A cabinet meeting that took place on Monday decided that public transport will continue with buses operating at full capacity for seated passengers and at 50 percent for standing passengers, lifting instructions that were in effect since May, when it was confirmed that public transport or private vehicles were allowed to carry only 50% of the installed passenger capacity.
At the time, travel fares increased by Rwf 31.8 per kilometer in the City of Kigali and Rwf 30.8 per kilometer in the countryside.
The Director General of RURA, Lt. Col Patrick Nyirishema told IGIHE that the new 100% passenger transport regulations will be effective on Thursday.
“It will take effect on Thursday; we first need to provide guidelines to prevent the spreading of the pandemic and set new prices. Prices will be changing, we do not expect them to return to what they were. Otherwise, these prices went up to early 2018. We had planned to change them in March but it coincided with the pandemic outbreak,” said Lt. Col Nyirishema.
“We have completed studies needed for these changes when the pandemic happened. Now with the prevention of the COVID-19 included we have to make new adjustments.”
On October 12, nine new infections of the pandemic were found out of 2,149 sample tests, of which eight are truck drivers in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province and Kayonza District also confirmed one positive new case.
on the same day, 271 patients have recovered the virus bringing the number of recoveries to 3877 while the number of active cases is now 996.
Rwanda Biomedical Center warned, this week, that despite the declining numbers and some treatment centers closing up, the virus is likely to rebound, thus a need to have citizen vigilance and adherence to government measures against the spread of the New Coronavirus.
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.
In her speech at the launch of National Joint Campaign on ending Child Sexual Abuse, Mrs Kagame said that several campaigns have been organized to eradicate child abuse but all seamed in vain. Some of the past campaigns launched in Rwanda include: Treating every child as your own, guardian angels, be your neighbor’s keeper, and protest against adult child abusers among others.
“When you look at all that has been done, you wonder the root cause of why the crime of child abuse isn’t eliminated completely. You even start thinking how adverse humans are when you see what has happens when a parent abuses a child,” she said.
Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) figures show that at least 10, 456 children were sexually abused in the past three years, most of them in age bracket of 15, 17 and below 10 with 98% of them being girls and only 2% boys.
Most of these were abused by their parents, family members, housemaid, and worst of all the boy or girlfriends within their age brackets. The First Lady asked what should be done, for if this trend continues in Rwanda and the world, yet there are laws in place.
“It is very painful to see that research shows 20.5% of children below 11 years are abused. Even boys are now abused. I don’t know how we can term this but it’s not right and it is a disgrace,” Mrs Kagame said.
Considering the psychological effects that come with child abuse, Mrs Kagame asked that since gender equality has enabled Rwanda to progress in many ways, parents should now come out and play their role in child protection, starting with men.
Mrs Kagame said: “I specifically call on you (men) and trust that you will be able to uproot this problem completely.”
To women parents, teachers especially, Mrs Kagame said that they should renew their commitment to watching out for every child, and befriend the child more so as to encourage openness to speak out of their experiences.
To stakeholders and development partners, Mrs Kagame called for aggressive and innovative measures in making sure child abuse crimes are reported and timely prosecuted.
To girl children, the First Lady asked them to be mindful of being lured by men and avoid any temptations which can hurt their future for good, but also report the abuse incidences immediately.
In a joint congratulatory message to mark the 20th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the two leaders said that China and Senegal, the forum’s Chinese and African co-chairs, would like to celebrate the moment of great and unique significance with African countries.
Xi and Sall said they are willing to work with other FOCAC members to stick to the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, constantly enrich and improve the forum’s mechanism, and give full play to FOCAC’s leading role in China-Africa relations.
Under the joint efforts made by China and Africa over the past two decades, FOCAC has grown into an important and dynamic platform for China and Africa to carry out collective dialogues, as well as an effective mechanism for practical cooperation, and represents an important flag for South-South cooperation, the two leaders said.
China and Africa have all along adhered to the principle of putting people first and committed themselves to the high-level development of the China-Africa comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership, with FOCAC cooperation benefiting the people of both China and Africa, they said.
The two leaders recalled that at the successful 2018 FOCAC summit held in Beijing, China and Africa agreed to build a closer China-Africa community with a shared future, charting the course of the future development of bilateral relations.
The suspected drug dealers were caught with over 1,800 pellets of cannabis, combined.
They are Fidele Niyonzima, 25, who was found in possession of 301 pellets of cannabis, while the duo of Console Niragire, 31, and Liliane Ntagisanimana, 30, were caught with 1,500 pellets.
Niragire and Ntagisanimana belong to the same ring of cannabis distributors and retailers in Rubavu.
The arrest was a result of credible information received from local community policing partners, which smoothened the operation that saw the alleged drug dealers caught red-handed, according to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region.
“It was because of the strong cooperation between the police and the residents, who shared timely and credible information. One of the women was the alleged wholesaler while the other was in charge of marketing and recruiting new clients,” CIP Karekezi said.
Niragire’s husband is serving a life sentence for the same crime.
“Her husband was a major drug dealer, who was convicted and handed a life imprisonment, so Niragire was also suspected to be involved in the same criminal dealings and was being trailed until she was arrested red-handed,” the spokesperson said.
He also explained that the Police is still looking for other two accomplices, who traffics the narcotics from the DR Congo and supplies the two women.
Meanwhile, Niyonzima had used a seven year-old to deliver the narcotics.
“Niyonzima gave the pellets of cannabis to take them to a point, where he would pick them as a way of preventing any suspicions and to evade arrest.
Good enough, residents had already shared information and Niyonzima was arrested red-handed as he picked the narcotics at the point where the child had left them,” CIP Karekezi said.
He warned against engaging children in such high impact crimes.
The spokesperson further commended the role of the public in identifying and arresting drug traffickers, distributors and retailers.
All the arrested were handed over to RIB for the next legal steps.
Under article 263 of the law nº68/2018 of 30/08/2018 relating to offences and penalties in general, any person convicted as a dealer in “severe drugs” faces between 20 years and life in prison, and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.
On Sunday, Police and local leaders conducted an inspection in various churches that were permitted to hold religious services in the region, to assess their compliance.
Countrywide, majority churches have continued to follow the recommended safety guidelines during their respective services.
“Out of 72 churches that were inspected in Musanze, Gakenke, Gicumbi and Burera districts, only one–Ruhengeri Cathedral–was found holding services contrary to the directives; it was simply a chaotic situation… everyone there was at high risk of infection,” ACP Reverien Rugwizangoga, the Nothern Region Police Commander, said.
He added: “In the main Cathedral, benches that are designated for two people had four; there was also another chapel, where only the elderly had congregated, congested, praying and in total disregard of social distancing. This was quite absurd, subjecting such a vulnerable group to this level of risk.”
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is often more severe in the elderly, especially people who are older than 60 years or who have health conditions like lung or heart disease, diabetes or conditions that affect their immune system.
The two priests; Father Emmanuel Ndagijimana, who was presiding over the service inside the main Cathedral, and Father Felicien Nsengiyumva, who was heading the service for the elderly in the chapel, have been penalised accordingly, for the violations.
“Our role as the Police is to implement the directives and ensuring that any issued guidelines are followed. We have equally informed other relevant authorities, and any decision that will be taken against this church for violating the directives… we will ensure that it is implemented accordingly,” ACP Rugwizangoga said.
We remind religious denominations particularly those that were permitted to resume services, to follow strict safety guidelines as issued by relevant authorities and to be responsive in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The portable patient monitors were handed over during a ceremony which took place on the 9th of October at the Rwanda Medical Supply Warehouse, by, on behalf of TDB, Mr. Regis Rugemanshuro, Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) Director General and shareholder representative on the TDB Board of Governors, to Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).
The portable patient monitors – locally procured from Sana Medical Stores Ltd. – will serve to monitor Covid 19-affected adults and paediatric patients in COVID-19 treatment facilities.
“These monitors come in handy and because of their nature-they will contribute greatly to the fight against COVID-19, the aspect of helping paediatric patients was well thought of as well, RBC is grateful for such contributions,” said Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, RBC Director General.
“While Rwanda has been fairing very well in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, with strong prevention and mitigation measures in place, as well as high number of tests proportionally, it is important to keep boosting the country’s capacity, particularly in terms of equipment, so that its health care system continues to deliver in a context of increased demand” said Regis Rugemanshuro, RSSB Director General and shareholder representative on the TDB Board of Governors.
“We are pleased to accompany the Government of Rwanda in its efforts to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic” said Admassu Tadesse, TDB President and Chief Executive. “This is part of our broad response plan which, in addition to direct assistance as such via our Covid-19 Emergency Response Programme (CERP), also incorporates a series of financing interventions for financial institutions, sovereigns and enterprises, to help them cope with the shocks of the pandemic”.
Mary Kamari, TDB Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations Executive added that “through CERP, TDB provides, among other interventions, locally manufactured or procured PPEs and equipment – as it is the case in Rwanda. The objective of programme is to support healthcare systems, at the same time as local private sector and employment, whenever possible. Over and above CERP, the Bank extended a USD ½ million grant to the African Union’s Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).”
According to data from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, since COVID-19 outbreak in March, Rwanda has recorded 4,866 confirmed cases, 3,216 recoveries and 29 deaths due to the global pandemic. The Government of Rwanda and partners have put in place strong preventive measures that include mass testing. To date, over 504,670 tests have been conducted in an effort to curb the spread of the virus
The ninth contingent of 162 aviation personnel, including pilots, flight engineers, and logisticians will replace their colleagues who have completed their tour of duty under UNMISS.
The first batch of peacekeepers was airlifted from Kigali to Juba, South Sudan at 0600hrs and the same number arrived back home.
While briefing peacekeepers at Kigali International Airport on behalf of RDF leadership, Col Louis Kanobayire, urged the aviation personnel to maintain discipline and focus on the mission mandate.
“Be always guided by the RDF values, have team spirit and safeguard the good image of Rwanda by performing your mission at high standards”, he briefed the outgoing RDF peacekeepers.
The main tasks of the aviation unit include air patrols, reconnaissance and rescue operations, medical evacuation, troops transportation during regular rotations, and airlifting UN workers and their cargo among others.
Rwanda Aviation Unit 8 (RAU) Commander, Lt Col Christophe Semuhungu said that the RAU 8 tour of duty lasted for 14 months instead of twelve due to COVID-19 restrictions in troop rotations.
“In the past 14 months, RAU 8 successfully accomplished the mandated mission with no incident registered,” he said.
Rwanda Aviation Unit has its main base in Juba and a forward base in the northern South Sudanese city of Malakal.
The Rwanda Defence Force maintains three infantry battalions, Rwanda aviation unit with six helicopters serving in UNMISS in the Republic of South Sudan.
The medal parade held at the RWAFPU-3 base camp in the capital Juba, was presided over by the UNMISS Police Commissioner, Madam Unaisi Lutu Vaniwaqa.
The event, which was conducted in consideration of the recommended preventive measures against COVID-19, was also graced by host government authorities and other UN officials.
The UNMISS Police Commissioner thanked the decorated men and women for their dedication and commitment to peace.
The medal, she said, commemorates their service to UNMISS and more so to the people of South Sudan.
“I would like to convey the mission’s sincere gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for its commitment to the UN Peace Operations globally. Rwanda is the third largest contributor in UN Peacekeeping operations, and I am sure it’s a record all Rwandans are proud of,” Madam Vaniwaqa said.
The medal, she observed is a symbol of dedication and commitment for the entire operational task that the awardees have undertaken during their deployment.
“Thank you for your tireless efforts contributing to all efforts here in UNMISS especially for you serving here in Juba.”
RWAFPU-3 includes 80 women. This uniqueness, the Police Commissioner said, is their “strength” to contribute as women standing side-by-side with their male colleagues and most importantly their contribution, as women, to UN Police Women’s Network and Gender Responsive Policing.
Their experience, she said, should encourage other female colleagues back home in this journey to be peace ambassadors.
She commended the decorated officers for their “teamwork and obedience to the call to fulfill all that was required of this contingent here in UNMISS.”
Madam Vaniwaqa challenged them to maintain the “zero tolerance to sexual exploitation and abuse.”
She further urged them to maintain their commitment to serve the people of South Sudan especially the vulnerable ones, with dignity and respect.
“Coronavirus pandemic has changed almost everything but not the service, sacrifice and selflessness of men and women in RWAFPU 3. It is, indeed, our individual and collective responsibility to maintain the dignity of people whom we are here to protect.
We must always uphold the high standard of integrity and professionalism in our work and ask that you pass this message to those who, soon, will be here to take over from you.”
“Although you still have a short period remaining in your tour-of-duty, we salute you today for your hard work in support of the UN Mission in South Sudan and we thank you for your service. You have made me proud, made us all proud and you are worthy ambassadors of your country and the United Nations.”
Speaking on behalf of the medalists, RWAFPU-3 contingent commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jackline Urujeni, thanked the UNMISS leadership and the entire mission family including peacekeepers from other contributing countries, for their support, cooperation and guidance.
She thanked the officers under her command, for their hard work, professionalism, discipline and resilience as well as their continuous commitment to achieve the mission mandate.
The medals, she said, motivate them to renew their commitment to fulfill the tasks ahead in order to bring durable peace “to our brothers and sisters” in South Sudan.
“Today marks another achievement in our service to humanity; we have now completed more than 15 months of hard work, at times challenging and very demanding, yet fulfilling.
On that note, I also acknowledge our friendly stakeholders that were always there, supporting RWAFPU-3 operationally and administratively making our tasks much easier to successfully complete our assigned tasks. For that, this medal is dedicated to you all,” SSP Urujeni acknowledged.
She noted that through cohesion and teamwork, they managed to contain the spread of COVID-19 within their unit as they continued to execute their mission mandate.
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The medal parade coincided with the rotation of another contingent; RWAFPU-2, also serving under UNMISS.
RWAFPU-2 under the command of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Carlos Kabayiza occupied the stands of the similar unit, which safely returned home later the same day after 18 months in their tour-of-duty.
The officers, who came back home aboard the national carrier, RwandAir, were received at Kigali International Airport by Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, Commissioner for Public Relations and Media, on behalf of Rwanda National Police (RNP) leadership.
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, the unit was taken through the compulsory COVID-19 prevention measures, including the disinfection process, ensuring that they dispose of safely their hand cloves and facemasks, and are given new ones as well as sanitizing their hands.
All this was done in consideration of physical distancing.
The contingent will also be tested for COVID-19 and quarantined for at least 14 days.
CP Kabera thanked the officers, who returned home, for their bravery and selfless service, despite the challenges, especially those posed by the pandemic of novel Coronavirus.
“Due to the shortcomings brought about by COVID-19, this contingent, which was supposed to serve for one year, had to confront all the challenges to selflessly serve for 18 months. We salute them for not relenting in their mandate even in such hard times,” CP Kabera said.
This comes days after the number of new infections was declining, creating a glimmer of hope that the pandemic could be subsiding across the country.
The Ministry of Health on Friday reported 5 new cases out of 963 new tests conducted, taking the total number of cases to 4,890, while the number of recoveries on the same day is 13.
In Rwanda, 514,081 sample testes have so far been taken, with 4890 confirmed cases. Of these, 3555 have recovered while 1305 are still active cases.
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.
