Among others, 146 new cases have been found while 218 have recovered.
The statement released last night shows that new cases were found in Kigali:19, Nyamagabe:16, Kamonyi:15, Nyagatare:12, Rulindo:11, Karongi:11, Gisagara:10, Ruhango:7, Rubavu:7, Musanze:6, Kayonza:6, Rusizi:5, Huye:3, Kirehe:3, Ngoma:3, Gakenke:2, Ngororero:2, Nyaruguru:2, Burera:2, Nyabihu:1, Rwamagana:1, Muhanga:1 and Gatsibo:1.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus patient on 14th March 2020. Since then, 15 834 people have been tested positive out of 899 247 sample tests of whom 10 963 have recovered, 5663 are active cases while 208 have succumbed to the virus.
The prevalence of new infections and recoveries currently stand at 3% and 69.2% respectively.
The Ministry of Health revealed that 22 patients are critically ill.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The credentials were presented yesterday to Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sabri Boukadoum.
They also hold discussions aimed at promoting bilateral relations with a focus on cooperation agreements.
Rwanda and Algeria enjoy cordial relations dating back in 1978. Both countries are members to various organizations including African Union (AU), New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), the United Nations and International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
Algeria is among first countries that endorsed African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) signed in Kigali in March 2018.
Both countries relations have also been strengthened by exchange of visits between head of states.
In 2015, President Paul Kagame held a working visit to Algeria. The former Rwanda’s Minsiter of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo had also visited the country in 2014.
During the 5th Kigali International Conference Declaration (KICD) held in Algeria in 2016, First Lady Jeannette Kagame received an award for outstanding efforts to fight against gender based violence and promoting girls and women through Imbuto Foundation.
Algeria and Rwanda enjoy cooperation in security matters and education. In 2016/2017, Algeria offered scholarship to 25 Rwandans.
Algeria is represented in Rwanda by Chargé d’ Affaires with residence in Kigali since 2019.
Since 1982, Rwanda and Algeria signed numerous agreements in the areas of economy, citizens’ wellbeing, sharing of expertize among other cooperation agreements.
Both countries agreed on scaling up efforts to promote health, trade, investment, security and education sectors.
Ambassador Kalisa also represents Rwanda to countries including Egypt and Libya.
The development has been announced by the carrier in a message posted on Twitter handle. “Today, we welcome Bangui to our network,” reads the message.
The CEO of RwandAir, Yvonne Makolo has recently told IGIHE that RwandAir will reach CAR through Douala in Cameroon.
Previously, it was a complicated process to fly to Bangui. For instance, a passenger departing from Kigali with RwandAir would land to Kampala, Uganda for at least 30 minutes before resuming the flight to Kenya. Upon arrival in Kenya, a passenger would depart with Kenya Airways to reach M’poko airport in Bangui.
Rwanda and CAR have been for long enjoying cordial relations whereby Rwanda is helping the country engulfed by wars to restore peace. Rwandan troops have been deployed to CAR peacekeeping mission since 2014. On 20th December 2020, Rwanda deployed more special forces to CAR under existing bilateral cooperation signed in 2019.
CAR covers a land area of about 620,000 square kilometres and has an estimated population of around 4.7 million. As of 2020, the country is the scene of a civil war, ongoing since 2012.
The Central African Republic’s economy is based primarily on subsistence agriculture, with important mining and timber industries the main source of export earnings. Diamonds are the country’s most profitable export, while agriculture occupies most of its working population.
Farmers grow cotton, coffee, and tobacco for export and crops for local markets, but economic development is handicapped by the CAR’s landlocked position, limited infrastructure, and the low education of its work-force. Poor government management and political instability have further weakened the CAR’s economic condition.
The informal sector is important in the CAR, accounting for most economic activity and a large share of the diamond trade.
CAR has had a turbulent economic history. Since gaining independence in 1960, the economy has endured intermittent periods of economic decline caused in part by poor management.
The opening of flights presents a huge market opportunity for businesspersons as the country heavily depends on imports.
Since then, she has embarked on a life-long search for her purpose, fortunately fleeing from her mother’s family but not being safe because she faced more traumatic events including sexual abuse.
In preserving that history and witnessing it, Aline wrote a book called From Bondage to Freedom” which is reminiscent of the path of genocide and sexual abuse survivor to the path of healing.
In an interview with IGIHE, Aline said that her book was written to testify to the events of the Genocide against the Tutsi when her father was killed by the Interahamwe.
“It is a book I have written so that those who deny the Genocide against the Tutsi, will witnesses and encourage more other survivors to write their story. It is a book I have written that has given me the strength and testimony I have heard from the film ‘La Traverse du Génocide’ (which means “The Genocide Cross over”) which makes me feel like I will return to my place of forgiveness and make a documentary.”
She also mentioned that she is in process of signing a deal for a movie with a film production company in the United States of America.
Umutoni says that at the age of five when the Interahamwe killed her father, Dr Kurawige Jean Baptiste, he first hid her under a bed.
The girl, who was still a child, looked around and saw how her father was being cut, she saw blood dripping, but in her mind at her age she believed that her father would come back and pulled her out of the place where he hid her, but that did not happen.
Umutoni says she was later reunited with her maternal grandmother who was able to flee to Uganda in a refugee camp and leaving for Burkina Faso on November 3, 1994.
She later moved to South Africa in 2011; from there, she returned to Rwanda for the first time in 2012. But all these routes were not easy, as from the time her father was killed until 2011, she was in serious trouble.
Umutoni says she was devastated when she learned that the people who murdered her father were related to her mother’s side of the family. She was raised by her maternal grandmother who later passed away in 1999. After her passing, she had to learn to live in an environment that was not welcoming and was surrounded by people who had lied to her and never told her about her father. At the age of 16, Umutoni was sexually abused by her uncle for three years.
“My aunt and her husband had lost a child in 2004 so she wanted me to have a baby with her husband. Her husband would sexually abuse me at least five times a week. The man was very influential in the country and knew many powerful people including the President of Burkina then. He would always remind me that no one would believe my story because of his influence.”
Umutoni also said that upon arrival in Burkina Faso in 1994, she lived for three years with a man named Athanase whom she loved and looked up as a father figure. However, she was devastated to find out that Athanase was one of the three men who murdered her father.
“I lived with Athanase and honored him as an uncle and a father figure. He would walk me and my cousins to school, would correct us when needed. To me, he was the father I needed in that season. However, after three years living together, one morning, he announced his upcoming trip to South Africa. This was devastating for me as I felt abandoned because I had grown to see him as the authority figure in my life. The day after his departure, he Interpol (International Police) came looking for him. They told my family that Athanase was one of the people who murdered my dad.”
After the passing of her grandmother, Umutoni began to look for a way to escape but it was difficult for her because she had been prevented.
“When my grandmother passed away, I felt like a part of me had died with her. I started looking for a way of escape because I did not trust my family and felt betrayed after I found out about Athanase. I decided to study and be the best in school so I could get a scholarship and leave the house of oppression. After being sexually abused for three years, I tried to leave the house but faced many difficulties. These did not stop me from believing that one day I would be free. Finally, the day arrived when in 2011 I finally left Burkina Faso and went to South Africa where I started my healing journey.”
Aline Umutoni Kurawige studied Geology at the University of Pretoria. In 2016, she did an internship at the Geological Mining Department of Rwanda (GMD) for 6 months before moving to the United States of America later that year.
This was not her first visit in Rwanda after the genocide as she went back for the first time in 2012. During her first visit, she went to prison to visit the man who sent the killers to murder her dad.
Born in Ngoma, Huye District of Southern Province in 1988; Aline Umutoni currently lives in Dallas Texas. She is one of the directors of a major mining company.
He revealed this yesterday as he featured in a talk show to shed light on new measures implemented to contain the spread of Coronavirus.
As Dr. Ngamije explained, Rwanda is among four African countries prepared enough to administer vaccines manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech in the first batch.
“We expect to receive vaccines on 15th February 2021. Rwanda is among four African countries meeting all requirements to receive the first batch of Pfizer vaccines. The four African countries include Rwanda, Tunisia, South Africa and Cap Vert,”he said.
Minister Ngamije revealed that Rwanda will receive more AstraZeneca vaccines in the same month.
“Before end of this month, we will receive approximately 996,000 AstraZeneca vaccines. We will immediately use them to vaccinate health workers, elders with chronic diseases among others involved in the enforcement of Covid-19 preventive measures like security personnel,” he noted.
Minister Ngamije highlighted that Rwanda will continue the vaccination program in the second quarter of 2021 because the country targets to have vaccinated 60% of the entire population by the end of this year.
“More vaccines will arrive in the second quarter of this year. The country plans to acquire enough vaccines to cover 60% of Rwandans. The Government is expending much effort to buy and use these vaccines,” he explained.
Rwanda has recently acquired five new ultra-cold freezers worth Rwf50 million with the capacity to administer all types of vaccines.
These freezers are an addition to existing ones and have the capacity to freeze vaccines at minus 40 and 86 degree Celsius. New refrigerators have capacity to store 300,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine
AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by Oxford University in the United Kingdom do not require special storage conditions.
The latter can be stored at normal refrigeration temperatures, not needing the supercool storage the Pfizer vaccine requires.
Prof. Lyambabaje was appointed by the cabinet meeting held yesterday on 2nd February 2021. The appointment comes four months after the tenure of former Vice Chancellor, Phillip Cotton ended in October last year. He was temporarily replaced by Dr Musafiri Papias Malimba, the former Minister of Education.
Cotton had served as UR’s Vice-Chancellor since 2015.
Prof Lyambabaje was born in 1960. He studied at the National University of Rwanda from where he went to pursue Master’s Degree in Canada.
Lyambabaje holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mathematics and a Doctorate in Mathematics from University de Rennes in France.
He has served in different capacities in Rwanda’s public sector. Among these, in 1999, he was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.
In 2000 he was appointed Minister of Commerce, Tourism Industry, Investments Promotion and Cooperatives, a position he held until 2003.
He supervised the formulation of policies for the ministry and in particular Rwanda Tourism Policy.
He also contributed to the regional integration process through active participation in regional ministerial meetings, including those of the East African Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
From April 2014 to 2015, he served as a senior researcher at the University of Rwanda in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
He also served as an Associate Professor of Statistics in the Institute of Applied Sciences Ruhengeri.
Prof Lyambabaje has been recently serving as the Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA).
The suspects were arrested on Monday, February 1, with varied quantities of cannabis.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said that the operations were conducted concurrently in Gisagara, Ruhango and Huye districts as a response to credible information provided by local residents.
“The operations are part of the Rwanda National Police efforts to break drug trafficking and supply chains. They target individuals or groups that sneak the narcotics into the country; the local dealers or sellers as well as those facilitating the supply chains such as drivers and motorcyclists,” SP Kanamugire said.
He identified those arrested as Alphonse Sebwenda, 28, who was arrested in Gisagara, Kibirizi Sector in Ruturo Cell; Emmanuel Nsengiyumva, 27, arrested in Rwoga, Ruhango District; as well as the trio of Claudette Mukabisangwa, 39, Eric Kabandana, 21, and Chakulu Abdoul, 23, all arrested in Huye, Ngoma Sector in Matyazo Cell, Ruvuzo Village.
“Their names were compiled with the help of residents, community policing groups and local authorities as well as other drug dealers arrested in previous operations. These are suspected major suppliers and sellers of cannabis in the areas where they were arrested. Indeed, during the operations, they were found in possession of varied quantities of cannabis,” said the spokesperson.
He warned that police will not relent on arrests and thanked members of the public, who facilitate the successful operations by providing credible information.
Among others, 229 new cases have been found out of 4275 sample tests while 473 have recovered.
The statement released last night shows that majority new cases were found in Kigali: 57, Nyamagabe: 32, Gisagara: 21 while Nyabihu, Rutsiro, Kirehe and Nyanza districts recorded zero case.
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 patient on 14th March 2020. Since then, 15688 people have been tested positive of whom10745 have recovered, 4738 are active cases while 205 have succumbed to the pandemic.
The prevalence of new infections, recoveries and deaths currently stands at 5.4%, 68.4% and 1.3% respectively.
The Ministry of Health has revealed that 19 Coronavirus patients admitted at Covid-19 treatment centers are critically ill.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The cabinet chaired by President Paul Kagame has decided that these measures will take effect from 3rd to 7th February 2021.
“To further contain spread of the pandemic, the Cabinet extended existing measures countrywide including the current lockdown in the city of Kigali from 3rd to 7th February 2021,” reads part of cabinet statement.
The cabinet meeting also set new measures to be effected countrywide from 8th to 22nd February 2021.
{{Specific measures in the city of Kigali }}
a) Movements are prohibited between 7pm to 4am
b) Public offices will be closed. All employees shall work from home, except for those providing essential services.
c) Private businesses will resume with essential staff at no more than 30% of staff capacity while other employees continue working from home on a rotational basis. Markets and malls will open for essential vendors and must not exceed 50% of registered traders. Businesses resuming operations must close by 5pm.
d) All schools (public and private) including universities will remain closed.
e) Movement between Kigali and other provinces and districts of the country is not permitted, except for essential services or tourism. Tourists must possess negative Covid-19 test results. Additionally, vehicles transporting goods will continue to function with no more than two people onboard.
f) Public and private transport will resume within Kigali. Public transport (buses) should not exceed 50% capacity. Bus operators will ensure passengers maintain social distancing and only passengers with masks will be allowed onboard.
g) Motos and bicycles are permitted to carry passengers and must observe strict hygiene.
h) Physical meetings, events and gatherings are prohibited
i) Gyms and recreational centers will remain closed. All swimming pools are closed except for those at hotels hosting testes guests. Only individual sports are permitted between 5am and 9am.
j) Restaurants and cafés will only provide catering service
k) All bars remain closed
l) Places of worship remain closed
m) Kigali International Airport will remain open. Arriving passengers must present a negative PCR taken within 72 hours prior to first departure. Departing passengers must present a negative PCR test before departure. All arriving passengers must self-quarantine for 7 days and take a PCR test at the end of this period.
n) Tourism activity will continue in strict adherence with COVID-19 health guidelines. This includes hotels, tour operators and transport service facilitating guests. Tourists and service providers shall inform RDB of itineraries.
o) Attendance at a wake/vigil (ikiriyo) should not exceed 10 people at any one time
p) Funeral gatherings should not exceed 15 persons
q) Gaming activities remain prohibited
{{Measures in the remaining part of the country}}
a) Movements are prohibited between 7pm to 4am
b) Movement between districts is prohibited
c) Schools will continue while respecting COVID-19 control measures
d) Places of worship remain closed
e) All social gatherings and events including religious wedding ceremonies, receptions, meetings, and conferences are prohibited
f) Public transport including motos and bicycles will continue
g) All bars will remain closed
h) Public gyms and swimming pools shall be restricted from the public with the exception of tested of tested guests staying at hotels
i) Attendance at a wake/vigil (ikiriyo) should not exceed 10 people at any one time
j) Funeral gatherings should not exceed 15 persons
k) Gaming activities remain prohibited
Considering the Covid-19 pandemic, the Cabinet also approved a Ministerial Order on the postponement of elections of Local Government and other specific elections that were scheduled for February and March 2021.
Mwandwe says that it is instead, time for Tshisekedi to deliver on what he promised people who voted him in 2018.
Since last year, DRC has seen many political developments including the divorce between the alliance of Joseph Kabila’s coalition FCC and that of Tshisekedi, CACH.
Tshisekedi’s side has been accusing that of his predecessor which enjoyed majority in both parliament and government, of barring some development projects aimed at fulfilling pledges Tshisekedi made during elections.
By the end of last year, Tshisekedi made some reforms including conducting political consultations to form a new majority in national assembly, which saw senator Modeste Bahati Lukwebo, the former ally of Joseph Kabila nominated to help in forming Tshisekedi’s new political grouping, known as the Sacred Union.
Lukwebo presented his report last week to the president, and announced that more than 390 lawmakers agreed to join the new coalition. It was the same week that Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga Ilunkamba resigned with his government, after being voted out by the parliament.
Mwandwe who is also a lecturer at University of Likasi in Kinshasa, told IGIHE that he does not think Kabila will retaliate.
He said that Kabila has had his 18 years in office, and he has nothing left to offer.
“The new identified majority has nothing to do with individual, instead, it was formed to improve citizens’ life, It is about the country. I do not think that President Kabila after eighteen years of power, has something else to offer”, he said
Mwandwe added that Kabila has done what he could “and now, it’s time for the current president, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi to implement his vision through the next government.”
Though Kabila has no majority both in parliament and government, he still has some people who are loyal to him and who are ready to fight back.
For Mwandwe, he doesn’t see it happening, because “Congolese people know President Kabila and he knows his limits”.
He adds that people should take DRC as a different nation from what it used to be.
“People should understand that the DRC has moved from a country which could not give hope to its citizens, to a country envisioning hope for its citizens. Majority of Congolese are focused on implementing the new president’s vision”, Mwandwe said.
After resignation of DRC Prime Minister Ilunkamba last week, the big task that lies ahead of president Tshisekedi is to form a new government made of new faces from Sacred Union.
