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Rwanda’s special education policy asserts that integrating students with disabilities alongside those without disabilities promotes mutual understanding and learning.

The law requires that all educational facilities be accessible to the handicapped. Yet, despite these regulations, disparities persist. According to the 2022 census, about 65% of children with disabilities aged 6 to 17 attend school, compared to 81% of non-disabled children.

Statistics from 2022 also reveal a total of 38,937 students with disabilities enrolled in schools, including 17,322 boys and 21,615 girls.

Following the establishment of the special education program, new schools have been constructed, and existing facilities have been upgraded to better accommodate students with disabilities. Nonetheless, older school buildings still present accessibility challenges, requiring additional support for these students.

A report to the General Assembly of Deputies in April 2024 highlighted ongoing issues, such as the absence of specialized instructional materials for students with disabilities in some schools.

Deputy Uwamariya Veneranda, Chairperson of the Commission for Education, Technology, Youth, and Culture, commented on the infrastructural deficiencies in schools, noting the existence of older buildings that do not comply with current educational standards.

By 2022, the number of schools lacking the necessary infrastructure and equipment to support disabled students decreased from 3,955 in 2017 to 1,541.

In addition to mainstream schools, students with disabilities often attend under-resourced schools, receiving the same instruction as their non-disabled peers.

Starting in May 2024, the Ministry of Education intends to provide various educational aids to students with disabilities, including televisions, calculators, video literacy tools, maps, and 60 laptops.

Furthermore, in April 2024, three thousand curricula designed specifically for students with mental disabilities will be published. From 2025 to 2027, a specialized book covering these curricula is also slated for publication.

The plan includes comprehensive training for all teachers to better support students with diverse disabilities. Although the number of trained teachers is increasing—from 12,243 in 2020/2021 to 15,569 in the following year—the total is still markedly low.

While the Ministry of Education has not set a definitive deadline for the completion of teacher training, it is committed to ensuring that it will occur.

Since 2015, the University of Rwanda has offered a secondary education teaching course specializing in disabilities. To date, 957 individuals have graduated, with 91 pursuing university-level studies and seven at the doctoral level in this field.

With the integration of this specialized training across all educational institutions, the goal is to equip all teachers with the skills necessary to educate students with disabilities effectively. As the student population grows, the number of teachers across Rwanda continues to increase, emphasizing the ongoing need for specialized educational support.

Students with disabilities require special consideration within educational systems.

Esther Muhozi

In a statement on Wednesday, April 17, the management urged the affected passengers to check their emails regularly for updates about the interruptions.

'Due to severe weather conditions in Dubai (DXB), we’re experiencing flight disruptions to and from Dubai. Passengers are advised to check their emails regularly for updates,' the airline stated.

This comes as heavy rains continue to batter Gulf States, leading to floods, including at Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, the airport authorities described the weather conditions as 'very challenging,' urging passengers 'not to come to the airport unless absolutely necessary.'

'Flights continue to be delayed and diverted. Please check your flight status directly with your airline. We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions,' the management added.

Kenya’s Kenya Aiways (KQ) and Fly Emirates are among airlines that have been forced to cancel flights due to heavy storms.

'We are monitoring the situation and are in close contact with Dubai authorities to minimise the inconvenience and disruption to our customers’ travels,' KQ said while announcing the cancellation of two flights on Wednesday.

Fly Emirates, while asking its customers to rebook their flights said, 'Dubai customers with flights scheduled for today (17 April) are advised not to go to DXB, as check-in remains suspended for all flights. Your safety is our top priority.'

At least 18 people have been reported dead due to the floods in Oman, even as weather forecasts predict further storms across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Schools across the UAE shut before the storms, with experts saying that the rains, which began on Monday, are equal to a year and a half’s worth of rain for the desert region.

RwandAir has announced flight disruptions to and from Dubai due to severe weather.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The minister lamented that, while boda boda riders in the neighboring country have shown utmost discipline in compliance with safety rules, recklessness on the part of Kenyan counterparts is to blame for the rising carnage.

“If we are going to sort out the accident issue, we have to sort out the boda boda sector. We should ask ourselves how come to our neighbouring country has managed to organize the boda boda sector that everyone dutifully wears a helmet including passengers,' Murkomen said in an apparent reference to Rwanda which is widely regarded as a shining example for compliance of safety rules not only in the East African region but Africa and beyond.

Murkomen also blamed residents for contributing to the deterioration of the boda boda sector in Kenya, stating, 'When you tell our Nairobi slay queens to wear a helmet, they will tell you it is smelling or it’s messing my hair.'

He posed, 'Which one is more important: your hair or your safety?'

Comparing past and present statistics, the CS said the boda boda sector is the leading cause of road accidents in Kenya.

'From 2000 to 2008, it used to be public service and private vehicles. But today, 38 per cent of the people we lose are pedestrians, 32 per cent are boda boda riders, and 26 per cent are lost through public and private vehicle accidents,' he added.

The CS spoke during the launch of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024 — 2028 in Nairobi on Wednesday, April 17.

To tame the menace, he called for strategic partnerships between the national and county governments to ensure that all the 47 devolved units in Kenya are empowered to manage the motorcycle sector in Kenya.

Meanwhile, while the boda boda sector continues to give leaders in neighboring countries a headache, Rwanda continues to stun the region with how it got everything right in managing the sector, popularly known as 'Taxi Moto’ among the locals.

In Rwanda, stringent rules set by the Transport authorities require a rider to carry only one passenger at a time. Additionally, the rider and their customer must wear helmets at all times. The helmets must be stamped with a unique identifying number, which has to be printed on the driver’s jacket and bike as well.

The sector is also governed by cooperatives which work hand in hand with traffic police to enforce compliance to the set laws.

Unlike in Nairobi, Kenya, Kampala, Uganda, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, it’s not uncommon to find boda boda riders stopping at pedestrian crossings to allow pedestrians to pass in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda.

The boda boda operators in Rwanda are also required to use designated stages to pick up passengers, promoting discipline and order in the sector.

Rwanda’s motorcycle taxi sector is governed by cooperatives which work hand in hand with traffic police to enforce compliance to the set laws.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

As per statement released by his family, Graham will be remembered not only as a seasoned statesman but also as a devoted family man. His commitment to his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was as unwavering as his dedication to the betterment of society.

Graham’s illustrious career spanned nearly four decades, during which he served at both the state and federal levels. From his early days in the Florida legislature to his tenure as governor and later as a U.S. senator, he tirelessly championed the interests of his constituents and the nation as a whole.

As a senator, Graham’s influence extended far beyond Florida’s borders. His leadership on the Senate Intelligence Committee, particularly during the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, showcased his unwavering commitment to national security. He played a pivotal role in crafting the Patriot Act of 2001, which aimed to enhance intelligence sharing between domestic and foreign agencies—an enduring testament to his foresight and determination to safeguard the nation against future threats.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi aptly characterized Graham as a “patriotic American” and a senator of great stature. His pivotal role in leading the Congressional Joint Inquiry into 9/11 underscored his unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability.

Additionally, his principled opposition to the Iraq War demonstrated his willingness to stand up for what he believed was right, even in the face of considerable political pressure.

Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Graham brought with him the values instilled in him by his beloved Florida—a sense of duty, dignity, and courage. His legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations of leaders, reminding them of the profound impact one individual can have in shaping the course of history.

Bob Graham, a senator who served for a long time and held two terms as the governor of Florida, has passed away.

Esther Muhozi

On March 16, 2024, during his meeting with the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, who was visiting the country since the end of last week, President Xi Jinping revealed points he consider crucial amidst the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, which have escalated in recent years.

Firstly, he stressed the need to prioritize support to peace and security and stop selfish interests.

He also said that the Western world should stop fueling the fire by providing aid to Ukraine because they are undermining peace negotiations.

The other thing that this president said would be a solution to this war, is to deal with the effects of this war on the world economy.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised President Xi that he is willing to find a peaceful way to stop the war because Germany has also been affected and has seriously hindered the supply of petroleum products in general.

Although China has not taken sides in the war between Russia and Ukraine, it has been accused by the West of the world for refusing to impose sanctions on Russia.

However, this is not the first time China has shown approaches to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In February 2023, China showed its support for peace talks by proposing ten points to be considered in the negotiations.

At that time, Ukraine challenged what was shown by China, saying that it also had proposed ten points in 2022 to be considered in the negotiations, but they were rejected by Russia.

The President of China, Xi Jinping met with the Chancellor of Germany this week.

Esther Muhozi

In Rwanda’s security apparatus, collaboration with the populace occurs without intimidation, fostering a culture of disciplined interaction both domestically and internationally, where Rwandan forces contribute to peacekeeping missions.

A study conducted by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), tasked with promoting good governance and monitoring service delivery, highlights security as the foremost pillar, with a rating of 93.63%.

Addressing workers from the National Rehabilitation Service, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the National Electoral Commission during the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis, Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira emphasized the soldier’s authority to make decisions while on duty.

Illustrating with an incident in Nyanza, Gen (Rtd) Ibingira recounted how a soldier, after being rejected by a girl, resorted to violence, eventually leading to her death. In response, the soldier was executed by hanging him on a tree, as a demonstration of maintaining discipline within the ranks.

“We administered punishment through hanging and shooting to ensure discipline within our forces,” Gen (Rtd) Ibingira affirmed, citing the existence of an ethics committee and a court martial to address misconduct.

Attributing the restoration of peace in Rwanda to divine intervention, Gen (Rtd) Ibingira stressed the importance of leadership in upholding discipline, particularly during turbulent times such as the genocide.

Recognizing the doubts that soldiers harbored during the genocide, Gen (Rtd) Ibingira expressed gratitude for divine intervention, averting further catastrophe and enabling visionary leaders under the command of President Paul Kagame to restore order and humanity.

In emphasizing the ethos of non-discrimination within the RPA forces, Gen (Rtd) Ibingira underscored the importance of treating all individuals equally, regardless of ethnicity.

He urged citizens with national responsibilities to excel and contribute to the nation’s progress, emphasizing that their actions are pivotal indicators of Rwanda’s development.

Gen (Rtd) Ibingira also implored the youth to uphold the nation’s values, shunning discrimination and genocide ideologies, recognizing that the future of the country rests in their hands.

Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira disclosed that a soldier who committed atrocities was hanged and shot dead.

Esther Muhozi

Guterres, while calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, stated that neither the Middle East nor the world at large can afford another war.

'I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East,' the UN boss said in a statement shared on Sunday morning.

He added, 'I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war.'

Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles against Israel on Saturday night in a retaliatory attack, which the country has attributed to an Israeli raid on the Iranian consulate in Syria a fortnight ago.

The country on Sunday 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 UN Security Council of failing to stop Israel’s aggression, which claimed the lives of seven Iranian senior military personnel.

Foiled

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

US President Joe Biden also condemned the Iranian drone attacks on military facilities in Israel and vowed to convene a G7 leaders meeting to deliberate over the matter on Sunday.

'Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack,' Biden stated, further affirming America’s 'ironclad commitment' to the security of Israel.

Iran’s attack mirrors that of Israel-Hamas war which started on October 7, 2023.

Hamas launched missile attacks on Israel, saying the attack was in response to the continued Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, the blockade of the Gaza Strip, the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, threats to the status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the plight of Palestinian refugees and prisoners.

The world is also reeling from the effects of the two-year fighting between Russia and Ukraine.

The war started following Russia’s invasion, which began with dozens of missile strikes on cities all over Ukraine before dawn on 24 February 2022.

Some of the global impacts of the conflict include an increase in the prices of commodities such as food and fuel, exacerbating the already soaring inflation.

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned Iran’s attack on Israe.l

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Neretse passed away in Liège on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. A funeral ceremony was held for him on Saturday, April 13, his family said.

The agricultural scientist was the first person tried by Belgian courts for his involvement in the Genocide against the Tutsi and sentenced to 25 years in prison in December 2019.

He was found guilty of 11 war crimes committed between April 6, 1994 to July 14, 1994.

“All of these facts established points that the accused committed the crime of genocide in Rwanda between 6 April to 14 July 1994 in Kigali, Ruhengeri and Gitarama,' Sophie Leclercq, President of the criminal court, ruled.

Neretse was arrested in France in 2011 where he had rebuilt a professional life as a refugee.

The prosecution had cited Neretse’s appearance at public rallies, where he is said to have incited fellow members of the Hutu ethnic group to slaughter the minority Tutsi community, resulting in the deaths of 13 people in Nyamirambo.

Some of the victims were shot dead by soldiers as they were preparing to flee their homes to join the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) camp.

While convicting Neretse, the court said there was evidence that the accused created, sustained, and financed militia members of the Interahamwe, who were out to exterminate the Tutsi.

The accused had denied involvement in the atrocities during the trial, insisting and was an inactive party member and a friend to Tutsi.

“I will never stop insisting that I neither planned nor took part in the genocide,” he told the jury.

Neretse’s death comes as Rwanda marks the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed the lives of more than a million people.

Fabien Neretse, Rwandan convicted of Genocide against Tutsi has died in Belgium prison

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This district, covering an area of 1,343.5 square kilometers and home to a population of 2.269 million, stands as a testament to Beijing’s strategic evolution from its historical roots to a beacon of modernity.

Historical significance and strategic position

Located in the northwest of Beijing, bordered by the Taihang Mountains to the west and the Yanshan Mountains to the north, Changping has always been pivotal in the capital’s defense and administration.

Known historically as the “place of strategic importance in the capital,” its role has evolved significantly. Today, Changping is not just about strategic location; it is about strategic development, transitioning into a vibrant, open, and inclusive city with a rich blend of cultural heritage and modern lifestyle.

The model of Future Science City inside an exhibition hall in Changping District.

Catalyst of scientific innovation and technology

At the heart of Changping’s transformation is its emergence as a leading science city. The district boasts 56 national, provincial, and ministerial key laboratories, alongside 210 engineering technology centers, creating a robust environment for research and development.

This scientific prowess is underscored by the presence of 37 listed enterprises and more than 2,000 high-tech companies, including 464 enterprises focusing on special and sophisticated technologies that produce novel products. Among these, 26 are recognized as unicorn and potential unicorn enterprises.

Changping’s role in global science is further cemented by the establishment of the first national laboratory in life sciences and a pioneering national laboratory in energy research.

The district has achieved notable scientific feats such as the development of cell scorching techniques and the creation of 4500-volt insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) chips.

As part of the Beijing International Science and Technology Innovation Center, the Future Science City in Changping, with a planned area of 170.6 square kilometers, exemplifies an innovative 'two valleys and one park' model consisting of Life Valley, Energy Valley, and Shahe Higher Education Park.

This strategic layout not only boosts Changping’s scientific credentials but also facilitates its vision to become a modernized urban area.

The entrance of Future Science City exhibition hall in Changping District.

Academic excellence and educational hub

Changping’s commitment to education is evident in its status as a thriving university town. The district is home to 41 universities, including some of China’s top institutions such as Peking University and Tsinghua University, which collectively enroll about 148,000 students.

With 38 academicians and over 200 overseas high-level talents, along with more than 48,000 research personnel, the academic atmosphere in Changping is vibrant and dynamic.

A significant 44.4% of the district’s population holds a university degree, mirroring the education levels of developed countries. Recent initiatives, such as the three-year action plan integrating schools with the city, underscore the strategic emphasis on education in urban development. This integration has seen the establishment of the Tsinghua University State Key Laboratories Nankou Base and the Peking University Production, Teaching, and Research Integration Innovation Center, further enhancing the district’s educational landscape.

Championing eco-friendly development

As an eco-city, Changping demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. The district’s terrain, 60% mountainous with a 49% forest coverage rate, forms a significant ecological barrier to the northwest of Beijing. It is the birthplace of the Wenyu River—Beijing’s mother river—which significantly contributes to the city’s top air quality rankings.

Furthermore, Changping is unique in intersecting Beijing’s three cultural belts and is home to three world cultural heritages, including the Ming Tombs, Juyongguan Great Wall, and the Grand Canal, enhancing both its ecological and cultural value.

Economic growth and industrial innovation

Economically, Changping has seen substantial growth, following a modern industrial system development strategy known as '3+2+1' (continuous and connected cycle of strategy).

This strategy includes leading industries such as medicine and health, advanced energy, and advanced manufacturing, each contributing to a GDP that collectively exceeds 130 billion yuan (over US$18 billion).

The medical and health industry, in particular, has grown rapidly, focusing on cutting-edge technologies like CGT and AI+R&D, and establishing a comprehensive industrial chain that spans basic research to terminal medical care. In 2022, this sector alone generated nearly 80 billion yuan (over US$11 billion), representing a significant portion of the district’s economic output.

Creating a business-friendly environment

Changping’s innovative and inclusive policies have made it a hotspot for investment and development.

The district leverages the advantages of the 'four zones' policies, which include the China (Beijing) Pilot Free Trade Zone and the Capital High-level Talent Highland Core Zone, among others.

This strategic policy framework, combined with a distinctive '1+1+N' industrial policy system, has cultivated a top-tier business environment that is attractive to both domestic and international enterprises.

The recent policy initiatives aimed at promoting sectors such as the beauty and health industry and the energy internet sector are poised to further boost economic development and enterprise growth.

Speaking to foreign journalists recently; Liu Qiang, the deputy mayor of Changping District outlined significant plans for the district’s economic and cultural development.

Key initiatives include advancing synthetic biology manufacturing and enhancing the energy sector, notably through the development of the energy internet and new technologies like hydrogen energy and carbon capture.

The district expects to see substantial growth in advanced manufacturing, with a target output value surpassing 130 billion yuan in 2024, and aiming for 240 billion yuan by the end of the “Fourteenth Five-Year Plan” through new industrialization efforts.

Additionally, Changping is committed to creating an internationally friendly environment, demonstrated by innovative cultural events and improved public and government services aimed at attracting and supporting international talents and enterprises.

Liu Qiang, the deputy mayor of Changping District speaking to foreign journalists on Friday, 12th April 2024.

Théophile Niyitegeka

According to The Telegraph, the list of 13 military top brass includes three former Chiefs of the Defence Staff as well as a former Chief of the General Staff and a former Chief of the Naval Staff.

In a letter quoted by the British publication, the group sent a strong warning to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, saying deporting Afghans who fought alongside the British army would be a 'dereliction of our moral duty'.

'Any brave men and women who have fought alongside our armed forces or served the UK Government overseas must be exempt from removal to Rwanda,' the letter signed by Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Craig of Radley, Gen Lord Richards of Herstmonceux and Gen Lord Houghton of Richmond—all former Chiefs of the Defence Staff—was quoted as saying.

The group further accused the government of mismanaging the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy — known as the ARAP scheme — which was launched in April 2021.

The scheme was established to help current or former Afghan staff who were employed by the UK government in Afghanistan.

The military chief’s warning comes amid reports that Afghan soldiers have been subjected to torture and murder by the Taliban after being denied help by the UK Government, despite extensive evidence showing they were paid, trained, and worked “shoulder to shoulder” with British special forces.

The military top brass argue that the Arap scheme was 'intended to be a lifeline for brave Afghans who worked alongside UK forces but there is a huge backlog of applications'.

'It is essential that those who have made it to British shores are not unduly punished by being removed to Rwanda when the Government’s scheme is up and running,' the group is further quoted.
The sentiments come at a time Sunak’s Safety of Rwanda Bill, which proposes the relocation of certain asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda for processing their claims, returns to the Commons on Monday after a series of defeats in the Lords.

Rwanda and the UK signed the Migration and Economic Development Partnership in April 2022.

Officials said the migrants caught trying to enter UK territory illegally by boat or hiding in vehicles would be sent to Rwanda.

The scheme faced headwinds last November after the UK Supreme Court ruled that it was unlawful.

This forced the government to amend the legislation, including a new treaty and stating in law that Rwanda is a safe country.

MPs are expected to vote on those amendments when they return to parliament.

This week, Sunak, while expressing his confidence that the scheme would succeed, faulted the Labour Party for the delays in the implementation of the programme.

“First of all we need to get it through parliament, where the Labour Party has been blocking it for a long time.

“Once it is up and running I am confident we will be able to operationalise the scheme [and] get people on flights because that’s how we set up a deterrent and ultimately end the unfairness of people jumping the queue, coming here illegally, putting pressure on local services and risking their own lives,' he stated in response to a question from the reporters seeking to know when the first flight would depart to Rwanda.

In March 2024, UK authorities announced that the government would offer failed asylum seekers up to £3,000 (Rwf4,866,727) to move to Rwanda under the new voluntary scheme.

Wycliffe Nyamasege