IGIHE

Author: IGIHE

  • Kagame meets President Alassane Ouattara on G20 sidelines

    {President Paul Kagame yesterday held talks with his Ivory Coast counterpart, Alassane Ouattara on the sidelines of the Summit on G20-Africa partnership in Germany. }

    G20-Africa partnership summit is held in Berlin, German. Select African countries were invited to discuss ways of promoting private investment in infrastructures and employment.

    Ivory Coast presidency has announced that ‘bilateral talks revolved around strengthening Rwanda, Ivory Coast cooperation.’

    The 5th Summit convening African Union and European Union will be heldin Abidjan in November 2017.It is anticipated to be an opportunity to highlight how far the organizations can benefit through cooperation and enhance youth development.

    President Paul Kagame who attended the summit onG20 Africa partnership highlighted that it is time to prioritize commercial and investment relations between Africa and higher-income countries to bring about sustainable development.

    The G20 is comprised of 19 top economies and the European Union bloc.

    African heads of states who attended G20-Africa partnership summit include president Paul Kagame, Alpha Condé of Guinea, Abd El-Fattah El-Sisiof Egypt, Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast, Ibrahim BoubacarKeïta of Mali, Nana Akufo-Addoof Ghana, Bejiand Tunisia president and CaidEssebsi.

    President Paul Kagame yesterday held talks with his Ivory Coast counterpart, Alassane Ouattara on the sidelines of the Summit on G20-Africa partnership in Germany.

  • Mukayisenga was committed to national values

    {Members of parliament have described fallen fellow parliamentarian Mukayisenga Francoise as a valuable, kind politician committed to humanity and national values whose demise is a great loss to the nation. Mukayisenga passed on yesterday at Rwanda Military Hospital after a long illness. She was 48. }

    MP Gatabazi Jean Marie Vianney has told IGIHE that he remembers good deeds of late Mukayisenga from way back in 1990s.

    “We met the first time in Gishari in 1998 during civic trainings when she was the accountant of Rwerere commune. I was at the time the accountant of Kiyombe commune. I and Mukayisenga were recognized as the most outstanding among the 140 accountants. She was very bright,” he said.

    Gatabazi explained that he later joined parliament and often met Mukayisenga when he visited Cyanzarwe near the border of Democratic Republic of Congo mobilizing Rwandan refugees to repatriate.

    Gatabazi said he will always remember late Mukayisenga for patriotism, and striving for Rwandans’ unity. Mukayisenga’s father was militia in EX-FAR who worked in Kanombe Military barracks.

    After the 1994 genocide against Tutsi, Mukayisenga repatriated from DRC in 1996 where after she served as employee of Rwerere commune and later joined parliament under the auspices of RPF Inkotanyi.
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    MP Mukakanyamugenge Christine from Social Democratic Party (PSD) who worked with late Mukayisenga in the Human Rights Commission has said “There are many things late MP Mukayisenga can be remembered for. She was a committed worker and stood against oppression.”

    MP Mukakanyamugenge said she heard the last word of late Mukayisenga when they visited her in Rwanda Military Hospital.

    MP Muhongayire Christine has told IGIHE that late Mukayisenga was a true parent whose deeds won’t be forgotten. for humanity.

    Mukayisenga leaves a husband and three children including two girls and a boy.The eldest is in senior six while others are in ordinary level at secondary school.

    Mukayisenga passed on yesterday at Rwanda Military Hospital

  • MTN introduces new platform to purchase call bundles ‘Irekure’

    {MTN Rwanda has introduced MTN Irekure, new and customized call bundles product which gives customers a balance of choice, affordability and flexibility when calling on the MTN network.}

    Customers can choose from three possible call deals that have been designed specifically for them, and purchase any one of them using airtime from the main balance. All minutes purchased under MTN Irekure are valid for 24 hours.

    Customers can check their balance and know their usage in real time.

    Giving his remarks during the launch yesterday, MTN’s Senior Manager of Marketing Operations, Gaspard Bayigane said the new product is designed for customers paying early where they receive call bundles, free SMS and internet MBs.

    “The new platform is a result of strengthened efforts creating innovations for our customers,” he said.

    He explained that the target is to enable MTN customers evaluate how he/she talks to others through choosing preferred call bundles.

    “MTN tried its best to establish platforms meeting customers’ needs. We have settled three call deals matching payments spent by clients on calls. MTN Irekure is one of ways to understanding and meeting customers’ needs,” he said.

    A person using MTN Irekure is required to dial *140*1# and selected call bundles from three choices depending on what she/he wants.

    He/she is also required to dial *140# and select six 6 to check remaining bundles.

  • Tunisian sentenced to jail for smoking during Ramadan

    {A Tunisian court Monday sentenced to one month in prison a man who smoked a cigarette in public during the Muslim dawn-to-dusk holy fasting month of Ramadan, a spokesman said.}

    The man was seen smoking outside the Bizerte courthouse by a judiciary official who informed the police before they arrested him and referred him to the prosecution, the spokesman Chokri Lahmar said.

    He said the man had 10 days to appeal before the sentence takes effect.

    On June 1 four men were sentenced to one-month jail terms for eating in public during Ramadan.

    There is no law against eating or drinking in public during Ramadan, but every year the issue comes to the fore in the North African country.

    Tunisia’s constitution guarantees “freedom of belief and conscience”, but the state is also the “guardian of religion”.

    Monday’s ruling came a day after dozens of Tunisians demonstrated in the capital Tunis to demand the right to eat and drink in public during the Muslim fasting month.

    During Ramadan, Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and having sex from dawn to dusk.

    They break the fast with a meal known as iftar and before dawn they have a second opportunity to eat and drink during suhur.

    Source:AFP

  • President Kenyatta pledges to accept August 8 poll outcome

    {President Uhuru Kenyatta has declared that he will accept the outcome of the August 8 presidential election.}

    Speaking at the Eldoret Stage Lodge, the Head of State assured Kenyans of his commitment to ensuring a peaceful transition after the polls irrespective of the outcome.

    “We exhibit highest degree of maturity to navigate this country through peace before and after the elections. We should not squander what millions of Kenyans dream of,” said President Kenyatta during an address to the nation.

    He was flanked by Deputy President William Ruto

    {{Peaceful transition }}

    “I’m ready to stand aside for a peaceful transition if beaten. I did the same in 2002 by conceding defeat even before the announcement of the final tally. I had to wait for my turn for another 10 years and here we are.

    “I urge our competitors to also commit to accept the verdict of the people if beaten,” added the President.

    Mr Kenyatta called on all contestants in the coming elections to be at the forefront in preaching peaceful co-existence among Kenyans.

    “We should carry out peaceful campaigns. Elections will come and go but we remain as a nation,” said the president.

    IEBC

    Mr Kenyatta raised concern over constant criticism directed at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) especially by the opposition Nasa and called for respect for independent constitutional bodies.

    “We should not engage IEBC in endless political battles. IEBC should be blemish-free and held in high esteem by the people they serve. Those who will not be happy with the outcome of the polls have a constitutional right to appeal. Any attack on IEBC is an attack on the guardian of democracy,” said the President.

    He said that the Jubilee Party is committed to ensure peace prevails during the electioneering period adding that the party will sign the peace pledge.

    “Kenyans are still suffering from the tragic consequences of the 2007/2008 post-election violence. We as leaders should desist from utterances which may create ethnic suspicion,” said Mr Kenyatta.

    “Our democracy was hard-won and should be ashamedly protected. We should show the world that we can govern ourselves,” added the President.

    The President and his deputy are on an extensive tour of the North Rift region in a bid to solidify Jubilee Party’s support in the vote-rich region.

    Source:Daily Nation

  • US$65 million sought to aid DRC refugees in Angola

    {UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and partners are seeking US$65 million to help the growing number of refugees arriving in Angola from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since April, some 30,000 refugees have already arrived in Angola’s Lunda Norte province, fleeing violent attacks in the Kasai region since.}

    Inter-communal tensions, clashes among different militia groups and the Congolese armed forces, have now displaced more than 1.3 million people internally.

    Humanitarian agencies fear the situation could develop into a large-scale conflict affecting more civilians. The number of refugees could reach 50,000 according to the government and UN estimates, with 300-500 arriving daily.

    “Traumatized refugees need urgent support to ensure provision of life-saving assistance and protection,” said Valentin Tapsoba, UNHCR’s Director for the Africa Bureau.

    “Angola is providing a warm welcome, but reception centres – accommodating refugees, are full beyond their capacity and basic services cannot be maintained without immediate donor support.”

    Arriving refugees express fear about returning to the DRC unless the situation changes, allowing safe and dignified return. Most civilians in affected areas are at risk of serious human rights violations, including physical mutilation, killing, sexual violence, arbitrary arrest and detention in inhumane conditions.

    Angola, a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, has historically received refugees from the DRC and other neighbouring countries. Prior to the recent influx, Angola was hosting some 15,600 refugees – including more than 13,400 from the DRC.

    UNHCR needs US$35 million till end of the year to continue assisting refugees in remote parts of Angola, but sustaining life-saving assistance won’t be possible without more funding.

    Current humanitarian activities are supported with US$10 million by the UN’s Central Emergency Fund.

    Source:Relief Web

  • Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (iCPAR) conducts examination for accounting profession

    {In a bid to continuously build capacities in the accounting profession, the Institute of Certified Accountants of Rwanda (iCPAR) has conducted the 10th accounting professional examinations for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Accounting Technician (CAT).}

    The 10thiCPAR CPA and CAT examinations were conducted from 5th to 9th June 2017 at three different centres i.e. Kigali Independent University (ULK), Nyagatare and Huye Campuses of the University of Rwanda (UR).

    A total of 1071 students offered to sit for CPA examinations at different Levels while 319 students offered to sit for CAT examinations in June 2017. The overall pass rates of CAT and CPA is increasing due to appropriate preparedness by students and better and adequate tuition providers.

    A total of Ten (10) candidates completed CPA (R) qualification while thirty (30) candidates completed the CAT (R) qualification. The Institute is committed towards increasing the number of qualified accountants needed by the Rwandan economy and fill the existing gap as identified by the 2008 World Bank Report, and meet the Vision 2020 in particular the development of adequate skilled human resources in Accountancy profession for Rwanda and the wider region.

    The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (iCPAR) has called on all students sitting for June 2017 examination and those who completed different Levels and sub Levels of CAT and CPA, towards completing the CPA and CAT professional qualifications, since it is possible to pass all papers.

    The June 2017 CPA and CAT examinations were conducted by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (iCPAR).

    iCPAR is also a member of the Panafrican Federation of Accountants (PAFA) and Associate member of the International Federation of Accounting (IFAC).

    Kigali Independent University (ULK) is among campuses where examinations were conducted from 5th to 9th June 2017.

  • Ngororero: Police intercept truck smuggling minerals

    {Police in Ngororero District have impounded a truck that was found transporting two tons of amethyst stones that had bought by unauthorized dealer.}

    Amethyst is a bright shining purple stone that is often used in pricey jewelry.

    According to the Western Region Police Spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Theobald Kanamugire, minerals were bought from Sovu mineral concession by one Claudine Uwingabire, who is not a licensed dealer in minerals.

    “The vehicle plate number RAC 369 A, a Toyota Dyna type, was intercepted on Sunday and impounded to Ngororero Police station where the driver, Damascene Sindikubwabo, is also held as investigations proceed,” Kanamugire said.

    “The law is clear; for you to deal in mineral trade you have to be licensed or given authorization documents. The vehicle transporting the minerals should also bear supporting documents. We are also still searching for Uwingabire to be charged for the crime,” he added.

    The development comes a month after Police also intercepted at least 173kg of untagged minerals in Rutsiro District.

    In March, Police in Rulindo District also intercepted about 600kg of Wolfram that were being smuggled and arrested two people in connection with the illegal act.

    “Mining is one of the major revenue generators for Rwanda; it’s the kind of business that has to be done in a clean manner and by authorized personnel. There are clear channels that have to be followed, and going against those guidelines means going against the law, which we can’t allow,” CIP Kanamugire said.

    He added that these are fraudulent dealings which are aimed at tax evasion. Minerals are supposed to be tagged before they are transported by licensed dealers or companies,”

    Kanamugire said mining is also regulated to ensure standards and to protect the environment.

    Article 438 of the penal code, stipulates that; “Any person who undertakes illegal research or illegally carries out commercial activities in valuable minerals, shall be liable to imprisonment of six months to one year and a fine of up to Rwf10 million.”

    Source:Police

  • More than 2 billion people overweight or obese, new study finds

    {Massive global research project reveals 30 percent of the world’s population affected by weight problems.}

    Globally, more than 2 billion children and adults suffer from health problems related to being overweight or obese, and an increasing percentage of people die from these health conditions, according to a new study.

    They are dying even though they are not technically considered obese, researchers found. Of the 4.0 million deaths attributed to excess body weight in 2015, nearly 40% occurred among people whose body mass index (BMI) fell below the threshold considered “obese.”

    The findings represent “a growing and disturbing global public health crisis,” according to the authors of the paper published today in The New England Journal of Medicine.

    “People who shrug off weight gain do so at their own risk — risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and other life-threatening conditions,” said Dr. Christopher Murray, an author on the study and Director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington. “Those half-serious New Year’s resolutions to lose weight should become year-round commitments to lose weight and prevent future weight gain.”

    The study, which spans 195 countries and territories from 1980 through 2015, was released today at the annual EAT Stockholm Food Forum, which aims to create a healthier, more sustainable food system. It is based on data from the most recent Global Burden of Disease study (GBD), a systematic, scientific effort to quantify the magnitude of health loss from all major diseases, injuries, and risk factors by age, sex, and population. With more than 2,300 collaborators in 133 countries, the GBD study examines 300-plus diseases and injuries.

    The paper includes analyses of other studies on the effects of excess weight and potential links between high BMI and cancers of the esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, gallbladder and biliary tract, pancreas, breast, uterus, ovary, kidney, and thyroid, as well as leukemia. IHME is committed to producing more in-depth studies on the implications of obesity and overweight, including through a new partnership with the United Nations, according to Dr. Murray.

    He announced at the forum a new agreement between IHME and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to exchange data, knowledge, and expertise. The goal is to elevate the world’s collective understanding of what is driving “the current global epidemic of disease” related to high body weight.

    The United Nations “Decade of Action on Nutrition” is an initiative covering 2016-2025 to eradicate hunger, end malnutrition in all its forms (undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight or obesity), and reduce the burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases in all age groups.

    In 2015, excess weight affected 2.2 billion children and adults worldwide, or 30% of all people. This includes nearly 108 million children and more than 600 million adults with BMI exceeding 30, the threshold for obesity, according to the study. The prevalence of obesity has doubled since 1980 in more than 70 countries and has continuously increased in most other nations. Although the prevalence of obesity among children has been lower than among adults, the rate of increase in childhood obesity in many countries was greater than that of adults.

    Among the 20 most populous countries, the highest level of obesity among children and young adults was in the United States at nearly 13%; Egypt topped the list for adult obesity at about 35%. Lowest rates were in Bangladesh and Vietnam, respectively, at 1%. China with 15.3 million and India with 14.4 million had the highest numbers of obese children; the United States with 79.4 million and China with 57.3 million had the highest numbers of obese adults in 2015.

    “Excess body weight is one of the most challenging public health problems of our time, affecting nearly one in every three people,” said Dr. Ashkan Afshin, the paper’s lead author and an Assistant Professor of Global Health at IHME. “Over the past decade, numerous interventions have been evaluated, but very little evidence exists about their long-term effectiveness. Over the next 10 years, we will closely with the FAO in monitoring and evaluating the progress of countries in controlling overweight and obesity. Moreover, we will share data and findings with scientists, policymakers, and other stakeholders seeking evidence-based strategies to address this problem.”

    More than 2 billion children and adults suffer from health problems related to being overweight or obese, finds a new study.

    Source:Science Daily

  • Rwanda can’t be haven for stolen vehicles, Police

    {Rwanda has continuously featured among the African countries that intercept many stolen vehicles, and will continue to make sure that no one uses it either as a destination or transit route for stolen vehicles and other items, the Commissioner for Interpol at Rwanda National Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Peter Karake, has said.}

    He made the statement, yesterday, while reacting on another stolen vehicle, a RAV4 that was intercepted on June 11 at Ruhwa border post with Burundi in Rusizi District as it entered into Rwanda.

    The vehicle was intercepted with the help of Interpol’s I-24/7 communication system, which connects all the 190 Interpol member countries to track stolen items and fugitives, among others.

    According to the I-24/7 log, the vehicle that was at the time found bearing Congolese number plates was reportedly stolen in Kenya in 2014.

    “Recent reports have placed Rwanda on top of African countries that have intercepted many stolen vehicles; This is attributed to the effective use of high-tech I-24/7 Interpol communication rolled out at all our border posts and connects the customs ,” said ACP Karake.

    Last year alone, RNP through Interpol database made 26,000 stolen motor vehicles (SMV) searches and made 11 hits. The hit implies the number of vehicles intercepted.

    Since the beginning of this year, RNP has intercepted seven stolen vehicles that were crossing into Rwanda.

    “The intercepted stolen vehicles come from different parts of the world. Among the vehicles we have intercepted and yet to be handed over, include three from South Africa, one from Belgium, one from Poland, three from Japan, one from Italy, one from France, one from Kenya and a motorcycle from UK,” ACP Karake said.

    Stolen motor-vehicles are one of the transnational crimes which, according to ACP Karake, Rwanda National Police is committed to fight.

    “The world today is increasingly facing changing trends in security systems. Emerging threats have affected some states and criminals are operating with no border limits. To deal with such a situation, we all embarked on international cooperation mainly through Interpol as means combat transnational crimes,” he said.

    The Commissioner for Interpol also alluded at Rwanda’s continuous efforts in strengthening its capacity in the fight against cross-border and transnational organized crime through enhancing cooperation with other police institutions and organization globally.

    Source:Police