IGIHE

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  • Murder of 7 Coptic Egyptians in Libya met with indifference

    Murder of 7 Coptic Egyptians in Libya met with indifference

    {{Seven Egyptian nationals, stone masons by trade and Coptic Christians, were executed Sunday in Benghazi. }}

    The city, which was the cradle of the Libyan revolution, is sinking ever deeper into chaos.

    The crime, which was likely committed for religious reasons, has garnered very little reaction.

    The seven corpses were found 30 km west of Benghazi. Egyptian diplomatic sources confirmed their identities.

    Three days later, the Egyptian Foreign Minister received a Libyan delegation led by the Libyan ambassador to Egypt. The Libyan diplomats presented their condolences and promised that everything would be done to shed light on these murders.

    This is the second time that the Coptic Egyptian population in Benghazi has been targeted. In March 2013, militiamen abducted and tortured several dozen Copts, allegedly because they were proselytizing.

    Libya is the second biggest destination for Egyptian immigrants, following Saudi Arabia. According to the Egyptian Coptic church, 50,000 Egyptian Copts currently live in Libya.

  • Crimean Leader Appeals to Russia’s Putin

    Crimean Leader Appeals to Russia’s Putin

    {{A Kremlin source said it would “not leave unnoticed” the request from Sergiy Aksyonov.}}

    US President Barack Obama warned Moscow against intervention after mysterious troop movements.

    Ukraine’s interim Prime Minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, accused Russia of seeking to provoke an escalation.

    He was speaking at the first meeting of his cabinet, installed after the overthrow of President Viktor Yanukovych.

    The spectre of armed conflict in Crimea will be at the top of a long agenda, the BBC’s Mark Lowen reports from the region.

    Heavily armed unidentified soldiers took up position outside the regional parliament in Crimea’s capital, Simferopol, on Saturday. Another airfield in the region was reportedly seized overnight, in addition to two airports and communications centres on Friday.

    Ukraine’s interim President, Olexander Turchynov, accused Russia of sending hundreds of soldiers and military aircraft to reinforce its Black Sea Fleet, which is based in Crimea.

    Moscow says troop movements on the Crimean peninsula do not infringe international agreements and it denies involvement in the seizing of airports.

    Under the agreement governing the Black Sea Fleet, the Russians must coordinate all troop movements outside the fleet’s base areas with the Ukrainian authorities beforehand.

    {{‘Only my orders’}}

    Mr Aksyonov, who leads the main pro-Russian party in Crimea, was elected prime minister of Crimea by the region’s parliament this week in an emergency session, replacing Anatoliy Mohylyov.

    In the same vote, the parliament called a referendum on increasing the autonomy of Crimea, a region dominated by ethnic Russians.

    Mr Aksyonov’s election has not been approved by the new authorities in Kiev, who traditionally appoint the prime minister of Crimea, in consultation with the regional parliament.

    “I appeal to the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to provide assistance in ensuring peace and tranquillity on the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea,” Mr Aksyonov said in a statement.

    He went on to announce that he was taking control of security in Crimea “on a temporary basis”.

    “All commanders are to obey only my orders and instructions,” Mr Aksyonov said. “I ask all those who refuse to do so to resign.”

    BBC

  • Killer of Rwandan Boy in UK Sentenced to 14years in Prison

    Killer of Rwandan Boy in UK Sentenced to 14years in Prison

    {14 year old Kevin Ssali stabbed to death}

    {{A court in UK has today sentenced to fourteen years in prison a teenager who stabbed to death another 14 year-old teen born to Rwandan mother and Ugandan father.}}

    Roree Cox now aged 18 years, from Wardalls Grove, New Cross, was found guilty of murdering Kevin Ssali 14 years after stabbing him on a bus in Lee Green in a dispute over a woolly hat on September 15 2012.

    Kevin’s father Sewa Ssali says parts of the trial were “horrific” but its conclusion has helped provide closure and he is “thrilled” his son has been exonerated.

    He added; “The trial was quite lengthy, but we are absolutely thrilled that at least Kevin has been exonerated because there was this issue that he was the tormentor.

    “At the end of the day, this was a complete fabrication. It was the other way round. They bullied him. It was horrific to hear some of these things in the trial.

    “Last time I said that there were lots of things that were haunting us and things unanswered, but actually quite a lot of information came out during the trial so it’s a very big relief and it provides some closure to the whole episode.”

    {{Background}}

    {Sewa Ssali pictured with his wife Erone and children Tim Ssali and Sara-Marie Ssali}

    Before his stabbing to death, Kevin Ssali lived with his Rwandan mother Clemence Mudage in South Norwood, and commuted to Eltham, had been missing for two months before the attack.

    Kevin’s father who temporarily lives in Lee High Road, claims his son turned up at school shortly after he went missing but his family were not told and he was allowed to leave again.

    He said: “They just let him walk out of the school. Nobody knew where he had been staying for that week. What kind of responsibility was that?”

    {{The Attacker}}

    Cox ran onto the 202 bus, which had been travelling down Burnt Ash Road, brandishing a knife before stabbing Kevin once on the top deck. He denied murder but jurors unanimously found him guilty on January 15.

    Speaking of Cox, Mr Ssali said: “I have no vengeance. I forgive him, it is up to him to come to it now himself.

    “It is a terrible tragedy because these are kids who under normal circumstances should be playing together, contributing to society.

    “We all as a society have got to sit down and question ourselves and think what is it that we are not doing right that our kids are ending up in a situation like this.”

    He says the death of inspirational leader Nelson Mandela during the trial helped him with his attitude of forgiveness and hopes to work towards preventing further tragedies happening.

    Kevin, who had two half brothers Tim Ssali, 25, Bobby Gillam, six, and two half sisters Sara-Marie Ssali, five, and Anne Ssali, 36, dreamt of becoming a bank manager.

    {Roree Cox stabbed to death Kevin Ssali on a bus}

  • Russian President Awards country’s 44 Olympic Medalists

    Russian President Awards country’s 44 Olympic Medalists

    {{Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday handed out the keys to a fleet of brand new Mercedes as prizes for the country’s 44 Olympic medalists at the Sochi Winter Games.

    The ceremony took place at Vasilevsky Spusk, next to Red Square.}}

    {wirestory}

  • Miss Rwanda 2014

    Miss Rwanda 2014

    {{A photographic documentation of Miss Rwanda 2014}}

    {more photos uploading}

  • Rwandans in China Launch Kwibuka20

    Rwandans in China Launch Kwibuka20

    {{The Rwandan Embassy in China in collaboration with Rwandan community Thursday officially launched Kwibuka20 in China.}}

    The event was also attended by several representatives of non governmental Organisations and Diplomats representing their countries in China.

    Rwanda’s Envoy to China, Amb. Francois Ngarambe told diginataries present that the bad politics in Rwanda pushed a section of citizens against another section culminating into a genocide.

    The Genocide against ethnic Tutsi’s in Rwanda in 1994 claimed over a million lives.

  • Rwanda Finalizes Deal to Host Regional Science Body

    Rwanda Finalizes Deal to Host Regional Science Body

    {{Rwanda has signed an agreement establishing the East African Community science and technology commission, a new body that seeks to promote and coordinate technological activities within the bloc’s five partner states.}}

    Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania form the EAC bloc with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

    According to an agreement signed Tuesday by the government of Rwanda and the EAC Secretariat in Kigali, Rwanda will host the commission and the operations of the new organ are set to commence by July 2014 with a proposed budget of 1.8 million U. S. dollars.

    The Headquarters Agreement, establishing the commission, was signed by EAC Secretary General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo, in the presence of Rwanda EAC affairs minister Jacqueline Muhongayire and officials from EAC Secretariat.

    “Investment in science and technology is not a choice; it’s crucial and vital for the region. Technology will play a major role in unlocking the East Africa’s potential,” Sezibera told reporters shortly after signing the agreement.

    He stated that the EAC partner countries cannot compete at the international level without (promoting) science and technology because the power of technology has taken root in the most of the developed world and immerging markets.

    According to Muhongayire, the commission will serve as the principal advisory organ for the Community in areas of research, develop priority areas for collaboration in science and technology, and facilitate the innovations in technology.

    The East African Science and Technology Commission that will be operational from July 1, 2014 with a priority of promoting and coordinating the development, management and application of Science and Technology in the Partner States.

    The Science and Technology Commission is one of the EAC institutions as provided for under article 9 of the Treaty establishing East African Community.

    It is mandated to develop structures and frameworks, which will strengthen cooperation in Science and Technological advancement within the Partner States.

    It is also expected to identify and address major issues of importance to science and society and facilitate interaction among scientists across all disciplines.

    The Commission will promote the participation of scientists from Partner States in international scientific endeavors, and provide independent and authoritative advice, which will stimulate constructive dialogue among the scientific community.

    In 2012, the International Telecommunication Union report named Rwanda, Bahrain, Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia as developing nations with strong dynamic ICT markets because of catching up fast in efforts to bridge the “digital divide.”

    To advance ICT growth, Rwanda plans to establish an ICT park that will be a base of technological investments, including training, industries, research and development.

    The country has also laid a robust 2,500-km national fiber optic cable that seeks to enhance access to various broadband services and the National Data Center.

    To maximize the country’s ICT infrastructure, Rwandan information technology students and fresh graduates are actively engaged in software applications, thanks to kLab innovation center, an open technology hub for IT entrepreneurs.

    {Xinhua}

  • Treasury Bond Records Highest Applications Since 2008

    Treasury Bond Records Highest Applications Since 2008

    {{The issuance of the Frw 12.5 billion Treasury bond has been successful with a subscription rate of 140% with the highest ever number of applications recorded since its debut in 2008.}}

    The National Bank of Rwanda received 56 bids from different categories of investors with Banks accounting for 52.85%, institutional investors 46.16% and retail investors 1.20%. Local investors took the lion’s share with 94.26% while regional investors accounted for 8.04%.

    Governor of National Bank of Rwanda John Rwangombwa hailed performance of retail investors in the Treasury bond. “28 retail investors applied for the bond.

    This is impressive considering that it is the first time individual investors participate in government securities. We look forward to more participation,” Governor Rwangombwa said.

    BNR employed book-building method to determine the price of the bond. The initial guidance was announced at upper 11s which was later revised to 11.575 -11.625% range. The final price was 11.625% with a coupon rate of 11.475%.

    The success of the bond is attributed to the far-reaching awareness campaign across the country as well as the region.

    The marketing strategy consisted of split roadshows covering the four provinces while at the regional level a roadshow was organized in Nairobi city.

    The Minister of Finance and economic planning Claver Gatete noted that more awareness programs to enlighten the public on the importance of long term savings culture.

    “We will continue to embark on teaching, explaining and preparing potential investors ahead of time as government bond has best returns, no risk of any kind,” Minister Gatete said.

    He further encouraged more retail investors to invest in long term government securities as there are more to come.

    On February 17, the Government of Rwanda announced Frw 12.5 billion (US$18.3 million) Treasury bond with a three year maturity period.

    The move was in line with the renewed government commitment to revive the bond market and to promote the culture of long term savings through Securities market.

    It plans regular issuances of Government Bonds. Next issuances are scheduled for May, August and November 2014.

    Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in collaboration with the National Bank of Rwanda, Capital Market Authority and Rwanda Stock Exchange will continue to educate potential investors on the importance of long term savings culture.

    {Minecofin}

  • CAR Assassinated MP Laid to Rest Amid Tight Security

    CAR Assassinated MP Laid to Rest Amid Tight Security

    {Jean-Emmanuel Ndjaraoua Assassinated}

    {{Honorable Jean-Emmanuel Ndjaraoua, the legislator of the transitional Parliament of Central African Republic (CAR), assassinated on 9 February in Bangui was laid to rest on 26 February 2014. }}

    The Member of Parliament was killed by unidentified gunmen in central Bangui, just hours after he denounced violence against Muslims in parliament. The fallen legislator was laid to rest at PK12 in Bangui amid tight security.

    The funeral ceremonies, under full protection of Rwanda peacekeepers serving in the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic took place in the CAR Parliament was attended by HE Catherine Samba Panza, Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentarians, members of the International Missions and other dignitaries.

    President Samba Panza condemned the assassination and praised Jean-Emmanuel Ndjaraoua as a legislator committed to working for national unity and reconciliation.

    “He was committed to defend his opinion and thus to contribute to the resolution of the Central African Republic crisis”, President Samba Panza stated in her eulogy.

    The fallen legislator, Jean-Emmanuel Ndjaroua was born in 1968 and was a representative of the southeast region of Haute Kotto.

    He had condemned violence against the Muslim residents of his district in the interim parliament on eve of his death, an act that CAR leaders need to emulate to contain the armed mobs against all CAR citizens irrespective of religion.

    MOD

  • Rwanda Peacekeepers Conduct Security Meetings,Patrols in Bangui

    Rwanda Peacekeepers Conduct Security Meetings,Patrols in Bangui

    {{Rwandan Peacekeepers serving in the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA) conducted security meetings and confidence building patrols with the local population in the 5th Arrondissement, Miskine neighbourhood one of the sectarian conflict affected area in Bangui.}}

    The meetings and patrols were aimed at building security measures taken to sensitize the population to maintain security. The presence of peacekeepers deters attacks by mobs and instils confidence among the local population.

    On the other hand the local population assured their support to improve the security situation in the area. “With Rwandans, we feel more secure”, one of the local resident revealed to the Al Jazeera journalist after the meeting on ground.

    RwaMechBatt1 has intensified patrols to dominate areas around Bangui in protection of civilians.

    {a Rwandan Peacekeeper on patrol in CAR}