Yoaz Hendel is in Rwanda since Thursday. He arrived in Kigali onboard Israir aircraft which landed in with 80 tourists from Israel.
Also present during the discussions were Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovations, Paul Ingabire and Israel ambassador in Rwanda, Ron Adam.
Before holding discussions with President Kagame, Hendel and Ingabire signed Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening collaboration in the areas of ICT and innovation to cement existing relationship.
The agreement will also pave the way for collaboration between business communities.
Rwanda and Israël relations date back in 1962 when the country obtained Independence.
In 2014, Rwanda became the first African country to sign bilateral agreements and later in 2015 opened embassy in Tel Aviv, Israël.
In January 2019, both countries signed bilateral air service agreement to operate direct flights.
In the same year, RwandAir started flights to Tel Aviv.
Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu visited Rwanda in 2016.
The ruling has been read virtually today with minority presence of the Habumuremyi’s relatives as the convict was in Nyarugenge prison where he is detained.
The court also slapped him Rwf 892 million fine million while co-accused Charles Serushyana has been acquitted of signing on a cheque for an account which is not credited.
During the previous hearing held on 6th November, the prosecution requested Nyarugenge Intermediate Court to hand five-year sentence to Habumuremyi and slap him the fine of Rwf892.2 million for issuing a bounced cheque.
Concerning the other crime of breach of trust, prosecution requested imprisonment of three years and Rwf1 million fine for the suspect.
The former Prime Minister was arrested in July following the closure of the Christian University of Rwanda (CHUR) to which he was owner and legal representative.
The university management was also accused of not paying lecturers and other employees, which had prompted an audit from the Higher Education Council.
Before closure by the Ministry of Education, his university had campuses in Kigali and another one in Karongi District.
Alleged crimes were in connection to anomalies in the management of the university where he was said to have accumulated millions of francs in debts to different suppliers to his university. The university management was also accused of not paying lecturers and other employees.
Habumuremyi has been pleading not guilty of all charges against him at different hearings.
Habumuremyi appeared in Gasabo Primary Court for the first time in July 2020.
Habumuremyi served as Prime Minister of Rwanda from 7th October 2011 until 24th July 2014. Since 2015, Habumuremyi has served as the chairman of Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decoration of Honour prior to his arrest.
The list of individuals owing debts to the Government is released tri-monthly. The latest released in November reports Rwf11.719.858.881 debts from 2416 people.
Among them, 365 individuals falling under the category of bribery cases owe Rwf1, 282,536,757 to the Government.
The category of public funds misallocation includes 620 owing Rwf8, 205,240,678 to the Government with the majority comprising of public servants, cooperative managers among others.
Ten individuals who lost court cases in commercial courts owe Rwf 163,736,520 to the Government while Rwf 31,897,969 are to be recovered from 37 people defeated in administrative court cases.
Among others, 23 individuals fined in other special cases are to pay Rwf147,361,677 while 1360 convicted for trafficking and abuse owe Rwf 1,889,085,280 to the Government.
The Minister of Justice and State’s Attorney General, Busingye Johnston recently revealed that recovery systems are under updating process following an observation that some people are less concerned in clearing the debts.
During a recent press briefing, Busingye explained that people were reluctant to clear debts from lost court cases within the past five years thinking there is no ground for follow up.
“It took time to realize that it became a habit. We established a department to recover public funds in the Ministry, set guideline and started writing to people owing the money,” he said.
Busingye highlighted that people should be accountable and pay debts willingly.
“People wake up early to pay taxes to meet deadlines. No one calls them. We want to establish similar system,” he noted.
The MoU signed today was witnessed by Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paul Ingabire along with Israel Minister of Communications, Yoaz Hendel.
Yoaz Hendel explained that the MoU is an important document reflecting both countries’ commitment to promote technology, regulation and ways to connect people in Rwanda and Israel.
As he said, the MoU incorporates clauses pertaining to different ways of working together to develop technological tools in order to promote both countries ICT and share ideas of how both countries can learn from each other.
“I see similarities between Rwanda and Israel in a sense that both countries are leveraging technology and you can find place to develop, exchange views and share opportunities. We can learn a lot from both countries’ capabilities and opens door to cooperate on technology opportunities,” he said.
Minister Ingabire also hinted on advantages Rwanda is set to pull from the MoU.
“The agreement will enhance cooperation with Israel given that it has agricultural innovations. We will learn from their expertize to lift citizens’ wellbeing and seek how to emulate that technology to improve Rwandans’ livelihoods,” she said.
“We mostly want to leverage innovations in agriculture, quality education and health to reach all citizens. This is what we learn from them as the country has built reputation in technology advancement,” added Ingabire.
The agreement will also pave the way for collaboration between business communities.
“With this agreement, we are not only looking at Government partnership but also finding ways for our business community to collaborate better. Indeed, the similarities between both countries is a journey we have already embarked on how we can build a vibrant start up ecosystem, to become one of the leading innovation companies leveraging technology to address some of economic challenges we have,” said Ingabire.
The agreement is expected to anchor further collaboration between both countries’ institutions and private sectors.
The ceremony that took place today was witnessed by the Minister of Infrastructure Amb. Claver Gatete, the CEO of RwandAir, Yvonne Makoro on the side of Rwanda while South Korea was represented by its ambassador in Rwanda, Jin-weon CHAE.
Minister Gatete explained that Rwanda will reap big from the agreement.
“The signing of the BASA with the Republic of Korea will enhance connectivity between both countries and facilitate the private sectors of both sides to realise and tap into the economic and social benefits through air transport,” he said.
Gatete further stated that such agreements provide trade opportunities enabling Rwanda to reach foreign markets.
“The signing of the BASA with the Republic of Korea and with opening of more routes by RwandAir will promote international air link between countries, enhance business and tourism opportunities in a vibrant and large market of more than 180million people,” stressed Gatete.
As of today, Rwanda has signed similar agreements with 99 countries but some of them have not yet been approved.
Korea’s ambassador in Rwanda, Jin-Weon CHAE said that both countries enjoy existing cooperation in different areas noting that new agreements will help Rwanda to overcome COVID-19 effects related to air travels.
The facilities include large public hand washing facilities built at borders points between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Thermal Imaging Cameras installed at six border points.
The infrastructures were set up at Poids Lourds and La Corniche borders in Rubavu district, Rusizi I and II borders, Rusumo border in kirehe district and Cyanika border in Burera district.The borders were chosen for large passenger-traffic.
Among others, the fund covered the refurbishment of infrastructures at Gihundwe, Nemba and Bushenge hospitals set to accommodate COVID-19 patients.
During the handover ceremony that took place yesterday, the Minister of Health Dr Daniel Ngamije highlighted that the facilities come in handy in the quest to curtail the spread of coronavirus.
“Temperature test is a must for all entrants. These Thermal Imaging Cameras lessen work and allow smooth cross border movements,” he said.
Japan ambassador in Rwanda, Masahiro Imai hailed Rwanda’s efforts in controlling COVID-19 and assured his country’s continued support especially in health sector.
“Japan will keep contributing to Rwanda’s health services, collaborating in the prevention of COVID-19, training healthcare workers and establishing long lasting structure to contain the pandemic,” he said.
The transactions come after Equity Group from Kenya (which also has a subsidiary in Rwanda) called of the plan of acquiring stakes in BPR Plc due to COVID-19 related effects. Talks for the canceled acquisition had started in April 2019 with the objective of reaching mutually acceptable terms for a strategic transaction.
After careful consideration, Atlas Mara (which owns 62 per cent share in BPR) and EGH mutually agreed to discontinue discussions recently.
Following the failed acquisition by Equity, Atlas Mara Limited (Atlas Mara) and KCB Group Plc (KCB) announced yesterday that they have signed a definitive agreement regarding a proposed acquisition of 62.06% of the issued share capital of BPR by KCB followed by a subsequent merger with KCB’s wholly owned subsidiary operating in Rwanda, KCB Bank Rwanda Plc.
According to a joint statement from both banks; the combined bank is expected to double its market share resulting in a robust balance sheet and capital structure that will support growth in the post covid-19 macroeconomic recovery period thus ensuring the banks’ customers benefit from being a part of one of the biggest Banking groups in East Africa.
Once implemented, the transaction is subject to the fulfillment of various conditions precedent amongst which, include regulatory approvals by the National Bank of Rwanda, the local and regional competition commission authorities and all relevant entities.
Following the legal merger of the two banks, the enlarged entity is expected to be the 2nd largest bank in the country and will be a majority owned subsidiary of KCB Group Plc.
Commenting on the development, The Managing Director of BPR Maurice Toroitich expressed delight for the planned acquisition and assured customers of better services as usual.
“We are very pleased to reach this agreement with KCB Group Plc. This transaction represents an opportunity for BPR to benefit from being part of the largest banking group in East Africa and I am confident we will benefit from KCB Rwanda’s digital banking capabilities, complementary branch and agents network, innovative product offering across retail, SME, corporate and payments as well as trade finance and international banking offering leveraging the broader KCB regional footprint,” he said.
“I want to assure our clients that the safety of their banking operations and high-quality customer service will remain our top priorities during the transition. They can look forward to new products and services as the combined institution pursues sustainable growth. Our mission to serve and support our customers during this challenging time; to leverage on the combined business which will contribute to meaningful economic development of the country. We look forward to working with the KCB Rwanda team,” added Toroitich.
KCB Rwanda Managing Director Mr. George Odhiambo said the merger anticipates expanded retail network and sustainable growth.
“We are delighted to have reached an agreement on a proposed merger with BPR, a strong retail and commercial bank with one of the largest branch network in the industry and long history spanning over 45 years in the country. This merger, will see the bank ranked 2nd largest bank in the country, which will increase our scale and improve our operating leverage by enabling us to deliver existing retail and wholesale offerings to a wider base of customers in Rwanda while positioning the bank for sustainable growth in the long-term,” he said.
Odhiambo also revealed that the merger will provide current KCB Rwanda customers with access to a larger network of branches and agents across the country, while BPR’s customers would benefit from best in class digital capability, transactional banking solutions, trade finance expertise and international banking offering from KCB.
“Through this transaction, we will play a greater role in Rwanda’s economic expansion, using our combined balance sheet to support our clients while leveraging our enhanced distribution network to deepen financial inclusion and provide lending and trade finance solutions to entrepreneurs and SMEs in Rwanda,” he stressed.
KCB Group Plc is East Africa’s largest commercial Bank that was established in 1896 in Kenya. Over the years, the Bank has grown and spread its wings into Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia (Rep). Further to the banking businesses in these markets, KCB Group owns National Bank of Kenya, a Kenyan lender.
Today KCB Group Plc has the largest branch network in the region with 360 branches, 1,090ATMs and over 23,230 merchants and agents offering banking services on a 24/7 basis in East Africa. Additionally, KCB Group owns KCB Insurance Agency, KCB Capital Limited, KCB Foundation and Kencom House Limited as non-banking businesses. The Bank has a wide network of correspondent relationships totaling over 200 banks across the globe and our customers are assured of a seamless facilitation of their international trade requirements wherever they are.
The proposed transaction is firmly in line with Atlas Mara’s repositioning as a streamlined holding company with an increased focus on a core footprint. The merger will see BPR’s strong retail, commercial and SME loan capability and branch network leverage KCB Rwanda’s best in class digital platform and product suite to create a platform for further growth and the facilitation of financial inclusion for the unbanked in the country.
Corporate customers can expect to benefit from KCB Rwanda’s strengths in transactional banking, trade finance, treasury, international payments and loans through the wider distribution network of the enlarged bank and KCB’s presence in the key countries across the East African region.
BPR and KCB Rwanda will draw on Atlas Mara and KCB’s strong track records of post-merger integration to ensure a successful combination.
Sergeant Robert is a legendary artist who has been part of RDF Army Military Band renowned for his song ‘Impanda’ among other songs praising Rwanda’s army.
News about this scandal circulated on Monday morning when Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Military Prosecution Department (MPD) announced that it had launched investigations into defilement allegations against Sergeant Robert.
IGIHE has learnt that he is investigated on alleged defilement of a 15 year-old own child.
“Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Military Prosecution Department (MPD) has launched investigations into defilement allegations against Sergeant Major Kabera Robert a.k.a “Sergeant Robert” over his family member. The crime was allegedly committed on 21 November 2020 in Ndera Sector, Gasabo district,” reads in part RDF statement released on Monday.
RDF explained that efforts to trace the fugitive were underway.
It was reported that Sergeant Robert fled to Uganda but with no further evidence.
The suspect this Wednesday held an interview with Daily Monitor, Uganda based newspaper in which he confirmed to have escaped to Uganda where he is seeking asylum.
He explained that he fled the country on 18th November along with his wife through Kagitumba peripheral border lines. The former RDF soldier narrated that he left three children and a seven year old child.
As he left the country with the child, the suspect was obstructed by flooded footpaths and decided to leave her in Rwanda lest she drowns.
Rwanda accuses Uganda of accommodating criminals escaping justice and supporting armed groups and terrorist organizations intending to destabilize its security. These include RNC, FDLR, RUD Urunana among others.
The spate of many criminals fleeing to Uganda is evidencing how the country has become a safe haven for criminals yet they should be extradited.
Other criminals under Rwanda’s security officials’ investigations have been escaping through Uganda and granted refuge which is contradictory to extradition treaties signed by both countries.
Lt. Gerald Tindifa is another RDF soldier who fled to Uganda on 18th February 2020 lured by Uganda’s Special Forces Command (SFC).
As he left Rwanda through a porous border crossing, Tindifa was received in Uganda, first by Maj. Fred Mushambo, UPDF Counter-Intelligence officer in Mbarara.
Kayumba Nyamwasa and Patrick Karegeya also fled through Uganda as they were investigated on crimes of threatening national security.
Rwanda has however been extraditing fugitives to Uganda despite the latter’s relenting unwillingness to revitalize relations.
In 2013, Rwanda arrested Namuyimbwa Shanita a.k.a ‘Bad Black’ who illegally crossed from Uganda yet her movements were limited after conviction for fraud.
Rwanda also extradited more 26 suspects to face justice on request of Uganda.
In February 2020, Rwanda and Uganda signed an extradition treaty during the 4th quadripartite summit held at the Gatuna-Katuna border.
The first flight is expected to be the beginning of the carrier’s weekly flights to Rwanda.
Israir recently announced plan for weekly flight to Rwanda starting from 26th November at a cost of US$ 399 (approximately Rwf 400,000) from Israel to Kigali.
The airline’s aircraft landed in Kigali yesterday at 2pm with passengers arriving in Rwanda for the first time and happy for the historic flight.
Passengers revealed that the visit to Rwanda is a symbol of solidarity as along as both countries share the same history and expressed interest in exploring Rwanda’s touristic sites.
RwandAir suspended flights to Tel Aviv in Israel due to COVID-19. New dates for resuming flights have not yet been announced.
Israir is expected for the second flight to Rwanda with over 100 passengers onboard.
The new cases were found out of 2991 sample tests . The Ministry’s statement released last night shows that new cases were found in different parts of the country.
They were found in Kigali: 6, Rwamagana: 30 from sample tests taken in Rwamagana prison, Nyamagabe: 19 from Kigeme refugee camp, Musanze: 9, Nyanza: 2, Gicumbi: 2, Bugesera: 2 and Rubavu: 2.
The first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Rwanda on 14th March 2020.
Since then, 5851 cases have been found out if 617258 sample tests. 5345 of them have recovered while 459 are active cases . So far, 47 patients have succumbed to the pandemic.
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 required to continue to comply with government regulations, especially with frequent washing of hands and water and soap, wearing masks when leaving home or in public.
