IGIHE

Author: IGIHE

  • Rwanda re-opens for tourism

    In a statement issued by the Board, they have emphasized that the well-being of all travelers is Rwanda’s top priority and have therefore put robust health and safety guidelines in place.

    The statement reads in part:

    Together with the private sector, RDB is offering attractive all-inclusive tourism packages for Rwandans and foreign residents. These packages have been designed to showcase Rwanda’s remarkable leisure and recreational experiences, from adventures in the mountains, to memorable excursions in serene landscapes, and a taste of our lively cities.

    Commenting on the re-opening, Belise Kariza, the Chief Tourism Officer at RDB said: “Rwanda’s tourism industry is adapting to create a safe environment for travelers and operators, in order to thrive in these unprecedented times. We encourage all travel enthusiasts and nature explorers to take advantage of this unique opportunity to venture out and experience the beauty and adventure that our country has to offer.”

    {{Promotional offers are available until 31st December 2020 in our National Parks:}}

    ∙ Gorilla permits are now available for USD 200 for Rwandans & EAC nationals residing in Rwanda, and USD 500 for foreign residents.
    ∙ Special packages are available for groups, families and corporates on other products in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks.

    {{Specific precautionary measures are as follows:}}

    ∙ Domestic tourists visiting Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks are required to test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours prior to visiting these attractions. A private test center has been set up at Petit Stade, Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, by appointment only. Other test centers outside Kigali will be communicated as demand grows.

    ∙ All visitors travelling by charter flights are expected to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to arrival. Tourists will take a second COVID-19 test prior to visiting any tourist attraction.

    For more information on the tourism reopening guidelines, please visit: http://www.rdb.rw/visitrwandaguidelines. Information on promotional packages will be communicated through various media platforms.

    RDB has announced the reopening of tourism activities as well as the resumption of international travel for charter flights, effective 17 June 2020.

  • Joint Statement of the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit On Solidarity Against COVID-19

    To defeat COVID-19 through greater solidarity and cooperation, and to highlight an even stronger China-Africa community with a shared future, we, Chinese and African leaders, convened an Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19 via video link on 17 June 2020. The Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19 is a joint initiative between the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of South Africa in its capacity as the Chair of the African Union (AU), and the Republic of Senegal in its capacity as the Co-Chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

    The Summit was attended by H.E. President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. President Macky SALL of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. President Abdel Fattah Al-SISI of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi TSHILOMBO of the Democratic Republic of Congo, H.E. President Abdelmadjid TEBBOUNE of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, H.E. President Ali Bongo ONDIMBA of the Republic of Gabon, H.E. President Uhuru KENYATTA of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. President Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA of the Republic of Mali, H.E. President Issoufou Mahamadou of the Republic of Niger, H.E. President Muhammadu BUHARI of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. President Paul KAGAME of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E. President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and H.E. Moussa Faki MAHAMAT, Chairperson of the AU Commission.

    Secretary-General Antonio GUTERRES of the United Nations (UN) and Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom GHEBREYESUS of the World Health Organization (WHO) were invited as Special Guests to the Summit.

    After cordial and in-depth discussions, leaders attending the Summit reached the following consensus:

    1. We express deep concern over the unprecedented, immediate and consequent challenges posed by the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic to people around the world, especially its major impact on the lives and health of the African people.

    We recognize the importance of public health issues to global peace and security and the well-being of people around the world, particularly the fact that Africa is extremely vulnerable to the ravages of this virus and needs solidarity and support, including resources from various parties to bolster its response to the pandemic and to support its economic and social development.

    We commend and support the UN Secretary-General’s call for a united response to COVID-19, and commit to jointly safeguard global public health security, protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, make greater contribution to world peace and development, and build a community of health for all.

    We underscore the close relationship between peace, security and development, call on the international community to support Africa in implementing its “Silencing the Guns” campaign and urge for an early lifting of economic sanctions on the Republics of Zimbabwe and Sudan.

    In accordance with the FOCAC spirit and long-term values cherished by both sides, we remain committed to extending mutual support on issues regarding each other’s core interests and major concerns. China supports African countries in exploring development paths suited to their national conditions and opposes interference in Africa’s internal affairs by external forces. The African side supports China’s position on Taiwan and Hong Kong, and supports China’s efforts to safeguard national security in Hong Kong in accordance with law.

    2. We highly commend and actively support WHO’s role, under the stewardship of Director-General Dr. Tedros, in leading and coordinating the global response to COVID-19, and call on the international community to scale up political and financial support for the WHO.

    We welcome the 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution on COVID-19 response, which expresses deep concerns about the negative impacts and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizes the importance of global collaboration, and calls for intensified international cooperation, unity, solidarity and joint efforts to contain and mitigate the pandemic, and to pay particular attention to the needs of people in vulnerable situations. We reiterate opposition to the politicization and stigmatization of the virus, and call on the international community to jointly prevent discrimination and stigma, reject misinformation and disinformation, and strengthen cooperation on the research and development of diagnostics, therapeutics, medicines and vaccines and the identification of the zoonotic source of the virus.

    We support the initiation, at the earliest appropriate moment and in consultation with WHO Member States, of a stepwise process of impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation, including using existing mechanisms as appropriate, to review experience gained and lessons learned from the WHO-coordinated international health response to COVID-19 after the virus is brought under control worldwide, in an objective, impartial science-based and professional manner.

    We further commend the UN Secretary-General for his leadership and support for the WHO and related health initiatives during this pandemic, which aims at making vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics for COVID-19 accessible worldwide.

    3. Africa commends the decisive measures taken by the Chinese government to contain the spread of the virus and its timely sharing of information with WHO and relevant countries in an open, transparent and responsible manner, which bought precious time for the rest of the world. China commends the solidarity and support extended by African countries, the AU and other regional organizations for China’s COVID-19 response and appreciates the establishment of the AU COVID-19 Strategy and the appointment of Special Envoys to mobilize international support for Africa’s efforts to address the economic challenges faced as a consequence of the pandemic, and further commends the resilience African countries have demonstrated and the positive results thus achieved in curbing the spread of the virus by adopting preventive measures.

    African countries express appreciation for China’s substantial assistance for Africa’s fight against COVID-19 and commitment to China-Africa solidarity against COVID-19, and highly commend the new measures China announced at the 73rd WHA to support developing countries’ COVID-19 response. China reaffirms its commitment to actively delivering relevant initiatives and measures to help Africa build capacity for disease prevention and control and for sustainable development, and expedite the construction of the Africa CDC headquarters. China undertakes to make its COVID-19 vaccine development and deployment, when available, a global public good as part of China’s contribution to vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries, in particular African countries.

    We reaffirm the commitment to take active measures to protect the health and security of each other’s nationals and uphold their legitimate rights and interests, and promote the use of Chinese and African traditional medicine.

    African countries express profound gratitude and appreciation to the Chinese institutions and companies that have provided medical supplies and material assistance in the effort to combat the COVID pandemic.

    4. We fully recognize the positive role of China-Africa investment and financing cooperation in promoting development and improving people’s lives in Africa, and call on the international community to work in solidarity and collaboration, share best practices, and provide more material, technical, financial and humanitarian support to help African countries overcome the impact of COVID-19 and achieve independent and sustainable development.

    China takes seriously the debt concerns of African countries and will earnestly act on the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative, through friendly consultation as equals, and expedite support for the African countries worst hit by COVID-19.

    The African side expresses appreciation for China’s actions, and calls on the international community, especially developed countries and international financial institutions, to take concrete measures to ease the debt burden of African countries.

    5. We reaffirm the commitment to supporting multilateralism, opposing unilateralism, safeguarding the UN-centered international system, and defending international equity and justice.

    We call on the international community to build an open world economy, enhance macroeconomic coordination, and jointly keep global industrial and supply chains stable and unclogged. We express strong support to the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    We recognize the importance of digitalization in the post-COVID-19 era and support efforts to speed up the development of Africa’s digital economy and expand exchanges and cooperation on digitalization, information and communication technologies, especially tele-medicine, tele-education, 5G and big data.

    We support efforts to explore with global partners trilateral or multilateral cooperation in Africa in a way that is active, open and inclusive and based on respect for African countries’ wishes, with a view to facilitating an early victory against COVID-19 and faster development in Africa.

    6. We extend congratulations on the 20th anniversary of FOCAC, recognizing the important progress in delivering the follow-ups to the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and support a greater focus on public health under the Eight Major Initiatives on China-Africa Cooperation.

    We undertake to chart the course for China-Africa cooperation in a post-COVID-19 era, and work together to ensure the success of events on the 2021 FOCAC calendar.

    7. We applaud the joint initiative of China, South Africa and Senegal to convene this Summit at a critical juncture in Africa’s battle against COVID-19.

    We pay high tribute to all African leaders who did and did not attend the Summit for their great efforts to contain COVID-19.

    Leaders attending the Summit expressed deep condolences over the passing of H.E. President Pierre Nkurunziza of the Republic of Burundi, and extended sincere sympathy to the people of Burundi.

  • Suspected conman arrested

    Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie-Gorette Umutesi, the police spokesperson for City of Kigali, said that Ndagijimana was arrested in Gahanga Sector, Kagasa Cell where he was receiving Rwf20, 000 from the would-be victim.

    “Ndagijimana is a bricklayer but he was lying that he is charged with inspecting houses in Gahanga Sector, to ensure compliance in line with the master plan and issued construction permit. So, he was telling people that he can get them construction permits but requiring them to pay a certain amount of money to assist them,” CIP Umutesi said.

    She added: “One of the would-be victims, whom he asked to pay Rwf20, 000 for the alleged service, decided to report him to the law enforcement in Gahanga, and Ndagijimana was arrested red-handed receiving the money.”

    “This is an act of fraud, which should be reported for such people to face arrest. We also urge the public to go through legal channels to acquire any service instead of taking criminal shortcuts leading to their imprisonment,” she advised.

    Clause One of article 174 of the law determining offences and penalties in general in Rwanda, defines fraud as deception, obtaining another person’s property, whole or part of his/her finance by use of false names or qualifications, or offering positive promises or threats of future misfortunes.

    Clause Two of the same article provides a term of imprisonment of between two and three years, and a fine of not less than Rwf3 million but not more than Rwf5 million, upon conviction.

  • Operations against illegal mining heightened

    Those arrested are Fabien Ntibazirikana, 29, Felicien Habyarimana, 22, and Claude Dusabikize 26.

    Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that the trio was found mining in a closed coltan concession located in Kavumu Sector, Tetero Cell in Mizingo Village.

    “They were arrested in an operation that was mainly targeting illegal miners, which is a common practice in the area. Police officers found them inside the concession mining coltan,” CIP Karekezi said.

    “The concession was closed over standards and lack of legal documents, it’s in bad shape and these people were at a very high risk looking at where they were found; their lives were in danger with no protective gears nor life protection insurance,” he explained.

    He warned the residents against such illegal and life-threatening activities, and urged them to protect lives by reporting illegal miners.

    Article 3 of the ministerial regulations on fighting smuggling in mineral trading, forbids “importation of minerals into Rwanda without proper documents indicating their origin and the weight at origin, given by the right authorities.”

    These minerals have to be with required trade documents, and to be certified and tagged by competent authorities.

    Equally, article 4 provides that transportation of minerals outside mining licensed areas—concessions and permits perimeters—is only allowed, when the consignment shows the source mine, its value and when it has the right tag.

    Article 54 of the law on mining and quarry operations, states that; “any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence commits an offence.”

    Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.

    The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a licence.

  • Police recovers stolen goods

    The goods were recovered from three suspected thieves, who were pursued and arrested shortly after the night Saturday burglary.

    The recovered good include four bags of rice, a flat television set, two 20-litre jerrycans of cooking oil, a DVD deck and home theatre.

    Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, identified the suspected thieves as christophe Irakoze, 18, Jean Bosco Basabose, 19, and one only identified as Gabby, 21.

    “In the night of Saturday, the victim, Lahab Mukanoheri, called the Police and local leaders reporting that unknown people had broken into his shop located in Kinamba village, Pera cell in Bugarama Sector and stole some of the goods,” CIP Karekezi said.

    “The deployed police officers pursued the burglars that night and caught them with all the stolen items, which were returned to the owner and suspects handed over to RIB at Bugarama station,” he added.

    Mukanoheri commended the Police’s quick response to recover her goods.

    “It was about 2 AM, it was raining and the thieves entered my shop after vandalizing the window. I was sleeping in the next room when I heard people whispering outside.

    When I checked the shop I found I had been robbed and I immediately called the Police and local leaders,” Mukanoheri said.

    “I am happy that my goods have been recovered because this would have been a big loss in my business. I really thank our Police for the quick response,” she added.

    Theft, under article 166 of the penal code, is punishable with an imprisonment of between one and two years, a fine of between Rwf1 million and Rwf2 million, a community service of not more than six months or one of these penalties.

  • COVID-19: Don’t be the source of spreading- Police

    Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that individual responsiveness in respect of the set safety guidelines is a key factor in containing and defeating COVID-19.

    “Make a choice that makes you safe from COVID-19. The choice is #NtabeAriNjye (I shouldn’t be the one),” CP Kabera said.

    This literally means that I shouldn’t be the trouble causer in my family, at my place of work, in my shop or restaurant. It is my responsibility to ensure that I protect myself so well because if I don’t, then am exposing myself and the people around me in the danger of being attacked by Covid-19, the Spokesperson added.

    ”When you make such a responsive choice, you are also protecting members of your household, community, workmates, customers, fellow business people and passengers you are travelling within in the vehicles.” CP Kabera said.
    The choices, he said, should be tailored on the government directives and recommended safety guidelines.

    “Wearing the face-mask well by covering your mouth and nose, and at all times in public; ensuring at least social/physical distancing; prioritizing your movements to consider only those necessary; avoiding shaking hands or hug; washing hands regularly with clean water and soap or using hand sanitizer; respecting the acceptable movement time, and for motorcyclists, they should carry hand sanitizers and ensure that their clients wear their facemasks properly and a piece of cloth inside the helmet;

    All these are choices you make that protects you and everyone around you, from catching or spreading Coronavirus but also a massive support to the government efforts to combat it.”

    CP Kabera set a challenge for the public to share on social media platforms on choices they have made under the hashtag #NtabeAriNjye, to influence others on positive actions against the spread of COVID-19.

    RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that individual responsiveness in respect of the set safety guidelines is a key factor in containing and defeating COVID-19.

  • 17 arrested for violating directives

    Those arrested include three, who entered into the country from Uganda through an illegal border post and two others, who had travelled to Kigali from Rusizi.

    Borders are closed and no one is allowed to go or leave Rusizi and Rubavu districts, as per the government directives. Only cargo vehicles are permitted use commute to or through these districts and borders.

    Meanwhile, 12 other people were arrested on Saturday for violating the curfew, with some of them found driving while drunk. Others were operating bars and those found drinking in these bars.

    Vedaste Uwabarengeye, who had travelled to Kigali from Rusizi, said that in the week hours of June 13, he secretly walked to Nyamasheke from Rusizi, where he boarded a vehicle to Kigali.

    “I was called by a friend, who told me that there was a job in Musanze District. I managed to get to Nyamasheke unnoticed, but I was arrested on arrival to Kigali before boarding another vehicle to Musanze,” Uwabarengeye said.

    Ezra Niyonkuru, who had also travelled from Rusizi, was a taxi-moto operator in Kigali, who was in Rusizi when the country was put under lockdown in March.

    In the morning of June 13, Niyonkuru was helped by a cargo truck driver, who transported him and his motorcycle to Huye District.

    It’s in Huye that Niyonkuru rode his motorcycle to Kigali, where he was identified and arrested on arrival.

    RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that those who had travelled from Rusizi and Uganda have been isolated.

    He warned against undermining the directives and derailing national efforts against the pandemic.

    “No one is immune to COVID-19, be where you are supposed to be and in the right time. For those in Rusizi and Rubavu, they are required to remain in their respective homes and communities until the government directs otherwise,” CP Kabera said.

    He advised Rwandans living out of the country to go through the legal border points so as to go through the medical process for Coronavirus instead of being arrested for illegal cross-border as well as putting their lives and those of others at risk.

    The spokesperson also sternly warned those who operate bars in this period or those who go there to drink as well as shops which have been turned into bars.

    Bars are still closed in this period of the pandemic.

    He further urged the public to respect the curfew adding that 9 pm is the time to be at home but not going home.

    Police in City of Kigali have arrested 17 people for violating government directives meant to prevent the spread of novel Coronavirus

  • Drug dealer arrested in Ngororero

    Vedaste Hakizimana, 38, was using his shop as cover to sell cannabis to consumers.

    He was arrested on Thursday after 98 pellets of cannabis were recovered from his shop located in Rusumo Cell of Gatumba Sector.

    Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that Hakizimana had used his shop as address for cannabis abusers.

    “Residents reported Hakizimana to local leaders that he sells cannabis in his shop; local authorities in turn called the Police,” CIP Karekezi said.

    “We later conducted an operation recovered the pellets in his shop, which were concealed in other goods,” he added.

    “It is said that Hakizimana was a retailer of cannabis in Gatumba Sector and is connected to a ring of drug traffickers; some of them have been arrested and others still at large.”

    CIP Karekezi said that there is a ring of cannabis traffickers and retailers, some of whose particulars have been discovered through information sharing with the public, including Hakizimana.

    He warned that operations are continuous for any drug dealer to “face the wrath of the law.”

    “The law is very clear and the punishment for engaging in drug related crimes is severe. We appeal to the public to maintain the spirit of information sharing so as to prevent such people from poisoning Rwandans and the young people in particular, who are the majority of victims,” CIP Karekezi warned.

    Anyone convicted of trafficking and selling narcotic drugs faces a sentence of between 20 years and life in prison, and a fine of up to Rwf30 million, as stipulated under article 263 of the penal code.

  • 28 complete Police Senior Command at National Police College

    The graduation of the eighth intake was presided over by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Johnston Busingye. The event was also graced by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza, UR Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Philip Cotton and the Deputy IGP in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda, among other officials.

    The course attracted participants Botswana, Central African Republic, Kenya, Ethiopia, Namibia, Somalia, South Sudan, Zimbabwe and Rwanda, the host.
    It was held in line with the national guidelines on fighting the spread of novel Coronavirus.

    The one-year PSCSC combines both academic and professional aspects; a Master’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation, and a level 7 certificate in Strategic Leadership and Management. It is conducted in partnership with the University of Rwanda through its Center for Conflict Management and the UK Bramshill College of Policing.

    Minister Busingye said that the Police Senior Command is an important milestone in their career path, and hailed their remarkable efforts and positive attitude demonstrated during the course period, despite the challenges posed the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “The history of Rwanda and the journey that the people of Rwanda traveled before, during and after the tragic genocide committed against the Tutsi in 1994 taught us more than any other country that peace, security, justice, good governance and development are indissolubly interlinked,” Minister Busingye said.

    “It, therefore, flows from this undeniable reality that only trained, professional, human rights abiding and disciplined law enforcement agencies, with strategic command dimension, and a full understanding of national, regional and global peace and security dynamic are inevitable to the sustainability of this nexus,” he added.

    He noted that threats come from unexpected sources and directions, which requires effective response to the challenges of the contemporary policing environment associated with globalization, use of sophisticated technology in the commission of crime, transnational organized crime and others.

    Effective response to these security challenges, Minister Busingye said, requires regional, international and judicial cooperation, experience sharing as well as the harmonization of training and other programmes tailored to identified law enforcement challenges.

    He emphasized that cooperation is key in addressing transnational and globalized crimes most of which are technology-based, which the PSCSC reflects.

    While pledging the Government’s continued support to your work of policing and training in particular, the Minister urged the graduands to use the acquired knowledge and skills to make a difference in their respective countries as their respond to security challenges of today and tomorrow.

    “The endorsements and symbols for Senior Commanders you have received should not be mere accolades to wear but rather a fresh rejuvenated start to big tasks ahead.”

    The UR Vice-Chancellor Prof. Philip Cotton urged the graduands to prepare for new challenges ahead and be open to learning every day as key to success in their career.

    “Hard work, humility and passion for the people you serve will carry you through the next phases in your life,” Prof. Cotton said.

    The Commandant of NPC, Commissioner of Police (CP) Christophe Bizimungu said that the course is designed to equip participants with quality skills in strategic leadership, professional policing as well as a critical understanding of peace and conflict.

    “It enables participants to perform command and staff functions at strategic level and enhances their ability to manage wider aspects of security,” said CP Bizimungu.

    He said that the College delivered to the core of the course despite the challenges caused by COVID-19, and thanked the exemplary discipline of the participants, who were compelled to adopt to the new safety restrictions including staying within the boundaries of the College throughout the rest of the course.

    Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Johnston Busingye hands over an award to the best performer.
    Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza at the graduation ceremony in Musanze.
    The UR Vice-Chancellor Prof. Philip Cotton speaks during the graduation ceremony.
    Graduands during the graduation ceremony.

  • Rwanda donates medical kits to UNMISS

    This is part of the earlier pledged test kits and personal protective equipment to the mission to increase its capacity to test and treatment to staff as the world continues to battle the Coronavirus disease.

    The donation comes particularly in support of international peacekeeping efforts to contain the spread of the virus and in light of the lack of enough testing kits in some countries.

    Brig. Gen. Eugene Nkubito, UNMISS Sector Commander in Juba, handed over the kits on behalf of Rwanda.

    Brig. Gen. Nkubito explained that the remaining lot of the equipment will be availed soon to UNMISS during force rotation exercises slated for next month.

    Brig. Gen. Nkubito said that the Coronavirus is a “common enemy to mankind’, and cooperation is the way to defeat the pandemic.

    Joan Segui Barber, UNMISS head of the Laboratory section thanked Rwanda for the support adding that it will significantly boost the mission capacity against Covid-19.

    “We have always sought for testing kits from the World Health Organization office in South Sudan whenever we want to make tests, these kits are definitely augmented to our speed in testing staff,” Barber said.

    The South Sudan government has taken several measures such as imposing a partial curfew, suspending schools and universities, and shuttering non-essential businesses, to curb the spread of the novel Coronavirus.

    Early this week, Rwanda also started testing and sampling for novel Coronavirus targeting its Police, military and prison warden peacekeepers deployed in South Sudan.