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Addressing members of the press on Saturday, April 20, 2024, Deacon Jimmy John Simon, a representative of the church, said the 220-bed facility will be constructed alongside a university and research center, to help train healthcare professionals and aid in the local production of drugs.

The project, being undertaken at Kanombe in Kicukiro district, is estimated to cost $60 million (RWF 76.76 billion), with completion scheduled for the end of 2025.

Deacon Simon said the facility will be known as Believers Hospital and Research Center upon completion and will contribute to the advancement of healthcare in Africa.

“We are in the eighth month of construction, and hopefully, we should finish by the end of 2025. It should be ready by early 2026,” Deacon Simon told reporters.

'As per my research, only one to five percent of the medicines in Africa is produced locally. The rest are being imported. We want to change that so that all the medicines and technologies can be locally available,' he added.

The facility will be equipped with modern equipment and will offer a wide range of specialised services including cardiology and dermatology.

The initiative to build the hospital and research center in Rwanda, Deacon Simon revealed, followed discussions with a former ambassador of Rwanda to India and the country’s progress and leadership under President Paul Kagame.

“The former ambassador of Rwanda to India had come to our hospital and seen the facilities and services that we provide. He asked the leaders of our church, ‘Why not bring these facilities to Rwanda?’ We were curious, thinking that it’s in Africa. We had our fears,” he stated.

The envoy had visited India and was impressed by the success of a similar 1000-bed capacity hospital in the Asian country, which also trains and releases 200 doctors and nurses to the market every year.

Deacon Simon said that despite initial fears about investing in Rwanda, the perception changed upon their visit to Rwanda.

'When we researched and initially came to this country, the perception changed. Rwanda is not what we thought about. It’s so safe. It’s one of the safest countries in Africa and, I would say, in the world. It’s so clean. I am proud of our President, His Excellency Paul Kagame, for his exemplary governance and leadership. The best example any people can have. The way the country is now is excellent,' he stated.

'Looking at all these positive things about Rwanda we said it is the best place to bring this facility and serve the people of Africa,' he added.

Deacon Simon affirmed that the hospital will reduce the cost incurred by patients to travel to countries such as India to seek treatment.

'By bringing this hospital here with all the technology and medical professional you reduce the cost of travel and at the same get the best treatment possible within your own country,' he averred.

To increase access to healthcare for all Rwandans, the church aims to collaborate with the government to ensure everyone can use health insurance schemes like Mutuelle de santé at the hospital.

Deacon Simon insisted that the facility would be a mission hospital offering services at affordable rates.

'As a church we don’t see as a business. We see this as a mission hospital. We are here to serve not to create business or profit,' he said.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Gen. Ogolla was among 10 military officers killed in a helicopter crash at the Sindar area in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Thursday afternoon.

Speaking during a memorial service for the late military chief held at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Nairobi on Saturday, the Head of State disclosed that his advisors had warned him against appointing Ogolla as CDF, citing claims that he was among senior officials in the National Security Committee who attempted to overturn his victory in the August 2022 presidential election.

The claims were first made by former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati in his presentation to the Supreme Court after the disputed presidential poll that pitted Ruto against the longstanding opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Chebukati, in a sworn affidavit, told the Apex Court that the National Security Advisory Committee, formed ahead of the presidential contest and comprising Ogolla, then a Vice Chief of Defence Forces, had asked him to alter the election results to force a run-off in the event he was unable to declare Raila Odinga the winner.

Revisiting the claims yesterday, President Ruto said when he was sworn in as president, he convened a closed-door 'Come to Jesus' meeting with Ogolla to establish facts about the claims.

At the meeting, President Ruto said, Ogolla acknowledged the attempt to subvert the will of the people, and gave the Commander-in-Chief three options: send him to court martial, force him retire, or pardon him.

'I asked Ogolla for a meeting. And I had one-on-one, man-to-man, come-to-Jesus meeting with General Ogolla,' Ruto said.

'He said Mr President, I have no defence. I will not try and defend myself. It was wrong and you have three choices: send me to court martial, have me retire, or forgive me,' he added.
After the meeting, the President said he reflected on Ogolla’s words drawing parallels to his own experiences and legal battles at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, where he was charged with crimes against humanity over Kenya’s 2007-2008 Post-Election violence which claimed the lives of over 1,200 people and left more than 500,000 others displaced.

'That evening, I went home and reflected on what Ogolla had told me. In the reflection, I through of my own story and my own episode at the ICC at The Hague where circumstances conspired and I was there,' he stated.

“I also reflected on the brief that I had been given when I came into office as President where I was told to think carefully about who I would appoint as Interior minister, Director General of NIS, Inspector General of Police and CDF.'

After careful consideration, Ruto revealed that he settled on Ogolla as CDF due to his outstanding qualifications.

“I made a conscious decision to take a different trajectory, where professionalism and competency must come before ethnicity, and I made up my mind that Ogolla deserved to be CDF and it is an appointment I am proud of,' President Ruto averred.

Ogolla took over the CDF mantle from Gen. Robert Kibochi whose term ended after 44 years in the military.

The late General will be laid to rest today at his rural home in Mor Village, Siaya County, in line with his wish to be buried within 72 hours after his demise.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

As the largest oil and gas producer and supplier in China, CNPC not only dominates domestic markets but also has a significant presence internationally, making impactful strides towards a greener future.

CNPC’s product range is vast and varied, encompassing gasoline, diesel, kerosene, lube oil, chemical light oil, fuel oil, solvent oil, paraffin, bitumen, petroleum coke, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The company also excels in the manufacture of equipment essential for exploration, drilling, well completion, and offshore engineering.

Over 100 equipment manufacturers fall under the CNPC umbrella, with their products achieving international standards such as ISO 9000, ISO 14000, and ISO 10012, with over 60 types of products receiving API certification.

The global footprint of CNPC is impressive, with operations and interests in more than 30 countries across regions including Africa, Central Asia-Russia, the Americas, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific.

This extensive network supports the corporation’s strategic goals of expanding its international presence and enhancing its role in the global energy market.

In Africa, CNPC is not only involved in upstream oil and gas exploration but also heavily invests in infrastructure that supports local economies.

Projects like the Benin-Niger pipeline are pivotal, employing solar technologies to power operations sustainably.

Speaking to foreign journalists this week, at the company’s headquarters in Beijing; Wang Wu, a corporate senior expert at CNPC, emphasized the integration of renewable energy sources in their projects.

“We are going to build on top of the clean energy replacement a lot of the solar and wind power bases and realize the energy transformation so that we will be able to realize the green and low carbon development overseas,” he noted.

According to Wang, CNPC’s commitment extends beyond environmental considerations to include socio-economic impacts.

He disclosed that the company has initiated several refinery projects in countries such as Sudan, South Sudan, Chad, and Nigeria, aiming to meet local needs and support governmental operations even if these do not yield high investment returns.

Among others, Wang shed light on the dual challenge of aligning pricing with local economic conditions and international standards, addressing issues of accessibility and affordability for local populations while trying to prevent issues like smuggling.

CNPC’s sustainable ventures are part of a broader strategy to promote ecological civilization through high-quality products and services that minimize environmental impact.

The company is steadfast in its commitment to “zero accidents, zero pollution, and zero injuries,” aiming for a balance between robust energy production and stringent environmental stewardship.

In 2023, CNPC reported a net profit of 161.1 billion yuan ($22.34 billion), a rise from the previous year’s 148.7 billion yuan.

The operating profit for the natural gas segment exemplifies the company’s successful pivot towards cleaner energy, with earnings more than tripling to 43.0 billion yuan from approximately 13.0 billion yuan in the preceding year.

CNPC’s expansive production capabilities are notable; the company produced 937.1 million barrels of crude oil in 2023 alone, marking a 3.4% increase over the previous year. Additionally, natural gas output ascended by 5.5%, totaling 4,932.4 billion cubic feet.

Two China National Petroleum Corp employees inspect gas pipelines in Qinghai province in January 2022. (Photo / Xinhua)

Théophile Niyitegeka

The exhibition at Central Station is open all day, with concurrent events and activities such as the intense final Project Pitches at O-Stage, Langyuan Station and the annual Run for Fun at the Workers’ Stadium.

Beijing, with its rich tapestry of history spanning approximately 3,000 years and esteemed as one of the seven ancient Asian capitals, sets a dramatic backdrop for the festival.

The city’s diverse cultural heritage and contemporary cosmopolitan energy uniquely qualify it to host an event of this magnitude. The festival is organized by local authorities including the China Film Administration, Beijing Municipal Government, Beijing Municipal Film and Television Bureau, along with other related agencies, underscoring the event’s significance and the collaborative efforts behind its success.

This year’s festival, held from April 18th to 26th, encompasses over 100 dynamic events and activities. The highlight of these is the Tiantan Award, named after the iconic ‘Temple of Heaven’.

The Tiantan Award is not just a trophy but a recognition of filmmaking that transcends boundaries and stimulates conversations across cultures. It attracts entries from around the globe, offering a platform for international filmmakers to showcase their work in one of the world’s fastest-growing film markets.

Parallel to the competitions, the Beijing Film Market, Beijing Panorama, and various carnivals offer vibrant venues for industry professionals to network, learn, and celebrate cinema. The Beijing Film Panorama, in particular, spreads its reach across 24 cinemas, including venues in neighboring Tianjin and the innovative Xiong’an New Area, reflecting China’s strategic cultural expansions.

Educational forums take place in the Huairou District’s Film Industry Park, providing insight into current trends and future directions in filmmaking. Additionally, the festival features special events catered to Beijing’s college students, held at prestigious institutions in Beijing and their campus in Zhuhai, further nurturing the next generation of cinematic talent.

This year’s festival also serves a greater national agenda. It aims to embody and propagate the cultural philosophies championed by China’s leadership, contributing significantly to the narrative of China’s new era. This cultural mission seeks not only to showcase China’s rich heritage and modern advancements but also to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese aesthetics and values on a global stage.

Furthermore, the choice of Langyuan Station as the venue is strategic and symbolic. Once a nondescript industrial area, Langyuan has transformed into a thriving artistic hub since the economic reforms of 1979. The festival leverages this location to blend cinematic innovation with artistic tradition, offering attendees a comprehensive cultural experience. Events here include outdoor cinemas and markets that allow visitors to engage with both the cinematic arts and local crafts.

The international jury for this year’s Tiantan Award brings together diverse voices from across the globe, including prominent figures from Serbia, Brazil, and notable Chinese-American talents like singer and actor Chris Phillips, highlighting the festival’s inclusive and global perspective.

Once a nondescript industrial area, Langyuan has transformed into a thriving artistic hub since the economic reforms of 1979.

The festival attracts entries from around the globe, offering a platform for international filmmakers to showcase their work in one of the world’s fastest-growing film markets.

The festival has attracted diverse film industry professionals exhibiting their activities.

Events at the venue include outdoor cinemas and markets that allow visitors to engage with both the cinematic arts and local crafts.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The colonizers deemed themselves superior to Africans, designating Tutsis, with physical features closer to Europeans, as the “superior race” and enlisting them as proxies for governance.

Minute differences, such as the length and width of the nose, were perceived by Western anthropologists as ethnic markers.

Employing the ruse of racial classification, the colonizers shattered the longstanding harmony between the two ethnic groups.

Click this link to watch the video

Xinhua

The genocide, tearing apart communities of Hutus and Tutsis, found its roots in the colonial policies of Western powers. The seeds of division were sown through the colonial scheme of “divide and rule.”

Click this link to watch the video

Xinhua

Click this link to watch the video

Xinhua

The officers to be deployed under the UN Multidimensional Stabilization Integrated Mission in CAR (MINUSCA) constitute three contingents.

Formed Police Unit Two (FPU-2) of 180 officers under the command of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Boniface Niyitegeka, will be deployed in Kaga Bandoro; while 140 officers of FPU-1 headed by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jean Claude Munyeragwe and the Protection Support Unit (PSU) of 140 officers under the command of SSP IIdephonse Rutagambwa, will operate in the capital Bangui.

They will be deployed in phases effective this Saturday, April 20.

“Rwanda has been serving in CAR since 2014, build on the legacy left behind by other contingents that served before you to continue to raise the Rwandan flag high,” DIGP Sano told the officers during the pre-deployment briefing.

He added that lot is expected of them as well trained, capable and equipped contingents.

The Deputy Police Chief pointed out that Rwanda and CAR enjoy good cooperation in various diplomatic and training areas.

“We don’t expect any contradiction in what is expected of each one of you; do what you were trained to do as a team.

Think of how you will come back after 12 months; as a police officer who served with discipline, integrity and professionalism while respecting diversity,” DIGP Sano emphasized.

He further urged them to work as a team with a collective purpose, protect each other, alway be on alert; and ensure that civilians and other people under their protection are safe.

DIGP Sano also told them to continue supporting the local communities through various outreach activities.

The FPUs specialize in public order management, protection of civilians, delivery of humanitarian assistance, escort duties and protection of UN facilities.

On the other hand, PSU undertakes special duties such as protection for VIPs, including the the Prime Minister of CAR, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (SRSG) and two Deputy SRSG, President of the National Assembly of CAR, Minister of Justice and the Head of MINUSCA Police Component, among others.

IGIHE

TRL Space Rwanda, a sister company of the Czech-based TRL Space, is the pioneer of the project and will collaborate with the Rwandan Space Agency on its development.

The project, which marks a significant milestone for Rwanda, aims to establish a center for building small satellites for the entire African continent.

This center will facilitate knowledge transfer as the company seeks partnerships with the Rwandan government, universities, and research organizations to bring its expertise, development processes, and production to the East African country.

TRL Space has already committed to investing over $2 million (Rwf 2.6 billion) in this innovative collaboration.

According to the company, the first phase of the satellite mission, which will be exclusively used for Rwandan agriculture, has already begun with more satellites set to follow.

The company aims to create a complete constellation of satellites that will ensure regular and sufficient imaging of the entire continent.

While the first satellite will be built by engineers from Europe and Africa working together, the firm says, future satellites will primarily be developed by TRL Space engineers in Rwanda.

The search for these talents has already begun through the recent CubeSat Makerthon, which enabled TRL Space to recruit a diverse pool of talent from across Africa.

Czech President hails program

The initiative received praise from Czech President Petr Pavel during his visit to the TRL Space office in Kigali on April 6, 2024.

President Pavel was in the country to participate in the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed the lives of a million people and left behind a trail of destruction of property.

Speaking during the President’s visit to the TRL Space Rwanda branch, TRL Space CEO, Petr Kapoun, affirmed that the company aims to use technology to change the economic fortunes of the African continent.

“Our intention is not just to deliver these technologies to Rwanda. We bring added value to the region. Our goal is to introduce new space technologies that increase the economic and living standards of the entire region,' the CEO stated.

TRL Space aims to create a complete constellation of satellites that will ensure regular and sufficient imaging of the entire continent.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The FDLR consists of the remnants of the Interahamwe group that plotted and perpetrated the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Munyuza, in a statement ahead of the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi slated for Egypt on Saturday, April 20, said that three decades after the Interahamwe group’s plot to exterminate the Tutsi in Rwanda was thwarted by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), their mission still remains.

'They [FDLR] seek to finish the job of eliminating part of the Rwandan population. The FDLR constitutes a significant security threat for the Great Lakes Region,' he stated.

Munyuza’s remarks come amid ongoing instability in the Eastern DRC fueled by the ongoing fight between the Congolese army, FDLR and the M23 rebel group.

Rwanda, led by President Paul Kagame, has been critical of the Congolese and Burundian governments’ collaboration with the FDLR, fueling tension between the three neighboring countries. DRC, on the other hand, accuses Rwanda of backing M23 activities.

Reflecting on the lessons learnt from the genocide, the envoy noted that what was witnessed in Rwanda 30 years ago, was an outcome of the deep divisions and racists ideologies created amongst Rwandans by the colonial authorities that ruled Rwanda from the end of World War 1 to 1961.

He called for unity of purposes for the development of the region.

'Genocide was a tragedy of enormous proportions. But Rwanda has arisen from the ashes. Rwandans are thriving, and this is a testament of what is possible when leaders work together with citizens to build institutions required to entrench good governance, with a focus on reconciliation, resilience and inclusiveness,' he stated.

Similar sentiments about FDLR were shared by President Kagame on April 7, when he led the country in honouring the lives of more than a million people killed in 1994.

During the event, the Head of State lamented that the world had not drawn any lessons from what happened in Rwanda.

In a hard-hitting speech, Kagame questioned why the FDLR militia continues to operate in DRC in 'full view of the UN peacekeepers'.

'Their objectives have not changed, and the only reason this group, today known as FDLR, has not been disbanded, is because their continued existence serves some unspoken interests,' Kagame lamented.

Kagame noted that as a result of FDLR operations in eastern DRC, hundreds of thousands of Congolese Tutsi had been dehumanized and forced out of their homes and left to seek refuge in Rwanda and other neighbouring countries.

'Hundreds of thousands of [Congolese Tutsi] refugees live here in our country in Rwanda, and beyond, completely forgotten, with no program of action for their safe return. Have we really learned any lessons?' He posed.

Ambassador Dan Munyuza during a past function.

Wycliffe Nyamasege