Confirmed guests include Belgium Prime Minister, Charles Michel; The General Governor of Canada, Julie Payette; Benin president, Patrice Talon; president Denis Sassou-Nguesso of Congo Brazzaville, Djibouti president , Ismaïl Omar Guelleh; Mali president , Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, the president of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou and the president of Tchad, Idriss Déby Itno.
Other guests expected in the commemoration include the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat and the president of European Union Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker; Morocco Prime Minister, the speaker of Swiss parliament, the advisor of Egypt president, France MP Hervé Berville, Nigeria vice president , Senegalese and Tanzania foreign affairs ministers, the representative of the UN General Secretary and the Minister of Defense in Madagascar.
Former heads of states including Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania and Tony Blair among others will also be present.
Nduhungirehe said that it is an opportunity to reinforce measures to seize and bring to court genocide fugitives though representatives’ countries don’t accommodate a large number of genocide perpetrators.
He said that Rwandans should uphold strategies to fight against genocide ideology especially among drawing an emphasis on the youth.
The move comes a few months after President Paul Kagame and the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged in September 2018 to open embassies in Rwanda and Israel so to boost diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
While at the Opening Ceremony which saw several High-delegates from both nations attending, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Richard Sezibera, observed that the move would heighten the already strong and good relations between the two countries.
“Our Partnership with the state of Israel is multifaceted. We are close in key sectors, such as the sector of Agriculture. Together, we have established a horticulture Centre of excellence, at Mulindi, which aims to promote our farmers. I look forward to the start of operations as soon as possible so as to maximize the benefits of this partnership that will change the lives of many Rwandan farmers,” says Dr. Sezibera.
“The cooperation between our two countries is very good. Now that both of our countries are represented through resident embassies, I am sure that we will be able to take this cooperation to new heights. Today’s official opening of the Israel Embassy in Kigali reflects a mutual understanding; that there is much more that can be done to the benefit of our respective countries,” Dr. Sezibera noted
On his part, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yuval Rotem, pledged that the new embassy would concentrate on fostering cooperation in areas of agriculture, tourism, and technology and innovation between the two countries.
“I can think of no other country which is as similar to us as Rwanda. We are both small countries, which suffered greatly. I believe it’s safe to say that we both have reasons for the ashes and horrors of our history. We are both countries which decided to put into use our greatest treasure- our people. We are both countries which believe that the future belongs to those who dare to dream; and we are willing to work hard to make those dreams come true. We are both countries that are ready to share our knowledge in progress with others believing that only through cooperation can we strive individually and as a family of nation,” said Yuval Rotem.
“Our Embassy in Rwanda will be placed for planting the seeds that will grow into a striving cooperation between our people; with respect to our current relations, so that they shoot to expanding for the benefit of both our nations and for the benefit of the whole Africa. We look forward to sharing our experience in innovation, technology and creativity with you,” he added.
The Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yuval Rotem, assured his country’s full support in sharing its experience in the areas of agriculture, tourism, innovation and creativity.
“It’s the first time in fifty years that Israel has a representative resident in Kigali. We took our time, but I promise you that we are going to make it up for lost time quickly and efficiently,” assured Rotem.
Among the different areas of cooperation that are expected to flourish from the cooperation is the aviation industry which will see RwandAir launching direct flights to Tel Aviv, and vice-versa. The move will boost tourism, trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.
Rwf80 million out of total contributions will be allocated to the construction of 12 km road with the support of the government; Rwf 48 million will be utilized to install lights in different areas of the cell while Rwf 6 million will buy an ambulance.
Theodore Dukuzimana, a resident of Kabuye cell who led the committee that mobilized the fund rising said the initiative was meant to partner with the government in development.
“Realizing that we have poor roads; we conceived the idea and decided to seek own solutions. We sat together as residents agreed on making contributions and asked the government to draw the road master plan for us,” he revealed.
Dukuzimana explained that the initiative will be sustained to keep the partnership with the government in development projects.
He said persistent theft in the area pushed residents to raise Rwf 48 million to install lights on 10km area which highly reduced theft cases.
Gasabo district vice mayor for economic affairs, Raymond Chretien Mberabahizi said other residents should take lessons from the initiative.
“It is a commendable act aligning with Rwanda’s plan of mobilizing citizens to become self-reliant. We value such initiatives from citizens and others should emulate,” he said.
Mberabahizi explained the master plan for the road will have been completed finished by May 2019 so that construction activities can begin the next fiscal year.
“The complete master plan will help to establish estimated total cost. We plan to support the initiative with Rwf 700 million at the beginning,” he revealed.
The campaign was held on Saturday as few days remain for students to go for holidays.
UmC trained students on human rights as well as reminding them negative impact caused by gender-based violence to community development.
The campaign was conducted at different schools in Huye district including Mutunda secondary school located in Mbazi sector and Groupe Scolaire des Parents, CEFOTEC.
Agnes Uwamaliya the representative of UmC during the talks encouraged students not to hide violence cases.
“You should report violence visited on children or spouses because violence deprives you of your rights,” she said.
Following the campaign, Students assured commitment to defend their rights.
“We have a task of playing an active role defending our rights by providing early information on violence cases,” said Lévi Ishimwe.
Students who came out with correct answers on questions concerning violence walked away with gifts including phones, bags, notebooks and pens.
During a talk show on new measures to prevent disasters on Radio Rwanda, Kamayirese explained that 16 of 35 victims died in mine accident, 15 died of lightening, two died of heavy rain, one died in storm waters while another died in an inferno.
Minister Kamayirese revealed that disasters killed 104 livestock and injured 96 persons.
Disasters also destroyed crops planted on 67000 ha, 30 power distribution poles and roads among other infrastructures.
She said that some disasters are caused by lack of compliance with policies.
“Some disasters are caused by people themselves. If people don’t respect the master plan concerning the use of land, it may result into unexpected disasters,” she explained.
“Citizens should be proactive. If windstorms often destroy roofs, engineers building infrastructures should raise strong buildings that can resist such winds,” added Kamayirese.
She warned citizens against hazardous acts like building in marshlands, applying inappropriate methods of agriculture among others.
The weatherman has predicted increased rain in April compared to March 2019.
Initial agreements between both parties were signed in December 2015 granted Symbion Power Lake Kivu Ltd , a subsidiary of Symbion Power LLC from USA.
The new agreements were signed yesterday during a quarterly meeting that brought together investors in mining, electricity and officials from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and line ministries.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Amb Claver Gatete said that 14 months after the signing of agreements electricity will be fed into the national grid.
“It is an important project because it will enable us increased access to electricity. As you know we currently generate 221 megawatts but expect to have added over 300 megawatts in the next five years,” he said.
“This will enable us to fast track the target of 556 megawatt by 2024 but we will go beyond,” added Gatete.
He explained that the investor will generate 56 megawatt in the initial phase and 50 more in the second phase.
The investor represented by Alan Stewart Laidlaw attributed his motive to invest in Rwanda to transparency in the country.
Symbion project joins another Contour Global on track to generate 100 megawatts under KivuWatt project extracting electricity from Methane Gas of which initial phase has started generating 26 megawatts.
RDB Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Hategeka said that the meeting brings together investors to explore existing opportunities and discuss challenges to seek a solution.
He explained that mining and electricity attracted investments worth USD $ 1 billion over the past three years equivalent to 20% of total investment registered by RDB within that period.
Lake Kivu is said to have 55 billion of Methane Gas and can generate 500 megawatts within 40 years.
The rate of citizens access to electricity in 1994 stood at 1% and 9% in 2010, rising to 51% at the end of February 2019. The country targets to connect all citizens in five years.
The event took place on Saturday, in Rugendabari Sector, where KBS staff joined residents for the Monthly Community Service, Umuganda.
Kigali Bus Services Ltd’s General Manager, Boniface Mutua, said that a citizen who has a Mutuelle de Santé card and a transport fare electronic card, can’t be ill or disabled at home, with no possibility to go at the hospital; which was they thought of the initiative.
“We give you these electronic payment cards for transport and Mutuelle de Santé subscription so that when you are sick, you can go for a medical visit and not stay bedridden,” Mutua said, addressing himself to the citizens.
Mutua added that as a public transport operator, Kigali Bus Services Ltd aims to bring change and growth in the lives of its customers.
Mutua also assured Mageragere residents of KBS’ support during activities of the 25th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis.
Speaking on behalf of the residents who received the Mutuelle de Sante cards, Jean Baptiste Sindikubwabo thanked KBS Ltd saying, “They came from afar and joined us for Umuganda and that is of great value. It shows that they are ready to help us in various government programmes.”
He further thanked the Bus Operator for providing Mutuelle de Santé subscription to the residents.
“When you have health insurance the livelihood of your family will be guaranteed. Thank you KBS ltd for helping us live better. When we get sick, we can now get treatment for little money. With KBS’s support, we will no longer get sick and stay bedridden at home. Our lives will be better, and we shall be able to work and help build our country”.
Speaking at the handover of the Mutuelle de Sante health insurance subscription and Tap & Go cards, the Executive secretary of Mageragere Sector, Ntirushwa Christophe, said that the donation will help the sector to have a high percentage of people subscribed to the community-based health insurance scheme, Mutuelle de Santé in Nyarugenge.
“We have an objective to be the first sector in Nyarugenge with the highest subscription to Mutuelle de Santé, and KBS’ support will propel us forward in that development. They also gave us Tap & Go cards, which will help residents in their means of transport,” Ntirushwa said.
He was joined by ministers for East African Community Affairs and other leaders from the community.
President Kagame hailed citizens for participation in the community work highlighting that the main purpose is working together for the development of the nation.
“When we work together, we achieve more and go beyond expectations. Wherever you will find people whether in East Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, South Sudan working for the development of their nation, join them,” he said.
“We want to concert efforts and work together as Rwandans in East Africa and elsewhere on this continent. We recognize the benefits of integration and working together. These are values we want,” added Kagame.
President Kagame encouraged citizens to keep working together to fast track desired progress.
The talks attracted people from different walks including Rwandans in Belgium and its neighborhoods. Among the panelists, were the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide (CNLG), Dr Jean Damascène Bizimana and Rwanda’s Ambassador to Belgium, Amandin Rugira.
Mitali was among participants in back seats and held discussions with others after attending talks.
He was reported by his political party in 2015, PL to have misappropriated Rwf 50 million.
At the time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested Mitali to fix issues with his political party but the suspect fled the country. Following his fleeing, Interpol issued an arrest warrant on account of allegations of misuse and misallocation of his political party’s funds.
Recently on 19th March, Rwanda’s Prosecutor, Jean Bosco Mutangana told IGIHE that the search for Mitali is underway to bring him to court.
“We issued arrest warrants for alleged misallocation of funds from the political party he belonged to. He absconded his job and is being hunted by Interpol. No one is aware of where he is since 2015,” he said.
The PL General Secretary, Odette Nyiramilimo has told IGIHE that they tried to recover the party’s finances through disposing off his property but efforts were futile because Mitali sold his possessions before he left.
He made the appeal as he officially opened the Retreat of the Council of Ministers & Heads of Institutions of EAC at Kigali Convention Center.
The retreat was meant to assess the achievements of the community of the past 20 years and discuss measures towards meeting its goals.
A similar retreat was held in 2009 when Rwanda was chairing EAC.
President Kagame highlighted that telling each other the truth and seeking solutions together for problems will enable the implementation of integration goals.
“We urgently need to get our house in order. Both in terms of ownership which include paying respective dues as well as enhancing transparency and accountability in the management of the institution. This is the only way to maintain integrity internally as well as credibility with our citizens and partner institutions. It will be very difficult to achieve even the more simple goals we have set if we don’t get this right,” he said.
He called for elimination of obstacles blocking the implementation of set projects.
“ We have to urgently unblock obstacles in going and non-going projects and to allow ourselves to finish the good work we have started together. Many of these require a little more than political will. Even small triumphs generate so much goodwill and increase trust of our people in the East Africa Community. So why deprive ourselves of success we need and that is within our reach?” he wondered.
