Post-EAIC coverage is coming…

Published by
TMS Ruge
June 30, 2008 in Economy, Project Diaspora, Project aloe, Rwanda and event & conferences. 0 Comments

I am back in Kampala now. I have a deluge of information to dig through from the 1st East African Investment Conference. Actually, now that I think about it, I have a lot of posts regarding East Africa in general that are in the pipeline.

It may seem that I’ve abandoned Project Aloe altogether, but in reality there’s a ton going on behind the scenes and the EAIC has been a source of inspiration, and leads, if nothing else.

As soon as I get a moment, I’ll post my latest update in the installment as well. If anything else, I am looking forward to meeting with some of the farmers, since I haven’t been here since the project started last September.

Also, lookout for another post on Diaspora at the EAIC. We [The Diaspora] had somewhat of an introduction at this conference, courtesy of yours truly. I made sure you were all in the mix because your contributions to Africa’s revitalization is much needed.

So, stay tuned. More coverage on the way.

PS:
We really could use more volunteer bloggers. Any members of the Diaspora interested?

Dis-Organization mars the 1st EAI Conference in Kigali, Rwanda

Published by
TMS Ruge
June 26, 2008 in African Aid, Politics, Rwanda and event & conferences. 0 Comments

The afternoon sessions here after lunch were for the most part held hostage as the EAC heads of state left hundreds of attendees waiting in vain. It’s just now approaching 6pm here in Kigali and we’ve been waiting for more than 4 hours for the afternoon session to convene.

I’ve actually seen several people asleep in their chairs. No one knows what’s going on and several delegates have been stomping in and out of the conference hall in fits of silent rage.

We’re not sure what’s going on, nor do we know how much longer we are supposed to wait.

The fifth Head of State, Jakaya Maurice Kikwete, President of Tanzania, arrived only this afternoon after missing the morning session. Well, at least that’s the official word. He has arrived, but there is no sign of him or his planned afternoon speech, nor the rest of the Heads of State for that matter.

This of course is not the type of inefficiency and disorganization you want to show the world at the Inaugural Investment Conference that’s trying to highlight the region’s readiness for investment.

If I were an investor, I’d be worried right about now. More on this later.

UPDATE:
After more than four hours of waiting, the Heads of State finally showed up around 7pm. We were gone by that time. So no updates from that session. We were able to catch the last moments of President Museveni once again slamming EU investment practices. It makes one wonder what he’s got up his sleeve seeing how busy he is slapping the hand that feeds him.

President Museveni Upstages EA Heads of State at EAIC

Published by
TMS Ruge
June 26, 2008 in uncategorized. 0 Comments

President Museveni of Uganda opened the Presidential parade of keynote addresses with a reference to the New Testament. His charismatic delivery of Matthews Chapter 19, verses 16-17, was received with resounding applause and laughter. It was clear that if he didn’t win you over with guns and bombs, he was equally capable of willing you to his point of view with a comedic punch to the senses. It’s also remarkable to note that he took no prisoners with his scathing criticism of the World Bank’s recent method of African infrastructure investment.

I am afraid my notes may not do justice to his speech—you had to be here to really experience the energy he brought to the room.

As an aside, Kibaki put everyone to sleep with a canned speech that he couldn’t even read properly? Kagame’s speech was more targeted and topical. It gave you an idea of what kind of man he his—a straight shooter who doesn’t waste a lot of time getting to the point. It was good to see him echoeing a lot of the points introduced by Uganda’s president. In that regard, at least they are on the same page for a change.

Here is a summary of the notes from President Museveni speech this morning:

    Open by making reference to Matthew: Chapter 19, verse 16-27
    What does East Africa need to do in order to get into the Kingdom of Prosperity? Kingdom of Transformation?
    Put business first, bureaucrats and government politicians second.
    Uphold the private sector
    Leaders in the 60’s made the problem of nationalizing the private businesses
    Made a mistake of not understanding the private sector
    East African treaty makes mention that the economies will be governed by the private sector
    Infrastructure: roads, rail, broadband, piped water all crucial elements that will assist businesses to lower the costs of start ups
    World Banks has caused problems along with “the other groups running around”
    Uganda has set up the Energy Fund using Ugandan money: $250 million dollars.. —
    Willing to partner with private sectors, if not, will build it ourselves.
    Much cheaper for government to build the power station
    If it’s done with tax payer’s money, it’s much cheaper for the people
    Government-built dams will be cheaper for all the people
    Bujagali being built and will provide 250 Mega Watts of power
    Karuma Falls power station will start in October
    Superiority complex lead to believe what he was being told the roads when he came into power.
    He was basically lied to, only to recently discover that the roads are in shambles. They were only built to last 10-15 years. Ghana has roads that are meant to last 50 years. Why doesn’t Uganda have those roads?
    Strongly criticizing the European Union for their roads policy (building 3rd world roads, instead of 1st class highway systems
    Two types of roads, African Roads and European roads
    $660 million towards roads in Uganda’s budget for this year.

    East African Issues
    Have to work with Tanzania and Kenya on standard railway gauge for the region
    Undersea cable needs a solution (in order to improve ICT sectors
    Efficiency of the harbors
    Uganda is about to take off
    Tax consumption and don’t tax production
    Quota free, tax-free incentive for the American markets (What’s made here, sell tax free in US (nearly 6,000 products)
    Tax free access to EU markets for over 4000 products
    Tax free deals with China and East Asia
    Embarrassment: No way to produce the products for export (there is a market, we need processing capacity)

1st East African Investment Conference Kicks Off Today

Published by
TMS Ruge
June 26, 2008 in uncategorized. 1 Comment

We arrived from Kampala after an 11-hour bus ride through the famous thousand hills of Rwanda. Rwanda is also known as “the land of a thousand hills.” Actually, I would have to say that this simply not true. It’s more like 1001. The beauty of this country in light of the genocide that smeared a dark permanent stain throughout much of the 1990s. Just a fifteen minute ride through town and you’d be hard-pressed to find any evidence of that turmoil. Everyday hustle and bustle

But the upbeat buzz and vibrant energy here in Kigali is attracting entrepreneurs and investors alike. The energy in Kigali is unmistakable. From the boda boda motorcycle taxi drivers to the policemen–an almost eargerness to be friendly and welcoming.

This is especially evidenced when you hop onto a boda boda to go almost anywhere here in Kigali. The first thing you are handed is a helmet. All the riders and passengers wear green helmets with identification numbers on the back of the helmet painted in yellow. A phone number is also painted on the helmet should you have any problems with your particular rider. This is an interesting adherence to the rule of law that is in stark difference to Kampala’s.

And I’d wager, that this simple adherence to the rule of law is the reason investors are coming back to Kigali in droves.

The 1st East African Investment Conference is being held at Kigali Serena Hotel. I attended the opening cocktail on Wednesday night and was able to meet a handful of potential investors, financiers, and social entrepreneurs.

Among the more notable delegates that I met was Yong Wang, Managing Director of The China-Africa Development Fund. So there’s real interest here from the far reaches of the globe. If the strict adherence to rule of law holds, there is no reason East Africa shouldn’t be the next Dubai.

[PD] set to attend East African Investment Conference

Published by
TMS Ruge
June 22, 2008 in uncategorized. 0 Comments

East AfricaProject Diaspora is attending the EAC Investment Conference in Kigali this week. I am not sure what to expect from the conference, or Kigali, for that matter. This is my first time to Kigali, and this would be the first of what I hope to be many more EAC conferences.

I will attempt to do as many updates as I can, pending availability of a wi-fi signal or nearby internet cafe. But guessing from the positive news coming out of Kagame and Rwanda’s progressive march towards economic revitalization, I suspect there will be tons of on-ramps to the information superhighway. Check back soon starting Wednesday for updates on this conference.

Yet another sad day in African Politics

Published by
TMS Ruge
June 22, 2008 in Politics and Zimbabwe. 0 Comments

This, is what drives us. This, is what motivates us. This, is why we stay up at night. This is another sad day in the history of African politics.

And yet the world stands by… doing nothing.

East African Investment Conference in Kigali, Rwanda

Published by
TMS Ruge
June 1, 2008 in Economy, Rwanda and event & conferences. 2 Comments

Participating East African Community countries
The Rwandese Government is set to kick off the first ever East African Investment Conference later this month. According to the official registration site, the conference “is designed to showcase “Leveraging the East African Market through Trade and Investment”

Over 700 leading business executives are expected to attend, as well as EAC’s heads of state. If you are interested in starting a business, or seeking funding partners for your project, or would like to know more about EAC’s business climate and investment opportunities, do yourself a favor. Circle June 26-28, 2008 on your calendars, and maybe add a couple of extra days to check out Rwanda’s fabulous Mountain guerillas.

Let Art Talk

Published by
tracy1314
April 15, 2008 in African Aid, Arts and Entertainment and Uganda. 2 Comments

Mother and Child

We here at Project Diaspora believe that the real hope for change in Uganda and the rest of Africa lies with its people both at home and in the Diaspora. So it was with no small amount of excitement that we listened to Fred Mutebi talk about the program he started about a year ago. Let Art Talk. Its stated mission is to “To take Art to the grass roots communities as well as ensure that Art is used as a vehicle for constructive change in the lives of ordinary Ugandans.”
Continue reading ‘Let Art Talk’

One PHDs Response to: Why Haven’t Our PHD’s Caused Development in Uganda

Published by
tracy1314
April 15, 2008 in Economy, Education and Uganda. 0 Comments

I am writing in response to an article in the Monitor on August 5th 2006 by Timothy Kalyegira entitled “Why haven’t our PhDs caused devt in Uganda?” In this article, writer among others refers to the obsession with “further studies” in White, western countries as “maalo” a statement which I very strongly disagree with.
Making efficient decisions whether personal, social or economic should be based on a benefit cost analysis. When an individual is faced with decision making between pursuing a higher degree (Masters or PhD) in Uganda or abroad, they will weigh their benefits (current and future) versus costs, and will chose the option that provides higher benefits and lower costs.
Continue reading ‘One PHDs Response to: Why Haven’t Our PHD’s Caused Development in Uganda’

Mugabe holding Zimbabwe at Ransom

Published by
norman
April 8, 2008 in Politics and Zimbabwe. 0 Comments

Mugabe Killing Democracy
For voters in the recently held presidential and general elections in Zimbabwe, the choices were very limited and the issues so clear.

“You want to be hungry, unemployed, uneducated, and immobile, without dignity and sewer spewing in front of your house, then vote for Mugabe and Zanu PF. If you want none of these vote MDC and Morgan Tsvangirai for president.”

Continue reading ‘Mugabe holding Zimbabwe at Ransom’

Fred Mutebi: Honored by Fulbright Office of Alumni Affairs

Published by
tracy1314
April 8, 2008 in African Aid, Arts and Entertainment and Uganda. 1 Comment

Fred MutebiThis announcement was just released yesterday by the US Embassy in Kampala, Uganda regarding Fred Mutebi.

FRED MUTEBI
April 2008 State Alumni Member of the Month.

Mr. Fred Mutebi, a 2003 alumnus of the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program, has made significant strides towards improving the lives off children in Uganda. A true ambassador of the Fulbright program, the Office of Alumni Affairs has selected him as the April 2008 State Alumni Member of the Month. Continue reading ‘Fred Mutebi: Honored by Fulbright Office of Alumni Affairs’

Help Get the word out on Project Aloe

Published by
TMS Ruge
March 31, 2008 in Agriculture and Project aloe. 0 Comments

If you’ve been looking for a way to help get the word out on Project Aloe, here’s an easy-as-pie way to help us. We’ve whipped up a nice little banner ad, complete with the code. All you have to do is copy and paste it into your desired location on your website. We’d like to get as many people involved, especially the African Diaspora. Give us a shout in the comments if you have any issues installing the code.

Project Aloe

Proof positive that Obama is Africa’s hope too

Published by
TMS Ruge
March 28, 2008 in Ghana, Politics and Project Diaspora. 0 Comments

Ghanian-born lead singer of Soulfege, Derrick Ashong, aka DNA, waxed poetic in support for Obama’s presidential run at a recent rally in Hollywood, CA. DNA was interviewed, ok “ambushed” by an identified reporter only referred to as “Mike?” outside the Kodak Theatre. I am unsure what Mike’s motive’s were nor did I care for his interview tactics, but I don’t think that he was prepared to run into a lyrically-armed, Harvard-educated African.

There are also some answers offered to those who misinterpret Obama’s message of hope as “empty rhetoric”, yes we are looking at you Mr. Project Innovation.

We’ll do our best to follow up on the music of Soulfege and Derrick in short order. In the mean time, spread the word on this video and please sound off in the comments if you know any other African luminaries hiding in the West and in need of a stage. We’ll do our best to promote (and recruit) them to the cause.

Africa’s Latest Export

Published by
tracy1314
March 27, 2008 in Economy. 0 Comments

So, what does it say about the state of the world, that the fastest growing and most active recruitment of Africans is by security contractors on the big land mine that used to be Iraq? All over Africa, contractors are looking for cheap labor that has enough sense not to get shot up, step on a IED or otherwise get themselves dead. Apparently Africans are uniquely suited for the work since they have experience in “risk mitigation” aka a highly developed sense of self preservation honed from the many years of strife and war in their own countries. As an added bonus they can be had for cheap. Thus helping the US fight a war that should never have started for a quarter of what they might have had to pay American soldiers to do the same job. Oh, and then there is the extra added benefit of not having to pay for their healthcare later in life should they suffer debilitating physical or mental injuries in their service of the American government. As long as we stay on budget and all… what does it matter. Right? I mean really it is WAAAY more than they would make working at home. Sheesh, life’s a risk, they have a choice to go or not. Reuters, AllAFrica.com and NPR’s Marketplace covered it this week. (Actually you just have to look at one of these links since it is the same exact story 3 times! It comes from IRIN originally though… does anyone do any actual reporting these days?)

Ummm… ok, so what if we failed to mention where they were going, took their passports away from them so they could not leave, failed to mention how truly dangerous Iraq actually is, oh yeah, and take most of the money they earned to pay travel expenses. It is really ridiculous to think that these workers really have much of a choice. What kind of choice is there between no job and having a job? Especially if they don’t have ANY of the information they need to make an informed choice. These companies are HELPING Africans. Oh happy day. Thanks all you US Government contractors trying to protect your bottom line. You are just the economic boom that Namibia, Uganda, Angola. Mozambique and the rest of Africa need. Really, you are just what was needed.

Thankfully many African governments are taking action. South Africa has forbidden recruitment within its borders.

In November 2007, South African President Thabo Mbeki signed legislation regulating the recruitment of South Africans to work in areas of armed conflict, which applies to private security contractors in Iraq

– IRIN

Namibia fought back after a public out cry:

And when news spread about the risks recruits would face in Iraq, there was public outcry. On 12 October 2007, the Namibian government deported two US citizens heading SOC-SMG’s operations there, declaring them “prohibited immigrants.”

–IRIN

Here is hoping that other African governments step up to protect their citizens.

Chickens and ‘Toilet Paper’

Published by
TMS Ruge
March 22, 2008 in Economy, Politics and Zimbabwe. 0 Comments

Chicken About to be Battered for Zimbabwe’s useless cashThe BBC Africa web site has posted this week’s image gallery. Featured are a couple of photos I found at once humorous and gut-wrenchingly sad. Humorous because the subject matter clearly illustrated our previous frustrations with Mugabe, and sad at the same time because it is clear-cut proof of how desperate the situation on the ground is.

It is even sadder to realize that even if economic relief was anywhere around the corner, halting and subsequently reversing Zimbabwe’s runaway inflation will take decades. Idi Amin’s pea-brained economic policies didn’t do favors for Uganda’s economy, and 20 year’s later, she’s still trying to climb back to her former glory.

Incidentally, if I was that chicken I’d be rather offended for being bartered for a roll of toilet paper! As if cutting my head off wasn’t enough of an insult!

Ahead of this month’s general and presidential elections, here’s to hoping that Zimbabwe wakes up finally and demands change.

Part 3: Identifying the need

Published by
TMS Ruge
March 17, 2008 in Project aloe and Uganda. 0 Comments

Project Aloe Header
Over the next few weeks, Project Diaspora will be covering the plight of Uganda’s aloe vera farmers who are trying to find international markets for their product. Part 3 of this series looks into what it will take to get this project under way. Subsequent articles will provide more details into the challenges of trying to assist these farmers.

I got an email today that gave me a sudden realization that I have not really put effort into really outlining the needs of the farmers. It’s one thing to see the perceived potential, it’s another thing entirely to outline the steps necessary to achieve that goal. So, while we wait for a response from Mr. Sessanga, let’s take a look at what it’s going to take to get this Project off the ground.

But before I do, let me state this. I am by no means disillusioned about the complexities of taking on such a complicated project. I am also fully aware that this is not a one-man project. This one needs the collective participation of the global village. Obviously, there are other lesser requirements, but these four serve as pillars of success. Achieving success at any one of these stages, gives the Project a legitimate shot at success.
Continue reading ‘Part 3: Identifying the need’

African Reading Challenge Review 2: King Leopold’s Ghost A Story of Greed, Terror and Heroism in Colonial Africa

Published by
tracy1314
March 16, 2008 in Arts and Entertainment, Congo and The UG Blogosphere. 3 Comments

King Leopold’s Ghost

If you want to learn more about the reading challenge visit Dave… and he will tell you all about it!

King Leopold’s Ghost by Adam Hochschild
So far this reading challenge is turning into a crash course in African history. I must space these books out more carefully. Going from one book of death and disaster to another is playing hell on my mood, leaving me both cranky and sad (or maybe that is the flu!) At any rate, going from War torn Nigeria/Biafra to Colonial Africa was not the smartest thing I ever did. It is not that I was unaware of the horrors of colonialism. I come from the original Banana Republic after all, but I don’t think I had ever confronted them quite so baldly as I did reading this book.
Continue reading ‘African Reading Challenge Review 2: King Leopold’s Ghost A Story of Greed, Terror and Heroism in Colonial Africa’

Tanzania’s Diaspora investment community gets the red carpet treatment

Published by
TMS Ruge
March 16, 2008 in event & conferences and tanzania. 0 Comments

tanzania.jpgIt’s no secret that here at Project Diaspora, we love the word remittances, especially when it’s used to encourage directed investment vehicles in Africa as opposed to subsistence support. So it was with great pleasure when we got word that Tanzania is holding a conference next month to examine the role of it’s diaspora community in shaping the future of Tanzania.

According to the Africa Recruit event website:

In 2006 according to the World Bank, Remittances to Tanzania were US Dollars 100 Million. This figure excludes remittances through informal channels.

But what was more heart-warming was the push to recruit and engage Tanzania’s diaspora to be active members in the shaping of Tanzania’s future. That’s right up our alley of thinking.

The knowledge and skills of the Diaspora is an additional source of engagement for countries to tap into in building the capacity and capabilities of organisations and ultimately the country. The event is aimed at galvanising the Tanzanian Diaspora of all generations in harnessing their skills, knowledge and investment in the continued economic development of Tanzania.

It’s indeed heart-warming to see this kind of organization taking shape in the West. It encourages us here at PD even more to scour the web and promote as many diaspora-led efforts, especially in the remittance space. It’s inspiring that even though Tanzania’s official remittance tally is a shade above $100 million, it’s making enough noise and change on the ground that even HE Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, president of Tanzania has a keynote slot. Though we have yet to confirm this. I shudder to think how much of an impact these remittance numbers would make if the total neared Kenya’s nearly $600 million annual tally.

If you are a member of Tanzanian diaspora, we encourage you to attend this conference, especially in you are in Europe, there’s no excuse for missing out. Please attend. Event information is provided below and at the Africa Recruit event registration page.

CONFERENCE DETAILS:
What:
The Diaspora Investment and Skills Forum

When:
April 18, 2008

Where:
The Savoy, a Fairmont Hotel
Strand, London WC2R 0EU United Kingdom
Telephone: +44(0) 20 7836 4343

Click here for more information and to register.

Forest Whitaker and “Let Art Talk”

Published by
tracy1314
March 15, 2008 in Arts and Entertainment and Uganda. 0 Comments

Our friend Michael Kirkpatrick sent us this little bit of news. We are thrilled to see Fred Mutebi’s work as well as the work he is doing with “Let Art Talk” (in the organization he created to benefit the youth of Uganda) reach such high places! Look for an article coming soon about this great project!
Forest Whitaker

Part 2: Open Letter to Hajji Ali Sessanga [Updated]

Published by
TMS Ruge
March 9, 2008 in Agriculture, Economy and Project aloe. 3 Comments

Project Aloe Header
Over the next few weeks, Project Diaspora will be covering the plight of Uganda’s aloe vera farmers who are trying to find international markets for their product. Part 1 of Project Aloe is an overview of how I personally got involved. Subsequent articles will provide more details into the challenges of trying to assist these farmers.

An open letter to Hajji Ali Sessanga:

Dear Dan/Hajji Ali Sessanga,

I write to inform you that Project Diaspora recently started to cover the plight of Uganda’s aloe vera farmers. We’ve had the story on our desk since September of 2007 and have been in the process of educating ourselves about the world-wide aloe vera industry. Recently we went public with what we know so far and in the coming weeks, we will be updating the series as more information develops. In our research, your organization, Uganda Commercial Aloe Vera Association, was identified as responsible for the introduction of aloe vera into Uganda (specifically, aloe barbadensis miller, a variety common to our state of residence, Texas)

It has come to our attention that you sold these seedlings to thousands of Ugandan farmers, at what we consider a premium. We’ve also followed your efforts to engage the global markets for a partnership since 2005. However, we are unable to determine what your “go-to-market” strategy is. It seems that you’ve shifted your strategies since you got engaged in this project:
Continue reading ‘Part 2: Open Letter to Hajji Ali Sessanga [Updated]‘

Fred Mutebi: Artist and Social Activist

Published by
tracy1314
March 8, 2008 in Arts and Entertainment and Uganda. 0 Comments

So, I get this random e-mail. It says “Do you know this guy?” Mind you this e-mail was not even sent to me, it was a forward from TMS Ruge. Which he got randomly from some friend of his, who just happened to run into a friend of… “this guy”. Since I have been trying really hard to find Ugandan or African artists that are doing what I would consider quality work… I guess he figured maybe I had stumbled onto him. Which of course I had not. So I look at the attachments and am…. shall we say… confused. So then I google him, and I discover a Fullbright Scholar. A man who is now living and working in Uganda… and not only that… he is working hard to make a difference in the lives of children and for the future of his country. Strange how life works. Continue reading ‘Fred Mutebi: Artist and Social Activist’

Zimbabwe: Choke the chicken, then cut it’s head off!

Published by
TMS Ruge
March 7, 2008 in Economy, Politics and Zimbabwe. 2 Comments

When one is hungry and desires a chicken to eat, it’s logical that one would kill said chicken and eat it. But say one were hungry and possessed half a brain. One would realize that if you borrowed your neighbor’s rooster to mate with your lone chicken, pretty soon you could have eggs Benedict for breakfast, chicken sandwich for lunch and Chicken a la Mode for dinner. But if one were Robert (can we call you ‘Bob’) Mugabe, one would proceed to choke said chicken before cutting it’s head off! Continue reading ‘Zimbabwe: Choke the chicken, then cut it’s head off!’

African Reading Challenge Review 1: Half of a Yellow Sun

Published by
tracy1314
March 6, 2008 in Arts and Entertainment and The UG Blogosphere. 2 Comments

51dofkfjkgl_ss500_.jpg
You don’t know, what you don’t know… until you do.
I joined this challenge, because I have been frustrated in my attempts to find note-worthy African authors. Clearly there are plenty, but without knowing who they are, Amazon is a wasteland. Which is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what I don’t know. At any rate, thanks to the wonderful advice from other Reading Challengers; I discovered this beautiful book. Which leads me to the next thing I did not know. Biafra. My goodness, what a rich story. Part of me is truly surprised that this story was COMPLETELY unknown to me… and the other resigned to the inadequacies of the American education system. At any rate, I began this reading this book… with zero background about the history. Which just goes to show how truly wonderful the storytelling is in this book. I was hooked from the beginning. I read and read and read, until at 2:30 am on the 3rd day of reading I was done. Continue reading ‘African Reading Challenge Review 1: Half of a Yellow Sun’

Dear Africa…

Published by
TMS Ruge
March 3, 2008 in Project Diaspora. 4 Comments

Dear Africa,
We hope this letter finds you in good spirits. So many times we’ve meant to write, but the life and times of this distant land keeps us scratching for survival. We see you in the news from time to time, and we are moved. We feel the wave of sadness drifting from your shoulders with every sigh. We write this letter to tell you that, though we may no longer be near, we have not forgotten you.

We are the world’s nurses, teachers, lawyers, engineers, cooks, and day laborers, but most of all, we are your children. We work day and we work night, we send you but the meager remains of our earnings. We send our sweat’s harvest to educate your children, feed the hungry, and to cure your many maladies. We have ventured near and far, conquered and been conquered, but always with a dream for a better life; for ourselves and those we have left at home. We know the burden on you is strong, and the resources scant.
Continue reading ‘Dear Africa…’

Yahoo News: Rwanda rebounds post-genocide

Published by
TMS Ruge
March 2, 2008 in Economy and Rwanda. 1 Comment

Shashank Bengali, McClatchy Newspapers, via Yahoo! News
Sat Mar 1, 4:50 PM ET
KIGALI, Rwanda — When President Bush came here last month on his five-nation Africa tour, he paid a solemn visit to the site where 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide are buried, laying a wreath and strolling quietly along a row of concrete slabs marking mass graves.

But government officials here say Bush’s more important act that day was something else: He signed a deal to promote bilateral U.S.-Rwandan investment.
Continue reading ‘Yahoo News: Rwanda rebounds post-genocide’


Project Aloe
Part 1: The Overview Part 2: Open Letter to Mr. Sessanga Part 3: Identifying the needs

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