Rwanda joined the Commonwealth in 2009 and was the second country which is not a former British colony to join after Mozambique.
Commonwealth Day was formerly known as Empire Day. This year, the annual celebration, often held on the second Monday in March was held under the theme “Delivering a common future”
The Commonwealth flag was raised at KCC as it will host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in June this year.
The Commonwealth Day Ceremony was held in London and was graced by the presence of Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth along with the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth High Commissioners.
On April 20th, 2018, it was approved that Rwanda will host CHOGM. The meeting is scheduled in Kigali from June 22nd to June 27th, 2020 and will be attended by 53 member countries of the Commonwealth.
The theme for the meeting is ‘Delivering A Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’.
Five sub-themes have been identified for discussion including governance and rule of law, ICT & Innovation, youth, environment, and trade.
In September 2019, President Kagame and Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General reaffirmed CHOGM will be held in Rwanda.
Dr. Denis Mukwege announced he will not attend the meeting because the ideas he suggested should be discussed about were not put on the agenda. Mukwege is the one who brought the idea of the meeting and led to its implementation with the support of senator Gérard Longuet.
Pierre Gény, the Executive Secretary of the Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences (RAOS) was also expected in the meeting, withdrew his attendance following the decision of Mukwege to not attend it.
Vincent Hervouët, a journalist on the LCI channel who is notorious for offering a platform to genocide perpetrators and ideologists announced he would not be attending as well due to time limitations.
The theme of the meeting is “Africa Great Lakes region, 60 years of political instability.”
Two panel discussions will be conducted one focusing on history, 60 years of killings, torture, and crimes against humanity and the second one exposing individuals who perpetrated killings, torture, and crimes against humanity both in the affected regions in the Great Lakes and internationally.
The meeting was organized with the support of two French politicians including Alain Richard, former French Minister of Defense and Gerard Longuet who also served as Minister of Defense from 2011 to 2012.
The Rwandan community in France (Communauté Rwandaise de France, CRF) and IBUKA France have urged the French senate to condemn the meeting and call out all acts denying the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Among the guests are Judi Rever, a Canadian freelance print and broadcast journalist who is the author of many books denying the 1994 genocide against Tutsi. One of her books titled ‘In Praise of Blood, the Crimes of the Rwandan Patriotic Front’ brought polemic, controversial disputes and received negative reviews from genocide scholars.
In attendance is also Jean Marie Vianney Ndagijimana, former Ambassador of Rwanda to France who has also gained notoriety for advancing the double genocide theory through his speeches and manifestos.
There will also be Charles Onana, a French journalist and author who also claims that there was no genocide between 1990 and 1994. He is currently under investigation for the denial of crimes against humanity.
Hubert Vedrine, a French socialist politician, and former President Mitterrand’s diplomatic advisor, and former Secretary-General of the French Presidency from 1991 to 1995 will also be attending the meeting. Mitterrand’s government vehemently supported the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.
The meeting was initially organized by Dr. Denis Mukwege who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018. On the meeting’s agenda, Mukwege suggested to condemn the United Nations Mapping Report showing war crimes which were committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 1993 and 2003. After his suggestion was rejected, his secretary and La Croix newspaper announced he would not be attending the meeting.
Rumors that Gérard Longuet is the mastermind behind the meeting were not cleared.
Like all French senators, Longuet is allowed to organize one meeting per year at Palais Bourbon with no restrictions whatsoever, even from Gérard Larcher, the French Senate President.
Given that most of the people who will attend the meeting are genocide deniers, many people have voiced concerns on the fact that the meeting will be held on French territory especially at a critical time where France prepares to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi on April 7th.
As stated in Decree No. 2019-435 of May 13th, 2019 that “The 1994 Genocide against Tutsi shall henceforth be observed and commemorated in France every year on April 7th.”
In May 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the establishment of a body of genocide scholars and researchers led by Prof. Vincent Duclert which will assess the role of France during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. The report on the research will be published within two years and findings will be incorporated in History programmes and curriculum in France.
With the support of the multidisciplinary team, surveillance measures at all points of entry have been reinforced mainly through using high-tech equipment and medics to screen and check travel histories of all visitors to Rwanda.
A notice issued by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) stated that no case of the Coronavirus has been identified thus far. However, RDB advised tourists to reschedule their travel plans and restrict international travel until the pandemic is contained. Based on this advice, some rules have been imposed to visitors including the removal of the 7-day notice prior to visit date, for tourists to postpone their park permits and the removal of the 30-day requirement for tour operators to have submitted the final payment for reserved permits.
Visitors who wish to postpone their park permit due to flight cancelations, travel ban or being infected with COVID-19 were offered up to 2 years to postpone their bookings with no extra charges.
Tourists who purchased low season discounted permits for gorilla trekking will have up to 2 years to postpone and consume their permit.
Finally, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) tourists who have purchased Gorilla trekking permits will have up to 2 years to postpone and consume them.
The Coronavirus spreads through direct contact with the infected person, sneezing and
coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, the World Health Organization advises regular handwashing with alcohol-based hand sanitizers or clean water and soap, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. In addition, it is important to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
The decision follows the relocation of wetland dwellers which was conducted in the last months of 2019. The relocation was part of the City of Kigali urban plan aimed at improving the ecological functioning, aesthetics and recreational potential of the wetland areas.
Meteo Rwanda predicted that in March, April and May, Kigali will be affected by torrential rains more than other parts of the country.
The Ministry of Local Government stated that the relocation initiative was driven by the need to protect citizens who live in high-risk zones and wetlands and urged landlords not to increase rent prices due to the high number of people in need of homes.
The new protocols follow various preventive measures which are already in place in the country including sensitization on proper hygiene and stopping unnecessary travels as well as the temporary ban on music concerts, exhibitions and other public gatherings in the city of Kigali.
In statement from the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije issued on March 8th 2020, the minister advises that all people who travel to Rwanda will be tested for COVID-19.
If results show any of the symptoms of the virus especially for people coming from pandemic areas, they will immediately be quarantined while further tests will be conducted.
People who will test positive for the virus will be sent for treatment to specialized health institutions across Rwanda while those who will test negative will be asked to temporarily isolate themselves and will be closely followed up on for 14 days after dismissal from hospital.
MINISANTE has granted to Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) personnel, the right to reach out to infected people or those who are suspected of having the virus in order to follow up on them closely.
People who are suspected of carrying the virus are advised to wear masks which cover their nose and mouth, to remain far from public spaces and to dial 114, RBC short code to receive new instructions. People coming from Corona pandemic countries will be supervised for at least 14 days after their arrival in Rwanda.
MINISANTE stated that even though no quarantine is imposed on people who test negative for the virus, they are requested to reach out to health institutions in case they develop one or many symptoms of the virus within 14 days after their arrival in Rwanda.
No COVID-19 case has been identified in Rwanda so far but the government has implemented strict measures to prevent it and treat it in case it spreads to Rwanda.
Currently, hand sanitizers and access to clean water and soap have been reinforced in all public institutions and spaces.
Statistics show that up to 108,000 cases of COVID-19 have been identified while 3800 were killed by the virus.
However, In China especially in Wuhan, Hubei Province where the virus was first spotted, numbers continue to decrease.
On Sunday, March 8th, the Ministry of Health of the people’s republic of China announced that 40 new cases of COVID-19 had been identified including 36 from Wuhan where the virus originated from.
The Coronavirus spreads through direct contact with the infected person, sneezing and coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, the World Health Organization advises regular hand washing with alcohol-based hand sanitizers or clean water and soap, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. In addition, it is important to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
Ex-Archbishop Dr. Onesphore Rwaje, PIASS Council President said that the faculty comes at a critical time where environmental degradation is at its peak.
“We introduced the faculty with the aim of protecting the environment, contributing to the conservation of natural resources and the existing natural environment and repairing environmental degradation where possible.”
Construction activities will be completed within 9 months costing an estimated Rwf 1 billion.
Rwaje explained that before launching a faculty, the university council meets and suggests ways the new faculty will benefit the society or contribute to improving the livelihoods of Rwandans.”
PIASS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elisée MUusemakweli said that the architecture of the building will be different from all others.
“In line with our objective of conserving natural resources, the building will be powered with solar energy. We have also allocated space for a botanical garden which will be dedicated to the study and conservation of plants as well as exploring the world’s plant species diversity.”
Sebutehe Ange, Huye district mayor commended PIASS dedication towards environmental protection and said the faculty will generate employment opportunities for Rwandans.
“Besides generating jobs, this initiative is in line with the government of Rwanda’s agenda of promoting a knowledge-based economy.”
Besides the faculty of Architecture and Green Technology, PIASS offers other programs in education, Development Studies as well as Theology and Religious Studies. The university has two campuses, one in the Taba sector, Huye district and the other in the Rubengera sector, Karongi district.
In January this year, during the UK-Africa Investment summit, President Kagame announced at King’s College in London that Rwanda would waive visa requirements for member countries of the AU, Commonwealth and all countries which use French as a customary language (Francophonie).
The policy was approved during a cabinet meeting which was held on March 6th, 2020, in a statement which read “Waiver of entry visa requirements to the citizens of member States of African Union, the Commonwealth and Francophonie countries to foster the implementation of Rwanda’s openness policy.”
Formerly, tourist visa cost $30, an official diplomat visa $30 valid for 30 days while a business visa cost $50 and was valid for a year.
A communique released on November 17th, 2017, by the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration said citizens of all countries of the world could enjoy 30 days visa on arrival.”
The visa regime allowed visa reciprocity for specific countries allowing citizens to get free visas with a 90 days validity. Those countries in question are Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Senegal, Seychelles and Sao Tome and Principe.
Clare Akamanzi, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Chief Executive Officer explained that the revenues the country received from visa fees are nothing compared to the opportunities that will be opened with the visa-free regime.
“We only receive Rwf 4 billion per year from visa fees but with the visa-free regime, our revenues will be incomparable. If a citizen from the AU, Commonwealth or Francophonie pays say $50 to enter country and zero fees on visa, we anticipate that he will spend at least $300 inside the country and that is only a modest estimation.”
The Visa free regime is also in line with the highly anticipated 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which will be held in Rwanda from June 22nd to June 27th, 2020.
In January this year, during the Annual Luncheon for Diplomatic Corps in Rwanda, President Kagame said that the visa free regime would touch many other countries besides member countries of the AU, Commonwealth and la Francophonie.
“We intend to waive visa requirements for all countries in the world as well as a way of reinforcing Rwanda’s openness policy.”
News on the visa waiver were received cheerfully with diplomats saying other countries needed to learn from Rwanda.
Margret, a French citizen said “It is a great initiative and it will allow young people who had no means of travelling a chance of visiting Rwanda.”
Ahmed from Egypt said “The visa free regime will open so many opportunities between Rwanda and African countries especially in trade and will allow all Africans to travel freely”
In 2018, Rwanda received more than 1.7 million visitors and 1.6 million in 2019.
The book was launched at the King’s palace museum, Rukari, Nyanza district.
Amb. Masozera Robert, INMR Director General said that the book was released with the intention of sharing documented and preserving Rwandan history for future generations.
“We have collected all sorts of decorative patterns which were used in ancient Rwanda. With the release of the book we are claiming intellectual property for the patterns to avoid all forms of cultural appropriation.”
The book illustrates at least 136 decorative patterns commonly known as ‘Imigongo’ which are refered as ‘Imitako gakondo’ given that ‘Imigongo’ is just one type of decorative pattern.
Some of the names of the decorative patterns illustrated in the book are amababa y’ Intashya; Umuhigo; Umwashi; Igitoki; Intege z’abasaza; Itweka; Amaso y’ Inuma; Iraza; Ingeembe; Ibigobe by’ Uruzi; Akarizo k’Ingwe and Umugore wishe Inzu.
There are also Amanyamanza; Umwashi; Ibishyamirane; Basangira; Imikako; Ingondo; Umugongo w’Inzovu and Ubusonga among others.
Nyanza residents who attended the launch said that documenting Rwandan history is a way of avoiding culture loss and connect people of different backgrounds.
Uwihinema Béatrice said “Preserving culture is the best way to educate our children about the history of Rwanda and ensure they do not incorporate othef cultures as theirs before knowing their own.”
Musengima Gérard said “As a cultural hub, Nyanza attracts many tourists and we have started decorating our houses with those patterns as a way of supporting the museum’s initiative.”
Ntazinda Erasme, Nyanza district mayor noted that preserving cultural artifacts, art or music will reinforce Nyanza reputation as a cultural hub. He said local authorities will keep sensitizing Nyanza residents to decorate their houses with those patterns as a way of calling tourists to witness the hidden gems of Rwanda.
This year’s theme is ‘{{Go Green with Affordable Housing}}’.
The ‘Going Green’ concept is learning and practicing an environmentally-mindful lifestyle that contributes towards protecting the environment and preservation and conservation of the natural resources, habitats, and biodiversity.
It involves environmental preservation through reducing, reusing, and recycling items.
The Chief Executive of ‘RG Consult Inc’, the event organizers, Mr. Remmygious told Igihe, that this Property Bazaar will offer clients an opportunity to strike deals, shop for houses/ homes and other property-related materials during the 5-day experience.
Mr. Remmygious also said that there is a lot that players in the real estate business can pick from the bazaar but most importantly, those who are interested in building or purchasing environmentally friendly homes have much more to gain.
He pointed out that this is an opportunity for those in the industry or those interested in joining, to learn about the new and modern ‘green construction methods’ that can save construction companies money during the building process and save home purchasers money when they move in.
“It’s important that we practice green living because healthy living requires it. We need to preserve clean air, food, safe drinking water and getting resilient to the harsh effects of climate. If indeed we are interested in avoiding issues of global warming and life-threatening illnesses, going green is the only answer,” he said.
The advantages for contractors include recycling certain materials and minimizing construction waste.
Kigali City has been transitioning into a ‘green city’ for years now.
Last month, the Kigali Green City project received its first capital injection from the German government through KFW Development Bank worth €10 million (Approximately Rwf 10 billion).
The Green City Kigali is a model green city to be developed on 620ha in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District at an estimated $1.5 billion.
The model city will be a pilot project in green urbanization and will serve to establish the viability of green cities in Rwanda and possible replication across the country.
Several companies that are expected to participate in this year’s Bazaar include ‘DND Developers’, ‘Phoenix Plaza’, ‘Silk Plaster Rwanda’, ‘House In Rwanda’, ‘Remote Group’, ‘Troika Design Workshop’, ‘Savanna Creek’, ‘Kigali Heights’, ‘Rwanda Housing Authority’ and ‘IN My Seat’, Riverside City Estate,’ among others.
To register please contact the sales team on +250 787 099 332 / 783 886 396 or simply go on www.rgtickets.com or www.propertymagazinerwanda.com or email info@rgconsultinc.com
The campaign was launched on March 4th, 2020 specifically in Remera sector as it is where Kigali International Airport is located.
The campaign aims at promoting security and cleanliness through planting trees on street-sides and between lanes and sensitizing the public on Coronavirus preventive measures.
Residents of Remera sector showed commitment towards the campaign by participating in all activities organized by the district’s administration.
Bizimana Patrick said “we are getting ready for the meeting by planting trees on street sides and painting our compounds. We are ready to uphold the reputation of cleanliness Kigali has.”
Mukahirwa Clementine said “I cannot wait for the meeting to happen so that visitors can personally witness the beauty of our country.”
Murekatete Patricia, Remera sector executive secretary explained that the campaign will bring about change and that it includes many activities such as planting flowers and sensitizing Remera residents to paint their compounds with matching colors and redesign them to grills.
Gasabo district executive secretary Mudaheranwa Nyirimbibi said “to ensure that Kigali will be ready enough to host CHOGM, we provide reports to the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) every Wednesday and inform the public on resolutions to be implemented. To reassert our preparedness, we have distributed hand sanitizers in public spaces to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.”
CHOGM will be held on July 22nd, 2020 in Kigali and will bring together Heads of States from 53 member countries of the Commonwealth.
