and reconciliation, he stated, “We are an essential tool in the fight against ethnic and tribal divisions, and we strive to teach peace and cooperation.”
The DRC diaspora in Rwanda, numbering over 100,000, actively engages in education, health, and social well-being. Bokanga Kyassa Peter, the executive secretary of the diaspora, commended the outgoing committee’s accomplishments, particularly in education, highlighting teacher and student training, educational support for underprivileged children, and the renovation of damaged schools.
In the social domain, initiatives such as subscribing needy individuals for community-based health insurance and distributing food to families during the Covid-19 pandemic showcase the diaspora’s commitment to social welfare.
