IGIHE

Author: IGIHE

  • Three suspected thieves arrested

    The suspects identified as Ismael Niyiduha, 32, Emmanuel Ahishakiye, 20 and Emmanuel Nizeyimana were arrested on Thursday following information on the alleged theft.

    Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said that police officers received credible information on theft, suspected thieves and where the materials were hidden.

    “The person in charge of the construction site reported that there are some missing materials. He reported that the stolen materials were taken to a welding workshop belonging to Niyiduha,” said CIP Twizeyimana.

    He added: “Indeed, assorted construction materials were recovered from the workshop and the Niyiduha arrested. Police later arrested Ahishakiye, who transported those stolen materials and Nizeyimana, the guard of that site, who sold them.”

    “Law enforcement organs, local leaders and residents are working together to break the whole chain and to recover other materials still missing.”

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

  • Iddil-El Fitri due Sunday

    A statement signed by the Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Salim Hitimana, informs Muslims that the prayer of the Feast of Iddil-El Fitri will be aired on Rwandan Television from 7 a.m.

    This means that prayers will be held at home as the country continues to observe COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

  • Six caught in illegal fishing

    The operation was conducted by the Police and local leaders to fight the increasing cases of illegal fishing and use of destructive fishing gears.

    Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for Eastern Region, said all the suspects were fishing illegally at night in Lake Karaba and were using destructive fishing nets called Kaningini, which catch and kill even the young fishes.

    “We have arrested the six people, who were doing illegal and dangerous fishing practices that affect fish growth and lead to fish depletion, especially when using such fishing gears that net and kill even the juvenile fish,” he said.

    He advised people involved in these unlawful activities to refrain and warned of that operations are continuous.

    “These operations are continuous and aim at arresting anyone that breaches laws and regulations governing fishing in Rwanda. Those who violate the law will face the wrath of the law,” CIP Twizeyimana warned.

    CIP Twizeyimana further urged fishing cooperatives and communities living along the lake to report anyone they suspect to be involved in illegal or criminal activities in the waters.

    “Conduct your fishing business in a legal and responsive way; report those who break the law including smugglers and drug traffickers,” he urged.

    The law N°58/2008 of 10/09/2008 determining the organization and management of aquaculture and fishing in Rwanda provides that the right to fishing in public waters is only granted by a competent authority, which issues fishing licence.

    Any person, who engages in fishing activities without authorisation shall be liable to a fine ranging from Rwf50, 000 to Rwf200, 000 and an imprisonment of 3 to 6 months or one of them and dispossession of the equipment used.

    Article 11 outlaws use of “poisonous substances aimed at stunning, weakening or killing fish; applying explosives; using electromagnetic procedures or electrocution; flashing water with an aim of capturing fish; fishing where water organisms are reproduced.”

  • Bizimana, one of the major Genocide fugitives confirmed dead in Congo

    As the Minister of Defence in the Interim Government during the genocide, Bizimana was indicted by the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in 1998. He was charged with thirteen counts of genocide, complicity in genocide, extermination, murder, rape, torture, other inhumane acts, persecution, cruel treatment and outrages upon personal dignity, all in relation to crimes committed during the 1994 genocide.

    Among the crimes charged, Bizimana was alleged to be responsible for the murders of former Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana and ten Belgian United Nations peacekeepers, and for the murder of Tutsi civilians throughout Gisenyi, Ruhengeri, Butare, Kibuye and Cyangugu prefectures.

    This confirmation of death is the result of an exhaustive investigation by the Office of the Prosecutor combining advanced technology with extensive field operations, and involved exceptional cooperation with partner authorities in Rwanda, the Republic of the Congo, the Netherlands and the United States.

    Late last year, the Office conducted DNA analysis on previously-obtained samples of human remains from a grave site in Pointe Noire, the Republic of the Congo. Subsequent investigations and comparative DNA analysis by the Office over the last several months ruled out that the remains were those of any other person.

    The Office further verified additional evidence concerning the circumstances of Bizimana’s death. Accordingly, the Office confirms today that Augustin Bizimana is deceased. It is believed that he died in August 2000 in Pointe Noire.

    The Office expresses its particular appreciation to the Netherlands Forensic Institute and the United States Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory for their critical technical support and assistance in this matter.

    With the arrest of Félicien Kabuga last Saturday and today’s confirmation, the Office of the Prosecutor has now accounted for two of the three major fugitives indicted by the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).

    The remaining major fugitive is Protais Mpiranya, former commander of the Presidential Guard of the Rwandan Armed Forces, and the Office continues to actively pursue him. The Office is also actively pursuing the five other fugitives indicted by the ICTR, Fulgence Kayishema, Phénéas Munyarugarama, Aloys Ndimbati, Ryandikayo and Charles Sikubwabo.

    The Office of the Prosecutor calls on all UN Member States to intensify cooperation in order to bring the remaining fugitives to justice.

  • How Covid-19 is impacting youth employment in Rwanda

    In Rwanda, like in many other economies, this pandemic has impacted largely the employment opportunities and careers among youth. This is largely due to the fact that the majority of young professionals find opportunities in SMEs, which, at the moment have been hit hard by the pandemic.

    {{How will the covid-19 pandemic affect youth employment?}}

    Well, the economic shock of the pandemic will be felt by everyone, but it will be especially harsh for the youth. For instance, in Rwanda most of the youth population is low skilled, and likely to struggle in any economic downturn. Plus, many of the SMEs where these young people find jobs are at a high risk of collapse, if effective measures to respond to covid-19 are not implemented. Moreover, Rwanda was already facing a youth employment crisis and the effects of covid-19 pandemic are an unwanted addition to this rapidly growing challenge.

    Additionally, Coronavirus will reduce individual consumption, and neither Rwanda SMEs nor the government entities have the market infrastructure ( such as internet connectivity) to help mitigate this shock. This decline in individual consumption will drive the unemployment rate even higher. In fact, the sectors that are most at risk of the pandemic disruptions in Rwanda are: wholesale and retail trade due to border closure, manufacturing administration services, and hospitality ( including tourism), all of which are key sources of youth employment. The decline of consumption in such industries will undoubtedly result in increasing youth unemployment.

    Another key aspect to youth unemployment is lack of skills. The skills gap that currently exists among youth is likely to widen due to training programs shutting down following Covid-19 breakout and the fact that many businesses are minimising costs by firing or canceling any internship programs. As a result, youth unemployment will continue to rise due to lack of on demand skills.

    Responding to youth employment after the covid-19 pandemic:

    While the current outlook may seem worrisome, there are a number of opportunities for us to respond to the crisis. Here are some ways we can innovate upon existing tools and infrastructures to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on youth.

    First, we should be supporting the resilience of SMEs, the largest employment base of young people in Rwanda. These businesses will be looking to bounce back quickly after the pandemic, so benefits like funds to create more internships opportunities and training might help stimulate quicker recovery. However, quick incentives from the governments are not sustainable for job creation, thus, this calls for the private sector to join forces together with the government. These current interventions should also somehow improve creation of jobs in the long run.

    A great example would be the Alibaba Global E-commerce Talent Challenge 2020 that the government of Rwanda together with Alibaba a chinese e-commerce company and African Leadership University established which seeks innovative digital solutions to support people, businesses and other institutions during the covid-19 pandemic. Such initiatives will not only help with the Covid-19 relief but will also result in creation of more jobs in the long run.

    Finally, to combat the impact of Covid-19 both in a short run while ensuring sustainability in the long run, we need to recognise the importance of skills development and the need that currently exist. Many young people need to be prepared for the market when things start to pick up. In the short run, however, it is urgent that there are systems in place that allow youths to continue to gain hands on experience and to learn the skills they need to succeed in a workplace.

    Ventures such as Talent Match that are working tirelessly to best equip youth with practical skills through their training and mentorship program should be supported especially during this time when such platforms are critical to ensuring that we build an agile workforce.

    In an effort to combat the negative effects and the disruption caused by coronavirus, Talent Match is working on a number of initiatives to help youths stay at work while supporting SMEs to stay afloat through talent sourcing and skills training. Reach out to them if you need talent support or would like to partner, there is no better time for their services than now.

    Youth unemployment in the covid-19 world is no doubt a huge challenge, and it will require strong and determined players across the development sector to innovate and adjust our current support systems. But, if we act quickly and do it in the right way, we can support an employment-rich recovery, improve economic resilience and reduce the impact of the pandemic and its economic fallout on the youth.

    Youth unemployment in the covid-19 world is no doubt a huge challenge, and it will require strong and determined players across the development sector to innovate
    How will the covid-19 pandemic affect youth employment?

  • National budget to increase spending by 7.5%

    The development was revealed by Finance and Economic Planning minister Uzziel Ndagijimana while presenting the Budget Framework Paper to Parliament on Thursday, May 21. He also said that the plan prioritizes activities that will accelerate the economy, including agriculture, private sector development and youth employment, transport, and energy.

    Ndagijimana told Members of Parliament that the budget for the fiscal year 2020/21 will reflect medium-term fiscal path which allows for increased spending to reach National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) goals while maintaining public debt at sustainable levels.

    “The proposed total resources estimated for fiscal year 2020/21 amount to Rwf 3,245.7 billion. This amount is made up of Rwf 1,605.7 billion of domestic tax and non-tax revenue, external grants of Rwf 492.5 billion and external loans of Rwf 783.4 billion,”

    “Total tax revenue collections are projected to reduce to Rwf 1,421.4 billion in 2020/21 which is Rwf 147.6 billion short of Rwf 1,569.0 billion projected in the 2019-20 revised budget. The decline in tax revenue collection is a result of the economic effects of COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Ndagijimana said.

    At least 57.2 per cent of the total budget will go towards job creation and entrepreneurship promotion, Made in Rwanda promotion, as well as development of border facilities, and industrial parks.

    Ndagijimana told parliamentarians that export promotion, increasing electricity access, accelerating transport projects, and increasing agricultural productivity, are among the priority areas.

    According to the framework, Government is expected to spend Frw3,245.7 billion in 2020-2021 fiscal year, which is Rwf228.7 billion higher than the revised budget estimates of Rwf3,017.1 billion.

    Of this, Rwf1.8 trillion has been set aside for all economic transformation activities for July 2020 – July 2021 financial year.

    “In line with the plan to address the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and the well-being of the people, the budget for 2020-1021 will focus on implementing the government’s economic recovery plan,” Ndagijimana said.

    The budget will also facilitate small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) to access finance, and the Government expects to provide startup capital to agribusiness.

    The Rwanda Development Bank (BRD) will continue to be recapitalized to enable it to play an increased role in the expansion of the private sector to accelerate growth, according to the framework paper.

    Some Rwf 7.2 billion will be invested in BRD next year, while the national carrier RwandAir whose operations have been adversely affected by the pandemic will be financed at Rwf145.1 billion.

    The Minister told parliamentarians while presenting the draft budget that the Government will particularly prioritise healthcare and agriculture, among other things.

    “We shall place more focus on building a sustainable health system through establishing hospital infrastructure, availing medical equipment, and providing training to healthcare workers,” he said.

    At least Rwf 248.87 billion has been allocated towards the health sector.
    Similarly, cash crops production for export will be strengthened through increased production of coffee and tea, as well as expropriation for new investments in tea production while post-harvest losses will be reduced through establishing new drying shelters and storage facilities.

    Agriculture production could be affected by bad weather conditions, despite efforts put in place to be more climate resilient, according to the Finance Minister.
    The agriculture sector, which will receive some Rwf 92.2 billion in the new draft budget, currently represents 24 percent of our Rwanda’s gross domestic product (GDP).

    The development was revealed by Finance and Economic Planning minister Uzziel Ndagijimana while presenting the Budget Framework Paper to Parliament
    The Minister told parliamentarians while presenting the draft budget that the Government will particularly prioritise healthcare and agriculture,

  • OXFAM changes global operations

    Oxfam has been operating in Rwanda since the 1980s working alongside millions of Rwandans to eradicate poverty and address the injustices of inequality while supporting the most vulnerable and marginalized to improve their lives and remain resilient to external shocks.

    The statement issued by OXFAM reads in part:

    We are glad to see that Rwanda has been engaged on the right path of economic
    growth and shared prosperity for all Rwandans.

    Oxfam as an organization began its ten-year strategic review in late 2018, determined to build a more diverse global footprint better suited to a rapidly changing world. The changes are meant to enable Oxfam to be more effective in working with partners and communities to tackle global poverty and inequality and help people to survive humanitarian crises.

    Oxfam will be shifting more decision-making power to the global south and re-orientating its teams to work in ways and on issues that are more tailored to their specific local contexts.

    Oxfam currently operates in 66 countries and 20 affiliates. It will retain its physical presence in 48 countries, six of which it will explore as new independent affiliate members.

    It plans to increase resources to some of these programs and refocus how each works, according to the different specific needs of local people. It will phase out 18 of its country offices. The changes in total will affect around 1450 out of nearly 5000 program staff and 700 out of nearly 1900 partner organizations. Oxfam will honor its existing commitments to its partners and donors.

    “For the past years, Oxfam globally, and in Rwanda, has continually invested in building strong partnerships and transferring knowledge and expertise to local partners in Gender Justice, Sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers, participatory governance and humanitarian response and preparedness, peace and stability as well as in influencing and advocacy for the poorest, as a mean of cementing ownership and accountability of its work on the ground. We will build on those efforts as we plan for a responsible phase out process to ensure that the organization’s legacy remains a part of the country’s capacity to continue the fight against poverty and inequality”, said Alice Anukur, Country Director of Oxfam in Rwanda.

    Oxfam International Interim Executive Director Chema Vera said: “Looking strategically at where and how we operate is the essential first step in ensuring that Oxfam can continue to make the best possible contribution to fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice, and to influence for change as effectively as possible. We’ve been planning this for some time but we are now accelerating key decisions in light of the effects of the global pandemic.”

    “In some countries, Oxfam will have a deeper footprint as we focus our program resources and strengthen our local partnerships to maximize impact. In others we will focus more strongly on our humanitarian or influencing goals.”

    “Inevitably, we have had to make some very difficult choices about where we will no longer have a physical presence. This reorganization will take time to complete. We feel a deep sense of responsibility to the countries where offices will be closed, and we will do everything we can to ensure the people we work with will be able to look to the future with confidence. This includes continuing work with partners and allies in countries where there will be no Oxfam office, to support social movements and influence governments and private sector for positive change.” Vera continued.

    “Like many charities, organizations and business, Oxfam’s finances have been seriously impacted by the coronavirus crisis. Continuing uncertainty including about the spread of the virus and how quickly countries will come out of lockdown make that difficult to accurately quantify at this stage. Many Oxfam affiliates have been hit by shop closures and cancelled fund-raising events. Many are already saving costs in the immediate term, including by freezing staff hires, furloughs, travel budget cuts and voluntary salary cuts particularly by senior staff. Some are beginning to restructure their operations what will contribute to greater efficiency across the Confederation.

    “The coronavirus has made Oxfam’s work helping the world’s most vulnerable people more vital than ever while, at the same time, it is impacting on our capacity to deliver. We are enormously grateful to our donors and supporters whose continuing generosity is helping us rise to this unprecedented challenge. I would like to place on record my deepest thanks to our staff and the brilliant work they have achieved in helping the people and communities we work with improve their lives. The organizational changes we have announced today, combined with further phases of transformation in the months ahead, will be the foundation for our future over the coming decade as the longerterm effects of this devastating pandemic become clearer,” Vera said.

    “The tough decisions we announce today will allow us to continue making a positive impact on the lives of people living in poverty in ways we believe will be even more relevant and focused than before. It is the blueprint too of how we will usher in changes to the rest of our network to support it, ensuring that the global Oxfam confederation is on a stable financial footing” he said.

    Oxfam’s Executive Board will now begin reshaping the confederation’s affiliate network over the next two months in order to secure long-term benefits and financial stability. It will improve how its affiliate members share services together to support its new global presence, rationalize exactly where this happens, reduce administrative costs further and restructure its international secretariat.

    Oxfam has announced that it is bringing forward a reorganization of its global operations as it implements its new strategic framework

  • Drug trafficker intercepted with 70kgs of cannabis

    Paulin Tuyisenge, 20, was arrested in Kinyandaro village, Gasiza cell in Busasamana Sector with the narcotics.

    Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that the police received information from a resident, who suspected Tuyisenge to be involved in drug related crimes.

    “We received information from his neighbours that Tuyisenge, whom they suspected to be a major drug dealer in the area, had brought a new and suspicious consignment,” said CIP Karekezi.

    He added: “In partnership with local leaders and the residents, police conducted a target operation in the area and found Tuyisenge with 70kgs of cannabis concealed in a sack; he was immediately taken into custody.”

    According to the spokesperson, the suspect had trafficked the narcotics from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and was arrested before supplying his clients.

    CIP Karekezi thanked those who provided information, which helped to break the supply and arrested the trafficker.

    “Public ownership to report drug dealers and other wrongdoers is key to sustainable security in our community and we call for continued information sharing on anyone they suspect to be trafficking, making or selling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.”

    Article 263 of Rwanda penal code stipulates that any person who, unlawfully, produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances commits an offense, with a sentence upon conviction, ranging between 20 years and life in prison, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million.

    A suspected drug dealer was intercepted Tuesday by the Police in Rubavu District with 70kgs of cannabis.

    Paulin Tuyisenge, 20, was arrested in Kinyandaro village, Gasiza cell in Busasamana Sector with the narcotics.

    Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that the police received information from a resident, who suspected Tuyisenge to be involved in drug related crimes.

    “We received information from his neighbours that Tuyisenge, whom they suspected to be a major drug dealer in the area, had brought a new and suspicious consignment,” said CIP Karekezi.

    He added: “In partnership with local leaders and the residents, police conducted a target operation in the area and found Tuyisenge with 70kgs of cannabis concealed in a sack; he was immediately taken into custody.”

    According to the spokesperson, the suspect had trafficked the narcotics from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and was arrested before supplying his clients.

    CIP Karekezi thanked those who provided information, which helped to break the supply and arrested the trafficker.

    “Public ownership to report drug dealers and other wrongdoers is key to sustainable security in our community and we call for continued information sharing on anyone they suspect to be trafficking, making or selling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.”

    Article 263 of Rwanda penal code stipulates that any person who, unlawfully, produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances commits an offense, with a sentence upon conviction, ranging between 20 years and life in prison, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million.

  • Ambassador Jacqueline Mukangira presents credentials as Rwanda High Commissioner to India

    The current extraordinary situation arising from COVID-19 pandemic led the Government of India to organize this Credential ceremony through video conferencing.

    Envoys gathered at the Ministry of External Affairs where a short ceremony for each of them took place.

    In the bilateral virtual talk with the President, Rwanda’s envoy appreciated the existing bilateral relation which is at Strategic level Partnership and expressed her commitment to bring it even to greater heights.

    The President of India also commended the existing bilateral relations between the two countries and assured India’s support to strengthen it further.

    Amb. Jacqueline MUKANGIRA was appointed High Commissioner to India by Rwanda’s Cabinet on 28 November 2019 and arrived in India on 4 March 2020. Mrs. Mukangira had previously served in various capacities, such as member of Parliament in the Chamber of Deputies (2004-2007), Ambassador of Rwanda to Sweden from 2007 to 2011, and prior to her current position was serving as Director General in charge of Parliamentary Affairs, Fundamental Principles and Research at the Rwandan Senate (Parliament, Upper House).

    Amb. Jacqueline Mukangira has presented her letter of credence to the H.E Ram Nath Kovind, President of the Republic of India
    Amb. Jacqueline MUKANGIRA was appointed High Commissioner to India by Rwanda’s Cabinet on 28 November 2019

  • Residents warned against deforestation

    The warning follows separate operations targeting people, who destroy Ibisi bya Huye, a gazetted forest.

    According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for Southern region, over 100 people have been arrested cutting trees in operations conducted in the last three weeks.

    “We have conducted separate operations against deforestation in this gazetted forest. In the last three weeks, we have arrested over 100 people, who fell more than 2000 trees,” said CIP Twajamahoro.

    In the latest operation conducted Monday, he said, they arrested one person identified as Emmanuel Nshimiyimana, 25, a resident of Maraba Sector, Kabuye Cell, Rukeri Village, who was found cutting trees.

    “The operations to arrest those suspects were due to information provided by residents of the area, who are supplementing the efforts to protect the forest.”
    Trees are mainly cut for timber, charcoal and construction.

    CIP Twajamahoro warned local residents against acts of deforestation, which lead to environmental degradation and negatively affects the community.

    “Such environmental crimes are a major drive to climatic change and loss of habitat, which pose a threat to species,” he said.

    “If people want to boost their business, they should do it in the most legal and appropriate way. Forests are protected for environmental reasons and anyone that encroaches on them will be arrested to face justice,” CIP Twajamahoro warned.

    Charcoal burning, illegal timber business and bush burning are some of the activities that endanger the environment in the area.

    Environmental experts say that the world’s forests, swamps, plains, lakes, and other habitats continue to disappear due to human activities including charcoal burning, agriculture, housing, roads, timber, and more.

    The law on environment, prohibits cutting trees in forests or protected areas like national parks or burning them especially in article 44.

    Article 59 of the same legal instrument, states that any person, who causes death, destroys protected plants, harvests or damages them, commits an offence.”

    Upon conviction, the offender is liable to an imprisonment term of not less than three years and not more than five years and a fine of between Rwf1 million and Rwf3 million.