According to the Ministry of Health, of the new cases, 18 were detected in Kigali’s high risk groups, whereas two cases were identified in Rubavu district, Western Province.
Kirehe and Nyabihu districts also reported one each.
The latest results were obtained from 1,935 sample tests taken in the last 24 hours.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country in mid-March, Rwanda has conducted 466,518 tests of coronavirus.
Confirmed cases are now 4,624 among which the active cases are 1,835 and 22 deaths.
The photo was posted on the President’s Twitter page on Tuesday night carrying a baby in a happy mood, and the caption said that he had a wonderful weekend with “this little human being”.
The head of state had recently announced that he had a granddaughter, after his daughter Ange Kagame and her husband Bertrand Ndengeyingoma gave birth to their firstborn on August 19, 2020.
Ange Kagame Ingabire is the second child of President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame; she was married on July 6, 2019 during a very colourful and royal ceremony. It was at the end of December 2018 that Bertrand Ndengeyingoma officially asked her hand in marriage, in a traditional dowry ceremony that was held at President Kagame’s home in Rwamagana District in Muhazi Sector.
On July 20, 2020, President Kagame announced the birth of the baby on Twitter saying that “Since yesterday we are very happily and ‘officially’ grandparents. Congratulations A&B!! ..:):):) What a joy!?”
“First time is even more exciting!” he added.
On September 6, in an interview with the public broadcaster, Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), President Kagame talked about his grandchild, for the first time, confirming that it was a girl and that he was enjoying being a grandparent for the very first time.
The Head of State said that he takes time off his busy schedule to visit her, pointing out that he was promoted from being a father to being a grandfather and he was enjoying it.
“She is a healthy girl, she is growing up fast, and when I get time after work, I rush to visit her,” President Kagame said. Asked “do you go as President Kagame or as Kagame the grandparent?” to which he replied: ”As Kagame.”
The 66-year old, who faces 13 charges including terrorism, conspiracy to create an illegal armed group and murder, among others, preferred not to plead guilty or not stating that he would prefer to explain himself on each charge when the trial goes into substance.
The Prosecutors detailed the charges, dating back to 2009, when he allegedly financed former members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), with an aim of starting armed groups to fight the Government of Rwanda.
The prosecution stated important reasons as to why Rusesabagina should not be granted bail. Prosecutors said that his activities to wage war against the Government of Rwanda started way back in 2009, when he was the head of PDR Ihumure, where he was facilitating members of FDLR, through a one Col. Noel Habiyaremye.
Rusesabagina later worked with Gen. Wilson Irategeka, the leader of the FDLR breakaway faction, the National Council for the Democratic Renewal (CNRD), with the main purpose of forming armed organisations to wage war against the Government of Rwanda.
Prosecutors dwelled more on the activities of National Liberation Front (NLF), the armed wing of Rusesabagina’s Rwandan Movement for Democratic Change (MRCD) coalition, highlighting the attacks carried out on Rwandan territory between 2018 and 2019, mentioning how the attacks left scores dead and many injured while homes were ransacked.
Prosecutors said they have letters detailing Rusesabagina’s activities, including some given to Rwanda by Belgian authorities, as well as chats involving Rusesabagina and others who were plotting to overthrow the Government of Rwanda, as well as money transfer evidence.
Prosecutors further mentioned money transfer details to support armed groups, including money sent by Mukangamije Tatiana, Rusesabagina’s wife, amounting to $970, in 2019, to Nsabimana Callixte, the NLF Spokesperson, who was in Comoros at the time, which was part of the support.
Furthermore, Prosecutors said Belgian Police shared many documents with Rwanda, detailing different fundraising and money transfer activities led by Paul Rusesabagina and his people, involving hundreds of thousands of euros and dollars, which were aimed at sustaining NLF operations.
Rusesabagina said that throughout his interactions with investigations and prosecution, he has been clear that if there are some bad actions that were committed by the groups he supported, leading to loss of lives, he regrets them.
“I regret these actions and I am seeking forgiveness from all Rwandans as well as the victims and all those who were affected by these actions,”
Regarding the 2009 claim by Prosecution that as President of Ihumure, he sent financial support to a one Col. Noel Habiyaremye, with the aim of starting an armed group, Rusesabagina said that at the time he wasn’t the President of PDR Ihumure.
At the time, he was the president of the Rusesabagina Hotel Rwanda Foundation and he occasionally supported Rwandan refugees financially, out of kindness, a claim which Prosecutors dismissed.
He, however, doesn’t deny sending the money, but by claiming that he was the President of PDR Ihumure then, Rusesabagina said that Prosecutors want to add more weight to the charge.
On sending money to CNRD’s Gen. Irategeka, Rusesabagina said it is true he sent 3000 Euros to the former but he sent it out of kindness after he pleaded to him for support; he also said that the amount sent to Gen. Irategeka of CNRD was to support him personally, in a charitable way but the money was not meant to finance the creation of an armed group or to NLF.
On the amount his wife sent to Callixte Nsabimana, he said it was also for ‘survival’ because his wife is known to Nsabimana since his mother originated from the same place as his mother.
Rusesabagina said that when the film Hotel Rwanda came out, many Rwandan refugees looked at him as a millionaire and often reached out to him for financial support and for those he supported, he did so out of kindness, not because he was financing their armed activities.
Prosecutors, however, punched holes in his claims, pointing out that the chats and correspondences, as well as pronouncements by Rusesabagina on media and other recordings, say otherwise.
On the alleged money transfers, he said it is true money from his end was sent to some individuals under NLF or other groups but out of the many names he was shown, he only recognized 2 people, a one Munyemana Eric and Marie Claire Ingabire, who were known to him but he was not the one initiating these transfers. His lawyer David Rugaza said that the documents from Belgium and those obtained from his computer or phone are not strong evidence to incriminate their client.
After lengthy deliberations, Prosecutors said that Rusesabagina would be a flight risk if released on bail, given the nature of charges he faces and the fact that he had eluded justice for a long time. They said he would do so again given another chance.
Rusesabagina told the court that he is not in good health and that he has been to the hospital 3 times since he arrived in Rwanda, pleading to the court to consider that and release him on bail. He emphasized that he is ready to continue with the legal process.
The hearing has been adjourned to Thursday, September 17, when the court will pronounce itself on the matter.
The Ministry of Health said that on Monday, September 14, 2020, 11 new cases were found among 1687 sample tests taken, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 4602.
The new patients include five people from Kigali City, three from Nyamagabe District while in Rusizi, Bugesera and Rulindo Districts each has recorded one new case.
With the new recoveries registered, the total number of recoveries has now reached to 2,773; 1844 are still active cases and 22 deaths.
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 complying with government regulations, especially with frequent washing of hands and water and soap, wearing masks when leaving home or in public.
The decision to reopen was based on a health assessment and the level of Covid-19 prevention preparedness of people who work in the market, said the City of Kigali management.
In a statement, City of Kigali noted that reopening does not apply to wholesale traders or those selling fruits, vegetables, and potatoes; their work station will remain in Giti cy’Inyoni and Nzove markets.
On August 16 the Kigali City Administration decided to close the Mutangana market after days of widespread exposure to COVID-19.
The decision immediately went into effect, with vendors of perishable items asked to remove them, others were to keep their belongings properly stacked.
In a bid to avoid overcrowding that may lead to the spread of the virus, vendors without stands or those with stands that were not in the housing master plan are not allowed to reopen.
Like all other markets country-wide, only 50 percent of all workers of Nyabugogo Market will be allowed to work in shifts.
The decision to reopen Nyabugogo Market follows the recent reopening of Nyarugenge Market; both markets were closed for two weeks after a spike in Covid-19 cases in Kigali was traced to both markets.
On March 14, after the first Coronavirus patient was diagnosed in Rwanda, it was immediately decided that all schools would be closed and that all students would return home and instead pursue classes online.
REB DG9 Dr. Ndayambaje Irénée told IGIHE that by the time the schools are open, there will be a lot to change because the curriculum will be different from what it used to be focusing mostly on online classes.
“Another factor is related to the hygiene and sanitation in schools. While classrooms are being built, there are also special plans to build permanent toilets in our schools.” Said Ndayambaje.
“We also want children to develop this habit of washing hands because in addition to protecting people from COVID-19 it also promotes hygiene in schools and as we learn it in schools and in our homes, we will be able to reduce incidences of childhood-related diseases. It’s something people should expect.”
REB said that there is also a program to feed children at schools where they will all be provided with meals. In 2014, the Government of Rwanda launched a program to feed 9- and 12-year-old children in primary education to help them improve their level of achievement without losing their temper.
In the first four years, the program was given a budget of Rwf 5.5 billion, but in the previous fiscal year it reached Rwf 7 billion.
“We had a program to feed the children in the secondary schools; you find cases of a child studying in primary school having their elder sibling in their first year of high school; when it is lunchtime one would go to school for lunch when the other will have to pack their lunch or go home to eat.” He said.
Now the government has decided that all children will eat at schools, for it improves their performance.
Recent data show that at one center in Kigali City, parents are required to pay Rwf 12,000 per quarter which is Rwf 4000 per month. The state government pays Rwf56 per child per day.
Last year, the attendance recorded of student 9-12-years primary school were at 97.3%, Kigali City came on the top 100% attendance, North recorded 99.4% attendance, Western Province with95.2%, Southern 97.3 %, Eastern Province also had a turnout of 97.3%.
{{ Concerns about the rising of school fees}}
Some parents and caregivers who recently spoke to IGIHE pointed out that due to the preparations that will be made to prevent COVID-19 while schools are open; it is more likely that the cost will be higher than before.
Schools will be required to provide sanitation facilities, social distance system, increase the amount of water used for washing, building new classrooms, technology and more. It is expensive and more likely is expected to be paid by the student.
The institution will not build new schools or bring in new technology and when it comes to determining the tuition fees ignore all those expenses.
“You could say that the fact that the school bring water system. It means that the tuition fee is going to increase, but we have to go back and think to the cost we paid for the lack of water, the diseases and poor sanitation. Schools should not be afraid that this is going to be another burden so it should raise school fees, everything is counted, and water expenses are counted. We don’t think it is going to be very expensive but it’s something people wanted, it’s important to have It.” said Dr.Ndayambaje.
Kagame made the observations on Thursday, September 10, 2020, while participating in a youth town hall meeting which was held under the theme “Africa’s Food System of the Future.”
The session which was held virtually is part of the 10th African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) Summit which started on September 8 and is to end on September 11.
The president said that the potential of agriculture on the African continent is vast.
“We need to invest more and get more out of the investments we have already made. This includes public infrastructure and value chains, particularly for the growing urban food markets that underpin prosperity in rural areas,” said the Head of State.
“What we need from you is the corresponding focus and innovative spirit so that agriculture can serve as the basis of Africa’s economic transformation,” the President told the youth.
Statistics from the African Development Bank (AfDB) indicate that Africa had an estimated net food import bill of US $35.4 billion in 2015, with about 15 food chains accounting for most imports, including 5 staple commodities such as wheat, sugar, rice, beef, and soybeans.
The Bank said that increased food demand and changing consumption habits are leading to rapidly rising net food imports, which are expected to grow from US $35 billion in 2015 to over US $110 billion by 2025, if the situation does not change.
In response to that, President Kagame said that “in our vision, we want to transform agriculture from mostly subsistence to a modern, knowledge-based sector that ensures both food and nutrition security, and also creates value and contributes to our economy.”
“This means therefore, a stronger role for the private sector including farmers with the government acting as a market enabler, rather than dominating the market,” he said.
According to the Head of State, increased profits will come from higher yields and higher value agricultural commodities such as horticulture, poultry, piggery and fisheries, among others.
The President said that besides enabling good policy, the Government of Rwanda is working to provide the required infrastructure and to support research.
“And, you will find that this is across the whole continent; each country is focused on a number of things, but these are the common ones.”
He observed that Rwanda has partnered with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to establish Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) which is educating a new generation of agriculture entrepreneurs in the latest sustainable farming practices.
Rwanda also facilitated the establishment of a youth platform; the Rwanda Youth in Agribusiness Forum, which targets opportunities in the agriculture sector domestically and regionally, the President added.
While speaking in Waramutse Rwanda (Good morning Rwanda), a morning talk-show on Rwanda Television on Thursday, September 10, RNP spokesperson CP John Bosco Kabera warned that anyone implicated or caught in such human rights violations will be held accountable.
The warning follows an incident recently in Gatsata, Gasabo District, where three community policing agents were seen in a video assaulting a local resident, whom they apparently accused of violating the government directives against COVID-19.
CP Kabera said: “We have arrested Ildephonse Sindayigaya, Jean Bosco Karangwa and Elisa Ndahiro, security members at local level, who appeared in a video assaulting Evode Tuyisenge on September 8, in Gatsata Sector of Gasabo District.
Those, who assault people under the guise of fighting the spread of COVID-19 will not be tolerated and will equally face the law for their inappropriate behaviours and actions, which are unnecessary and uncalled for.”
The three suspects are currently held at Gatsata Police Station pending further investigations into the alleged assault.
“Community policing partners like DASSO, Irondo (community night patrols), community policing committees and youth volunteers are playing a big role in supporting RNP to implement government directives meant to contain and combat the pandemic of Coronavirus,” CP Kabera noted.
He, however, urged them not to violate the law or misuse their powers to break the law at the expense of the people’s wellbeing and lives.
“All security organs follow the law in the implementation of their duties and anyone whose conduct is viewed as inappropriate and use of unnecessary excessive force and contrary to the law, is individually held accountable,” CP Kabera emphasised.
The spokesperson, however, urged the general public to comply with the directives instead of being forced, and to exhibit appropriate behaviours when caught in an violations and lawlessness by following given instructions.
“Do not exhibit any violent behaviours when caught or implicated in any wrong-doing. Comply, go where you are instructed to go.”
In case of any abuse by Police officer, the public are urged to call 3511 (toll-free line), Inspectorate of Services and Ethics (ISE) on 0788311400 or Police Disciplinary Unit (PDU) on 0788311824
Chaired by President Paul Kagame at Urugwiro Village on Thursday, the cabinet maintained several decisions that were taken on August 26, 2020; yet the easing of the curfew is sending relief among the public who had difficultly started adjusting to the 7 PM hour.
Among other decisions that pleased the public is the resumption of movements to and from Rusizi, the only district (from Western Rwanda) which remained in lockdown for nearly six months.
“Mouvements to/from Rusizi in private transport is allowed, but they should respect the health guidelines,” reads the statement.
However, the public transport between Kigali and the rest of the districts of the country will remain closed.
Concerning meetings and events, the cabinet said that “all the authorized gatherings including meetings and weddings will continue, with respect of health institutions’ measures including testing for COVID-19 where participants themselves will bear the cost. The number of participants should not exceed 30% of the capacity of the venue,”
The authorization is given by Local government institutions and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) after examining whether the applicants fulfill all the requirements.
Also testing for COVID-19 and bearing the cost, will be all those that seek to do a trip at Rwanda’s national parks.
“All people are reminded that they should respect the COVID-19 preventive measures including one-meter social distance, wearing the face mask and washing hands. Failure to respect this will attract sanctions,”
Like other sports, no cycling race has been organized since March this year when the first Coronavirus case was found in Rwanda.
Two-and-a-half months ago, the game was among few of which the players were allowed to train but it is not yet known when the tournament could be resumed.
In an interview with IGIHE, Niyonshuti said that although his players have not played in races for a long time, they continue to monitor them even during the lockdown.
Regarding the preparations for the tournament, Niyonshuti said they were waiting for the decision to be taken by the relevant authorities as they planned to take part in various competitions in Belgium, which were often held in the summer.
“I think the Ministry of Sports will have discussions with the federation and coordinate to see what is needed and we can go back to the tournaments. If not, what I would say to the players is to prepare for next year because I think if we are lucky next year we will have the Tour du Rwanda tournament,” he said.
“If it goes well and we get the visas, and the invitations to the games we had planned to go to Belgium, maybe we will go there for the games in October or November because I think the year of the games will be long even though it is difficult taking the kids to Europe during the cold season,” he added.
For the past two years, the management of SKOL’s soft and non-alcoholic beverages factory has been sending athletes to Belgium for competitions during the summer between July and August.
“Taking them there in October and November when it’s cold, it would be nice for them to get used to the cold weather if they want to be professional players, but if it doesn’t happen, we can focus on the Tour du Rwanda. This year has been like a waste in everything but their life is what matters more.”
The SACA coach said the first challenge right now, for many people, is to get the necessary documents to travel to different countries in these times of Coronavirus.
“Many children here in Africa, going to Italy, France and elsewhere are having a hard time. Getting a visa that was available for two weeks can also take up to three months. Much as everything is planned now, obtaining visas has become a problem.”
Since last month, various tournaments have been organized in Europe and this Saturday, August 29, is the start of the Tour de France with the participation of the world’s top teams.
It is yet to be known where the world championship tournament, in which Rwanda will participate, will be held. So far, Sweden which is likely to host the competition in Aigle-Martigny between September 20 and 27, has extended the deadline for non-assembly of more than 1,000 people until October 1 as part of a strategy for Coronavirus Prevention.
