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The newly established philanthropic entity will consolidate major global efforts carried out under the patronage of His Highness the President, positioning itself as a force that enhances the efficiency, impact, and reach of the UAE’s philanthropic endeavors.

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Erth Zayed Philanthropies upholds the legacy of giving instilled by the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and passed down through generations and embraced by the people of the UAE.

Speaking on the establishment of the foundation, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, said: “The launch of Erth Zayed Philanthropies is a testament to the UAE’s ongoing commitment to amplifying its global philanthropic impact.

It represents a strategic effort to bring together our humanitarian initiatives and philanthropic entities under one cohesive vision, enhancing their reach and effectiveness to deliver positive impact on a truly global scale.

As the UAE carries forward the enduring legacy of the Founding Father, this foundation will stand as a beacon of our nation’s commitment to humanitarian progress.

In creating a positive impact across all humanitarian, charitable, and developmental fields, the UAE strives to achieve community development and help those in need in line with the values, humanitarian principles, and noble ideals promoted by Sheikh Zayed for the UAE and its people in service to all of humanity.'

His Highness also noted the significant attention dedicated by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan towards optimizing the impact of the country’s humanitarian, charitable, and developmental projects, initiatives, and programmes.

These efforts are an essential part of the nation’s commitment towards providing assistance with a profound impact on communities and people’s lives, thereby fostering sustainable development, growth, security, and stability.

On his part, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, said: 'Philanthropy and the spirit of giving have long been central to the UAE’s identity and are deeply rooted in the enduring legacy of our Founding Father and the unwavering commitment of the UAE’s President.

This dedication is focused on improving lives around the world, ensuring wellbeing, empowering individuals, and continuously striving to foster the prosperity, security, and stability of communities.

With the establishment of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, we are deepening our commitment to honouring this legacy with renewed energy and focus while reaffirming the UAE’s leadership in international development and support for humanitarian causes.

Through Erth Zayed Philanthropies, we seek to make a positive impact globally that will be felt for many generations to come, enriching the principles of solidarity and harmony and strengthening cooperation and peace.'

Erth Zayed Philanthropies will oversee diverse programmes in various sectors, leveraging partnerships across the public and private sectors. Under the patronage of His Highness the UAE President, it will support the country’s evolving position as a leader in global philanthropy to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Erth Zayed Philanthropies will encompass a broad portfolio of high-impact projects in areas of local and international significance, such as global health, education, food and water security, energy, climate and sustainability, and social innovation.

Moreover, Erth Zayed Philanthropies will embrace existing philanthropic initiatives, including Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, Emirates Foundation, Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Sandooq Al Watan, Clean Rivers, the Global Institute for Disease Elimination, Zayed Sustainability Prize, Khalifa Award for Education, Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, and the Mohamed Bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher.

Collectively, Erth Zayed Philanthropies will oversee these philanthropic foundations and awards with the goal of fostering a shared vision and collaborative approach to philanthropy, leveraging its resources, networks, and knowledge to deliver transformative impact to communities in need around the world.

EMIRATES NEWS AGENCY

The trees were planted in Gatare village, Gahanga cell as part of a national environmental protection drive.

The Rwanda National Police collaborated with the Ministry of Local Government, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), and other security institutions in the monthly community work.

Umuganda, which translates to ‘coming together in common purpose,’ is a nationwide community service event held on the last Saturday of each month. It encourages Rwandans to engage in activities that promote development and environmental stewardship.

During Umuganda, Rwandans come together to work on various projects, such as cleaning public spaces, planting trees, building infrastructure, and other community development activities.

Meanwhile, the tree planting exercise coincided with the launch of the 2024-2025 National Tree Planting Season.

The launch event took place in Rwamagana District, Munyaga Sector, where a total of 25,000 trees were planted across 17 hectares of land.

During the 2024-2025 tree planting season, a total of 65 million trees will be planted across the country, marking an increase of almost two million from the previous season’s 63 million. Additionally, the number of trees each household is required to plant has been raised from three to five.

The trees were planted in Gatare village, Gahanga cell as part of a national environmental protection drive.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Since 1975, Rwanda has been celebrating tree planting day as a way of increasing the country’s forest cover, protect the landscape from soil erosion, and meet global demands. With the world facing severe climate change impacts such as floods, droughts, and food insecurity, there is an urgent need to plant more trees to enhance resilience against these challenges.

Rwanda has achieved a 30% forest cover, but there is still much work to be done. The Ministry of Environment plans to plant more than 65 million trees during this planting season, including forest trees, agroforestry trees, native species, fruit trees, and ornamental trees.

Uwamariya emphasized the importance of investing in research, quality seed resilience to climate change impacts, new technologies, value addition to forest products, and alternative renewable sources of energy to reduce dependence on biomass and avoid deforestation.

The Minister thanked public institutions and partners for their contributions to the event, including Rwamagana district leadership, One Acre fund, Tubura, Enabel, ARCOS Network, IUCN, Delagua, Prime Insurance, and MTN. The Embassy of Israel in Rwanda also offered fruit tree seedlings for planting during the event.

Uwamariya reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to working with stakeholders to mobilize funds and address sector priorities. She encouraged everyone to join in planting and maintaining trees to help combat climate change and protect the planet.

Sam K Nkurunziza

The spokesperson made the remarks in response to a reporter’s query that the U.S. Defense Department on Oct. 26 announced that the U.S. State Department has approved 1.988 billion U.S. dollars in arms sales to Taiwan, including the “National Advanced Surface-to-air Missile Systems” and radar systems.

The U.S. arms sales to China’s Taiwan region severely violate the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982. The sales seriously infringe upon China’s sovereignty and security interests, harm China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and send a gravely wrong message to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, the spokesperson said.

China strongly condemns and firmly opposes the sales and has lodged solemn representations with the U.S. side, the spokesperson noted.

The U.S. decision to use Taiwan to contain China and help advance “Taiwan independence” agenda by arming Taiwan goes against the U.S. leaders’ commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence” and the two sides’ effort of stabilizing the China-U.S. relations, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson revealed that China will take resolute countermeasures and take all measures necessary to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

Taiwan’s separation from China traces back to 1949, following the Chinese Civil War. After years of conflict, the Chinese Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, gained control of mainland China and established the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Meanwhile, the defeated Nationalist government, led by Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang (KMT) party, retreated to Taiwan. There, they established a separate government, continuing to refer to themselves as the Republic of China (ROC).

Since then, Taiwan has operated with its own government, economy, and military, while the PRC has maintained that Taiwan is a breakaway province.

Xinhua

Each type can also be Rh-positive or Rh-negative, which makes a total of eight blood types. Here’s what each blood type means, why it matters, and what health implications it can have.

Whether you need a blood transfusion, are pregnant, or simply want to stay informed about your health, knowing your blood type is essential. It’s a simple fact that can impact your health decisions and understanding of your body’s unique needs.

Blood Type A

People with Blood Type A have A antigens on their red blood cells and B antibodies in their plasma, which help the immune system identify foreign invaders. Blood Type A can receive donations from Type A and Type O, and it can be given to those with Type A and AB blood.

Health-wise, some studies suggest that people with Type A blood might have a slightly higher risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Although these health risks are small, they highlight that different blood types can have unique traits that may affect health in various ways.

Blood Type B

For those with Blood Type B, B antigens are present on red blood cells, while A antibodies are in the plasma. Blood Type B can receive blood from Type B and Type O donors and is compatible for donation to both Type B and AB recipients.

People with Blood Type B may be at a slightly higher risk for certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer. However, they may have a somewhat lower risk of heart disease, showcasing once again that blood types can have connections to specific health risks.

Blood Type AB

Blood Type AB has both A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells but has no A or B antibodies in the plasma. This blood type is known as the 'universal recipient' because people with AB blood can receive blood from all types—A, B, AB, and O. However, they can only donate blood to other AB recipients.

There is some research suggesting that Type AB may have a slightly higher risk of cognitive decline and certain cardiovascular conditions. This could be due to the way AB blood interacts with specific proteins in the body, which may influence overall health in the long run.

Blood Type O

Type O blood has no A or B antigens on red blood cells but has both A and B antibodies in the plasma. Type O is often referred to as the 'universal donor,' particularly for O-negative, meaning that it can be donated to people of any blood type. However, Type O individuals can only receive blood from other Type O donors.

Individuals with Blood Type O may enjoy a lower risk of heart disease, but they can be more susceptible to stomach ulcers and certain infections. This suggests that Type O blood might have unique ways of affecting health due to the lack of A and B antigens.

The Rh Factor: Positive or Negative

Another important aspect of blood types is the Rh factor. This factor is a protein that can either be present (Rh-positive) or absent (Rh-negative) in the blood. Rh-positive people can receive both Rh-positive and Rh-negative blood, while Rh-negative individuals should ideally receive only Rh-negative blood to prevent immune reactions.

Rh compatibility is especially crucial in pregnancy. If an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby, her body may create antibodies against the baby’s blood, potentially causing complications. Doctors often manage this with a special injection to prevent these issues and ensure the health of both mother and child.

Key facts to remember

Knowing your blood type is valuable for many reasons. Blood compatibility is crucial in transfusions, as mixing incompatible blood types can cause dangerous immune reactions. For instance, O-negative is known as the universal donor, meaning it can be given to anyone, while AB-positive is the universal recipient, able to receive blood from any type without issues.

Research has shown that blood types may also relate to health risks and disease resistance. Different blood types carry different immune responses, which can slightly impact susceptibility to certain conditions, though these risks are generally small.

In emergencies, understanding your blood type helps ensure you receive the right type of blood quickly, and it’s also beneficial for people considering organ transplants. Blood type compatibility between donors and recipients can make a life-saving difference.

Sam K Nkurunziza

These meetings underscored Rwanda’s continued commitment to strengthening its international partnerships, both within the Commonwealth and beyond.

In his interaction with Minister Dar, Nduhungirehe highlighted the importance of the new Rwandan mission in Islamabad, which marks a significant step forward in strengthening Rwanda-Pakistan relations.

The two Ministers discussed increasing cooperation in areas such as trade, security and educational exchanges. Acknowledging the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening these ties, particularly through direct trade channels and through the growing Pakistani community in Rwanda, which contributes to local development.

The meeting is a continuation of Rwanda’s outreach to Pakistan in recent years. In January 2024, Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Muganga Mubarakh, led high-level discussions in Islamabad with Pakistani military and diplomatic officials.

The discussions focused on shared security challenges, military training, and defence partnerships, with broader implications for trade and development cooperation.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Naeem Ullah Khan, also launched projects to directly connect Rwandan producers to Pakistani markets, particularly for tea and coffee. In this vein, the Ambassador set up a training programme for Rwandan youth, aimed at strengthening their marketing skills to facilitate cross-border trade.

Minister Nduhungirehe also met with Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss strengthening diplomatic and tourism ties. This meeting follows the signing in 2022 of two bilateral memoranda between Jamaica and Rwanda during President Paul Kagame’s state visit, establishing agreements on political cooperation and tourism development.

These memoranda lay the foundation for deeper engagement, with a focus on cultural and tourism exchanges, highlighting the two countries’ historical ties and shared interests within the Commonwealth framework.

These discussions at CHOGM2024 illustrate Rwanda’s commitment to nurturing dynamic partnerships with Pakistan and Jamaica, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s broader vision of unity, shared development and enduring collaboration.

IGIHE

While presenting the credentials, Ngango delivered a message from President Paul Kagame, highlighting the strong diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the Principality of Liechtenstein, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to furthering this partnership and promoting mutual development.

In their discussions, Prince Alois emphasized the excellent relationship between the two countries, showing understanding of the regional issues surrounding Rwanda and the important role that small nations should play on the international stage, particularly regarding global peace and security.

Prince Alois also received credentials from ten other new ambassadors, granting them the right to represent their countries in his country.

Prior to this ceremony, Ngango met with Elena Klein, the Director-General of Protocol, who represented Mrs. Dominique Hasler, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Sports, to whom he presented copies of his credentials.

Ambassador James Ngango, Rwanda’s new envoy to the Principality of Liechtenstein presented his credentials to Prince Alois.

Their conversation focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as culture and tourism, investment, financial services, and education.

This ceremony follows Ngango’s presentation of credentials to the President of the Swiss Confederation on June 11, 2024, in Bern.

In addition to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Ngango has also been entrusted by the President of Rwanda to represent the country in Austria, Slovenia, and the Vatican, where he will present his credentials in the coming days.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is located in the heart of Europe’s alpine region, between Switzerland and Austria. It is home to around 40,000 inhabitants.

Karirima A. Ngarambe

Dafroza Gauthier Mukarumongi, the founder of CPCR, told IGIHE that the accusations are compiled in three detailed documentations against the French government. These claims focus on the collaboration between the French and Rwandan governments from 1990 to 1994 and military and political agreements signed during that period.

Dafroza explained that they are suing the French government for abandoning and refusing to protect their Tutsi employees who worked at the French Embassy and the French Cultural Center and for the alleged sexual violence by French soldiers against Tutsi women in the Turquoise Zone.

The organizations further allege that French soldiers stationed in Rwanda during those years were involved in discriminatory practices based on ethnicity, such as checking citizens’ ID cards at various roadblocks.

Since June 1994, French troops were stationed in the Turquoise Zone on a so-called humanitarian mission however, it is alleged that their aim was to support the Interahamwe militia former Rwandan Armed Forces to escape from the country.

Dafroza stated that the evidence in the case shows that Tutsis who sought refuge with French forces in this zone continued to be killed, as the French forces did not separate them from the Interahamwe and Ex-FAR.

She provided an example of the killings in the Bisesero, Karongi district where French troops refused to rescue Tutsis who had appealed for their protection as the Interahamwe and Ex-FAR were killed over 40,000 people. Between June 27 and June 30, 1994, another 4,000 were killed.

Dafroza Gauthier stated that this lawsuit is based on the actions of the French government in Rwanda between1990 and 1994.

The trial involving these organizations and the French government took place on October 24, 2024. CPCR was represented by lawyer Philippe Raphaël, who prepared the case.
Raphaël stated, “The French government could have prevented the genocide but did not. Instead, they supported Hutu extremists in political, diplomatic, and military affairs before, during, and after the Genocide.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, in April 2024, acknowledged that France and other nations could have prevented the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi but lacked the will to do so. “As the extermination of the Tutsi began, the international community had the capability to know and act. France, alongside Western and African allies, could have stopped the genocide but did not have the will,' he said.

This statement reiterated Macron’s earlier speech on May 21, 2021, at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, in which he admitted France’s role in this history, a position also reflected in a report by a team led by French historian Prof. Vincent Duclert.

However, the French Ministry of Armed Forces, representing the defense, requested the Administrative Court to declare itself incompetent in this matter, arguing that government actions are what is being challenged. They added that decisions made in national policy matters hold immunity in domestic courts.

This lawsuit was filed in April 2023, followed by an investigation conducted between May and June 2024. The organizations are seeking 500 million euros in compensation for damages. The ruling is expected on November 14, 2024.

CPCR stated that there is an opportunity to appeal the Administrative Court’s decision up to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) if the French government is not held accountable for actions before and during the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

France soldiers are facing renewed accusations of role in the Genocide against the Tutsi and assault allegations

Women assaulted by French soldiers continue to suffer trauma.

French soldiers under Operation Turquoise arrived in Rusizi (former Cyangugu Prefecture) and split into teams, with a large number remaining at Kamembe Airport while others moved to Nyarushishi, Bugarama, Ntendezi, and Kirambo. When they reached Nyarushishi, they toured the entire camp while taking photos.

At that time, they inspected the tents. After three days, they had identified where women and girls were located and began taking them away for sexual assault, despite being responsible for protecting them.
The book The Genocide Against the Tutsi in the Former Cyangugu Prefecture by CNLG contains testimonies from witnesses to these atrocities.

Constance Kambogo said, 'The French soldiers would openly take girls from the camp and sexually assault them. They would come around, take the girls out in armored vehicles, and pick those they wanted under the pretense of taking them for cleaning duties.'

Among those assaulted at Nyarushishi was Claudine, who was between 14 and 15 years old at the time, which left her traumatized to the point of becoming mentally unstable.
Others sexually assaulted included Mukayiranga Mado, Mukayeze Pascasie, Mukayitesi Jacqueline, Umulisa, girls from EAV Ntendezi, and others.

'The victims were subjected to brutal acts, including having pepper inserted into their private parts, being assaulted orally and anally, being photographed naked, and more. After abusing them, the soldiers would pass them around, commenting on their beauty and comparing them to the women back home. After the assault, they would give them biscuits as a reward,' reads the book in part.

Apart from Nyarushishi Camp, it is reported that French soldiers also sexually assaulted women and girls at Kamembe Airport, Kamarampaka Stadium, and other locations.

Jean Bosco Habimana, an Interahamwe collaborator who worked closely with French soldiers, as they had given him a gun, testified that the French at the stadium asked him to find girls for them, particularly Tutsis, claiming they would not cause problems if it was discovered.

The first girl he brought to them was Beata, around 15 years old, whom he took from Mururu and whom he knew was a Tutsi. After assaulting her, the French soldiers requested that the Interahamwe not kill her.
The second girl, Mukasine Florence, was about 14 years old. Habimana took her from Winteko Sector, Bugayi Cell, where she was hiding after her family was killed.

'Once in Kamarampaka Stadium, she was severely assaulted, and when they released her, she could barely walk. Afterward, they requested the Interahamwe not to kill her,' reads part of Page 361 of the book.

Beata and Mukasine had sought refuge in Nyarushishi camp but had ventured out to find food, hoping to get provisions as their neighbors had started fleeing to Congo. Colonel Jacques Hogard, who led Operation Turquoise in Cyangugu, has often been named for allegedly allowing his soldiers to abuse women sexually and commit various acts of sexual violence.

There are similar accusations against Colonel Sartre Patrice, who led Operation Turquoise in Gikongoro.

IGIHE

She takes over from Patricia Scotland, who became the first woman to hold the position in 2015. Patricia Scotland expressed her delight at being succeeded by another woman and affirmed her confidence that Botchwey would achieve much in advancing the Commonwealth

'It is an honor to pass on the leadership to my sister Shirley Ayorkor, who will succeed me as Commonwealth Secretary General. May she find the same fulfillment I did in leading and serving this esteemed organization,' Scotland said in a statement.

Patricia Scotland served two terms as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, joined others in wishing Shirley Ayorkor success in her new role.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on her part, thanked the Commonwealth leaders who entrusted her with this position, pledging to enhance cooperation that would enable them to achieve their shared goals.

'I am honored with the confidence placed in me by the Commonwealth leadership. Together, we will continue our work and create a new Commonwealth that serves the interests of all its citizens,' she said.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has held various roles, including chairing the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.
During her tenure, she advised ECOWAS Heads of State and governments on various pathways to achieving peace and security in the Sahel region, reforming some democracy and governance agreements, making changes to the ECOWAS Commission, budget adjustments, and more.

She also participated in discussions aimed at transitioning power to civilians in West African countries affected by coups since 2020, such as Guinea and Burkina Faso, and was one of the mediators appointed by ECOWAS for Mali.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has been elected as the new Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

A seasoned diplomat, she previously served as Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs under President John Agyekum Kufuor from 2006-2009.

In Ghana, she is credited with contributing to the country’s strong international reputation under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
She also served as Deputy Minister of Information from 2005-2006 and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry from 2007-2008.

Botchwey was also a member of the ECOWAS Parliament, where she chaired various committees, including those focused on gender and children’s issues to promote inclusivity.
Before joining politics, Shirley Ayorkor led a marketing and communications firm, served as an advisor in the Ministry of Tourism, and worked in several other organizations.

She holds a Master’s degree in Project Management, another Master’s in Communications, a Bachelor’s degree in Law, and an undergraduate degree in Public Relations and Marketing.

The mother of two completed most of her education in Ghana and the UK at the University of London and the University of Westminster.

Patricia Scotland was pleased to be succeeded by a woman and expressed confidence that she will find success in her new role..

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, Olivier Nduhungirehe, together with his counterparts from Kenya and Jamaica, extended their best wishes to Shirley Ayorkor.

Shirley Ayorkor has extensive experience in politics and diplomacy.

IGIHE