IGIHE

Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

  • Kagame urges African countries to support NEPAD development agenda

    Kagame made the remarks today as he attended the virtual NEPAD@2020 Symposium that coincided with the organization’s 20-year anniversary since it was established 2001.

    The President said that the organization has had a great contribution to African development with its mission to eradicate poverty and integrate Africa into the global economy, focusing on good governance.

    Kagame highlighted that NEPAD has throughout the years remained focused to its mission.

    “NEPAD’s values are part and parcel of the reform spirit we have seen in the African Union over the past several years, with good results,” he noted.

    In 2018, NEPAD’s mission was changed to serve as the driving force for Africa to achieve Agenda 2063.

    Kagame underscored that the organization’s structure and functioning gives it capacity lead development agenda.

    “It is therefore no accident that NEPAD officially became the African Union Development Agency in 2018. NEPAD’s track record makes it the ideal institution to help lead implementation of Agenda 2063 on behalf of the African Union,” he said.

    Kagame called on African countries to support the organization to achieve its mission.

    “I thank the partners who have supported NEPAD over the last two decades, both in Africa and beyond. I call on Member States to continue supporting the multiple partnerships that AUDA-NEPAD has developed,” he enthused.

    Kagame emphasized that backing Continental free Trade Area (CFTA) is of priority areas.

    “Honouring our statutory commitments as Member States is not only our duty; it is good value for money. Doing so also facilitates resource mobilisation more broadly,” he said.

    Kagame also thanked Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki for having led NEPAD with integrity and commitment for more than a decade and ‘for his extraordinary service to our organisation, and to our continent’.

    NEPAD was created in in July 2001, NEPAD was created, few months after the African Union was founded to replace the Organisation of African Unity in May 2001.

    NEPAD’s mission was to eradicate poverty and integrate Africa into the global economy, with a focus on good governance. It officially became the African Union Development Agency in 2018.

    Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa are among countries that spearheaded the establishment of NEPAD. Many others rallied to the NEPAD cause in the following years.

    Kagame urges African countries to support NEPAD’s development agenda.

  • MTN Group contributes US$ 25 million to AU COVID-19 vaccination programme, as MTN Rwanda intensifies local support efforts

    In a unique public/private partnership, MTN Group, Africa’s leading mobile network, on Wednesday 27th January, announced a donation of US$25 million to support the African Union’s COVID-19 vaccination programme.

    The donation will help secure up to seven million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for health workers across the continent, which will contribute to the vaccination initiative of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

    “The devastating impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and profound. Public and private partnerships are needed if we are to succeed in the fight against the pandemic and restore social and economic norms for our continent and our communities,” said Ralph Mupita, President and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group.

    This initiative addressing AU member nations will also include Rwanda. Commenting on this development, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr Daniel Ngamije said, “MTN’s initiative to support the African Union’s COVID-19 vaccination program is highly commendable. With a pandemic at our heels and a financial gap that set our health equity efforts to a huge challenge, time for public-private partnerships is now. I believe this will trigger more partnerships to blossom from other African private sector groups and make the vaccines even more accessible on the African continent.”

    Also, MTN Rwanda has locally since the beginning of the pandemic, made various contributions in the fight against COVID-19. While the sourcing of vaccines is under way, MTN Rwanda today further announced that it has contributed an additional 50 million Rwandan francs to support the continued fight against COVID-19.

    The contribution made through the RBC, is specifically going toward the purchase of oxygen concentration monitoring equipment in Rwanda.

    “We are proud to be part of the MTN Group, that stands with Africa in this fight. MTN Rwanda has also made various local contributions toward the fight against COVID-19 in the past year, but we recognize that the fight is not yet over. We continue to brainstorm on how we can support our community as we weather this storm together. As preventive measures continue to be emphasized, we felt it important to also contribute to increase the number of oxygen concentration monitoring tools, as we await the vaccine” said Mitwa Ng’ambi, MTN Rwanda CEO.

    Speaking about this contribution that MTN Rwanda has made locally, Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana said, “We are grateful to MTN Rwanda for meaningfully contributing to our efforts in responding to COVID-19. As we grow capacity in oxygen concentration monitoring in our treatment centres, timely actions are taken and more lives are saved.”

    In addition, MTN Rwanda has committed to continue its support of free communication among the COVID taskforce as well as the use of its communication channels for awareness within the communities.

    “Our support will continue to evolve as the situation with the pandemic evolves too. We are committed to walking the distance with our valued communities of whom our customers form a great part,” concluded Ng’ambi.

    {{About the MTN Group}}

    Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is Africa’s leading mobile network operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code ‘MTN’. We are pursuing our strategy with a major focus on growth in data, fintech and digital businesses in Africa. www.mtn.com

    {{About MTN Rwanda}}

    MTN Rwandacell Limited is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, we have continuously invested in expanding and modernising our network and are now the country’s No 1 internet network. MTN Rwanda offers various superior services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers with MTN Irekure. The company is also the front runner in mobile financial services in Rwanda with Mobile Money, MoMoPay and MoKash Loans and Savings. www.mtn.co.rw

  • Two RDF officers graduate as pilots in Qatar

    The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani presided over the graduation ceremony of the 8th batch of students of Al Zaeem Air College at Al Udeid Air Base.

    The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani, a number of ministers and other high ranking Qatar Defence Forces Officials.

    Rwanda Defence Force was represented by Maj Gen Innocent Kabandana, Commandant of Rwanda Military Academy Gako and Lt Col Dany Gatsinzi, Chief of Operations-Rwanda Air Force.

    Speaking at the occasion; the Acting Commander of Al Zaeem Air College, Brigadier Pilot Abdullah Mubarak al-Mohannadi said the 8th batch of students spent three years of theoretical and practical training using the latest technology and successfully completed the requirements for obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in aeronautics.

    Al-Mohannadi congratulated the graduates and pointed out that the college provided all the capabilities over the years of study to qualify the students and refine their military and academic personalities and consolidate their lofty values so that they would be role models in all service and duty positions.

    Qatar Armed Forces and RDF maintain good relationship and mutual defence and military cooperation.

    Two Rwanda Defence Force officer cadets who graduated yesterday as pilots from Al Zaeem Air College in Qatar.

  • Rwanda dismisses UK human rights abuse claims

    On 25th January 2021, the Minister of Justice and State Attorney General, Johnston Busingye presented Rwanda’s 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to the Human Rights Council. Minister Busingye explained that Rwanda respected human rights principles in terms of freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of press; and freedom of association and of peaceful assembly.

    He stated that the country has been efficiently implementing recommendations received in 2015.

    Commenting on some organizations that have been accusing Rwanda of harassing opposition figures and journalists; Minister Busingye explained that it is untrue because Rwanda’s judiciary is independent and makes fair judgment.

    “There are no prosecutions that target persons simply because they are politicians or journalists or human rights defenders, and the so-called political trials do not exist, nor are trials against journalists or human rights defenders just for being journalists or human rights defenders,” he said.

    After presenting the report; UK envoy to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland Julian Braithwaite said that Rwanda still need to implement some recommendations to improve human rights record.

    “The United Kingdom welcomes Rwanda’s strong record on economic and social rights, and promotion of gender equality. We remain concerned, however, by continued restrictions to civil and political rights and media freedom. As a member of the Commonwealth, and future Chair-in-Office, we urge Rwanda to model Commonwealth values of democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights,” he said.

    Julian Braithwaite also recommended Rwanda to: ‘Conduct transparent, credible and independent investigations into allegations of extrajudicial killings, deaths in custody, enforced disappearances and torture, and bring perpetrators to justice’.

    Among others, he urged Rwanda to ‘Protect and enable journalists to work freely, without fear of retribution, and ensure that state authorities comply with the Access to Information law. Screen, identify and provide support to trafficking victims, including those held in Government transit centres’.

    {{Unfounded claims}}

    Following these claims, Rwanda’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland has via twitter handle said that these recommendations are unfounded.

    “The Government of Rwanda regrets the unfounded recommendations put forward by the UK Mission in Geneva which have no basis in reality and go against established UPR peer protocol,” reads the message.

    “And more importantly, Rwanda seeks, among other things, to improve the human rights situation on the ground. In the context of the UK’s silence regarding blatant violations of human rights elsewhere in the region, this baseless attack on a partner country is deeply unfortunate,” adds the message.

    Human rights activists usually accuse Rwanda of detaining people in unofficial military detention centers where they are tortured, harassing opposition figures and journalists.

    As he presented the UPR, Minister Busingye explained that such allegations by rights activists ‘are unfounded and motivated by the political interest and agenda of those who advance them’.

    UK envoy to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland Julian Braithwaite.

  • Gasabo man kills wife, reports self to police

    The man reported himself to Kimisagara Police Station today morning where he revealed that he has killed his wife identified as Uwamariya Jacqueline.

    Security officials went with Hategekimana at home where they found the woman dead but his eight-year old child had already alerted neighbors.

    IGIHE has learnt that the family which has been living in Gatsata for two months had disputes known by local leaders.

    “They had installed in Gatsata sector two months ago. They had slight disputes that local leaders were trying to solve,” the executive secretary of Gatsata sector, Munyaneza Aimable has told IGIHE.

    He appealed on residents to report disputing families early for intervention to avoid similar incidences.

    Hategekimana has been arrested as Rwanda Investigation Bureau investigates the case.

    If convicted, the suspect is liable to life sentence.

    The incident took place in Gatsata sector.

  • Rwanda ranks among top ten countries globally with most efficient COVID-19 response initiatives

    Rwanda has emerged the 6th among top ten countries in a COVID Performance Index of almost 100 countries for their successful handling of the coronavirus pandemic, with Britain and America near the bottom of the pile.

    The Lowy Institute said its index published on Thursday excludes China, where the first cases were identified in December 2019, due to lack of publicly available data.

    New Zealand, Vietnam and Taiwan have ranked the top three, while other countries in the top 10 include Thailand, Cyprus, Rwanda, Iceland, Australia, Latvia and Sri Lanka. These countries are said to have fewer reported cases and deaths both in aggregate and per capita terms.

    In total, 98 countries were evaluated in the 36 weeks that followed their hundredth confirmed case of COVID-19, using data available to Jan. 9, 2021.

    Fourteen-day rolling averages of new daily figures were calculated for confirmed cases, confirmed cases per million people, confirmed deaths, confirmed deaths per million people, confirmed cases as a proportion of tests, and tests per thousand people, the Lowy Institute said.

    The report comes as world coronavirus cases surpass 100 million with the death toll exceeding 2 million.

    The United States, with over 25 million confirmed cases, ranked 94 while India, with more than 11 million cases, was 86th. Britain, with the highest number of the deaths in Europe, stood at the 66th spot.

    The index showed countries in Asia-Pacific proved the most successful in containing the pandemic as Europe and the United States were “quickly overwhelmed” by the rapid spread of COVID-19.

    “Levels of economic development or differences in political systems between countries had less of an impact on outcomes than often assumed or publicised,” the Sydney-based Lowy Institute said in its analysis.

    “In general, countries with smaller populations, cohesive societies, and capable institutions have a comparative advantage in dealing with a global crisis such as a pandemic.”

    Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus patient on 14th March 2020. Since then, 14 166 people have been tested positive out of 853,238 sample tests of whom 9042 have recovered, 4941 are active cases while 183 have succumbed to the virus.

    Since the first case was reported, Rwanda has put in place several measures to contain the spread of the virus. These include sensitization to adhere to health guidelines, establishing hand washing facilities, intensifying testing for Covid-19, deploying robots in Coronavirus management among others.

    In a bid to contain further spread of the virus, Rwanda imposed inter-district lockdown early January 2021 followed by lockdown in Kigali city which has been identified as the major hotspot for new Coronavirus cases.

    The Ministry of Health has recently announced that the country acquired five freezers that capacitated the country to administer all types of Covid-19 vaccines which are already being used by some countries. As per reports from the Ministry of Health, Coronavirus vaccines are expected in March 2021. People exposed to risks of catching the virus like health workers and others with chronic diseases have priority to receive vaccine in the first batch.

    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.

  • 54 caught for flouting sports directives

    They were arrested on different roads in Kigali on Tuesday evening where they were found jogging and in other sports activities, majority in groups.

    This was to enforce the directives, which prohibits such public sports as they are deemed risky to spread the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The Ministry of Sports, on January 24, released a communique giving clear guidelines on sports activities in City of Kigali.

    The communique reminded citizens of City of Kigali that sports activities are not permitted during lockdown period and encouraged Kigali residents to exercise from homes.

    However, the Ministry permitted individual sports outside homes from 5am to 9am, but strictly within the limits of their respective villages of residence in compliance with the COVID-19 prevention measures.

    “Group sports and exercise are strictly prohibited,” concludes the guidelines.
    Most of those arrested claimed ignorance of the directives.

    Nshimiyimana Maurice (Maso) is one of the arrested violators, who were taken to Amahoro stadium and enlightened of the directives and other guidelines meant to contain the pandemic.

    Nshimiyimana argued he was not aware that the directives prohibits evening sports activities in public places.

    “I was jogging in the evening together with my colleagues but we were within the vicinity of our village. We did not know that evening sports are prohibited; we thought it was permitted to do sports activities either in the morning or evening,” Nshimiyimana claimed.

    He added: “Here at the stadium, we have been educated on different directives as well as health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. Police officers enlightened us on sports guidelines, now we know it is done from our homes but also within our villages between 5am and 9am, but as an individual not in groups.”
    Jacky Mbabazi was also arrested on the streets of Gasabo District, Remera Sector in Rukiri 1.

    Like Nshimiyimana, Mbabazi claimed that she was not informed of the hours when sports activities outside homes are permitted.

    RNP deputy spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Africa Sendahangarwa Apollo clarified that sports activities are not prohibited by must be done within the limits of the directives and in compliance with all measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

    He reminded residents of Rwanda to always follow and understand the Cabinet directives as well as other guidelines issued by different institutions “for everyone’s safety from COVID-19.”

    “There should be no excuse that someone is not aware of certain directives. These are prevention and safety guidelines which are made public through many communication channels including through the media, whenever they are issued.

    The guidelines on sports activities, particularly, were widely communicated and no one should at this level, be claiming ignorance; sports activities are done at home or individually within your village between 5am and 9am, contrary to that you will be flouting the directives and you will be arrested,” CSP Africa said.

    He reminded that safety should be everyone’s priority adding that as the country continues to counter the pandemic at the time when the number of infections continue to spike up as well as related deaths; it’s the time when everyone should be responsive and take appropriate decisions.

  • Police arrest driver who ploughed into gathering

    Fabrice Ndayisaba was driving the vehicle plate number RAC 176H, which ploughed into the gathering at about 11pm at Mushumba Mwiza in Remera, Gasabo District as they celebrated a win by the national team football team, Amavubi, who beat Togo 3-2 to progress into the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) that is underway in Cameroon.

    However, no one was hurt in the process.

    Ndayisaba, who was showed to the media on Wednesday, January 27, admitted that he was at the time under the influence of alcohol.

    He disclosed that he took the alcoholic drinks from his office and regretted the inapproptiate behaviours and reckless driving that could have resulted into fatal accident.

    “I took the alcoholic drinks from my office and got drunk. As I was going home, I encountered a big gathering and because I was drunk it affected my judgement; I even rammed into a ditch as I was trying to make a u-turn,” Ndayisaba said.

    Besides being drunk, Ndayisaba was also moving in prohibited hours as his movement clearance permit had expired at 5pm.

    Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Africa Sendahangarwa Apollo, RNP deputy Police spokesperson, warned that the force will not tolerate such reckless driving behaviours, which put lives of road users at risk.

    “People who drive while drunk or other reckless use of road will not be entertained. He put his life at risk; people who were on the road equally survived because his driving behaviours, as the video footage shows, were nasty.

    Again, Ndayisaba was even not supposed to be on the road at that time because the movement clearance given to him was clear; he was supposed to be home by 5pm,” CSP Africa said.

    Investigations, he said, will ascertain if there are other violations or offences that Ndayisaba committed in the process before he is given an appropriate penalty.

    The deputy spokesperson took time to also to urge the general public not to be over joyous to flout the directives thus exposing lives at the risk of getting infected or spreading COVID-19.

    “The people that Ndayisaba was about to knock had violated the lockdown just because they were celebrating the national football team triump. They left their homes and thronged streets. Such reckless celebrations should not happen again. Let us express our joy from our respective homes. Any event that brings together many people is prohibited,” CSP Africa said.

  • COVID-19: Rwanda records 181 recoveries, 281 new cases

    The statement released last night shows that new cases were found in Kigali: 177, Kayonza: 15, Gicumbi: 12, Nyamagabe: 11, Huye: 10, Kirehe: 9, Nyanza: 8, Gatsibo: 7, Gakenke: 5, Musanze: 5, Ruhango: 4, Muhanga: 3, Nyagatare: 3, Kamonyi: 3, Rwamagana: 2, Karongi: 2, Rulindo: 2, Gisagara: 2 and Ngoma.

    Among others, the ministry has reported two more deaths bringing the death toll to 183. The deceased include a woman and man aged 66 from Kigali city and Huye district respectively.

    Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus patient on 14th March 2020. Since then, 14 166 people have been tested positive out of 853,238 sample tests of whom 9042.

    Have recovered, 4941 are active cases while 183 have succumbed to the virus.

    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.

  • Inside Groupe Duval’s eco-friendly project expected to develop architectural marvels in Kigali

    Groupe Duval is a French company established in 1996 by Eric Duval. With 25 years experience investing in real estate, it currently has over 4000 employees. It has so far earned over $ 700 million from executed projects.

    The company has been constructing eco-friendly buildings in Rwanda through its subsidiary ‘Duval Great Lakes Ltd’ led by Vicky Murabukirwa.

    Groupe Duval has huge investments in real estate, hospitality and food processing among others.

    Having executed mega construction projects in Rwanda including BPR headquarters located in Kigali city, the company is making preparations to develop a multibillion environmental-friendly complex known as ‘Inzovu mall’ at premises that used to house the Ministry of Justice and Supreme Court in Kimihurura, near Kigali Convention Centre.

    The complex mall will be home to ‘Odalys City Business Apart Hotel’ with 140 service apartment rooms, conference rooms, offices, entertainment and exhibition areas.

    It will also have Cinema rooms, markets, shops, bars and restaurants, Forex Bureaus, natural areas, children areas, playgrounds, pharmacies, clinics and others.

    Once completed, the mall will be a complementary project besides Kigali Convention Centre.

    Construction activities for the multibillion project are expected to start this year, once businesses operating in the buildings have relocated.

    Speaking to IGIHE in July last year, the CEO of Duval Great Lakes Ltd, Vicky Murabukirwa said that the project expected to be completed within two years will also contribute to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) program.

    The project will be implemented on 26,000 square metres where green technologies will also be integrated. The plot of land where the Ministry of Justice and Supreme Court are headquartered was handed to these investors as published in the Official Gazette of 26th April 2020.

    The company will also take over the management of Golf course through UGolf Great Lakes Ltd, a subsidiary of UGolf operating under the auspice of Groupe Duval.

    Inzovu Mall will be developed at premises of the Ministry of Justice and Supreme Court.
    President Paul Kagame yesterday received Eric Duval, the CEO of Duval Group with his team.