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IGIHE

'Our education level has increased generally but we are not yet at the level we want to be judging from what we see elsewhere,' he said.

Kagame’s comments underscored the collective nature of the effort required to elevate the education system.
'By swearing in, it means you have accepted and are ready to work for your country in this new capacity but this commitment is not solely your responsibility. This oath doesn’t mean that improving the education sector is yours alone. It is a collective responsibility and we are here to work with you and support you all through,' he emphasized.

The President highlighted the role of every Rwandan in this shared endeavor. 'It is all our responsibility, the youth, the old; The task of enhancing education involves contributions from all segments of society.'

'Education is one of the most important things that help our country’s development and the Rwandan population in general. The outcomes of a strong education system also positively impact Rwanda’s interactions on the global stage,” he emphasized.

Kagame elaborated on the concept of holistic education, which blends local and international perspectives. 'Holistic education involves aspects picked from Rwanda as a country and aspects picked from other countries. This approach aims to enrich students’ understanding by incorporating diverse global viewpoints, thus better preparing them to handle various challenges,' he explained.

The Head of State concluded by emphasizing that good education lays a critical foundation for personal and national advancement, noting that good education prepares people to be ready to face all the problems and challenges that they encounter.

Nsengimana was appointed Minister of Education on September 11, 2024, replacing Gaspard Twagirayezu, who became the Director General of the National Space Agency.

He was previously the Director of the Mastercard Foundation, focusing on promoting education for all through technology. Before working with Mastercard, Nsengimana was employed at Intel Corporation, an American technology company.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Amb. Nduhungirehe made these remarks during the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, held at Kigali Convention Centre on September 12, 2024. The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, drew diplomats, government officials, members of the Chinese community in Rwanda, and friends of China.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, Rwanda and China have forged a strong relationship grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for development. In recent years, this bond has grown through increased partnerships and political understanding.

Rwanda firmly upholds the One-China principle, while China has consistently supported Rwanda’s national unity and efforts to combat Genocide denial and hate speech.

China’s investments in Rwanda, which exceed $1.2 billion since 2019, span critical sectors like manufacturing, construction, real estate, and mining.

Notably, the upgrade of Masaka District Hospital to an 837-bed facility, which will form part of the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), is one of many infrastructure projects demonstrating China’s significant contributions. The two nations also saw a bilateral trade volume of $550 million in 2023, with China’s imports from Rwanda increasing by 86.2% from last year.

Rwanda’s cooperation with China is further strengthened through platforms like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Joint Economic, Technical, and Trade Committee (JETTCO).

China is also engaged in key sectors such as agriculture, education, ICT, and infrastructure, significantly contributing to Rwanda’s social and economic transformation. A prime example is the Juncao mushroom cultivation program, which has benefitted 35,000 Rwandan farmers.

In light of this, Amb. Nduhungirehe expressed Rwanda’s deep appreciation for China’s contributions, stating, “Rwanda views China as an important and reliable partner that has significantly contributed to our socio-economic development. This collaboration has been particularly impactful in priority sectors such as infrastructure, health, energy, and education, aligning with our shared vision of mutual growth and prosperity.”

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun welcomed growing relations between both countries underscoring that this year holds great significance.

He was referring to recent engagements where President Paul Kagame attended the 2024 Beijing Summit of Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and co-chaired the high-level meeting on state governance.

Kagame met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping and elevated bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, an important milestone in bilateral relations.

Besides, more close friendship ties have been cemented. Notably, this year, the City of Jinhua of Zhejiang Province, and the District of Musanze, became sister cities, the first ever pair of sister cities between the two countries.

'China-Rwanda relations are now at the best in history. Let’s work together to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries,' he stated.

Amb. Xuekun emphasized the need to work together to advance cooperation in various fields, and inject new momentum into the comprehensive strategic partnership to create more benefits for the two peoples.

China’s development: A model of growth and global impact

Reflecting on China’s achievements over the past 75 years, Amb. Xuekun highlighted how the country has transformed from a society facing shortages of food and clothing into a global economic powerhouse under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

In 2023, China’s GDP reached $17.9 trillion, a 223-fold increase from 1952, with an average annual growth rate of 7.9% over the past 70 years. The per capita GDP rose from $194 in 1980 to $12,700 in 2023, almost matching the global average.

Over the past 75 years, China also made significant strides in improving the quality of life for its citizens. About 100 million of the Chinese population was lifted out of poverty in the past decade. Absolute poverty has been eradicated in China.

The average life expectancy increased from 35 years in 1949 to 78.6 years in 2023. With the world’s largest social security system in place, the Chinese people are enjoying a great sense of gain, happiness, and security.

According to Amb. Xuekun, China has spared no efforts in promoting ecological civilization.
In 2023, China ranked first in the global scale of renewable energy, with more than half of the world’s newly installed capacity.

For 9 consecutive years, China has produced and sold the most new-energy vehicles in the world, accounting for 60% of the world’s total in 2023.

China is now among the world’s top countries in terms of trade, manufacturing, commodity consumption and others. It has contributed more than 30% to world annual economic growth in the past decade, remaining as a robust engine of the world economy.

Among others, China has consistently pursued an independent foreign policy of peace, and adhered to the path of peaceful development. The country also established diplomatic relations with 183 countries in the world.

'Looking back on the history in the past 75 years, we are deeply proud of what we have achieved. And we are determined to achieve more,' noted Amb. Xuekun, underscoring the country’s commitment to world peace and development, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Minister Nduhungirehe and Amb. Wang Xuekun also interacted with other participants of the event.

The Dragon is the fifth animal sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle.

The event also featured an exhibition showcasing China’s development journey and key moments reflecting bilateral ties with Rwanda.

Amb. Wang Xuekun welcoming Minister Nduhungirehe at the celebration of the 75th Annoversary of teh Founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Defence Attachés in Rwanda also attended the event.

Amb. Wang Xuekun welcomed dignitaries and other participants of the event.

It was glamor as Chinese Embassy hosted a reception to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Amb. Wang Xuekun and Minister Nduhungirehe following performances at the event.

Minister Nduhungirehe delibering remarks at the celebration.

Amb. Xuekun highlighted that China has spared no efforts in promoting ecological civilization.

With growing bilaterla ties, Chinese martial arts has gained popularity among Rwandans.

Rwandans performed Chinese martial arts at the event.

Amb. Xuekun highlighted that China has spared no efforts in promoting ecological civilization.

Minister Nduhungirehe delibering remarks at the celebration.

Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun welcomed growing relations between both countries underscoring that this year holds great significance.

The ceremony took place at Kigali Convention Centre.

Chnese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun welcoming the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe.

Young Rwandans performing dragon dance at the celebration. In the Chinese culture, the dragon represents good luck, strength and health.

Minister Nduhungirehe with Ambassador Wang’s family in a group photo at the event’s venue.

It was an opportune moment for photos of souvenirs to participants of the event.

Rwanda and China have been enjoying cordial diplomatic relations established since 1971.

Chinese Ambassador Wang Xuekun visiting the exhibition featuring key aspects of bilateral ties between Rwanda and China.

Théophile Niyitegeka

In a notice on Friday, September 13, 2024, the police said the auction will take place in Gatsata, in Kigali, from October 8 to October 10, 2024,

“The auction will take place publicly where the vehicles are parked, in Gatsata. Viewing of the vehicles will begin on September 16 and end on October 3, 2024,” the notice reads, adding, “The law stipulates that a vehicle held for over a month in police parking can be auctioned.”

All individuals whose vehicles have been seized have been urged to promptly visit the location where the vehicles are parked to resolve pending issues that led to the seizure of their vehicles before they are auctioned.

Some of the reasons a vehicle may be impounded include the lack of an inspection certificate, traffic offenses such as speeding, reckless driving, and unpaid fines, among others.

Public transport vehicles and trucks are subjected to mechanical inspection every six months.

The vehicle roadworthiness inspection tests the shock absorbers, brakes (including the handbrake), axle play detection, wheel alignment and vehicle geometry, steering system, headlights, and a visual inspection of the vehicle’s body condition, among other aspects. It also tests fuel emissions to combat greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change.

Some of the reasons a vehicle may be impounded include the lack of an inspection certificate, traffic offenses such as speeding, reckless driving, and unpaid fines, among others.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Security sources and eyewitnesses confirmed to the media house that these individuals held several meetings with members of the Burundi National Defense Force (FDNB) in the provinces of Cibitoke and Kayanza, regions known to have sheltered FLN elements for several years.

Participants in these meetings included Lieutenant General Hamada Habimana, commander-in-chief of the FLN rebels, as well as Major General Pacifique Ntawunguka, military leader of the FDLR.

The presence of Brigadier General Antoine Hakizimana, better known as Jeva, and Colonel Honoré Hategekimana, alias Théophile, who claims to lead the armed branch of the FLN, was also reported.

According to SOS Media, these meetings took place in places such as the Green Village Iwacu Hotel in Bukinanyana, which belongs to Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, as well as the Mwarangabo Hotel in Cibitoke, owned by police colonel Jérôme Ntibibogora, frequently implicated in cases of abuse and assassinations of opponents.

According to SOS Media, these meetings were conducted on August 29 and 30, and on September 3. They illustrate close and potentially alarming coordination between the Burundian authorities and these armed groups hostile to the Rwandan government.

A view of Buleusa – a village in the North Kivu region – early in the morning. Members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FLDR) have been found here.

IGIHE

The monument was installed in the north garden area at the UN offices on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, coinciding with the 79th session of the UN General Assembly which opened on Tuesday.

Mellisa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General of Global Communications at the UN, termed the installation of the monument as a permanent tribute to more than one million people who were systematically killed during the 100 days of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

“The Kwibuka Flame of Hope will burn forever as a visual reminder for the international community and all visitors coming here to the United Nations on the need to speak out and say no to hate,” Fleming stated.

'It serves as a solemn reminder of the responsibility that we, as diplomats and representatives of the international community, bear in preventing atrocities. The flame urges us to act when confronted with the early warning signs of mass violence, to ensure that the lessons of Rwanda are not forgotten.'

The monument was installed in the north garden area at the UN offices on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, coinciding with the 79th session of the UN General Assembly which opened on Tuesday.

The Genocide followed years of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech exacerbating ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi communities in Rwanda.

The international community is blamed for its inaction to stop the Genocide which left many more victims injured and raped.

Rwanda’s Permanent Mission to the UN said the Kwibuka Flame of Hope monument 'serves as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility to prevent such a tragedy from ever occurring again.”

The inscription on the statue “The 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda Remember — Unite — Renew” emphasizes the importance of remembering, uniting, and rebuilding as a nation to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for all Rwandans, while honouring the memory of those lost.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Responding to concerns about the risk of division within the continent, Kagame emphasized that the seats should not be held by any single nation permanently

His response was clear: 'One permanent seat would have to be held by AU Commission and 2nd seat by African Country on rotational basis!!! Not held by any single country permanently.'

His remarks came after Kenyan Ambassador Martin Kimani, who leads the Center on International Cooperation (CIC), expressed reservations about the current proposal to grant Africa two permanent seats.

Kimani said, 'Africa must be strategic in considering these P5 invitations for permanent Security Council seats. Without proper reforms in the AU, the U.S. offer — though welcome — would turn the Union into a club of 2 giants and 53 minnows, deepening division and fragmenting our collective intent.'

'Such changes at the UN must align with, and be secondary to, Africa’s historic journey of integration, or they will become mere feel-good measures that uphold current power structures without better safeguarding international peace, security, and African independence,' he warned.

If Africa were to be granted these two seats, it would help the continent have a stronger voice in decisions affecting its member states on security matters. A permanent seat gives its holder the power to veto decisions supported by other countries.

Kagame’s comments reflect his long-standing advocacy for a more inclusive and united Africa on the global stage. His proposal ensures that all African nations would have a chance to be represented, promoting equity and collective responsibility across the continent.

President Paul Kagame has called for Africa’s potential permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council to be shared through a rotational system.

Ambassador Kimani has indicated that if no action is taken, the permanent seats on the UN Security Council could divide Africa.

Sam K Nkurunziza