The motorcycle TVS registration number RC 661C had been reportedly stolen earlier that night after Bigirabagabo and another person still at large, broke into the house of one Emmanuel Ndayizeye, also located in Mugina, and stole it.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi, Police spokesperson for the Southern Province said that Bigirabagabo was intercepted by the night patrol.
“Bigirabagabo and another person vandalized the door and stole the motorcycle; unfortunately, the occupants couldn’t hear because it was raining heavily, but after realizing that they have been robbed they immediately called the Police,” CIP Kayigi said.
“Timely reporting helped to relay information across security organs on night patrol, and the thieves were intercepted at about 1:40am in Murambi village of Mbati, Mugina Sector, although one of the suspects managed to escape,” he added.
Bigirabagabo, who hails from Nyarugenge District, and according to investigations, his accomplice hails from Kamonyi, and is said to be the brain behind the break-in.
Bigirabagabo is currently detained at Mugina Police station pending further investigations.
“Timely information sharing is essential in recovering stolen items and apprehending suspects,” Kayigi said.
The youth are from various religious denominations in Rutsiro.
Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Jean Bosco Mugenzi, the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) of Rutsiro, while speaking to the youth in Gihango Sector, said that one of the challenges affecting the young generation is illicit drugs.
The session was also attended by the Pastor Dominique Hitimana, who heads the youth group.
“The young people are the majority victims of narcotic drugs. It’s a problem that has denied some of your generation education, destroyed their health and turned them into criminals or people who are not resourceful to their families, communities and the country,” AIP Mugenzi told the youth.
Narcotic drugs are said to be causing heath and liver diseases, cancer and mental illness. It is also said to be one of the causes of school dropouts, domestic conflicts and child abuse.
The DCLO also took them into the legal implications of people that indulge in drug related crimes. The law related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is currently being revised, hiking the penalty to between 20 years and life sentence to dealers.
He urged them to focus on their education, support their parents and community development, and be agents of community policing by reporting wrongdoers such as drug dealers.
Pastor Hitimana thanked Rwanda National Police for guiding the youngsters and teaching them values that makes them into focused and resourceful people.
The rates prevailing up until 2017 were set in 2008 and have been superseded by events such as the increase in claims trend by third parties, increased cost of spare parts and reinsurance, the Central Bank (BNR) has said in a statement.
“Following the industry’s revised motor insurance premium rates effective January 01, 2018, the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) as the regulator of Rwanda’s insurance sector would like to inform the public that it is aware of the increased premiums and the factors that led to this increase,” reads the statement signed by BNR Deputy Governor,Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa.
In a statement issued yesterday, BNR says that the insurance sector plays a critical role to the development of the economy including risk transfer and indemnification thereby facilitating financial intermediation, savings mobilization, as well as facilitation of trade and commerce.
However, over the past few years, the insurance sector in general and the motor insurance in particular has faced significant challenges including significant losses driven mainly by weak underwriting and price undercutting as well as high claims ratios.
To address these concerns, the Central Bank in 2013, commissioned ActServ, an insurance consultant firm, to conduct to conduct an actuarial study of motor insurance in order to assess the technical profitability of this sub-sector and determine minimum premium rates.
The study recommended an upward revision of premium rates at the time but these were not immediately implemented and the performance of the motor insurance sub-sector continue to deteriorate.
The rates prevailing up until 2017 were set in 2008 and have been superseded by events such as the increase in claims trend by third parties (e.g. bodily injury compensation currently calculated between Rwf2,500 to Rwf3,000 per day against Rwf500 before 2010), increased cost of spare parts and reinsurance.
“It is against this background that the premium rates were revised upwards by the Association of Insurers in Rwanda(ASSAR) with effect from 1st January 2018. The change in prices will remove distortions that were threatening to crush this sector. If the sector was to collapse, the consequence on the economy would be disastrous, knocking off billions of economic wealth from the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) index,” reads the statement.
The BNR ensures that they will continue working together with different stakeholders to ensure that the financial sector in general and the insurance sector in particular is financially sound and stable.
BNR also urges the public to be vigilant drivers, to report and avoid fraud as well as ensure that claims are not overstated. These will help in keeping rats affordable going forward.
In the discussion on Monday, Sarkozy told Kagame that he was happy to step again in Rwanda after a long time. The presidency is yet to announce the purpose of the visit.
The discussion also featured Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Community Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo.
Sarkozy ruled France from May 16, 2007 to May 15, 2012. He is credited by Rwanda for doing the best during his tenure to revive the two countries relations which strained after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in which France allegedly supported the perpetrators.
Sarkozy also visited Rwanda in 2010 and admitted that his country did not do enough to prevent or stop the genocide but did not apologise for France’s alleged role.
Rwanda expelled French ambassador Dominique Decherf in 2006 after that the French judge Jean Louis Bruguière had issued arrest warrants against Rwanda’s top leaders over the shooting of a plane in which died former President Juvénal Habyarimana in 1994.
After succeeding Jacques Chirac in the French presidency, Sarkozy restored the relations in November 2009 and new ambassador Laurent Contini was sent to Kigali a few days later. Contini was recalled by France in 2011 and Rwanda rejected his replacement Hélène Le Gal and France later sent Michel Flesch who was admitted in Kigali.
Flesch was recalled in 2015 and Rwanda has not approved his successor since then.
Visiting Rwanda in 2010, Sarkozy told media that France regretted its “errors” which contributed to the genocide but stopped short of apologising for role.
“What happened here is a defeat for humanity. What happened here compels the international community including France to reflect on the errors that stopped us from preventing and halting this abominable crime,” he said.
Shortly after Sarkozy visit, President Kagame also visited France to attend the conference of Heads of State of countries that use French language.
Kagame told media at the occasion that Rwanda wanted partners, not those who wanted to give Rwanda directions.
“We are looking at opening in the first half of the year. Volkswagen South Africa is continuing with its plans to introduce an integrated mobility strategy for Rwanda that includes an assembly operation. Details will be announced within the next few weeks,” Stefan Mecha, director of sales and marketing at Volkswagen SA, told Rwanda Today.
He said the plant will be located at the Special Economic Zone in Kigali, and will focus on producing at least 1,000 vehicles in its first year of operation.
The plant will primarily assemble a new model of Volkswagen called “Think Blue,” which is said to be environmentally friendly and the electric versions of its VW Golf model.
Last year in September, Thomas Schafer, the chief executive of Volkswagen SA, said the company plans to double production of assembled vehicles annually once the plant is up and running.
The exact cost of the plant will be provided when a team of Volkswagen’s executives visit Rwanda in the coming weeks.
{{Feasibility study
}}
Last year, the carmaker completed a feasibility study of the project, which Rwanda Development Board said was positive.
Officials at Rwanda Development Board were not available to comment by press time, but the deal is expected to create new jobs and boost the country’s industrial sector.
Volkswagen stands to get a seven-year corporate income tax holiday if it invests at least $50 million — an incentive reserved for investments in the manufacturing, energy, tourism, health and ICT sectors.
Although organisations like ActionAid argue that the country revenue through such tax holidays, the government says the incentives will lure more investors, create multiple jobs and lead to economic growth.
Rwanda recorded its largest investment of 2017 in September last year when American firm Symbion Energy signed an investment agreement with the government worth $370 million to develop methane-generated power plant in Lake Kivu.
The official send-off party was held at the RNP General Headquarters in Kacyiru, and presided over by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Johnston Busingye.
Present was also the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana and DIGPs; Dan Munyuza of Operations and Juvenal Marizamunda of Administration and Personnel.
Minister Busingye thanked the retirees for their patriotism and distinguished service to their country, urging them to exhibit the same discipline in the new life.
He further paid tribute to those, who took part in the country’s armed liberation and the contribution of each and everyone in building a professional Police force.
“We are here to honor your contribution and bid you farewell in a dignified manner that befits your service,” said Minister Busingye.
He hastened to add that their retirement is only a “suspension of active service” adding that the “mission continues.”
Minister Busingye further urged them to join hands with other Rwandans to serve the nation in other capacities to continue to drive the country’s transformation process.
IGP Gasana said that the officers served their country well with integrity, and that they are retiring with dignity.
The Police Chief reiterated their “exemplary service” and acknowledged individual and collective contribution to peace, safety and security and the overall service delivery of the force.
“Rwanda National Police recognizes the journey moved, the hurdles faced and challenges overcame together,” IGP Gasana said.
“We will certainly continue to count on you in other policing capacities…calling on you when need arises and tapping on your knowledge,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the retired officers, Assistant Commissioner of Police (rtd) Elisa Kabera, acknowledged the support of the RNP leadership and the country in general, and for having faith in their abilities.
Tanzanian President John Magufuli told a news conference in Dar es Salaam after talks with Rwandan President Paul Kagame yesterday that the construction of the railway line will be jointly financed by the two countries.
“We have directed ministers of foreign affairs from the two countries to meet next week to start charting out the financing model,” said Magufuli.
“We want the construction of the railway line to start immediately because the feasibility studies and all other preparations are complete,” said the Tanzanian leader.
Tanzania has already started construction of the standard gauge railway in two phases from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro covering 330km, and from Morogoro to Makutupora in Dodoma covering 426km, using locally sourced funds to the tune of about 3 billion U.S. dollars, according to President Magufuli.
“Both President Kagame and I have agreed to look for loans to speed up the construction of the railway line,” said Magufuli.
Magufuli added that Tanzania fully supported president Kagame’s candidacy for the AU chairmanship.
“I am happy to work with president Magufuli and other African leaders. They have given me these responsibilities because they are ready to give me support to enable me accomplish my tasks,” said Kagame.
The premier was speaking Sunday at the National Prayer Breakfast that took place at the Kigali Convention Centre. Organised annually by Rwanda Leaders Fellowship, the prayer attracts top government, church and civil society leaders.
Dr Ngirente presided over the prayer as President Paul Kagame who usually does it was visiting Tanzania on Sunday.
The 23rd edition of the prayer considered the increasing drug abuse among the youth as a serious issue that must be tackled through concerted efforts to nurture youth who can contribute to the national development.
“Rwanda Government values the youth a lot. They constitute around 70% of the population and no development is possible without their hand. They are our labour force and future leaders. We have to instil good values in them at their early age to give them good vision,” said Dr Ngirente.
He urged church leaders to encourage the youth to match their religious beliefs with good deeds and make sure they walk their talk.
“Raising well our children will reduce the number of drug users. We have to fight drugs with all our efforts and God is on our side because he wants good life among his creatures,” he said.
President Kagame also called for tight fight against drugs during the National Dialogue Council last month.
Rwanda Education Board (REB) embraced the fight a fortnight ago, announcing that students going to study abroad will have to submit a medical certificate from a recognised hospital proving that they are drug-free.
The medal decoration ceremony was held at SOCATEL M’POKO CAMP, the RWANBATT 4 Base Camp in BANGUI, on 12 Jan 2018.
The medal award ceremony was presided over by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (SRSG), His Excellency Parfait ONANGA ANYANGA.
He commended Rwanda peacekeepers for the hard work, courage and dedication they are demonstrating on the ground while providing security and protection to the Central Africa Republic population.
“I would like to recognize the commendable efforts of everyone here on parade and honor your dedicated service here in CAR. Your efforts and professionalism are highly regarded and you make a valuable contribution to MINUSCA. Wear these medals as proud and worthy ambassadors of your country and of the United Nations that you are”, the SRSG said while awarding medals to Rwandan Peacekeepers.
In his remarks, the Rwandan Contingent Commander, Lt Col Emmanuel NYIRIHIRWE, said that the medals awarded will be a motivation to their renewed commitment to the fulfillment of the duties ahead to bring peace to brothers and sisters in CAR.
He expressed his profound gratitude for the cooperation and support extended to RWANBATT 4 by both MINUSCA and the Joint Task Force Bangui leaderships that led the unit operations to its success.
He also congratulated his troops for the discipline, the selfless service and the high level of performance demonstrated during execution of their duties and urged them to keep it up till the end of their tour.
Among other dignitaries who attended the event were the MINUSCA Force Commander, Lt Gen BALA KEITA, the Deputy Force Commander Maj Gen Daniel SIDIKI TRAORE, the Joint Task Force Bangui Commander Brig Gen Mohamed SELLUM.
The event was also attended by Members of parliament, local leaders of the 3rd, 5th and 7th Arrondissements and local population. The colorful event was also marked by a military parade and culture troop performance by RWANBATT 4.
Mr Dickson Ogwang has been asked to immediately pack his bags after he allegedly beat his wife.
The State Minister for International Affairs, Mr Okello Oryem, confirmed the reports and said: “One of our officers had a domestic incident at his house that resulted in him being asked to leave the country; It is unfortunate and we at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognise that.”
He added: “When he arrives, we shall counsel him together with his wife so that such a thing does not happen again.”
Mr Okello, however, refuted claims that Mr Ogwang had been asked to leave after US police raided his home following the incident.
According to information this publication has received, Mr Ogwang had allegedly hosted guests for a thanksgiving at his residence among whom included a lady he was having an affair with.
Having raised insecurities about the said lady, Mr Ogwang beat up his wife.
“Mr Ogwang waited for most of the guests to leave and severely beat his wife injuring her nose,” a source told Daily Monitor.
“When the incident was reported to police it became an issue of diplomatic concern as authorities in Washington wanted Mr Ogwang prosecuted,” the source added.
According to the source, a few guests who were still at the residence called in police to intervene and Mr Ogwang’s wife was rushed to hospital.
The American Embassy spokesperson, Mr Phil Dimon, when contacted referred us to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
