Author: admin

Sichuan, famously known as the home of the giant panda, was a place I always wished to visit. And now that my dream was finally coming true, I couldn’t wait to meet the real-life bears that have captured the world’s imagination for centuries.

On the third day in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, my dream came true. I found myself heading to the Dujiangyan base for China giant Panda conservation and research, tucked away in Qing Cheng town, Dujiangyan City.

Located 18 kilometers from the downtown, this base sits between the sacred Qing Cheng mountain and the ancient town of Jie Zi. From the outside, it looked calm and green, but inside it held stories of science and survival of a species fighting for its place in the wild.

This is a professional panda rescue and disease prevention center, spread across 760 acres. It’s designed to support up to 40 giant pandas with seven key zones, including disease prevention, quarantine, rehabilitation, education, and research.

I saw nearly all of them; big, small, quiet, curious, and impossibly charming. Their environment was beautiful, with modern buildings blending into the natural landscape, all built to create a good home for the pandas. The total investment behind the base is around 230 million RMB (approx. Frw41 billion)

What surprised me at the onset was how much I learned that day. Despite being members of the bear family, pandas eat almost nothing but bamboo. In fact, they can consume up to 38 kilograms daily and spend over half the day chewing through it, all to extract a tiny portion of nutrition.

Giant pandas can give birth to twins, though in the wild, usually only one survives. In conservation centers, both are carefully raised.

Their digestive systems are still built like those of meat-eaters, but evolution had another plan. I also discovered that a newborn panda is barely the size of a stick of butter, weighing around 100 grams, only about one-nine-hundredth of its mother’s weight.

Each panda has a thumb-like bone that helps it grip bamboo stalks like a hand. They’re solitary by nature, rarely meeting unless it’s time to mate, and they don’t hibernate like other bears.

Instead, they keep searching for bamboo year-round. Their communication is equally fascinating; pandas can bleat like goats or even bark like dogs, depending on their mood.

Sichuan Province, with a population of over 80 million people, is home to more than 70 percent of the world’s wild pandas. From the misty forests of the Minshan Mountains to the research bases in Chengdu, Dujiangyan, and beyond, the province has become the heartbeat of global panda conservation.

The people here see the giant panda not only as a symbol of local pride but as a reflection of their deep-rooted respect for nature. It’s in the subway art, the merchandise, the festivals and in the hearts of everyone I met.

Pandas make unique sounds, from bleating like goats to barking like dogs when annoyed or playful.

Pandas are also central to China’s global diplomacy efforts. Known as panda diplomacy, China has loaned these animals to countries around the world to strengthen relations.

But even when a panda is born abroad, it still legally belongs to China and often returns home later in life. This shows how tightly the species is tied to China’s national identity.

And, about the iconic panda fur, the white fur helps them blend into snowy mountain slopes, while the black fur hides them in shaded forests.

The dark patches around their eyes and ears may even help them communicate or appear more intimidating to threats. It turns out that behind the cuddly appearance, is an animal perfectly suited for survival in a world of contrast, just like its fur.

Like giant pandas, red pandas prefer to be alone. They’re shy, quiet, and spend most of the day hidden among branches.

Like giant pandas, red pandas prefer to be alone. They’re shy, quiet, and spend most of the day hidden among branches.

Pandas can eat up to 38 kg of bamboo a day.

The base is a rescue, rehab, and disease prevention center for sick or injured pandas.

The black-and-white fur helps pandas blend into snowy mountains and forest shadows.

The extra 'thumb' on their paw helps them grip and peel bamboo while eating.

They enjoy their own space and only socialize during mating season.

Unlike other bears, pandas don’t hibernate.

Watching a panda nibble bamboo in total silence is strangely therapeutic.

With more than 60 species of bamboo grown locally, the center keeps its residents well-fed and satisfied.

After long hours of eating, pandas often sleep for up to 10 hours a day.

Despite being bears, 99 percent of a panda’s diet is bamboo.

For locals in Sichuan, pandas are more than animals. They’re a symbol of resilience, peace and pride.

Photos by Christian Mugisha

Christian Mugisha

Both have escaped UEFA bans over 'indecent' postgame celebrations in the Champions League last-16 win at Atletico Madrid.

Mbappe and Rudiger are both subject to a one-year probationary period. Madrid are away to Arsenal in the first leg of the quarter-finals on Tuesday, April 8, 2025

The charges followed Madrid players celebrating a penalty shootout win over Atletico on March 12. Video clips emerged of Mbappe grabbing his crotch on the field.

Rudiger has been handed a 40,000 euros fine and Mbappe 30,000 euros. Dani Ceballos was fined 20,000 euros with no suspended ban.

UEFA have also confirmed no charges were made against Vinicius Junior, who also had been under investigation.

Rudiger has been handed a 40,000 euros fine.

Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger punished by UEFA but cleared for Arsenal game.

IGIHE

One of the primary causes of this deficit is the absence of expected funding from the United States, traditionally one of WHO’s major contributors.

According to Raul Thomas, WHO’s Deputy Director-General for Operations, the United States, under the Biden administration, has not disbursed the expected $130 million.

For the 2024—2025 cycle, the U.S. was supposed to contribute $260 million. However, the situation is complicated by former President Donald Trump’s announcement that the U.S. is withdrawing from the WHO, a decision set to take effect in 2026.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that, in response to the funding gap, staff reductions will be implemented across all levels of the organization, including leadership. Planned activities will also be scaled back.

'These reductions will be carried out carefully, prioritizing essential, high-impact programs that align with available funding. We aim to complete the review of core activities by mid-month, after which we will inform you about which programs will be scaled down and how the changes will be implemented,' he stated.

Founded in 1948, WHO works with over 150 countries to promote global public health. Each year, the organization monitors more than 1,000 diseases and leads various initiatives to protect the health and well-being of people worldwide.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that, in response to the funding gap, staff reductions will be implemented across all levels of the organization, including leadership.

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This comes after the Ministry of Defense discovered that seven of them were still active-duty soldiers who had been on a family leave of up to two years. It was found that they violated military regulations by leaving the country without authorization and engaging in activities unrelated to their military duties. Three of them remain on leave.

The Ministry also revealed that among these mercenaries were 466 former members of Romania’s reserve forces, who had previously been discharged from active military service due to age, resignation, or medical reasons.

A case file for one of the seven soldiers on leave has already been submitted to the military prosecutor’s office, and it is expected that files for the remaining six will also be submitted, according to Euractiv.

Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr stated that he had ordered a full investigation into how this situation arose and that measures would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

European mercenaries began collaborating with the DRC government in 2022 to fight against the M23 rebel group, which was rapidly taking control of vast territories. A large number of these mercenaries were from Romania.

Before M23 captured the city of Goma in late January 2025, the mercenaries, led by Horatiu Potra, a figure well known across Africa, ceased fighting operations.

M23 captured 280 of the mercenaries and repatriated them through Rwanda on January 29, 2025. Reports indicated that some had fled before the rebel group entered Goma.

M23 captured 280 of the mercenaries and repatriated them through Rwanda on January 29, 2025.

IGIHE

He made the remarks on April 4, 2025, during the presentation of findings from a two-week review conducted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In recent weeks, countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany have imposed economic sanctions on Rwanda, accusing it of supporting the M23 rebel group, allegations Rwanda has consistently denied as baseless.

The situation escalated when Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium and terminated cooperation agreements on development projects valued at €95 million for the 2024—2029 period. At the time of cancellation, about €80 million remained unused.

Murangwa emphasized that while those aid contributions had been beneficial, their loss would not severely destabilize Rwanda’s economy, particularly because the country still has support from its core partners.

'The countries that have imposed sanctions on us are not many. Our main partners such as the World Bank, IMF, AfDB, and other nations have not imposed any sanctions, meaning the overall impact is minimal,' he said.

In 2024, Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached RWF 18.785 trillion, up from RWF 16.626 trillion in 2023. Services contributed 48% to this growth, while agriculture accounted for 25%.

Murangwa further explained that Rwanda’s current economic standing is strong, and the reliance on foreign aid has significantly decreased compared to past years, thereby reducing the impact of these sanctions.

There was a presentation of findings from a two-week review conducted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

'We are investing heavily in self-reliance. Based on our current progress and preparedness, there is no major threat. We will continue assessing any potential impacts,' he added.

During the two-week review conducted with the IMF, it was found that Rwanda’s economy had grown at a solid rate of 8.9%. The Minister also mentioned that projections for the coming years show Rwanda’s economy is expected to grow at a rate of 7%.

The Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), Soraya Hakuziyaremye, noted that the IMF forecasted inflation rates between 2% and 8% for 2025 and 2026, which aligns with the central bank’s own figures.

In March 2025, BNR had projected inflation to reach 6.5% in 2025, dropping to 4.3% in 2026. Hakuziyaremye confirmed that the IMF used the same projections.

She added that although global economic uncertainty persists, such as rising import taxes in the United States, there is currently no cause for concern for Rwanda. However, they will continue monitoring the situation closely.

The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, has stated that the recent sanctions imposed on Rwanda by some countries will not significantly impact the country’s economy.

'There’s no need for alarm because our exports to the US were already limited and subject to taxes. However, global price hikes, especially for food and petroleum products, could be indirectly affected by those tax changes,' she said.

The IMF’s review also looked at the performance of the Rwandan Franc against the US Dollar. The fund confirmed Rwanda’s figures.

'The Rwandan Franc depreciated by 9.8% compared to the US Dollar, a notable improvement from the 18% depreciation seen in 2023. The slower rate of depreciation, and our goal of returning to the 5% level in the coming years, is reassuring,' Governor Hakuziyaremye said.

The IMF assessment also found that Rwanda’s foreign reserves increased, reaching the equivalent of 5.4 months of imports by the end of 2024.

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning also announced that in 2025, Rwanda will unveil the second phase of the Bugesera International Airport project, alongside the expansion of Kigali International Airport, in partnership with the Qatar Investment Authority.

The Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), Soraya Hakuziyaremye, noted that the IMF forecasted inflation rates between 2% and 8% for 2025 and 2026, which aligns with the central bank’s own figures.

The head of the IMF team that conducted the review of Rwanda’s economy, Ruben Atoyan, stated that they will continue to collaborate with Rwanda in its economic development.

IGIHE

The spokesperson for the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, noted that from past experience, about 40% of all crimes recorded in a year occur in April, with a significant number linked to genocide ideology and related offenses.

He called on Rwandans to act responsibly and avoid engaging in such acts. Murangira was speaking on Thursday, April 3, 2025, during an interview with the national broadcaster, RBA.

He emphasized that this period calls for unity and reflection rather than division. 'April is the month where genocide ideology and related crimes tend to be more prevalent. Over the years, we have observed that a significant number of offenses committed annually take place during this period,' he said.

Murangira pointed out that crimes recorded during this time often include genocide ideology, discrimination, divisionism, and denial of the genocide, with many cases involving the harassment of genocide survivors.

'It is deeply concerning that, even after all these years, some individuals still hold such harmful beliefs. We want to make it clear that the law will not tolerate such actions, and those involved will be held accountable,' he stated.

He warned against those who take advantage of the commemoration period to revisit past personal disputes, using them as an excuse to spread hate speech or engage in acts that promote genocide ideology.

'As we mark the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, it is regrettable that some individuals still engage in such behavior. We urge them to stop because the law will not turn a blind eye,' he said.

The spokesperson also cautioned against dismissing dangerous rhetoric as mere jokes. 'There are statements that are simply not jokes. Some people we arrest claim they were only joking, but no one jokes by giving justification for genocide. That is not humor,' he stressed.

Additionally, he expressed concern over cases where children are taught genocide ideology or discriminatory beliefs, calling such actions unacceptable and punishable under the law.

As Rwanda embarks on the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, authorities urge the public to uphold the values of unity, respect, and accountability while ensuring that hate speech and division have no place in society.

The spokesperson for the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, noted that from past experience, about 40% of all crimes recorded in a year occur in April, with a significant number linked to genocide ideology and related offenses.

IGIHE

The high-level forum, hailed as a pivotal step in strengthening international collaboration, unfolded in Kigali and served as a platform for signing significant academic partnerships and exploring mutual opportunities in higher education and innovation.

It brought together prominent institutions from Nordic countries, including Finland, Sweden, and their Rwandan counterparts, including the University of Rwanda (UR), Rwanda Polytechnic, the Catholic University of Rwanda, and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS Rwanda).

Speaking at the forum’s conclusion, Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Hon. Joseph Nsengimana, warmly acknowledged the significance of their presence.

'It is an absolute honor to stand before you today at this remarkable gathering of academic leaders from Nordic and Rwandan universities, coming together to foster partnerships and collaborations to advance a shared vision of quality education for social economic transformation of our people,' he said.

Nsengimana praised the Nordic nations for their globally admired education systems, emphasizing their progressive values and innovative practices.

The forum closed with renewed optimism and a shared commitment to building education systems that are inclusive.

'The Nordic model offers valuable insights into fostering inclusive education, leveraging technology for learning, and ensuring that no child is left behind. Likewise, Rwanda’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to homegrown solutions provide a strong foundation for collaboration,' he emphasized.

Rwanda has placed education at the center of its development strategy with the government investing heavily in STEM education, technical and vocational training (TVET), and digital learning to ensure that its youth are equipped for the rapidly evolving global landscape.

In this spirit, the forum celebrated new collaborations set to shape the future of education across both regions. Eight MoUs were signed between various Nordic and Rwandan institutions.

Among these, LAB University of Applied Sciences signed agreements with both UR and the Catholic University of Rwanda, while Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences also entered into partnerships with the Catholic University of Rwanda, UR, and Rwanda Polytechnic.

The forum also saw Mälardalens University and AIMS Rwanda formalizing a collaboration with AIMS as the Campus Company Co, represented by CEO Laura Nevanlinna, signed partnerships with both UR and the Catholic University of Rwanda.

Prof. Didas Kayihura Muganga, the Vice Chancellor at the University of Rwanda, underscored the long-standing history and benefits of Rwanda-Nordic partnerships.

Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Hon. Joseph Nsengimana, warmly acknowledged the significance of the partnerships.

'At the UR, we believe in partnerships as one of the drivers for higher education growth in research, innovation, and capacity building,' he remarked. 'This forum therefore represents an invaluable opportunity to initiate new partnerships but also deepen existing ones.'

He cited the 20 year UR—Sweden program as a testament to the enduring nature of Nordic-Rwanda cooperation, which has produced 98 PhD graduates to date. Muganga also emphasized the critical role higher education institutions play in addressing global challenges.

'Higher education institutions, in close collaboration with industries, are at the forefront of this journey. The relationships we build here today could lead to huge impacts in terms of both their reach and period,' he said.

The forum closed with renewed optimism and a shared commitment to building education systems that are inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of an ever-changing world.

Both the Rwandan and Nordic delegates left with a vision to shape not just national, but global academic landscapes, united by purpose, strengthened by partnerships, and driven by a mutual pursuit of educational excellence.

Prof. Didas Kayihura Muganga (R), the Vice Chancellor at UR signing one of the cooperation agreements.

Discussions were held on strengthened partnerships driven by a mutual pursuit of educational excellence.

Both the Rwandan and Nordic delegates left with a vision to shape the global academic landscapes.

IGIHE

The AU Commission Chair is in Kigali to participate in the Global AI Summit on Africa.

During their meeting, the two leaders discussed ongoing regional efforts to promote peace and security across the continent. The talks took place against the backdrop of renewed efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern DRC, led by joint teams from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which recently appointed a five-member panel to facilitate the peace process.

Friday’s talks also highlighted Rwanda and the African Union’s shared ambition to position Africa as a key player in the global artificial intelligence revolution.

“They discussed the progress of regional-led processes in advancing peace and security in the region, as well as Rwanda and the AU’s mutual commitment to ensuring Africa’s place in the global AI revolution,” a statement released by the Office of the President reads.

President Kagame also held talks with Olivier Cadic, a French Senator and Vice-President of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces Committee, who was in Kigali to attend the AI Summit.

The two-day Global AI Summit on Africa brought together leaders, policymakers, and technology experts from across the continent and beyond to explore opportunities for harnessing AI for Africa’s development.

While officiating the opening session of the conference on Thursday, Kagame emphasized the transformative power of artificial intelligence in decision-making and innovation.

“AI is driving innovation, accelerating technological advancements, and proving its benefits across various sectors. It enhances productivity, supports evidence-based decision-making, and reduces human errors,” he stated.

Rwanda has already integrated AI into key sectors such as healthcare and education, significantly improving service delivery and efficiency. Kagame stressed that technology should be harnessed for positive change.

'Technology is supposed to be a force for good, and we have a responsibility to use it accordingly,' he remarked.

“Certainly, it would be a dangerous place if we involved artificial intelligence too much in our politics. We may have something good come out of it, but I think we might also experience terrible things happening to us,' he added.

AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was in Kigali to participate in the Global AI Summit on Africa.

Wycliffe Nyamasege