Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

Rwanda, China sign US$ 60 million grant and US$ 6 million debt exemption

The agreement has been signed by Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning on behalf of Government of Rwanda and Rao Hongwei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Rwanda.

Minister Ndagijimana and Ambassador Hongwei also signed a debt cancellation agreement worth RMB Yuan 40 million (approximately an equivalent of US$ 6 million).

Commenting on the development, Minister Ndagijimana appreciated the support by the Government of the People’s Republic of China that comes in handy during challenging times caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

“This debt cancellation will free some resources that were otherwise going to be used for debt payment,” he said.

“The grant of RMB Yuan 400 Million is significant and will be used for a priority project to be agreed upon. I take this opportunity to thank the People’s Republic of China for the continued support and cooperation in major sectors of our development, mainly: Transport, Agriculture, Health, Education and Energy,”added Ndagijimana.

Ambassador Rao Hongwei said that signed agreement is a testament to China, Rwanda strong friendship.

“Rwanda and China are time-tested friends, partners, and brothers and sisters. Since Chinese President XI Jinping’s historic visit to Rwanda in 2018, the bilateral relationship between Rwanda and China has reached a record high and the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, esp. in the economic field, has been tremendously diversified and intensified,” he stressed.

“China hopes, by extending the new financial support, to make contribution to Rwanda’s all-round transformation and recovery from the malign impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s signing of the two agreements also fully demonstrates China’s profound friendship with and strong support to Rwanda,” added Hongwei.

The year 2021, marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Rwanda.

Ambassador Hongwei emphasized that his country is ready to walk with Rwanda for a prosperous future.

“In these times of major new opportunities and challenges, we are ready to work with Rwandan friends to forge new opportunities out of crises, make new advances amid changes, and build an even more glorious tomorrow for China-Rwanda relation,” he noted.

February 19, 2021
Assets of Rwanda’s banking sector increased to Rwf 4310 billion in 2020

Overall, credit risk, capital strength, operational resilience of systems and people due to remote working have been reported as the main areas of concern that will be the supervisory priorities going forward.

The financial sector is expected to remain resilient in the near term on account of existing capital and liquidity buffers as well as economy recovery hinged on the planned global domestic rollout of the vaccine commencing in the first quarter of 2021.

As per the committee’s observations during a quarterly meeting held on 16th February 2021, assets of the financial sector increased by 24% 9 year –on- year) to Rwf 4,310 billion in December 2020 (and represented 53 percent of GDP), against 12.5% registered in December 2019 on the back of growth of deposits (especially institutional investors), borrowings from other financial institutions and injections.

Microfinance sector’s assets increased by 11 percent to Rwf 356 billion in December 2020 lower than 14.7% percent in 2019 as the pandemic significantly impacted the cash flows of households, micro, small and medium enterprises, thereby reducing their capacity to save and increasing their deposit withdrawal needs to cater for the pandemic’s uncertainties.

Insurance sector’s assets (private and public) grew by 15 percent to Rwf 591.7 higher than 14 percent growth registered in the previous year due to retained earnings and capital injections.

Growth of the public pension fund assets moderated to 10.7 percent to Rwf 985.6 billion as at the end of December 2020, lower than 15.3 percent growth registered in 2019 due to revaluation losses on some assets as well as reductions in pension contributions following suspension of some employers from declaring and paying pension contributions, reduced employees’ salary base in some institutions, either due to reduction in salaries or termination of some employees in response to the pandemic.

{{Increased credit risk }}

The pandemic and required containment measures resulted in a contraction of GDP by 4.1 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2020, led to a reduction in incomes of households and businesses thereby weakening debt service capacity, and increased credit risk.

In response banks provided loan repayment deferrals to their customers and at the end of December 2020, restructured loans were worth Rwf 799.9 billion representing 31.7 percent of total loans.

In the microfinance sector, restructured loans stood at Rwf 14.8 billion representing 7 percent of total loans. Insurance premium receivables also increased from Rwf 4.9 billion in December 2019 to Rwf 8.5 billion in December 2020.

The significant restructured loans in the financial sector are indicative of a potential uptick of non-performing loans and provisions for bad loans in 2021 and into 2022.

{{Digital payments uptake }}

In 2020, Financial Service Providers (FSPs) increased their rollout and users increased the adoption of digital payment channels. The number of mobile payment subscribers increased by 13 percent from 4,139,075 to 4,688,124 while mobile payment transactions increased by 85% from 378.8 million worth Rwf 2,349 billion in 2019 to 701 million worth Rwf 7,177 billion in 2020.

Other electronic payment channels such as mobile banking, internet banking as well as card based payment services also experienced notable growth and recommended among other things, continued engagement with relevant stakeholders on measures to support recovery of severely affected sectors like tourism and its value chains, public passenger transport and education among others.

February 19, 2021
Singer Clarisse Karasira legally married

Their civil marriage was held at Rusororo sector, Gasabo district of Kigali city yesterday on Thursday 18th February 2021.

The civil marriage follows recent engagement on 8th January 2021 when Ifashabayo proposed to Karasira.

IGIHE has learnt that they are also planning for religious wedding in case Covid-19 restrictions are eased.

Clarisse Karasira met with Ifashabayo in 2017 during a concert organized in memory of late traditional singer Kamaliza.

Their friendship started when Ifashabayo who was part of the concert organizers went to invite Karasira.

It is said that Ifashabayo took over management of her affairs since 2019 after she parted ways with her then manager Alain Mukuralinda.

Karasira was expected to launch her first album in December last year but was later forced to postpone it due to stringent measures implemented following the spike in the Covid-19 infections and death toll.

February 19, 2021
Nine signs she doesn’t love you, even if she says she does

Forget what she says and watch what she doesn’t. These are some signs she doesn’t love you even when she says she does.

{{1. There is nothing extra}}

Love isn’t an ordinary emotion; it always creates something extra. But a woman who pretends to love you wouldn’t bring anything extra; she’s only about talks but brings nothing as regards action.

{{2. She leaves everything for you}}

When in a relationship with a woman who says she loves you but acts otherwise, you would notice that you do everything; from communication, to love and affection, to care, to being supportive — it’s all on you, and what do you get in return?

{{3. She’s emotionally disconnected}}

With love comes an emotional connection between two hearts; it can’t be faked, it’s either there or it isn’t. A woman who’s emotionally disconnected from you but claims to love you is only living a life of pretence.

{{4. She’s here and there}}

Love is constant; it comes to fore every day. But a woman whose love isn’t genuine would claim to love you today but won’t show anything tomorrow. Her feelings for you are inconsistent.

{{5. She always has an excuse}}

With such a woman, there’s usually an excuse for everything. She gives an excuse for why she wasn’t there for you, an excuse for why things aren’t working, and an excuse for why she isn’t all that loving. There is just an excuse for everything.

{{6. She wants so much from you and offers little in return}}

A woman like this would ask for so much from you but offer very little in return. She would want your world but won’t give hers; she would want you to be there for her always but won’t be there for you. The work and commitment of the relationship would heavily lie on your shoulders.

{{7. The relationship isn’t a priority to her}}

When you value something, it becomes a priority to you; whether it’s a material thing or immaterial, it would become a priority to you. A woman who doesn’t really love you wouldn’t make the relationship a priority to her, and don’t be surprised when irrelevant things win her heart over the relationship.

{{8. She’s too selfish}}

A woman who doesn’t really love you would be selfish towards you and the relationship. She would want the relationship to be about her, always. She would be self-centred and try to make the relationship revolve around her.

{{9. She flirts with other men }}

A woman who doesn’t really love you would flirt with other men and give you silly reasons why you shouldn’t be offended. She just doesn’t take the relationship serious, or your feelings and emotions.

Source: Elcrema

February 19, 2021
Kigali: Police recovers seven stolen flat television sets

The seven suspects, who were allegedly performing various roles, were showed to the media at the Police metropolitan headquarters in Remera, on Thursday, February 18.

The suspects include those, who were breaking into targeted house to steal television sets and other valuables, those that were transporting as well as those who were buying and selling the stolen electronics.

Etienne Ndungutse, one of the arrested suspects told journalists that together with his colleague still at large, they were charged with breaking into houses at night to steal electronics, especially flat television sets.

In their recent house break-ins, Ndungutse said, they stole two flat television screens in Cyitabi, a suburb in Nyamirambo and another one in Kigali sector, both in Nyarugenge District.

“Together with my colleague, who is yet to be arrested, we came up with this plan of stealing television screens from homes as a way of making a lot of money quickly. My colleague had been into this [burglary] for some time. Stolen TV sets would be sold to Bayingana [Jean Paul also arrested]. At the time of my arrest, I still had one of the TVs we stole, in my house,” Ndungutse said.

He added that they were using various tools including iron bars to vandalize especially windows to enter the house and steal the electronics.

Those arrested also include one Shaffi Mupenzi, a driver whose role was to transport the stolen television sets.

According to Mupenzi, he was transporting all the stolen television sets to Bayingana’s workshop located in Agakiriro in Kiruhura.

Mupenzi added that he had so far transported nine flat TV sets to Bayingana’s workshop, all given to him by one only identified as Idrissa, who is also still at large.

He, however, claimed that he had no knowledge he was transporting stolen television sets.

“At a certain point, me and Bayinga became confidants in this business, we started working together to find buyers, that’s when I started taking them [TV sets] to a friend of mine called Paccy (still at large), who would put a price tag and sell them,” said Mupenzi.

On his part, Bayingana admitted to have been working with thieves for a while to buy stolen flat TV sets from them.

Bayingana added that since he started, he has so far bought 19 flat television sets from different rings.

“At some point I would fear that I will be arrested, but I was buying these TV screens cheaply and get a lot of profits at a very short time,” Bayingana said.

RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera thanked members of the public, who provided credible information that led to the arrest of some members of the racket.

“These are results of the two-week operations largely facilitated by information we received from the people about members of this theft ring, their whereabouts and the whereabouts of the stolen electronics,” CP Kabera said.

He called for continued partnership and information sharing on other members of different burglary rings still at large to be arrested to face justice.

CP Kabera advised members of the public against buying goods from the black markets to prevent being implicated as accomplices.

In article 166 of the law determining offences and penalties in general, any person convicted for theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than two years and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Rwf2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.

However, in article 167, the penalty doubles if the theft was committed through burglary, climbing or possession of keys other than the owner; if the theft is carried out in an occupied house or in a building used for habitation or in its surroundings; if the theft is carried out during the night or carried out by more than one person.

February 19, 2021
COVID-19: Rwanda records 245 recoveries

The statement released last night shows that the majority of new cases were found in Kigali: 27, Nyamagabe: 12, Ruhango: 11, Kayonza: 9, Gisagara: 8 and Rubavu: 8.

Burera, Gicumbi, Kirehe, Ngoma, Nyagatare and Nyamasheke recorded zero new case.

Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 patient on 14th March 2020. Since then, 17 835 people have been tested positive of whom 16 163 have recovered, 1429 are active cases while 243 have succumbed to the virus.

As of today, the prevalence of new infections, recoveries and death tool stands at 2.7%, 90.6% and 1.3% respectively.

The Ministry of Health has also reported that 12 patients are critically ill.

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.

February 19, 2021
TI-Rwanda Chairperson, Ingabire blames Idamange’s shameful acts

Idamange, 42, hailing from Kamonyi district has been for the past few weeks using social media platforms to trivialize the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She once said that remains of genocide victims laid at different memorials ‘have become a business’.

The mother whose university studies were sponsored by the Fund for Support to Genocide Survivors (FARG) has been featuring in YouTube channel talk shows pronouncing words that are said to incite public disorder and trivialize the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.

Following these acts, Rwanda National Police (RNP) jointly with Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) arrested her on 15th February 2021 for investigation.

During an exclusive interview with IGIHE, TIR Chairperson condemned her acts observing that it is shameful to see a genocide survivor criticizing those who sponsored her education and particularly trivialize the Genocide she survived.

“How come that a person criticizes people who paid his/her school fees! I don’t blame them too but I have pity for them because their school fee was wasted. I am not sure if she completed the studies she claims. She is not able to set goals and goes beyond that to exhibit contempt and trivialize Genocide,” she said.

“If you are not a perpetrator or someone denying it [Genocide], you cannot pronounce such words. She is aware of genocide even if she is not a perpetrator. Perhaps, she might be considering that chances emerged from it getting school fees. She talks whatever without diligence. In fact, I no longer want to spend my time on that woman,” added Ingabire.

Idamange is the mother of four.

On the same day of her arrest on 15th February, Idamange featured in a talk show following the previous one held on Sunday called ‘Amasengesho’ (Prayers).

In the talk show, she was heard requesting Rwandans to organize riots at Presidency Office carrying their bibles.

As the woman began series of such talk shows, many Rwandans including siblings and husband denounced his acts.

Her husband, Eng Mabumba Oswald, currently lives in South Sudan. He used Instagram account to denounce acts of his wife with whom they sired four children together.

“I am writing this to inform all people that my wife Yvonne has recently criticized the Government of Rwanda in public on social media platforms. I largely condemn such acts. As the husband and parent of her children, I tried to advise her against the wrong path she chose at family level but she declined to obey me,” he said.

Mabumba highlighted that him and children love Rwanda that they are against Idamange’s plan.

February 19, 2021
Disasters claim lives of 34 people in first two months of 2021

The Ministry unveiled the figures at a time when heavy rain continues to destroy properties and infrastructures in different parts of the country.

Apart from deaths, MINEMA shows that 498 houses were destroyed. Of these houses, 431 were destroyed by heavy rains, 50 destroyed by snow while 11 caught fire.

Disasters also left 793 hectares flooded, while 38 cows were struck by lightning.

More 1200 livestock also died during heavy rain related disasters.

Among others, heavy rains destroyed 19 classrooms, 17 roads and 14 bridges.

The Permanent Secretary of MINEMA, Kayumba Olivier has told RBA that citizens should be watchful during this rainy season avoiding susceptible damages or loss of lives.

“We request people to continue respecting lighting protection guidelines and avoid seeking shelters under trees during rain. Among others, they should not draw closer to electric poles to avoid lightening accidents,” he said.

Kayumba also urged people in disaster prone areas to relocate like marshlands among others.

February 19, 2021
Nyagatare shortage of teachers worries learners

The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) recently announced the placement over 17,000 teachers without requirement to sit for entry exams.

The development to scrap off teacher entry exams was meant to address the shortage of teachers needed in primary and secondary schools following the increase in classrooms countrywide.

Students at Groupe Scolaire Nyagatare and Musheri who spoke to Flash Fm, have revealed that lacking teachers for some courses leaves them behind and jeopardizes quality education.

“We no longer study ICT. The teacher of ICT was transferred to another school but has not been replaced. They promised us to get a solution but nothing has been done,” said one student.

“Teachers have not returned due to COVID-19. As a result, some classes don’t have teachers that one teacher assists five to six classes,” added another student.

The vice mayor for social affairs in Nyagatare district, Murekatete Juliette has explained that the matter was reported to Rwanda Education Board (REB) and requested schools to work with available teachers.

“The district firstly provided the number of required teachers. Some of requested teachers have arrived but others have not yet come that it requires quick action,” she said.

The Deputy Director General in charge of teacher development and management at REB, Nsengiyumva Jean Damascene has told IGIHE that they expect the placement of teachers in the 4th batch not later than March 2021.

“We are planning for the next placement soon. There is a team delegated to assess the status of teachers’ gaps across districts. Following the inspection, teachers on pending list will get placement,” he noted.

Nsengiyumva revealed that teachers will have been sent to Nyagatare by March based on numbers of required teachers in districts.

Figures show that Nyagatare district received 666 out of 800 teachers needed in primary schools. Among others, the district needs more 200 teachers in secondary schools to bridge existing gap.

February 18, 2021
Huye: 31 disaster-hit families receive basic home items

Some of beneficiaries who received these items provided by Red Cross Rwanda expressed delight for the kind act.

“We voice our appreciation for the support because we were left bare hands without single clothes following the disaster. We have been wearing neighbors’ clothes,” said Kampire Maria.

“It is a pleasure that they have thought about us. May God bless them. These equipment come in handy because nothing was left home following the disaster. However, I can’t afford food nowadays,” said another beneficiary.

Affected residents have also appealed for support to get shelters and foods to leave neighbors’ homes where they are overcrowded.

The Coordinator of Red Cross Rwanda in Huye and Gisagara, Muyenzi Robert, said the support was meant to provide basic items during these days when they are accommodated by neighbors.

“We have today donated items to eight families from Mukura sector, an addition to eight more families from Rusatira sector supported two days ago. We have more items for 15 disaster affected families dropped at Huye Stadium to be distributed shortly,” he said.

The head of disaster management in Huye district, Nsabimana Jean Pierre, explained that affected families will continue receiving support gradually.

“It is a basic support because we are making the report of affected residents in other sectors to provide shelters,” he said.

In Huye district, Disasters have destroyed houses for over 30 families in one week.
Affected residents are currently accommodated by neighbors.

February 18, 2021