The meeting held at Village Urugwiro was attended by AU Reforms Advisory team including the Chairperson of African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat.
Others members of the team include Dr. Donald Kaberuka , the board chair of Global Fund; Acha Leke, economic expert from Cameroon; Strive Masiyiwa, entrepreneur from Zimbabwe; Dr. Carlos Lopes from Guinea Bisau; Cristina Duarte, former Minister of Finance, Cabo Verde; Mariam Mahamat Nour former Tchad Minister of Economy and international Cooperation ; Dr Vera Songwe from Cameroon; Amina J. Mohammed from Nigeria and Tito Mboweni, South Africa’s Finance Minister.
Achieving self-financing is one of reforms being implemented. Self-financing the African Union (AU) is one of the urgent and necessary institutional reforms, critical for the realisation of the AU vision for inclusive and sustainable development as laid out in its Agenda 2063.
In July 2016, African Heads of State and Government took a historic decision and adopted a 0.2% levy to ensure that all member states pay their yearly contributions to the AU, fully and in time. The decision directs all AU member states to implement a 0.2% levy on eligible imports into the continent to finance the AU and bring about sustainable, predictable, equitable and accountable financing.
In the same year, the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government also decided to endow the Peace Fund with $400m in Member State contributions to be drawn from the 0.2% levy instituted to finance the overall African Union budget. The full endowment level was expected to be reached in 2021. So far $200 contributions have been raised.
Other reforms to be implemented include gender balance effective from the next elections of African Union Commission leadership scheduled in January 2021. If Faki Mahamat is re-elected, he will be deputized by a woman.
Despite restrictions linked to COVID-19, the African Union (AU) has started the process to elect a new AU Commission (AUC) in January 2021. In line with the AU reform process that began in 2016 under the supervision of President Paul Kagame, the new AUC will have fewer commissioners and will be elected through a new merit-based system.
The recent research published by the University of Rwanda (UR) and Business Professionals Network (BPN Rwanda) indicated that only 18% of Small and Medium Enterprises embraced technology in their operations.
As she participated in discussions on ‘Harnessing digital transformation for SMEs Challenges and Opportunities’ organized by MTN Rwanda, Minister Soraya emphasized the need to mobilize SMEs to tap into opportunities technology is posed to offer.
“There are still worrying figures. The recent research the University of Rwanda and BPN Rwanda reported that only 18% of SMEs have embraced digital transformation. The COVID-19 pandemic which awakened people to embrace technology didn’t largely impact Small and Medium Enterprises. There is a need to establish why they don’t embrace technology,” she said.
“These figures evidence how Small and Medium Enterprises are reluctant to embrace technology. It is a market for our tech-firms and a task for the Government to conduct mobilizations bringing knowledge and other necessities in the use of technology among these enterprises,” added Soraya.
These virtual discussions were also attended by MTN Rwanda CEO, Mitwa Kaemba Ng’ambi, the Chairman of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), Stephen Ruzibiza among other representatives of business institutions.
Technology is among key pillars that could lead to business growth especially during COVID-19 pandemic where it enables direct engagement with customers.
They discussed areas of common interests and ways to increase multilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Dr Biruta said that the MoU is expected to boost cooperation and pave the way for further agreements between institutions from both countries.
“We have signed basic Memorandum of Understanding enabling cooperation between both countries. It is a broad MoU introducing more agreements in different areas,” he said.
He explained that discussions revolved around seeking how to engage different institutions into cooperation in the areas of climate change resilience, mining and education.
In the area of environment preservation, Dr Biruta revealed that both countries plan to cooperate on helping factories to find alternatives for plastic bags, mining and vocational education.
Kai Sauer is expected to meet with other officials from different institutions including Rwanda Development Board (RDB), mining sector and environment management authority.
Since 2017 until 2019, trade between Rwanda and Finland increased by 21% from US$12.8 million to US$12.8 million.
The statement released last night shows that new cases were found in Kigali: 24, Rubavu: 10, Bugesera: 6, Kirehe: 3, Rusizi: 2 and Rwamagana: 1.
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 case on 14th March 2020.
So far 6237 people have been infected out of 650,688 sample tests of which 5715 have recovered, 471 are active cases while death toll stands at 51.
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 incident took place last night when three of the four assailants equipped with traditional arms run away.
The Executive Secretary of Munyiginya sector, Richard Niyomwungeri has told IGIHE that the armed thieves stormed the bank around 00:40
“We have been alerted around midnight that gangs with knives attacked the Sacco. It is said that one attacked the security guard as others broke glasses of the building attempting to open. They immediately run away as the security guard shot dead the assailant,” he said.
Niyomwungeri explained that the security did the shooting for self-defense as the gang wanted to stab him.
Police spokesperson in Eastern Province, CIP Hamduni Twizeyimana has told IGIHE that the security guard first warned the gang with a shot into the air before gunning him/her down with three bullets.
“The guard explains that he had changed stance after thieves stole a computer at the bank recently. When last night thieves came, they inspected his former stance, missed him and started breaking glasses to break through. Some thieves run away as the guard fired into the air and gunned one down with three bullets,” he said.
CIP Twizeyimana appealed on residents to report suspects threatening security on time.
Mudathiru is part of 32 people accused of working with terror groups including P5 and FLN.
During the previous hearing, the prosecution requested the court to consider provided evidences pinning the suspects to give them heaviest punishments granted by laws.
The Military prosecution separately requested punishments for each charge and overall, sought life sentence for all suspects on ground of involvement in coordinated activities.
The suspects are segmented into two groups mainly the group comprising of 25 led by Rtd Major Mudathiru Habib (a former RDF soldier) facing charges including formation and being part of an irregular armed group or joining it, conspiracy against the established Government or the President of the Republic, maintaining relations with a foreign government with the intent to wage a war and formation of or joining a criminal group.
They were captured last year in terrorism activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), as part of an intensified campaign by the Congolese military against militia groups operating in the country. The 25 suspects were extradited to on 18th June 2019. Another suspect connected to the case is Pte a Jean Bosco Ruhinda who escaped to DRC forests. He is tried in absentia because he has not yet been captured.
Another group connected to the case includes Corporal Viateurv, Corporal Jean Bosco Dusabimana and Private Champagnat Igitego led by Pte Dieudonné Muhire.
They are accused along with two civilians Pacifique Muhire and Richard Nzafashwanimana.
The group is accused of escaping the military, conspiracy against the Government or intending to overthrowing it by means of war or other powers, formation of a criminal group and subsequently seducing new recruits, and taking part of terror group’s activities.
The 31 co-accused were yesterday present in court except Private Ruhinda tried in absentia.
As they appeared at Military High Court for the final hearing of the case that opened last year, Mudathiru told the court he was part of soldiers raiding Rwanda on 1st October 1990 during the liberation war. Mudathiru was at the rank of Sergeant got from Uganda’s military he had joined in 1981.
Mudathiru later held different positions including appointment as a military instructor until 2005 when he was promoted to the rank of major.
In 2009, Mudathiru was arrested for issuing unguaranteed cheque but later won the case.
He returned to work, reintegrated in National Police and retired in 2013 when Mudathiru requested authorization to join his family in Uganda. That’s when RNC lured him until he joined and arrested.
{{Admitting three of five charges }}
Mudathiru admitted three charges namely’ joining illegal armed group, bad intentions against the Government and maintaining relations with a foreign government with the intent to wage a war.
He however denied charges pinning him to the foundation of the armed group and terror activities.
“I admit the three charges only and apologize for that,” said Mudathiru.
He admitted to have facilitated trainings but denied involvement in recruitment processes.
Mudathiru expressed gratefulness to Rwanda for the support he received since arrest including treatment for wounds inflicted in DRC forests, diabetes and blood pressure.
Among others, he thanked the court for granting them freedom of expression during different hearings, apologized to the President of the Republic and all Rwandans.
Considering humane treatment in Rwanda despite his accusations, Mudathiru expressed remorse for his acts.
“I admit what happened and apologize to the country. Rwanda is our parent. Honorable judge, have mercy on me as you make rulings. I am apologizing from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
Mudathiru requested lessened penalties committing to respect the laws after pardon and return to normal life.
Ildephonse Rusigariye also sought forgiveness expressing commitment to be a good and exemplary citizen in the community. He explained that he was seduced for a job but ended up finding himself in a terror group.
Jean de Dieu Ndirahira, a Burundian held for involvement in activities intended to destabilize Rwanda’s security appreciated kind treatment in Rwanda and requested the court to consider his innocence citing that he was abducted in Burundi’s market by Kinyarwanda speaking people.
A Ugandan, Desideriyo Fred who is among arrested terror suspects said he willingly reported himself to DRC security before they were handed to Rwanda.
The Defense Lawyer of the suspects, Rwagasore requested the court to acquit his clients proposing an alternative of keeping them in a camp as they await reintegration to normal life.
The Presiding Judge, Lt Col Bernard Rugamba Hategekimana declared end of the hearing and announced ruling schedule on 15th January 2021.
Judge Lt Col Rugamba has been attending to the case along with two colleagues namely; Major Charles Sumanyi and Maj Narcisse Cyubahiro Nsengiyumva.
Staff Sergeant Sylvain Mutabaruka was the secretary while prosecutors include Major Dennis and Captain Rugamba Jacques.
The bank got the recognition during the 5th Service Excellence Awards 2020 that took place on December 4, at Park Inn by Radisson Kigali.
The excellence awards were organized by East African Youth Development Agency and Kalisimbi Events.
During the ceremony, Access Bank Rwanda emerged among other institutions awarded in various categories.
Olivier Gakuba, the Bank’s Head of Strategic Business Units said the award reflects the bank’s trust among customers.
“Being awarded best bank of the year reflects customers’ trust to the bank and gives us courage to constantly improve service delivery,” he said.
Gakuba attributed to the award to skilled and dedicated employees taking care of all customers.
The award comes few days after the bank introduced “Ikaze Agency Banking” to decentralize its services.
As the agency banking was launched, Gakuba explained that it will help the bank to meet customers’ demands with improved services without necessity for physical presence at the bank’s branches or ATM machines.
It will not only improve services but also provides job opportunities to many Rwandans.
Access Bank is also committed to leverage technology to facilitate customers’ transactions as they withdraw, deposit and transfer money.
Founded by deeply experienced dispute resolution pioneers in the U.S. and abroad, the Weinstein International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to making mediation available and accessible worldwide in the face of increasing global challenges and conflict.
Headquartered in San Francisco, the Weinstein International Foundation works through a global network of Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) trained dispute resolution professionals from around the world with the cultural understanding and local knowledge necessary to promote the resolution of conflict through mediation and other dispute resolution practices in their own countries and beyond.
In a statement released yesterday, the foundation expressed optimism that Prof Rugege’s experience will be leveraged to reach its goals in Africa.
“We are thrilled that Sam Rugege has joined our board. The honorable former chief Justice Sam Rugege is respected worldwide in the field of mediation, conflict resolution and reconciliation and will help lead our Foundation’s efforts to bring mediation to many regions in Africa with the same dedication and persistence he has demonstrated in Rwanda,” said Judge Danny Weinstein, the Founder of Weinstein International Foundation.
Professor Sam Rugege expressed delight for the honor and assured to play his role especially in Africa where conflict continues to hamper development.
“I am greatly honored and humbled to be a member of the Weinstein International Foundation, joining a highly distinguished group of ADR pioneers. The Foundation is a champion of peaceful resolution of conflicts and other disputes, leading the effort of promoting greater access to justice through mediation and supporting education and training in mediation around the world. Rwanda has benefitted from its programs and I look forward to playing my part in this noble mission, especially in Africa where conflict continues to cause avoidable suffering and hamper development,” he said.
The statement further reads that Rugege is recognized for the achievements of Justice e in expanding the use of mediation in Rwanda.
“The Foundation looks forward to continuing to make mediation more accessible and available in Rwanda through the ongoing contributions of Justice Rugege and Senior Fellows, Harrison Mutabazi, Anastase Nabahire and Bernadette Uwicyeza,” reads part of the statement.
This expansion has been a critical component of the country’s drive to consolidate peace, stability and amicable resolution of disputes, as well as establish itself as a key economic hub in Africa in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
As Chief Justice in Rwanda, Rugege was responsible for developing judicial policy and oversaw judicial reforms encompassing the use of court technologies, continuing legal education and specialization training for judges. During his tenure, access to justice was enhanced through constitutional challenges, public interest litigation and the promotion of court-annexed mediation. Now a certified and registered mediator, Rugege was recently appointed to serve as chairperson of the newly created Court Mediation Advisory Committee.
Justice Rugege’s leadership in the Rwandan judiciary helped expand use of mediation in the country through the implementation of a court-annexed mediation project. Today, the Rwandan Judiciary remains committed to enhancing ADR and mediation and regularly refers cases to court-accredited mediators for mediation, as well as promoting mediation as a dispute resolution tool through public awareness campaigns.
In Rwanda, the Ministry of Justice has initiated a national ADR policy project, with the goal of developing an informed ADR comprehensive plan and a coordinated approach to its implementation at both the local and national levels. As part of this plan, a national mediation policy is now pending approval by the government. If passed, this policy will make mediation mandatory at the pre-filing stage of civil disputes and substantially raise the awareness and use of mediation.
Rugege was educated at Makerere University, Yale Law School and the University of Oxford, where he obtained an LLB, LLM and D. Phil, respectively. He began his career as a lecturer in law at Makerere University, before being forced to flee the terror of the Idi Amin regime in 1976. Rugege then taught at the Universities of Lesotho and Swaziland. Before being elevated to the bench, he was a professor of law at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in South Africa, where he taught constitutional law and post-Apartheid land reform.
Rugege was elected an Honorary Fellow of St. Peter’s College, Oxford “in recognition of outstanding achievements in the field of law.” He has also been honored by the East African Law Society “in recognition of distinguished service to the legal profession,” by the Rwanda Bar Association for “outstanding contribution to the development of the legal profession and the justice sector in Rwanda” and by the Kigali Arbitration Centre for “extraordinary contribution and dedication to the promotion of ADR in Rwanda.”
The figures were revealed yesterday in shareholder’s general meeting which indicated net capital growth by 22% bringing it to Rwf4.4 billion.
The increase in profits was largely attributed to different loans especially injected into women’s projects.
Loans offered last year increased by 18% reaching Rwf 15 billion.
The chairperson of COPEDU Plc Board Committee, Gashumba Liliane expressed delight over the growth evidencing the company’s unrelenting commitment to support women-led businesses.
She stressed that the bank eyes to take the lead in promoting women in Africa.
“We have strong ambitions to make COPEDU Plc, a leading and strong bank promoting women in Africa to the extent that others will learn from our experience,” said Gashumba.
Mukarugambwa Ntwali Anne Marie hailed the contribution of COPEDU Plc to the development of women in Rwanda.
“COPEDU Plc has enabled women’s progress. They have been able to realize their ambitions, contributed to the growth of their families and the country. This is what makes the progress of COPEDU Plc possible,” she noted.
Created in 1997, COPEDU PLC has gradually grown and introduced new payments or withdraws methods using Debit Card and depositing or withdrawing using ‘Push and Pull’ System. The institutions works with Business Development Fund (BDF) to provide loans to targeted customers.
{President Paul Kagame has emphasized the need to embrace the use of technology in daily lives which is increasingly becoming a prerequisite upon which the good jobs of the future will rely on.}
Kagame was yesterday speaking at the 9th Smart Africa Board Meeting during which he joined other Heads of State and Government, their representatives and other delegates.
President Kagame said that seven more countries have joined Smart Africa since the last Board Meeting, in May 2019. This brought membership to 31 countries. The new members are; Algeria, Cap Verde, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mauritania, Morocco, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. The organization also got new membership from the private sector, including Tahaluf Al Emarat, BICS, and Softbank.
To this end, President Kagame emphasized the importance of the partnership with the private sector for smart Africa and stressed the need for increased investments in technology which is at the helm of future progress.
“We place a high value on what you as business leaders bring to these efforts. We will continue working together with you very closely, to make the necessary investments and also ensure a common standing of how to proceed. This is especially evident in the process of recovering from Covid. The pandemic has shown that connectivity is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” he said.
“Increasingly, the provision of education and health services depends on digital infrastructure. The good jobs of the future will also rely on technology skills, and a digital identity. The mission of Smart Africa really seats the center of everything we are trying to do, as a continent and with our partners around the world,” added Kagame.
The meeting also assessed ways of reducing internet cost by 2025, the master plan for developed rural areas, seeking how to start Smart Africa embassies and establishment of Smart Africa Academy among others.
Smart Africa is a bold and innovative commitment from African Heads of State and Government to accelerate sustainable socio- economic development on the continent, ushering Africa into a knowledge economy through affordable access to Broadband and usage of Information and Communications Technologies.
Other Partners of the Smart Africa Alliance include the African Union, the ITU, World Bank, the African Development Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSMA) and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
