The cabinet meeting of 18th January 2021 chaired by President Paul Kagame imposed lockdown in Kigali following the upsurge in Covid-19 cases in the city.
RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera, has told RBA that violators were caught for breaking restrictions organizing house parties among others.
“These include people not wearing face masks. There has been sensitization for the past ten months that every Rwandan should own that responsibility,” he said.
“Secondly, people are caught in bars. Police has been arresting people for drunken driving during the lockdown. This shows how people don’t adhere to measures properly. There are other people caught holding parties or congested yet health workers have for several times educated them on the severity of the pandemic and how it rapidly spreads,” added CP Kabera.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus patient on 14th March 2020.
Covid-19 deaths are increasing where 198 patients have succumbed to the pandemic while 15459 have caught the virus. The prevalence of new infections stands at 4% while recoveries stand at 66, 4%.
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 accelerated international response to the current public health emergency is an illustration that when we combine our efforts, we have the capacity to prepare for future threats but also, to act on pre-existing ones. In that context, the Commonwealth, which has been leader on environment and climate change that continue to affect communities around the globe, could also play a key role in ensuring equitable access to and distribution of fairly priced COVID-19 vaccines.
The 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled to take place in June 2021, in Rwanda, under the theme “Delivering a common future: connecting, innovating, transforming”, will be an opportunity for Commonwealth Leaders to reflect on new forms of global governance while, also, assessing key decisions taken during CHOGM 2018. It will also be the occasion to build unified positions ahead of key upcoming events, including the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) scheduled for early November 2021, in Glasgow, UK.
It is indeed time to put our words into action, by making our governance models more inclusive; by making our health systems more resilient; by ensuring our economies and trade attain sustainable growth; by strengthening our social protection systems; by taking bold action on climate and by unlocking the advantages of technology for development.
We must adapt our national, regional and international systems to respond to both current and pressing challenges and as our talented and innovative young people will inherit this world, we shall do it with them, rather than for them.
Let us build on CHOGM’s momentum, to strengthen existing strategic partnerships and alliance as well as build new ones towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as other major international commitments designed to preserve global common goods.
As we look ahead with optimism that the global health situation will improve over the next few months, Rwanda, as the youngest member of the Commonwealth family of Nations, is looking forward to welcoming all of you in your extended home.
Our national COVID-19 response has been focused on multi-sectoral collaboration and built upon regional and international responses. As we continue to strengthen our capabilities, be reassured that we will host you in a safe environment, in respect of all World Health Organization recommendations.
Murakaza neza mu Rwanda! (Welcome to Rwanda!)
{{The article was first published in Commonwealth Voices
The author (Hon Dr. Vincent Biruta) is Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation}}
The bridge worth Rwf 74 million will provide essential safe access for the local communities.
The bridge comes in handy as neighboring communities will get relief from River Mwogo floods that have been causing grievous damages to the environment and resulting into deaths in some cases.
The flooding of the river flowing through Kamegeri sector has been obstructing movements with students missing classes while some residents trying to cross the flooded river were swept away.
Residents in neighboring communities have told IGIHE that the river washed away nine people recently whose bodies were not retrieved.
“The river once washed away four people from a nearby business center. Later on, four residents including a woman and a child were swept away but efforts to retrieve their bodies remained futile,” said Ntakirutimana Vincent.
Nyamagabe district vice mayor for economic affairs, Kabayiza Lambert has explained that the bridge was constructed to enhance free movements.
“The bridge constructed last year connects Kamegeri, Rususa and Bwama cells in Kamegeri sector,” he said.
Kabayiza also revealed that Nyamagabe district has expended considerable resources to remove barriers hindering movements including the renovation of bridges.
“We built four suspension bridges in 2020 that were an addition to three bridges constructed the previous year,” he said.
Other bridges were built in Kamegeri, Cyanika and Gatare sectors among others.
The district targets to build 30 suspension bridges over different rivers.
GC B2B (https://globalconnectb2b.com/) is a platform that is both a marketplace and a transactional portal for buyers and sellers to trade their products/services in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and globally.
This portal helps businesses connect to one another, allows suppliers to view and reach out to buyers and enables the establishment of a manufacturer and distributor/reseller partnership to be built.
Suppliers can also directly market their products and services to other companies across sectors including F&B services and manufacturing, digital/ICT, healthcare & biomedical, built environment, engineering, logistics, manufacturing (non-food), general services and more. With this platform, companies can connect to new markets, buyers and suppliers, and expand their business connections.
This platform was introduced to Rwanda in the last quarter of 2020. In November 2020, the first demonstration session was held with the participation of around 10 companies. To reach out to more companies, another demo-session was scheduled on Tuesday 26th January 2021, attracting the participation of more than 90 Companies from Rwanda who showed their interest in joining this platform.
The High Commissioner of Rwanda to Singapore, Amb. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, has emphasized on the importance of the platform noting that it will not only ensure easy access to the Singapore market but also ASEAN.
Singapore is the 6th biggest export country to Rwanda. The entry of Rwandan business to GC B2B is expected to increase exports and render imports more secure.
The message was delivered yesterday as Rwanda celebrated Heroes Day for the 27th time under the theme ‘Heroism among Rwandans, our dignity’.
Rwanda celebrates Heroes Day on 1st February where Rwandans inside the country and abroad reflect on selfless bravery that characterized heroes who strived for freedom, unity and reconciliation of all Rwandans.
Amb. Hategeka has requested Rwandans in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to uphold the legacy.
“This year’s theme reminds us to model heroism in our daily lives. Our heroes left a good culture of loving Rwanda and selfless dedication,” he said.
Amb. Hategeka also encouraged Rwandans to embrace Rwandan values wherever they are serving as the foundation for attaining individual progress and their country of origin.
“I want you to exhibit Rwandan values, patriotism, and competitive spirit, gain new knowledge among other things paving the way for your progress, family and our nation. I wish you everlasting heroism,” he encouraged.
National Heroes Day was observed under strict Covid-19 preventive measures. Public talks for marking the day were delivered via mainstream media and other online platforms.
Rwanda started celebrating Heroes Day after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The statement released last night shows that new cases were found in Kigali: 60, Kirehe:23, Rwamagana: 10, Nyagatare:7, Nyamagabe:7,Gakenke:6, Huye: 6, Gisagara:5, Kamonyi:5, Gicumbi:3, Ngoma:3, Gatsibo:3, Karongi: 3, Musanze:1, Rusizi:2, Muhanga:2, Rubavu:2, Ruhango:2, Ngororero:2, Nyanza:1 and Nyamasheke:1.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus patient on 14th March 2020. Since then, 15 459 people have been tested positive out of 890 156 sample tests of whom 10 272 have recovered, 4989 are active cases while 198 have succumbed to the virus.
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 violators were found in the two separate houses in Bikara and Karambi cells of Nkotsi Sector.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alex Rugigana, the Police spokesperson for the Northern region, said that Police received information from local residents about people, who were gathered praying.
“At about 10am on Sunday, Police found 89 people in the house of one Uwitije Alphonsine and five others in the house of Uwamungu Jean Claude, praying.
They had violated all the COVID-19 prevention guidelines,” CIP Rugigana said.
The violators are from different religious denominations from various sectors of Musanze District including youth and children.
“Of the 89 people found congested in the house of Uwitije, 49 of them had no face masks, but even those that had them were not wearing them. They were congested in a small room, no social distancing and they did not wash their hands,” the spokesperson said.
He added that Uwitije and Uwamungu have been caught in similar violations in the past and educated on the directives and health guidelines hoping to change their behaviours.
“Musanze is one of the districts where cases of COVID-19 infections are detected almost everyday. It’s absurd that in light of such situation, there are people, who can still think of holding gatherings where one infected person can easily spread the virus to everyone.”
At least 16 positive cases have been registered in Musanze District between January 25-30.
CIP Rugigana urged the public to adhere to the directives and health guidelines for their safety and thanked those who report such violations.
All the violators were taken to Ubworoherane stadium where they will be educated on the COVID-19 prevention measures but also penalised for flouting the directives.
Kagame revealed this today via Twitter handle as Rwanda celebrated Heroes Day for the 27th time.
He highlighted that the legacy of bravery that characterized Rwanda’s heroes should be upheld and passed on to future generations.
“Happy Heroes Day to every Rwandan. The selfless dedication to our country of the heroes we honour today, showed us what we can achieve. The nation we have is a result of their sacrifice. These are the values we must pass on to the next generations,” he said.
Kagame also thanked people who played role in containing Coronavirus pandemic noting that it has evidenced that everyone can be a hero.
“This pandemic has shown us that we are all capable of heroic acts. As we continue the fight against COVID-19 we thank the front line health workers, the security services for their heroic sacrifice and call on every citizen to keep each other safe,” he noted.
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 14 784 people have been tested positive out of 864 349 sample tests of whom 9519 have recovered, 5077 are active cases while 188 have succumbed to the virus.
Since the pandemic emerged, Rwanda embraced several preventive measures including the closure of some activities, encouraging citizens to adhere to health guidelines, testing members of the public and setting up various infrastructure designed to contain the spread of Coronavirus.
Lowy Institute from Australia has recently ranked Rwanda the 6th among top ten global countries with efficiency in Covid-19 management. It is the first African country emerging on the top 10 list.
This year, Rwanda is celebrating Heroes Day for the 27th time.
Rwanda has been celebrating National Heroes Day since 1999, with heroes classified into three categories; Imanzi, Imena and Ingenzi.
Those classified in Imanzi are; late Gen. Maj Fred Gisa Rwigema former commandant of Rwanda Patriotic Army and Unknown Soldier.
Imena includes King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Michel Rwagasana, Agathe Uwiringiyimana, Félicité Niyitegeka and Nyange Students.
The song reflects on heroes’ deeds and encourages Rwandans particularly the youth to uphold the legacy.
As a retired soldier, Munyanshoza has told IGIHE that he has deeper understanding on the value of heroes and wanted to remind Rwandans on outstanding deeds of heroes through the song.
“As a retired soldier trained on patriotism and understanding the value of heroes’ legacy, the song is my contribution to spread awareness of their outstanding deeds so that we altogether walk the journey towards upholding heroes’ legacy,” he said.
The artist also encouraged Rwandans to concert efforts to consolidate gains.
This year, Rwanda is celebrating Heroes Day for the 27th time.
Rwanda has been celebrating National Heroes Day since 1999, with heroes classified into three categories; Imanzi, Imena and Ingenzi.
Those classified in Imanzi are; late Gen. Maj Fred Gisa Rwigema former commandant of Rwanda Patriotic Army and Unknown Soldier.
Imena includes King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Michel Rwagasana, Agathe Uwiringiyimana, Félicité Niyitegeka and Nyange Students.
He made the criticism on Saturday 30th January 2021 during a talk show with One Nation Radio.
The Government of Rwanda has recently denounced claims by the United Kingdom (UK) which cited gaps in respecting human rights and put forward recommendations to improve human rights in the areas of rule of law urging the country to bring to book masterminds behind extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances.
On 25th January 2021, the Minister of Justice and State Attorney General, Johnston Busingye presented Rwanda’s 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to the Human Rights Council.
Minister Busingye explained that Rwanda respected human rights principles in terms of freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of press; and freedom of association and of peaceful assembly.
He stated that the country has been efficiently implementing recommendations received in 2015.
Commenting on some organizations that have been accusing Rwanda of harassing opposition figures and journalists; Minister Busingye explained that it is untrue because Rwanda’s judiciary is independent and makes fair judgment.
After presenting the report; UK envoy to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland Julian Braithwaite said that Rwanda still need to implement some recommendations to improve human rights record.
“The United Kingdom welcomes Rwanda’s strong record on economic and social rights, and promotion of gender equality. We remain concerned, however, by continued restrictions to civil and political rights and media freedom. As a member of the Commonwealth, and future Chair-in-Office, we urge Rwanda to model Commonwealth values of democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights,” he said.
Julian Braithwaite also recommended Rwanda to: ‘Conduct transparent, credible and independent investigations into allegations of extrajudicial killings, deaths in custody, enforced disappearances and torture, and bring perpetrators to justice’.
Among others, he urged Rwanda to ‘Protect and enable journalists to work freely, without fear of retribution, and ensure that state authorities comply with the Access to Information law. Screen, identify and provide support to trafficking victims, including those held in Government transit centres’.
In response to these comments, Rwanda’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland said that these recommendations are unfounded.
As he featured in a talk show with One Nation Radio, Nduhungirehe explained that genocide perpetrators continue to spread genocide which pushes for the need to arrest and bring them to book.
“Apprehending suspects of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi is a good gesture to render justice. However, it is better to fight against genocide trivialization, denial and ideology spread among children and others by perpetrators who fled to different parts of the world,” he said.
“The genocide ideology has been increasingly spread within the past 27 years because of impunity culture and failure to arrest perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi loitering freely,” added Amb. Nduhungirehe.
He also condemned countries with relenting efforts to bring genocide perpetrators to face justice but rather spend their time to teach Rwanda how to respect democracy and human rights.
“It is astonishing that some countries educating Rwanda on democracy and human rights didn’t take action. There countries which didn’t arrest or bring to book a single genocide fugitive despite the fact that they have a list of such individuals sent by the Government of Rwanda,” noted Nduhungirehe.
He observed that bringing to book genocide suspects is the first step to respecting human rights.
“Genocide is the worst crime, this means, fighting against the crime, arresting perpetrators who are wandering freely and spreading genocide ideology in these countries, is the first step towards striving for human rights. It is crucial that these Governments understand the need to work with us to render justice, fight against revisionism and denial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” stressed Nduhungirehe.
Nduhungirehe explained that Rwanda, Netherlands currently enjoy cordial relations as a country that has been helping Rwanda to arrest and bring to book genocide fugitives.
“After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Netherlands helped Rwanda through non-governmental organizations established in Rwanda. It also opened embassy in Rwanda in 1995 and started cooperation in different areas […] they have provided great support in justice,” he said.
Apart from helping Rwanda to set up infrastructure in judicial sector, Nduhungirehe highlighted that Netherlands has been bringing genocide fugitives to book.
“Netherlands has so far tried two Rwandan genocide fugitives. These include Joseph Mpambara handed life sentence in 2011 and Yvonne Basebya handed 6 years and eight months sentence in 2013. Two more Rwandans including Jean Baptiste Mugimba and Jean Claude Iyamuremye alias Nzinga were deported to Rwanda as the process is underway to extradite more suspects namely; Charles Ndereyehe suspected to have perpetrated genocide in Huye and Venant Rutunga,”he said.
“There are nine more fugitives loitering freely. We continue to collaborate with Netherlands so that they can be arrested and deported to face justice in Rwanda,” added Nduhungirehe.
