Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

The recognized Police officers constitute Rwanda Protection Support Unit (PSU), which is largely charged with the protection of top government officials in CAR, including the Prime Minister and other VIPs.

The event was held at the Office of the Prime Minister in the capital Bangui.

PM Ngrebada thanked the officers for their commitment and professionalism since they were assigned to ensure his security in January 2020.

“Today, I recognize your sacrifice, discipline, selfless and professional service in all the journeys we have made together here in Bangui and different parts of the country,” the Prime Minister said.

He thanked them for the teamwork spirit and working well with the CAR military in the execution of their duties.

“On behalf of the President and people of CAR, I commend the Government of Rwanda for the invaluable efforts to restore security and development in CAR.”

The paid tribute to the whole PSU contingent for their role during the recent peaceful elections adding that their partnership with other local security organs and other peacekeepers gave no room for evil-minded armed groups to destabilize the elections.

He wished them success and urged them to maintain the spirit even when they return back home.

Rwanda PSU contingent commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Valens Muhabwa thanked the Prime Minister for the tribute.

“We take this opportunity to thank you for the support and affection since January 2020 until today; these certificates mean a lot to us as a unit.

We commend the whole team in your office and the people of CAR whose support equally made our duties easy,” CSP Muhabwa said.

He pledged the commitment of Rwanda National Police in collaboration and cooperation in varied matters of security and the welfare of the people of CAR.

The statement released last night shows that no one has succumbed to the virus.
The majority of new cases were found in Karongi: 16, Rubavu:9, Huye: 3, Kigali:3 and Kirehe: 3.

Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 25 586 people have been tested positive of whom 24 119 have recovered, 1129 are active cases while 338 have succumbed to the virus.

A total of 350, 400 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation programme on 5th March 2021.

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 urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.

The house located in Nyabitare Village, Gasanze Cell in Nduba Sector belong to one Jean Claude Rudasingwa, 37, the groom, who had invited friends and neighbours to plan for his wedding scheduled for May 15.

Physical meetings are only allowed without exceeding 30% of venue capacity and COVID-19 testing is required for meetings of more than 20 people.

RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera, said the violators were found overcrowded in the sitting room at about 11am, following a tip-off from “responsible local residents.”

The host Rudasingwa admitted that he had invited them to help him in preparations for his wedding.

“These are my friends and neighbors, who came to help me with ideas and other things to organize and plan for my wedding. Police found us in the house and for that I apologize for disregarding the government directives,” said Rudasingwa.

CP Kabera said that members of the public have been positive to the safety guidelines and responsive against errant violators.

“We laud the role of the public in fighting and reporting such violations. We have been arresting and parading people caught in prohibited social gatherings, and this should be sending the warning message to anyone planning to hold such gatherings, which can lead to the spread of Covid-19 and derail national efforts against the pandemic,” CP Kabera warned.

The absence of Police or local leaders in the area, he said, should not be seen as chance to flout the safety directives adding that members of the public also act as force multiplier, eyes and ears of the law and regulations.

The violators were taken to Kigali Independent University (ULK) stadium where they were educated on the government measures to prevent Covid-19 and handed administrative fines by local authorities.

Restrepo Jhonatan emerged stage winner clocking 6 minutes and 27 seconds. He was followed by Alex Hoehn riding for Wildlife who used 6 minutes 28 seconds, Alan Boileau of B&b Hotels who used 6 minutes 29’ seconds.

Jhonatan has become the 3rd rider to win five stages in Tour du Rwanda since it was upgraded to the International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar in 2008.

Other riders who registered similar records include Rwandan Valens Ndayisenga, and Eritrean Eyob currently riding for Terengganu Cycling Team.

The top performing Rwandan at the 7th stage is Mugisha Samuel who emerged 35th clocking 7 minutes 05 seconds while Uhiriwe Byiza Renus and Nsengimana Jean Bosco, clocked 7 minutes 09 seconds respectively.

Cristian Rodriguez Martin riding for Direct Energie who used 6 minutes 35 seconds retained the yellow jersey.

Tour du Rwanda will continue on Sunday 9th May 2021 with the final stage that will see riders covering 75.3 kilometers making laps in Kigali city.

The public infrastructure inaugurated on 6th May 2021 was completed on funding of World Vision Rwanda which catered for 70% in collaboration with Rusizi district covering 30% of the total budget.

World Vision Rwanda is a Christian humanitarian organization implementing development programs in different districts across the country.

Beneficiaries have expressed delight for completed infrastructure which gives them relief as they will access clean water closer to their homes.

“We have been hit hard with no access to clean water. Our children would spend long hours to reach ponds where they fetched dirty water containing worms. The situation has however changed with new water infrastructure expected to improve hygiene and prevent poor sanitation related diseases,” said Hycinthe Mukarukundo.

Another beneficiary, Harerimana Shikama also said that they were at great risks of belly wombs due to dirty water fetched from far distant area in Kibingo.

“We are grateful for advocacy that led to this development,” he noted.

Nsanzimana Juvenal, the head teacher of Groupe Scolaire Hangabashi which also benefited from the project revealed that students and teachers would pay Rwf 100 to get one jerry can of safe water.

He welcomed safe water infrastructure that comes in handy to give relief to members of the community.

Ananias Sentoz, Programme Manager at World Vision Rwanda explained that the organization is committed to facilitate 1 million Rwandans to access safe water within five years.

“We glad for completed infrastructure which is among many planned projects to facilitate provision of safe water to residents. We want to enable safe water access to one million citizens of whom 500 have started benefiting from public water facilities. We are optimistic to achieve this goal in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda by 2023,”he stressed.

Rusizi district vice mayor for economic development, Leoncie Kankindi commended World Vision Rwanda for initiatives transforming residents’ welfare.

“Public water facilities made available are very helpful for 17 villages in three cells. It is a great gesture giving relief to residents because they have been fetching water from far distant locations. We voice our appreciation to World Vision and request residents to maintain these infrastructures,” she noted.

The 32.5-kilometer water supply system has been completed at Rwf 300 million.
As of today, Rusizi district registers 74% of residents with access to safe water.

Police and local leaders found the group congregating at a home of one Janviere Ufitamahoro, 32, who escaped.

The religious service was led by one Violette Niyigena, 25, also arrested.

Worshippers belong to five different churches in Rutsiro, including Catholic, Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist and pentacostal.

Rutsiro Acting District Police Commander (Ag. DPC), Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Elie Niyongabo and the Vice Mayor for Finance and Economic Development, Innocent Gakuru Munyakazi led the enforcement of the directives.

Munyakazi told the violators that adhering to health measures is currently the only way to fight Covid-19.

“It is shocking and irresponsible for you to hold such gathering of people coming from different places disregarding the government directives, amidst this deadly virus, which is still claiming lives,” Munyakazi told the violators.

He advised them to rather go to churches that were allowed to resume services instead of putting their lives at risk of catching the virus.

CIP Niyongabo warned against such practices and thanked members of the public, who continue to report violations.

According to the DPC, all the 52 violators were found congested in the small living room with no face mask.

He told the violators that holding such gatherings undermine the government efforts against the pandemic.

“Such gatherings can be the source for further spread of Covid-19 given that you don’t know your status. One of you could be positive, infect all others and spread the virus in your families and communities. Protect yourselves and your families from the virus by complying with the directives and health guidelines. Fear the virus not the Police,” CIP Niyongabo said.

Violators were educated on health measures and fined accordingly by the administrative authority.

The statement released last night shows that no one has succumbed to the virus.

Rwanda confirmed the first case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 25 539 people have been tested positive of whom 24 050 have recovered, 1151 are active cases while 338 have succumbed to the virus.

A total of 350, 400 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation programme on 5th March 2021.

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 urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.