Theogene Nsabimana, 40, was arrested Monday in Gitaraga Cell, Masaka Sector in Kicukiro District following several complaints from victims, some of who were his passengers while others fell victims of his sporadic ambushes in late hours of the night along different pathways in the cell.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie Gorette Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali has said that law enforcement agencies and the cooperative of motorcyclists in Masaka have been working together to locate and arrest Nsabimana and two others still at large said to be part of the gang.
“We understand that Nsabimana was working with other two people to grab bags and other belongings, especially from women and girls. All the victims described Nsabimana and two other men still at large, as their attackers,” CIP Umutesi said.
Following the arrest of Nsabimana, a number of his victims showed up and indeed identified him as one of the men, who attacked them and stole their belongings that included mobile phones and money.
Most of the victims are women from Gitagara and Rusheshe cells in Masaka, who would be attacked on their way from Biryogo market. It is the second time he has been arrested over the alleged criminal acts.
Meanwhile, the cooperative of commercial motorcyclists in Masaka also said that Nsabimana was not a registered motorcyclist and that “such unregistered members take advantage of their being incognito to steal from their passengers.”
The federation of motorcycle cooperatives—FERWACOTAMO—is building a database and registering every commercial motorcyclist and owners of motorcycles, including installation of GPS, to help trace implicated wrongdoers, keep records of their members’ behavior and help them to take action against errant members.
The AG100 motorcycle, RA 965N was stolen on October 8, from Munyangoga’s home in Nyamata Sector. It was recovered on October 14, in Rilima Sector.
The Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana said that on the fateful evening, Munyangoga returned home and parked his motorcycle on the veranda.
Later that evening, he came out of the house only to find that his motorcycle was nowhere to be seen and he immediately called law enforcement agencies which commenced the search for the motorcycle and suspected thief.
“On October 10, Rilima Police station received a call at about 10pm from a local resident, who saw a motorcycle hidden in a banana plantation; apparently the suspected thief was looking for a buyer,” CIP Twizeyimana said.
“The suspect was selling the motorcycle at Rwf700, 000. Although he managed to flee the arrest that very night, we know him and law enforcement officers are working together to locate and bring him to justice,” the spokesperson added.
He thanked the resident, who was quick to provide information, which facilitated the recovery of the motorcycle and called for strengthened partnership and information sharing on anyone they suspect to be a wrongdoer.
Munyangoga, on his part, thanked the resident who helped the Police efforts to recover his motorcycle, and commended the impact of community policing in fighting and preventing crime.
Disasters followed a warning by the Weatherman predicting heavy rain from Thursday 10th October to Sunday 13th October 2019.
The rain was predicted at the precipitation of between 10 and 25mm per day.
“The rain predicted by Meteorology Agency left five people dead and destroyed some houses. Those who died include the motorcyclist crushed by a tree, some were carried by flowing streams while a house fell on another died of house fall,” said the Minister Kamayirese.
She appealed on citizens to be cautious during the rainy season and relocate from susceptible risky zones.
Upon arrival, Kagame is expected to hold bilateral talks with his counterpart.
Different posters have been erected along roads in CAR to welcome Kagame.
The President heads to CAR following a visit to Abidjan in Ivory Coast where he attended the 8th edition of Confédération Générale des Entreprises de Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI) Academy 2019 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast as the guest of honor.
Both heads of state are not meeting for the first time. Touadéra was previously in Rwanda attending Rwanda’s 25th Liberation Anniversary.
Kagame and Touadéra are expected to hold talks aimed at promoting cooperation and trade.
According to RFI, the mining sector, as well as a strengthening of military cooperation are among other areas of discussion.
The two heads of state are also expected to establish a joint commission, which organizes regular meetings between delegates from both countries.
The visit aligns with Rwanda’s initiatives to strengthen cooperation with Francophone countries three years after joining The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) which it had left in 2007.
Rwanda and CAR enjoy good relations in security cooperation. Rwanda is ranked the 3rd largest contributor to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic with over 1389 soldiers and police officers.
Rwanda started sending troops to CAR in 2014. CAR is rich in minerals like Gold, Diamond, and Uranium among others.
The president received the award from the Federation of West African Entrepreneurs (FOPAO) yesterday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire where he took part in the 8th edition of Confédération Générale des Entreprises de Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI) Academy 2019 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast as the guest of honor.
CGECI Academy is one of the largest forums of the Ivorian Private Sector.
During the opening ceremony of the summit, the President of Private Sector Federation in Ivory Coast M. Jean-Marie Ackah said: “As African entrepreneurs, we grant you this special prize on behalf of the Federation of West African entrepreneurs for your outstanding leadership.”
According to Abidjan News Agency, the award was presented to Kagame by Jean Kacou Diagou, the former president of Ivory Coast Private Sector
In 1994, Rwanda’s GDP posted a rapid decline at more than 40%.
Between 2001-2015, Rwanda’s economy consistently grew by 8%.
In 1994, Rwanda earned US$ 753.6 million in GDP, which grew to US$ 1735 million in 2000, Rwf 8.278 billion in 2015 and grew by 8.6 % in 2018 posting Rwf 8,189 billion compared to Rwf 7,597 billion of the previous year.
The national budget increased 14 times while domestic budget is 20 times compared to the past 20 years.
Rwanda’s economy grew by 8.5% last year. In the first quarter of 2019, there was growth of 8.4% and the second quarter was 12.2%.
As he gave remarks at the summit, President Kagame called on Governments to do their part, listen to, and work with the private sector, to overcome existing barriers to doing business and ensure that young people are equipped with the education and training required, to take advantage of new opportunities.
“We have to reach a point where our countries have the capacity to finance our own transformation. Development aid has been useful and it continues to be useful, especially when we work to get the most impact out of every cent that we receive. But the point has never been to remain dependent forever when we have always had the potential to be wealthy ourselves,” he said.
“There are much more productive ways for our continent to partner with various countries and regions, for mutual benefit. This remains an urgent task and the African private sector has an indispensable role to play,” observed Kagame.
According to Stéphane Aka-Anghui, the executive director of the General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI, Patronat) the Rwandan president was chosen as the guest of honor because his country has made considerable efforts to make the business environment attractive and could share its experience with Ivorian companies.
The World Bank Doing Business report 2018 rated Rwanda 29th globally in easing business and second in Africa following Mauritius.
The 8th edition of “CGECI Academy” was initially scheduled for October 17 to 18 and was rescheduled from October 14 to 15 in Abidjan for Rwandan President Paul Kagamé to participate.
Kagame was last in Ivory Coast on 20th December 2018 when he was conferred honorary citizenship of Abidjan.
The decision is the follow up on Law N° 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 relating to the prohibition of manufacturing, importation, use, and sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.
Plastic items prohibited under the law include all polyethylene bags, plastic straws, dishes, spoons, forks, and plastic paper carriages.
The banned items are deemed to catalyzing poor sanitation, blocking drainage systems, limiting soil-water absorption, silting and lowland flooding, among others.
Speaking to the media yesterday, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Vincent Biruta warned that no further import of such materials will be allowed.
“We have set a three-month deadline for plastic items available in different shops from today. We have given them that time to sell off all stock. Everyone dealer in such items should declare the quantity available in store so that we can see how to negotiate deadline adjustments if recorded items will not have been cleared from stock by close of the deadline. We are however optimistic all quantities will have been emptied from stores,” he said.
Biruta explained that factories have been given a two-year deadline to stop using plastic packaging items.
“We met on different occasions to assess if manufactured items were authorized and discuss possible alternatives. We have their database and some of the manufacturers have already pitched new environment-friendly projects. Talks are underway to assess the feasibility and seek how to collaborate in manufacturing authorized items without incurring huge losses,” he said.
As per Law N°, 17/2019 of 10/08/2019, every manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer of plastic carry bags or single-use plastic items must put in place mechanisms to collect and segregate used plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items and hand them over to recycling plants.
Illegal manufacturing of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items after the deadline is liable to closure, dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items and to an administrative fine Rwf 10,000,000; importers are subjected to an administrative fine equivalent to ten (10) times of the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items; wholesalers to Rwf 700,000; and retailers to Rwf 300,000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
The Peacekeepers were composed of Rwandan Military, Police and Correctional Service serving under MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic).
In his remarks, Gen Nyamvumba commended the job being done by Peacekeepers and the partnership existing between the Military, Police and Correctional personnel of Rwanda.
“The population of CAR that you are serving, as well as the leadership of Peacekeeping Mission in New York all say that you are doing a commendable job. This has made you good ambassadors of Rwanda,” he said.
“What is required from you is to continue what you started and maintain and sustain the achievements attained. This requires you to uphold your discipline and maintain professionalism,” Gen Nyamvumba added.
Rwanda maintains the highest number of Peacekeepers serving in MINUSCA.
The warning follows the launch of Agriculture Season 2020 A at the end of September 2019. The majority of citizens in rural areas are currently busy sowing maize, beans, wheat and soy among others.
The statement prohibiting local leaders and non-governmental organizations organizing meetings or campaigns in morning hours was released yesterday.
Signed by the Minister of Local Government, Prof Anastase Shyaka, the statement reads that several meetings bringing together citizens in morning hours have been popular nowadays taking the time they would be spending at work.
“We request all relevant institutions to hold meetings afternoon especially during this planting season for them to spend morning hours in development activities,” reads the statement in part.
Minister Shyaka appealed to all concerned people to respect the regulation in favor of citizens’ common interests.
Mukakarangwa was arrested on Saturday following Prime Minister’s Order dismissing her from Public service due to gross misconduct.
Her dismissal was announced during resolutions of the cabinet meeting that was chaired by President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro on Thursday last week.
Speaking to IGIHE, the spokesperson of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Modeste Mbabazi has confirmed the arrest of Mukakarangwa.
“She has been arrested for alleged favoritism,” he said.
Mukakarangwa is alleged of recruiting his brother in RCA and sending him to work on missions as a public servant as well as using work vehicles for personal interests.
She was detained following the arrest of Esther Batamuriza, RCA Director of Administration and Finance Unit on 11th October 2019 for financial mismanagement.
David, accompanied by his mother and fiancée, began his trip by visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial where he paid respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He learned about the causes of the Genocide and how Rwandans have built a new nation on a foundation of dignity and togetherness. David and his family honoured the victims by laying a wreath and observing a moment of silence.
He also met President Paul Kagame, before heading to Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Northern Province where he planted an indigenous tree as part of efforts to reforest areas surrounding the stunning Volcanoes National Park – home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
David and his family also enjoyed ‘Rwanda Night’ at the Lodge, which included traditional Rwandan dancing and drumming, as well as sampling the local cuisine.
Kicking off day two, David and his family trekked through the volcanoes to see Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. During the incredible wildlife experience, they learnt about the country’s successful efforts to conserve and protect the gorillas and their habitat. David then traveled back to Kigali to attend a national league football match at Kigali Regional Stadium where he met players, young Rwandans from the Irebero Goalkeeper Training Centre and enthusiastic fans.
David concluded his trip by meeting hundreds of Arsenal fans at the Kigali Convention Centre where he answered questions on his experience in Rwanda and his life and football career.
Helping to build awareness of Rwanda as a welcoming and culturally rich tourist hotspot, David was the first Arsenal first-team player to visit Rwanda since the partnership’s launch last season. He follows in the footsteps of Arsenal legends Alex Scott, Tony Adams and Lauren who have previously participated in the country’s Kwita Izina Gorilla naming ceremony – a prestigious celebration of Rwandan conservation and culture.
David’s trip was part of Visit Rwanda’s ground-breaking partnership with Arsenal Football Club, which also includes a focus on football development through a unique partnership between Arsenal, the Rwandan Football Federation and the national Ministry of Sports and Culture to develop and nurture local football talent at the grassroots level for girls and boys.
{{Following the visit David Luiz}}, said it has been incredible to learn about the wonderful country and experience the welcoming spirit of the Rwandan people.
“I came with the curiosity to learn about the country, considering what it went through 25 years ago. I have to say I was inspired by how fast it has moved forward and how it has become a progressive, fast-growing nation with so many amazing things to see and do,” he said.
“My family and I are so thankful for the opportunity to come here and see the passion of football fans, experience Rwanda’s culture and witness breath-taking scenery. From trekking to see mountain gorillas to watching local football and mixing with fans of all ages, it has been a humbling and wonderful experience. We can’t wait to come back and see even more of this beautiful country. I’m going to recommend all my friends to spend their holidays in Rwanda,” added David Luiz.
{{Clare Akamanzi}}, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, revealed it was fantastic hosting David and his family in Rwanda and where he enjoyed every moment of his stay.
“David created a real bond with the local community. Rwanda is a must-see travel destination and we are happy David and his family experienced the best the country has to offer, from world-class hospitality options to once in a lifetime experiences like trekking the endangered mountain gorilla. We look forward to seeing David in Rwanda again, and welcoming more Arsenal players, fans and tourists from around the world to our beautiful country,” she noted.
{{Detailed Visit Summary
Kigali Genocide Memorial}}
David’s time in Rwanda begun with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial where he paid respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He learned about the causes, reality, and consequences of the Genocide as well as how Rwandans have built a new nation on a foundation of dignity and togetherness. He and his family also laid a wreath at the memorial burial place where 250,000 of the more than one million victims of the Genocide have been laid to rest.
After visiting, David wrote a touching message in the memorial guestbook:
“{Hello friends, I just want to remind you that we are all born one for the other, we all need each other. It doesn’t matter where; we need to live with love, peace, and happiness. God bless you all. From your brother, David.}”
{{Audience with Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda}}
After visiting the memorial, David visited the offices of the Rwanda Development Board where he interacted with staff and met with the Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi.
Shortly after, President Kagame received David at his office, Urugwiro Village.
In his meeting with the President, David was accompanied by his fiancé Ms. Bruna Da Conceicao Loureiro, mother Regina Celia Moreira Marinho, and Peter Silverstone, Arsenal Football Club Commercial Director. They were also joined by the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, Clare Akamanzi. View photos here.
{{Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Musanze Distric}}t
David then traveled to Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Musanze District (Rwanda’s Northern Province) where he planted an indigenous tree as part of efforts to reforest areas surrounding Volcanoes National Park and the lodge. He also took the time to train at the foothills of the volcanoes.
While at Singita, David also met with the Governor of the Northern Province, JMV Gatabazi, the Chief Park Warden of Volcanoes National Park, Prosper Uwingeli, and Eugene Mutangana from the Rwanda Development Board Tourism and Conservation Department. They discussed Rwanda’s successful gorilla conservation efforts and plans to expand their habitat.
David and his family also enjoyed ‘Rwanda Night’ at Singita Kwitonda Lodge, which included traditional Rwandan dancing and drumming, as well as sampling the local cuisine.
{{Trekking Kwitonda Gorilla Family in Volcanoes National Park}}
In Volcanoes National Park, David and his family trekked to visit the Kwitonda family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and were amazed by this unique and incredible wildlife encounter.
{{Attending APR v. Etincelles Match at Kigali Regional Stadium}}
After the trek, David traveled to Kigali to attend a national league match between APR v. Etincelles at the Kigali Regional Stadium where he met with players from both teams as well as
the referees. During half time, he joined a football juggling competition with young Rwandans from the Irebero Goalkeeper Training Centre. David presented the winner of the competition, Prince Alonso Ishimwe, with a signed #23 Arsenal home kit jersey.
{{Meeting Supporters and Press Conference}}
After the match, David met with Arsenal fans in Rwanda at the Kigali Convention Center. He interacted with the fans by taking selfies and answering questions about his career
The visit comes after a highly successful first year of Visit Rwanda’s partnership with Arsenal as the club’s inaugural Sleeve Sponsor and Official Tourism Partner.
In just twelve months, the partnership has made Rwanda a must-see holiday destination for football fans and tourists around the world.
An independent survey conducted by Hall and Partners of 20,000 Arsenal fans across 30 markets found that as a result of the partnership, 51% of respondents are more likely to consider Rwanda as a tourist destination, demonstrating a shift in perception and understanding of the country.
In 2018, 1.7 million people visited Rwanda – an 8% increase from 2017.
This success has led the partnership to be nominated for a Leaders Sports Award in the sponsorship category, which recognizes the best work and most talented individuals in sports business.
Visit Rwanda and the partnership with Arsenal also won the top award for destination excellence in luxury and experiential travel at the 2019 Luxperience Awards and an Honorary Award for Partnership for ‘a unique and transformational partnership by an African brand’ at the 2019 Best of Africa Awards.
