Kagame delivered the message via Twitter handle yesterday as Rwanda joined the rest of the World to celebrate International Women’s Day under the global theme “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world,” while in Rwanda, the theme was “Women at the forefront in the Covid-19 World.”
“Happy International Women’s Day! Today is a reminder that gender equality is not just a women’s issue. There can be no progress without equal participation and opportunity for all. Each one of us has a role to play to ensure gender disparity and exclusion has no place in our future,” he said.
The International Women’s Day is a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, while also making a call to action for strengthening gender equality and accelerating women’s empowerment.
The day has been celebrated during COVID-19 pandemic which has caused unprecedented effects in different aspects of life.
At least 3 million African women lost jobs while 1.3 million stopped applying for jobs in 2020 due to Coronavirus.
Rwanda has been commended globally for efforts in establishing policies and laws aimed at promoting women empowerment in different aspects.
Rwanda is now a global leader in women participation in legislative decision-making positions with 61.3% female members of Parliament and also ranked 9th globally in closing gender gaps according to the Global Gender Gap Report, 2020.
In addition, 53% of the Cabinet members are women, among the Judges and clerks, women stand at 49.7% while in the local government leadership, women occupy 45.2 % as Members of District Councils.
International Women’s Day was honoured for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on March 9, 1911. More than one million women and men attended the rallies campaigning for women’s rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination.
The body was found yesterday in Nyamata sector. IGIHE has learnt that the young man spent some hours with friends the previous day who were shocked to hear about his death.
The Acting Spokesperson of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Dr. Murangira B. Thierry has said that the body was taken to Rwanda Forensic Laboratory for postmortem.
“He was found hang at a pitch and suspected to have committed suicide. News about his death circulated early morning whereby RIB rushed to the scene and gathered evidences. The body is to be taken to Rwanda Forensic Laboratory for autopsy,” he said.
They were arrested on Sunday, March 7, in separate operations conducted by the RNP Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) in the sectors of Rubavu and Gisenyi.
They were at the time found in possession of combined 2610 pellets of cannabis.
The Western region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi said the arrest is part of the ongoing operations targeting people identified to be major drug dealers in different parts of the country and to break chains of supply.
“The suspects include a couple; Uwamahirwe Feza ,36, and her husband Moses Habimana ,39, who were apprehended in Buhaza Cell in Rubavu sector with 1016 pellets of cannabis, which they had buried in the backyard. Uwamahirwe was on the list of local suppliers in Rubavu,” CIP Karekezi said.
Two other suspected drug dealers; Theoneste Baranyeretse, 39, and Froduard Manishimwe ,31, were intercepted in Gisenyi trafficking 1500 rolls of cannabis on a motorcycle.
Manishimwe is a taxi-moto operator in Rubavu, who is suspected of working with drug dealers to transport them or their narcotics.
On the same day, Police also arrested one only identified as Niyibizi with 90 pellets of cannabis as well as his suspected supplier called Abdoul Manirakiza ,33, who was at the time found with 10 pellets of cannabis.
CIP Karekezi commended residents, who have joined efforts against the vice.
Last week, two suspected major drug dealers were arrested in Jomba sector of Nyabihu District with over 4700 pellets of cannabis.
Three others were arrested in Kayonza District with 15kgs of cannabis.
Last month, ANU arrested three other drug dealers in Rubavu with 13,000 pellets of cannabis concealed in three bundles while another major dealer was arrested in Nyamasheke District with 80kgs.
Cannabis is listed as a “very several drug” under the Ministerial Order No.001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorization.
Under article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in general in Rwanda, anyone convicted for dealing in “very severe narcotic drugs” faces between 20 years and life in prison and a fine of between Rwf20 million Rwf30 million.
Figures from the Ministry of Health also show that 108 people have caught the virus, 71 have recovered while 24 are critically ill.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2021. Since then, 19659 people have been tested positive out of 1,040,087 sample tests of whom 17911 have recovered, 1480 are active cases while 268 have succumbed to the virus.
On the 4th day of countrywide vaccination, Rwanda vaccinated 10,224 people including health workers, people with chronic diseases, differently abled people, RwandAir team, traders and taxi drivers among others.
Some of vaccinated health workers are from King Faisal Hospital where The Secretary General of la Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo and European Union Parliamentarian, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou witnessed the inoculation exercise.
They were accompanied by the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije.
Mushikiwabo is touring OIF country members to support equal distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
In line with the Government initiative to promote youth skills development towards 1,500,000 jobs creation by 2024 as per National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), the “IGIRA KU MURIMO” programme recognizes the need to expand inclusive employment opportunities for youth and adapt their skill levels and areas of expertise to the current demands of the labor market.
Since the start of the programme in 2017, different initiatives were undertaken to promote women participation in youth skills development in the trades of food processing, fashion and beauty in 9 districts of the country. In the framework of implementing dual training in Rwanda, the programme considers gender inclusion to ensure equality and equity in the learning process of supported young women and men.
Gender perspectives count for each stage of the programme interventions from the recruitment of apprentices, their learning in TVET schools and in companies, the capacity development of different stakeholders to collaborate and coordinate the implementation of dual training, up to the coaching of graduates in entrepreneurship and access to finance.
{{Women potentials boosted}}
The programme assists vulnerable women to join the programme. Most of them are young girls and single mothers who dropped out from the school, women who completed their secondary or university education but could not find a job nor an income generating occupation. The programme counts 80 women among 121 graduates of the first intake of dual training (66.1%), and 129 women over 179 apprentices in the second intake (72%). This advances the target to have trained and certified at least 153 women among 375 graduates in 2021 at the end of the programme.
TVET Trainers and In-company instructors were trained in gender inclusion to provide the supported youth with equal learning facilities. In opposition to social stereotypes against women potentials, young women proved strong ability to acquire both soft and practical skills in the trades they learned. Some of them are now employed or engaged in their own income generating businesses.
{{From vulnerability to success }}
The Workplace Learning Support Programme – “IGIRA KU MURIMO” celebrates the success of Aline Munyana and Josiane Uwimbabazi, two among dual training graduates who made a successful journey during and after their training in tailoring and hairdressing.
“After finishing my secondary studies, I started the university programme in nursing. When I was about to finish the 1st semester of the 1st year, my mother died. Some days later, my father got sick and required to get treatment from abroad. I found myself home alone to cater for the family and dropped from university. Life became more and more difficult because I had nowhere to gain income to survive. When I was starting to sell our family properties to get some money for survival, I was happy to join the “IGIRA KU MURIMO” programme and acquire skills in tailoring,”said Aline Munyana, one of the programme graduates.
“After my graduation, I decided to rent a sewing machine and started making different styles of clothes for women and men. I also make bags and very soon, I will start to make bed-covers. I am very glad that I can earn some money to address some family needs. Thanks to the programme I got a strong foundation to become entrepreneur. The skills I gained from dual training enabled self-resilience to address my basic needs, and I am ambitious to become an icon in this tailoring sector,” she added.
“I could not imagine what my life was going to be like, because I lost hope when I dropped out from the 3rd year of secondary school after getting pregnant. I stayed home with my poor family. While my parents also needed support to survive, I became an additional burden to them. I struggled to get what to feed my baby son and I was victim of malnutrition, as I had no income. Later, I was happy to hear that there is a project supporting vulnerable youth including those affected by early pregnancies, and then I applied to join. “IGIRA KU MURIMO” programme came as a response to lighten my way to change my life,” said Josiane Uwimbabazi, another programme graduate.
“After completion of dual training in hairdressing, a company that hosted me during in-company training hired me as a permanent employee and I am so happy that I can get a regular income. I can also get extra clients from my village after company working hours. The programme provided me with employment opportunities that allow me to earn money to address needed resources to cater for my son and contribute to my family survival. I am working hard to create my own hairdressing saloon,” she added.
Under the support of Belgian Development Cooperation (DGD) through APEFE, the Workplace Learning Support Programme – IGIRA KU MURIMO, which is the pilot phase of the Workplace Learning Policy, is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA) and the Private Sector Federation (PSF). The programme aims at supporting the role of the private sector and training providers in the implementation of dual training in Rwanda to ensure that youth employability skills are boosted to contribute to Rwanda economic growth.
{{Author:}}
Pierre Celestin Muhingabire,
Communication Expert,
Workplace Learning Support Programme – IGIRA KU MURIMO,
He has revealed this today as Rwanda joined the rest of the World to celebrate the Common Wealth Day, which this year, coincided with International Women’s Day.
“In the current context, CHOGM 2021 will be an opportunity for the Leaders and the people of Commonwealth to come together and with the rest of the World to discuss key issues such as Global Health, Security, Climate Change and Gender Equality, which require concerted efforts and solidarity. The Commonwealth will once again demonstrate that it has the capacity to lead in matters of global interest,” he said.
“Rwanda is prepared to deliver an impactful and safe meeting, in respect of World Health Organization [WHO] guidelines and looks forward to welcoming members of the Commonwealth family as we continue to work hand in hand to deliver on our common goals,” added Biruta.
CHOGM was to take place last year but it has been postponed to June 2021 because COVID-19 pandemic.
The singer who succumbed to heart disease has been getting treatment at Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK).
Speaking to IGIHE, one of his children has said that his father died yesterday on Sunday 7th March 2021 around 7p.m.
Early this month, Ntawuhanundi told IGIHE that he was recovering with plans to resume work.
“I have been critically ill but I am recovering. Two days before, I passed by the workplace to see the situation but I could not work immediately. I will resume work within few days,” he said.
Ntawuhanundi dies after completing his album comprised of nine songs.
Speaking to IGIHE, Master P who produced the album songs said he had already submitted.
“He had finished his album of nine songs including eight gospel songs and one ordinary song. I had already put final touches and handed it to the owner who expected to release it,” he said.
Bugesera is among places where Tutsis were brutally killed in 1992 during attempts that preceded the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
From page 40 to 44 of the book, the book narrates how Tutsi were cruelly killed in the night of 4th leading to 5th March 1992 in Bugesera, Eastern Province.
The killing was executed by Interahamwe militia in collaboration with the then republican guards and soldiers from Gako military camp.
The massacre was preceded by a communiqué inciting Hutus to kill Tutsis aired on Radio Rwanda on 3rd March 1992 and read by a journalist Bamwanga Jean-Baptiste on order of Nahimana Ferdinand who was the then Director General of National Broadcaster (ORINFOR).
As he read the fake communiqué, Bamwanga said it was released by Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) leadership that it featured names of top officials in Habyarimana’s regime that FPR targeted to kill through collaboration with cadres inside the country.
Bamwanga said that the piece of writing was discovered in Nyamata from a Tutsi businessman known as Gahima François who was the Chairperson of Liberal Party (PL) in the area.
In fact, the unfounded information is considered a direct way to sensitize Hutus to kill Tutsi.
Figures released by a committee established by Kigali Prefecture on 5th March 1992 shows that the massacre saw 36 Tutsis killed in former Commune Kanzenze, 309 houses and 573 kitchens set ablaze. Among others, 165 cows, 268 goats and 28 pigs went missing that time.
In Commune Ngenda, 36 people were killed, 74 houses and 119 kitchens were burnt while 112 cows, 111 goats and 16 pigs went missing.
The massacre in Commune Gashora saw 84 Tutsi killed, 216 housed and 288 kitchens burnt. Livestock that went missing include 188 cows, 325 goats and 28 pigs.
The report shows that 16,239 Tutsi were displaced and fled to different places including Government’s buildings, churches in Nyamata, Maranyundo, Ruhuha, Musenyi, Karama, Gitagata, Mayange, Rango, Ntarama, Murago, Kigusa and Kayenzi.
CNLG says that the commission that made the report was only comprised of public servants some of whom were directly involved in the killings which makes it unauthentic.
CNLG pointed out that masterminds who should to face justice for the killings in Bugesera include former Minister for local administration and communal development, Faustin Munyazesa for not condemning leaders who orchestrated the killing; the Minister of Justice, Matthieu Ngirumpatse who didn’t bring to book perpetrators and the préfet (governor) of Kigali, Emmanuel Bagambiki who organized meetings that prepared for the killings.
Others include the vice governor préfet, Faustin Sekagina ; the Bourgmestre (mayor) of Commune Kanzenze, Fidèle Rwambuka for overseeing the killing, Colonel Pierre Célestin Rwagafirita, Gendarmerie (Rwanda’s Policing unit the pre-Genocide period ) Chief of Staff for not sending troops to stop the killings and protect their belongings; Colonel Venant Musonera, the Commander of Gako Military Camp, soldiers from the camp who took part in the killings and Ferdinand Nahimana, the Director General of ORINFOR.
CNLG also says that more people who should to face justice for the killings include Radio Rwanda journalists Jean-Baptiste Bamwanga and Jean-Baptiste Nubahumpatse who read the communiqué mobilizing people to kill.
Other people associated with the killing are; Dominique Muhawenimana, the former Intelligence Officer in Kanazi Sub-Prefecture who spread rumours that Tutsi especially leaders of PL political party in Nyamata including Gahima had intentions to exterminate Hutus; the first vice prosecutor in Nyamata, Déogratias Ndimubanzi who whose acts were denounced by human rights activists and independent media houses for his role in Bugesera killings.
{{Prolonged persecution, rape }}
Following the killing of Tutsis in the night of 4th to 5th March 1992 in Bugesera, an umbrella organization of five human rights groups namely; ADL, LICHREDOR, ARDHO, Kanyarwanda and AVP deeply investigated the killing and came up hurting realities.
The first report released on 1oth March 1992 showed that 300 Tutsis were killed. Some of them had been dumped in rivers while others were burnt inside their houses.
The report also established that approximately 15,000 Tutsis were displaced living in critical conditions especially those who had fled to Parishes and schools in Nyamata, Maranyundo, Ruhuha and Rilima.
The report condemned leaders who took part in the killings especially the Bourgmestre of Commune Kanzenze, Fidèle Rwambuka; the Sous-Préfet of Kanzenze, Faustin Sekagina; the first vice prosecutor at Kanzenze court, Déogratias Ndimubanzi and the head of intelligence services in Kanazi Sous-Prefecture, Dominique Muhawenimana.
On 30th March 1993, these organizations carry out more investigations in Bugesera to identify the state of security in Bugesera, one year after these killings.
In the report released on 5th March 1994, these organizations revealed that many displaced Tutsis had not returned home that they were often abused by members of CDR political party.
Among others, the report highlighted that teens had been raped by soldiers from Gako military camp at different times. The killing of Tutsis continued accusing them of collaborating with Inkotanyi.
Some of victims include Nyabyenda and Anastase killed for working for an official in the Ministry of Finance called Mbarute.
Another one called Butera was killed by soldiers in Nyarurama (Commune Ngenda) on 6th March 1993. Many Tutsis were beaten and crippled like an old man called Mutabazi beaten by Gendarmerie troops on 21st February 1993 at the headquarters of Commune Kanzenze.
Lieutenant-colonel Claudien Singirankabo the commander of Gako military camp said that the killings were a result of attacks waged by RPF claiming that his mother was killed by Inkotanyi in Ruhengeri.
Uganda’s Immigration and Emigration officers dumped these Rwandans at Kagitumba border in Nyagatare district, Eastern Province yesterday around 8pm.
These Rwandans include Michael Matabaro, Tresor Hirwa, David Rukundo, Patrick Rugema and Muhammed Ndaheranwa.
They were released after months of torture in Uganda’s prisons accused of being Rwanda’s spies.
Matabaro, 58, is a son of Uwimana John and Mukaruzajye Elizabeth. The man lived in Kayonza district before legally crossing to Uganda in 2016 to install in Kyenkwanzi county where he had business.
Matabaro was arrested by Uganda’s Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) on 24th January 2021 accused of being ADEPR follower.
His colleague Hirwa, 30, hailing from Gasabo district arrived in Uganda in 2017. He crossed through Cyanika border and installed in Uganda where he traded clothes and shoes. He was arrested on 22nd September 2020 accused of illegally staying in Uganda.
Rukundo David, 25, hailing from Nyagatare district is another Rwandan dumped at the border.
He went to Kenya through Uganda in January 2020. Rukundo was arrested nearby Busia border on 19th January 2021 returning to Uganda.
Security officials asked him to bail out his release which he denied. Rukundo was detained for three days before he was transferred at CMI camp in Mbuya.
He was accused of crimes including espionage and illegal entry to Uganda.
Uganda has also expelled Patrick Rugema, 22, hailing from Muhanga district. In December 2019, he went to Kenya through Tanzania to visit a relative. He was arrested in Uganda in September 2020.
He was accused of being Rwanda’s spy and detained five days. As he prepared to return to Rwanda, he was arrested again and detained at Mbarara military camp from where he was transferred to CMI.
Muhammed Mudaheranwa, 25, is another Rwandan who went to Uganda in 2018 through Bunagana border in DRC.
He was arrested on 23rf September 2020 and detained in CMI prison in Mbuya accused of espionage too.
As these Rwandans arrived last night, they were tested for COVID-19 and got negative results.
More Rwandans including a woman in critical condition tortured by Uganda’s CMI were deported on 3rd February 2021.
Abduction of Rwandans living or traveling through Uganda is linked to CMI’s close collaboration with Rwanda National Congress (RNC), a rebel group against the Government of Rwanda led by Kayumba Nyamwasa with intentions to destabilize Rwanda’s security.
Through the cooperation, Rwandans on Uganda’s land denying cooperation with the rebel group are arrested; tortured in CMI prisons while others are taken in Minembwe of DRC to be tortured.
Uganda has been arresting Rwandans since 2017 in different operations. The Government of Rwanda has since 2017 been condemning such arbitrary detentions and advised Rwandans not to travel to Uganda in March 2019.
Later on, Angola launched discussions to mend Rwanda, Uganda relations which led to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Angola, Luanda known as Luanda Agreement in 2019.
The memorandum was signed on August 21st 2019 in a bid to solve conflicts between Rwanda and Uganda.
Despite efforts to sign the agreement between both heads of state. CMI continues arbitrary detention of Rwandans who endure torture in its facilities.
The Office of the Presidency has revealed that these leaders came to Rwanda to support ongoing COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
“The President of the European Council, Charles Michel; OIF Secretary General, Louise Mushikiwabo and European Union parliamentarian, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou are in Rwanda to support the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination campaign with vaccines obtained through COVAX and to advocate for international collaboration for equitable access to vaccines,” reads the tweet.
Following the visit, President Kagame said that he had fruitful discussions with Charles Michel.
“We had a productive meeting with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. We appreciate his commitment to strengthening Africa-Europe ties, including with the private sector. We look forward to collaborating on equitable access to vaccines & improved management of current & future pandemics,” he said via Twitter handle.
The delegation met with Kagame few hours after visiting Mayange Health Center in Bugesera district where they witnessed the inoculation of the inoculation of first anti-COVID-19 vaccines brought by COVAX.
COVAX, is a global initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.
They were accompanied by the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta.
The exercise saw health workers, teachers and people in advanced ages vaccinated.
As he visited the health center, Charles Michel thanked Rwanda’s efforts to quickly deliver vaccines to people and commended efficient vaccines administration facilitated by embraced technology.
He said that these efforts highlight Rwanda’s efficient responsiveness in the fight against Coronavirus and assured that the European Union continues to advocate for increased vaccines production for equitable distribution.
The vaccines administered in Rwanda include 240,000 AstraZeneca and 102 960 Pfizer-BioNTech doses distributed through COVAX as well as 50,000 AstraZeneca doses donated by India last week.
As the first shipment of vaccines arrived in Rwanda last week, President Kagame used his Twitter handle to commend the milestone enabling African countries including Rwanda to roll out vaccinations widely.
“It’s been long wait, some better prepared and more ready.. not to mention some ‘more equal than others’ But certainly all of us in urgent need. Now good news to see COVID-19 vaccines arrive in Africa starting with Ghana…this morning in Rwanda and more. Thanks COVAX,” he said.
The European Union is one of the main contributors to COVAX, the international solidarity initiative with recent contribution totaling Euros 500 million.
As of today, Rwanda has vaccinated approximately 200,000 people within three days.
