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  • Air transport and its global dynamics: Addressing Africa’s challenges (Video) #rwanda #RwOT

    However, despite its benefits, the dynamics of air transport are unevenly distributed, with the African continent facing unique challenges that have hindered its full integration into the global aviation ecosystem.

    The vast and often rugged landscapes make air travel not just a luxury but a necessity for many. However, the costs associated with flying within Africa remain disproportionately high compared to other regions.

    It is expensive in Africa despite a high need for it because of the terrain of the region. For instance, it is often more expensive to fly from Kigali to Nairobi than from Rome to Paris, despite the latter covering a longer distance.

    In this video, The Perspective show hosts Aby Agina, a financial communications strategist and proprietor of Abyron Media Group who discusses the paradox Africa faces.

    Agina says that this steep pricing is a multifaceted issue, driven by several factors that have long plagued the aviation industry in Africa. Among the core challenges that exacerbate these costs are high operational expenses, cross-border restrictions, regional insecurity, and a lack of (or poor) cooperation between airlines.

    'Common laymen in Africa believe that flying is a luxury, yet in elsewhere it is treated as a necessity. This perception is deeply rooted in a reality where limited options and high operating costs elevate flying to an elite status,' Agina notes.

    Research indicates that fuel prices in Africa tend to be higher than global averages due to a combination of limited refineries, logistical challenges in transportation, and taxes. In addition, maintenance costs for aircrafts are high because many spare parts or expertise need to be imported, adding to the already significant expenses airlines face.

    While the Yamoussoukro Decision of 1999 aimed to liberalize African skies and foster cooperation between African airlines, the full implementation of this policy has been slow. Instead of open skies that allow for free movement across borders, many countries continue to impose restrictive bilateral agreements, limiting the ability of airlines to operate across Africa freely.

    Agina explains why several national airlines in Africa have struggled to stay afloat citing Nigeria’s national carrier that has failed to stand the test of time and is no longer operational.

    Similarly, the East African Airlines, which was jointly formed by East African Community countries shortly after independence, collapsed due to internal differences. Luckily each of the countries has since established their own airlines with RwandAir ranked as the fastest-growing in the region.

    Despite the challenges, there are bright spots in African aviation as Agina highlights several strategies that could be implemented further improve the aviation business. They include the following;

    1. Open Skies and Cooperation: Full implementation of the Yamoussoukro decision would allow airlines to operate freely across African borders, increasing competition, reducing costs, and offering more flight options for travelers.

    2. Fuel and Tax Reforms: Reducing taxes on aviation fuel and creating more local refineries could lower operating costs for airlines, making air travel more affordable.

    3. Infrastructure Development: Continued investment in airport infrastructure is essential for facilitating more frequent and reliable flights. Governments and private investors must work together to improve facilities and connectivity across the continent.

    4. Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging partnerships between governments, airlines and international carriers could improve operational efficiency, introduce best practices, and enable knowledge transfer.

    5. Focus on Regional Hubs: Establishing and strengthening regional hubs in key cities across Africa could streamline air traffic and make flying between countries more affordable.

    While the African aviation sector faces numerous challenges, the right combination of policy reform, infrastructure investment, and cooperation between airlines could make air travel more accessible and affordable.

    With dedicated efforts, African countries can harness the full potential of their skies, facilitating greater connectivity, economic growth, and development across the continent.

    Air Travel in Africa is more expensive compared to other parts of the world

    Sam K Nkurunziza

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/opinion/article/air-transport-and-its-global-dynamics-addressing-africa-s-challenges-video

  • Minister Nduhungirehe discusses Rwanda’s efforts to tackle genocide denial on social media #rwanda #RwOT

    Speaking on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, during a United Nations General Assembly panel in New York, Nduhungirehe emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to addressing hate speech, misinformation, and denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

    The panel, which focused on the impact of hate speech, was moderated by Alice Nderitu, the Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide.

    Nduhungirehe underscored the importance of technological advancements while highlighting the challenges they present in controlling harmful content.

    'Technology is good, but we are living in an era of fake news and alternative facts,' Nduhungirehe noted.

    'It was challenging for us to combat hate speech and false narratives surrounding the Genocide against the Tutsi. Nowadays, any Rwandan abroad or any Genocide fugitive can open a YouTube channel and say whatever he/she wants,' he added.

    Nduhungirehe pointed out that while technology has the power to unite people, it has also become the primary vehicle for the spread of genocide ideology, denial, and hate speech. Social media platforms, in particular, have given a vast audience to those who seek to distort history.

    The Rwandan government, according to Nduhungirehe, is making efforts to forge collaboration with social media giants to curb this dangerous trend.

    'We’ve been engaging with the owners of these platforms to take action, but we found out that it’s easier to address anti-vaccine misinformation or climate change skepticism than to act on those responsible for the deaths of over a million people so they can stop what is going on,' Nduhungirehe remarked.

    'People are denying and minimizing the genocide [Genocide against the Tutsi] daily on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and X. We are still engaging them but it is still an issue that we are facing,' he added.

    The minister also drew attention to the ongoing violence against Tutsis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where hate speech continues to incite attacks, often facilitated by social media.

    This situation, he argued, highlights how little the world has learned from the Genocide against the Tutsi.

    Alice Nderitu, the UN’s special adviser, echoed these concerns, recounting her recent visit to Rwanda. She recalled meeting Congolese refugees and expressed sorrow over the international community’s failure to learn from the lessons of history, as genocidal ideologies continue to claim new victims.

    Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has revealed that the country is actively engaging with major social media companies in a bid to combat the spread of genocide denial.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/minister-nduhungirehe-discusses-rwanda-s-efforts-to-tackle-genocide-denial-on

  • El Hadji Diouf shares vision for African football #rwanda #RwOT

    The football legend who played for major teams in Africa and Europe, spoke to IGIHE on the sidelines of the maiden SportsBiz Africa Forum, a Pan-African platform discussing the Nexus between Sports and Business as a steering tool towards Africa’s Development.

    He expressed his heartfelt return to Rwanda after a period of two years. He last visited Kigali in 2022.
    'First of all, I want to thank all Rwandans for the warm reception. Since I arrived here, I’ve had no issues; I feel as if I am at home,' he said.

    Diouf reiterated his admiration of the strong similarity and relationship between Senegal and Rwanda saying that every time he comes to Rwanda, he notices positive changes due to the country’s robust and dynamic leadership that treats sport as a priority.

    Diouf has a vision for African Football

    'When you look at the infrastructure here, they are similar to what our president, Macky Sall, has given us. These are friendly nations, and both presidents, President Kagame and Macky Sall, are friends. I know this because Macky Sall is a very close friend of mine,' he said.

    'They are both leaders who value the youth. To be honest, I haven’t been away from here for long, but every time I come, I find something new has been achieved. This shows that you have a great leader, a leader you should trust, a leader you should follow, a leader who is recognized across Africa because everyone can see where you are coming from and where you are going. It is important to emphasize this,' he added.

    Diouf pointed out that the youth have no excuse not to take advantage of the opportunities that the Rwandan government has provided, particularly with the existing sports infrastructure, which benefits not only Rwandans but also Africa as a whole.

    “Everywhere I go, my mission is to bring joy to Africa. They always ask me about the 2002 World Cup match against France and Sweden, which shows I had great moments in football, and everything we do in life is meant to bring happiness to people,” said he.

    El Hadji Diouf has won many trophies in his football carrier.

    Diouf, 43, gained widespread prominence during the 2002 World Cup when he captained the Senegal national team and played for famous clubs like Liverpool in England, among others.

    El Hadji Diouf has played for different clubs including Liverpool.

    Famous Sports journalist Usher Komugisha Moderated the event

    Many Sports personalities are gathered in Kigali for the SportsBizz Africa forum 2024

    Renowned Rwandan international football referee was recognized as an example of what women can achieve in sports

    The maiden SportsBiz Africa Forum is under way in Kigali

    Sam K Nkurunziza

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/sports/article/el-hadji-diouf-shares-vision-for-african-football

  • Reigniting youth interest in agriculture for Africa’s prosperity #rwanda #RwOT

    In Rwanda, agriculture remains a key pillar of the economy, contributing 25% to the country’s GDP in the first quarter of the year.

    By the second quarter, the sector employed nearly 40% of the working population.

    However, this promising economic impact has not been enough to attract the younger generation, especially in African countries where youth form the majority and hold the potential to boost productivity.

    With more than 60% of the African population under 35, the continent’s youth represent a significant demographic force. Yet many view agriculture as an unattractive option with limited prospects for upward mobility.

    According to Dr. Mel Oluoch, Director for Strategic Partnerships at Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) – an organization dedicated to enhancing food security, the perception that agriculture offers little room for economic advancement discourages young people from considering it as a viable career.

    He points out that young Africans often see farmers enduring tough working conditions—spending long hours in the sun, earning meager profits, and leading lives of relative poverty.

    This image does little to inspire the youth, many of whom seek better prospects in urban centers. The challenges and lack of substantial investment in the agricultural sector reinforce the belief that farming cannot provide a path to success.

    Oluoch emphasizes that insufficient government support and the absence of technological advancement further contribute to the youth’s reluctance to engage in agriculture. Instead, many choose to migrate to cities, believing they will find better opportunities there.

    The solution, according to Oluoch, lies in integrating modern innovations and youth-oriented programs into the agricultural sector. SAA has already begun implementing projects aimed at offering young people quicker financial returns through ventures such as flower and vegetable farming.

    These projects are designed to appeal to youth by providing immediate profits, making agriculture more attractive as a career option.

    Beyond profit-driven farming, the SAA is working to incorporate technology into agriculture. This includes equipping young people with tools that allow them to offer services to farmers, such as providing essential information, facilitating the procurement of agricultural inputs, and connecting farmers with markets.

    Moreover, the SAA helps young people access machinery for agricultural tasks like shelling and milling crops, allowing them to create job opportunities within rural areas and reducing the need to migrate to cities for work.

    Rwanda’s government has also recognized the importance of encouraging youth involvement in agriculture.

    In 2023, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, highlighted the aging farmer population and the need for fresh energy in the sector.

    Despite efforts, the 2022 national census showed that only 14% of those engaged in agriculture were aged between 16 and 30.

    However, the establishment of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) offers hope. This institution has begun producing graduates, many of whom are young, who are expected to bring new energy and skills to the agricultural sector.

    On a broader scale, Dr. Oluoch also pointed to financial barriers hindering youth engagement in agriculture. He noted that African governments’ increasing reliance on domestic banks for funds, particularly through the sale of treasury bonds, limits banks’ capacity to invest in agriculture.

    While such bonds are a safe and profitable investment for banks, they divert resources away from high-risk sectors like farming.

    Oluoch stresses that governments must encourage commercial banks to focus on solutions that address the continent’s economic challenges, with agriculture being a top priority.

    Dr. Mel Oluoch, Director for Strategic Partnerships at Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA).

    Dr. Mel Oluoch was among the participants at the 2024 Agriculture and Food Systems (AFS) Forum held in Rwanda.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/reigniting-youth-interest-in-agriculture-for-africa-s-prosperity

  • Japanese man who spent 46 years on death row cleared of murders #rwanda #RwOT

    A Japanese man who spent almost half a century on death row has been found not guilty of multiple murders, in a closely watched trial that has raised questions about Japan's use of the death penalty.

    Iwao Hakamada, 88, was sentenced to hang in 1968 after being found guilty of murdering his boss, his wife and their two teenage children, and setting fire to their home two years earlier.

    The former professional boxer spent 46 years on death row — believed to be the longest time spent on death row of any prisoner worldwide — until he was freed in 2014 when new evidence emerged and a retrial was ordered.

    Hakamada has consistently protested his innocence and said investigators forced him to confess, while his lawyers alleged police had fabricated evidence.

    There was no immediate decision on whether prosecutors would appeal against the verdict, which was reported by Kyodo news agency and other Japanese media outlets. Hakamada's defence lawyers have urged prosecutors not to challenge the ruling, given his age.

    The presiding judge at Shizuoka district court, Koshi Kunii, acknowledged that three pieces of evidence had been fabricated, including Hakamada's 'confession' and items of clothing that prosecutors claimed he had been wearing at the time of the murders.

    His 91-year-old sister, Hideko Hakamada, who has campaigned tirelessly on behalf of her brother, told reporters before Thursday's verdict: 'For so long we have fought a battle that has felt endless. But this time, I believe it will be settled.'

    Prosecutors had again demanded the death penalty, but legal experts had suggested Hakamada would be acquitted, pointing to four other retrials involving death row inmates in postwar Japan who had their convictions overturned.

    Hakamada, whose physical and mental health deteriorated during his long incarceration, was not present at Thursday's ruling and has been represented by his sister during the retrial.

    The outcome rested on the reliability of bloodstained clothes that prosecutors said Hakamada had been wearing at the time of the murder, at a miso factory in central Japan where he was a live-in employee.

    When it ordered a retrial in March 2023 after years of legal wrangling, the Tokyo high court said there was a strong possibility that the clothing had been planted in a tank of miso by investigators. Defence lawyers said DNA tests on the clothes proved the blood was not Hakamada's.

    The high court had initially decided not to reopen Hakamada's case — a cause celebre for opponents of capital punishment — but reversed its decision after the supreme court ordered it to reconsider in 2020.

    Hundreds of people had queued outside the district court on Thursday in the hope of securing a seat in the public gallery, while supporters held up banners demanding Hakamada's acquittal.

    Hakamada initially denied robbing and fatally stabbing the victims but confessed after what he later described as a brutal police interrogation that included physical abuse.

    Campaigners said his ordeal had exposed flaws in Japan's criminal justice system and the cruelty of capital punishment.

    Iwao Hakamada is helped by a supporter as he goes for a walk
    Iwao Hakamada is helped by a supporter as he goes for a walk in Hamamatsu in Shizuoka prefecture, central Japan. Photograph: 福留佳純/AP

    Death row inmates in Japan — one of only two G7 countries along with the US that retains the death penalty — are notified of their execution, by hanging, only hours in advance and given no opportunity to speak to their lawyers or families. Their final conversation is usually with a Buddhist priest.

    'We are overjoyed by the court's decision to exonerate Iwao Hakamada,' said Boram Jang, an east Asia researcher at Amnesty International.

    'After enduring almost half a century of wrongful imprisonment and a further 10 years waiting for his retrial, this verdict is an important recognition of the profound injustice he endured for most of his life. It ends an inspiring fight to clear his name by his sister Hideko and all those who supported him.

    'As we celebrate this long overdue day of justice for Hakamada, we are reminded of the irreversible harm caused by the death penalty. We strongly urge Japan to abolish the death penalty to prevent this from happening again.'

    The death penalty has high levels of public support in Japan. A 2019 government poll found that 80% of respondents viewed capital punishment as 'unavoidable', while only 9% supported abolition.

    Hakamada's case is 'just one of countless examples of Japan's so-called 'hostage justice' system', said Teppei Kasai, an Asia programme officer for Human Rights Watch. 'Suspects are forced to confess through long and arbitrary periods of detention' and there was often 'intimidation during interrogations'.

    With Agence France-Presse

    The post Japanese man who spent 46 years on death row cleared of murders appeared first on The Custom Reports.

    Source : https://thecustomreports.com/japanese-man-who-spent-46-years-on-death-row-cleared-of-murders/

  • Putin outlines new rules for Russian use of vast nuclear arsenal #rwanda #RwOT

    Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia could respond with nuclear weapons if it were attacked with conventional arms in the latest changes to the country's nuclear doctrine.

    In a televised meeting of Russia's Security Council, Putin announced that under the planned revisions, an attack against the country by a non-nuclear power with the 'participation or support of a nuclear power' would be seen as a 'joint attack on the Russian Federation'.

    Putin emphasised that Russia could use nuclear weapons in response to a conventional attack that posed a 'critical threat to our sovereignty', a vague formulation that leaves broad room for interpretation.

    The Russian president is the primary decision-maker on Russia's nuclear arsenal and needs to give his final approval to the text.

    The change appears to significantly lower the threshold for Russia to use atomic weapons and comes as Ukraine's Western allies consider whether to allow Kyiv to use longer-range weapons to strike military targets deep inside Russia, and a month after Kyiv launched a surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region.

    Putin did not refer to Ukraine directly, but said the revisions to the doctrine were necessary in view of a swiftly changing global landscape that had created new threats and risks for Russia.

    Russia is making slow but incremental gains in Ukraine since it launched its full-scale invasion of the country two and a half years ago and is trying to dissuade Kyiv's Western allies from strengthening their support.

    Putin has made several implicit threats of nuclear attack since launching his war and has suspended Russian participation in the the New START treaty with the US, which limits the number of nuclear warheads each side can deploy.

    Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Western powers to disregard Russia's threats, and his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said Putin's latest remarks were little more than blackmail.

    'Russia no longer has any instruments to intimidate the world apart from nuclear blackmail,' Yermak said. 'These instruments will not work.'

    'Never good'

    Russia's existing nuclear doctrine, set out in a 2020 decree, says Moscow could use its nuclear arsenal in case of a nuclear attack by an enemy or a conventional attack 'when the very existence of the state is in jeopardy'.

    Russia's hawks have been calling for toughening the doctrine for months, claiming the current version is too vague and leaves the impression that Moscow would not ever resort to using nuclear weapons.

    Putin stressed the revised doctrine spelled out conditions for using nuclear weapons in greater detail, and that they could be used in case of a massive air attack.

    'Conditions for Russia's move to use nuclear weapons are clearly stated' in the revisions, he said.

    'We will consider such a possibility when we receive reliable information about a massive launch of air and space attack assets and them crossing our state border,' Putin added, citing 'strategic and tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, hypersonic and other flying vehicles'.

    The current version of the document states Russia would use its nuclear arsenal if its receives 'reliable information is received about the launch of ballistic missiles targeting the territory of Russia or its allies'.

    Ukraine has repeatedly struck Russian territory with missiles and drones in response to Moscow's attacks.

    'Putin likely intends for the hyper-specificity of his nuclear threats to breathe new life into the Kremlin's tired nuclear sabre-rattling information operation and generate a new wave of panic among Western policymakers during a particularly critical moment in Western policy discussions about Ukraine's ability to use Western-provided weapons,' the Institute for the Study of War, a prominent US-based think tank, said in a commentary.

    'Regardless of whether you think this is a bluff or not, it's never good when a major nuclear power loosens the conditions for nuclear use in its declaratory policy,' said Samuel Charap, senior political scientist at RAND, in a post on X.

    Putin also said the revised doctrine would bring neighbouring Belarus under Russia's nuclear umbrella.

    President Alexander Lukashenko, a Putin ally who has ruled Belarus for more than 30 years, has let Moscow use his country's territory to send troops into Ukraine. He has also allowed the Kremlin to deploy some of Russia's tactical nuclear weapons there.

    Russia is the world's largest nuclear power. Together, Russia and the US control 88 percent of the world's nuclear warheads.

    The post Putin outlines new rules for Russian use of vast nuclear arsenal appeared first on The Custom Reports.

    Source : https://thecustomreports.com/putin-outlines-new-rules-for-russian-use-of-vast-nuclear-arsenal/

  • Umwalimu SACCO joins Women in Finance Rwanda #rwanda #RwOT

    WIFR was founded to unite institutions that collaborate to empower women in finance through various training programs.

    During a ceremony welcoming the institution into WIFR on September 24, 2024; Laurence Uwambaje, the Director General of Umwalimu SACCO, emphasized that this partnership will strengthen the cooperative’s commitment to gender equality across all levels and strive for a future that benefits everyone.

    “We will continue to provide equal opportunities and ensure that all employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of gender or appearance,” she stated.

    Founded in 2006, Umwalimu SACCO was licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) to operate as a financial institution in Rwanda on February 22, 2008. Today, it has over 120,000 members and more than 30 branches across the country.

    Raissa Muyango, a founding member of WIFR and Managing Director of Copedu Plc, expressed her optimism about the partnership, stating that it would contribute to accelerating Rwanda’s ambition to become a financial services hub in Africa.

    “We are delighted to welcome Umwalimu SACCO, which plays a crucial role in the education sector by making financial services more accessible to our teachers,” she said.

    As part of this initiative to support women, three employees from Umwalimu SACCO were awarded scholarships to further their financial education at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) in the United Kingdom.

    These training programs align with the government’s agenda, championed by the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), to position Rwanda as a leading investment hub in Africa.

    One of the scholarship recipients, Clarisse Niwebasa, shared her excitement: “This scholarship is a game-changer for both my personal and professional life, and for the organization I work for. Opportunities like this must be embraced.”

    Clemence Suku, from Umwalimu SACCO’s Rubavu branch, echoed these sentiments, saying, “The knowledge I am about to acquire will benefit not just me, but also the institution I work for and the country. I am proud as a woman, because, in the past, women were often left behind. Today, we are part of the progress. I won’t take this opportunity for granted.”

    Another scholarship recipient, Chantal Niyibikora from the Nyamagabe branch, emphasized how this scholarship will enhance her financial expertise, improve her skills, and help her deliver better services.

    WIFR was founded to address the need for women in finance to have a platform where they can collaborate, share ideas, and celebrate their achievements.

    Since its inception in 2023, over 50 women from banks and microfinance institutions have been awarded scholarships to study at CISI.

    One of the scholarship recipients, Niwebasa Clarisse.

    Chantal Niyibikora from Nyamagabe branch emphasized how received scholarship will enhance her financial expertise.

    Suku Clemance is among scholarship recipients.

    Laurence Uwambaje, the Director General of Umwalimu SACCO, emphasized that this partnership will strengthen the cooperative’s commitment to gender equality across all levels.

    Raissa Muyango, a founding member of WIFR and Managing Director of Copedu Plc, expressed her optimism about the partnership.

    The Savings and Credit Cooperative, Umwalimu SACCO, has officially joined Women in Finance Rwanda.

    As part of this initiative to support women, three employees from Umwalimu SACCO were awarded scholarships to further their financial education at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) in the United Kingdom.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/umwalimu-sacco-joins-women-in-finance-rwanda

  • Former EALA MP petitions Zambian High Commission in Kenya over unauthorized use of his image #rwanda #RwOT

    On 25th September 2024, Mbidde Co Advocates, acting on behalf of the legislator sent a formal letter addressed to the Ambassador of Zambia explain the legal steps that may be taken if the matter is not resolved quickly.

    The letter states that an individual known as “Chief Mohammad” in Zambia has been using Dr. Mbidde’s image to promote himself as a traditional healer. This unauthorized use is not only misleading but also harmful to Dr. Mbidde’s reputation as a respected lawyer and former member of Parliament representing Uganda in the East African Legislative Assembly.

    Dr. Mbidde is well-known for his expertise in regional integration and has built a distinguished career in law. The misuse of his likeness by “Chief Mohammad” threatens his professional integrity and public standing.

    Mbidde Co Advocates claims that this situation amounts to defamation and the unauthorised appropriation of Dr. Mbidde’s likeness, which is protected under laws related to defamation and intellectual property rights.

    Mbidde Co Advocates demands that the Zambian High Commission take immediate action to investigate this matter and stop the unauthorised use of Dr. Mbidde’s image. They are also seeking compensation of USD 1,000,000 for damage to Dr. Mbidde’s reputation, along with legal fees amounting to USD 10,000.

    The advocates have given a deadline of 30 days for this issue to be resolved; otherwise, they will take legal action against those involved in this unauthorized exploitation.

    Mbidde Co Advocates hopes that a quick resolution can be reached without needing to go to court. The firm is awaiting a prompt response from the Zambian High Commission, highlighting the urgency of addressing this serious matter effectively and swiftly.

    Hon Dr. Fred Mukasa Mbidde is a former Member of Parliament in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)

    Sam K Nkurunziza

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/former-eala-mp-petitions-zambian-high-commission-in-kenya-over-unauthorized-use

  • Autonomous driving technology makes freight services more intelligent #rwanda #RwOT

    Leveraging pilot applications of intelligent transport, China is putting autonomous driving technologies into trial use on a larger scale, focusing on typical freight transport scenarios including road freight, delivery, intra-park transport and port freight services.

    Statistics indicate that as of the end of 2023, around 1,000 autonomous driving trucks had been put into operation by over 100 entities joining pilot projects for intelligent transportation applications, and autonomous driving container trucks had been employed at some 20 ports.

    On a morning, a red heavy-duty truck, about 16 meters long, was running steadily on the Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway. After passing a toll gate in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu province, the driver Sun Yefu activated an intelligent pilot mode. Henceforward, all he needed to do was to sit on the driver’s seat and watch, as the truck would automatically drive, avoid obstacles or switch lanes according to actual traffic.

    “The driver’s compartment of the heavy-duty truck is equipped with multiple types of sensors, including millimeter wave radars, laser radars and high-definition cameras. They serve as the ‘eyes’ of the truck that enable it to see traffic hundreds of meters ahead,” said Cui Dixiao, chief scientist of Smartxtruck, a developer of autonomous driving solutions headquartered in Suzhou.

    According to Cui, the heavy-duty truck’s multi-sensing capabilities allow it to be resilient even in heavy rain and fog. It can detect traffic congestion in advance and adjust its speed accordingly, ensuring a steady drive while saving fuel.

    Last year, in collaboration with Chinese automaker JAC Group, Smartxtruck tailored an intelligent heavy-duty truck model for the courier industry. So far, the model has been employed by logistics companies in the Yangtze River delta, Pearl River delta and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. No accident has been reported, and the model saves as much as 10 percent of fuel.

    At the Nantong port in east China’s Jiangsu province, five autonomous driving container trucks were working in an orderly manner in an enclosed operation area. They drove to a designated spot along a planned route and docked with a gantry crane. Later, the crane lifted containers and put them on the trucks’ trailers.

    It is the first fleet of autonomous driving container trucks in Jiangsu province. “In the past, it took a lot of time and energy for drivers to get this job done, but now, with the intelligent trucks, the error can be controlled within five centimeters,” said Jiang Haozhou, an employee at the port.

    Jiang said that with technological advancements, the emergence of truly unmanned and intelligent transport equipment has become possible. Not only are they more flexible and intelligent, but they also do not require infrastructure modifications at the docks, which makes them suitable for over 95 percent of traditional docks across China. This upgrade in freight transportation methods will elevate the industry to a new level.

    On an open road in the Wuxi New District Free Trade Zone, Jiangsu province, a modified autonomous logistics vehicle was carrying 10 tons of raw materials and components, on its way from a bonded warehouse of Jiangsu JD-Link International Logistics Co., Ltd. to a warehouse of a U.S.-funded enterprise in the free trade zone.

    Safety inspector Xu Hongming told People’s Daily that guided by high-definition maps and an intelligent driving system, the vehicle could automatically start, accelerate, switch lanes, and park. Since the vehicle was put into use last September, there has been no chance that Xu needs to intervene in the truck’s operation.

    After the vehicle entered its destination warehouse, it parked in front of a platform 1.3 meters above the ground. A self-driving forklift directly entered the cargo tank, unloaded the cargo, and moved it onto a conveyor belt. The automated conveyor belt then sorted the cargo and placed it on a shelf.

    Qian Shaohua, head of an innovation research institute of Jiangsu JD-Link International Logistics Co., Ltd., told People’s Daily that the route in this scenario is simple and fixed, making it ideal for autonomous driving.

    This technology enables 24/7 real-time response for precise deliveries, facilitating seamless integration and deep collaboration between the logistics and manufacturing industries. It enables small-batch, high-frequency, and customized flexible production, which is shaping the future of manufacturing as it continues to transform and upgrade, Qian added.

    Unmanned trucks transport containers in an autonomous driving pilot zone of a container terminal in Zhoushan, east China’s Zhejiang province. (Photo by Zhang Lei/People’s Daily Online)

    People’s Daily

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/autonomous-driving-technology-makes-freight-services-more-intelligent

  • African leaders voice collective demand for more space of development at UN session #rwanda #RwOT

    Determination

    Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo said that “Africa is not a continent of despair. She is full of great possibilities. She is required, however, to chart a new course of development. Our young population is filled with energy, creativity and ambition … The people of Africa are not asking for handouts — they are demanding opportunities in a new global architecture so they can have access to education, healthcare and jobs, to be able to build better lives for themselves, their families and their descendants.”

    “It is impossible to address the challenges of today without speaking of the contradictions that exist within this global institution,” he noted. “African nations must take ownership of their security, and the African Union needs to strengthen itself to be able to respond swiftly to threats,” the president said.

    Liberian President Joseph Boakai said that innate greed, insensitivity to the poor, the international drug epidemic, money laundering, dynamics of climate change and the impact of social media “must compel us to rethink our approach to global peace and security.”

    “Our vulnerabilities are evident, and we need to use our collective knowledge to find solutions that will preserve the planet for future generations,” the president said.

    “The threat of conflicts to our shared world underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to foster regional and global stability and peace,” he noted, adding that the member countries must support all the UN’s efforts to address peace and security issues worldwide. “Liberia is concerned about the escalating security challenges in the West African region, including terrorism and economic and political instability.”

    With the recognition and the urgency for profound global transformation as the core of the Pact for the Future which was passed on Sunday at the Summit of the Future, the world body’s member states strive to rebuild trust in multilateralism with a legitimate demand to be recognized as equal partners, said President of Namibia Nangolo Mbumba. Such partners mean those who can be trusted in the fight against war, poverty, global injustice and inequality.

    The theme for this General Debate — “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations” — “aligns perfectly with our shared aspirations for effective international cooperation,” he noted.

    “Namibia is working to develop a sustainable energy mix to support its ambitious industrialization agenda and to contribute to the world’s efforts to combat climate change.”

    Achievements

    As an ocean nation heavily dependent on marine resources, Cabo Verde in the ocean decade focuses on local and global actions to promote sustainable ocean management, said José Maria Pereira Neves, president of Cabo Verde, adding that “we have been focused on the importance of sustainable ocean management, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that are very vulnerable to climate change, and the degradation of marine ecosystems.”

    For three consecutive years, the country has hosted international ocean conferences to foster partnerships between governments, the private sector, scientists, and civil society to advance ocean science and create innovative solutions to ocean challenges. It is important to bring together key stakeholders in order to boost collaborative solutions for the oceans, help develop research capacities to study the impact of climate change and ocean acidification, and promote knowledge sharing and technology transfer to improve ocean monitoring and observation systems, he noted.

    The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) has made significant progress in a very difficult world environment, and endeavored to garner support to replenish the Global Fund, said Umaro Sissoco Embaló, president of Guinea-Bissau. “We worked with the private sector to promote the production of drugs and nets to combat malaria,” said Embaló, also serving as ALMA President.

    “We encouraged the transfer of technologies to African companies. We launched End Malaria Councils and Funds and supported youth movements against malaria,” he said.

    Despite all the progress achieved, challenges persist. “Global warming and rains associated with climate change are expanding the geographic reach of mosquitos, thus exposing more than 170 million people to the threat of malaria in the African continent,” he noted.

    The international community cannot hope to advance sustainable development when some race ahead while others are left to struggle. In other words, no one should be left behind, said Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan. “Words are nothing without deeds and we have to act urgently, in unity, to make the necessary transition to a more sustainable future.”

    Except for combating climate change and military expenditure rise, “it is time to move beyond discussion and implement real reforms in the international financial system to address the preclusion of some vulnerable countries, regardless of income status, from opportunities to meet development needs,” he said. “The multilateral system remains our best hope for addressing the challenges we face.”

    Wish and caution

    Philemon Yang, president of the 79th session of the UNGA, told the opening of the General Debate on Tuesday that “this will be a priority for my presidency. Africa is one of the priorities of the United Nations. We must support Africa.”

    The African Union’s Agenda 2063 presents a bold and transformative vision for the continent. Africa currently has the youngest population in the world. And by 2063, one in four people will be African. The generation of resources for the wellbeing of these people has been much slower than the population growth.

    “We must not let Africa’s potential to go unrealized. In fact, to truly unlock Africa’s vast potential, we must actively cultivate global partnerships that align with the continent’s aspirations and drive its success. In this endeavor, I look forward to working with all Member States of the United Nations this year on keeping Africa at the heart of our agenda,” he noted.

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, sensitive to the global changes, warned to the assembly that “a powder keg risks engulfing the world,” while urging country leaders, including those from Africa, to come together to find solutions.

    Remarking against a cascade of crises and conflicts, he said that “our world is in a whirlwind. We are edging towards the unimaginable … We see this age of impunity everywhere — in the Middle East, in the heart of Europe, in the Horn of Africa, and beyond.” He drew comparisons between the Cold War and current conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar, saying that they all lacked guardrails and red lines.

    Calling the current state of the world “unsustainable,” Guterres said that “we can’t go on like this,” but he also expressed hope, telling world leaders that “the challenges we face are solvable.”

    The only path forward requires action, like overhauling international institutions such as the Security Council and the World Bank to better reflect the realities and needs of today’s world, and for countries to come together and cooperate around a common purpose, he said. “It is in all our interests to manage the epic transformations underway, to choose the future we want and guide our world toward it.”

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (at the podium and on the screens) delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/african-leaders-voice-collective-demand-for-more-space-of-development-at-un