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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

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

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

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

During a commemoration event for former Ministry employees lost in the genocide, Claudette lamented the involvement of educated individuals in the genocide, which stagnated educational progress.

She remarked, “The deterioration began with education. Following colonial rule and policies of discrimination, Rwanda’s independence led to further exclusion of Tutsis from societal benefits, notably education.”

Irere emphasized how the corrupt regime left Rwandan children, particularly Tutsis, orphaned and bereft of educational opportunities.

She noted, “Political circumstances drastically reduced the number of educated individuals, denying many based on ethnicity, primarily Tutsis, from pursuing education.”

The Ministry’s commemoration efforts were hailed as crucial for reflecting on the genocide’s impact, especially among professionals and students affected by the tragedy.

Ntazinda Erasme, Mayor of Nyanza District, recounted how schools were affected by the genocide, with teachers and students immersed in genocidal ideology, turning schools into perilous environments.

He described the challenges of attending school during those times, where ethnicity, rather than merit, determined one’s prospects, risking denial of further education.

Ahishakiye Naphatal, Executive Secretary of Ibuka, stressed the role of educators in either fostering or corrupting character, highlighting education’s influence on shaping individuals.

Ambassador Prof. Joseph Nsengimana spoke of ongoing efforts to combat impunity and foster Rwanda’s progress, urging continued unity among Rwandans.

The Ministry of Education counts 77 former employees slain in the genocide, excluding educators and students killed across the country on the basis of their identity.

The Secretary of State in the Ministry of Education, Irere Claudette paid tribute to slain employees of the Ministry of Education.

Employees of the Ministry of Education laid wreaths at the mass grave

Irere emphasized how the corrupt regime left Rwandan children, particularly Tutsis, orphaned and bereft of educational opportunities.

Esther Muhozi

CEO Elon Musk conveyed the news in an email to Tesla employees, citing the necessity for “cost reductions and increasing productivity” as driving factors behind the layoffs. The email that was initially reported by Electrek and later confirmed by Reuters, underscored the challenges facing Tesla as it seeks to maintain its position in a rapidly evolving market.

Tesla’s workforce, which had nearly doubled since the end of 2020, reflects the company’s ambitious expansion efforts in recent years. However, a year-over-year decline in sales during the first quarter of this year, coupled with increased competition from rivals like Chinese automaker BYD, has prompted Tesla to reevaluate its growth trajectory.

The decision to downsize marks a departure from Tesla’s previous trajectory of exponential hiring. After significant increases in staff in 2021 and 2022, the company experienced more modest growth in 2023. The latest round of layoffs follows previous workforce reductions, including a 7% cut in 2019 and further trimming of salaried staff in 2022.

This is not the first time that Tesla has cut staff. It announced a 7% cut in staff in 2019, in a statement posted online at that time. And it trimmed about 10% of salaried staff even as it continued to hire hourly staff in 2022.Those 2022 cuts were confirmed by a public statement from Musk at that time. But neither he nor Tesla have publicly confirmed this latest round of cuts. Tesla, which does not have a public relations staff, did not respond to a request for comment on that report and did not confirm the email.

Shares of Tesla, which were already down 31% so far this year through Friday’s close, fell another 3% in early trading Monday on the job cut report.

Esther Muhozi

Trent Kelly, a member of the House of Representatives from Mississippi’s 1st congressional district, confirmed on Monday, April 15, 2024, that he had introduced a resolution calling for the government to adopt the official definition of the Genocide, a move he said would ensure lessons from Rwanda’s painful history are not forgotten.

'The facts are the facts, it’s not the Rwandan Genocide it’s the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. I call on the State Department administration to call it exactly what it is. I’ve introduced a house resolution calling for United States to adopt the official definition of Genocide.
We have a moral obligation to ensure the lessons of history are not forgotten and the voices of the victims are heard,' he said.

Kelly spoke at Capitol Hill in Washington D.C, where members of the Diplomatic corps, congress, academia, media, Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda gathered to honour the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The US has been in the spotlight several times due to its failure to clearly state in its messages, especially during the annual ‘Kwibuka’ commemorations, that the Tutsis were the targeted group in the 1994 genocide, as established by the Trial Chamber of the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).

Early this month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken came under fire from Rwandans on social media over his vague message to the country during the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

President Paul Kagame also condemned intentional vagueness in reporting the Genocide against the Tutsi during his speech at BK Arena on April 7, stating that it fuels denial.

'Rwandans will never understand why any country would remain intentionally vague about who was targeted in the genocide. I don’t understand that. Such ambiguity is, in fact, a form of denial, which is a crime in and of itself, and Rwanda will always challenge it,' Kagame stated during Kwibuka30.

Corina Sanders, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the US Department of State, echoed Kagame’s sentiments at Capitol Hill Monday, insisting that denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi distorts facts about the victims of the crimes.

'As we join in remembering the victims and reaffirm our support for the people of Rwanda in the continued efforts for the unity and renewal, we oppose any attempt to misrepresent the historical record for political purposes, in particular we strongly oppose any denial or minimization of the Genocide that targeted Tutsi,' Sanders stated.

The keynote speaker, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, shared insights into how remembering and honoring the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against Tutsi serves as a crucial step in preventing future genocides.

'It’s our solid duty to remember the victims, to honor their resilience and to ensure that their stories are kept in our collective consciousness. By doing so we not only pay tribute to those who suffered but also lay the ground for preventing such atrocities from happening again,' Ugirashebuja averred.

Congressman Jonathan Jackson, on his part, lauded President Kagame’s leadership, for the transformation witnessed in the country over the last 30 years and his commitment to leading a united country.

'I commend President Paul Kagame for his leadership in guiding the country to heal, reconciliate and unite. His courage, dedication and ability to move the country from the Genocide to become one of the fastest growing countries in the world must be commended,' he said, adding, 'Rwanda continues to be a beacon for many African countries and across the world.'

The message was echoed by Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who said, 'I was impressed by your administration’s progress on the development front, combating corruption and improving governance. I commend President Paul Kagame and Rwandans for the leadership and commitment for building the Rwanda we see today that serves as a model to other countries.'

Trent Kelly is a member of the House of Representatives from Mississippi’s 1st congressional district.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Emphasizing the paramount importance of national security, he credited it as the cornerstone of Rwanda’s post-genocide accomplishments, achieved through the intervention of RPF Inkotanyi forces.

Over the past thirty years, Rwanda has transcended ethnic and regional tensions, fostering a society where no individual faces persecution based on identity. Educational curricula have been purged of divisive ideologies, and ethnic affiliations have been removed from identification documents.

Addressing a gathering comprising staff from various government agencies during the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsis, Gen (Rtd) Ibingira asserted Rwanda’s newfound stature on the global stage, stating, “For 30 years, Rwanda has stood as a nation of principles.” He metaphorically illustrated the meticulousness of Rwanda’s governance by suggesting that even a rabbit crossing into the country one would require proper documentation to come collect it.

Reflecting on historical events, he recounted an incident in the 1970s when Burundians laid claim to Rwandan territory, highlighting Rwanda’s vulnerability at the time. Additionally, he recalled the audacious act of Idi Amin, who, during his presidency in Uganda, unauthorizedly landed military planes at Kigali Airport, causing widespread panic.

Noting a shift in diplomatic demeanor, Gen (Rtd) Ibingira remarked on Rwanda’s transformation from a nation with a somewhat volatile disposition and diplomatic humility to a strong fearless country , contrasting the past with the present.

Acknowledging the post-genocide reconstruction efforts, he shared the journey of healing and progress, emphasizing the restoration of the Rwandan society, both physically and emotionally.

Highlighting the remarkable socio-economic advancements from 1994 to 2024, he underscored Rwanda’s robust growth in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, trade, industry, and employment opportunities, culminating in a significant rise in per capita income and gross domestic product.

Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira said that Rwanda now has gained international respect that no one would dare come and collect a rabbit without asking permission.

Esther Muhozi

He was last in Rwanda in 2010, after which it was revealed that he fled to South Africa, a country where he had been running business.

This move came following discoveries that he was involved in tax evasion and had connections with subversive groups aiming to destabilize Rwanda’s security, whom he also supported financially.

Born around 1941 in Rwanda, Rujugiro spent a significant portion of his life in Burundi as a refugee, where he began his tobacco business.

Businessman Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa has passed on.

IGIHE