Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

In 2015, a group of Burundian soldiers attempted to overthrow the then President Pierre Nkurunziza but the plan was nullified. Since then, Burundi has been accusing Rwanda of accommodating suspects behind the failed coup plot. Rwanda has however been insisting that the individuals are considered as refugees who must be protected against deportation by international laws.

Rwanda has said instead of deporting them, it is seeking to send them to a third country, a stance that did not go well with the Burundian government.

Rwanda also accuses Burundi of supporting rebel groups intending to destabilize national security.

The political mishap later halted cooperation and free movements between both countries.

Despite misunderstandings that have characterized both countries, both countries are promising to bring the situation back to normal for mutual benefits.

It has been emphasized by Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Albert Shingiro in a press conference held yesterday preceding the presentation of the ministry’s activities from October to December 2020.

He explained that Rwanda, Burundi relations worsened over the past six years when a delegation of top military leaders planned a coup plot against President Nkurunziza.

“As you know; Burundi, Rwanda relations deteriorated in 2015 because some Burundians who took part in the coup plot fled the country. The fact that Rwanda granted refuge to suspects that attempted a coup plot proved that existing friendship was useless,” he said.

Shingiro explained that both countries should not stick to the dark part but rather mend relations for interests of both countries’ people.

“We are cooperating with neighbors from the North. I have visited Rwanda for talks [with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Biruta Vincent] on various issues including Burundians who played role in 2015 coup plot,” he noted.

Towards the end of 2020, the Government of Rwanda explained international laws protecting the rights of refugees as the reason pushing the country to withhold the decision of deporting suspects accused by Burundi of being behind a coup plot to overthrow late President Pierre Nkurunziza in 2015.

The revelation was made by Manasseh Nshuti, Rwanda’s State Minister for EAC Affairs speaking to The East African.

“The so-called coup plotters ran to Rwanda as refugees, and we are bound by international norms in terms of handling refugees. So Rwanda cannot hand them back. We would be breaching international law,” he said.

“So I think Burundi should not be using this excuse of refugees. They also have our refugees but we are not asking them back. No government should be able to do that unless the person is not a refugee but is a criminal,” added Nshuti.

Burundi has however claimed that such information was not officially communicated.

“We have not yet received such information officially. You have got these information from the media but our discussions are ongoing. We understand that mending relations is a long journey not something that can be fixed in few weeks. We have to work hard to promote common interests and revitalize relations,” explained Shingiro.

He expressed optimism that problems between both countries will be fixed and continue cooperation as usual.

“We are waiting for tangible evidences from neighbors especially concerning suspects of 2015 coup plot. We believe that Rwanda won’t abandon good relations with Burundi for interests of a small group of people. We should not keep quiet for deteriorating relations. We are hopeful that we shall find a solution one day,” said Shingiro.

In an interview with Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report journalists on 19th June 2020, President Paul Kagame revealed that Rwanda is committed to maintain good relations with neighbors that the election of Gen Evariste Ndayishimiye might be a good opportunity to achieve it.

As he delivered ‘State of the Nation Address’ towards the end of last year, President Kagame explained that Rwanda continues to partner with neighboring countries to address security issues in the region.

He pointed out foreign relations’ gaps for countries including Burundi noting that the situation will finally get a solution.

Ferdinand Ndayisaba, 55, Canisius Dufatanye, 34, and Pascal Hakizimuremyi, 30, were arrested on January 20, following information from local residents about their unlawful mineral exploration.

At the time of their arrest, the trio was found in possession of 10kgs of Cassiterite, which they had already mined.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that the suspects were mining Cassiterite in residents’ farms.

“According to the residents, these three men have been mining Cassiterite in unutilized land, whose owners live in City of Kigali. These repeated illegal practices prompted the neighboring residents to call the Police, and the suspects were arrested red-handed after mining 10kgs of Cassiterite, and seized their tools” CIP Karekezi said.

Their arrest came two weeks after another man was apprehended in the same district, Gatumba Sector where he was found mining Cassiterite in residents’ gardens.

“Mining and related trade is regulated and conducted by licensed people in legally authorized sites; contrary to that you will be breaking the law and you will be arrested to face the law,” CIP Karekezi warned.

Article 54 of the law on mining and quarry operations, states that; “any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence commits an offence.”

Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.

The court also may order confiscation of any seized minerals in storage, trading or processing without a license.

Patrick Amoth, acting director general of health at the Ministry of Health, did not say where the infected men were tested or if they had been notified.

“This was picked (up) because of our heightened surveillance system. These two gentlemen have since gone back to their country. At the point of picking them, they were all asymptomatic,” he told a news conference.

Source: Sowetan Live

Francoise Musabyimana, 29, was allegedly, trafficking and selling the outlawed polythene bags as well as using them for packaging.

According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, Musabyimana was allegedly trafficking the non-biodegradable products from Uganda.

“Residents suspected that Musabyimana sells plastic bags. They also continued to see her using the outlawed products as packages, which prompted them to report the illegal acts,” said CIP Twizeyimana.

He added: “At about 5pm on Wednesday, Police officers searched her shop where 1200 pieces of plastic bags (six cartons) were recovered. She was immediately taken into custody for the unlawful act.”

Article 10 of law N° 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 relating to the prohibition of manufacturing, importation, use and sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items, states that any person, who imports plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to the dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items, and to an administrative fine equivalent to ten times the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.

In article 11, a wholesaler of plastic carry bags and single use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf700, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.

In article 12 of the same legal instrument, a retailer of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf300, 000 and seizure of those plastic carry bags or other items in the same category.

Meanwhile, Musabyimana admitted, after her arrest, that she is supplied by other traffickers, who sneak polythene bags into Rwanda through porous borders and transport them on bicycles through Ngarama Sector, also in Gatsibo.

CIP Twizeyimana thanked the residents for their community policing spirit and neighbourhood watch against such acts of environmental degradation and other criminal acts.

New cases were found in Kigali:85, Gatsibo: 57, Ngoma: 41, Gicumbi: 27, Huye: 18, Rulindo: 11, Karongi: 11, Musanze: 10, Nyagatare: 9, Gisagara: 7, Nyanza: 6, Kirehe: 6. Burera: 5, Rubavu : 5, Muhanga: 3, Rusizi: 2, Kamonyi: 2, Nyamagabe: 2, Ruhango: 2 and Nyamasheke: 1.

It is the first time Rwanda records the highest number of COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic emerged.

Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 patient on 14th March 2020. Since then, 12 170 people have been tested positive out of 812,943 sample tests of whom 7973 have recovered , 4035 are active cases while 162 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.

Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) officials as well as family members have received the fallen peacekeeper at Kigali International Airport.

Sgt Nsabimana was killed on 13 January 2021 during an attack by elements of an armed group opposed to the peace process in CAR.

RDF has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the fallen soldier.

Sgt Nsabimana will be laid to rest at Kanombe Military Cemetery.

The body of Late Sergeant Nsabimana arrives in Rwanda, one day after the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the Government of CAR paid last respects to him.

The Mission bid a final farewell to the fallen peacekeeper yesterday in a memorial ceremony held at MINUSCA force Headquarters. In attendance were the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in CAR Denise Brown, the MINUSCA Force Commander General Sidiki Traoré and CAR Army Chief of Staff, General Zephirin Mamadou.

The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Denise Brown saluted Sgt Nsabimana Jean D’amour: “United Nations appreciates his sacrifice to fight for the protection of civilians, peace services, stability and CAR population dignity” she said while also appreciating the dedication of Rwandan Contingent.

Rwanda has been contributing to CAR peacekeeping mission since 2014.

Dr. Kigabo, the former chief economist at the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) breathed the last on 15th January 2021 in Kenya where he was getting treatment.

His body was flown to Rwanda yesterday and taken at Kacyiru Hospital.

Dr. Kigabo’s relatives have told IGIHE that burial is planned next week when his wife is expected to be out of quarantine.

“We have to wait until his wife is out of quarantine but his burial is arranged on Tuesday next week. She might be released on Sunday,” said Pastor Irakiza Rweribamba Isaac, Dr. Kigabo’s elder brother.

Dr. Kigabo was also a board member of Economic Policy Research Network Rwanda (EPRN). Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Dr. Kigabo died at the aged of 57. He left a wife and five children.

Dr. Kigabo holds a Ph.D in monetary, finance and international economics at University of LYON 2/France and Masters in Applied Mathematics. He joined the National Bank of Rwanda in 2007 as Chief economist, after serving many years as Director, academic affairs and Rector of Kigali Independent University.

Kigabo has been teaching following courses at the same university but also at University of Rwanda and Jomo Kenyata University at bachelor, masters and PHD levels: econometrics, monetary economics, applied mathematics and microeconomics.

He has an extensive experience in research in different areas including monetary policy, financial inclusion, issue related to financial sector development, development economics and regional integration among others.

Kigabo supervised or co-supervised PHD students in Rwanda and in different universities in Europe.

As chief economist of the National Bank of Rwanda, Dr. Kigabo played an important role in formulation and implementation of monetary policy in Rwanda and Government of Rwanda economic policies as well as the development of financial sector.

He also played important role in negotiation of policies with different stakeholders including the International Monetary Funds and the World Bank.

Bisate Lodge is part of Wilderness Safaris which runs 40 luxury lodges across Africa.
The ranking was made by Elite Traveler, company that writes about luxury lifestyle news and travel among others that listed the hotels by continent.

Grootbos a Private Nature Reserve in South Africa, and Bisate Lodge two facilities on African continent appearing on the list.

Elite Traveler has revealed that listed hotels below have the credentials to prove that they are operating in a way that protects the natural world, not just hopping on a trend.

“From caring for the immediate surrounding landscape and its wildlife to operating at a fully carbon-neutral level, our top picks of the world’s most luxurious prove that hotels can be eco-friendly without needing to sacrifice the impeccable levels of service and comfort that discerning travelers are accustomed to,” reads part of introductory message introducing the top ten hotels.

Bisate Lodge was inaugurated by President Paul Kagame on 1st September 2017.
In 2019, it was upgraded to five star, becoming the second upcountry facility receiving the ranking following One & Only Nyungwe House.

It is among 40 hospitality establishments awarded between 1 (one) to 5 (five) stars by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) during the 2019 Hospitality Grading ceremony held at Kigali Convention Center. The 1-5 star grading system helps to differentiate the quality of services that establishments render to their clientele.

The criteria used to grade the establishments range from their location, site, and environment, architectural design and features, capacity, reception area, information services, hours of service, decor, amenities and accessories and regulation of temperature among others as per the ‘East African Criteria for Standardization of Hotels, Restaurants and other Tourist Accommodation Facilities’.

Bisate Lodge is a natural fit on a roundup of the world’s best eco-friendly hotels. Nestled into the heart of a natural amphitheater formed by an eroded volcano, the design of Bisate Lodge is impressively unique. A series of nestlike thatched forest villas form the lodge’s luxurious accommodation, all of which boast spacious verandas offering enchanting views of the surrounding hillside.

Aside from the distinctive architecture, rare wildlife sightings are the main appeal at Bisate Lodge. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is famously home to the endangered mountain gorillas, with guests invited to experience a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the majestic animals. In addition to the mountain gorilla, the park is also a critical habitat to a variety of other mammals, including the side-striped jackal, buffalo, golden monkeys, elephants and Egyptian mongooses, among others.

In addition to providing unrivaled guest experiences, Bisate Lodge is working hard to protect and preserve its surrounding landscape as well as the animals that inhabit it.

Its various environmental initiatives include habitat reforestation with the intent of recreating the indigenous rainforest as well as mountain gorilla conservation, with the aim of becoming a Centre of Excellence for great-ape research. Holding on to the belief that every guest is a philanthropist, Bisate Lodge encourages tourists to actively engage with these initiatives during their stay and beyond.

Other hotels that appeared on Elite Traveler’s list include, Pikaia Lodge from Galápagos, Habitas Tulum from Mexico, Whitepod from Switzerland, Borgo Pignano from Italy, Song Saa Private Island Resort from Cambodia, Soneva Fushi from Maldives and Kokomo Private Island from Fiji.

The meeting also decided that only essential services will continue to be offered.

As Rwanda National Police (RNP) continues to facilitate residents of Rwanda to access essential services following the lockdown in City of Kigali and movement restrictions in other parts of the country as one of the measures to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic; the force has urged the public not to abuse the platforms put in place to assist those seeking movement clearance permits.

RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera has said that there are some individuals, who seem to be using the platforms for no good reason, thus affecting others seeking clearance for urgent or emergency reasons.

The movement clearance can be applied through the web platform www.mc.gov.rw or dialing *127# and follow the instructions.

In the first 24 hours of the lockdown in Kigali, RNP received 11,928 movement clearance requests of which 9,359 were approved while 2,569 others rejected.

“The approved requested had valid grounds like those going for shopping, banking and medical services as well as other emergencies. However, the challenges we face are people, who seem to be playing with the platforms giving no reasons or baseless grounds for the movement permit,” CP Kabera said.

He added: “Some people seem not to understand what essential services are or the purpose of the permit. For example, someone applies for movement clearance permit to go to Nyagatare or Rusizi arguing that they will go there on foot, which is literally impossible. Others request for a one month clearance when the lockdown or restrictions will be reviewed in the next 15 days.

A movement clearance is for one day to facilitate the applicant to go for essential services. Different relevant institutions have released detailed lists of essential services.”

According to the spokesperson, the process of reading and responding to such “unserious” applications affects others with sound and emergency reasons.

“You can imagine how many people were affected in the process of reading and responding to the 2,569 rejected applications! We urge the public to read carefully and understand the national directive and other guidelines issued by different institutions especially the Ministry of Local Government.

We also provided contact lines; 0788311606, 0788311456, 0788380841 and 0781753090 for the people to get further clarification and assistance because we know there might be those with valid reasons but fail to provide enough information required to get the movement permit.”