The project aims to streamline cross-border trade by removing Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and automating trade processes, providing a much-needed boost to Rwanda’s economic growth. A key component of the new project is the automation of cross-border trade processes.
Rwanda has already implemented an Electronic Single Window system to simplify international trade, and the project will enhance this system further. The upgraded system will allow businesses to submit all required import and export documents through a Single Transaction Portal without physically visiting different agencies.
Participants at the launch of Boneza Umucurizi, an initiative to streamline cross-border trade by removing Non-Tariff Barriers
Approvals will be granted within 24 hours, and traders will benefit from advance clearances for their goods. The Commissioner General of the Rwanda Revenue Authority, Ronald Niwenshuti, expressed confidence in the project’s ability to simplify trade processes.
“RRA has embraced technology not only for customs modernization but also for its entire operations. This phase of Rwanda’s Electronic Single Window builds on the very impactful and successful first phase, and we are confident that it will simplify service delivery and further reduce the cost of doing business with Rwanda,” he said.
Boneza Umucurizi is implemented by IBI, a U.S. business that works with local experts to drive the interventions. Jackie Zizane, Chief of Party, acknowledged the spirit of collaboration and commitment among stakeholders, which she believes will be vital to achieving the project’s objectives.
“We recognize the importance of partnership and cooperation in overcoming the challenges posed by non-tariff barriers. I believe that this collaborative effort will drive significant progress in promoting cross-border trade and economic growth in Rwanda,' Zizane stated.
Jackie Zizane Chief of Party Feed the Future Rwanda Trade Facilitation Activity , acknowledged the spirit of collaboration and commitment among stakeholders
Keisha L. Effiom, the USAID Mission Director for Rwanda and Burundi, highlighted the significance of a strong private sector for Rwanda’s development.
“Projects like this one are key for development: with its laser-focus on fixing the obstacles, it will bring benefits to the private sector, the government, and the Rwandan consumers,” she noted.
Effiom emphasized the holistic approach that USAID takes towards development, saying, 'When the private sector grows, the country as a whole prospers, because businesses reinvest their earnings into operations and local communities.'
NTBs are obstacles that increase the cost of doing business, unrelated to the direct payment of tariffs. For landlocked Rwanda, issues such as paperwork and wait times along the major transport corridors to Mombasa and Dar es Salaam ports are a significant burden.
Mrs. Keisha L. Effiom, USAID Mission Director for Rwanda and Burundi speaking at the launch of Boneza Umucuri
Goods are often delayed for days at border points, resulting in higher costs that ultimately affect consumers. As such, the Rwandan government has established National Monitoring Committees on NTBs to identify and eliminate these barriers.
The Feed the Future Rwanda Trade Facilitation project will work closely with these committees, strengthening Rwanda’s strategy for removing NTBs and improving the overall trade environment.
Another major improvement is the expansion of ASYCUDA World, the Rwanda Revenue Authority’s customs software, which will include new features like an Advance Ruling Mechanism. This mechanism allows customs decisions to be made online before the goods even reach the border, reducing wait times and improving efficiency.
The Feed the Future Rwanda Trade Facilitation Activity is a four-year project funded by the United States through USAID, with a budget of $5 million. Its goal is to eliminate NTBs, increase the automation of cross-border trade, and promote seamless and efficient trade processes that benefit Rwandan businesses and consumers alike.
Participants who attended the launch of Boneza Umucuruzi pause for a group photo
By improving the efficiency of trade and reducing the costs associated with border crossings, this initiative will position Rwandan companies for greater success in international markets and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.
Feed the Future Rwanda Trade Facilitation Activity staff during the launch.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, she expressed her desire to use her influence to help as many children as possible access medical care to prevent blindness, with support from Light for the World, an international disability and development NGO dedicated to promoting an inclusive society.
Kenza is leading the initiative at Kabgayi Hospital in Muhanga District.
She also spoke about her success at the pageant and future plans to participate in Miss Universe in October, her mixed heritage, love for Rwanda, popular tourist destinations and hobbies, as well as the country’s music and fashion industries.
Kenza Ameloot, aged 22, was crowned Miss Belgium in February 2024.
Here is the transcript of the full interview:
Q: What inspired you to contest for Miss Belgium 2024, and what helped you win?
How I think I won is by having a very clear vision of what I wanted to achieve. What inspired me to contest for Miss Belgium 2024 is that, when you become Miss Belgium, you get a platform. You gain the ability to change a lot of things in your own country and other countries as well. You become a spokesperson for your country, and you can change a lot by just speaking out.
Kenza says her main goal is to make a difference by supporting children.
Before this, I was just a student with great ideas, but as a student, you can’t achieve the same impact as Miss Belgium. I wanted to become Miss Belgium to make a change and talk about issues like children’s mental health and the importance of education. That was my goal, and I even shared this during the final stage of the competition. I was so happy when the judges appreciated that, and that’s how I became Miss Belgium.
Q: What does this victory mean to you on a personal level?
This victory is important because I didn’t aspire to be Miss Belgium just for fame or media attentionâ”I wanted to make a change. As a kid, I was fortunate to have access to school and university, but I know many children in Rwanda, especially those who are blind, don’t have the same opportunities.
I found Light for the World through a friend in Belgium, and they help thousands of babies every year at Kabgayi to get the surgeries they need to prevent blindness caused by cataracts. This is very important to me. My goal as Miss Belgium is to make a difference by supporting these children.
Kenza visited Rwanda for a charity work, providing treatment to underprivileged children suffering from cataracts.
Q: What inspired you to choose a good charity for Rwanda?
I wanted to focus on children who needed my help the most. I thought about how I could make a big difference in a short time because I’m only Miss Belgium for one year.
After that, I lose the title. When I visited Rwanda as a child, I saw how difficult life was for blind childrenâ”going to school or finding a job was almost impossible. I want to help more than a thousand babies a year get the surgery they need, giving them a brighter future.
Kenza wants to use her influence to help as many children with cataracts access medical care to prevent blindness
Vision is the foundation of a bright future here in Rwanda because they need to see to go to school and work. If I can raise money in Belgium or Rwanda to help these kids, I’ll do everything I can.
We’re planning benefit events in Belgium where companies can donate, and all the money will go to Light for the World, so the Rwandan doctors get everything they need.
Q: Tell us more about your upbringing and Rwandan heritage.
My connection with Rwanda is very special because my mom is Rwandan, and my whole family is from here. Every year, we would come to Rwanda to visit my grandparents. Sadly, they’ve passed away, but I spent every summer in Rwandaâ”first in Gikondo, then Nyarutarama. I’m very close to my roots, and Rwanda is as important to me as Belgium.
The only downside is I don’t speak Kinyarwanda fluently, but I understand almost everything. My mom would speak Kinyarwanda with her sisters, and I got frustrated that I couldn’t understand, so I taught myself a bit. I can’t make full sentences, but I find it very important to at least understand the people from my country.
Q: What is one thing you like the most about Rwanda and how have the Rwandan roots influenced your identity?
What I love most about Rwanda is how important family is. Everyone takes care of each other, even neighbors and friends are considered family. When I come to Rwanda, even if I don’t know you, I feel like you are family.
My Rwandan roots have influenced my identity, especially because I was very close to my mom. She showed me that in Rwanda, you have to care for others, especially those in need, whether they lack money or need medical help.
Q: How often do you visit Rwanda, and what places or experiences stand out to you the most?
Although I live in Belgium, I visit Rwanda almost every year. As a child, I was always in Kigali, but now that I’m an adult, I’m exploring other parts of the country.
Last year, I travelled by car and saw the whole country. I visited Kibuye, Gisenyi, Mount Bisoke, and Akagera [Akagera Forest] in just one week! What stood out most to me were the fishermen in Kibuye. Their story was so powerful, and they believed in creating positive vibes while fishing. I spent a day with them, and it was magical. Kibuye is definitely my favourite spot in Rwanda.
Q: How do you think the creative industries (music, film, and fashion) in Rwanda are evolving, and would you like to contribute?
The music scene in Rwanda is evolving quickly, and there are some amazing artists. I’ve seen concerts and videos on YouTube, and international artists are also taking notice. For example, Stromae [Belgian singer and rapper Paul Van Haver] is of Rwandan descent, and I believe we have incredible talent. I think Rwanda will grow even faster in the future.
Miss Rwanda is also a great way to showcase the country on an international stage. With the world cycling championship happening next year, Rwanda will gain more recognition through sports, but I also think strong women can help show the world what Rwanda has to offer. If I can help in that, I’d love to contribute.
Q: Are there any Rwandan musicians or fashion figures you admire?
I admire Meddy. When I was younger, I often rode in cabs in Kigali, and I always heard his song 'Igipimo’. I’ve loved that song ever since, so Meddy is one of my favourite artists.
I also admire Naomi, Miss Rwanda 2020. She’s done amazing things for the country, and I’m so proud of her. I want to congratulate her on her upcoming wedding. These two are people I look up to in Rwanda. Naomi is a great role model, and I think she’s an excellent spokesperson for Rwandan women.
Q: Have you faced any challenges related to your mixed heritage in the pageantry industry, and how have you overcome them?
Being mixed can attract comments from both sides. Some say, 'You’re not fully Rwandan,' while others say, 'You’re not fully Belgian.' But I find it amusing because being mixed is a beautiful thing, and I’m proud of it.
I’ve learned to ignore the hateful comments and focus on my purpose and goals. That’s what matters most. I also hope to change how people in the media view African countries by showing the beauty of Rwandaâ”places like Kibuye, Akagera, and Mount Bisoke. I think more people need to see how beautiful our country and nature are.
Q: Outside of pageantry, what are some of your hobbies and interests?
My hobby is modelling but I also enjoy sports, and I love going on walks. I also volunteer at animal shelters. I adopted my dog from a shelter, and I enjoy helping out there.
Another passion of mine is learning languages. I’m currently studying in English, but I usually speak Flemish. My mom spoke to me in French, and I also learned German in school. I understand Kinyarwanda, but I’m working on speaking it fluently. My main hobby is learning as many languages as I can.
Q: What are your long-term goals after your reign as Miss Belgium ends?
My long-term plan is to continue helping people, possibly living in Rwanda and making a difference here. I want to keep modeling, but also combine it with helping others.
At the end of the day, I want to look back and feel proud of myself for the impact I made. I want to inspire women from all backgrounds, whether they’re Black, white, mixed, or Asian. Every woman deserves to achieve her dreamsâ”whether that’s getting a degree, landing a job, or being a mother. Being a mom is so powerful because we give life, and it’s our time to shine.
Q: What advice would you give to young women who aspire to follow in your footsteps? I believe every woman is beautiful in her own way, whether she’s blonde, brunette, or anything else. What makes someone truly beautiful is her storyâ”what she wants to achieve and how she goes about it.
My advice is stay true to who you are and show the world your goals and how you plan to achieve them. If you’re determined, people will choose you for who you are.
This raises an important question: Can we trust the media to remain impartial in such crucial moments, or are we witnessing a subtle yet dangerous manipulation of public opinion?
The Role of Moderators: bias or balanced?
One of the main points of contention from Tuesday’s debate was the role of the moderators. Many neutral commentators observed a stark difference in how Kamala and Trump were treated throughout the night.
Tough follow-up questions were repeatedly directed at Trump, while Kamala was spared from the same level of scrutiny. Even when she made statements that could have been debated or required clarification, the moderators simply moved on, leaving her unchallenged.
In contrast, Trump was subjected to live fact-checking during the debate, which, although important for maintaining truth and transparency, raises the question:
Why wasn’t the same treatment extended to Kamala? Fairness in a debate requires that both candidates are held to the same standard. The lack of follow-up questions for Kamala and the leniency shown toward her statements suggest an unbalanced approach, one that leaves audiences questioning whether the moderators were fulfilling their roles as neutral facilitators.
Did Kamala have an advantage?
Adding fuel to the fire are reports suggesting that Kamala had been given the debate questions in advance. Allegedly, she had practised with these questions for an entire week, and there are even rumours that the moderators helped her in her preparation.
If these claims hold any truth, it would explain her smooth, rehearsed responses, which came off more like PR sound bites than genuine debate answers.
Of course, candidates often prepare for debates, but having access to the actual questions in advance is a serious advantage, one that Trump evidently did not enjoy.
This creates an uneven playing field, one where Kamala was more polished because she knew what was coming, while Trump was left to react in real-time to a barrage of tough, often negative questions.
Is the 'Media bias' real?
Beyond the debate itself, the aftermath has been equally telling. Rumours have circulated that major media outlets, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, and CNN, had already prepared articles celebrating Kamala’s victory days before the debate even took place.
This suggests not only media bias but a predetermined narrative that completely disregards the actual performance of both candidates.
It’s no secret that many media houses have taken sides in the political arena, but the implications of this bias are profound. When media outlets align themselves so visibly with one candidate, they cease to be objective reporters of facts and instead become tools for influencing public opinion.
This leaves the public with a distorted version of reality, where the 'victory' of one candidate is decided before the debate even begins.
One of the reasons cited for this bias is the involvement of powerful financial interests. Companies like Vanguard and BlackRock, which hold significant shares in these media houses, are said to oppose Trump, largely because he is not seen as a puppet they can control.
Unlike Biden, and potentially Kamala, Trump is viewed as a wildcard, someone who doesn’t follow the conventional political playbook. This creates tension with powerful interests that prefer predictability and control in the political sphere.
If media bias is driven by these financial influences, it paints a concerning picture of the role money plays in shaping political discourse. What we witness on our screens may not be a fair representation of events but rather a carefully crafted narrative designed to benefit certain political and financial players.
Manipulating public opinion
As if these issues weren’t enough, there is also a brewing scandal about manipulated polls. Recent polling data, which seemed to indicate a surge in Kamala’s popularity, is now being questioned.
Some allege that these polls were rigged to artificially boost her standing in the race, creating the illusion of widespread support. This would not be the first time polls have been used as tools to shape public perception rather than reflect reality.
Polling data can be a powerful psychological tool. When people believe that a candidate is more popular or more likely to win, they may feel inclined to support that candidate, whether or not they truly align with their policies.
This phenomenon, known as the bandwagon effect, is one of the many ways in which public opinion can be manipulated. If these allegations of rigged polls are true, it raises serious ethical questions about the integrity of the democratic process.
The Consequences of Media Bias
So, what are the broader implications of this media bias? For one, it undermines the very foundation of democracy, which relies on informed voters making decisions based on accurate and unbiased information.
When the media fails to provide that, or worse, when they intentionally distort the narrative to favour one candidate, it erodes public trust in both the media and the political process.
Moreover, this bias creates a polarizing effect, where supporters of the disadvantaged candidate (in this case, Trump) feel increasingly alienated and disenfranchised. This deepens divisions within society and contributes to the growing mistrust between the public and the institutions that are supposed to serve them.
The media’s role in political debates should be to inform, not to influence. Tuesday’s debate raises serious questions about whether the media is fulfilling this role or if they are now more interested in shaping the outcome of elections than in holding candidates accountable.
Voters deserve a level playing field, where each candidate is given the same opportunity to present their ideas and policies, free from bias and manipulation. Until we address these issues, we risk allowing powerful financial interests to decide the future of our democracy, rather than the people it is supposed to serve.
The debate, which pitted Kamala Harris against Donald Trump, has sparked widespread criticism, with many neutral observers claiming that the moderators showed clear bias in favour of Kamala.
In the changes announced by the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, the Head of State also appointed Twagirayezu as the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Space Agency.
At the same time, President Kagame appointed Nelly Mukazayire, Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports. Mukazayire replaces Zephanie Niyonkuru, who was recently relieved of his duties.
New Education Minister
Until his appointment to the Ministry of Education (Mineduc), Nsengimana served as Director at the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, a key initiative driving the innovative use of technology to improve access to quality education, particularly for underserved communities.
According to the Mastercard Foundation, the Centre collaborates with a wide range of actors, including innovation hubs, EdTech entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, educators, and learners, to support the integration of technology in education. This includes developing, deploying, and scaling up promising EdTech innovations that enhance learning and strengthen education systems.
Before joining the Mastercard Foundation, Nsengimana had an extensive career at Intel Corporation. His last role there was as Executive Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion (GDI) Policy, Strategy, and External Partnerships (PSEP), where he was instrumental in helping Intel achieve full representation in its U.S. workforce two years ahead of schedule in 2018.
Nsengimana succeeds Twagirayezu, who has served as Minister of Education for one year, having been appointed in August 2023.
Before his appointment as Minister, Twagirayezu held the position of Minister of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education since February 2020.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by various government officials, including the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire Musoni, Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore and the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Dr. Francis Gatare.
This project will be implemented by the Government of Rwanda through RDB in partnership with Africa50, an investment platform for infrastructure projects that generate benefits across Africa.
Covering 61 hectares, the project is expected to cost around $2 billion and will include buildings that will host international universities, technology companies, commercial facilities, and more.
The city will feature a large center with bases focusing on Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity. Some buildings in Kigali Innovation City will have solar-powered roofs, and the vehicles used within the area will predominantly be electric, contributing to environmental sustainability.
The Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire Musoni, mentioned that the idea for this project has been in development for over 10 years. It was conceived to create a hub for various sectors, including education and technology. She stated that in the next 10 years, Rwanda expects this project to be a reality and play a significant role in technological development.
The buildings in this city will have unique construction designs, with some adorned with special Rwanda traditional decorative features. Kigali Innovation City will also feature wide roads, coffee shops, and restaurants with outdoor seating. Additionally, it will include high-end buildings for international tech companies, hotels, modern student accommodations, and residential areas.
Currently, some parts of the project are already under construction, including the African Leadership University and Carnegie Mellon University Africa.
Dr. Francis Gatare, CEO of RDB, highlighted that this is a major milestone for Rwanda in its quest to establish a knowledge-based and technology-driven economy.
“We are here to celebrate this achievement for our nation, its leadership, and the people of Rwanda, who are committed to building a knowledge-based economy that fosters innovation and sustainable development,” he said.
“Kigali Innovation City is one of Rwanda’s flagship projects and serves as a cornerstone of our strategy to develop a knowledge-based economy. This project reflects the power of collaboration between our people and leadership to transform our country and make innovation, education, and technology the foundation of our future,” he explained.
Once fully completed, the project is expected to generate $150 million annually from the technology developed there and attract $300 million in foreign investment.
Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente noted that this project will benefit not only Rwanda but also other Africans.
“We are laying the foundation for a bright future where every African can benefit from cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. Kigali Innovation City is more than just infrastructure; it is a convergence that will drive innovation, attract talent, and bring investment from around the world.”
He urged both local and international investors to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Kigali Innovation City. This groundbreaking ceremony comes just days after the Government of Rwanda signed an agreement with Africa50, a platform that invests in infrastructure projects that benefit the African continent.
Kigali Innovation City is being built on 61 hectares.
Currently, some parts of the project are already under construction, including the African Leadership University and Carnegie Mellon University Africa.
The University of Rwanda plans to establish a branch at the Kigali Innovation City that will teach medical technology.”
Some of the houses in this area will use solar energy.
This project aims to help Rwanda increase the number of experts Africa has in science and technology
It is expected that major companies such as Cisco, IDM, and Ericsson will train students from Kigali Innovation City, instead of them having to seek knowledge abroad.
East African countries have been working on railway projects for some time, and Tanzania recently launched electric train services, with the first train in June 2024 carrying 1,400 passengers.
Tanzania, which lies to the east of Rwanda, is expected to be the route through which the railway leading to Rwanda will pass, and markers have already been placed along the proposed path.
Rwanda is required to invest over $1.5 billion, while Tanzania, which has a larger share of the project, needs to invest more than $2.5 billion.
On September 10, 2024, China’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun, told the press that during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the two countries agreed to continue cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, technology, education, and agriculture.
Gao Zhiqiang, the Economic Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, was asked if China plans to partner with Rwanda on the construction of a railway. He responded that the project is costly, considering Rwanda’s terrain and the route the railway would need to take to reach the country.
He explained that building a railway in landlocked countries, like Rwanda, requires a lot of resources, which is why they chose to focus on developing road networks connecting different parts of the country.
'It’s a massive project; it’s quite a challenge for landlocked countries like Rwanda. It requires a lot to implement this project in Rwanda, especially due to the country’s terrain, and it would cost a lot of money to build a railway from other regions into Rwanda and within the country itself.”
'As far as I know, we are focusing on collaborating with the Government of Rwanda in constructing road networks in various regions, both in Kigali and rural areas.'
Zhiqiang also mentioned that although China is not funding the railway project, that does not mean the Rwandan government has abandoned it. In fact, a Chinese company is working with the Ministry of Infrastructure in Rwanda and other partners to conduct feasibility studies on how Rwanda can build its own railway.
The railway project most frequently discussed is the one connecting Rwanda and Tanzania. The agreement to build the 532-kilometer Isaka-Kigali railway was signed on March 9, 2018. The project was estimated to cost $3.6 billion.
On the Rwandan side, the proposed route shows that the railway will pass through Rusumo and reach Kigali [at Dubai Ports in Kicukiro], with an additional 18 kilometres extending to Bugesera International Airport.
The railway will cover 138 kilometres in Rwanda, while Tanzania’s portion will be 394 kilometres.
There is also a proposed 1,500-kilometer railway from Mombasa to Kigali via Uganda, although this project has stalled. Kenya had already completed the initial phase of this project from Mombasa to Nairobi.
The Economic Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, Gao Zhiqiang, indicated that building a railway in Rwanda would be costly due to the hilly terrain.
The Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun (center), stated that they will continue to cooperate with Rwanda on road infrastructure projects.
The TV debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was as keenly watched by European diplomats and politicians as by US voters, eager to see who may be next in the White House and ┠crucially ┠the direction that a vital ally may next take.
One diplomat said they empathised when Harris adopted a series of poses that ranged from pity, bemusement and genuine curiosity about what craziness would emerge from Trump's mouth next as she listened to his conspiracy-laden theories. However, the diplomat said they still did not underestimate Trump and the hold he had over one part of a divided America, adding: 'Never write him off.'
Another European observer judged Harris to have been the victor in the debate. 'Objectively on any count she won. She showed her teeth, broke with [Joe] Biden and showed she is a leader, and that is something Americans love,' they said.
In Germany, Michael Roth, the Social Democratic party chair of the Bundestag foreign affairs committee, said Harris had succeeded in making Trump seem 'like an ageing incumbent, old, angry and confused', despite having been in government herself for much of the past four years. 'Harris has dismantled Trump on the open stage and positioned herself as a candidate of change. She deliberately provoked Trump, and he fell into the trap,' Roth said.
However, above all, the 90-minute debate served to underline how a Trump victory would threaten the fundamental pillars of European security.
Diplomats were most struck, if not surprised, by Trump's refusal to say whether he wanted Ukraine to defeat Vladimir Putin. During the debate, Trump said he only wanted the war to stop and for lives to be saved, something he said he would achieve in days through direct talks with both sides.
Trump's praise for the 'tough, smart and respected' Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, also served to underline the Republican nominee's close alignment with the surging populist right in Europe rather than its mainstream leaders, many of whom have been politically weakened by the anti-immigration rhetoric that the former US president deploys.
'Ironically, I don't think this alliance will help Orbán or Trump,' one diplomat said. 'It just shows how disconnected Trump is. No one in the US knows who this Hungarian politician is.'
Trump's claims about what he had done to invigorate European spending in Ukraine were familiar if statistically false.
His assertion that Israel would be destroyed within two years if Harris was elected only served to underline how he might bring a diplomatic blowtorch to a region already close to explosion. Without explaining, Trump said Harris hated Israelis and Arabs, and claimed: 'The whole place is going to get blown up.'
Harris said too many Palestinians had died in Gaza and a two-state solution was needed, something Trump has recently pulled away from.
Trump's reference to how he had threatened the Taliban leader Abdul â” possibly a reference to Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Afghan first deputy prime minister â” by sending a picture of his house also revealed his diplomatic methods.
On Iran, Trump left diplomats puzzled by accusing Biden of allowing the Iranian oil industry off the hook in terms of sanctions, having said only days earlier that Tehran posed no threat to US democracy.
Trump's contradictory positions seem to be driven by a desire to appear a tough leader in a world on the brink of chaos, yet also knowing many Americans believe US foreign policy has involved too many expensive and unproductive wars. Polls conducted by the libertarian thinktank the Cato Institute, for example, suggest voters in swing states back his promises to end US overseas commitments.
Before the debate on Tuesday night, European diplomats conceded they had been tenterhooks, hoping Harris would be able to recover her summer momentum by performing well in the TV head-to-head.
One admitted that the first numbers to which they referred each morning were those in US opinion polls. The contradictory polling results did not help with the digestion of breakfast, the diplomat added.
They pointed out that if Europe was concerned by Biden's performance in his faltering June debate, and his subsequent slide in the polls, there was at least the exculpatory comfort that US voters were responding logically to the decline in the president's faculties.
The fact that Trump had edged back into the lead in some polls two months on from Biden standing aside, and with just 55 days to go before the US presidential election, suggested America had reverted to 'an angry type', the diplomat added.
For many European diplomats it was telling that in the US today, faced with the choice of either a misogynistic, rambling and divisive Republican or a sane and credible Democrat candidate, voters still remained unsure which one should lead them.
The preference for Trump over an ageing Biden was explicable, but the recent stalling of the Harris campaign pointed to deeper forces at work, diplomats said. It suggested the US wanted change, and Harris, as vice-president, had not yet done or said enough to convince voters she offered that. One diplomat said: 'The significance of her breaking with Biden in the debate cannot be underestimated.'
Europeans have never been easy about US protectionism, but Trump's increasing recourse to tariffs and other tools as the solution to nearly everything takes the friction to a different level.
He has floated a blanket tariff of between 10 and 20% on nearly all imports and of 60% or more on Chinese goods, as well as a plan to match the tariffs that other countries impose on US products. In his latest pronouncement, Trump said he would apply tariffs to any country that tried to avoid trading in dollars.
These set of policies showed how Europe's quest for competitiveness, which was set out in a report this week by Mario Draghi, the former head of the European Central Bank, would pit Brussels and Washington against one another. No one quite knows whether Harris would be prepared to love-bomb Europe like Biden, one diplomat said.
Above all, the foreign policy part of Tuesday's head-to-head seemed a subset of the domestic debate. So even when Harris warned that Trump was the autocrat's patsy, she added that a defeat in Ukraine would mean Putin setting his eyes on Poland. In one of many telling lines, she asked: 'Why don't you tell 800,000 Polish-Americans here in Pennsylvania how quickly you would give [Poland] up for a favour and for what you think is friendship with a dictator who would eat you for dinner?'
To maintain its dominance in the high-end smartphone market, Apple said the company’s AI software will be used to improve Siri, as well as enhance features such as recognizing and identifying objects captured by the phone’s camera.
Apple Intelligence will be available as a free software update. The first set of Apple Intelligence features will be available in a test version from October as part of iOS 18.1.
The iPhone 16 lineup’s camera system includes a 48MP Fusion camera with a 2x Telephoto option, while a new Ultra Wide camera enables macro photography.
Company executives noted that the phone’s new A18 chip delivers a significant leap in performance and efficiency, allowing for demanding AAA games and providing a major boost in battery life.
A notable feature of the iPhone 16 is a customizable button that can control the camera, in a design similar to previous models.
Camera Control provides instant, easy access to the camera with just a click.
Available in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display sizes, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come in five colours: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come in five colours: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine.
The higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are made from titanium and feature additional AI capabilities, such as offering suggestions on how to set up photo shoots more effectively and providing audio-editing features aimed at professional-level video production.
Prices for the iPhone 16 start at $799 (about RWF 1.06 million), while the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899 (about RWF 1.19 million). The devices are available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options.
Apple will start accepting pre-orders for the new iPhones on Friday, September 13, and the devices will be available for purchase on September 20, 2024.
The unveiling of the new phones is expected to further intensify competition in the market, as rivals like South Korea’s Samsung and China’s Huawei continue to release products aimed at delivering powerful, personalized experiences to their users.
Huawei is expected to release its trifold phones in the coming days, with prices starting at more than $2,800. These devices will also come equipped with artificial intelligence features such as text translation and cloud-based content generation.
Apple Watch and AirPods
In addition to the iPhone 16, Apple also unveiled new Apple Watches and AirPods with health-focused capabilities and hardware-design improvements.
Available in both aluminum and titanium, Apple Watch Series 10 comes in an array of stunning colors and finishes.
Apple executives explained that the new watch can detect longer-term health conditions, such as sleep apnea, and can respond to emergencies, like a fall.
