Volkswagen opens first car assembly plant in Rwanda

German car giant Volkswagen has chosen Canada to build its first battery plant outside Europe to localize its electric vehicle production chain in the region.

Paul Rusesabagina, whose efforts to save people during the 1994 genocide inspired the Hollywood film "Hotel Rwanda," has arrived in the US following his release from a Rwandan prison.

The man who inspired the film “Hotel Rwanda” and was freed by Rwanda last week from a terrorism sentence returned Wednesday to the United States and joined his family after being held for more than two years.

Rwanda's president Paul Kagame arrived in Guinea's capital Conakry on Monday, where he was greeted by military leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya.

While visiting West Africa, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said that Russia had the right to be anywhere in Africa ― as much as any other country. He also accused the West of dragging Africa into its own political issues.

Angola’s president Joao Lorenco told FRANCE 24 that he did not think an all-out war between Rwanda and DRC was on the horizon. He said he was hopeful that his mediation efforts to restore peace in the DRC's east would bear fruit. He explained that the M23 rebel group was upholding a ceasefire reached a few weeks ago and that the next step was for the group to be cantoned and disarmed.

The trial has opened of a suspect in the Rwandan genocide who fled to France. Former military policeman Philippe Hategekimana allegedly set up roadblocks to identify ethnic Tutsis, who would be murdered.

Fulgence Kayishema, a former police officer who is suspected of orchestrating the murder of thousands at a church massacre in 1994 in Rwanda, is arrested in a South African vineyard. Also, May 25 marks both the 60th anniversary of the African Union and Africa Day, a double reason to celebrate and contemplate how to overcome the challenges facing the continent.

President Paul Kagame's government wants to free thousands of prisoners convicted for the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. It says the move aims to ease overcrowding in prisons and foster reintegration and reconciliation.

Dissident Paul Rusesabagina thanked the US for its efforts to release him from prison earlier this year. His made new criticisms of the Rwandan government in a video to mark the 61st anniversary of Rwanda's independence.

After one of the worst genocides in history, Rwanda is no longer recognizable. The nation is one of the safest, cleanest and most dynamic in Africa. But this awe-inspiring success story also has a downside.

The German carmaker Volkswagen has clawed back the lead in domestic electric car sales from US competitor Tesla. However, both auto brands finished well ahead of their third place market rival.