Author: IGIHE

The Henley Passport Index is the only passport index that is based on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) data, enhanced by extensive in-house research and updated regularly throughout the year.

In 2010, owners of the Rwandan passport could travel to 39 countries without a VISA but the latest IATA update shows can travel to 59 countries without prior visa approval.

That made the Rwandan passport move up from the 87th place on the list of powerful passports in 2010 to the 83rd place in 2020.

Visa-free travels have significant importance to global trade, global politics, and global economics. Rwanda is the only country in East Africa that has added as many destinations in the past 10 years. Kenya has added 6 destinations, Tanzania 9, Uganda 7 and Burundi 12 compared to 2010.

In the past 10 years, Rwanda has signed diplomatic agreements mainly to facilitate trade and removed VISA requirements for countries including Qatar, Singapore, and Indonesia. Improvement of the Henley Passport Index implies global importance in the sense of trade and geopolitics. It also facilitates Rwandans to travel to different countries especially for studies with no excessive requirements beforehand.

The Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration recently informed an improved VISA regime allowing travelers to receive a 30-days Visa upon arrival without prior application and pay a prescribed Visa fee.

Moreover, new electronic passports are being issued as instructed by the EAC technical specifications and IATA regulations. The electronic passport will counter attempts of forgery and identity theft as it cannot be tampered.

Owners of regular passports are required to reach out to the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration to exchange their passports with electronic ones by July 2021.

{{The top five passports of 2020 and the number of visa-free destinations:}}

1. Japan (191)
2. Singapore (190)
3. South Korea (189)
3. Germany (189)
4. Italy (188)
4. Finland (188)
5. Spain (187)
5. Luxembourg (187)
5. Denmark (187)

{{The least powerful passports in the world include:}}

North Korea (39)
Nepal, Palestine (38)
Libya (37)
Yemen (33)
Somalia, Pakistan (32)
Syria (29)
Iraq (28)
Afghanistan (28)

Twabugabo was arrested on Wednesday in Gatumba Sector after police found him employing an 11-year old boy to mine coltan and cassiterite in a concession located in Kamisiga Cell, Nyenyeri Village.

“At about 2 pm on Wednesday, Police responded to information about people who were mining illegally. Some of them run away but Police managed to arrest their boss—Twabugabo—and rescued the boy,” said Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region.

“Besides being a minor, it was within the time when the boy was supposed to be at school. He is a pupil in Primary Four at Ecole Primaire Miduha. The boy was carrying soil from the concession to filter coltan and cassiterite in the nearby water stream. Twabugabo was paying the boy Rwf400 per day,” he explained.

“This is child exploitation, violation of child rights and a barrier to holistic child development, which is criminal and punishable by law.”

Article 6 of law No. 71/2018 of 31/08/2018 relating to the protection of the child defines a child as “any person under eighteen (18) years of age.”

Article 6 of the law regulating labor in Rwanda, prohibits subjecting a child below the age of 18 to any form of works, which are physically harmful to the child; work underground, underwater, at dangerous heights or in confined space; work with dangerous machinery, equipment, and tools or which involves manual handling or transport of heavy loads; work in an environment which exposes the child to temperatures, noise levels or vibrations damaging his/her health; work for longer hours or during the night or performed in confined spaces.

Law N° 58/2018 of 13/08/2018 on mining and quarry operations, stipulates that; “any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a license, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he or she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than two months and not more than six months and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.

The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a license.

CIP Kayigi warned the public against unlawful mining activities and using minors in any activity that amounts to child labor, and called for information sharing on such illegal acts.

The title of the first class was “My friend, Maize” which introduced the growing process of maize to give an insight into the order of nature to the students.

The IPYG Youth Empowerment Project aims to foster young people as peace advocates who can practice and spread peace with the values of cooperation, diversity, respect, and forgiveness.

The purpose of the IPYG Youth Empowerment Project shares the value of the UN SDGs, especially “Quality Education”, and embraces the principles such as nonviolent culture, world citizenship, respect for cultural diversity, and contribution of culture to sustainable development.

Bosco Boro James, deputy director of Junub Open Space who hosted the project said, ”When we taught students about the concept and purpose of youth sovereignty projects, they paid great attention. The content of education is interesting and beneficial, so if we introduce it to other school teachers and continue to proceed, the achievement of the education will be greater.”

Also, one student who participated in the class said, “I reflected in the course of maize’s growth into a person’s life and thought about how to express love and treat others. Other students were able to get together not only to learn practical knowledge through education but also to make peace. I want to get the next round of training as soon as possible.”

The South Sudan civil war, which began in 2013, has left more than 400,000 people dead and about 4 million refugees. Also, the civil war has destroyed basic social infrastructure and left food problems and traumas.

In order to solve the social problems and mental trauma caused by the civil war, the IPYG, an affiliated organization of HWPL, will continue to carry out the Youth Empowerment Project in cooperation with the schools and youth organizations in South Sudan.

According to the Eastern region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the suspects identified as Fred Rutazihana, 26, and Theoneste Hategekimana were apprehended with some of the electronics stolen in Gishari.

In the night of January 7, thieves broke into the house of Colette Mukundirehe and stole a flat television set, computer laptop, four smart-phones and a home theatre.

“Fortunately, when thieves were trying to sell the stolen electronics on black market the following day, one of the would-be buyers got suspicious and called the Police. The duo was at the time arrested with the laptop stolen from Mukundirehe,” said CIP Twizeyimana.

“Rutazihana and Hategekimana were handed to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) at Gishari station; law enforcement organs are working together to recover other items they had already sold by the time of their arrest, and to find out if they are connected to other burglaries either in Rwamagana or other parts of the country.”

The spokesperson discouraged the public against purchasing valuables on black market to prevent buying stolen items, and to always report those who try to sell them things with unknown origin.

Article 166 in Rwanda new penal code relating to theft, states that any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than two years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf2 million, community service in a period of six months or only one of these penalties.

UK Aid funding has helped to avert cuts in refugees’ rations and in reinstating cash-based transfers to all camp residents. WFP uses a hybrid model of cash and in-kind food assistance to support the Burundian refugees in Mahama.

Cash enables refugees to purchase food of their choice at markets in or around the camp, improving their dietary diversity and supporting the local economy.

With DFID’s support, WFP can also continue providing highly fortified nutritious foods to the most vulnerable in Mahama to improve their nutritional status.

These include children under two years of age, pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as people living with HIV/AIDS and patients with tuberculosis who are on treatment.

As a result of such nutrition support, child stunting was cut from 46 percent in 2015 to 25.5 percent in 2019 and wasting went from 10.3 percent to 2.3 percent in the same time period.

Head of DFID Rwanda, Sarah Metcalf, said ‘I am delighted that UK Aid has been able to help support the vital work of WFP on nutrition and protection for refugees in Rwanda’.

“This contribution enables WFP to continue to reach the most vulnerable women, girls, boys and men in Mahama with life-saving food and nutritional assistance,” said Edith Heines, WFP Rwanda Representative, and Country Director.

The Minister gave the assurance during a press conference with local, regional and international media correspondents where he highlighted major events that took and will take place in the country.

The EAC Heads of State Summit was scheduled on November 30th, 2019 but was postponed to later in January or February this year.

In a letter Olivier Nduhungirehe, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wrote to the EAC Secretary General, Liberat Mfumukeko, postponing the meeting was requested by a member who was not disclosed in the letter.

“The EAC Heads of State Summit has been postponed on request of a member state and will take place at a later date in January or February 2020.”

Minister Biruta confirmed the meeting would happen despite several sources questioning it due to the current uncertain political atmosphere between EAC countries.

“The EAC Heads of State Summit being postponed had nothing to do with a dispute or disagreement among the EAC Partner States.”

Currently, an adverse political climate reigns between EAC countries since the start of Uganda-Rwanda feud. It is the same case between Burundi and Rwanda. Kenya and Tanzania are also not on good terms due to disagreements based on trade policies between the two countries.

In a press conference with President Paul Kagame on November 8th, 2019, he stressed that solving issues between EAC member states is more important than planning for meetings.

“We have even gone two years without a meeting and that does not necessarily imply a disagreement between EAC member states. Cooperation between countries is not always easy and I knew it from the get-go but the benefits that come from it are to be cherished and hence political conflicts should be resolved at all costs.”

During the 21st EAC Heads of State Summit, members will assess the eligibility of South Sudan and Somalia which have applied to become member states of the EAC.

The meeting will also reiterate Kenya’s endorsement by the African Union to obtain a seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2021. Kenya is up against Djibouti for the seat once South Africa’s term expires.

On the agenda, member states will also assess the eligibility of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to become a member state of the EAC as per the DRC application on July 8th, 2019. DRC applied to become a member state of the EAC in a letter addressed to President Paul Kagame who is the current EAC chairman. DRC provided as a reason for the application, the trade opportunities as one of the perks of being an EAC member state.

EAC Secretary General, Liberat Mfumukeko said the fact that more countries are applying to join the EAC is a sign the community is thriving. “Trade between EAC member countries has grown from revenues worth $2.7 billion in 2016 to $2.9 billion in 2017 and $3.3 billion in 2018.

The East African Community is currently made of 5 countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi.

It is not the first time the EAC Heads of State Summit has been postponed since it happened before for the 20th edition of the meeting. The meeting was finally held in Arusha, Tanzania on January 1st, 2019.

However, Pierre Nkurunziza, President of Burundi who for 5 years now has not left the country was absent, after a coup led by Major General Godefroid Niyombare threatened his seat while he was out of the country.

The 17 Rwandans are part of a group of 55 individuals who were recently placed under surveillance due to alleged suspicious activities they were conducting. They were caught roaming near areas that have been pinpointed for selling unlicensed generic alcoholic beverages in Goma.

Carly Nzanzu Kasivita, North Kivu Governor had recently denounced the presence of a criminal network in Goma made of Burundians, Ugandans, and Rwandans who smuggled unlicensed products in Goma with the complicity of Goma residents. He called upon police authorities and residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity they might identify.

The 55 individuals who were arrested were on the police watchlist and placed on close surveillance until suspicions were confirmed.

Besides selling unlicensed alcohol and evading the payment of excise duties and VAT, some of the criminals were also indicted for abducting children.

Muisa Kense Timothée, the Mayor of Goma said the arrested criminals were placed under surveillance for a long time and that their arrest will reduce the rate of criminal activities in Goma. He recommended Goma residents to collaborate with the police to stop all illegal activities.

“I call upon residents and our police to take an active part in eradicating criminal activities in our city as it is affecting us all. There are thugs, thieves, and kidnappers in our city and without your collaboration, they will all keep thriving.”

He said that after being interrogated, the 17 Rwandans will be handed over to Rwanda to be tried for their crimes.

Rumors have been circulating that people are being abducted on a daily and their families asked ransoms on top of threats of killing them if the ransom is not given. Goma residents said the kidnappers are foreigners.

In April of 2019, entered into contracts with such modeling agencies as Women Milan from Italy, Milk London from England, and New Icon from the US.

Kabano Franco, one of the founders of WBM, told IGIHE that Isheja will be appearing on Milan Fashion Show, from the 18th to the 24th of February 2020, and Paris Fashion Week, from the 24th of February to the 4th of March 2020.

Apart from her appearance on the fashion shows, Isheja is also scheduled to work with some well-known fashion designers who, however, have not yet been revealed.

We Best Models Management, has partners in Nigeria, South Africa (where they work with Isis Models), Italy (where they work with Women Model Management, Milan), France (where they work with Select Models, Women Management and Supreme Models), England (where they work with Milk Model Management, London), and the US (where they partnered with New Icon, New York).

It homes 28 fashion models, 25 of whom are girls, and only 3 are boys.

On Wednesday, January 8th, 2020, Rubavu district administration started using caterpillar trucks to unearth bodies due to overcoming the challenge of rocky earth at Gisenyi Airport which made it hard to dig the graves.

Ishimwe Pacifique, Rubavu Vice Mayor Social Affairs announced that after they started using caterpillar trucks, the remains of 113 have been unearthed.

“We will continue digging the graves and with the collaboration of Rubavu residents more remains will be found.”

Residents confirmed that there is a possibility some houses in Rubavu were built on top of mass graves.

Ishimwe says that based on autopsy reports, the unearthed remains are undoubtedly 1994 genocide victims.

“Besides autopsy reports, we are certain there was no cemetery here and we have evidence that the unearthed remains are those of genocide victims because some of them are still piled up together or tied and we have also found some of the murder weapons used during the genocide in the pits.”

Rubavu has administration requested residents and genocide survivors to help in identifying the bodies so that they can be buried properly.

In an explanation posted on the University website, UR says their considered target is to always issue degree certificates during the graduation ceremony but are in most cases delayed by students who pay for all the necessary requirements at the last minute and others who fail to complete their payments.

The University has however announced that the degree certificates for 2019 graduands will be handed to them by the end of January 2020. In the meantime, the graduates will be given accomplishment testimonials which they can present as they apply for jobs.

The announcement follows countless complaints of graduates reproaching the university’s administration of lateness in handing over degree certificate when the graduates have fulfilled all academic requirements and that it is a major hindrance for those who are searching for jobs.

The Ministry of Public Service and Labor (MIFOTRA) states that job seekers should present to employers notified documents certifying they have completed all the academic requirements to fulfill the duties they are applying for.

The terms and conditions for applicants in public institutions and other organizations require presenting academic credentials when applying via the ministry’s platform.

2019 graduates have no proof they have completed studies for attaining a degree so far.

UR has started negotiating with MIFOTRA to accept academic transcripts as graduates await their degree certificates.

UR promised that the degree certificates’ availability will be accelerated as they are no longer printed from Europe but locally. However, the university explained that since degrees are printed in Rwanda for the first time, they will be meticulous in executing it to avoid printing errors.

In 2019, a total of 9,382 students graduated with Bachelors’s degrees in various fields including 2488 women and 5894 men. They are all still waiting for their degrees.