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Just like the previous revolutions in communication technology, the development of AI cannot escape from the “Collingridge dilemma,” says the report, titled “Responsibility and Mission of News Media in AI Era,” highlighting the quandary between the need for development and the imperative of governance in order to harness AI for the betterment of humanity.

According to the report, released during the ongoing 6th World Media Summit in Urumqi, capital city of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the majority, 66 percent, of the news media surveyed worldwide view the impact of generative AI on the industry positively. Additionally, 51.2 percent of the respondents had already started implementing AI technologies.

Media organizations primarily expected generative AI to enhance the timeliness and productivity of news reporting. However, they also expressed apprehensions about the potential credibility risks associated with AI, particularly regarding the “distortion and inaccuracy of news clues and materials.” A substantial 76.4 percent of respondents shared these concerns.

Additionally, a significant majority, 85.6 percent, of the surveyed news media believed that the application of generative AI required better regulation.

These findings were based on a questionnaire survey conducted in 2024. The survey covered over 1,000 respondents from 53 countries and regions, representing a diverse range of media outlets such as newspapers, periodicals, broadcasting and television stations, news agencies, websites, and mobile application service providers.

“AI is driving a new wave of productivity in news media, creating advanced productive forces across content collection, production, distribution, and evaluation,” the report points out.

It empowers both media organizations and consumers with enhanced experiences that transcend time and space, integrating virtual and real-world interactions, and facilitating human-machine communication.

Additionally, AI is fostering new business models, including a media-centric approach for everything, platform-based media, and a digitalized and intelligent industry.

The report, however, warns against multiple risks and challenges brought about by the uncertainty of AI and its misuse.

False information has escalated in scale, form and distribution, triggering a global crisis of authenticity, it says, noting that the technology’s limitations and the users’ private interests have created a “collusion” effect, polluting public opinion and negatively affecting individual perceptions and societal discourse.

Meanwhile, widespread value disputes and ethical dilemmas have put AI in a dilemma between development and governance.

The “intelligence divide” may further widen the gap between people, urban and rural areas, and between the North and the South, promoting technological hegemony and exacerbating global development imbalances, it adds.

The report proposes that news media should shoulder their social responsibilities, commit to a “people-first” approach and promote “intelligence for good” in the era of AI.

To achieve this goal, news media could accelerate intelligent-driven initiatives to enhance media value, prioritize ethical use of AI to establish robust standards, shoulder social responsibilities to optimize the cognitive environment, and foster dialogue and cooperation to improve global governance.

“In this way, powerful media forces will unite to build a community with a shared future and contribute to a better world,” the report says.

Full Text: Responsibility and Mission of News Media in AI Era

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Xinhua

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Xinhua

“Among the people of the region, the level of harmony and respect is comprehensive and complete,” Bassam Zakarneh, a member of Fatah’s Revolutionary Council of Palestine, told Xinhua during a recent interview.

Zakarneh has paid multiple visits to China. Speaking of some Western governments’ and media’s smear campaign against China about its Xinjiang policy, he said that the West is “trying to exploit anything to undermine China’s progress and development.”

This March, a delegation of members of political parties from Arab countries headed by Zakarneh, visited Xinjiang. “China’s experience in all regions is rich, and with every visit, we feel the magnitude of the benefit we gain in various fields,” Zakarneh said.

During the visit, the delegation learned about Xinjiang’s development in such areas as agricultural technology, livestream shopping and cross-border e-commerce.

“We find agriculture that does not require much space and land,” Zakarneh said. “Many of our products are destroyed due to the inability to sell them in season, but after learning about the agricultural industrialization carried out by China, our countries can enhance communication to exchange experience in this field.”

The delegation visited mosques and some other places of worship. Zakarneh said China preserves and gives each religion care for its sanctities with full and comprehensive support.

Zakarneh said the delegation expressed respect for China’s treatment of freedom of religion and the extent of its respect for human rights, contrary to what the U.S.-led West has said to distort China’s image and hinder its progress.

The delegation attended an exhibition on China’s counter-terrorism effort as well. “China has creativity in confronting terrorism through the awakening and cohesion of its people and the strength of its security services,” Zakarneh said.

The first measures, he added, are to educate citizens about preventing the infiltration of terrorist ideas and stopping anyone from exploiting this to attack China, by rehabilitating these people and educating them in school, so that they graduate with mastery of crafts, not to mention providing job opportunities and supporting various groups so that everyone in the region could become a producer, whether in agriculture, industry, or trade.

“China has faced this with strength and confidence and opened the borders of the Xinjiang region for all delegations to see for themselves the reality as it is. Our visit and observation on the ground were proof that Western propaganda is false,” Zakarneh said.

An aerial panoramic drone photo taken on May 9, 2024 shows a city view of Wujiaqu, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

Xinhua

Three young girls from Kapuri Primary School fondly recalled their first encounter with Rwandan soldiers. As they exited their school, they were greeted by the soldiers in Kinyarwanda, a language they had never heard before but quickly embraced, repeating the greetings at home.

Today, these girls—Sarah, Helen, and Charity—are in the 8th grade, preparing for their national exams. With aspirations of pursuing careers in science and theology, they attribute much of their success to the improved school environment, noting the trees, flowers, and overall cleanliness.

The school in Kapuri, built in September 2014 by Rwandan soldiers who noticed students studying under a tree, has become a beacon of hope for the community.

What began as a makeshift learning space under trees has transformed into a fully functioning educational institution, officially opened in 2015. This initiative is just one example of the positive impact the Rwandan soldiers have had as part of their peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, echoing similar contributions they have made in other countries since their involvement in Darfur in 2004.

The school, once home to 200 students, now serves 540, a testament to its growing reputation. Parents recognize its quality, with one parent noting that if children aren’t registered early, they risk missing out on enrollment. As he said, the school’s popularity highlights the profound changes brought about by the Rwandan troops’ involvement.

Rwanda is one of the largest contributors to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, with over 2,500 soldiers and 400 police officers deployed. South Sudan, a nation that has long been troubled by conflict, has benefited greatly from this assistance.

After gaining independence in 2011, peace was short-lived, and civil war between factions led by President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar caused widespread devastation, displacing millions and affecting vital resources like oil.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Kabera, Deputy Spokesperson for the RDF, reflected on the stark difference between 2016, when he first served in South Sudan, and today. “In 2016, there was war. Now, people are returning, and life is returning to normal in the city,” he said.

Since their arrival in 2014, Rwandan troops have undertaken various community projects alongside their peacekeeping duties. Lt. Col. Kabera emphasized, “Our primary duty is to protect civilians, but we also carry out community projects like building schools.”

In addition to constructing educational facilities, the troops provide essential items such as stoves, water kiosks, and sports equipment to local communities.

During a recent community outreach event, Rwandan soldiers distributed school supplies and hygiene products, including sanitary pads for girls.

Suzie Nyokajong, an English teacher at Kapuri Primary and Nursery School, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the improvements.

“We faced many challenges, but thanks to the support of the Rwandan troops, things have changed. Our school is now clean, and our students are performing well,” she said.

Nyokajong also noted the increase in both students and teachers, adding that the beautification efforts, with trees and flowers planted around the school, have created an environment that promotes learning and personal growth.

The ongoing peace and development initiatives led by the Rwandan troops continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of South Sudanese communities, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of peacekeeping efforts beyond the battlefield.

Rwandan soldiers and students shared joyful moments after completing community work.

Rwandan soldiers donated sanitary pads to girls at Kapuri Primary school.

Rwandan soldiers distributing school supplies and hygiene products to students.

The community work was conducted by Rwandan battalion (RwanBatt1) on Monday.

Rwandan soldiers are friendly to the local community.

Rwandan soldiers also painted classrooms at Kapuri Primary School.

IGIHE

The 22-page report alleges torture and ill-treatment of prisoners and detainees by officials at Nyarugenge Prison in Kigali, Rubavu Prison in the Western Province, and the Kwa Gacinya detention facility.

In a swift rejoinder, Rwanda Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo rubbished the claims, highlighting HRW’s lack of credibility due to its history of false and malicious reports.

'Human Rights Watch does not have a monopoly on human rights and has repeatedly shown itself to be neither serious nor credible. They continue to target Rwanda with fabricated stories, just as they did in 2017 when several Rwandans, whom HRW falsely claimed had been ‘summarily executed’ for stealing goats and fruit, appeared alive at a press conference held by Rwanda’s National Commission for Human Rights,' Makolo stated, referring to HRW’s past report titled 'All Thieves Must Be Killed'.

The 2017 report alleged that 37 people were killed by police officers, soldiers, reservists, and members of the District Administration Security Support Organ (DASSO) in the districts of Rubavu and Rutsiro over 'suspected theft and petty crimes’.

It was later established that all the aforementioned individuals were alive, following an investigation carried out by the National Commission for Human Rights.

In the latest report, titled ''They Threw Me in the Water and Beat Me’: The Need for Accountability for Torture in Rwanda', HRW claims that judges in Rwanda ignored complaints from current and former detainees about unlawful detention and ill-treatment.

The organization purports to have relied on testimonies from 28 individuals interviewed between 2019 and 2024 and demands that the government conduct a comprehensive investigation into torture in Rwanda’s prisons.

Ironically, in the same report where HRW accused the government of inaction, they lauded the trial of six prison officials and 12 detainees who were convicted over the assault of inmates in Rubavu Prison in April this year.

HRW has severally been criticized for making false reports motivated by political reasons.

In March 2022, the government spokesperson rejected a report accusing the Rwandan government of abusive prosecutions against opposition members, journalists, and commentators based on their speech and opinions. Makolo termed the report, titled 'Rwanda: Wave of Free Speech Prosecutions', as biased.

In September 2023, HRW released another report accusing Rwanda of abusing the rights of transgender people, sex workers, and street children.

At the time, Rwanda explained the report was a calculated attempt to harm a strategic sector of Rwanda’s economy with fabricated allegations.

Yolande Makolo, Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda.

IGIHE

This funding aims to boost research, development, and manufacturing of vaccines targeting infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, Lassa fever, and Ebola.

According to an EIB statement, the financing will also strengthen the technical skills and expertise of Rwanda-based teams to support local vaccine discovery, manufacturing, and the development of vaccine delivery systems.

This initiative aligns with Rwanda’s broader goal of fostering home-grown healthcare solutions.

The latest health investment from EIB Global is part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative for Africa, which seeks to unlock critical investments aimed at improving public healthcare access.

EIB Global’s focus is on high-impact investments that enhance healthcare and pharmaceutical manufacturing across Africa, strengthen health resilience, and support equitable access to healthcare on the continent.

Africa bears the highest global disease burden, and more local solutions are necessary to address these challenges. Vaccination plays a crucial role in driving investments toward universal healthcare and is key to achieving 14 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Akagera Medicines Africa was established in Rwanda in July 2022 to advance the pharmaceutical sector both within the country and across the continent. The company is majority-owned by the Republic of Rwanda through the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB).

Speaking at the World Health Summit in Berlin, Germany, where the financing announcement was made, Michael Fairbanks, CEO of Akagera Medicines, praised the European Investment Bank’s support, expressing optimism about building human capacity and specialized infrastructure in Africa to advance vaccine development. The summit runs from October 13 to 15, 2024.

EIB Vice President, Thomas Östros, emphasized the importance of partnerships with both public and private entities in combating deadly diseases.

'The EIB is committed to further strengthening our partnership with local and international players, to scale up investment and support innovative technology together,' he said.

EU Ambassador to Rwanda, Belen Calvo Uyarra, remarked, 'Through Global Gateway, the EU is focused on advancing equitable access to health products and local manufacturing in Africa. This investment by EIB with Akagera Medicines marks another important milestone on this journey.'

The financing for Akagera Medicines complements other EU initiatives in Rwanda and the region under the Global Gateway Flagship—Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies (MAV+).

This broader effort focuses on supporting the necessary ecosystem for vaccine manufacturing and is backed by the EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund (EU-AITF), which aims to increase infrastructure investment in Sub-Saharan Africa, reduce poverty, and foster economic growth in the region.

The European Investment Bank has allocated €2 million (approximately 2.9 billion Rwandan Francs) to support vaccine development in Rwanda.

Théophile Niyitegeka

Announcing the changes, the organizers of the concert stated that the rescheduling was due to circumstances beyond their control. However, the statement did not specify the exact reasons.

They confirmed that those who had already purchased tickets could still use them on the new concert date.

The concert, dubbed 'Sol Fest Kigali Pre Party,’ will precede the main ‘Sol Fest’ event, which is set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from December 19 to 21, 2024.

The Kigali concert will feature performances by Savara Mudigi, Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, and Polycarp Otieno, also known as Fancy Fingers, the founders of Sauti Sol.

The event will also include performances by artists such as Mike Kayihura and Ariel Wayz, while DJs such as DJ Sonia and DJ June will be mixing the music.

It is expected that there will be a VIP ‘Sol Fest’ concert on December 19, 2024, followed by the main concert for music lovers on December 21, 2024. The events will feature top Kenyan singers and rappers like Khaligraph Jones and Nyashinski.

The concert aims to preserve the legacy and honour of Sauti Sol and follows last year’s event in 2023, which was attended by more than 15,000 fans.

Sauti Sol, known for their numerous hit songs such as Sura Yako, Suzanna, Short N Sweet, and Live and Die in Africa, was formed in 2005. The group announced an indefinite hiatus in 2023.

The hiatus, the band said, would allow them to pursue individual and collective passions after 18 years of doing music together.

The much-awaited concert, which was expected to bring together former members of Kenya’s boy band Sauti Sol in Kigali on October 18, 2024, has been rescheduled to October 30, 2024.

IGIHE

The Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), which owns RTV, confirmed Munyangeyo’s resignation on Monday, October 14, 2024, citing links to gross misconduct during his tenure.

“The Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) hereby informs the public that Mr. Munyangeyo Kennedy Dieudonné, the Head of Rwanda National Television, has resigned from his duties. This resignation follows the discovery of gross misconduct during his tenure,” RBA said in a statement released on Monday night.

The state broadcaster further emphasized its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity across all operations.

Although the RBA statement did not specify the exact reasons for Munyangeyo’s resignation, speculation began circulating on social media after a screenshot surfaced, showing a WASAC post accusing the media executive of illegally using their water.

While the post has since been deleted, a WASAC official confirmed that on October 10, 2024, the agency discovered Munyangeyo using water that had not passed through a meter. He was fined Frw 1,000,000 and ordered to pay for the water he had used before his reconnection.

“He (Munyangeyo) has paid the fine and settled the bill owed to WASAC,” Robert Bimenyimana, the PR and Communications Manager at WASAC stated, adding that only RBA could confirm the official reason for his departure.

“Gross misconduct could refer to various other reasons or wrongdoing during his tenure at RBA,” he added.

The Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), which owns RTV, confirmed Munyangeyo’s resignation on Monday, October 14, 2024, citing links to gross misconduct during his tenure.

IGIHE

This action, led by renowned human rights lawyer Isaac Ssemakadde, underscores the ULS’s resolve to rebuild public confidence in Uganda’s justice system.
The ULS cited several reasons for Kiwanuka’s removal, focusing primarily on a conflict of interest due to his ex officio role in the Council.

The society described this position as a colonial-era relic that is no longer suitable for modern legal governance. The ULS plans to challenge this practice through a constitutional petition, aiming to redefine the roles and independence of key legal officers.

Additionally, a forensic investigation has been initiated to probe serious allegations against Kiwanuka. The ULS accuses Kiwanuka of interfering with judicial appointments, further eroding public confidence in the judiciary.

Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Semakade

Among the accusations are breaches of constitutional law connected to his private legal work, financial misconduct in land compensation cases involving approximately Shs 28.8 billion, and misleading the Cabinet on issues concerning judicial independence.

Another significant concern was the imposition of fees for digital access to Uganda’s laws under Kiwanuka’s tenure, which the ULS views as an obstacle to justice, particularly for ordinary citizens.

Human rights issues were also raised, with allegations that Kiwanuka condoned acts of torture and supported the use of military courts to try civilians, contrary to Uganda’s international commitments.

Despite his expulsion from the Council, Kiwanuka retains his membership in the ULS. However, he is no longer recognized as the head of the Uganda Bar.

Uganda’s Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka has been dismissed from the ULS Council

IGIHE