Author: IGIHE

At least eight bales contained used shoes and six others of clothes.

The Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that earlier that evening, the District Police Unit of Nyamasheke received a phone call from an informer in Kamembe about two people, who had smuggled quantities of secondhand clothes and shoes into the country from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The caller was specific on the particulars of the suspected smugglers and the funeral vehicle which they had hired in an attempt to beat security,” CP Kabera said.

“We mounted a snap-check along Ntendezi- Gashyirabwoba road where a Mercedes Benz RAD 819J driven by Afrika Placide, 57, was stopped at about 10pm, recovered eight bales of shoes and six bales of clothes. The vehicle was impounded to Ruharambuga Police station while goods were handed over to the Revenue Protection Unit,” he added.

He said three suspects identified as Daniel Ntigurirwa, 29, the owner of shoes; Simon Kagesera, 41, owner of bales of clothes and their driver, Afrika Placide are also detained at Ruharambuga Police station.

How caguwa is smuggled

Ntigurirwa, one of the suspects, admitted that this was his third time he has smuggled secondhand clothes into the country. He was successful in his first two attempts.

“Normally, there are Congolese, who have ventured in this business of smuggling through Lake Kivu to an agreed destination in Rwanda,” Ntigurirwa narrated.

He added: “When you cross to DR Congo and buy your secondhand shoes and clothes, or even other goods, you reach out to them and you agreed on how much you will pay them after delivering the goods to a specific destination on the Rwandan side. The agreed destination has to be somewhere near the border or the lake. In my case, I paid them Rwf20000 to deliver them to my home in Kamembe.”

Ntigurirwa explained that earlier the day of their arrest, together with Kagesera, they met Africa (driver) at a bar in Kamembe town, Rusizi District.

“We told him the whole plan, he agreed. Since this was a funeral service vehicle we thought it would be a successful deal to smuggle the goods to Kigali without being stopped,” Ntigurirwa explained.

Ntigurirwa alone was to pay the driver Rwf30, 000 on arrival in Kigali.

CP Kabera thanked the role of the public in information sharing, which he said plays a central role in identifying and arresting especially smugglers and drug traffickers, adding that “operations against such unlawful activities are continuous.”

By law, a vehicle used in smuggling as well as the smuggled goods are auctioned, while the driver is handed a penalty of US$5000.

The agreements have been signed today after Tête a Tête bilateral talks as part of President Bio official visit to Rwanda following his attendance at celebration of the 25th anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation.

The agreements are related to political discourses, exempting visa for diplomatic and official passport holders.

On the side of Sierra Leone, agreements were signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis while Rwanda was represented by Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Before signing agreements, President Kagame thanked President Bio for honouring Rwanda with his presence at the 25th Liberation Day celebrations.

“Rwanda and Sierra Leone have much in common. We share a history of violent conflict, as well as the determination to work towards a brighter future for our people,” he said.

Kagame highlighted that his counterpart’s visit is important because it allows reinforcing already existing warm bilateral relations.

He reiterated that Rwanda wishes to build on the existing brotherly ties, and partnership in sharing experiences and best practices in key areas.

Rwanda and Sierra Leone are both committed members of the African Union.

Kagame said that together with other member states, both countries will continue to collaborate closely on the continent’s priority agenda.

“In particular, we look forward to ensuring the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which both Rwanda and Sierra Leone have ratified, following the upcoming launch at the African Union summit in Niger,” he stressed.

“We look forward to enhancing our partnership, in pursuit of our common goals. Looking forward to continued future interactions between the two of us, our government officials and the people of Sierra Leone and Rwanda which we will continue strengthening,” added Kagame.

President Maada Bio said that Rwanda is a country that has attained a lot of transformations that his country wants to learn from.

He lauded Rwanda’s governance which resurrected the country from a hopeless nation to a role model country in Africa of which deeds need to be emulated in Sierra Leone as a country shaken by Ebola outbreak in the past five years.

“We are here to learn from your experiences that led to current transformations. A lot has been done in health sector, governance, technology advancement and making Kigali one of world’s cleanest cities. These are practices we can learn from,” he said.

Julius Maada Bio chairing ‘Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP)’ won presidential elections with 51.8 % votes on 31st March 2018.

Dr. Harebamungu Mathias was the first Rwandan ambassador to Sierra Leone in 2017.

It is said that the suspect met the girl at Nyabugogo bus terminal from where he lured her to his home. The girl was asking for directions.

Sentwali has been arrested by patrol agents today morning.

The Executive Secretary of Nzove sector, Jean Claude has confirmed to IGIHE that the suspect is detained at Kanyinya police station.

“The man met a 14 year old girl at Nyabugogo bus terminal. He lured her with Rwf 2000. She followed the man who defiled her,” he said.

The girl alerted people on patrol who intervened and took the suspect to Kanyinya police station.

Article 146 of the penal code states that when a defiler is convicted, one is liable to life imprisonment. The penalty becomes life imprisonment if the victim is a child aged above ten years but less than fourteen years.

The penalty becomes a term of imprisonment of not less than fifteen years but not exceeding twenty years if the victim is a child aged fourteen but not exceeding sixteen years.

If the defilement is committed against a child above sixteen, the penalty becomes a term of imprisonment not less than ten years and less than fifteen years.

The Rwf 8 million public water tap was built by Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) in AVEGA Agahozo village accommodating 25 families of genocide orphans and widows of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The public water facility will also serve 37 families from Rambura village and ADEPR Nyagasambu church goers.

The Chief Executive of Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) Eng. Aime Muzora requested Rambura residents to improve hygiene as the facility aligns with Government’s plans to improve citizens’ wellbeing in different aspects.

“We want you to maintain your bodies and homes’ neatness. The infrastructure aligns with the Government’s initiatives to promote citizen’s welfare. Water is life. We want you to preserve these infrastructures,” he said.

Musindikazi Odette, one of villagers commended the efforts enhancing their wellbeing.

“We are pleased with infrastructures made available. We used to fetch water from a far distant area and I would find it difficult to get there every day because I live alone. With the public water facility brought to our doors, we shall fetch water closer, wash clothes easily and drink safe water,” she said.

Katabarwa Emmanuel, one of genocide orphans in the village said the new facility will see them abandoning the marshland water.

“Life is set to be transformed. We used to fetch untidy water from the marshland and walk long distance to get safe water to drink in Gahondohondo. We are overjoyed with the new infrastructure,” he asserted.

Following residents’ concerns that the new water facility is not adequate to eliminate long queue while fetching water, WASAC promised to build another public water tap soon on the land designated by Rwamagana district.

The mayor of Rwamagana district, Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi has requested Fumbwe residents to maintain infrastructure made available.

“We want you to take care of such infrastructure enabling improved welfare. We also thank WASAC for bringing the infrastructure in Nyagasambu in Rwamagana district,” he said.

The launch of the new public water facility coincided with the 25th anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation Day.

Fumbwe sector comprises of 6 338 residents on 44 square kilometers.

The newly constructed house handed to the survivor yesterday was also equipped with necessary equipment like beds, chairs and kitchen utensils among others.

Nyirabakiga appreciated the gesture of Prime Insurance Ltd saying the new house will enable to lead a decent life in her advanced age unlike the past where it would rain on her in the former house.

The previous old house had been constructed by Oxfam Rwanda shortly after genocide.

Valerie Mukabahire, the president of Avega Agahozo reflected on the country’s rebuilding process after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and highlighted that many of the houses constructed for genocide survivors have turned old.

She said AVEGA has inadequate means despite the a large number of genocide survivors in need of decent houses and commended Prime Insurance Ltd support to Nyirabakiga.

The Head of Sales at Prime Insurance Ltd Emmanuel Nyirigira said the idea went into effect after discussions with the management that came up with the decision to support the beneficiary along the resilience process.

Nyirigira explained that the company feels responsible to supporting genocide survivors is part of their responsibilities as Rwandans.

“We are making business but we also have the responsibility as Rwandans. It is part of the company’s initiatives to support needy people,” he said. Prime Insurance also committed to provide Rwf 20,000 monthly support to Nyirabakiga for the period of one year effective from July 2019.

Prime Insurance was established in 1995 as Cogear Ltd, a licensed general and life insurance company authorized by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR). In December 2011, Cogear created Prime Life Assurance Ltd to comply with the regulator’s directive to separate its general and non-life insurance businesses, and also to expand its business to provide long-term (life) insurance policies. The regulator authorized Prime Life Assurance Ltd in May 2012. The company was rebranded into Prime Insurance Ltd and Prime Life Insurance Ltd respectively when Greenoaks Global Holdings acquired the company in 2014.

The concert is expected to be held at Kigali Serena Hotel on Sunday 7th July 2019 starting at 3pm.

Nkomezi, 23, will launch his first album comprised of nine songs produced within two years since he joined gospel music industry.

The artist who joined music industry in 2017 is a follower of Zion Temple Church of Apôtre Dr Paul Gitwaza where he was baptized in 2013.

He has so far produced various songs including ‘‘Ibasha gukora’’, ‘‘Humura ‘’, ‘‘Singitinya’’, ‘‘Sinzahwema known as Amamara’’, ‘‘Urarinzwe’’’, ‘‘Nzayivuga’’ among others.

Ngabire Vincent, one of organizers of the concert has told IGIHE that preparations are on good progress to thrill spectaculars.

“We are making final preparations. The concert hall is well arranged and invited choirs are ready. We want to make it a gratifying concert to all spectaculars,” he said.

‘Ibasha Gukora Live Concert’, Nkomezi will perform along with other artistes including Simon Kabera, Serge Iyamuremye, Bosco Nshuti among other crews including Alarm Ministries and Healing Worship Team.

The concert will; also be graced by evangelist Sebagabo Christophe from Calvary Ministries to share the word of God.

Nkomezi started music career in 2014 after completing secondary education and became popular in 2017 after launching “Sinzahwema” song.

The ticket for concert costs Rwf 3 000 in ordinary seat and Rwf 8000 for VIP seats. Those who will get tickets at the entrance will pay Rwf 5000, 1000 and 15000 for VVIP seats.

The President who came to Rwanda for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation was later received by RDB CEO, Clare Akamanzi to hold talks.

The Business Registration is 100% an online process and free of charge. For those in Rwanda, a registration support team is availed by the Office of the Registrar General to assist clients who meet difficulties during online registration.

Rwanda is ranked 29 among 190 economies in the ease of doing business from the 41st the previous year, according to the latest World Bank annual ratings

The progress was attributed to seven reforms facilitating business.

Among these reforms, Rwanda has made starting a business less costly by replacing electronic billing machines with free software for value added tax invoices.

Rwanda improved the monitoring and regulation of power outages by beginning to record data for the annual system average interruption duration index (SAIDI) and system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI).

Rwanda also made getting electricity more time and cost efficient by having the utility supply all connection material.

Among other reforms; Rwanda made registering property easier by improving the land dispute resolution mechanisms of the land administration system, strengthened access to credit by enacting a new insolvency law. An automatic stay is now imposed on secured creditors for a period of 6 months and the law provides for reliefs from such stay when the assets are perishable or are not needed for the reorganization of the company.

Rwanda reduced the time required to export and import by implementing the Single Customs Territory, risk-based inspections and online certificates, made enforcing contracts easier by issuing new rules of civil procedure which limit adjournments to unforeseen and exceptional circumstances.

The country also made resolving insolvency easier by making insolvency proceedings more accessible for creditors and granting them greater participation in the proceedings.

It is a privilege to mark this occasion in the company of so many friends of Rwanda from around the world. I thank you all, on behalf of our country, for your solidarity and friendship over many years.

It means a great deal to us. I most especially thank our brothers and sisters, the Heads of State and First Ladies, who have made the journey to be with us today.

For three long months in 1994, our country’s survival was in doubt. One of the worst tragedies unfolded. A segment of the population was being hunted and killed. More than a million people were murdered.

By July 4th, the forces of the Rwandan Patriotic Army had brought the killings to an end.

Twenty-five seasons of mourning have passed since then. And with time, it is important to recall that the Campaign against Genocide became more than a military operation in the conventional sense. It became a rescue mission.

For example, there was a battalion of our soldiers stationed at the Parliament building, which is not so far away from this stadium. They came under very heavy attack, and were completely cut off from the rest of our forces.

Yet those troops managed to secure this very stadium where we are, and the thousands of people sheltering here, while they were under very heavy attack. This was just one site, among many.

Around us today are some of the men and women who protected survivors and led them to safety. Our army, and those others who supported it, lived for our country, and others died. Those still alive continue to serve it with steadfast devotion. We thank you.

Many other liberation fighters are with us only in memory because they made the ultimate sacrifice.

Where did the humanity and heroism come from?

The answer is simple. We believed in our right to dignity as Rwandans. This conviction was the starting point of the liberation struggle. The aim was to build a Rwanda with equal rights for all. In other words, a republic in the real sense.

For decades and decades, Rwandans were treated as objects to be used and discarded by anyone, especially the powerful. It won’t be anymore. Both the suffering of the refugees, as well as the oppression and poverty of those who remained here, had a similar origin.

Had we ever truly been united at any point in our history? And yet our culture provides us with the tools for a successful society. Liberation was not about restoring the past, but creating something fundamentally new and better for all Rwandans.

This fight was necessary and indeed unavoidable. If there will ever be necessity for more fights, we will be there.

The vision of unity and justice attracted broad support because it resonates so strongly with the human spirit.

But the proof was in actions, not words. For the last twenty-five years, we have done our best to govern according to the liberation ideals that we fought for. The conduct of our forces is one example.

Another is the bravery of those within Rwanda who opposed divisive politics. Or the energy that our people give to transforming the nation every single day, as we have seen in the past twenty-five years.

As a result, the impossible has become manageable, and even natural. Achievements like restoring trust and peace, or working together, for example.

But we cannot take anything for granted. The force that stands before us, together with other actors in the struggle, have remained true to the cause. They are a representation of the spirit of this country. It is the responsibility of every Rwandan to extend the gains we have made.

Rwanda appreciates the profound link between our liberation journey and the wider African quest for self-determination. We all share the same aspirations to be free and to improve ourselves to the fullest extent.

Our continent cannot remain dependent on what happens elsewhere. Our mindset should be to rely, first of all, on ourselves and on each other.

It is worth repeating: Being Rwandan simply means being an African from a particular place. In that spirit, I salute the forces from the East African Community partners here with us today, who have been conducting medical outreach exercises.

Thank you. I hail the representatives from African political parties who are attending this ceremony. And I thank the military service chiefs who have come both from our region and beyond.

The logic of liberation is to turn bad things into good things. What Rwandans have achieved is undeniably real. But we must stay humble enough to know that our main challenge is sustainability.

We left the past behind us and embraced the future by coming together as a family. We must remain solid in defense of these values through each and every generation. We will not lose our way again.

I wish you all a very happy Liberation Day.

Buravan will depart from Rwanda on 12th July 2019 heading for Kinshasa where he will perform during the festival on 13th July 2019 at Halle de la Gombe in Kinshasa.

He will perform along with Ya Levis from DRC.

Buravan has told IGIHE that he was invited by Institut Français Kinshasa.

He explained that preparations are underway to entertain spectaculars with selected songs.

After the performance, Buravan will return to Rwanda on 16th July 2019.

The artiste performed last in DRC during Amani Festival held in Goma town on 16th February 2018 along Rwanda’s female artiste Butera Knowless.

Buravan is among the fastest rising local R&B star after winning Prix Découvertes RFI 2018 contest, an annual competition involving artistes from across Africa.

Mohamed Nasheed was the President of Maldives from 2008 until 2012.

They held discussions focused on how partnership and friendship between the two countries can be strengthened. They also agreed that both countries will exchange envoys to further advance trade and culture as well as learning from each other in different fields.

Mr. Mohamed Nasheed who is in the country as Rwanda celebrates its 25th anniversary of Liberation, has commended the achievements of the Republic of Rwanda in its development journey.

” As Rwanda celebrates its 25th anniversary of Liberation , the country should reflect on the long journey and take pride of great achievements,” he said.

Premier Ngirente reiterated the commitment of the Government of Rwanda to keep on cooperating with the Republic of Maldives in various sectors.

In this regard, the Premier focused on promotion of education programs, especially Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

Nasheed also confirmed that the Republic of Maldives will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that will take place in Rwanda in 2020.

Minister @rsezibera met with H.E. @MohamedNasheed, former President of #Maldives and incumbent Speaker of Parliament on the sidelines of #KigaliGlobalDialogue. pic.twitter.com/qmD4cHmB0N

— Rwanda Updates (@AkezaNana) July 3, 2019