Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

He made these remarks in an exclusive interview with IGIHE following his swearing-in on September 26, 2024.

Dr. Kalinda reflected on his experience since taking over from Dr. Iyamuremye Augustin in 2023.

He expressed his gratitude for the support he received, stating, “I joined the Senate midway through its term, but I was pleased to work with those I found there, as they helped me better understand the Senate’s operations, and together we achieved a lot.”

Dr. Kalinda outlined key achievements from the previous term, highlighting that the Senate upheld constitutional principles and successfully passed several important legislative measures.

These included the passage of one constitutional law, seven organic laws, and 18 ordinary laws. The Senate also held 43 standing committee meetings, produced 14 reports on government programs, and engaged in numerous discussions and inquiries.

Dr. Kalinda expressed his appreciation for the confidence placed in him once again by President Paul Kagame and emphasized the importance of collaboration across different levels of governance.

“In this new term, I am honored that the President of the Republic has entrusted me with this role again. My main focus will be fostering cooperation and coordination among institutions. We must listen to the concerns and aspirations of the people, as the Senate is here to help address key national issues,” he stated.

When discussing citizen engagement, Dr. Kalinda underscored the importance of using multiple approaches to gather public feedback. This includes direct community outreach and leveraging technology.

“There are multiple ways for the Senate to reach citizens. We can meet them in person, hear their concerns, and engage in discussions on how to resolve them. We also have technological means and can hold consultative meetings to seek further ideas from others,” he noted.

Additionally, he emphasized the Senate’s responsibility to conduct research on emerging issues to provide informed recommendations.

He called on his fellow Senators to place citizens at the forefront of their work and to foster a spirit of collaboration.

“What I ask from my fellow Senators as we begin this new term is to work together with mutual respect and understanding, always prioritizing the citizens’ interests above our own.”

The Rwandan Senate consists of 26 Senators, with women holding a majority for the first time at 53.9%. In contrast, the previous Senate had 35% female representation.

The Senate’s primary responsibilities include overseeing the constitutional principles, reviewing and passing laws, scrutinizing government activities, monitoring political organizations, and contributing to the national budget review.

Dr. Kalinda will lead the Senate alongside Vice Presidents Ambassador Solina Nyirahabimana, responsible for legislation and government oversight, and Alvera Mukabaramba, who was re-elected as Vice President in charge of finance and administration.

Of the newly sworn-in Senators, 20 have taken office, while six others are continuing their terms until next year.

These include Prof. Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu, Evode Uwizeyimana, Dr. André Twahirwa, and Epiphanie Kanziza, appointed by President Kagame in 2020, as well as Senators Alexis Mugisha and Clotilde Mukakarangwa, elected by the Forum of Political Organizations in 2020.

The electronics, which also include television sets, radios, modem, flash disks, decoders, routers, electric cables and power banks, were seized in the last two years.

The public destruction was witnessed by officials from Rwanda National Police (RNP), Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) and Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).

The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said that the electronics were seized in operations conducted over the past two years, during the enforcement of the regulations governing used electronics and electronic equipment.

“During the enforcement of the regulation, it was observed that some electronics on the market were substandard, some dealers in second-hand electronics had no source of origin while other electronics had been stolen. Those that were stolen were returned to the rightful owners,” ACP Rutikanga said.

The regulation governs, among others, consumer electronics, office, IT and telecommunication equipment, refrigerator equipment, large and small household appliances, lighting fixtures and lamps, sports and leisure appliances, and toys.

It provides that for one to trade in used electrical and electronic equipment, they must apply for a license issued by RICA, which is valid for two year renewal.

Before buying, business operators are required to ensure that used electrical and electronic equipment meets the safety requirements of the standards IEC 60950-1; and to record the description of the equipment bought and sold.

The records should indicate the category, brand and model name, model number, serial number, information relating to International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and International Mobile Equipment Identity Software Version (IMEI-SV) per slot where applicable; any other distinguished marks or features, where applicable and equipment status description.

Before buying second-hand electronics, the business operator must first verify that the seller is the rightful owner of the equipment and record detailed particulars.

“We advise dealers in second-hand electronics and electronic equipment to follow the regulation to avoid buying and selling substandard and stolen items, which also leads to either imprisonment or heavy fines,” ACP Rutikanga said.

He warned that operations are continuous to impound all items that do not meet the required standards, and to penalize the violators.

The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana flagged off the project on Thursday, September 26, at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kacyiru.

The launch of the project was the climax of a two-day training on ‘Gender Responsive Leadership’, which was attended by 56 law enforcement officers from nine African countries.

It was organized in partnership with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO).

Participating countries are Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Comoros, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Seychelles, and Rwanda, the host.

Minister Uwimana said empowering every badge recognises that women and men have different experiences and needs.

“This brings unique contributions in the work they do, and how they serve diverse communities in our region. By creating a more inclusive, equitable, and effective law enforcement system, we are improving our approach and delivery of justice,” Minister Uwimana said.

This collaboration, she said, is required to promote professional development and ensure that policing reflects the communities it serves.

She called for individual and collective commitment to a vision of gender equality in law enforcement where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness; and where every individual, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute.

“In Rwanda, we are proud of the participation of women in security and law enforcement, particularly in peacekeeping and peacebuilding. As we mark 20 in peacekeeping, Rwanda continues to be one of the top contributors of troops and police in the UN peacekeeping missions,”

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) CG Felix Namuhoranye called for full commitment of law enforcement institutions to “get the project right and successful.” He added that the RNP will be a good and active partner towards the successful execution of the gender equality project in law enforcement agencies.

Ms Ashita Mittal, UNODC regional representative observed that despite the evidence that gender equality offers a path to sustainable peace and conflict prevention, progress has been insufficient, and in some cases reversed.

Empowering Every Badge project, she said, will be a guiding tool for more women to join law enforcement, help reduce biases, enhance the overall community trust, and contribute to stronger capacity of women to assume leadership roles in peace and security agenda.

Africa Sendahangarwa Apollo, the Chief Executive Officer of EAPCCO and Head Interpol Regional Bureau, said that this project is the brain of the EAPCCO Chiefs of Police to have an understanding of how gender parity can be enhanced in all member countries.

The election for the Senate Bureau followed the swearing-in of 20 new Senators, including those recently elected from various categories and four appointed by the President of the Republic.

Dr. Kalinda’s candidacy was proposed by Senator Mureshyankwano Marie Rose, who praised his leadership skills and experience. Running unopposed, Kalinda secured 25 out of 26 votes.

In his acceptance remarks, Senator Kalinda expressed gratitude to President Kagame and his fellow Senators for their renewed trust, promising to remain faithful to the confidence placed in him.

Senator Solina Nyirahabimana was elected as Vice President in charge of legislation and government oversight, securing 22 out of 26 votes.

Meanwhile, Senator Alvera Mukabaramba was elected as Vice President in charge of administration and finance with 24 out of 26 votes, also running unopposed.

The newly sworn-in Senators include 12 elected through the country’s governance structures, two elected to represent higher education institutions, two from the political parties forum, and four appointed by the President.

The Senate of Rwanda consists of 26 Senators, with women making up the majority for the first time, comprising 53.9% of the Senate. Six Senators will conclude their terms in 2025.

President Paul Kagame, who officiated the swearing-in ceremony, said that the senators’ experience equips them for the responsibilities ahead.

He emphasized the Senate’s critical role in Rwanda’s development, urging Senators to prioritize accountability, solve citizens’ problems, and place the interests of all Rwandans at the forefront of their work.

The Head of State also assured the Senate of his support and collaboration to deliver on their duties.

{{Who is Dr. Kalinda?}}

Dr. François Xavier Kalinda joined the Senate in January 2023 and was immediately elected its President following the resignation of Dr. Iyamuremye.

Born in Kitabi Sector, Nyamagabe District, Dr. Kalinda previously worked as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Rwanda’s College of Arts and Social Sciences, where he was also a member of the academic senate.

After completing his undergraduate studies at the former National University of Rwanda in 1996, Dr. Kalinda earned a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property Rights from the University of Ottawa, Canada, in 1999. He went on to obtain a PhD in Business Law from the University of Strasbourg, France, in 2010.

From October 2015 to December 2022, he served as a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

Speaking on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, during a United Nations General Assembly panel in New York, Nduhungirehe emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to addressing hate speech, misinformation, and denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The panel, which focused on the impact of hate speech, was moderated by Alice Nderitu, the Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide.

Nduhungirehe underscored the importance of technological advancements while highlighting the challenges they present in controlling harmful content.

“Technology is good, but we are living in an era of fake news and alternative facts,” Nduhungirehe noted.

“It was challenging for us to combat hate speech and false narratives surrounding the Genocide against the Tutsi. Nowadays, any Rwandan abroad or any Genocide fugitive can open a YouTube channel and say whatever he/she wants,” he added.

Nduhungirehe pointed out that while technology has the power to unite people, it has also become the primary vehicle for the spread of genocide ideology, denial, and hate speech. Social media platforms, in particular, have given a vast audience to those who seek to distort history.

The Rwandan government, according to Nduhungirehe, is making efforts to forge collaboration with social media giants to curb this dangerous trend.

“We’ve been engaging with the owners of these platforms to take action, but we found out that it’s easier to address anti-vaccine misinformation or climate change skepticism than to act on those responsible for the deaths of over a million people so they can stop what is going on,” Nduhungirehe remarked.

“People are denying and minimizing the genocide [Genocide against the Tutsi] daily on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and X. We are still engaging them but it is still an issue that we are facing,” he added.

The minister also drew attention to the ongoing violence against Tutsis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where hate speech continues to incite attacks, often facilitated by social media.

This situation, he argued, highlights how little the world has learned from the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Alice Nderitu, the UN’s special adviser, echoed these concerns, recounting her recent visit to Rwanda. She recalled meeting Congolese refugees and expressed sorrow over the international community’s failure to learn from the lessons of history, as genocidal ideologies continue to claim new victims.

In Rwanda, agriculture remains a key pillar of the economy, contributing 25% to the country’s GDP in the first quarter of the year.

By the second quarter, the sector employed nearly 40% of the working population.

However, this promising economic impact has not been enough to attract the younger generation, especially in African countries where youth form the majority and hold the potential to boost productivity.

With more than 60% of the African population under 35, the continent’s youth represent a significant demographic force. Yet many view agriculture as an unattractive option with limited prospects for upward mobility.

According to Dr. Mel Oluoch, Director for Strategic Partnerships at Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) – an organization dedicated to enhancing food security, the perception that agriculture offers little room for economic advancement discourages young people from considering it as a viable career.

He points out that young Africans often see farmers enduring tough working conditions—spending long hours in the sun, earning meager profits, and leading lives of relative poverty.

This image does little to inspire the youth, many of whom seek better prospects in urban centers. The challenges and lack of substantial investment in the agricultural sector reinforce the belief that farming cannot provide a path to success.

Oluoch emphasizes that insufficient government support and the absence of technological advancement further contribute to the youth’s reluctance to engage in agriculture. Instead, many choose to migrate to cities, believing they will find better opportunities there.

The solution, according to Oluoch, lies in integrating modern innovations and youth-oriented programs into the agricultural sector. SAA has already begun implementing projects aimed at offering young people quicker financial returns through ventures such as flower and vegetable farming.

These projects are designed to appeal to youth by providing immediate profits, making agriculture more attractive as a career option.

Beyond profit-driven farming, the SAA is working to incorporate technology into agriculture. This includes equipping young people with tools that allow them to offer services to farmers, such as providing essential information, facilitating the procurement of agricultural inputs, and connecting farmers with markets.

Moreover, the SAA helps young people access machinery for agricultural tasks like shelling and milling crops, allowing them to create job opportunities within rural areas and reducing the need to migrate to cities for work.

Rwanda’s government has also recognized the importance of encouraging youth involvement in agriculture.

In 2023, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, highlighted the aging farmer population and the need for fresh energy in the sector.

Despite efforts, the 2022 national census showed that only 14% of those engaged in agriculture were aged between 16 and 30.

However, the establishment of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) offers hope. This institution has begun producing graduates, many of whom are young, who are expected to bring new energy and skills to the agricultural sector.

On a broader scale, Dr. Oluoch also pointed to financial barriers hindering youth engagement in agriculture. He noted that African governments’ increasing reliance on domestic banks for funds, particularly through the sale of treasury bonds, limits banks’ capacity to invest in agriculture.

While such bonds are a safe and profitable investment for banks, they divert resources away from high-risk sectors like farming.

Oluoch stresses that governments must encourage commercial banks to focus on solutions that address the continent’s economic challenges, with agriculture being a top priority.

WIFR was founded to unite institutions that collaborate to empower women in finance through various training programs.

During a ceremony welcoming the institution into WIFR on September 24, 2024; Laurence Uwambaje, the Director General of Umwalimu SACCO, emphasized that this partnership will strengthen the cooperative’s commitment to gender equality across all levels and strive for a future that benefits everyone.

“We will continue to provide equal opportunities and ensure that all employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of gender or appearance,” she stated.

Founded in 2006, Umwalimu SACCO was licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) to operate as a financial institution in Rwanda on February 22, 2008. Today, it has over 120,000 members and more than 30 branches across the country.

Raissa Muyango, a founding member of WIFR and Managing Director of Copedu Plc, expressed her optimism about the partnership, stating that it would contribute to accelerating Rwanda’s ambition to become a financial services hub in Africa.

“We are delighted to welcome Umwalimu SACCO, which plays a crucial role in the education sector by making financial services more accessible to our teachers,” she said.

As part of this initiative to support women, three employees from Umwalimu SACCO were awarded scholarships to further their financial education at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) in the United Kingdom.

These training programs align with the government’s agenda, championed by the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), to position Rwanda as a leading investment hub in Africa.

One of the scholarship recipients, Clarisse Niwebasa, shared her excitement: “This scholarship is a game-changer for both my personal and professional life, and for the organization I work for. Opportunities like this must be embraced.”

Clemence Suku, from Umwalimu SACCO’s Rubavu branch, echoed these sentiments, saying, “The knowledge I am about to acquire will benefit not just me, but also the institution I work for and the country. I am proud as a woman, because, in the past, women were often left behind. Today, we are part of the progress. I won’t take this opportunity for granted.”

Another scholarship recipient, Chantal Niyibikora from the Nyamagabe branch, emphasized how this scholarship will enhance her financial expertise, improve her skills, and help her deliver better services.

WIFR was founded to address the need for women in finance to have a platform where they can collaborate, share ideas, and celebrate their achievements.

Since its inception in 2023, over 50 women from banks and microfinance institutions have been awarded scholarships to study at CISI.

{{Determination}}

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo said that “Africa is not a continent of despair. She is full of great possibilities. She is required, however, to chart a new course of development. Our young population is filled with energy, creativity and ambition … The people of Africa are not asking for handouts — they are demanding opportunities in a new global architecture so they can have access to education, healthcare and jobs, to be able to build better lives for themselves, their families and their descendants.”

“It is impossible to address the challenges of today without speaking of the contradictions that exist within this global institution,” he noted. “African nations must take ownership of their security, and the African Union needs to strengthen itself to be able to respond swiftly to threats,” the president said.

Liberian President Joseph Boakai said that innate greed, insensitivity to the poor, the international drug epidemic, money laundering, dynamics of climate change and the impact of social media “must compel us to rethink our approach to global peace and security.”

“Our vulnerabilities are evident, and we need to use our collective knowledge to find solutions that will preserve the planet for future generations,” the president said.

“The threat of conflicts to our shared world underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to foster regional and global stability and peace,” he noted, adding that the member countries must support all the UN’s efforts to address peace and security issues worldwide. “Liberia is concerned about the escalating security challenges in the West African region, including terrorism and economic and political instability.”

With the recognition and the urgency for profound global transformation as the core of the Pact for the Future which was passed on Sunday at the Summit of the Future, the world body’s member states strive to rebuild trust in multilateralism with a legitimate demand to be recognized as equal partners, said President of Namibia Nangolo Mbumba. Such partners mean those who can be trusted in the fight against war, poverty, global injustice and inequality.

The theme for this General Debate — “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations” — “aligns perfectly with our shared aspirations for effective international cooperation,” he noted.

“Namibia is working to develop a sustainable energy mix to support its ambitious industrialization agenda and to contribute to the world’s efforts to combat climate change.”

{{Achievements}}

As an ocean nation heavily dependent on marine resources, Cabo Verde in the ocean decade focuses on local and global actions to promote sustainable ocean management, said José Maria Pereira Neves, president of Cabo Verde, adding that “we have been focused on the importance of sustainable ocean management, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that are very vulnerable to climate change, and the degradation of marine ecosystems.”

For three consecutive years, the country has hosted international ocean conferences to foster partnerships between governments, the private sector, scientists, and civil society to advance ocean science and create innovative solutions to ocean challenges. It is important to bring together key stakeholders in order to boost collaborative solutions for the oceans, help develop research capacities to study the impact of climate change and ocean acidification, and promote knowledge sharing and technology transfer to improve ocean monitoring and observation systems, he noted.

The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) has made significant progress in a very difficult world environment, and endeavored to garner support to replenish the Global Fund, said Umaro Sissoco Embaló, president of Guinea-Bissau. “We worked with the private sector to promote the production of drugs and nets to combat malaria,” said Embaló, also serving as ALMA President.

“We encouraged the transfer of technologies to African companies. We launched End Malaria Councils and Funds and supported youth movements against malaria,” he said.

Despite all the progress achieved, challenges persist. “Global warming and rains associated with climate change are expanding the geographic reach of mosquitos, thus exposing more than 170 million people to the threat of malaria in the African continent,” he noted.

The international community cannot hope to advance sustainable development when some race ahead while others are left to struggle. In other words, no one should be left behind, said Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan. “Words are nothing without deeds and we have to act urgently, in unity, to make the necessary transition to a more sustainable future.”

Except for combating climate change and military expenditure rise, “it is time to move beyond discussion and implement real reforms in the international financial system to address the preclusion of some vulnerable countries, regardless of income status, from opportunities to meet development needs,” he said. “The multilateral system remains our best hope for addressing the challenges we face.”

{{Wish and caution}}

Philemon Yang, president of the 79th session of the UNGA, told the opening of the General Debate on Tuesday that “this will be a priority for my presidency. Africa is one of the priorities of the United Nations. We must support Africa.”

The African Union’s Agenda 2063 presents a bold and transformative vision for the continent. Africa currently has the youngest population in the world. And by 2063, one in four people will be African. The generation of resources for the wellbeing of these people has been much slower than the population growth.

“We must not let Africa’s potential to go unrealized. In fact, to truly unlock Africa’s vast potential, we must actively cultivate global partnerships that align with the continent’s aspirations and drive its success. In this endeavor, I look forward to working with all Member States of the United Nations this year on keeping Africa at the heart of our agenda,” he noted.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, sensitive to the global changes, warned to the assembly that “a powder keg risks engulfing the world,” while urging country leaders, including those from Africa, to come together to find solutions.

Remarking against a cascade of crises and conflicts, he said that “our world is in a whirlwind. We are edging towards the unimaginable … We see this age of impunity everywhere — in the Middle East, in the heart of Europe, in the Horn of Africa, and beyond.” He drew comparisons between the Cold War and current conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar, saying that they all lacked guardrails and red lines.

Calling the current state of the world “unsustainable,” Guterres said that “we can’t go on like this,” but he also expressed hope, telling world leaders that “the challenges we face are solvable.”

The only path forward requires action, like overhauling international institutions such as the Security Council and the World Bank to better reflect the realities and needs of today’s world, and for countries to come together and cooperate around a common purpose, he said. “It is in all our interests to manage the epic transformations underway, to choose the future we want and guide our world toward it.”