Early in the week, it was reported that Rwanda and Germany are on the way towards restoring full diplomatic relations. This was revealed through a "mutual” press release by the ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

It was revealed that both countries would reappoint heads of their diplomatic missions. This ends the diplomatic row that erupted following the arrest of Rose Kabuye in Germany late last year.

Kagame in India

President Paul Kagame on Monday addressed the India-Africa Business Partnership Summit in New Delhi India. He was quoted as saying that descendants of Indian Immigrants became the backbone of commerce and industry and are currently among the leading entrepreneurs and industrialists in the East African region.

The summit was a two-day event organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

President Kagame’s speech and presence at the summit underscores the importance of India as a trading and Investment partner for Rwanda and many African countries.

During the trip to India, the President also spoke on "the changing global political economy and its implications for Africa”. He was addressing the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade.

O’level, PLE results out

The Rwanda National Examinations Council (RNEC) this week released the national results for Ordinary and Primary Leaving Examination’s (PLE) for the year 2008. The results revealed a massive improvement in both categories.

A new system of grading using divisions aimed at harmonising the education system in Rwanda with other countries in the East African Community was also introduced.

This is a positive development following the introduction of English as the official language of instruction in Rwandan schools. This will serve to harmonise Rwanda’s education system with the rest of the EAC.

Intelligence chiefs converge in Kigali

Chiefs of intelligence organisations met in Kigali this week to, according to press reports, carry out a continental threat assessment. 

It was reported that this was an exercise carried out periodically by member States of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA).

FDLR cornered

Rwanda and DR Congo armed forces launched joint military operations against the Forces for the Democratic Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) in eastern DR Congo this week.

According to press reports, elements of the Ex-FAR Interahamwe grouped under the FDLR have already started surrendering.

The joint Rwanda-DR Congo operation is aimed at dealing with the rag tag FDLR, who are seen as the root cause of conflict and instability in eastern DR Congo.

15 women win Goldman Sachs scholarship

Fifteen women were this week awarded scholarships under the Goldmans Sachs BBA scholarships programme through which "they will pursue, their degrees at the School of Finance and Banking (SFB)” according to media reports.

Goldman Sachs, a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm, has an agenda of assisting 10,000 women entrepreneurs around the globe to enhance their entrepreneurial skills.

IBUKA contests FARG validation

It was reported this week that IBUKA had contested the recent validation exercise that was aimed at identifying bonafide beneficiaries of the Fund for Genocide Survivors (FAR) which was carried out by the government through the Ministry of Local government.

IBUKA is the umbrella organisation of the 1994 genocide survivors.

Obama takes office

The greatest news of the week was the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th president of the United States.

He moved fast after taking office to sign an executive order to close Guantanamo detention center in Cuba. In a way, Obama has already stamped his signature on US foreign policy by his bold moves soon after taking office.

Ends