Latest news with #WashingtonAccord
The Hill
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Hill
DRC and Rwanda call for Trump to ‘stay committed' after peace deal
The top diplomats from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda urged President Trump to stay committed to enforcing a peace agreement between the two countries signed in Washington on Friday. Trump called the peace agreement, which aims to halt three decades of war, a 'tremendous breakthrough,' as the foreign ministers from DRC and Rwanda were more cautious. 'Stay committed. Stay on board. We need the United States to make sure that this agreement holds and that you hold us accountable,' DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner said to Trump, during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office. That was echoed by Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe. 'So for this economic integration framework to be implemented, it's important for the U.S. to accompany the parties to implement what we have signed, because in the past, [the parties] have signed so many agreements that were not implemented, and we are ready,' he said. Trump is expected to host the leaders of DRC and Rwanda for a formal signing of the peace agreement in July. He invited Angola's president to attend as well. Trump said he would apply 'a lot of pressure' if the parties did not enforce what is being called the Washington Accord. 'I would just say that there are big penalties if they violate, and they're not going to, I don't think they will violate, but we have very severe penalties, financial and otherwise,' Trump said. The ongoing violence, concentrated in the eastern DRC, involves multiple armed groups. The most powerful, the M23, is backed by Rwanda. Qatar is mediating further talks with M23. U.S. involvement in peace efforts began earlier this year, when the DRC saw an opportunity to entice American mediation in exchange for access to the country's rich stores of critical minerals, used for much of the world's technology. Massad Boulous, Trump's senior advisor for Africa and father-in-law to his daughter Tiffany, told reporters that the U.S. was working on mineral agreements with both the DRC and Rwanda. 'We're negotiating a minerals deal with the DRC for critical minerals. Many American companies have shown interest in investing in the DRC,' he said. 'Same thing with Rwanda. Many American companies have shown interest, and not only in mining, but also in the midstream and downstream, which will be the processing of minerals.' The DRC is particularly well known for its supply of cobalt, which is used in batteries, gas-powered turbines and car air bags — as well as oil and chemical industry uses. A federal report last year raised human rights concerns about this mining, stating that forced labor is used in DRC cobalt production. Rwanda is a major exporter of tungsten, which is used in metalworking, mining and construction.
The National
9 hours ago
- Business
- The National
DRC and Rwanda sign 'Washington Accord' peace deal
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a US-brokered peace agreement in Washington on Friday, ending three decades of conflict and ushering in billions in foreign investment to the region. President Donald Trump, flanked by his Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said the foreign ministers of the two countries signed the agreement in the Oval Office. "They were fighting for years, and it was machetes, it was vicious, people's heads were being chopped off," Mr Trump said at a news conference earlier on Friday. "And I have a man who's very good in that part of the world, very smart, and put them together," he said. "First time in many years, they're going to have peace. And it's a big deal." Mr Trump had enlisted the help of Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman and the father-in-law of the President's daughter Tiffany. Qatar also joined in mediating the process. Born in Lebanon, Mr Boulos has ties to Africa, having lived and owned businesses in Nigeria. Last month, Mr Boulos said the DRC and Rwanda had submitted a draft peace proposal. Speaking in the Oval Office, Mr Boulos said he had first engaged with the two sides in early April, and the final agreement will be known as the Washington Accord. "There's an economic aspect as well that is extremely important for both countries," Mr Boulos said. "There would be some bilateral agreements with negotiating a mineral deal with the DRC for critical minerals - many American companies have shown interest in investing in the DRC," he said. "Same thing with Rwanda. " The agreement would bring to an end a three-decade conflict in the eastern DRC which escalated earlier this year, when the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized the key cities of Goma and Bukavu. A draft of the agreement provided by the state Department includes the disengagement of Rwandan forces and the voluntary repatriation of refugees. It also called for the monthly rotating meetings between DRC and Rwanda, with the US and Qatar attending as observers. Another joint meeting was to be held in Washington within 45 days. The fighting has killed about 3,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of others. The DRC, United Nations and the US have long accused Rwanda of providing weapons and training to the M23 rebels. Rwanda denies supporting M23, and says its forces are acting in self-defence against the Congolese army and Hutu militias linked to the Rwandan genocide of ethnic Tutsis in 1994. The conflict is fuelled by the rich mineral resources in eastern Congo. The DRC is the world's largest producer of cobalt, a mineral used to make lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and smartphones. The country also has substantial gold, diamond and copper reserves. M23 and Rwanda are accused of exploiting these resources. On Thursday, Reuters reported that the DRC had dropped its demand for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops, paving the way for the peace deal. Physicians for human rights, an organisation that has worked in the DRC for more than a decade, said the agreement does not ensure that hostilities would not resume through proxy armed groups, and has no reparations component. "We welcome any dialogue and de-escalation in the devastating conflict in eastern DRC, but it is important to note that the new agreement between Rwanda and DRC contains major omissions and does not adequately safeguard civilians in the region," Sam Zarifi, executive director said in a statement on Friday. "There can be no durable peace without meaningful justice. But the agreement signed today sidelines human rights and fails survivors," he said. The economic incentives involved remain unclear as Mr Trump seeks to compete with China in investing in the region's abundant mineral wealth. Mr Trump said it included the US getting "mineral rights" from the Congo. The draft agreement said it would shut down 'illicit economic pathways' and instead "formalise and audit" cross-border mineral trade.
The Hindu
14-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
GITAM Deemed to be University receives NBA accreditation
GITAM Deemed to be University received accreditation granted by National Board of Accreditation (NBA) under the Tier-I format aligned with the Washington Accord. The NBA accreditation is a significant endorsement of quality, particularly in engineering and technology programmes. It validates program outcomes, institutional processes, and ensures alignment with international educational standards—thereby enhancing the global mobility and employability of graduates, according to a release here on Saturday. The NBA has accredited GITAM programmes such as in Computer Science, Electronics and Communication, and Biotechnology, and also and Master of Computer Applications.
The Star
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
PIONEERING MECHATRONICS DEGREE WITH SPECIALISED TRACKS
Robotics Club members (from left) Xu Weiting, Ng Ee Zhen, Kendrew Kyne and Law Shing Yi showcase hands-on Mechatronics application during the media experiential session. AS automation reshapes factories, hospitals and homes, Taylor's University has launched Malaysia's first Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering with Honours to offer specialised tracks in Robotics Systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The four-year programme blends mechanical engineering, electronics, robotics and AI to equip students with skills to design, build and control intelligent systems—preparing them to lead in the fast-growing Industry 4.0 sector. It also supports the goals of Malaysia's National Policy on Industry 4.0, which targets technological advances in twelve key industries. 'With the global Mechatronics market projected to reach US$2.25bil by 2031, this programme equips our students to meet the demand for job-ready engineers and strategically positions them to shape the future of technological innovations driving Industry 4.0 globally,' said Taylor's University Faculty of Innovation and Technology acting executive dean Prof Dr Sim Yee Wai. 'The programme places Taylor's students in the heart of innovation.' Engineering a new era Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Council, the comprehensive curriculum meets international standards. Graduates may register with the Board of Engineers Malaysia under the Washington Accord and pursue careers as professional engineers. Dr Phang Swee King, programme director of the Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering with Honours at Taylor's University's School of Engineering, described mechatronics as a 'body' where different components like gears, motors and sensors work with microcontrollers and algorithms to create intelligent machines. 'By blending critical thinking, innovation and hands-on experience, we are empowering students to lead advances in robotics, automation and Al. 'Our graduates would not just adapt to change, they will drive it, accelerating Malaysia's transformation into a digital-first nation,' he added. Plugging into the industry From Year 2, students participate in the Engineering Undergraduates for Industrial Adoption (EUFORIA) and EUFORIA Type-Research (R) programmes, unique to the institution. In collaboration with industry partners like DJI Academy Malaysia and Unitree Robotics, students tackle real-world challenges, acquiring practical skills and research experience to excel in today's competitive job market. 'At DJI Academy Malaysia, we recognise the importance of real-world collaboration with academia in fostering the next generation of engineers. 'We are proud to play a pivotal role in developing engineers who will push the boundaries of robotics and automation technologies, creating global solutions that will transform industries,' noted DJI Academy Malaysia general manager Darren Teh. School of Engineering senior lecturer Dr Ng Oon-Ee led a live demo of a smart flexible manufacturing system to show how students master factory-scale workflows. Later, Robotics Club members demonstrated LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)-guided humanoid navigation and AI-driven drone inspections of rooftop solar panels, highlighting the hands-on projects students can expect. Students will also participate in multidisciplinary projects and the Robotics Club to apply their skills to real-world challenges. Pathways to global careers A fast-track 2+2 pathway with the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, allows completion of a Master's in Mechatronics and Robotic Engineering, broadening global educational experience. Taylor's University is ranked among the world's top 450 for Engineering and Technology in the QS World University Rankings 2025, reflecting its commitment to relevant, practice-driven education. Backed by its Premier Digital Tech IHL status from MDEC and accreditations from the CDIO Initiative (Conceiving, Designing, Implementing, Operating), National Academy of Engineering in the USA and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), this standing reflects the Faculty of Innovation and Technology's emphasis on industry-aligned, hands-on learning. Click here for more information.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Taylor's University introduces pioneering Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering with Honours
TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY has introduced Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering with Honours, aligning with the nation's Industry 4.0 policy. The programme highlights advancements across 12 key industries and prepares graduates with the essential skills to lead the sector. The programme is the first to offer specialised tracks in Robotics Systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI), aligning with Malaysia's Industry 4.0 policy. It also features a comprehensive curriculum that meets the highest international standards, accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC). Upon completion, graduates are eligible to register with the Board of Engineers Malaysia, a signatory to the Washington Accord, and pursue careers as professional engineers. Professor Technologist (Ts) Dr Sim Yee Wai, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Innovation & Technology, delivering an opening speech at the launch event. 'With the global mechatronics market projected to reach US$2.25 (RM9.65) billion by 2031, this programme equips our students not just to meet the demand for job-ready engineers, but to be strategically poised to shape the future of technological innovations driving Industry 4.0 globally. 'The programme places Taylor's students at the heart of innovation,' said Professor Ts Dr Sim Yee Wai, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Innovation and Technology, Taylor's University. Sim also emphasised that the programme aims to develop engineers who will define the future of technology. 'By blending critical thinking, innovation, and hands-on experience, we are empowering students to lead advances in robotics, automation, and AI. Our graduates will not just adapt to change – they will drive it, accelerating Malaysia's transformation into a digital-first nation,' he added. Taylor's University has also collaborated with global tech leaders such as DJI Academy Malaysia and Unitree Robotics, providing students with exposure to cutting-edge technologies through its in-house Engineering Undergraduates for Industrial Adoption (EUFORIA) and EUFORIA Type-Research (R) programmes. Students engage directly with industry partners from Year 2, ensuring they gain practical skills and research experience that position them for high-demand roles in today's competitive job market. 'At DJI Academy Malaysia, we recognise the importance of real-world collaboration with academia in fostering the next generation of engineers. As our first-ever academic partnership, the institution's forward-thinking programme presents an exciting opportunity for us. 'We are proud to play a pivotal role in developing engineers who will push the boundaries of robotics and automation technologies, creating global solutions that transform industries,' said Darren Teh, General Manager of DJI Academy Malaysia. Furthermore, students can apply their skills in real-world, cross-disciplinary projects through Taylor's Robotics Club. Students may also opt to pursue a fast-tracked Master's degree in Mechatronics and Robotic Engineering via a 2+2 programme with the University of Birmingham, expanding their global education experience.
