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In a statement on Friday, the Rwandan Head of State eulogised Gen. Ogolla as a soldier who served with great professionalism and humility.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to President William Ruto, the family, and loved ones of the victims of the plane crash, including Chief of Defense Forces General Ogolla, who will be remembered for his professionalism and humility in his service,' Kagame wrote.

President Ruto confirmed the death of Gen. Ogolla in a press conference from State House in Nairobi on Thursday night.

The CDF and nine others died after a military helicopter they were travelling crashed at the Sindar area in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Thursday afternoon at around 2:20pm.

“Today, at 2:20pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident in Sindar area, Keben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces,” he said.

In his tribute, President Ruto said the country had lost one of her most valiant generals and servicemen.

'This is a moment of great sadness for myself, as the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity, and the nation at large. The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me, and certainly, the sorrow we all feel about his passing is shared by all the people of Kenya, especially the KDF fraternity. A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty, and service to the country,' he added.

The ill-fated chopper was carrying 12 military officers at the time of the crash. The President said there were only two survivors.

Others who perished in the air crash were Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu (Pilot), Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

'I convey my deepest condolences to all families that are grieving this untimely loss, and our mourning nation as well. I also wish quick recovery to the two injured soldiers in this accident,' President Ruto added.

He said a team of investigative officers from the Kenya Air Force had been dispatched to probe the cause of crash, even as he announced a three day of national mourning in honour of the fallen General.

Gen. Ogolla died nearly a year after he was sworn in as Kenya’s military boss on April 29, 2023.

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

Prior to assuming the CDF role, Ogolla served as the Commander of the Air Force and Vice Chief of Defence Forces.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The Head of State said the government made deliberate efforts to change the mindset of its citizens on interventions needed to deal with hunger and other challenges including diseases.

'When we started this process of rebuilding, the thing we discovered we had to do was to change the thinking of our own people. You could see our people were just sitting back and knowing that if there is hunger, somebody is going to bring food. If there is a disease, somebody is going to come and help. So we got used to being helped from outside. And that really worsened things,' President Kagame stated.

The change of the mindset, he said, helped empower the citizens to create wealth and solve common challenges in the Rwandan society.

'We emphasized that so much and we had many examples to show for it, to show how we need to move on from that. Given the possibility, given the tools, they started doing things themselves. Help from outside will always be welcome, or may be needed. But it should come building on something you are trying to do yourself,' he added.

The President was speaking during the first Amujae High-Level Leadership Forum which kicked off in Kigali on Friday, April 19, 2024.

In attendance were former presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Catherine Samba Panza of the Central African Republic.

The forum brings together three cohorts of Amujae leaders from across the continent for discussions that contribute to their mentorship and preparation for high-level leadership positions.

The forum coincides with Rwanda marking 30 years since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, which resulted in the loss of more than one million lives and damage to property, severely denting the country’s economy.

President Kagame recently noted that the country had defied the odds to record tremendous growth over the last three decades.

Speaking during an engagement with the media on April 8, the President affirmed that with a favorable political environment, Rwanda’s economy will continue to soar, reaching five times its current potential.

President Paul Kagame has disclosed that Rwanda’s decision to reduce overreliance on foreign aid helped transform the country after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Apple stated that this decision was implemented following a request from China, citing national security reasons, although specific issues caused by these apps were not disclosed.

Other apps like Telegram and Signal were also banned and subsequently removed from the App Store.

In a released statement, Apple said, “The authority responsible for regulating online activities in China requested us to remove these apps, and we are obligated to comply with the laws of the countries in which we operate, even if we do not agree with them.”

Technology experts in China reported that their country decided to ban these apps due to a new law that required all apps to register with the government or face suspension.

The deadline was set for the end of March, and the enforcement of this law began on April 1 of this year.

Esther Muhozi

From activists and leaders to innovators and creators, these women have overcome numerous barriers to shape the world in significant ways. Among them is Taraji P. Henson, an acclaimed actress and mental health advocate. Her inclusion celebrates not only her illustrious career in the entertainment industry but also her pivotal role in addressing mental health issues, particularly within the African American community.

Another prominent figure is Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization. Under her leadership, the WTO has taken critical steps towards more inclusive global trade policies that consider the needs of developing countries.

In technology, we see figures like Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder and CEO of Bumble, who has been instrumental in shaping a safer online dating experience while empowering women to make the first move. Her innovative approach to technology not only challenges societal norms but also builds a profitable business that prioritizes female agency and security.

The representation of women on this list is not just about quantity but quality and impact. These influential figures are not only leaders in their respective fields but also role models who inspire generations of women to pursue their dreams without constraints.

Among the youngest influencers is a 17-year-old climate activist, Vanessa Nakate from Uganda. She has been a formidable voice in the global climate movement, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on African nations and advocating for substantial policy changes worldwide.

The presence of these women on the Time 100 list is a testament to the shifting paradigms in global leadership and influence. It reflects a world where women’s contributions are increasingly recognized and valued, and where their influence shapes policies, cultures, and ideologies across the globe. Their stories are not just narratives of personal success but beacons of hope for a more inclusive and equitable world.

There are more distinguished women from Africa who made it to the 2024 Time 100 Most Influential People list. These women are trailblazers in their fields, further emphasizing the diverse impact African women are having on the global stage.

Among these remarkable figures is Dr. Oby Ezekwesili from Nigeria, a former Vice President of the World Bank and co-founder of Transparency International. Dr. Ezekwesili has been instrumental in launching and leading several initiatives aimed at improving governance and reducing corruption in Africa. Her advocacy for the #BringBackOurGirls campaign has also been a vital voice in the fight against the abduction of girls by Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Another influential woman from Africa on the list is Amina J. Mohammed from Sudan, who serves as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Her role is crucial in steering global efforts towards sustainable development, with a particular focus on forging international alliances to tackle poverty, empower women, and mitigate climate change.

From South Africa, we see Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, a philanthropist and businesswoman who has used her resources and influence to promote health, education, and economic development across Africa. As a founder of the Motsepe Foundation, she works tirelessly to reduce inequality and promote economic inclusion.

These women, along with others from the continent, showcase the breadth and depth of female leadership in Africa. They are not only pioneers in their respective sectors but are also creating lasting impacts that reach beyond their local communities to the global stage. Their stories and achievements are vital parts of the narrative that illustrates the dynamic roles women are playing in shaping a more equitable and prosperous future.

Among the youngest influencers is a 17-year-old climate activist, Vanessa Nakate from Uganda.

Esther Muhozi

The recognition by Environmental Finance follows BRD’s inaugural Rwf30 billion bond issue in September 2023, in partnership with the World Bank. The bond which was listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange was issued in a bid to mobilise private capital and to diversify its funding sources, which aligns with Rwanda’s sustainable development goals.

The Development Bank of Rwanda’s inaugural bond’s structure was support by three Key Performance Indicators which include increasing environmental, social and governance compliance in the financial sector, increasing loans to women-led SMEs from 15% to 30% of BRD’s portfolio, and financing affordable housing by 2028.

Speaking at the launch of BRD’s inaugural bond in September 2023, CEO Kampeta Sayinzoga pointed out that by issuing the first ever bond, BRD is effectively diversifying its source of development finance by tapping into the local capital market for the first time which will ensure that BRD is no longer solely reliant on international credit lines thereby further sophisticating its resource mobilization efforts.

We are also happy to report that the proceedings of Sustainability Linked Bond are currently being utilized as intended. As of January 2024, it was confirmed that Rw15 billion of the Rwf 30 billion would be allocated to Kigali bus operators in a bid to curb the challenges being faced by Kigali’s public transportation system.

The Environmental Finance Sustainable Debt Awards celebrate the leading green, social, sustainable, and sustainability-linked bond and loan deals and recognize market innovations. The Awards also seek to recognize those that excel, innovate, and contribute to the successful development of the market.

IGIHE

Tshisekedi stated that the M23, active in North Kivu since 2012, is not a group of Congolese but rather Rwandans provoking his country, aiming for activities including plundering natural resources.

This contradicts the claims of M23’s leadership, explaining that during 2020 and 2021 in Kinshasa, the DRC government found M23 fighters on the list of national soldiers, with some still receiving salaries.

In an interview with IGIHE, Uwizeyimana described M23 as mainly consisting of Congolese who speak Kinyarwanda and are of Tutsi ethnicity, present in DRC territory due to borders drawn by colonial powers up to 1895.

He pointed out that Tshisekedi’s characterization of M23 fighters as Rwandans is a significant mistake that will not aid in resolving the conflicts in Eastern DRC.

“If borders were arbitrarily drawn, and those enclosed within them ended up in Congo, it should be straightforwardly understood without any issues that these people are Congolese. To say they are Rwandans who should be sent back home is the first and foremost error made by the Congolese government,” he said.

Uwizeyimana mentioned that Tshisekedi’s words remind him of those spoken by Habyarimana in October 1990, when Rwandans forming the RPA-Inkotanyi initiated a campaign against the Ex-FAR from Uganda, where they lived as refugees.

The reasons that led Inkotanyi to start this struggle included paving the way for Rwandan refugees Habyarimana had banned from returning and to stop the genocidal acts against Tutsis based on the prevailing racial discrimination policy in Rwanda.

The lawyer recalled, “It immediately reminds me of something Juvénal Habyarimana once did with the then Foreign Minister, Casimir Bizimungu. When Inkotanyi attacked, he had said that it was Uganda who attacked.”

He continued, “His minister was saying he wanted to talk with Uganda because it was attacking them, but later, as the situation revealed itself, it became clear that he had issues with the Rwandan refugees who were prevented from returning until they decided to take up arms to return by force.”

Tshisekedi and the members of the DRC government refused to talk with M23, explaining that they wanted to talk with Rwanda as they believe Rwanda is hiding behind this armed group. Uwizeyimana clarified that these words are similar to those previously spoken by Bizimungu.

Senator Uwizeyimana stated that in war, the weaker side should humble itself and accept negotiations. He believes this is how the DRC government should act since M23 has overpowered them, capturing many areas in North Kivu.

Esther Muhozi

Local media reports indicate that Sunak’s administration has directed party managers to lobby members of the House of Commons to sit through the night to pass the legislation that has suffered delays due to several amendments proposed by the House of Lords.

Sunak’s latest move follows growing criticism over his failure to 'run the votes round the clock' and have the first flight of migrants depart to Rwanda as part of the government’s plan to deter persons arriving in the UK on small boats across the English Channel.

The PM has expressed his confidence that parliament will finally pass the Bill, which declares Rwanda a safe country, on Monday, after suffering several defeats in the Lords.

'Repeatedly, everyone has tried to block us from getting this bill through, and yet again you saw this week Labour peers blocking us again, and that’s enormously frustrating.

'Everyone’s patience with this has worn thin, mine certainly has. Our intention now is to get this done on Monday. No more prevarication, no more delay, we are going to get this done on Monday, and we will sit there and vote until it is done,' he said on Friday.

The peers defied the government to vote through two more amendments to the legislation on Wednesday night.

The Lords are demanding exemption from removal to Rwanda for Afghans who served alongside British soldiers overseas as well as tighter checks on the safety of Rwanda for asylum seekers.

The scheme was first announced in April 2022 by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government following a deal with Rwandan authorities.

The Bill was introduced to Parliament after the UK Supreme Court ruled that the government’s scheme was unlawful. The judges argued that genuine refugees being removed to Rwanda faced the risk of being returned to their home countries, where they could face harm.

Sunak has expressed his confidence that parliament will finally pass the Bill, which declares Rwanda a safe country, on Monday, after suffering several defeats in the Lords.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

A US official confirmed the attack to CNN, reports that were corroborated by several other international media outlets, including BBC and Al Jazeera.

However, an Iranian official told CNN that their air defenses intercepted three drones, insisting that there were no reports of a missile attack.

The BBC reported that blasts were heard in the central province of Isfahan but noted that the target of the attack remains unclear.

The strike came against the backdrop of Iran’s support for the Palestinian Hamas militant group, whose assault into Israel on October 7, 2023, triggered Israel’s invasion of Gaza.

Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles against Israel on Saturday night in a retaliatory attack, which the country attributed to an Israeli raid on the Iranian consulate in Syria that killed seven senior military personnel.

On Sunday, the country urged Israel not to retaliate, saying 'the matter can be deemed concluded.” Iran, while acknowledging its commitment to resolving the conflict amicably, warned that any further provocations would result in a severe response.

'The Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to exercise its inherent right of self-defense when required. Should the Israeli regime commit any military aggression again, Iran’s response will assuredly and decisively be stronger and more resolute,' Iran’s Mission to the United Nations warned, even as it accused the United Nations Security Council of failing to stop Israel’s aggression.

Israel’s army declared the Iran attacks “foiled” on Sunday, insisting that it had shot down 99 percent of the drones and missiles with the help of the United States and other allies.

Iran’s attack received condemnation from United States President Joe Biden that resulted in further sanctions on the country on Thursday.

Biden, in a statement, said the sanctions target 'leaders and entities connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s Defense Ministry, and the Iranian government’s missile and drone program that enabled' the April 13 attack on Israel.

'As I discussed with my fellow G7 [Group of Seven] leaders the morning after the attack, we are committed to acting collectively to increase economic pressure on Iran,' the US president said.

'And our allies and partners have or will issue additional sanctions and measures to restrict Iran’s destabilizing military programs.'

UN Secretary-General António Guterres had also condemned Iran’s attack on Israel, warning that the serious escalation of the conflict between the two countries poses a real danger of a regional war.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

RCB, in a report unveiled on Thursday, April 18, 2024, said this is the highest revenue earned since the inception of the Bureau in 2014.

The institution hosted over 160 events and an estimated 65,000 delegates in 2023. 45 of these events are projected to generate revenues of $32 million (RWF 40.9 billion) over the upcoming years.

Among the notable events successfully bided and hosted by RCB in 2023 were the International Congress on Conservation Biology in July, the Women Deliver Conference, the Basketball Africa League held in May, IRON MAN 70.3 Rubavu race and the 18th edition of the Peace Marathon hosted in June 2023 among others.

In the entertainment and showbiz scene, Rwanda hosted two major events: the Trace Africa Music Awards and Festival, which brought together music, fashion, and arts, giving young and creative talents a global stage to showcase their skills; and The Move Afrika by Global Citizen, which was headlined by the globally renowned artist Kendrick Lamar.

RCB Board Chairman Fred Swaniker expressed his confidence that the sector will continue to thrive in 2024 due to continued unwavering support from the Rwandan government and stakeholders.

'In a very dynamic business landscape, it is important to stay ahead of the trend, and I am confident that the MICE sector will further increase its contribution to Rwanda’s economy through innovation. By investing in talent, infrastructure, and strategic initiatives, we aim to maintain our growth in the global MICE sector,' Swaniker stated.

On her part, Janet Karemera, the Bureau CEO, noted that as part of its growth strategy this year, RCB is focused on enhancing delegates’ experience, strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, exploring new partnerships, and attracting more business to Rwanda.

The remarks come at a time when the tourism sector is projected to fully recover from the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, having made a significant rebound in 2023.

According to a survey UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, the sector achieved 88 per cent growth of pre-pandemic levels last year.

Total export revenues from tourism, encompassing passenger transport, reached approximately $1.6 trillion in 2023, nearly 95 per cent of the $1.7 trillion recorded in 2019. Projections suggest a continuation of this positive trend, with estimates indicating a 2 per cent growth in international tourist arrivals above 2019 levels.

Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) hosted over 160 events and an estimated 65,000 delegates in 2023, earning the country $95 million (RWF 121.5 billion) in revenue

Wycliffe Nyamasege

On April 13, 2024, the commemoration brought together members of the Rwandan community and their allies in Liège. Notable attendees included André Bucyana, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Rwandan Embassy in Belgium; Willy Demeyer, the Mayor of Liège; and Anne-Marie Ikirizaboro, the head of URGT.

Representatives from various organizations that support genocide survivors, as well as Michaël Bisschops from “Les Territoires de la Mémoire,” were also present.

Anne-Marie Ikirizaboro underscored the importance of the commemoration, emphasizing it as a remembrance of the severe persecution of the Tutsi community based on their identity.

“They were targeted and killed solely because they were Tutsi. Countless lives were lost, and the exact locations of many such atrocities remain unknown. Those responsible continue to walk free, shielded by nations that have provided them asylum. This reality offers little solace to us, the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, as we endeavor to reconstruct our lives with unwavering resolve,” she explained.

Ikirizaboro added that the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi also involves nurturing the children who are descendants of the survivors.

The event also highlighted the resilience of survivors through the unveiling of “Un génocide en héritage.”

This book presents 11 impactful testimonies compiled by URGT, Celida asbl, and SPF Égalité des chances, with contributions from Donatille Karurenzi and Dr. Bernard Wilkin.

André Bucyana expressed gratitude to both the organizers and attendees for their dedication to remembering the genocide annually in Liège. He stressed the vital role of documenting history to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities.

Mayor Willy Demeyer commended the Tutsi survivors in Liège for their resilience and organizational efforts. He noted the significance of public memorials, like laying flowers at the Genocide Memorial near the National Resistance Monument in central Liège, in preventing the repetition of such tragedies.

The commemoration was also enriched with cultural expressions, including musical performances by the Marine Cadet Music ensemble and poetry readings, adding emotional depth to the occasion.

With the introduction of the testimonial book “Un génocide en héritage” to the public, the event served as an essential educational tool, reminding the world of the harsh realities faced by survivors and their unyielding spirit.

Walk to remember and laying of wreaths at the memorial

Commemoration talks

André Bucyana, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Rwandan Embassy in Belgium

Willy Demeyer, the Mayor of Liège delivered a speech.

Marie Émilie Cahay also performed at the commemoration event.

Michaël Bisschops from “Les Territoires de la Mémoire,” also attended commemoration talks.

Lina Mukandori performed a poem

The event was moderated by Mujawamariya Christine

Innocent Mugwaneza performed at the event

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Karirima Aimable Ngarambe