Author: IGIHE

Minister Busingye reminded them that the functions they have been assigned require fairness and thoughtfulness.

“Your job has so many requirements as it entails fighting crime and making in-depth investigation so justice can be served.”

He stated that the job of an investigator might appear as a double-edged sword since it requires empathy but at the same time sternness to fight crime.

“As much as being an investigator demands being relentless in your work, it is important to note that it is illegal to forcefully obtain information from people or using deceitful ways in your investigation.”

Busingye told the investigators to avoid bias but use the skills they have acquired to uphold justice. He underlined that investigators should work hand in hand with the police, prosecution, defense lawyers and other institutions in the justice system to control crime and impose penalties on those who violate laws.

On the crime of sexual assault and rape, Busingye informed the investigators about its severity and urged them to focus on it as it has reached alarming rates.

“Sexually assaulting or raping someone is never an accident. It is premeditated and convicted criminals should be subject to severe punishment so that it can serve as an example to those whoever thought of taking the same path.”

The Deputy Secretary-General of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Isabelle Kalihangabo reported that in 2019, there were 177 cases of sexual assault and rape in Nyanza district and criminals included 184 men and 29 women. She said that in 2019, 1721 cases of sexual assault and rape were reported in the Southern Province making 18.3% of total cases in the country.

Among the sexual assault and rape cases, the most predominant were rape on minors with 60 cases, 36 cases of assault and battery and 24 cases of sexual harassment.

In 2019, 18 rape cases and 14 polygamy cases were reported in the Southern Province

The incident happened on the night of February 11, 2020, as night watchmen stopped the suspect but he, instead, took off prompting security to shoot, killing him instantly.

In his was found 284 pellets of marijuana.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been established as he had no identification documents with him.

The spokesperson of Rwanda National Police in Kigali City, Chief Inspector of Police Marie Goretti Umutesi has informed IGIHE that the incident happened at around 7:40 p.m and the deceased was aged between 21 to 23. The body was taken to Kacyiru Hospital as investigations get underway.

February 11th, 2020 was the second day of the program and contestants of Miss Rwanda 2020 as well as the state minister in the Ministry of foreign affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe assisted along Iradukunda to cataract surgery at Nyamata District Hospital.

Cataract surgery is a procedure that requires removing the lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. A cataract leads the lens of the eye to become cloudy and therefore affects vision.

Nduhungirehe encouraged Iradukunda to continue bringing up ideas to improve the livelihoods of Rwandans and spread the initiative so that the youth could learn from her.

In an interview with IGIHE, Iradukunda Elsa said that after Rubavu, Huye and Nyamagabe where she financed cataract surgery for 1200 patients, Bugesera was also among the districts which recorded a high number of cataract patients.

“I have the support of the government of Rwanda and most especially Kabgayi Hospital which agreed to move its entire surgical ward and personnel to cater for cataract patients in the four districts we have reached so far.”

Cataract surgery will continue throughout the week in Huye district.

The adoption of the two bills previously adopted by the House of Representatives on 22 January 2020, in a plenary session, within the framework of the ratification procedure, have completed the legislative framework, fixing the limit of the territorial waters, establishing a 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone off the coast of the Southern Provinces of Morocco while incorporating it into the national legal arsenal and establishing also the baselines as well as the continental shelf of the seabed linking Morocco to Spain, Portugal and Mauritania.

The adoption of the two texts are in line with the High Orientations contained in the Royal Address of His Majesty the King Mohammed VI, on the 44th anniversary of the Green March, in which His Majesty stressed the necessity to assimilate the configuration of the overall territorial space of the Kingdom of Morocco.

In the same spirit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates indicated that the High Royal Directives aim at filling the legal gap underlined in the national legal arsenal governing the maritime spaces, while adjusting it to the full sovereignty of Morocco on its entire territory and overall territorial waters, as well as airspace, in line with the clear and bold approach advocated by His Majesty the King Mohammed VI, for Morocco’s foreign policy.

The two texts aim at adjusting the national legal arsenal to the full sovereignty of Morocco on both its entire territory and its overall territorial waters, bearing in mind that the existing texts date back to 1973 and 1981. From a legal stand point, Morocco is operating the harmonization of its national legislation with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982).

The procedure of the maritime space delimitation is of outmost importance as it illustrates an act of sovereignty referring to the International Law of the Sea. The delimitation may result in overlaps with neighboring countries, among which Spain, with whom Morocco is determined to resolve any issue through dialogue.

In a statement published on February 7th, 2020, S&P noted that the outlook is stable as Rwanda is expected to continue to achieve above-average real GDP growth and establish balance against risks of fiscal slippages and rising government debt.

S&P credit rating is used by sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and other investors to gauge the creditworthiness of Rwanda thus having a big impact on the country’s borrowing costs. In the future, S&P predicts a raise in Rwanda’s rating if the economic growth materially outperforms.

In June 2018 however, S&P warned that debt held by state-owned enterprises (SOE) has rapidly increased over the past two years, and stood at about 6% of GDP and that it might lead to re-evaluate Rwanda’s ranking.

GDP growth in Rwanda is mostly driven by construction projects, constant improvement in the industry and service sectors as well as a trade which is backed up by a great performance from RwandAir, the carrier airline of Rwanda.

S&P predicts an increase in GDP by 7.7% every year from 2020 to 2023 due to the improvement in infrastructures, energy projects, stadiums, schools, health centers, and residential homes. In addition, an improvement in agriculture and industries is expected brought about by investment. The mining industry will also contribute to stimulating economic growth.

The positive outlook reflects S&P view that the upcoming pipeline of investment projects, along with higher exports and consumption, will drive strong medium-term growth prospects.

Analysts say B+ is a good economic indicator for Rwanda and that it will allow investors to assess the overall performance of the market in Rwanda.

The funeral service was held today at Nyayo stadium located in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya and brought together thousands of Kenyans and friends of Kenya.

Presidents at the funeral service included Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, President Paul Kagame and Yemi Osinbanjo, the vice president of Nigeria.

They were given time to pay tribute to him for the last time where his body was laid at the parliament buildings.

President Uhuru Kenyatta who chaired the ceremony called President Moi ‘The father of the country and a champion of Pan-Africanism’

President Moi will be buried on Wednesday, February 12th in Kabarak where he was born. Kabarak is located 220 kilometers away from Nairobi.

Daniel Arap Moi was President of Kenya from 1978 to 2002. He was known as a popular and personable leader who succeeded to maintain peace and security in Kenya at a time where neighboring countries were facing political crisis and war.

However, to others, he was a despot and was known for dealing pitilessly with his opponents as well as perpetrating corruption.

On Sunday, February 9th, 2020, Rwanda National Police (RNP) in Gasabo District apprehended 50-year old Rurangirwa Louis, 29-year old Uwiragiye Philippe and 29-year old Nshimiyimana Jean Bosco.

They were caught red-handed as they plotted to scam a resident of Bumbogo sector, Gasabo district for Rwf 3 million.

CIP Marie Gorette Umutesi, RNP spokesperson in Kigali said that Rurangirwa was the leader of the group and that he was caught with a bag containing $5000 counterfeit dolar bills that he was going to exchange for Rwf 3 million.

“They convinced the victim they had legitimate dollar bills and first exchanged Rwf 48,000 with real bills of $50. They wanted to gain the victim’s trust so that they could give him the counterfeit bills later without him suspecting anything.”

However, the victim had heard rumors that Rurangirwa and his mates were involved in fraud schemes and immediately alerted the police. Uwiragiye and Nshimiyimana had just finished a sentence for counterfeiting.

After the three scammers were apprehended, they immediately admitted they made counterfeit bills and gave out one other accomplice who they say is their leader.

CIP Umutesi warned the general public of the increasing number of scammers in Kigali and that they must be careful at all times.

The suspects were handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) Bumbogo station as further investigation is being conducted.

Article 269 of the Penal Code states that any person, who fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins or bank notes which are legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, notes issued by the Treasury with its stamp or brand, either banknotes or alike that have legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, or one who introduces or issues in Rwanda such effects or notes with knowledge that they are forged or falsified, commits an offence.

They are liable for not less than five years’ imprisonment and not more than 7 years.

On Monday, February 10th, 2020, the new urban district leaders were welcomed to their new positions in a handover ceremony that was held at City of Kigali headquarters.

Rwamurangwa Stephen, former Gasabo district mayor was replaced by Umwali Pauline as Gasabo District Executive Administrator. Kayisime Nzaramba, former Nyarugenge District Mayor was replaced by Ngabonziza Emmy as Nyarugenge District Executive Administrator while Solange Umutesi was appointed District Executive Administrator replacing Emmanuel Baingana.

Julian Rugaza was appointed City Manager and Emmanuel Asaba Katabarwa as City Engineer.

Rubingisa welcomed the newly appointed urban district leaders promising them collaboration.

“We welcome newly appointed urban leaders and other appointed officials. The new responsibilities they have been entrusted with require thoughtfulness and play a vital role in the wellbeing of citizens but with collaboration, we expect the best results. We also cannot forget to thank their predecessors who relentlessly contributed to the development of the City of Kigali.”

The new law governing the City of Kigali stated that urban district leaders should be appointed starting July 31st, 2019 as it was published in the official gazette. Urban leaders elected in each district will take up responsibilities for former district mayors and their vice mayors.

The reform saw members of the City of Kigali Council drop from 33 to 11 members.
Dr. Bayisenge Jeannette, President of the City of Kigali Council reminded newly appointed leaders of the many responsibilities awaiting them and that they must fulfill their duties at all times.

“There are so many things expected from you and you should do your best not to betray the trust the government of Rwanda put in you.”

In the new reform, the title mayor was replaced by the District Executive Administrator and the Deputy District Executive Administrator.

Newly elected leaders have a three-year term in office after which they will eligible to run for two additional terms.

CIP Umutesi Marie Gorette, RNP Spokesperson in Kigali City confirmed the incident happened at around 9 in the morning.

“The victim’s name in Ntatinya Audace and from Gicumbi district. He was coming to replace his colleague who worked the overnight shift. He took his firearm and shot himself.”

CIP Umutesi advised the general public that in case they experience a problem they are unable to handle, they should consult professionals or seek the advice of a friend instead of resorting to taking their own lives.

“If you face a setback, it is better to seek professional advice or talk to a friend before it is too late.”

About 5,000 participants filled the Cotabato City Plaza to celebrate the “Peace Day in Mindanao” originally designated on January 24th in 2014.

Local government officials, youth leaders, religious leaders, teachers and students from secondary schools and higher education institutions gathered to collectively work for the creation and development of sustainable peace through the DPCW.

The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) is a comprehensive document, which clarifies the role of members of the international society to prevent and resolve conflicts.

It is in the process of being introduced to the UN as a draft resolution and eventually be implemented as a legally binding document to sustain peace globally.

About 5,000 participants filled the Cotabato City Plaza to celebrate the “Peace Day in Mindanao” designated on January 24th in 2014.

The City Mayor together with local government officials of Cotabato City, youth leaders, religious leaders, teachers and students from secondary schools headed by the Schools Division Superintendent and higher education institutions gathered to establish collaboration for the sustainable development in Mindanao and the implementation of the DPCW.

In 2014, Chairman Man Hee Lee of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) signed a peace agreement with the former Governor of Maguindanao, Hon. Esmael Mangudadatu, and His Excellency Fernando Capalla, who are now serving as the Congressman and Archbishop-emeritus of Davao, respectively.

Since then, HWPL has cooperated with local organizations in Mindanao to open the channels for peacebuilding including peace education for students and inter-religious dialogues for mutual understanding.

In her speech, Dr. Concepcion Ferrer-Balawag, Cotabato City Schools Division Superintendent, commended the success of the most recent two-part Peace Education Writeshop held on January 17-18 and January 31-February 1, 2020, respectively.

A total of 85 supervisors and writers from 55 schools participated to contextualize the 12 Lessons proposed by HWPL by creating a teaching guide for the integration of Peace Education to all schools in Cotabato City.

“I am extending my heartfelt gratitude to the HWPL for the partnership we have established to better serve our Filipino learners as we prepare them for life,” said Dr. Balawag.

The Department of Education Cotabato City Schools Division expressed its full support toward the integration of Peace Education by signing a Memorandum of Agreement with HWPL.

Moreover, HWPL’s affiliated youth organization, International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) continuously work with local youth organizations especially with Gallant Adolescent New Generation (GANG) for the advancement of the DPCW and the civic betterment of Cotabato City.

“Violence has never been the solution,” said Rauf Lumabao, the President of GANG. He emphasized the significant role of youth being at the “frontline of peacebuilding” in advancing the DPCW as an instrument to “make this society free from violence.”

As one of the highlights of the event, city officials led the “Kadsapa sa Kalilintad” or Peace Promise Padlock with the pledge for sustainable peace in the presence of Cotabato City. Afterwards, all shouted a unified call, urging the President to support the implementation of DPCW, “We want peace. President Duterte, please support DPCW.”

Graham Nazer Dumama, Vice Mayor of Cotabato City and the Director of HWPL led the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of the HWPL Peace Monument which will serve as a visual representation of the peace movements initiated and the partnership declared with Hon. Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, Mayor of Cotabato City.