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Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Maraga described Rwanda’s polls as one of the most organized electoral processes he has ever witnessed.

“The electoral process was very orderly and peaceful. In fact, one of the best-organized I have ever seen. The organization was superb unlike in some places where elections are chaotic, rowdy, and noisy, even at the polling stations on polling day,” Maraga stated.

“My people gave me information from all the polling stations that there was no dancing, no noise in general, and it was very good,' he added.

Maraga’s delegation comprised 55 observers dispatched to different parts of the country on election day.

Maraga’s delegation comprised 55 observers.

Apart from the EAC, other observer groups present during the elections included the African Union (AU), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

Others were from the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) and the electoral mission of the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF).

In a joint statement, the observers affirmed that the electoral, political, and security environment in Rwanda before, during, and immediately after the elections was calm and peaceful.

“The National Electoral Commission and other institutions responsible for managing the electoral process have so far discharged their duty diligently in accordance with the electoral calendar,” reads the statement.

The observers commended the government for the successful election and also congratulated the people of Rwanda for exercising their democratic right.

Partial results announced by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) on Monday July 15, 2024 put President Paul Kagame in the lead with 99.15% followed Dr. Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana with 0.53% and 0.32% respectively.

Maraga described Rwanda’s polls as one of the most organized electoral processes he has ever witnessed.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Landline home phones were a luxury in China back in the 1970s, when an average employee earned a few hundred yuan a month but had to pay a staggering 3,000 yuan for a new installation. Now, in 2024, new installations cost only 100 yuan ($13.8), while the average salary has increased to thousands of yuan.

The Chinese people can enjoy such drastic price cuts thanks to the country’s sci-tech development. In the 1970s, China relied on imported telephone infrastructure. With no key technology at hand, the price of a phone service was largely decided by foreign tech powers. Now, China is a major player in 5G, with companies like Huawei and ZTE being industry leaders.

China’s transformation from an underdeveloped nation to a global scientific powerhouse is a result of strategic planning and sustained investment. The cornerstone of this remarkable journey was the launch of the reform and opening-up policies in 1978.

Prior to this, China was mired in economic stagnation and poverty. Agriculture dominated the economy, characterized by low productivity and yields. Industry was underdeveloped, inefficient and heavily reliant on sectors like steel and coal.

Furthermore, the Cold War had limited China’s access to advanced technology and new knowledge in foreign countries.

Recognizing the critical role of science and technology in driving economic growth, China made a pivotal shift in 1978 with the holding of the National Science Conference. The country’s decision makers recognized science and technology as a “productive force” — a Marxist concept that drives the society forward. They embarked on a mission to rebuild the country’s research infrastructure, foster collaboration with global researchers and align scientific endeavors with national development goals. In 1988, China’s leadership further promoted sci-tech as the “primary productive force.”

In 1995, China formalized its commitment to science by declaring it one of the two keys of national rejuvenation. The government further solidified this priority in 2006 with the Outline of National Medium- and Long-term Science and Technology Development Plan (2006-2020), elevating innovation to a national strategy.

This strategic focus bore fruit. By the end of 2023, China’s research and development expenditure had skyrocketed over 200 times compared to 1991, reaching a staggering 3.3 trillion yuan ($460 billion). This massive investment fueled a vibrant innovation ecosystem, attracting and nurturing a burgeoning scientific workforce that grew ninefold to 6.35 million full-time equivalents by the end of 2023.

The results are undeniable. China’s intellectual output has soared, with over 4 million invention patents granted by the end of 2023 — an 80-fold increase from 1991.

China’s journey is a compelling case study of how strategic investment in science and technology can transform a nation’s trajectory. By prioritizing research, development and innovation, China has catapulted itself into the ranks of global scientific leaders.

CGTN

Uganda’s Head of State Mr Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his Kenyan Counterpart Dr William Samoei Ruto have condemned in the strongest terms possible, the recent attempt on the life of former US President Donald Trump.

Museveni was the first to condemn the gun attack that resulted in the Republican Party presidential candidate being rushed to hospital after being injured by a bullet in the upper part of his right ear.

Authorities confirmed that one person was killed and two others left in critical condition after the incident on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

“I condemn this despicable and cowardly assassination attempt that put his life and that of his supporters at risk. Such political violence undermines democracy ” Museveni said in a social media post 3 days after the shooting.

He also extended his condolences to the family that lost a loved one and to those injured in the barrage of gunfire.

“I wish His Excellency and all those injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with them,” Museveni added.

Similarly, Kenya’s Ruto termed Saturday’s incident as “a shocking and heinous act”.

“In these troubling times, I take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the democratic ideals we share with the people of the United States of America. I wish Donald Trump a speedy and full recovery,” he stated, while also extending sympathies to the other victims of the incident.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has since identified Trump’s attacker as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.

Crooks, who was taken down by Secret Service agents, was a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, about 35 miles south of Butler, where Trump was holding his rally.

The young man shot at Trump from the roof of a shed outside the security cordon around the rally shortly after the former US president had started speaking.

At the time of the attack, the FBI stated that Crooks was not carrying any identification and had to be identified using DNA samples.

The 20-year-old worked as a dietary aide at Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. His job mainly entailed working alongside dietitians, dietary managers, and chefs to help prepare food for the nursing home.

Marcie Grimm, the administrator of the nursing home, said she was 'shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement.'

Grimm mentioned that Crooks had no previous criminal record when he was hired.

Law enforcement officers said that the Crooks had requested an off from work on Saturday and had reportedly told colleagues that he had 'something to do,' and he would be back at Sunday.

Background checks on Crooks revealed that he was a registered Republican voter. However, on January 20, 2021—two weeks after pro-Trump alt-right supporters stormed the White House—Crooks donated $15 to a grassroots Democratic group.

This year’s presidential election would have been his first voting.

President Joe Biden, who is seeking a second term in the forthcoming polls, has since also condemned the attack, stating that he was grateful Trump was 'safe and doing well.'

'Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it,' Biden said in a statement.

Trump is running for a second, non-consecutive term in the November 5, 2024, general election after losing to Biden in the 2020 edition.

Uganda’s Head of State Mr Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his Kenyan Counterpart Dr William Samoei Ruto have condemned in the strongest terms possible, the recent attempt on the life of former US President Donald Trump.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This comes shortly after Rwanda established its embassy in Pakistan and is expected to enhance cooperation in security, trade, health, and education between the two countries.

She presented the credentials on July 15, 2024 and becomes, the first Rwandan High Commissioner to Pakistan.

Speaking to Rwandan local media, Harerimana said that she has had discussions with President Zardari focusing on bilateral cooperation.

“The discussions focused on the cooperation and relations between Rwanda and Pakistan. We have had a longstanding relationship, but now we will particularly emphasize trade, health, education, and security,” she stated.

She added that President Zardari agreed to expedite the signing of agreements, including those promoting transportation between the two countries.

In addition, Pakistan has agreed to provide scholarships to Rwandan students for studies in Pakistan, particularly in the field of health.

On the same day, other envoys from Zimbabwe, Tajikistan, Argentina, Myanmar, Cambodia and Botswana also presented their letters of credence.

Ambassador Fatou Harerimana has presented her credentials to President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan, as an ambassador designate of Rwanda to Pakistan.

IGIHE

Rwandans elected their President and Members of Parliament on July 14, 15 and 16, 2024, following three weeks of campaigning. In an interview with a TV5 Monde journalist, Muyaya claimed that the elections in Rwanda were held in discretion and that no credible observers were present to monitor them.

He claimed to have only seen the RPF observer, not an observer from the European Union or any recognized election monitoring bodies.

In response, Nduhungirehe has rebuked Muyaya’ comments stating that Rwanda’s campaign and elections were largely calm, and peaceful unlike what happened in the DRC general elections on December 20, 2023.

He reminded Muyaya that elections in his country were marred by acts of violence and sometimes death, therefore he has not moral authority to criticize what happened in Rwanda.

'In the DRC elections, voting equipment was stolen in various places, some found in the homes of members of the ruling UDPS party, polling stations were vandalized, and citizens were prevented from voting,' Nduhungirehe said.

He highlighted constant insecurity and other political challenges in the DRC influenced by its government in which people including national army officers are executed due to their physical appearance.

On July 13, 2023, the spokesperson of Ensemble pour la Republique, the main opposition party in DRC was shot dead in his car in the capital Kinshasa.

Though the DRC government later said that this was a suicide, it was widely seen as a political assassination aimed at silencing political opponents in the country.

Overtime, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has portrayed himself as a violent person threatening to overthrow the government Rwanda or bomb its capital Kigali on several occasions.

Concerning the claim that “no reputable observation mission” was deployed in Rwanda during the elections, Nduhungirehe noted that several observation missions from five regional and international organizations, of which the DRC is a full member, were assigned in Kigali.

These include the African Union (AU), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC), and the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF).

“I was therefore unaware that the DRC government still lived in a bygone era of intellectual and moral ‘bleaching,’ to the point of trying to discredit African organizations of which it is a member,' he concluded.

The electoral commission announced that the elections went smoothly. This was confirmed by various observers who monitored them. Partial results showed that Paul Kagame, the candidate of RPF Inkotanyi, received 99.15% of the votes, Dr. Frank Habineza 0.53%, and Philippe Mpayimana 0.32%.

Minister Nduhungirehe has rebuked Muyaya’ comments stating that Rwanda’s campaign and elections were largely calm, and peaceful unlike what happened in DRC general elections on December 20, 2023.

The Spokesperson of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government, Patrick Muyaya made the critics during an interview with TV 5 Monde.

IGIHE

The application period runs from July 17, 2024, to October 17, 2024. Jasiri is committed to understanding areas of non-consumption and leveraging deep insights to develop ventures that create new markets. The Jasiri Talent Investor Program offers hands-on support to fellows, guiding them from the ideation stage to the creation of operational ventures. The program provides comprehensive support, including funding, coaching, and strategic advisory services to minimize obstacles that hinder entrepreneurial success.

Since its inception in 2021, Jasiri has incubated 189 Fellows across five cohorts, leading to the establishment of 79 ventures spanning 25 industries. These startups have collectively created 1,109 jobs within the Eastern Africa ecosystem and positively impacted over 7,000 lives.

Eligibility for the program requires applicants to be Ethiopian, Kenyan, or Rwandan, residing in their country or the diaspora. Candidates must be ready to pursue entrepreneurship full-time as a career and participate in a three-month Residential Intensive in Rwanda. Applicants should be well-informed and skilled in their professional fields, capable of identifying gaps and opportunities within their sectors of interest.

Additionally, they must be committed to launching innovative ventures with rapid growth potential and have a history of being achievers, problem solvers, and value creators wherever they have focused their attention. The program also seeks collaborative candidates eager to meet equally ambitious co founders within their cohort and co-found ventures from scratch.

Women aspiring entrepreneurs and candidates living in the diaspora are particularly encouraged to apply. The program includes a mandatory three-month residential intensive in Bugesera, Rwanda. Jasiri will host various virtual information sessions to guide applicants through the application process and answer any queries. Details about these sessions will be available on Jasiri’s social media platforms.

Gentil Ndoba, COO of HiQ Africa and a Jasiri Fellow from the second cohort, highlights the program’s value: “Jasiri is a prime opportunity for African aspiring entrepreneurs to innovate their next big ventures. The program equips you with the resources and knowledge to become successful entrepreneurs while also providing the opportunity to meet co-founders who share the same vision. I strongly encourage aspiring entrepreneurs not to miss out on joining the Talent Investor program.”

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur with a vision to create transformative ventures that contribute to the common good, apply now to join the Jasiri Talent Investor Cohort 7.

For more information and to apply, visit the Jasiri Talent Investor Program at jasiri.org or follow @Jasiri4Africa on all social media platforms for timely updates.

Jasiri invests in, nurtures, and empowers entrepreneurs who benefit society and attack poverty by creating high-impact businesses, and new markets on the African continent. Jasiri believes that entrepreneurial teams are at the heart of new venture creation and provide the entrepreneur with access to a diverse group of potential co-founders.

The program supports new ventures from idea generation to venture creation and takes a long-term approach to developing exceptional, responsible entrepreneurs on the African continent.

Interested and qualified applicants can apply through jasiri.org/application.

For inquiries and more information about Jasiri please contact [email protected]

IGIHE

In a rapidly changing and dynamic communications landscape, it’s imperative that PR institutions in Rwanda adapt and stay ahead of the curve. Rwanda has made remarkable progress in various sectors, and to sustain this momentum, we must ensure that our PR framework is robust, innovative, and forward-thinking.

Are you curious about the PR landscape in East Africa? Let’s explore how the East African region (Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda) regulates the PR and communications profession within its respective borders.

While Tanzania has the PR Society of Tanzania (PRST) as its umbrella body, Uganda boasts the PR Association of Uganda (PRAU), established in 1976. The PR Society of Kenya (PRSK), also known as the PR Association of Kenya, is over 50 years old, and its founders took a proactive step to guide and unite PR practitioners in Kenya.

But what about Rwanda? Though in its early stages, the PR and communications industry is showing promising growth.

With a burgeoning corporate culture of brand reputation awareness and a rising number of communications agencies offering their services, there’s a clear potential to attract significant brands to the Rwandan economy with the proper guidance.

Despite this potential, the industry needs more guidance, and unqualified practitioners risk diluting the field. Many practitioners need clarification on job titles, and some employers are equally confused.

Rwanda’s PR professionals must work under one umbrella to address this pressing issue. They could borrow a leaf from the accountant (ICPAR) and what the marketers are trying to do (with the Rwanda Marketing Association).

The PR Association of Rwanda (PRAR) already exists but is relatively inactive despite hosting the 31st African PR Association (APRA) conference in Kigali in 2019.

This year, some of Rwanda’s PR practitioners (this writer inclusive) toyed with the idea of hosting APRA 2025, which could have been a significant opportunity for boosting the PR landscape.

While we lost the bid to Kenya, this highlighted the urgency to revamp PRAR as a pressing issue for the industry.

APRA is usually endorsed by significant global PR associations, including the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GA), and, at times, the African Union Commission (AUC). It has also previously featured the SABRE Awards Africa, showcasing the best PR work globally.
Reputation management is becoming increasingly important in today’s interconnected world. For Rwanda’s case and her MICE efforts effective PR is indispensable in attracting investment, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the country’s global image.

But how can PRAR keep up with the ever-changing trends of digital media and social networking platforms? The answer is simple: foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among its members and stakeholders.

The urgency of revamping PRAR is underscored by the growing importance of reputation management in today’s interconnected world.

As Rwanda manages and enhances its global image, an active PR body can be the key to shaping and safeguarding this reputation on the international stage. It can also leverage strategic methods to regulate and protect the trade from scavenging employers who despise the PR profession.

Moreover, the digital revolution has transformed how information is disseminated and consumed, posing opportunities and challenges for Rwanda’s PR professionals.

In this complex media landscape, PRAR is needed to play a crucial role in guiding innovation and encouraging its would-be members to harness digital tools and analytics to engage different audiences effectively and connect with the region’s finest.

This is a simple call to action for practising PR professionals in Rwanda. It’s time to pump some life into PRAR, stay relevant, and guide brand custodians.

By prioritising strategic thinking and elevating Rwanda’s PR industry to new heights of excellence, we can help guide the country and corporate brands on how best they can safeguard their reputations.

The writer is a PR practitioner based in Kigali, Rwanda.

David Kezio-Musoke