IGIHE

Author: IGIHE

  • Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari returns after over three months of treatment

    {Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari has returned to his country after more than three months in London being treated for a mystery illness.}

    Buhari was described by his office as having had a “health challenge” but it is not the first time the 74-year-old has travelled to London for medical help.

    In March he returned after seven weeks’ treatment, saying little about his condition except that he had “never been so ill” in his life and spoke of receiving blood transfusions.

    Returning to Nigeria’s capital Abuja on Saturday following the most recent treatment, he made no comment but stepped briskly from the plane and saluted the presidential guard before leaving in a motorcade.

    The road to from the airport was lined with his supporters, some of them singing to welcome him back.

    But some have questioned whether the president is fit enough to run the country, having been absent since 7 May.

    While he was away, Nigeria has continued to grapple with the Boko Haram insurgency, a struggling economy and millions of people malnourished in the country’s northeast.

    There have been clashes in Abuja between those who support Mr Buhari and those who think he should step down.

    The rising tension has led military chiefs to remind personnel to remain loyal to the president.

    The presidential office has also released photos of Mr Buhari meeting officials, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, to project the image of business as usual.

    Mr Buhari is due to address Nigerians in a broadcast on Monday morning as he tries to reassure them.

    Vice president Yemi Osinbajo has been acting as president during Mr Buhari’s absence.

  • CHAN 2018: Amavubi defeats Uganda Cranes, but fail to qualify on aggregate

    Rwanda missed out to qualify for the 2018 CHAN competition despite beating Uganda Cranes 2-0 in the return leg played on Saturday at Stade de Kigali Nyamirambo.

    Yannick Mukunzi and Thierry Manzi scored the only two goals in the first hour of the half time but despite the victory, the neighbors went on to progress to the next round on a 3-2 aggregate having won the first leg.

    Ugandan player, Muzamiru Mutyaba (2) and Derrick Nsibambi goals in the first leg at St. Marys stadium, Kitende gave Uganda a three-goal advantage and the Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba coached side have one foot in Kenya.

    Uganda now qualifies to the next round of CHAN 2018 competition slated to be played in Kenya.

    Statistics:

    Uganda Cranes have only missed on playing the Chan final tournament once the inaugural championship in 2009.

    Rwanda has won 11 against Ugandas 15 while there have been 7 draws between the two sides all competitions including friendlies.

    Uganda Cranes had last suffered a loss against Rwanda in 2007 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup. 2017 CHAN qualifier is the second since then.

    The Cranes have only lost to Rwanda by more than two goals on a single occasion 3-2 in CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup 2001.

    Rwanda was trying to reach the CHAN finals for the third time. They finished in the quarter final round in 2016, a tournament they hosted before being eliminated by eventual winners DR Congo while at the 2014 edition held in Sudan, they finished at the bottom of their group.

  • Uganda declares end of bird flu outbreak

    {Uganda on Saturday declared the end of the bird flu outbreak, which has led to the death of thousands of birds and affected the country’s poultry export.}

    Christopher Kibanzanga, State Minister for Agriculture, told reporters that Uganda is now free from bird flu or avian influenza that broke out in January this year.

    The outbreak was declared on Jan. 15, affecting domestic and wild birds in the three central districts of Wakiso, Kalangala, and Masaka, along with the shores of Lake Victoria.

    “The laboratory samples collected from domestic poultry birds and wild birds have been confirmed negative since March to date,” Kibanzanga said.

    The outbreak killed at least 50,000 domestic birds and 10,000 wild birds in Uganda, according to figures from the Ministry.

    Kibanzanga said the outbreak negatively impacted on the country’s economy, resulting from trade bans on the export of poultry products to neighboring Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    The minister said the Kenyan government has agreed to partially lift the poultry trade ban through compartments.

    Compartments are certified and licensed firms that have fulfilled the exporting conditions.

    Uganda is among the countries in sub-Saharan Africa that face a high risk of a bird flu outbreak as it is crisscrossed by several routes for migratory birds, which are carriers of the virus.

    Avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus, according to World Health Organization (WHO).

    The infection can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms in birds, ranging from mild illness, which may pass unnoticed, to a fatal disease that can cause severe epidemics.
    According to the WHO, avian influenza viruses do not normally infect humans but there have been instances of certain highly pathogenic strains causing severe respiratory disease in humans.

  • Presidential inauguration ceremony was flawless, says RNP

    {Rwanda National Police (RNP) has disclosed that the August 18 presidential inaugural function was flawless and without any incident.}

    Police confirmed that even the ensuing merrymaking happened in an atmosphere of tranquillity and that the crowds were blissful and orderly across the country.

    In his address to the media, the RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Theos Badege said, its no surprise that celebrations were peaceful.

    He hailed all road users who heeded to traffic police guidelines to allow convenience for visiting delegations and dignitaries proceed without difficulty.

    ACP Badege also acknowledges the contribution of all stakeholders in making the event held in a safety and secure environment saying that, the whole exercise was seamless from the campaigns through the voting day and the inauguration event an incredibly important democratic event.

  • Rwanda, Moroccan Parliaments sign cooperation agreement

    {The Parliaments of Rwanda and Morocco have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at boosting relations between the two nations.
    }

    The agreement was signed on Saturday, August 19th when the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Rwanda Parliament right Hon Donatille Mukabalisa received the President of Morocco’s House of Representatives Lahbib El Malki who was representing his country during President Paul Kagame’s swearing in ceremony that was held on Friday, August 18th.

    Lahbib El Malki said that this is a friendly visit aimed at strengthening relations between the two nations. The agreement follows what Moroccan King agreed with Rwandan Government as previously agreed with President Kagame who visited Morocco. We believe both parliaments need the cooperation in different sectors.

    Moroccan and Rwandan parliaments should fulfill their roles to reinforce ties between Rabat and Kigali through enacting laws that allow governments and ministeries of both countries to have a legal framework to strengthen bilateral ties, Hon Mukabalisa said following the signing of the agreement with Lahbib El Malki.

    Both Hon Mukabalisa and Lahbib El Malki hailed the agreement on security cooperation signed by Morocco and Rwanda on October 20, 2016, in Kigali during the Kings visit to Rwanda, pointing out that this agreement on counter-terrorism and security information sharing is key in consolidating development in Rwanda.

  • German extradites genocide suspect

    {German government yesterday extradited a suspect in the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi to Rwanda to face charges.}

    Jean Twagiramungu’s arrest in the German city of Frankfurt two years ago came more than two decades after the genocide in Rwanda, where more than 1,000,000 people were slaughtered by extremist Hutus.

    Twagiramungu has been battling extradition request from Kigali, arguing he cannot receive fair trial in Rwanda.

    He was handed over Friday to Rwandan police for prosecution in Rwanda by German officials at Kigali International Airport. Rwanda prosecution spokesman Justin Nkunsi told the press that Twagiramungu faces charges of the genocide and extermination as a crime against humanity.

  • Grenade attack kills three members of Burundi ruling party

    {An unidentified man threw a grenade into a house in Burundi’s capital late on Wednesday, killing three people believed to be members of the ruling party’s youth wing.}

    At least 700 people have been killed in violent clashes between supporters and opponents of President Pierre Nkurunziza since April 2015 when he said he would run for a third term in office. He was re-elected in July 2015 in a vote largely boycotted by the opposition.

    “(Wednesday’s) attack claimed the lives of three young men. Three others were injured, including a woman, her kid and a man, and they were rushed to hospital,” police spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye told reporters on Thursday.

    “All the deceased persons are reportedly members of the CNDD FDD party youth wing, including a leader at the local level. Five suspects have been arrested, including a Rwandan citizen.”

    A resident of the Musaga neighborhood in Bujumbura where the attack happened and who only wished to be identified as Ancile said those killed included the son of a local leader.

    Burundi was plunged into crisis when Nkurunziza said he planned to run for a third term, which the opposition said was unconstitutional and violated a peace deal that had ended the country’s civil war in 2005.

    Nkurunziza was re-elected, but some of his opponents took up arms against him. Rights groups say an estimated 400,000 people have sought refuge from the violence in neighboring countries.

    Government officials and members of the opposition have been among those killed in tit-for-tat violence by rival sides.

    The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights last month expressed hi concern about the activities of the youth wing of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, known as Imbonerakure, including night raids on opposition homes, and has asked authorities to end their impunity.

  • Third person falls to crocodile jaws

    {A third person has been killed by a crocodile at Nyabarongo on Friday 18th in the morning at Rugarika Sector in Masaka Kamonyi district. }

    The deceased has been identified as Oreste Habamenshi aged 54, said to have been dragged and killed by a crocodile while fetching water.

    He leaves behind, a family with three children and a wife according to the social affairs secretary of Rugarika, Pierre Celestion who talked to IGIHE.

    “The crocodile grabbed him on Friday at 6:00 in the morning.” Nsengiyumva added “Rugarika has three cells without water.

    The death of Habamenshi happened just after the leaders had met residents on Wednesday last week when they asked the residents to fetch water at the wells instead of Nyabarongo where crocodiles are a big threat.

    Two other residents have been killed among who is a male aged 27, Mageragere Sector on August 12, 2017 and 54 year old Sperata Nyirampakaniye on July 23, 2017.

  • President Kagame inaugural address

    {Today is a day of celebration and a day to thank each of you. Today is a day of renewal and gratitude. I would therefore like to begin by thanking those who have joined us here.}

    The presence of so many brothers & sisters from around Africa honours our nation deeply & gives us strength. We thank you. Africa has been with Rwanda when we needed you most.

    Nothing gives our people greater pride than contributing together with you to the greatness of our continent. Standing alongside us are friends of Rwanda who have always kept our country in their hearts & worked hard to advance it.

    I want to acknowledge the leaders&members of the 8 political parties who joined with RPF to nominate me as their candidate. For twenty-three years, we have collaborated with deep mutual respect to repair the social fabric of our devastated nation.

    I also congratulate the two other candidates who brought their message directly to citizens. Together, we created a positive environment where no vote was cast against anyone but rather all were cast for Rwanda.

    If we always succeed in rallying so strongly around ideas & leadership that work best for all of us it would be a good thing. This approach is not merely a stepping-stone, away from our moment of tragedy. It is truly a privilege and an honour to serve you.

    Together we have lived a life, which at every turn has been unexpected, unprecedented and often shocking. We have made progress, thanks to the distinctiveness of our choices and the resilience of our people.

    Today, Rwanda defines no one as an enemy, whether domestic or foreign. Every Rwandan has a country and with every other country, we seek partnership and cooperation. Rwanda’s institutions are founded on the common good as it should have been all along. He gains in public services, individual well-being, national unity are now undeniably real.

    Every attempt that was made to denigrate the process & glorify old politics of division only made Rwandan voters more defiant. We have had to fight to protect our right, to do what is best for us. We will, without any doubt, continue to do so.

    Every African country has to contend with efforts to force us to live on someone else’s terms. They demand we replace systems that are working well for us with dogmas in which their own people are rapidly losing faith.

    Africa has no civilizational problems, only assets. Sans aucun doute. Over centuries of adversity, our civilisation sustained us. Today, it endows us with ambition, compassion and creativity. Without exception, there is infinitely more that unites us, as Africans, than divides us.

    Attacks on our character only make us stronger provided we respond with clarity and conviction. Our experience is that we will be vilified, no matter what. So, we might as well do what we know is right for our people.

    Those who are worried about our welfare should feel at ease. We are the best students of our shortcomings. It is no longer business as usual in Africa. There is really no justification for all the effort that goes into cutting Africa off from itself.

    There is no single model for nation-building. At the root of any success are good choices built on a mindset: Do It Yourself.

    We in Rwanda will continue to be firm believers in real partnership and cooperation with friends around the world.

    Source: @UrugwiroVillage

  • President Bashir receives a rousing welcome in Rwanda

    {The Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir received an arousing cheering when he arrived at Amahoro Stadium for the President Swearing Ceremony for Rwanda President elect Paul Kagame on Friday at Amahoro Stadium.}

    President Bashir was among the other Presidents who arrived in Rwanda on Thursday upon his arousing cheer Bashir also responded to applause by clasping his hands and waving to the thousand of Rwandan who are attending the ceremony as a sign to show unity.

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued two arrest warrants against al-Bashir in 2009 and 2010 for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide committed in Darfur.

    Al-Bashir is the first sitting head of state charged by the Hague based court since its inception in 2002.

    On July 16, 2016, Bashir came to Rwanda during his visit to Kigali to participate in the AU summit. During that time President elect Paul Kagame announced that his country will not arrest Al- Bashir during his visit to Kigali to participate in the AU summit.

    President Al Bashir is welcome in Kigali at any time. He will be free in his second home country. We will not respond to the ICC calls to arrest him. We will not take any action of such type against him, he said.

    Also, Rwandas Foreign Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo, said: Bashir will be granted his safety and security as a head of state, ICC issues will be addressed by those who are concerned and I dont think they expect him to be arrested in Rwanda.

    Rwanda is not a state party to the tribunal of war crimes but has the obligation as a member of the United Nations to cooperate with the court. However, like many other African capitals, Kigali is critical to ICC and to its focus on Africa.

    In 2016 Al-Bashir attended the 26th AU summit in Johannesburg. His trip to South Africa drew international attention after he flew out of the country defying a High court order which orders the government to ban his departure until an application calling for his arrest had been heard.

    President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was the other President who received a rousing welcome by the thousand who arrived at Amahoro stadium. The other president includes Kenya’s President Uhuru, Togo President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Macky Sall of Senegal, Edgar Lungu of Zambia, Sassou Nguesso of Congo, and Hage Geingob of Namibia to mention but a few.

    The other delegates present at Amahoro include the Vice President of Cote; Ivoire Daniel Kablan Duncan, the African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki, Speaker of the DR Congo Parliament Aubin Minaku, former Botswana President Festus Mogae and, Prime Minister of Madagascar Olivier

    Meanwhile, Rwandans countrywide who did make it to Amahoro Stadium are watched Kagame Inauguration attentively following the inauguration event on a live broadcast on televisions.