Niringiyimana, who was arrested Monday, is among the prime suspects in the recent separate cases of theft in Huye and Nyanza districts.
In one theft case, Niringiyimana together with his accomplices still at large, allegedly stole two generators in Huye, Rwaniro Sector in Mwendo Cell before stealing Rwf50, 000 from an elderly woman in Nyanza.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Southern region Police spokesperson, said that Niringiyimana was arrested due to information provided by those who witnessed the theft.
“They stole the generators and money in the same night. Fortunate enough, a neighbour of one of the victims, managed to get their identities and shared the information with the Police,” CIP Twajamahoro said.
He added: “Niringiyimana has been handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau at Rusatira and law enforcement are still searching for his accomplices.”
CIP Twajamahoro thanked residents, who called the Police after witnessing the crime and called for continued partnership and real time information sharing on such wrongdoers.
Theft, under article 166 of the law determining offences and penalties, is punishable with an imprisonment of between one and two years, and a fine ranging between Rwf1 million and Rwf2 million; community service of up to six months or one of these penalties.
Some of these revisionists claim to be genocide survivors so that they can win favour and sympathy from the international community, including the host countries where they sought refuge after their 1994 atrocities. How ironic that genocide perpetrators have turned into genocide deniers and then claim to be genocide survivors.
These chronic sowers of hatred and merchants of death are scattered throughout the world in both developed and developing countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Canada, and even in countries such as Australia and New Zealand where genocide ideologists founded an outfit of Rwandan Association of Queensland to promote the lethal thinking.
Some of the individuals that are bent on promoting genocide ideology are profiled below.
{{Bene Gatebuke}}
Claude Gatebuke and his sister Alice, who live in Nashville, Tennessee, are descendants of Gatsinzi Gatebuke, a native of Gisenyi in the former Kayove Commune.
They both claim to be genocide survivors. But those who knew Gatsinzi Gatebuke testify that he hated Tutsis so much so that he could not sit at the table to eat with them.
Gatebuke runs the African Great Lakes Action Network (AGLAN), made up of himself, his sister, and Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein, who use it to raise money from those who do not know the truth about Rwandan history.
{{Denise Zaneza, Europe Coordinator of “Global Campaign for Rwandans’ Human Rights”}}
Claude Gatebuke works closely with Denise Zaneza, a prominent woman who denies the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She is the eldest daughter of [Marcel Sebatware->https://cnlg.gov.rw/index.php?id=87&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=3979&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=b5ae79ff1006adb91b4862c19a8e6f9b] from Mukingo commune in Ruhengeri, who lives in Belgium and is accused of[involvement in the Genocide.
->https://cnlg.gov.rw/index.php?id=87&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=3979&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=b5ae79ff1006adb91b4862c19a8e6f9b]
The National Commission for the Fight against Genocide [CNLG] indicates that Sebatware is in self-exile in Belgium, hiding behind political activities to obscure his role in the Genocide against the Tutsi. He is a commissioner and one of the founders, along with Victoire Ingabire, of the FDU-INKINGI party in Belgium.
Denise Zaneza claims to be a human rights activist and is the Europe coordinator for the denialist organisation called “Global Campaign on Rwandan Human Rights”, “and a genocide survivor.” It is all a disguise because she is not a Genocide survivor.
{{Jambo Asbl}}
Jambo Asbl, operating in Belgium, is an organization that claims to protect humanity, yet aims to deny and belittle the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Among its leaders is Placide Kayumba, founder and CEO of Jambo Asbl, the son of [Dominique Ntawukuriryayo->https://unictr.irmct.org/en/cases/ictr-05-82], who became Sous-Prefet of Gisagara during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In 2010 he was [sentenced by the ICTR to 25 years in prison->https://unictr.irmct.org/sites/unictr.org/files/case-documents/ictr-05-82/trial-judgements/en/100803.pdf]. He was convicted of leading a massacre on Mount Kabuye, killing more than 30,000 Tutsis.
There is also Natacha Abingeneye, the President of Jambo Asbl, the daughter of Juvénal Uwiringiyimana who became the Minister of Trade and was an MRND activist. In June 2005 he was summoned by the ICTR, where he died before his trial ended.
Another one is Gustave Mbonyumutwa, son of Shingiro Mbonyumutwa, who prosecuted by the Gacaca courts for his role in the Genocide against the Tutsi, and the grandson of Dominique Mbonyumutwa, one of the founders of MDR Parmehutu, who became the first President of Rwanda in 1961.
Also among the members of Jambo Asbl is Liliane Bahufite, daughter of Colonel [Juvenal Bahufite who led the massacre in Gisenyi in 1990-1993->https://www.nytimes.com/1995/07/18/world/mugunga-journal-a-refugee-camp-hums-with-the-spirit-of-home.html]. He was also a spokesperson for the militia that carried out the Genocide after they fled to Zaire.
Laure Nkundakozera Uwase, former Secretary-General of Jambo Asbl, and editor-in-chief of Jambo News in collaboration with Ruhumuza Mbonyumutwa, is the daughter of Anastase Nkundakozera, who was convicted by the Gacaca Courts of genocide against the Tutsi, and whose mother, Agnès Mukarugomwa, was a prominent MRND activist.
The current leader of Jambo Asbl, Robert Mugabowindekwe, is the son of Lt Col Éphrem Rwabalinda who served as Adviser to the Commander-in-Chief of Habyarimana’s Armed Forces. During the Genocide, Lt Col Rwabalinda was sent to Paris between 9-13 May 1994 to meet with French military leaders.
The message that he had brought when he was received by General Jean-Pierre Huchon included demands for weapons to confront the RPF Inkotanyi.
The Jambo team also includes Norman Ishimwe Sinamenye, the Secretary-General. His father, André Sinamenye, was born in Gikongoro, he was not involved in the Genocide but was against the government that organized it. From 1991 to 1994 he was a member of the PSD.
IGIHE has since learned that Norman Ishimwe’s father was unhappy with the path his son has taken, and even tried to get him out of the Jambo Asbl but wasn’t successful.
Unlike Robert Mugabowindekwe, Laure Uwase, Natacha Abingeneye, Placide Kayumba, Ruhumuza, and Gustave Mbonyumutwa and others, Norman Ishimwe, was not indoctrinated into genocide denial by his parents, but through his friend in Jambo Asbl.
Jambo Asbl uses many tactics to minimise and negate the Genocide against the Tutsi. Despite their recent pretence of using of UN-accepted language, they are quick to add to the “genocide against the Hutus.” They do not agree with the role of the Interim Government (that executed the Genocide), the MRND, the Hutu Power, and the FAR were involved in the genocide, but claim that the Interim Government wanted to restore peace.
{{René Mugenzi in the UK}}
René Mugenzi last year appeared on Al Jazeera television claiming to have survived the Genocide. However, his father, Joseph Mugenzi, is suspected of involvement in the Genocide, has fled justice, and is believed to be hiding in the Netherlands.
{{Peter Mutabaruka, of Peace at Home (Amahoro Iwacu)}}
Peter Mutabaruka lives in the UK with his father, Celestin Mutabaruka, one of the infamous “UK Five” fugitives who are suspected of involvement in the Genocide against the Tutsi. The 64-year-old Celestin Mutabaruka, a pastor in the Community Church, is accused of being involved in the massacre of Tutsis of Bisesero at Kibuye in 1994.
Despite his father’s actions, Peter Mutabaruka continues to accuse the Rwandan government of violating human rights, and in 2017 launched a campaign called Amahoro Iwacu, in which he called for the removal of the President of Rwanda. He uses social media sites extensively, particularly Facebook and YouTube.
{{Deniers in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada}}
Others continue to deny the Genocide and have already multiplied in Australia and New Zealand, where their activities have been highlighted during the #Remembrance26. They continue to use the “Genocide in Rwanda”, instead of the UN-mandated name, Genocide against Tutsis.
These include Nelson Muhirwa and his wife Yvette Muhirwa from Australia, who use social media sites such as YouTube, to allege that the RPF has committed crimes against Hutus. Others are RNC militants, including Robert Mukombozi and Kalisa Mubarak.
In countries such as Canada, there is Louise Uwacu, who also claims to have survived the Genocide. She spreads genocide denial working closely with Claude Gatebuke and other genocide deniers.
Louise Uwacu’s family fled from Ruhengeri to Zaire after the RPF defeated those carrying out the Genocide.
Other influencers include Eric Udahemuka, spreading falsehoods on YouTube and other hate speech broadcasters, especially through Ikondera Libre TV, which is widely used by genocide deniers.
One of the political analysts who spoke to IGIHE said that the new generation of Tutsi Genocide deniers is using social media to spread genocide ideology and minimise the Genocide. “Such acts have to be fought until they stop.”
The focus of the training was on teaching Drivers how to stay safe, maintain a safe distance while delivering, and how to practice proper hygiene at all times.
Therefore, we have implemented a cashless, no-contact delivery process to protect the health and safety of our Customers, Drivers, and Merchants. All our drivers wear masks and use sanitizers before handing over goods. We currently have a fleet of 50+ Motos for Delivery in Kigali, all of whom are equipped with ICFMs (Intelligent Connected Fare Meters).
Getting delivery boxes has been a big challenge but we hope that, in the coming months, our fleet will expand to 1000 Motos.
After completing our roll-out in Kigali, we plan to roll out the service to other cities in Rwanda. YEGO’s aim is to address a much larger demographic and to enable them to enjoy the online shopping experience.
We have already partnered with over 60 merchants including Restaurants, Groceries, Supermarkets and Pharmacies. We intend to support all SMEs and independent contractors offering different good and services. Although our mobile App and website are under development, financial inclusivity has always been a core value at YEGO.
Today, with a simple feature phone you can place and pay for your order; one doesn’t even need to be connected to the internet!
{{HOW IT WORKS:}}
Simply call a merchant, place your order and pay, and say “I want Yego to deliver my order”. The Merchant provides YEGO with your phone number. Our Agent calls you, confirms your delivery location, and your order is delivered in 60 minutes or less! “We have been testing our service for over a month and have seen that most orders are delivered within 35 minutes!
Moreover, since our drivers deliver only one order at a time (orders are not clubbed), this means your food order arrives warm and fresh. Our Drivers benefit as they get more rides and a chance to earn a fair living.”
{{3 Simple Steps for Merchants: }}
1. A Customer calls the Merchant, places an order, and pays via Mobile Money.
2. The Merchant sends the customer’s phone number to Yego’s WhatsApp.
3. A Yego Driver picks the order and delivers it to the Customer. Metered Charges: The Delivery charges are calculated automatically based on the distance from the Merchant to the Customer. Cashless Payments: Customers can pay with Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money, MTN Tap & Pay, or Yegomoto Ride-Tap-Pay NFC tags.
Since we insist on cashless payments and support a range of methods, you don’t have to worry about having exact change or risk contracting COVID-19 by handling cash. We wholeheartedly support Rwanda’s Vision to become a cashless economy.
While Rwanda has done a stellar job of limiting the spread of COVID-19, it seems that social distancing will be the “new normal”. We will change the way we eat, access goods & services, and even socialize.
YEGO aims to create a delivery ecosystem that benefits the community by safely delivering meals, groceries, medicines, etc., by our trained drivers.
Supporting the delivery ecosystem benefits local vendors and customers while also helping our Moto Drivers feed their families.
YEGO reiterates its commitment to the national economic strategy on augmenting cashless transactions, enhancing safety and security, driving financial inclusion, creating employment, and facilitating digital literacy to benefit all Rwandans.
The new government measures to contain and prevent the spread of Coronavirus, among others, prohibit movement across provinces and City of Kigali.
Barely a week after two vehicles were intercepted in Kanyinya, Nyarugenge District transporting people, who were sneaking out of Kigali to the Northern Province, another driver was arrested in the night of May 9, smuggling people in and out of Kigali.
Adrien Nshimiyimana, a special-hire driver, was intercepted in Shyorongi Sector, Rulindo District transporting three people to Kigali.
His taxi RAC 287G, was also impounded.
Following his arrest, Nshimiyimana, who admitted to the unlawful acts, narrated how they smuggle people from one region to another.
“I transported two people from Kigali to Shyorongi. In Shyorongi, I exchanged passengers with another taxi-driver, who had transported three people coming to Kigali from the Northern Province,” said Nshimiyimana
He was arrested on his way back, with the three passengers whom they were smuggling to Kigali.
RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera, observed that some drivers of special-hire vehicles have ventured in this unlawful transportation of people across City of Kigali and Provinces, and warned of “repercussions to anyone who will be caught in such risky violations.”
“Besides exchanging passengers, special-hire drivers also use remote roads to smuggle people from one region to another.
We have been able to know these tricks and means used by drivers to violate the government directives through information we receive from the public. This is the same way we got to know of Nshimiyimana’s actions before he was intercepted by traffic Police officers on his way back with two passengers on board,” said CP Kabera.
“These are unnecessary movements can spread Coronavirus from one region to another. We call for personal responsibility to report such people, who come to their communities from other regions, who can be the source of the pandemic in their area,” he emphasized.
Nshimiyimana and the two passengers are currently detained at Shyorongi Police station.
“The focus is not to penalize people but for each and every one to take safety first, abide by every bit of government directives and recommended healthy practices to prevent being infected with the virus or infecting others.”
Among other recommended safety practices against the pandemic include social distancing, wearing face masks, washing hands regularly and avoiding unnecessary movements
The suspects were arrested in Rugerero Sector in possession of 1000 pellets of cannabis.
They are currently being held at Rugerero Police Station pending further investigations by Rwanda Investigation Bureau.
The Western Region Police Spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Karekezi, who confirmed the arrest, identified the suspects as Eustache Kayinamura, 41, Jean Pierre Nkurunziza, 26 and Félicien Maniraguha, 28, who were caught red-handed.
“The three were arrested following credible information that they were trafficking and distributing cannabis in Rubavu,” CIP Karekezi said.
“We thank those who continue to give no room for drug traffickers, distributors and consumers. These criminal acts fuel other crimes like theft, rape, assault and even murder without forgetting poisoning people. We should all stand up, break silence on dealers who poison our societies.”
Fighting drugs abuse is one of the Rwanda National Police priorities and a number of initiatives have been laid to combat the vice through community policing where majority dealers and users have since been arrested.
Article 263 of the new penal code partly states that any person who, unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances commits an offence, with a sentence ranging from seven years to life in prison, upon conviction, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million.
The money was recovered early Saturday from the suspected thief identified as Hafashimana alias Jado, who was intercepted in Bugeshi Sector.
Hafashimana stole the money from one Dirigeant Hitayezu after breaking into his car and stole the bag, which contained the money and other personal belongings.
Hafashimana hails from Jenda village, Nyirakigugu Cell in Jenda Sector of Nyabihu District, where the money was stolen.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that at about 7 AM on Saturday, Police in Rubavu received information that there was a man, who had a big sum of money in the bag, and suspected him to have stolen it.
“Police officers were dispatched, they located and arrested the suspect–Hafashimana– at about 7:30 AM with the bag containing the money and other items,” CIP Karekezi said.
In the bag was also a smartphone, banking tools including cheques of different banks as well as a passport in the names of Dirigent Hitayezu.
“Hafashimana was responsive during interrogation; he said that he stole the money from a vehicle where it was parked as the owner (Dirigeant Hitayezu) was supplying goods to traders in Jenda. He confirmed that the money indeed belong to the same person whose particulars were found in the same bag.”
The victim, CIP Karekezi said, was located and informed of the recovery of his money and other items.
“Hitayezu was called and the money alongside other personal belongings were later that day handed back to him. The suspect was handed over to RIB at Bugeshi station,” said the spokesperson.
The victim, Hitayezu thanked the Police and residents, who facilitated the recovery of his money and other items.
He said that the money was less Rwf100, 000, which the suspect had already spent buying alcoholic drinks for friends, and other items.
“I didn’t know the person, who stole my money, I was so happy when I received a phone call from Police in Rubavu telling me that they have recovered my money and other important items like passport, banking tools, and phone,” said Hitayezu.
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.
The cabinet meeting resolutions of April 30 issued, starting on May 4, new guidelinesto be followed.
The guidelines specify that acceptable movements whether by public, private transport or pedestrian resume only within provinces and in City of Kigali. Crossing one province to another is not acceptable. People must wear a face-mask in public at all times; they have to practice social distancing in markets, shops, restaurants, hotels, buses, and while walking; Motorcycles and bicycles are not permitted to carry passengers.
Hotels and restaurants will operate up to 7 pm and follow all health regulations. All movements after 8 PM are prohibited unless one has an emergency. The curfew will last up to 5 AM.
Bars and churches are closed. Meetings in public places and mass gatherings are prohibited. Sports facilities shall remain closed but individual sporting activities in open space are permitted.
RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said that some people still engage in prohibited actions and urged them to desist from such “risky and dangerous behaviors.”
“There are individuals and peer groups that still violate these directives. People who go without their face masks or who violate the curfew; wearing face mask, washing your hands regularly, maintaining at least one-metre distance, avoiding unnecessary movements, conducting essential movement only within your region; all these were adopted to ensure your safety. Don’t be forced to ensure own safety; your safety should be your personal responsibility… it starts with you,” CP Kabera said.
So far, more than 1400 people were caught violating the curfew and 1500 others for not wearing their face-mask.
CP Kabera noted that the force is working with all relevant institutions to ensure that these measures are implemented and respected.
“We urge the public to comply with these safety instructions, which are meant to protect and save lives from this pandemic. Remember, protecting yourself and others is your responsibility,” CP Kabera said.
The spokesperson emphasized that in order to keep yourself and others safe, those who are not going to work or for essential services should remain at home, and to report those who travel from other regions to their homes and putting their lives at risk.
CP Kabera added: “Rwanda National Police appreciates the public for its continued support and cooperation during this period, as we collectively fight against COVID-19. We urge the public to call us on 112 or 0788311155 (also on WhatsApp) and give us information on people who violate these directives.”
The league had been halted last month due to the coronavirus pandemic. Early April, German club players have started training again. And as of now, Bundesliga is the first and only major football league to be back in action.
As Bundesliga strategic partner, digital TV operator StarTimes will broadcast all matches live and exclusive in Africa.
StarTimes Sport Director Shi Maochu said “It has been a tough period for football fans around the world. We are very happy to have StarTimes bring back live football in Africa, and even more as it is one of the best league in the world, Bundesliga. I can’t wait to watch these great clubs, Bayern, Dortmund, Schalke 04, and others play again.”
All matches will be broadcast on StarTimes’ 5 sports channels, live and HD, and on the streaming mobile application StarTimes ON, so top fans can watch games concurrently on several devices and don’t miss one minute of action.
With nine rounds left to play, the leader Bayern Munich are only four points ahead Borussia Dortmund, while RB Leipzig sit a point behind Lucien Favre’s side in third.
A series of strict protective measures will be implemented to avoid the spread of the virus and all games will be played behind closed doors.
Their actions are contrary to the government directives on preventing the spread of novel Coronavirus, which partly prohibits people from going beyond their residential provinces.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said the suspects were traveling in two separate buses when they were stopped in Kanyinya, Nyarugenge District.
“The suspects include the drivers of the two coasters. Some of their passengers had breached the government directives to get to Kigali from varied districts in the Eastern and Southern provinces, while others were from Kigali,” CP Kabera said.
All the suspects boarded the two buses from Nyabugogo bus terminal.
Marie Rose Mukantabana, one of the arrested passengers said that she was going to Musanze District.
“I had travel to Kigali from Bugesera trying to find a way to go to Musanze. I knew that what I was doing is illegal but I hoped that I would make it there without being detected or arrested,” said Mukantabana.
“The pandemic is real, I regret my unlawful actions because I exposed my life at risk of contracting COVID-19 and infecting others,” added Mukantabana.
Another passenger, Laurent Manirakiza said that he was going to Gakenke District for business purposes.
Most of those interviewed said that they were going to Gakenke and Musanze districts.
RNP spokesperson, CP Kabera observed that some people undermine the risks they put themselves and their families into, and putting lives of others at high risk of infecting them with the virus.
“They boarded the buses in Nyabugogo and lied to the Police at different checks, of where they were going. The pandemic is real and still a big problem in our midst,” said CP Kabera.
He warned against breaching the government measures put in place to contain and prevent the spread of the pandemic, adding that anyone caught will face detention, fines and impounding of their automobiles, among others.
In a memo addressed to students by the Chairman, Board of Promoters, Prof. Nshuti Manasseh, it was indicated that the rolling out of this program was to facilitate students from both undergraduate and post graduate programs to continue with their studies under unprecedented times.
“To avoid disruption in our academic calendar and by extension the time you ought to complete your degrees/diplomas, we decided to roll out the E-learning program so that you continue with your studies while at home. In this regard we request all students to adjust to this e-learning system and make the very best use of it to ensure continuity of our academic programs, and thus your graduation timelines,’’ the memo read in part.
Prof. Manasseh re-emphasized the University’s commitment to high quality education which remains the mission for the Institution.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics who is also currently acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Arthur Ahimbisibwe, urged students to get in touch with their respective Deans/HoDs for further guidance and questions related to this online learning system.
“Once the pandemic is over, students would go back to the normal physical learning environment. But in the meantime, I want to encourage all our students to attend this E- Learning system. We know the challenges involved and that’s why we have provided a 20% discount to facilitate you to join this online study,’’ said Prof. Ahimbisibwe, the coordinator and overall supervisor of the online line learning program.
The University Promoters will mobilize all the necessary resources to improve the academic infrastructure and course delivery that includes the introduction of full online degree programs that are currently on high demand not only in Rwanda but throughout the region. University of Kigali is one of the leading private higher institutions of learning in the country and it offers various Degree and Diploma Programs both at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
The University offers various courses that include: Information Technology, Accounting, Finance, Management and Economics, Marketing, Public Administration, Procurement, Law and Education (PGDE, Masters in Education and Bachelors in Early Child Education).
The courses are taught by well qualified and experienced lecturers from different parts of the world including but not limited to USA, Europe, Asia, Rwanda and other African countries.
To strengthen the professionalism of its graduates so that they can fit favorably on the labour market, the University introduced professional courses, mainly in the finance and accounting professions and the impact has been positive in addressing the country’s skills gaps. The courses offered include; CPA (K), CPA(R), ACCA, CIPS, CSIA, CAT, ATS and ATD among others.
