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World over, elections are a constitutional exercise that is generally perceived as a major ingredient in a democratic process.

According to the basic contemporary dictionary, democracy is a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.

Other accounts define democracy as a system of governance in which state power is vested in the people or the general population of a state.

Some scholars say that the 'standard’ view of democracy is, “in brief, the theory that democracy is the rule of the people, and that the people have a right to rule”.

Although democracy is generally understood to be defined by voting, no consensus exists on a precise definition of democracy. So, what exactly is a democracy?

According to the United Nations, democracy provides an environment that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms. It ensures that the freely expressed will of the people is exercised without any interference.

Equipped with this knowledge, common sense dictates that the moment there appears to be interference (whether external or internal), democracy has already been compromised.

It should be understood therefore, that every independent country should be given the liberty to apply democracy as long as it does not infringe on the rights of its own people.

At the start of this year’s edition of the presidential campaigns almost a fortnight ago, President Paul Kagame reasoned that democracy cannot be uniformly applied across the board because different countries have different geographical and geopolitical setups.

'You cannot guarantee that what is good for people in one area is necessarily good for those in another. This is because we have different morals, cultures and backgrounds,' he said.

He pointed out that no one has a right to downplay others or criticize their efforts in a democratic dispensation as long as what is done suits or benefits the people in that particular area.

'Critics of Democracy and leaderships in developing countries should not prevent the countries from following their development paths, because much as critics have their right to talk they are not necessarily right,' he cautioned.

Kagame clarified that peddling of external influence by foreign countries during elections of what they refer to as 3rd world countries, undermines the true sense of democracy.

'While it is their right to criticize, it doesn’t necessarily make it right. It can even be absolutely wrong. And Imposing on us what they think is right; that is not democracy,' he said.

Just like in Rwanda where elections are periodically organized to elect leaders, the way of governing depends on the will of the people.

In a layman’s understanding, this must be an institution that has been built over a period of time and should include, good governance, freedom of speech and expression plus the right to life and wealth.

And as the old belief suggests, people know their own problems better and can devise means on how best to solve them.
One cannot therefore be more catholic than the Pope himself.

President Kagame enjoyed widespread Support from residents in Nyamagabe District

RPF – Inkotanyi Candidate and incumbent President Paul Kagame interacting with the electorate in Kirehe District

Ecstatic RPF Supporters show support to President Kagame in Nyamirambo in Nyarugenge district

These happy crowds during an election campaign are a true reflection of democracy

By Sam K Nkurunziza

In some districts where a master plan dictating land use has not been developed, individuals use the land as they wish, leading to activities such as constructing buildings on land designated for agriculture, which can cause future losses.

Residents of Bugesera state that the master plan has become proof that development has reached their area.

Alphonse Nshimiyimana, a resident of Ruhehe village, Batima cell, in Rweru sector, said, 'We used to see master plans being made for big cities like Kigali, Musanze, or other urban areas. But under the broad strategy taken by the government to develop rural areas, the land here will gain value and everything done here will also gain value, thus raising the living standards of the residents.'

Nshimiyimana explained that the master plan helps them understand where to build commercial buildings, factories, and other structures that contribute to community development.

Francine Bamurange, a resident of Ruramba village, Kindama cell, in Ruhuha sector, mentioned that they are ready for changes in construction and housing by separating commercial buildings from residential ones. She said, 'For instance, in the Ruhuha trading center, people both trade and live there, which is problematic. Trading in one place while living in the backyard does not align well. Therefore, in Ruhuha town, people will separate commercial buildings from residential ones. This will also lead to the construction of modern houses with all amenities since they will be outside the main city.'

'This will prevent land from being wasted because all land will be used for its designated purpose as shown in the master plan. Besides, the district is developing, and the master plan will 100% transform the lives of the residents. It will allow us to progress since even without the master plan, just the tarmac road alone has brought significant changes to the residents’ lives.'

The Mayor of Bugesera District, Richard Mutabazi, told IGIHE that, in collaboration with the Belgian Development Agency, Enabel, various activities were carried out, including developing the district’s master plan and setting up an information collection room for different activities using technology.

He said, 'Land use is crucial because when people build haphazardly, they might lack access to infrastructure. For example, roads might not reach where they have been built. People might have built in many places, but when you need a place with greenery and fresh air, you can’t find it. Following the master plan will ensure well-organized construction. Additionally, infrastructure must follow, as the master plan outlines where infrastructure should go, roads should pass, and where playgrounds should be built, making it easier for district budgets and partners to plan without the need to create new plans for everything.'

Mayor Mutabazi emphasized that the master plan is a powerful tool to protect agricultural land from being built on, as people will not abandon houses to seek food. It is essential to protect agricultural land to sustain the population.

Emmanuel Ahabwe, head of the housing development department at the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), stated that, in partnership with Enabel, residents of Bugesera have been helped not to misuse their land.

He said, 'Previously, there were areas designated for agriculture, but due to their proximity to Kigali, people quickly turned them into whatever they wanted. Now that has changed; they must follow a specific plan. This project, supported by the Belgian government, ensures that.'

Bugesera District borders Kigali City and Burundi. It is home to over 551,000 residents, most of whom engage in cassava, maize, bean, and rice farming.

The National Land Authority (NLA) indicates that the 2023/2024 fiscal year will end with more than 10 approved master plans by the Cabinet, with only six to be developed next year.

Regarding environmental protection, the Kayumbu area has been developed with gardens where people can relax.

Alphonse Nshimiyimana, a resident of Bugesera District says that modification of the development master plan has added value to land in the area

Many locations in the district have subsequently been developed in line with the over all master plan

Infrastructure development such as the Bugesera Industrial Zone are some of the mitigating factors for development in the district

Mr Richard Mutabazi, the Bugesera District mayor is optimistic that the resources in the district will be developed according to plan

In Bugesera district, land monitoring and evaluation is done with the help of modern technology

Some areas in the district have been designated as Agricultural zones as a way of ensuring food security

IGIHE

With the backing of the Rwandan government, Mihigo is among the five contestants eyeing the coveted regional post in elections slated for next month.

Speaking in an exclusive interview recently on Sunny Ntayombya’s podcast, the 57-year-old said that once elected, he will put in place measures to ensure that the African population lives a healthy life so that they can contribute to their own development.

'From various conversations we have had with ministers of finance and economic policymakers, people tend to perceive health as an expenditure only. They claim to always need money for health insurance, hospital bills, etc. but that’s not all. Health is not only an expenditure; health a tool that can positively contribute to the development of a nation,' Dr. Mihigo stated.

He added, 'If you have a healthy population, those people can thrive and contribute more efficiently to the prosperity of their own families, their own communities, and their own nation as a whole. This is my immediate target.'

To achieve this, Mihigo has developed a robust programme on how he would put in place strategic shift to avert this.

The programme includes building resilient health systems able to withstand health crises such as disease outbreaks or pandemics like COVID-19, which have previously exposed vulnerabilities and gaps in global healthcare systems for years.

'We saw how literally everything collapsed during COVID. The responsiveness and preparedness of our systems were really very weak. I want to make sure that we help countries build very robust and resilient health systems based on a primary healthcare system that responds to the needs of the population,' he emphasized.

According to him, a functional primary healthcare system is the foundation of any well-meaning society.

He believes that if people at the grassroots level can access the basic health services needed (both curative and preventive), then Africa will be on track to build a more resilient and functional health system.

Citing instances where Africa was unfairly locked out of access to COVID-19 treatment tools, vaccines and testing equipment, Dr. Mihigo emphasized the need to promote Vaccine manufacturing in Africa.

He also expressed his intent to respond to non-communicable diseases as well as maternal and infant mortality rates.

Beyond fighting diseases, Dr. Mihigo plans to break the gender barriers that exist in the health sector.

'We need to put in place a more robust system that can address gender barriers by borrowing a leaf from Rwanda as a champion of gender equality and inclusion at the continental level,' he emphasized.

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Dr Mihigo, largely lived as a refugee but defied all odds to become a widely considered strong candidate for the WHO job due to his rich career profile and extensive education in the medical field.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (M.B., Ch.B.) from the Faculty of Medicine, Université de Kisangani, DRC and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in International Health from Boston University School of Public Health, USA, obtained in 2003.

He held numerous positions, including advisory roles at WHO, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Mihigo also served as an advisor at United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-Rwanda.

Locally, he served as the first Medical Director of Nyanza Hospital in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Today, Dr Mihigo doubles as the Senior Director of Programmatic and Strategic Engagement at the African Union/Africa CDC and advisor at the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), a position he has held since March 2024.

He reminisces that the death of his mother due to cervical cancer partly shaped his future in public health, where he has been advocating for immunization to combat various diseases.

'My mother passed away from cervical cancer which is something easily preventable today,' he said, adding, 'This is what has also shaped a bit of my future in public health. I am a renowned specialist in immunization globally.'

The mother, whom he fondly refers to as his heroine, also encouraged him to pursue medicine instead of law.

His competitors for the WHO role include Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao from Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo of Niger, Senegal’s Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall and Tanzanian Doctor Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile.

The Regional Committee of the WHO African Region will vote to nominate the next Regional Director in a closed-door meeting during its 74th session from 26th to 30th August 2024 in Congo Brazzaville.

The nominee will then be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, set for January 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The newly appointed Regional Director will take office on February 1, 2025, for a five-year term, renewable once.

At IGIHE Ltd, we wish Dr Mihigo all the best.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

It has been quite some time that western politicians and media outlets started to play up the allegation of China’s overcapacity in electric vehicles and other new energy industries.

On June 12, the European Commission announced that it will impose extra duties of up to 38.1% on imported Chinese electric cars, following the US plans to quadruple duties for Chinese EVs to 100%.

Those tariff barriers come with little factual basis. Without an internal applicant from the industry, and regardless of WTO rules, the European Commission has forged and exaggerated “subsidy” projects, abused the rule of “Facts Available” and slandered about Chinese subsidies.

To be honest, the prices of Chinese EVs are higher in many western countries than in domestic market. There is little effect of the 'subsidy' given the sales condition. The competitiveness of China’s EV and new energy industry overall, comes from the innovation and high efficiency of Chinese enterprises. It is rooted in the large-scale market, complete industrial systems and plentiful human resources of China.

China’s new energy industry is far from overcapacity, either judging from a domestic perspective or from a global perspective. In 2023, there are 435 million motor vehicles in China, of which only 20.4 million are new energy ones and 15.5 million are pure electric.

Apparently, the proportion is still low. The export of China’s new energy vehicles accounted for only 12.5% of the total production and the sales accounted for only 8% of global volume.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in order to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality, global new energy vehicle sales need to reach about 45 million in 2030, more than three times the number in 2023. Global demand for power batteries will reach 3,500 GWh, more than four times the global shipments in 2023. It means that the world including China needs further development to meet a greater market demand, especially that in developing countries.

It is sheer double standard that some western countries are subsidizing their EV manufacturers and other renewable energy products while they are in a hurry to imposing tariffs on Chinese products.

It is clear hypocrisy that they are trying to force China and other developing countries to shoulder excessive responsibilities of emission reduction, while preventing developing countries to build up their own renewable energy industries.

Certainly, the double standard and hypocrisy are nothing new. Those western countries have selling the fallacy about China’s so-called “overcapacity” as early as the 2000s. When China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), some western politicians regarded China’s high-quality exports with reasonable price as a threat, not benefit for western consumers. After the “Belt and Road” initiative was proposed, some people repeatedly smeared Chinese public goods and services for their own interest.

In recent years, China’s new energy industry enters a “fast lane”. The export of new energy vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and photovoltaic products reached a trillion yuan for the first time, up nearly 30% in 2023. Those people came again, besmirching China’s new energy with arguments like “enormous export means overcapacity”.

Those illogical and irrational actions go against the market. While some countries are restricting China’s export on the supply end, the overseas market demand of Chinese products including EVs keeps surging. While the same countries are impeding their suppliers from exporting to China, especially in hi-tech industries like chips, the Chinese market is also in great demand.

It is a simple fact that world’s leading manufacturers are seeking to set up factories in China and many countries are vying for the investment from China and job opportunities created thus. There are mutual needs instead of overcapacity. We shall let the trade flow rather than trenching us with trade protectionism. The cliché of so-called overcapacity will disrupt the stability of the global supply chain, impede international trade, and hinder the green transformation of the global economy, resulting in a lose-lose situation.

We have all learned the historical lessons of trade protectionism, all embarked on the shared journey of globalization and integration, and are all aware of the importance of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation.

Therefore, it will be in the interests of every countries, to foster a fair international environment for trade and competition, and jointly protect stable industrial and supply chains, rather than disguising trade protectionism and double standard as overcapacity, or other easy excuses.

Wang Xuekun is the Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda.

Amb. Wang Xuekun

Participants in the CIPCC program embarked on a comprehensive tour of China, visiting 12 provinces, including Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Fujian. They experienced the country’s diverse culture, history, and modern advancements. Key moments of the program included, visits to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, leading Chinese companies, and participation in significant international forums, among others showcasing China’s role in global cooperation and development.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Hua Chunying highlighted that while four months may seem short, the journalists gained a rich and immersive experience in China. “I am sure you now know more about China than many foreign friends who have come to China dozens of times,” Hua stated, welcoming graduates to feel at home whenever they return to China.

China is now considered a locomotive of global growth. According to the World Bank, from 2013 to 2021, China contributed 38.6 percent to global growth, more than the G7 countries combined. Hua emphasized that China will maintain its contribution to the global development landscape.

'Through your journey in China, you can see that China’s high-quality development and high-standard opening up are closely linked to the world. China’s development has and will continue to bring more opportunities for the world,' she stated.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of CIPCC. Since its inception, the program organized by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), has seen the participation of 620 journalists from 141 countries, evolving from a regional press center to a global initiative.

Also present at the event, was the CDPA President Wu Hailong who underscored journalists’ role in countering untruthful stories.

He expressed optimism that with the deepening of participants’ observation, knowledge, and understanding of China, they will continue to introduce the real China to their respective countries, regions, and the world.

“Western media write numerous untruthful stories that defame China and are self-defeating. The China story you tell will be more authentic, convincing, credible, and easily recognized and accepted,” he added.

As the ceremony concluded, there was a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for future engagements. The journalists left with a deeper understanding of China, ready to share their experiences and foster global dialogue.

The closing ceremony took place at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.

CDPA President Wu Hailong underscored journalists’ role in countering untruthful stories.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying delivering remarks at the event.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The state-of-the-art facility, renovated for $160 million, was officially opened by President Paul Kagame on Rwanda’s Independence Day.

The CAF boss was among the dignitaries who attended the opening ceremony, which featured a trophy match between APR FC and Police FC to mark the inauguration. APR FC lifted the trophy after beating Police FC 1-0.

Commenting on the renovations that included equipping the stadium with modern facilities and expanding its capacity from 25,000 to 45,000, Motsepe said Rwandans and Africans should be “so proud” of President Kagame for “birthing the best stadium”.

“This is one of the most beautiful, one of the best stadiums in Africa and in the world. We as Rwandans, we as Africans, should be so proud and thank our president for his leadership and birthing the best stadium,” remarked the CAF president two weeks after CAF approved Amahoro Stadium for use in all upcoming CAF and FIFA competitions, confirming that the newly refurbished facility meets all required standards.

He expressed confidence that the sporting facility will empower local talent to reach their full potential and increase sporting competition not just in Rwanda but across the continent.

“The next time I come here, I want to see the national team of Rwanda playing against the best national teams of countries in Africa. With your support, with your love, and with the talent and sports talent we have in Rwanda, we are going to win. Rwanda will win. Rwanda will be the best in Africa,” he stated, adding, “I want to say to my brother President Kagame, thank you for your commitment, thank you for your love, thank you for your sacrifices to improve and make the lives of our people in Rwanda amongst the best in Africa, and this beautiful stadium is a reflection of the people of Rwanda.”

On his part, President Kagame said the renovation works at Amahoro Stadium were inspired by Motsepe and his FIFA counterpart Gianni Infantino

“Let me thank the president of CAF, my brother Patrice Mosepe, together with another brother and friend, President of FIFA Gianni Infantino. The two inspired us to put up a good sporting facility like this one. They have done many things to support Rwanda and other brotherly African countries and beyond to raise the kind of football through availing this kind of facility to many countries so that the young people of Africa can have where to develop and exercise the huge talent we have on our continent,” President Kagame averred.

Kagame said the stadium will help retain talent and challenged the youth to take advantage of the facility to grow their sporting careers both locally and abroad.

“In fact, this (development of the stadium) will lead to more retention of our best talents instead of exporting them all the time. But people will still remain free to go wherever they want to be, but they can also look at home for such retention and development of what they want to do.

“There is no excuse for our young footballing talent. You have to work hard, you have to work smart, and let us be counted among the best on our continent,” he added.

Amahoro Stadium has been undergoing a facelift since August 2022, with Turkish construction company Summa undertaking the renovations.

Besides the football turf with a cutting-edge hybrid surface, blending natural grass and artificial turf, Amahoro boasts an eight-lane track for athletics events, a paralympic gymnasium, and training facilities for football, handball, and volleyball.

The sports arena has also been fitted with various amenities, including VIP lounges, an Amavubi bar, dressing rooms, washrooms, coaches’ offices, a massage room, a changing room, and a FIFA office.

Additionally, there are rooms for match officials, a medical room, a doping control room, a staff management room, and a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Room, among others.

The CAF boss was among the dignitaries who attended the opening ceremony, which featured a trophy match between APR FC and Police FC to mark the inauguration.

President Kagame and CAF President Patrice Motsepe follow the match between APR FC and Police FC at Amahoro Stadium.

President Kagame said the renovation works at Amahoro Stadium were inspired by Motsepe and his FIFA counterpart Gianni Infantino

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Kanyabayonga, located in the Lubero territory of North Kivu province, was seized on the afternoon of June 28, 2024, following nearly a month of fighting between M23 fighters and the Congolese army on its outskirts.

After capturing Kanyabayonga, M23 fighters drove the Congolese army out of their positions in Kirumba, forcing them to retreat towards Butembo, considered the second wealthiest city in North Kivu after Goma.

On the evening of June 29, President Tshisekedi held an urgent military meeting to discuss how the government could reclaim Kanyabayonga and other areas taken by M23. Following the meeting, the President assured the public that he would take all necessary measures to remove these fighters from the occupied areas.

Prince Epenge, the spokesperson for LAMUKA, stated that Tshisekedi must clarify his plans to reclaim the territories controlled by M23 and to prevent the group from capturing additional areas.

Epenge said, “The LAMUKA coalition demands Mr. Tshisekedi provide an explanation to inform us about what he is doing in the east and what he plans to do to ensure that such incidents do not recur.”

Epenge further mentioned that the DRC government has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens so they can engage in livelihood and development activities without being hindered by armed groups, including the ADF from Uganda and the FDLR opposing the Rwandan government.

“The people want to go to their fields, but they need assurance that they won’t be beheaded or killed by the ADF and FDLR,” he stated.

Kanyabayonga is a crucial area as it serves as a commercial hub in North Kivu province. It joins other regions captured by M23, including the city of Bunagana and the Rubaya area, which is rich in Coltan, a valuable mineral.

Esther Muhozi

Sa performance lors du débat avec Donald Trump a suscité des discussions parmi les démocrates sur la possibilité de le remplacer en tant que candidat. Biden, dont la voix était enrouée, a dû se reprendre à plusieurs reprises et semblait parfois perdre le fil de ses propos, ce qui contrastait nettement avec l’assurance et l’énergie de Trump.

La réaction au sein du Parti démocrate a été immédiate et anxieuse, les stratèges étant submergés de messages de grands donateurs qualifiant l’événement de “désastre” et appelant à agir.

Ces préoccupations ont été publiquement échoées, rompant avec l’anonymat habituel. Notamment, la propre vice-présidente de Biden, Kamala Harris, a admis qu’il avait démarré lentement, mais a affirmé qu’il avait fini fort.

Au cours de l’histoire, plusieurs présidents américains ont dû faire face à des problèmes de santé significatifs pendant leur mandat, affectant parfois leur capacité à gouverner.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, a été élu pour quatre mandats malgré sa paralysie due à la polio, bien que sa santé se soit détériorée pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, et il est décédé en fonction.

John F. Kennedy, malgré des problèmes de santé graves, a géré des crises majeures telles que celle des missiles de Cuba. Ronald Reagan a été diagnostiqué avec la maladie d’Alzheimer après sa présidence, mais il a maintenu une popularité élevée pendant son mandat.

Dwight D. Eisenhower a également continué à servir malgré plusieurs problèmes de santé sérieux.

La possibilité de remplacer Biden dépend de sa propre décision de se retirer, avant ou après la convention démocrate prévue à la mi-août, où sa nomination serait formalisée.

Les précédents historiques montrent que la gestion de la santé d’un président peut varier. La transparence, le soutien médical, et les arrangements institutionnels sont cruciaux pour gérer les incapacités temporairement ou permanentes.

Dans le cas de Biden, les préoccupations pourraient remettre en question sa capacité à mener une campagne énergique et à gouverner efficacement. La décision de continuer ou non pourrait dépendre non seulement de son état de santé mais aussi de la perception publique de sa capacité à servir efficacement.

Tite Gatabazi

He conceded that most of the problems Rwanda has faced are due to 'stupid' leaders who previously held positions in the country’s topmost offices.

'These former leaders of our country were very stupid. That’s why we ended up facing political mayhem the way we did. This had so many negative effects on so many of us but we are working hard to reverse that,' he said.

Amid endless cheers and applause from ecstatic supporters, Kagame implored the public to wisely exercise their constitutional rights by choosing leaders who will steer the country forward.

The incumbent Head of State, who is seeking re-election on July 15, has already campaigned in all districts in the Western and Southern provinces. He has also campaigned at one site in the Northern Province and Kigali City respectively.

He is expected to take his campaign to the districts of Bugesera, Nyagatare, Gakenke, Kayonza Gicumbi and some parts of Kigali in the coming days.

Today, Kagame thanked thousands of residents who turned up to express dedication, support and love for their favorite candidate.

'I thank you so much for coming in large numbers. This demystifies critics who keep saying that we force people to turn up for our campaigns,' he noted.

According to him Rwanda’s future lies in the hands of the youth which is why they have to be empowered and equipped with all the necessary tools and skills to enable individual growth and personal development.

President Kagame expressed optimism that by building on what has been achieved so far, the country’s development is certainly destined for greater heights.

President Paul Kagame being cheered on by RPF-Inkotanyi Supporters on his campaign trail

RPF-Inkotanyi Supporters have shown a lot of support for their Presidential Candidate

By Sam K Nkurunziza

Click this link to watch the video

Xinhua