Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

The former PM and his co- accused, Charles Sebushyana this Friday appeared before the Nyarugenge intermediate court, to face two charges which they committed as officials of the Christian University of Rwanda; offering and signing on bouncing cheques which were handed to different business partners, suppliers and breach of trust in not paying back loaned money which led to some of the victims incurring financial losses in their businesses.

Persons affected in this case filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for the damages caused by Jean Bosco Ngabonziza who supplied computers (in a Rwf7.5million tender) to the university and was asked to pay a guarantee of Rwf10million.

Court heard again from prosecution that the supplier was not paid this amount even after supplying the good as agreed in the contract and the supplier was forced to look for more money to cover his financial tracks. Court also heard that PM Habumuremyi on personal level sought a personal loan of Rwf38million from one Charles Nkurunziza but refused to refund the money till to date.

Prosecution argued that the duo signed bouncing cheques to its debtors and used their person (as the President and DAF of the Christian University of Rwanda) which is criminal penal code on financial payments.

It is against this background that the prosecution sought their respective sentences requesting for former PM Habumuremyi a five year jail sentence and Rwf892million compensation for the count of offering and signing on bouncing cheques.

They also requested an addition three year jail term and Rwf1million for the alleged crime of betraying the trust of his debtors, of which prosecution asked court to find the intent in these actions; moreover, prosecution sought the confiscation of PM Habumuremyi’s house located in Gacuriro, Kinyinya sector Gasabo district.

Prosecution informed court that “this property has since the start of the trial been transferred in the names of Clement Uwajeneza with him they signed a transfer agreement but we want this property to be added to sources of the compensation requested.”

However Habumuremyi and his two defense lawyers told court that the defendant’s bank accounts have been freezed and property confiscated which is a setback in maintaining his family thus asked court to liberate the property involved.

On compensation, Habumuremyi said that he is innocent and there is no basis of being slapped with this punishment arguing that the cheques he offered were done in the name of the university and each of the debtors was supposed to be paid in portions.

“We have agreements with the persons whom we gave cheques. The payment arrangements were instead breached in the course of paying off some of them,” Habumuremyi said.

He asked court to release him on this basis and on grounds that he was suffering from heart, stomach and eye problems which he said were putting his life in danger.

On the same grounds, however his lawyers presented a different argument seeking Habumuremyi’s release saying that his case should be tried by a commercial court since it involves compensation of which a civil court doesn’t have competence.

His lawyer Jean Pierre Kayitare said that legally Habumuremyi offered the cheques as a guarantee for payments which were to be made and there was no law broken considering the law provision of payment using immovable property as an option of settling a payment.

However, prosecution said that in under such a context the parties would have sought a government registrar’s signature to legalize the said cheque payments as guarantees – which is only validated by the Rwanda Development Board.

Responding to this, Habumuremyi said there was no need to validate the arrangements and when the cheque holders complained over the unbanked cheques, he sought bank help to have him sign replacing cheque of which his accusers agreed to.

For Charles Sebushyana, the Prosecution asked a four year sentence and a compensation fine of Rwf87.5million on the alleged crime of endorsing as a signatory to the said cheques.

In his defense Sebushyana said that he was no longer an employee of the university and when he signed on the cheques, it was because the university sought his help as they had no DAF at the time to do the same.

Business partners in the Habumuremyi and Sebushyana case sought court to order the duo for compensation.

Victor Semuhoza, lawyer for Jean Bosco Ngabonziza asked court that Habumuremyi refunds Rwf17.5million to his client, over Rwf6million as compensationand lawyer fees plus interest on a bank loan taken to cover the delayed payment.

Semhoza also asked that one of the accused who is deemed to be able to pay immediately should be given the first task or alternative payment of this money collectively.

Emmanuel Uyisabye who represented Charles Nkurunziza for Rwf38million given to Habumuremyi said he wants the money refunded and over Rwf19million in compensation, value for money, lawyer fees, and case follow up among others.Court will on November 27, 2020 reconvene to take a decision on the above case.

The medal awarding ceremony was presided over by the head of UNMISS Field Office in Upper Nile State and representative of the SRSG in the region, Mr. Enos Chuma.

It was also attended by government and other UN officials, representatives of South Sudan National Police Services (SSNPS) and leaders in Internally Displaced Camps under the unit’s protection, among others.

The decorated hybrid force under Rwanda Formed Police Unit-One (RWAFPU-1) was deployed in Malakal, Upper Nile State in December last year where they are largely charged with the protection of civilians in internally displaced camps, UN personnel, security of key installations and humanitarian assistance, among others.

Mr. Chuma, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the decorated men and women for their commitment to peace in Malakal, especially during this challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted that Rwanda placed trust in them and that they lived to that trust in the name of peace by tackling difficulties and hardships with professionalism.

“Today is one of those special days to recognize the unique contributions of RWAFPU-1 to the activities of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. We indeed cherish and appreciate your contributions during the period of your duty in Malakal,” Mr. Chuma said.

He commended their contribution to the efficient implementation of the UNMISS Protection of Civilian (POC) Mandate in Malakal, maintaining day and night patrols in IDP camps and neighborhoods adding that they are a “strong pillar behind the UN Police visibility” in Malakal.

He further thanked the medalists for their integrity, courage and professionalism in discharging their duties and providing an enabling and secure environment for humanitarian partners to provide life-saving support to the affected civilians in IDP camps.

“You adhered to the UN core values and regulations as well as code of conduct… you have not been implicated in any allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse since your arrival here in Malakal, and maintained your moral ethics. I thank you for the wonderful service for peace, professionalism and dedicated service to the people of South Sudan.

This UN Peace Medal presentation ceremony is a true recognition of your hard work, perseverance and relentless pursuit of peace,” Mr. Chuma said.

He further thanked the Rwandan women, who stand with their male counterparts in the name of peace.

“It is encouraging to always see men and women in your day and night patrols as well as guard duties. You have always put your women equally on the frontline and from all indications they have also distinguished themselves credibly in the discharge of their roles. This is reflective of your country’s global leadership in promoting gender parity at all levels of governance,” Mr. Chuma observed.

During the medal award ceremony, a moment of silence was also held in honour of late Police Constable (PC) Enid Mbabazi, who was part of the unit and succumbed to COVID-19 back in June.

RWAFPU-1 contingent commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Fabian Musinguzi said that late Mbabazi “went out of our sights but not our hearts.”

The contingent commander noted that they inherited a more stable but unpredictable environment in Malakal but added that they worked closely with all key security partners including other military and Police peacekeepers, civilians, humanitarian agencies to provide a conducive and secure environment for the people.

“Despite the challenges encountered during our deployment, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the harsh weather conditions and language barrier, we still managed to protect the IDPs in the POC camps and UN personnel as was required in our mandate,” CSP Musinguzi said.

He thanked the UNMISS leadership, the government and people of South Sudan as well as other peacekeepers for the support, which facilitated them to discharge their duties efficiently.

The contingent commander further commended the commitment, professionalism, teamwork and dedication of the officers under his command throughout their tour-of-duty and pledged Rwanda’s continued willingness to peacekeeping, whenever called for.

RWAFPU-1 is one of the three Rwanda Police contingents deployed in South Sudan, all with the strength of 560 officers.

Rwanda maintains over 1,000 Police officers in various UN missions, including in Central African Republic (CAR), Darfur and Abyei.

Two men allegedly ambushed Estone Himbaza at about 9 pm on Thursday and snatched her handbag, which contained Frw688, 000, a smartphone, electronic banking device and other personal particulars.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali said that the money and other stolen documents were recovered from one of the suspects identified as Emmanuel Hakizimana, who was also taken into custody.

“On Thursday at about 9pm, as Police officers were on their usual patrol in the area, they were stopped by residents, who informed them about a woman, who had just been ambushed and robbed by two men, taking her handbag, which contained money and other valuables. The residents directed Police officers towards the direction which the suspects had taken,” CIP Twajamahoro said.

“Police officers pursued and arrested one of the suspects—Emmanuel Hakizimana—at about 9:30pm, who was found in possession of the woman handbag that contained Frw516, 000, a smart phone, banking device and other documents that were in the names of Estone Himbaza. The recovered documents also helped to locate the victim,” the spokesperson added.

Hakizimana, who was handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) at Kanyinya station, has since disclosed his accomplice as one Gasongo.

According to Hakizimana, Gasongo is the one, who orchestrated the whole robbery plan.

CIP Twajamahoro said that law enforcement organs are working together to locate and arrest Gasongo.

He thanked the residents, who approached the Police and reported the criminal act, which facilitated quick recovery of the stolen items and arrest of one of the suspects.
The spokesperson said that such spirit by the public defines ‘neighborhood watch’ and ‘community policing’ in general.

Under article 166 of the law determining offences and penalties in general, any person convicted for theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than two years and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Frw2 million, community service in a period of six months or only one of these penalties.

However, in article 167, the penalty doubles if theft was carried out during the night or by more than one person.

The logo that will win the contest will be used not only in the Arena but also on all online, print, merchandise and visual collateral.

Announcing the contest, QA Venue Solutions Director, Kyle Schofield said:

“We believe that this contest is a great opportunity for the entire Rwandan community to engage with the Kigali Arena in a new way. The logo that will be chosen will be one that fulfils five major attributes, artistic appeal, originality, simplicity, relevance and most importantly, we are looking for a logo as iconic as the Kigali Arena”.

To take part in this contest, visit the Kigali Arena website on www.kigaliarena.rw and complete the Official Entry Form. The winning entry will be chosen by a judging panel that will include representatives from the artistic community, Government of Rwanda and the Kigali Arena management.

The deadline for submission will be 20, November 2020 (4:00 pm Kigali time). The winner of the Contest will be announced on 4, December 2020

“By working hand-in-hand with the Government of Rwanda, USAID Isuku Iwacu has been integral in increasing access to life saving hygiene and sanitation solutions for the population in the eight districts where the project has worked. The United States is committed to doing more and to work with the government and the people of Rwanda to build public-private partnerships for sustainable sanitation,” said USAID Deputy Mission Director, Bill Hansen.

In a ceremony held at the Kigali Convention Centre, USAID, the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), as well as implementing partners headed (SNV) USA dba DevWorks International with SNV Netherlands, Water for People and World Vision International, marked the culmination and remarkable achievements of the four-year effort that has enabled over 500,000 people to acquire basic sanitation in eight districts of the project’s work.

Isuku Iwacu Activity (2016-2020) represents the continued commitment of USAID to support Rwanda on its journey to achieve universal coverage of sanitation facilities for its 12 million people and Sustainable Development Goal 6 which focuses on water and sanitation for all.

The overall goal of USAID Isuku Iwacu was to increase local ownership and capacity to deliver sustainable, high quality sanitation and hygiene services in order to decrease childhood stunting.

Over the life of the Activity, the project has worked in the eight districts of Kayonza, Kicukiro, Ngoma, Nyabihu, Nyanza, Nyarugenge, Ruhango, and Rwamagana where it fostered local ownership and strengthened capacity building, leading to remarkable results. USAID Isuku Iwacu did this by working with leaders and local civil society organizations at national and decentralized levels.

USAID Isuku Iwacu focused on three strategic areas: Increasing demand for sanitation products and services at the household level, strengthening the supply of sanitation products and services, and developing an improved enabling environment to support new markets for improved sanitation.

The project realized several critical achievements in its four years of implementation, including 561,035 Rwandans supported to gain access to basic sanitation; 254,504 households with clean covered latrines; 219 villages pre-declared as Open Defecation Free (ODF) environments; and eight District Sanitation Centers (DSC) built across the areas of implementation.

The decision was taken Monday during a joint cross border meeting between Rwandan and DR Congo officials aimed at assessing the Covid19 situation along the Bukavu-Goma border posts.

The Governor of the Western Province, Alphonse Munyantwali and his counterpart from North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Carly Kasivita, discussed ways to improve the use of the Rubavu border in trade to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In a meeting held in Goma town, both governors agreed on allowing education and healthcare staff, students, sick persons and permanent employees to cross the two borders.

“We didn’t open the borders but instead agreed on allowing some categories of persons to employees and students to cross over with legal travel documents and stay in the destination country without crossing every day,” said Munyantwali, the Governor of the Western province.

The Rwanda-DR Congo borders with North Kivu are composed of two kinds of border post, the Grande and Petite barrier; the latter being normally the busiest part of the border areas where one can see flocks of small, medium traders crossing with charts full of cargo and others carrying merchandise on fabricated tri-cycle carriers.

The two borders also serve as entry and exit points for persons on business trip, pleasure or education visits crossing into each of the countries either on foot or in transit vehicles.

To limit the spread of Covid-19, all these activities had been shifted to only the Grande barrière, so as to allow both sides to easily monitor movements and ensure preventive measures are under control.

To allow continuation of these business activities, the meeting also discussed possibilities of allowing cross border trade but limited it to only using the Petite barrier posts with strict coronavirus prevention measures in place.

In this category, both governors agreed on allowing cooperatives and trade associations to operate.

The governors also agreed to continue to build a peaceful business environment along the two borders to ease doing business.

Kanziga, 78, a genocide suspect herself, is reported to have been summoned by the judge in charge of this investigation for complicity in genocide.

In 2013, Paris prosecutors launched an investigation into complaints filed against former French Military officer Paul Barril’s role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi; Barril being an ex-gendarme of the Elysee under former French President Francois Mitterrand.

The complaint against Barril was filed at the Tribunal de Grande Instance in Paris by three human rights groups International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), French Human Rights League (LDH) and Survie.

The groups want the ex-French commando to answer for his role in keeping a genocidal government in power to exterminate the Tutsi. The rights groups filed the complaint on the grounds of Barril’s alleged complicity in the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The ex-French military officer particularly concluded an agreement with the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Rwanda, Jean Kambanda, to supply arms, ammunition, training and supervision.

Barril is alleged to have been the secretive man who supplied arms and mercenaries on behalf of the French government to the Rwanda government as the Genocide against the Tutsi spread across the country in 1994.

In 1994, Barril was paid US$3m by the interim government to supply arms and more than 1,000 mercenaries to keep it in power as the slaughter of Tutsis gained momentum.

The contract was allegedly given to him by Kambanda, the interim Prime Minister, currently on life imprisonment in Mali for Genocide. Barril was secretly sent by François de Grossouvre, advisor to ex-French President Francois Mitterrand, to Rwanda a few days before or after the Genocide.

On April 27, 1994, the Rwandan Defense minister at the time, Augustin Bizimana, wrote a letter to Barril asking for two specific supplies; arms and mercenaries.

The decision came after the university’s economic woes stemmed from a decline in the number of students, which began in 2016.

One of its leaders told IGIHE, “We do it to stop wasting time for students who are waiting, yet we know that this financial problem will not be solved any time.soon.