Among others, 114 new cases have been found out of 4721 sample tests while 295 have recovered.
The statement released last night shows that the majority of new cases was found in Kigali: 34, Gatsibo: 18, Ruhango: 15 and Muhanga: 10.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus patient on 14th March 2020. Since then, 16 451 people have been tested positive out of 917 829 sample tests of whom 12 342 have recovered, 3889 are active cases while 220 have succumbed to the virus.
The prevalence of new Coronavirus infections, recoveries and deaths stands at 2.4%, 73.7%% and 1.3% respectively as per figures form the Ministry of Health.
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.
In his remarks, Kagame took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of the domestic health financing agenda, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He stressed that without strong national health systems in every country, the African continent will remain vulnerable to pandemics.
The 34th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, held virtually saw the handover of the African Union Chairmanship to President Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo, from President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
They were arrested on Saturday, February 6, in five hospitality establishments, including bars and motels.
Those arrested include nine people from Kigali, who had secured movement clearance apparently to go for varied essential services.
Also arrested during the Saturday afternoon operations are owners and managers of the hospitality facilities in question, who were found at the scene.
Some bars were operating behind closed doors.
Bars, including those operating in hotels and other hospitality establishments, are closed as part of the national measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Innocent Karemera, the proprietor of Gahembe bar commonly known as Ku Gahembe is among those arrested.
“I have no much to say except regrets for operating a business which I very well know that we are supposed to be closed as directed by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I have learnt my lesson,” said Karemera.
It his Agahembe bar, Police and local authorities caught 35 people drinking, including five who had joined the group from Kigali.
The mayor of Bugesera, Richard Mutabazi warned owners of prohibited businesses against flouting the government measures meant to prevent further spread of the pandemic.
“This is exposing people to the virus intetionally and no one should see such serious violations are keep quiet,” Mutabazi said.
RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that this should be a lesson to others that action will be taken against anyone, who violates the directives.
“These people will spend 24 hours in an allocated centre, fined accordingly including further action to be taken against their businesses,” CP Kabera said.
He further warned people, who misuse the movement clearance permit to engage in prohibited practices.
CP Kabera explained that in such circumstances, further action might be taken against individuals who secure a movement permit claiming to be going for essential services and instead indulge in other malpractices.
‘There are some people, who secure a movement permit and use it to smuggle others from one place to another; this is a caution, movement permit is applied individually and cannot be used as a path for others,” CP Kabera warned.
Dr. Nsanzabaganwa, 50, replaces Ghanaian, Quartey Thomas Kwesi who held office since 2017.
Following the election, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulated Dr. Nsanzabaganwa for the victory.
“Congratulations to Rwanda’s candidate, Monique Nsanzabaganwa on her election as Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, elected by 42 votes out of 55 member states,” reads the message posted on Twitter handle.
Dr. Nsanzabaganwa has also expressed gratitude for bestowing trust upon her and reiterated commitment to serve with utmost efficiency.
“My very sincere gratitude and appreciation for the trust and honor that the Heads of States and Government of the African Union have bestowed on my country and in my person. I commit to serve with dedication and to the best of my ability under your wise guidance,” she said via Twitter handle.
Dr Nsanzabaganwa was seconded to the position by the Government of Rwanda in December last year.
She was competing with other candidates including Hasna Barkat Daoud from Djibuti who once served as the Minister of Youth, Sports and Tourism; Pamela Kasabiiti Mbabazi , the Chairperson of the National Planning Authority of Uganda.
Like the Chairperson of the African Union, the deputy holds the office for four-year term, renewable once.
The Deputy Chairperson of the AUC assists the Chairperson in the execution of his or her functions to ensure the smooth running of the Commission and is in charge of administration and finance.
Dr Nsanzabaganwa has longstanding experience qualifying her to fit for the position.
She holds honorary doctorate received from Stellenbosch University in South Africa for her contribution to Rwanda’s development.
Dr Nsanzabaganwa is the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda since May 2011. Prior to that, she served as Minister of Trade and Industry (2008-2011) and Minister of State in charge of Economic Planning in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (2003-2008).
She is a holder of a PhD in Economics, and a Doctorate of Commerce Honoris Causa, both obtained from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. She is an influential voice in financial inclusion in Rwanda and on international scene as well as a passionate actor in women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion.
Among others, she is also a member of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion’s Gender Inclusive Finance Committee, an alumna of Women’s World Banking African Advisory Council, and Founding Member and Chairperson of New Faces New Voices Rwanda.
The violent group that calls itself Abarembetsi was intercepted on Friday, February 5, at about 9pm in Rushaki Sector, Karurama Cell in Nyaruhanga Village as they crossed into Rwanda from Uganda through an illegal border point.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alexis Rugigana, the Police spokesperson for the Northern region, said that the group was at the time carrying kanyanga packed in polythene bags and concealed in five sacks.
“The operation was organised and conducted jointly with Rushaki Police station as a response to increased cases of kanyanga trafficking largely conducted by this group of Abarembetsi, which is normally violent and armed with weapons like machetes and sticks,” said CIP Rugigana.
The arrested members of the group hail from Gicumbi and Nyagatare districts, he added.
They include the trio of Jean Bosco Barakagira, Theogene Ntirenganya and Eric Manirafasha; all from Gahengeri Cell in Mukama Sector, Nyagatare District.
The two other members of the racket are Adrien Umuhoza and Esidore Izabarenera from Rushaki and Bwisige sectors, respectively, in Gicumbi District.
“This was a targeted operation based on credible information on each of these individuals and their group, so they were being trailed,” CIP Rugigana said.
He added: “Earlier that day, Police received information from residents that the group had crossed to Uganda to bring a new consignment of kanyanga. The Anti-smuggling and organised crimes, and Rushaki Police station worked together to arrest all the five members of the ring as they crossed back into Rwanda carrying five sacks of kanyanga.”
All the suspects were isolated at Rushaki Police station where they will be tested for COVID-19 before they are handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).
The sacks of kanyanga were also disinfected and stored at the exhibit room at the station.
“These groups of Abarembetsi, in most cases, are hired by big dealers. In this specific case, we have since identified their employers, who had hired these five men to traffic kanyanga from Uganda to a destination in Kaniga Sector in Gicumbi. Law enforcement organs are working together to also arrest this big dealer,” CIP Rugigana said.
Kanyanga is classified among the “simple drugs” under the Ministerial Order No.001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorisation.
Under article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in general in Rwanda, anyone convicted for dealing in “simple drugs” faces between seven and ten years in prison and a fine of between Rwf5 million and Frw10 million.
Among others, 151 new cases have been found while 430 have recovered.
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 patient on 14th March 2020. Since then, 16337 people have been tested positive out of 913,108 sample tests of whom 12047 have recovered, 4073 are active cases while 217 have succumbed to the pandemic.
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 conference was organized by a Korea-based international peace NGO, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) under the UN DGC and the UN ECOSOC in celebration of the 7th Anniversary of the January 24 HWPL Peace Day.
The January 24 HWPL Peace Day declared by the Province of Maguindanao in the Philippines has been commemorated annually since the Mindanao Peace Agreement was made by the local government and civil society leaders on January 24th, 2014.
The Peace Day was named after HWPL since the agreement was suggested by Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL, known as a Korean war veteran, to overcome the 50 years of conflict that resulted in approximately 120,000 victims in the region.
With the theme, “The Role of Peace Education in Building a Peaceful World”, the celebration of this year aimed to raise awareness of peace education around the world and establish a global platform for peace educators to implement peace education in the educational system of each country.
Followed by the congratulatory messages from social, educational, religious, and political figures including President of Court of Appeal of Cairo, Former President of the UN Human Rights Council, Former Adviser of the Ministry of Education of Guatemala, Archbishop Emeritus of Davao Archdiocese of the Philippines, Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL delivered his commemorative message.
“Today, Mindanao is no longer a place of conflict; rather, it has become a model of peace to which the world looks. Once, the people of this region used to point guns at each other—now, they share food while sitting at the same table, despite their differences in religion and ideologies. Students who were once being trained to kill are now learning the precious value of life and peace through HWPL Peace Education,” he said.
Dr. Ronald Adamat, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines(CHED), who has made an effort to implement HWPL Peace Education by integrating peace education into the relevant higher education curricula, addressed the value of HWPL Peace Day and the progress of the peace education in the Philippines.
“Youth will fight for peace but are not given yet enough skills, understanding, or opportunity to talk for peace. I wholeheartedly support HWPL Peace Education. It raises the awareness for our youth to become peacemakers – the much-needed values of the youth. Future leaders must effect change for the world’s positive transformation. Our children need to be educated on how peacebuilding works effectively. Through education, the building of a truly peaceful world can one day become a reality.”
HWPL Peace Education consisting of 12 lessons aims to train the educators and students with the value of peace by raising awareness of the importance of fostering a culture of peace. Since 2016, more than 200 educational institutions in 34 countries, including India, Israel, and the Philippines, have been designated as HWPL Peace Academies, and Ministries of Education from 9 countries have signed MOAs for implementation of peace education.
Ms. Firoza Muradi, an educator from Afghanistan, said, “The Mindanao Peace Agreement in 2014 became a great model for countries like Afghanistan who experience wars and conflicts. I hope that the miracle of peace in Mindanao will happen in Afghanistan, and the beginning is from peace education. Through HWPL Peace Education, students seek answers to achieve peace in various ways, including harmony with nature, the value of cooperation, and how to protect their rights. I believe all of my students receiving peace education will grow up to be a peace messenger.”
At the event, the official of HWPL presented the plan for 2021 such as Online Peace Educator Training Program, Peace Education Volunteering Program, and Online Youth Peace Love.
Father Sinayobye has been the Rector of Grand Séminaire Propédeutique de Nyumba (Nyumba Major Seminary).
Celestin Hakizimana, Bishop of Gikongoro Diocese has been an Apostolic Administrator of Cyangugu Diocese for two years following the death of former Bishop of Cyangugu Diocese, Bimenyimana Jean Damascène in 2018.
At around 1pm today, Vatican Radio aired that Pope Francisb has appointed Father Edouard Sinayobye, the Bishop of Cyangugu Diocese.
IGIHE has learnt that Father Sinayobye was at premises of Grand Séminaire Propédeutique de Nyumba based in Butare Diocese when he heard the good news and held a thanks giving speech to people around.
In December 2020, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) shows that, industrial output (formal sector) increased by 2.3 percent compared to December 2019, against a decrease of 5.7 percent on annual average basis.
Among other areas, Mining and quarrying decreased by 72.9 percent; Manufacturing increased by 12.0 percent; Electricity increased by 8.2 percent while Water and waste management increased by 17.8 percent.
The increase in manufacturing is mainly due to an increase of 74.1 percent increase in manufacturing of non-metallic mineral products and 51.6 percent increase in manufacturing of metal products, machinery and equipment.
Published on monthly basis, IIP series has been developed by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda to provide more timely estimates of the broad trends of industrial output.
NISR reports that industrial output decreased by 5.7% in 2020 compared to 2019.
Industries are among sectors affected by measures implemented to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic due to activities that were put on a standstill.
As enshrined Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), industries are expected to contribute 34% of GDP by 2024.
The sector has previously grown at a remarkable pace where it contributed 18% of GPD following agriculture sector with 24% and service sector with 49%.
Since 2015, the manufacturing sector has been hugely contributing to national economy.
Rwanda has over 800 small and medium factories as per 2020 figures.
Restaurant owners have expressed these concerns in a letter addressed to the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Clare Akamanzi in which they copied the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM).
They have requested permission to continue activities until 9pm instead of the current curfew hour set to 6pm.
“We are writing the request the support of the Government of Rwanda to enable restaurants in Kigali to operate during the lockdown. The current restrictions on hours of operations for businesses that have been put in place to combat Covid-19 pandemic have, unfortunately, created significant challenges hampering our ability to operate and placing us at significant risk of closure and bankruptcy,” reads part of the letter.
Restaurant owners have explained that Coronavirus has largely affected their businesses as they mainly rely on social events which is among banned activities and requested for urgent support as it happened during the lockdown imposed last year in March.
“During the initial successful lockdown in March-May, delivery services were allowed to continue until 9pm. However, the current measures require that all movement and activity must cease by 6pm. The impact of this measure is that we must close shop by 4pm in order to allow our staff to return home,” reads the letter.
“As consequence, we are unable to fulfill any orders in the later afternoon and evening, which are peak hours of service for us, when we generate the bulk of our revenues. As it stands now, our restaurants have already seen a decline in revenues of 40-50% on average, since the beginning of the pandemic, and the new restrictions of delivery services threaten to reduce this another 50-60%.”
They continued explaining that new guidelines also affect people unable to shop during the day.
“ With the current 6pm closing, we are unable to provide dinner services to our clients who have indicated a strong demand for this, especially busy workers and homeschooling parents who cannot shop for food during the day, “reads the letter.
These business persons said they will adhere to Covid-19 preventive measures once given go ahead and work with authorized transport mechanisms to take staff home.
They explained that many of them will not survive the lockdown without intervention, highlighting that it will not only bring devastating impact to businesses but also to employees, business partners across the value chain down to farmers who supply produce.
Replying to the letter via Twitter handle, RDB said that the request was received, discussed with relevant institutions and came out with a solution that these businesspersons should continue respecting existing curfew hours considering the current state of Coronavirus in Kigali.
