News about his demise went to public yesterday evening. Gicondo,55, has succumbed to a disease. He has been living in Australia with his family for one year.
Relatives have told IGIHE that Gicondo has been sick for quite some days and got in critical condition when he learnt about the death of his brother, Dr. Kigabo.
“He has been sick but his health conditions deteriorated when he heard about the death of his elder brother [Dr. Kigabo] that he went to coma from that time,” his elder brother, Pastor Irakiza Rweribamba Isaac has told IGIHE.
“He spent some days being unable to speak. Later on, he could speak and stay silent. As he slept yesterday, people went to check on him and found him dead,” he added.
Gicondo dies at a time when his family was arranging burial of his elder brother Dr. Kigabo who breathed the last on 15th January 2021.
Dr. Kigabo, the former chief economist at the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) is expected to be laid to rest today.
Amb. Alfred G. Kalisa has presented his letters of Credence to Fayez Mustafa al-Sarraj, the Chairman of the Presidential Council and Prime Minister of the State of Libya to represent Rwanda in the country.
During the solemn ceremony held on on 23rd January 2021, the Ambassador thanked the Chairman of the Presidential Council and Prime Minister of the State of Libya for the audience and conveyed the greetings of his President Paul Kagame and his message of peace, security and prosperity for the people of Libya and also his desire to further strengthen a positive relationship and partnership between Rwanda and the State of Libya.
For his part, Fayez Mustafa Al-Sarraj, extended his greetings to President Paul Kagame whom he met at several occasions in many forum and last March in Kigali.
He congratulated him for his efforts and reforms, he spearheaded at the African Union level which have culminated with the commencement of the African Continental Free Trade.
Fayez Mustafa also commended President Kagame in overcoming the obstacles of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 and bringing Rwandans together in rebuilding their institutions and a modern economy. He added that Libya would draw on this experience as it moves ahead with unity and reconciliation.
He concluded by reiterating optimism for a growing historic and excellent bilateral relationship between both Countries.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Head of The Africa Department were present during the ceremony.
The violators, all young people, had organised three separate house parties and were at the time found drinking.
16 violators were arrested on Sunday, January 24, in two separate house parties in Mumena, Nyamirambo Sector in Nyarugenge District.
Eleven others invited by their colleague identified as Said Iradukunda, were found drinking in the house located in Gasabo District, Remera Sector, Nyabisindu Cell in Gihogere Village.
Their arrest comes at the time when City of Kigali is under lockdown with movements only limited seeking essential or emergency services; while family visits and other social gatherings are prohibited as one of the measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the party organisers, Kamaro Felicien told the media at Nyarugenge District Police Unit, that he had invited four friends to his house where he stays with his colleague just to have a “good time together” but regretted his actions adding that he has “learnt a lesson.”
“Most of the friends that I invited are neighbours. I regret to have invited them to enjoy drinks together in this period of the pandemic even when we knew that such social events and home visits are prohibited. I have picked my lesson; I hope other young people out there will also learn from my experience, do the right thing and wait to enjoy their drinks together when they are safe from COVID-19,” Kamaro said.
Pancard Umuhoza is another party organiser, who was arrested alongside nine other youth in Nyamirambo.
“I personally know some of the people that succumbed to COVID-19 but I guess we tend to be complacent; sadly, I did not even think that one of those I invited could be infected,” said Umuhoza.
The Rwanda National Police deputy spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Africa Sendahangarwa Apollo said that Police wad tipped off by citizens about the house parties and responded accordingly thus arresting them.
“It was about 8pm on Sunday when the Police received information about groups of youths that were engaged in separate house parties. Some of them were holding birthday parties for their colleague which is equally prohibited ” CSP Africa said.
He thanked residents, who continue to observe the directives and health guidelines in particular as well as those who support the police in enforcement through information sharing about violators and supplementing national efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
“Most of those invited for the two house parties are neighbours. Probably, people think that inviting a neighbour is okay or they perceive it as if visiting a neighbour is allowed. Directives are very clear on every aspect; visits and all events which include such social gatherings are prohibited as directed by the Cabinet meeting of January 18. Visits can only be permitted after assessing the purpose and upon approval by Rwanda National Police through the available movement clearance platforms.”
CSP Africa said that all the 27 people, who violated the directives, will be fined accordingly, and subjected to COVID-19 test at their cost.
Kagame revealed this yesterday as he attended a virtual meeting dubbed ‘Davos Agenda 2021’ organized World Economic Forum.
It brought together experts in sciences, politicians, investors, youth and members of civil society organizations among others.
The President participated in a panel discussion revolving around ‘Advancing a New Social Contract’ that should be promoted between Governments, private sector and citizens.
Kagame explained that the world has pulled many lessons that were experienced in the past but never applied until Coronavirus pandemic emerged.
With Rwanda’s experience, he revealed that several measures were taken to support vulnerable people during the first lockdown imposed in March last year.
“In the situation we are with the pandemic, we have been learning, or experienced things we learned in the past but really never came to apply. And the pandemic as we have seen, has hit workers very hard, and Governments have responded with the tools available. In Rwanda, for example, we have established economic recovery fund of around US$100 million designed to help companies stay afloat,” he said.
“We also used agriculture reserve to supply food to vulnerable families, during lockdown and paid health insurance for 2 million citizens. This crisis has revealed gaps in existing social protection systems everywhere in the world,” added Kagame.
The President also stressed that the way the world has been affected and how it has responded ‘brought the suffix to the existing problems we had known before but not tackled’.
Kagame highlighted need to seek solution to address the issue to be prepared enough during pandemics and after.
“The social protection agenda cannot be limited to wealthy countries. In fact, the pandemic has also reminded us of how we are interlinked and how we are interdependent in many ways so that things happening in one part of the world affect the other part as well not matter how rich or how poor we are,” he said.
Kagame emphasized that social protection agenda should be inclusive to benefit many people in developing countries including women and young people working in the informal sector of employment.
“It must be inclusive globally; otherwise existing inequalities among countries will only grow wider and the working conditions in developing countries will degrade,” he said.
“The important point is the arbitrary distinction between formal and informal sector of employment particularly in developing countries; many and their livelihoods as small scale entrepreneurs especially women and young people. We need therefore innovative and comprehensive approaches to social protection that include workers of all background and types,” added Kagame.
Three people have also succumbed to Coronavirus bringing the death toll to 177. The deceased include a 95-year old man from Kigali, and two men aged 72, 81 respectively from Huye district.
The statement from the Ministry of Health released yesterday shows that new cases were found in 18 districts countrywide.
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 13311 people have been tested positive out of 838,675 sample tests of whom 8681 have recovered, 4453 are active cases while 177 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.
He is reported to have died of natural causes at the military base of FDLR/FOCA.
Forces Combattantes Abacunguzi (FOCA) is an armed wing of FDLR.
Mazizi was the mayor of former Commune Murama in Gitarama Prefecture. He later fled with EX-FAR soldiers to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where he joined FDLR comprised of elements who perpetrated the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He was affiliated to Hutu Power MRND political party. He coordinated the execution of genocide in different parts including Gitwe in Nkomero where many Tutsi, followers of Adventist Church were killed.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG), Dr Bizimana Jean Damascène has told IGIHE that George Mazizi took part in political and military activities that involved denying and trivializing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“He was involved in mobilizing and coordinating combat activities to plot attacks. He was among the people that organized attacks to different places,” he said.
“Rutiganda joined battle activities because he was a solider before mayoral appointment. He didn’t pursue military career immediately but he had trained at National Military School (ESM) with which knowledge he got involved in military and political activities,” added Dr. Bizimana.
Before genocide, George Mazizi worked closely with Rutaganda George who was the first vice president of Interahamwe militia.
The latter is a son of Mpamo Esdras hailing from former Commune Masango in the neighborhood of Commune Murama currently in Ruhango district.
Rutaganda helped Mazizi to get weapons and distribute them to Interahamwe to kill Tutsis.
Rutaganda who had been handed life sentence by International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) succumbed to HIV/AIDS in Mali.
Mazizi is reported to have managed FDLR social media accounts through which they disseminated information denying and trivializing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He was recently appointed to coordinate online news medium including Intabaza and Urugaga operating under the auspices of FDLR. Mazizi was among wanted fugitives to face justice for genocide crimes.
The Minister gave the advice on Sunday 24th January 2021, appearing at RBA talk show as the nation prepares for National Heroes Day celebrated on 1st February every year.
It is a remarkable day for Rwandans inside and outside the country reflecting on the outstanding deeds of Rwandan nationals that sacrificed their lives to serve the country, strive for common interests, unity and freedom.
Rwanda endured dark past especially during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi when over 1 million innocent Tutsi were brutally killed.
Under the stewardship of President Paul Kagame who commanded RPFA forces that liberated the country, Rwanda is gradually rebuilding from scars, promoting unity and reconciliation as well as achieving social-economic development that the country is currently a role model in many facets.
Bamporiki has reminded the youth that Rwanda endured difficult experiences that left great lessons to learn from.
“Many countries have developed because of endured difficulties. From endured suffering, emerges a person committed to prevent reo-occurrence. Many people opted for agriculture after starving. Experienced painful moments birthed joy,” he said.
“We have a great nation that those who pretend to have seen nothing are disguising. I tell the youth that we are a good generation to show where we have come from and build resilient life leaving lessons to future generations,” added Bamporiki.
Rwanda has been celebrating National Heroes Day since 1999, with heroes classified into three categories; Imanzi, Imena and Ingenzi.
Those classified in Imanzi are; late Gen. Maj Fred Gisa Rwigema former commandant of Rwanda Patriotic Army and Unknown Soldier.
Imena includes King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Michel Rwagasana, Agathe Uwiringiyimana, Félicité Niyitegeka and Nyange Students.
Currently no person has been honoured in Ingenzi category.
The celebration of the 27th National Heroes Day scheduled on 1st February 2021 will be observed under strict Covid-19 control measures. Different talks will be held via mainstream media and social media.
The cabinet meeting held on 18th January 2021, put Kigali city under 15-day lockdown as part of ongoing measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Five days after the lockdown was imposed, Police has reported that 73,000 residents of Kigali city have requested movement clearance via online platform.
Speaking during a talk show on RBA, RNP Commissioner for Traffic Police, CP Rumanzi George has explained that 58,000 of these applicants had reasonable requests that they were granted permission to go ahead while requests for 15,000 people were rejected on ground of presenting unclear reasons for their movements.
“We have a team scrutinizing these applications and granting permissions. That is why some applications are rejected for showing no tangible reasons,” said CP Rumanzi.
RNP figures also show that 1221 cars were seized violating COVID-19 preventive measures between 19th -23rd January 2021.
Among others, 2489 people were caught doing unnecessary movements while 141 were caught drinking from bars among other activities that could spread Coronavirus.
CP Rumanzi appealed on residents to adhere to established COVID-19 preventive measures.
Uwamungu beat his son severely on Friday, January 22, accusing him of skipping school, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said.
The boy has since been admitted for further medical attention.
“The mother called the police reporting the violent punishment in the name of disciplining their child. The child was caned severely and was found with bruises on the stomach, bleeding on the neck injured on the forehead and on the eye.
Uwamungu was handed over to RIB at Rwempasha station,” CIP Twizeyimana explained.
It is the second case of violent corporal punishment in Nyagatare this year following a similar case in Minini Sector, Mahoro cell where another parent was arrested for severely beating his child using electric cables.
CIP Twizeyimana warned parents and guardians against severe punishment in form of managing children’s behaviour, which amounts to criminal repercussion.
“No one should keep quiet about such inhuman punishments. As a parent, a neighbor and the general public, we need to jointly protect and promote the rights of children, and that include reporting any child-rights violations,” he said.
{{What is corporal punishment?}}
Corporal or physical punishment is an act of causing physical pain on a person with intent of disciplining him or her. It is most often practised on minors, especially in homes and school settings.
Article 28 of Law No.71/2018 of 31/08/2018 relating to protection of the child, states:
“Without prejudice to heavier penalties provided by other laws, a person who harasses a child or imposes severe or degrading punishments including corporal sanctions, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years but not more than three years with a fine of between Rwf200,000 and Rwf300,000.
If the offence results in the child’s disability, the imprisonment increased to between seven and ten years, and a fine of Rwf1 million to Rwf2 million.”
The cabinet meeting held on 18th January 2021 placed Kigali City under 15-day lockdown.
The following day, on 19th January, MINISPORTS announced that Kigali city residents are allowed to do sports within limits of their villages. At the time, the Ministry didn’t designate particular hours during which individuals should be exercising.
Referring to the previous announcement, MINISPORTS has set limit of hours dedicated for individual sports out of homes from 5am to 9am.
“Citizens of the City of Kigali are reminded that sports activities are not permitted during lockdown period and that they are encouraged to exercise from home. However individual sports is also permitted from 5h00 am to 9h00 am only, but strictly within limits of their village of residence, and in compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures. Group sports and exercise are strictly prohibited,” reads part of the statement released by MINISPORTS.
The communal bi-monthly physical exercise known as ‘Car Free Day’ had resumed in September last year following months of suspension after the first Coronavirus case was confirmed in Rwanda on 14th March in 2020.
