Author: Théophile Niyitegeka

Kabila names Bruno Tshibala new DRC prime minister

{Announcement likely to further divide the president’s opponents in a country that has been rocked by violence.}

The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo named a former member of the largest opposition party as prime minister on Friday, a move likely to further divide Joseph Kabila’s opponents after talks to negotiate his exit from power broke down last week.

A statement from the presidency named Bruno Tshibala the prime minister of a new transitional government meant to organise a presidential election by the end of this year following Kabila’s refusal to step down when his mandate expired in December.

Tshibala replaces Samy Badibanga, who resigned on Thursday.

Polls were not held last year because of what the government said were budgetary constraints, sparking violent protests at the end of last year in which security forces killed at least 40 people.

Critics say Kabila deliberately delayed elections in order to remain in power.

DRC’s conference of Catholic bishops (CENCO) helped negotiate a December 31 deal aimed at avoiding a political crisis by ensuring an election this year to elect Kabila’s successor.

The bishops stepped aside last week after progress on the deal stalled.

Congolese police fired rounds into the air and launched tear gas canisters to disperse hundreds of opposition supporters in the capital Kinshasa after the negotiations broke down.

{{Nomination ‘departure from accord’}}

Tshibala was expelled from the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), Congo’s largest opposition party, last month after he contested the designation of successors to veteran leader Etienne Tshisekedi, who died in February.

Tshibala’s nomination as prime minister escalates tensions ahead of a mass march on April 10, called for by the UDPS in Kinshasa to protest delays in implementing the deal.

Under the December political agreement, the opposition coalition known as the Rassemblement was to pick a prime minister, but divisions within the coalition complicated efforts to choose a candidate.

Kabila’s announcement on Friday came two days after the president said he would name a new prime minister if the opposition could not agree on a candidate.

Tshisekedi’s son, Felix, who replaced his father as president of the Rassemblement said Kabila violated the deal by not naming a candidate of the alliance’s choosing.

“We continue to demand the application of the December 31, 2016 accord,” he told Reuters news agency. “The nomination of Bruno Tshibala is a departure from the accord.”

Tshibala will be confronted immediately with stern security and economic tests.

Congo’s franc currency has lost nearly half its value since last year and violence has worsened across the country in the wake of Kabila’s decision to stay in power.

The country, which suffered through two wars between 1996 and 2003, has not had a democratic transition of power since its independence from Belgium in 1960.

Source:Al Jazeera

April 8, 2017
South Sudanese gunmen sneak into Uganda, abduct two in Moyo District

{Five gunmen from South Sudan on Wednesday sneaked into Moyo District and abducted two South Sudanese nationals. }

Mr Joseph Abuni, one of the witnesses, said it is regrettable when such incident occurs in the communities along the border areas. “The men were only dressed in raincoats and they abducted two men who were drinking. Both of them were South Sudanese who had been living in Moyo Town. This has created fear among the residents because more abductions could happen,” he said.

The North West Nile region CIID officer, Mr Christopher Obia confirmed the incident, which happened at Afoji Market in Moyo Sub-county.

The area is being used as a reception centre for South Sudanese fleeing from renewed fighting in their country.

“The gunmen abducted two South Sudanese who were in a bar. They put the two at gunpoint and took them back to South Sudan. We suspect that there was someone within the community coordinating the whole process,” Mr Obia said.

It remained unclear whether the five armed men are part of a rebel group or from the South Sudan army.

{{Previous incident}}

In a separate incident, on Tuesday, gunmen from South Sudan sneaked into Belameling refugee settlement camp and killed Chaplin Wani, 79, who was a refugee in the camp.

The police and UPDF soldiers are now deployed at the border areas.

In 2013, the Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs), Gen Kale Kayihura, and Gen Pieng Kuol (former) signed a bilateral agreement in Arua on security where issues of joint patrol at the borders were discussed. But this seems to have hit a dead end.

Source:Daily Monitor

April 8, 2017
President Kenyatta calls for constructive leadership

{As the August elections close in, President Uhuru Kenyatta has cautioned leaders against destructive politics, saying they only work to hurt the people.}

He asked Kenyans to instead unite to fight challenges that afflict the nation.

“Ndovu wakipigana nyasi ndiyo huumia….ndovu ni hawa wanasiasa na nyasi ni wananchi (When elephants fight, the grass suffers….elephants here are politicians while grass represents electorates),” he said when addressing a rally at Emurua Dikirr in Narok County.

{{Enhance development }}

He said Kenyans are faced with a myriad of challenges, which leaders should strive to tackle.

“My agenda is to fight poverty and improve the economy of the country,” he said.

While asking the national and county governments to partner in advancing development, he said bad leadership resulted to wastage of resources.

He entreated the residents to support his re-election bid saying: “I plead with a lot of respect we work together.”

{{Heckling }}

Accompanying him were Deputy President William Ruto, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, Narok Governor Samuel Tunai and Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, who had a rough time addressing the Jubilee and CCM supporters who had thronged Dikirr Township for the rally.

Mr Tunai was forced to cut short his speech after a brief address, after which he welcomed the President to the region.

“Today we have our President here. I take this opportunity to welcome you on behalf of the county. This is a Jubilee zone, which overwhelmingly supported you in the last elections,” he said.

But Mr Ruto, Mr Duale and Mr Ng’eno managed to address the crowd amid heckling.

Jubilee supporters shouted down Mr Ng’eno while those belonging to Chama Cha Mashinani, which is headed by Bomet governor Isaac Ruto, jeered the Jubilee leaders.

{{Re-elect Uhuru }}

Mr Ng’eno, who has been one of the critics of Jubilee leadership, told the President that his constituency supports him and are satisfied with his rule.

He pleaded with the President to tarmac roads in the region.

Mr Duale said the Jubilee government has good plans for Kenyans and asked them to re-elect the President come August 8, who will then hand over to Mr Ruto come 2022.

Source:Daily Nation

April 8, 2017
Tanzania:Fausta the Rhino deserves 64m/- up-keep costs, Prof Maghembe

{The government has defended the costs incurred for keeping Fausta the Rhino, aged 54 years, who is described to be the oldest in the world, currently being kept at Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) in Arusha Region, Northern part of Tanzania.}

Natural Resources and Tourism Minister, Prof Jumanne Maghembe, told the National Assembly here on Thursday that the government was spending about 64m/- per month, an amount described by some Members of Parliament (MPs) as colossal.

“It is true that there is Fausta the Rhino at Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The animal has been placed in a cage because it is too old and was being threatened by a variety of diseases. The purpose is to ensure the life of this animal continues,” the minister said.

According to Prof Maghembe, different researches are being made and data collected regarding this Rhino because these kinds of animals are very few in the country at the moment.

He pointed out that each statistic being collected is compared with the real life of those who are in the forest and was so essential for the life of others that also live in the areas. “It is true that this work needs costs, but those are the real costs for the conservation. I, therefore, ask the MP to continue trusting us that we are doing this in good faith and that the statistics availed are true value for the conservation of this animal,” the minister said.

He was responding to a supplementary question by Pauline Gekul (Babati Urban-Chadema), who had expressed her concern over the costs incurred for keeping Fausta the Rhino inside Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The report, quoting the Head of NCA, Dr Fredy Manongi, as saying that Fausta the Rhino was too old, whose age is at 54 and was placed in the cage because at the time when it was mixed with other animals in the forest had received some attacks from hyenas, thus creating some wounds on its body.

Further reports suggest that Fausta the Rhino, who is among more than 50 Rhinos living in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, never bore any child in his life. It is stated that hyenas managed to attack such a Rhino because of the age and being weak.

“But we have organised ourselves to make sure the animal lived many more years, leaving a unique history in the world,” the leading Rhino Conservator at NCA, Cuthbert Lemanya, is quoted as saying.

Fausta the Rhino is among the black rhino, whose original is South Africa.

There are claims that the animal has lost its sight ability due to the old age it has. Unlike other Rhinos with old ages in the world, Fausta the Rhino lives in the natural environment, but other Rhinos in different countries in the world, including Kenya are living in zoos or designated areas for rhinos known as ‘Rhino Sanctuary’.

Source:Daily News

April 8, 2017
Rwandan community in Arusha –Moshi commemorates the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi

{The Arusha-Moshi Rwandan Community in collaboration with the East African Community and the UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals yesterday held the 23rd commemoration of genocide against the Tutsi under the theme Remember the genocide against the Tutsi, fight against genocide ideology-Build on our progress. }

The Commemoration began with a walk to remember from the East African Community Secretariat Headquarters to Arusha City center and thereafter a wreath laying ceremony led by the Rwanda High Commissioner to Tanzania HE. Eugene Kayihura.

In his remarks, the regional Commissioner of Arusha Province Mr. Mrisho Mashaka Gambo who was also the guest of Honour said that today we stand in solidarity with the survivors of genocide against the Tutsi and always remembering over a million of innocent men, women and children who lost their lives during the genocide.

“This calls for an answer as to why we failed as members of the international community to prevent and stop this horrible atrocity in the history of humanity.” he noted.

He further emphasised that the answer can only come from all of us and is nothing else other than ensuring that it will never happen again whether in our region or elsewhere in the world.

He stressed that the east African Community must be at the forefront of preventing conflicts and fighting against genocide ideologies and its denial that do escalate into mass murders, extermination and the genocide in our community as was experienced by Rwandans in 1994.

He specifically commended HE Paul Kagame the President of Rwanda for his outstanding leadership in Africa and the tremendous progress that Rwanda has made since then.

The Deputy Secretary General of East African Community in charge of Productive and Social Sectors Hon.Christopher Bazivamo informed the commemorators that today’s theme is Remember the genocide against the Tutsi, fight against genocide ideology-Build on our progress.

He urged the entire world to stand with the Rwandans in fight against genocide ideology and its denial and say never again to genocide. He informed the commemorators that the commemoration has three pillars namely; unite, remember and renew.

He noted that a series of events will take place during this period of 100 days among which will include visiting Universities and high learning institutions around Arusha to create awareness on the fight against genocide ideology.

The High Commission of Rwanda in Tanzania Amb. Eugene Kayihura said that Rwanda experienced a tragedy in which over one million innocent Tutsis were savagely exterminated in a very horrific and systematic manner.

‘Since then Rwanda has moved to greater heights and she now offers a story of hope, prosperity and equal opportunities for her people. Today Rwanda is one of the most efficient in the region and the world as a whole with regard to the ease of doing business, stability and safety. Rwanda is also ranked among the safest countries in Africa.’ Amb. Kayihura reiterated.

He further noted that Rwandans are moving with their heads held high determined to move on and not be prisoners of their bitter past, very positive and optimistic about their future. He thanked all friends of Rwanda for being part of the journey to fight against genocide ideology and denial.

In her remarks the Deputy Secretary General in Charge of Finance and Administration Honourable Jesca Eriyo said that in 2014, the United Nations and the African Union designated April 7th as the day for Commemoration of the Genocide against Tutsi and have been since joining the government and the people of Rwanda to commemorate it.

She underscored that it is in that regard that the East African community put in place an EAC internal organising committee to ensure full ownership of commemoration of the Genocide against Tutsi at the East African Secretariat level.

She added that after 23 years of commemorating the dark spot on human conscious, Rwanda is yet to recover from this barbaric occurrence.

‘Yes Rwanda has made tremendous strides that have exceeded expectations and should be rightly commended for doing so. However, the scars of such tragedy linger on and take generations to heal if healing from such atrocities like genocide is possible.’ Honorable Eriyo underscored.

The Chairman of Rwandan Community Arusha-Moshi and Rwanda Diaspora Global Network (RDGN) Eng. Daniel Murenzi stressed that after the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, the Government of Rwanda embarked on a journey of nation rebuilding.

He added that since then, the government of Rwanda has been calling all Rwandans and friends of Rwanda to join hands in commemoration activities and contribute in the struggle to fight against genocide ideology.

Mr.Olufemi Elias the Registrar of the UN-Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT) noted that this 7th day of April, was made an international day of reflection to remember the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

He observed that annual commemorations will facilitate the healing and reconciliation among Rwandans and that the world must remain vigilant to prevent and fight genocide ideology and its denial.

In her opening prayer Apostle Trice Shumbusho, said that it was a moment of prayer for the future of nations especially the nation of Rwanda for God to make it a strong nation. She emphasised that Rwanda as a nation has gone through a lot and God has continuously helped her leaders to keep the nation strong. She called upon the leadership of the EAC Partner States and Africa as a whole to fight the genocide ideology and its denial.

Among other dignitaries were the Lord Justice the President of the East African Court of Justice Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, Members of Diplomatic Corps, Arusha Regional Police Commander, representatives of Religious denominations, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political federation Dr. Enos Bukuku, EAC and MICT Staff, Representatives of Academic institutions and members of the Arusha- Moshi Rwandan Community.

April 8, 2017
Flame of hope lit at Kigali memorial center as Rwanda remembers 1994 genocide against Tutsi

{Lighting the flame of hope and laying of wreath at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre marked the start of the 23rd commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.}

Rwandans and friends of Rwanda all over the world on Friday marked the 23rd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide that took lives of more than one million Tutsi.

President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame together with the African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat laid a wreath at the genocide victim’s mass graves and as well lit the flame of remembrance at the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi in the country’s Capital.

The flame of remembrance will burn for 100 days marking three-month-long mourning of the victims of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi until July 4 when the genocide was stopped by the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) now Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF).

Kigali Genocide Memorial is home to more than 250,000 genocide victims.

This year’s genocide commemoration is observed under the theme “Remember the Genocide against the Tutsi — Fight Genocide Ideology — Build on Our Progress.”
Speaking at the event to kick-start commemoration activities, Kagame paid tribute to African nations that stood up against those who tried to turn victims of the genocide against the Tutsi into perpetrators.

“There is nothing we can do about the past but there is something we can do for our people in the present. We are not asking for money, there is no money to compensate the lives we lost. It is the truth we are asking for,” Kagame said.

He noted that genocide was perpetrated against the Tutsis and global debate on how to call the genocide against Tutsis is “absolute nonsense.”

The memorial observance that falls on April 7 begins with a commemoration week that involves several activities among others, visiting and laying wreaths at memorial sites, according decent burial to exhumed genocide victims, giving testimonies, public lectures, and candle lighting vigils.

The activities officially last a week, but the commemoration continues up to July 4, marking 100 days of genocide.

At the event, AU Commission Chair called on Rwandans to work together and build their country for a better future of the generation to come.

No form of entertainment is allowed during the main commemoration week, April 7-13.
Throughout the week the Rwandan flag will be flying at half-mast in honor of the victims, while civil servants will be working for half a day during weekdays to enable them to participate in community discussion organized as part of commemoration activities.

Later in the afternoon hundreds of youth participated in the ‘Walk to Remember’ from the Rwandan parliamentary building to Amahoro National Stadium.

Source:Xinua

April 8, 2017
Kagame promotes 407 officers

{President Paul Kagame and the Commander in Chief of Rwanda Defense Force has promoted 407 junior officers.}

According to a statement signed yesterday by RDF spokesperson, Lt Col René Ngendahimana, the president of the republic has promoted 26 Lieutenant to Captain while 381 Second Lieutenant have been promoted to Lieutenant.

The statement was issued one day after president Paul Kagame chaired the High Command Council held on Thursday held at the headquarters of RDF in Kimihurura.

He lauded the RDF for its role in safeguarding national sovereignty and significantly contributing to improving the wellbeing of Rwandans, which has been instrumental in building the stability observed in the country.

April 8, 2017
500 Nyagatare vulnerable families receive free solar power facilities

{Rwanda Energy Group (REG) through its subsidiary company, Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL) has connected 500 vulnerable families in Nyagatare district, Eastern province with solar power, under the auspices of MTN Rwanda, Bank of Kigali and Bralirwa.}

During the handover of the facilities yesterday, Emmanuel Kamanzi, the Managing Director EDCL explained that vulnerable residents from all sectors of Nyagatare benefited from free solar power as part of their program to contribute to citizens’ welfare.

“Development can’t be attained without access to electricity. That is why the government wants to extend power to everyone to realize progress. Make a good use of availed solar power and use it to facilitate children to revise for better performance. We also plan to avail on-grid electricity because we have already installed electric cables,” he said.

The government targets to connect 70% of Rwandan households by 2018 where 48% will be using on-grid while 22% use off-grid solutions.

Ntabanganyimana Yobu, a beneficiary of solar power said he was hit hard living in darkness as he lacked money to access power and lauded the government for connecting his household.

The mayor of Nyagatare district, Mupenzi George, promised citizens that the government will continue availing development infrastructures including electricity, roads, health centers among others.

Solar power installations were availed by Ignite Power. The government has agreements with 24 companies distributing solar energy.

April 7, 2017
Kwibuka 23: Don’t bring genocide name games, we lost people-Kagame

{President Paul Kagame has blamed people trying to change the history by giving the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi other names saying that such people were even involved in its execution. He has noted this today as the country starts mourning victims of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi. }

“Those people trying to decide what it should be called are the very people who had a hand in its execution. We lost over 1 million people. It wasn’t a natural disaster. Politics was the cause, whether local or international. How can people keep playing around with names? They bring experts but experts to do what? Bring back people we lost? Why should we be afraid of saying things as they are? As if what happened in Rwanda is a mystery that is not known? A section of our people of this great country was targeted for who they are. That is what it is,” he said.

He urged Rwandans to live own lives the best way they should and stand firm lest they shake in front of people with bad intentions.

“Those who think they can change the course we are on are welcome but they should recognize the formidable opponent in us. They will never shake us of our beliefs. Our politics and our lives belong to us. Those struggling with understanding their responsibility and creating problems for us will not stop us from making progress,” he said.

“They turn around and blame victims for problems they are causing, for which they have not apologized .We are not asking for money, there is no money to compensate the lives we lost. It is the truth we are asking for,” he added.

Kagame said nothing can be done about the past ‘but there is something we can do for our people in the present.’

President Kagame has launched the 23rd commemoration of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi today in a ceremony held at Gisozi memorial where a total of 259,000 victims from various districts including Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge are buried.
He has been joined by AU Chairperson, Moussa Faki to light the frame of remembrance.

Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed sadness over the mayhem that happened in the country where over one million innocent Tutsi lost lives in 100.

He lauded president Kagame for stopping genocide and striving for resilience of the once devastated country.

April 7, 2017
Kwibuka 23: Rwanda is your family—President Kagame to survivors

{President Paul Kagame has lit the flame of remembrance as the country begins the 23rd commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Kagame who was along with First Lady have been joined by AU Chairperson Moussa Fakito in honor of over 1million victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.}

A he launched the commemoration; Kagame advised Rwandans on relentless efforts in rebuilding the country following the 1994 genocide against Tutsi and comforted genocide survivors.

“The best answer to this tragedy is to work every day to build this nation for every Rwandan and anyone who wishes to live here.”

He told genocide survivors that “You are not alone. You have lost your families but there is one family that still belongs to you: our nation.This nation is your family; it is the family of every Rwandan.”

Kagame thanked those in Africa who took a stand against denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi, resisting those who tried to turn victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi into perpetrators and recognized individuals such as Capt. Diagne of Senegal and Ghanaian peacekeepers who chose to do the right thing.

April 7, 2017