IGIHE

Author: Publisher

  • EU to Ease Sanctions on Zimbabwe, But not on Mugabe

    EU to Ease Sanctions on Zimbabwe, But not on Mugabe

    {{The European Union is to further ease sanctions on Zimbabwe next week, but will keep a travel ban and asset freeze on President Robert Mugabe and his wife, EU sources said on Tuesday.}}

    But the EU has held out an olive branch to Mugabe, inviting him to take part in an EU-Africa summit in Brussels in April and granting him an exemption from sanctions to visit Europe.

    The moves reflect a cautious easing of EU policy towards Zimbabwe 12 years after it first imposed sanctions in protest at human rights abuses and violations of democracy under Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980.

    EU states were divided in their response when Mugabe, 89, won a fifth term as president in an election last July that was endorsed as free by African observers but denounced as fraudulent by the opposition.

    The overhaul of the EU’s policy, after a review, is designed to encourage positive change in Zimbabwe while retaining some leverage over Mugabe to pursue reforms.

    “It does seem a time to move forward and the sense is that Zimbabwe is moving … We need to respond,” EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said in the European Parliament on Tuesday in response to a question about easing sanctions.

    “I think we probably are now in the right place to do this on the basis that if things go badly we can move back again,” she said. EU sanctions on Zimbabwe are renewed annually and are due for review by February 20.

    The EU is expected to announce next week that sanctions will be suspended on eight of the 10 Zimbabweans affected by asset freezes and travel bans in recognition that the country has made some progress in reforming.

    EU officials have described the eight as “key decision-makers” in Zimbabwe. However, Mugabe and his wife Grace will remain under sanctions for a further year, EU sources said.

    The EU will keep its arms embargo on Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Defence Industries, an arms supplier, will also remain under sanctions, the sources said.

    {Reuters}

  • Uhuru’s Fate at ICC now Linked to His Cash Records

    Uhuru’s Fate at ICC now Linked to His Cash Records

    {{The Kenya government’s official submissions at The Hague Thursday regarding a demand for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s financial transaction records may hold the key to the closure of his case at the International Criminal Court.}}

    On Thursday, Attorney General Githu Muigai will seek to convince the ICC bench why the Government of Kenya has declined to comply with the Prosecution request to release Uhuru’s financial records.

    He is expected to argue that the Banking Act prohibits the Central Bank of Kenya from publishing information that discloses financial affairs of any person unless the consent of that person has been secured in writing.

    Prof Muigai will also argue that the Prosecution request is untenable as it violates the Rome Statute, Rules of Procedure and Evidence and disregards the International Crimes Act.

    “The prosecution’s request for such information in full awareness of the conditions under which it may be sought and the process preceding it and with the knowledge that this would be in breach of Article 93 of the Statute and hence illegal, is malicious and an attempt to subvert the process of justice by whatever means possible,” said the AG in an earlier submission, pointing to his line of argument tomorrow.

    Prof Muigai will also dwell on the role of the President vis-a-vis other constitutional bodies concerning the issue of co-operation and also outline the doctrine of separation of powers and independence of various organs of government.

    But Bensouda argues that there is no domestic law that deters the government from acting on the request.

    “Despite the GoK’s suggestion that information in the records requested cannot be provided without violating the rights of the concerned persons, legal avenues do exist under Kenyan law, likely involving judicial oversight from a domestic court,” she says.

    However, Bensouda has insisted that withdrawing the charges “would reward the accused, who heads a Government that has obstructed the court’s work, and who is in a position to ensure that the GoK compiles with its treaty obligations.”

    “The parties, the Legal Representative for Victims and a representative of the Kenya Government, are invited to attend. The discussion will, in principle, take place in public session,” the three-judge Bench said as they scheduled tomorrow’s meeting.

    {standard}

  • Ndi Umunyarwanda in US: Reflections and Prayers

    Ndi Umunyarwanda in US: Reflections and Prayers

    {{The Rwandan community in the United States welcomed the Right Reverend John Rucyahana; Honorable Francis Kaboneka, MP; and Honorable Connie Bwiza, MP, in Washington, D.C. area on Friday February 7th, 2014 to discuss }} {Ndi Umunyarwanda}.

    The event attracted mainly Rwandans from the greater Washington, D.C. area, but it also included the representatives of the national leadership committee of the
    Rwandan community in the United States of America and regional leaders from Texas, New York, Indiana, Ohio, and California.

    The delegates expressed their appreciation for the Rwandan community’s continued determination to solidify their community and engage in their country’s development.

    The topics discussed included the history of Rwanda covered by Honorable Kaboneka; “Healing the wounds of the past, apology and forgiveness,” covered by the Rt Reverend Rucyahana; and “Introduction to {Ndi Umunyarwanda},” presented by Honorable Bwiza.

    In addition, there was a screening of a documentary film titled Ndi Umunyarwanda that highlighted the divisive politics that led Rwanda into the genocidal pit in 1994.

    This interactive discussion was very exciting, interesting, emotional, informative and sincere, prompting some community members to revisit their dark history dating back to 1959.

    One of the attendees shared with the audience her struggles to survive that started when as a baby she escaped death in the killings of Tutsis in 1959 as her parents’ home was set on fire.

    “I became an American citizen because no other country wanted to guarantee me citizenship. Rwanda, my motherland had turned me down; Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo had turned me down.

    Becoming an American was not a choice,” she emotionally recalled. She rejoiced in the fact she is now Rwandan. {Ndi Umunyarwandazi}, she repeatedly said.

    As the discussion continued, many Rwandans reflected on their personal fight for their Rwandan Identity, highlighting the high price paid by a number of Rwandans to regain their right to citizenship and national identity: {Ndi Umunyarwanda}.

    They discussed many distortions of {Ndi Umunyarwanda} initiative that have been circulating in various forums and in the social media.

    In conclusion, the attendees saluted the initiative and appreciated the {Ndi Umunyarwanda} message.

    They also vowed to own and share it in their local communities. Honorable Kaboneka reminded all that for this initiative to be successful, every Rwanda must play his or her role.

    They all vowed to continue working together to maintain this kind of engagement and enhance and carry forward this important message.

    The conversation continued on Saturday February 8th, 2014 at the 12th Prayer Banquet held at the Sheraton Hotel in Silver Spring, Maryland.

    Organized by the Rwandan Community led by Madame Antoinette Kanyabutembo, the Rwanda Prayer banquet attracted about two hundred Rwandans and friends to pray for Rwanda, praising the Lord for the achievements recorded and asking for blessings and
    wisdom to propel Rwanda forward.

    H.E. Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana and the Rt Reverend Rucyahana hailed Dave Jenkins and Rev. Janice Davis Steele and many devoted Christians who joined
    Rwandans in a prayer for our continued efforts to unite and prosper.

    As said by Rev. Steele and echoed by the Rt Reverend Rucyahana, “Our God is a God of precedence. If he has done it elsewhere; if he has done it before, he will do it again.”

    They both reminded the attendees that God will always answer their prayers if they pray with a purpose and conviction.

    “Never, never, never pray in vacuum,” they both pleaded. The Rt Rev. Rucyahana eloquently called Rwandans to leave behind their divisive identities and embrace their national identity: {Ndi Umunyarwanda}.

    “We are too broken to be corrupt; we have no luxury to nurture hatred. We have the pain, the wounds are real but some politicize it. We have killed, we have lost; we have no luxury to lose more,” lamented the Rt Reverend.

    H.E. Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana rejoiced in spirit and invoked the God of Rwanda to continuously guide Rwandans and their leaders in their quest for a common identity and vision. “Our God did not come to Rwanda when Jesus was introduced to us.

    Our God existed before, our God spends the day elsewhere but always sleeps in
    Rwanda. In 1994, many Rwandans did not see God, but God never left Rwanda.

    At times, many thought we were dead, but we managed to rise due to the grace of our God,” she reminded the attendees. She applauded the event organizers for being our country’s ambassadors and saluted many friends of Rwanda who attended.

    She beseeched the audience to support Rwandans in our quest for a common identity. {Ndi Umunyarwanda} is the only way we can preserve the legacy we fought so hard to build. We count on friends of Rwanda like you to water this initiative.”

    The evening ended with Madam Kanyabutembo’s heartfelt thanksgiving to the Lord, who has raised Rwanda higher than we could imagine twenty years ago.

    The attendees joined her to thank God for this amazing grace and vowed to work together to promote unity and the overall welfare of Rwandans.

    Amariza n’Amasonga, a Rwandan cultural dance group, brought the audience on their foot to savor Rwanda’s beautiful culture in celebration of Rwanda’s achievements and promising future prospects.

  • U.S. Warns of Terror Attack in Kampala

    U.S. Warns of Terror Attack in Kampala

    {{The United States has warned of a “specific terrorist threat” to Kampala, saying a group of attackers were looking to strike the Ugandan capital this month or in March but without identifying who was behind the threat.}}

    Uganda is a close security ally of the U.S. in East Africa and its troops form the backbone of the African Union (AU)-mandated peacekeeping force battling Somalia’s Islamist Al Shabaab militants.

    Al Shabaab fighters killed at least 67 people in September during a raid on the Westgate shopping mall in neighbouring Kenya and the group has repeatedly threatened to strike Uganda unless it withdraws its troops from Somalia.

    {{PRESS RELEASE

    U.S. Embassy Kampala, Uganda
    Security Message for U.S. Citizens:
    Potential for a Terrorist Attack in Kampala Feb/Mar 2014

    February 10, 2014

    The U.S. Embassy has received information regarding a specific terrorist threat to Kampala. The threat information indicates that a group of attackers is possibly in place and ready to strike targets inside Kampala in February or March.

    There are indications that the Ugandan National Museum is one of the potential targets.

    As potential targets can change, the Embassy cautions U.S. citizens to avoid this site and other crowded public places and/or events that are potential targets to terrorists.

    Should you find yourself near the site of an attack, attempt to leave the area immediately, away from the sounds of gunfire and explosions, if safe to do so.

    If unable to leave, go to the safest location you can find, stay hidden, and avoid attracting attention to yourself.

    We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Uganda enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.Gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.

    If you don’t have internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.}}

  • $204M Grant to Further Curb HIV/Aids

    $204M Grant to Further Curb HIV/Aids

    {{Rwanda signed (Tuesday) a $204 million (around Rwf138bn) grant with the Global Fund for implementation of the five-year national strategic plan (2013-2018) to curb HIV/Aids through this innovative financing mechanism. }}

    The innovative approach is expected to significantly contribute to improve the efficiency of the fight against HIV in Rwanda in terms of increasing impact.

    This new approach is designed to allow management of the program that is aligned with existing national systems and strategy, and reduce administrative burden and cost, all this within a harmonized framework that ensures mutual accountability.

    At the signing of the agreement, Minister of Health Dr. Agnes Binagwaho said the Global Fund, which boosted the confidence and relations between the two parties, registered success under the previous funding mechanisms.

    “This is a great approach, it will encourage accountability and result-based performance,” said Dr. Binagwaho, adding that “Rwanda will sustain the universal access to treatment and care, reduce new infections by two-thirds, and halve the number of HIV/Aids related deaths in the next five years.”

    It is the first time that the Global Fund is using this approach in an implementing country, and Rwanda has been chosen to pioneer this model, because of its track record of success in the financial management of health programs.

    Under the agreement, Rwanda will continue to monitor the achievement of universal access to HIV treatment and care for people living with HIV, and the reduction of new infections for key affected populations. The Global Fund will jointly verify the results with Rwanda.

    “The main idea is to empower a high-performing country like Rwanda to further invest for higher impact,” said Dr. Nafsiah Mboi, Chair of the Board of the Global Fund.

    “Rwanda is able to apply this approach because it has an outstanding HIV program, a robust HIV and AIDS national strategic plan, and strong financial and monitoring systems.”

    The Global Fund will be looking into extending the approach to other countries, and also consider it for tuberculosis and malaria grants in Rwanda.

    The grant-signing event coincided with the celebration of the 10-year partnership between the Rwandan Government and Global Fund, which has seen the latter cumulatively grant Rwanda close to $ 900 million.

    Source: gov.rw

  • RICTA calls for Subscription Renewal for .RW domain Name Owners

    RICTA calls for Subscription Renewal for .RW domain Name Owners

    {{The Rwanda Information & Communication Technology Association – RICTA would like to inform all esteemed customers who have websites using the domain name .Rw that they should pay the subscription for the year 2014 to ensure that their websites are not shut down.}}

    RICTA is the official sponsoring organization of the .RW country code top-level domain (ccTLD) of the Republic of Rwanda. RICTA primary mandate is to look after the management, the sustainability, the integrity and the security of the Rwanda Internet space under .RW.

    The deadline for payment is February 28th, 2014 and those who will fail to pay on time will immediately lose access to their websites’ domain names.

    RICTA’s domain names are .rw, .co.rw, .org.rw, .net.rw, .ac.rw, .coop.rw, and they are sold by people authorized by RICTA management.

    Up to now only 195 websites among 1250 with RICTA’s domain names have renewed their subscription.

    Yan Kwizera, Operations Officer at Rwanda Information and Communication Technology Association (RICTA) said those who have not yet managed to renew their subscription will end up with losing their domain names or they will be sold to other people who need them.

    Activities of payment for domain name renewal started by the end of October 2013 and it will end by 28th February 2013.

    Authorized sellers of Rwanda’s domain names are AFRIREGISTER Ltd, BROADBAND SYSTEM CORPORATION (BSC), ESCIA Ltd, GALAXY GROUP Ltd, HOSTHOLIK Ltd, IGIHE Ltd, IMAGINET Ltd, ISAP Ltd, LEXSYNERGY Ltd, LIQUID TELECOM (Former RWANDATEL S.A), MARKMONITOR Inc, MTN RWANDA, PROGRAMAGE Ltd, and WEBSPAGE Ltd.

    After payment renewal, the web owner can approach any of above mentioned sellers to get his/her domain name without coming to RICTA’s HQs.

    {{Why renewal of .RW domain names subscription is compulsory }}

    Kwizera said this is due to the fact that many subscribers have shown no will to pay for their domain names and this will lead to the closure of some domain names whose owners will have not paid for.

    He said that any person who want to do well her/his business in Rwanda is encouraged to use the Rwandan domain name of .RW adding that this will be another step ahead in good services delivery.

    Kwizera noted that this is also a way to give value to all domain names of .Rw as well as promoting internet access in Rwanda.

    Yan KWIZERA says that when Internet had reached Rwanda, all services related to .RW domain names were offered by one person known as Frederic Gregoire. The same man was also managing domain names of Republic of Congo .CG.

    At that time it was expensive to acquire the .RW domain name but only offered one .RW free domain name to a Rwandan but also provided poor services.

    However, things changed in September, 2012 when ICANN requested Rwanda’s RICTA a non profit organisation to manage all .RW domain names.
    RICTA is supported by RURA (Rwanda Utilities and Regulatory Authority) in partnership with RDB (Rwanda Development Board).

  • REB to Test & Improve English Language Among 40,000 Teachers in Feb

    REB to Test & Improve English Language Among 40,000 Teachers in Feb

    {{The largest-ever survey of Rwandan teachers’ English language skills is set to begin shortly. Approximately 40,000 primary and secondary school teachers will be tested this February 10-28 to determine their English language levels. }}

    The diagnostic test will be used to develop training for teachers and overall strategy, with the goal of improving English language skills. Once current levels are known, school-based mentors will set goals for each teacher’s improvement throughout the year.

    The test was developed by the Rwanda Education Board (REB) with the support of the USAID-funded Literacy, Language, and Learning (L3) Initiative and will be administered by REB school-based mentors.

    The results will inform REB’s development of a long-term blended approach to English language learning, and in the meantime, will allow school-based mentors to provide teachers with targeted training in the areas most needed.

    English language is of strategic importance for Rwanda’s development goals and national interests and is needed for Rwanda to have a competitive edge in the regional and global economy. This is history in the making for the improvement of English language skills in Rwanda.

    Reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills as well as grammar and vocabulary are included in the test, based on the Rwandan English Proficiency Standards for teachers (REPS).

    The REPS system, linked to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), has levels from 1 to 5—beginner to advanced.

    Since January, REB and L3 have been distributing netbook computers to the mentor, loaded with the English testing materials and training resources for different REPS levels.

    The test will help teachers to know where they are now and where they need to be. Teachers are expected to work hard over the year to make big improvements, allowing them to more effectively contribute to improving the quality of education in Rwanda.

    After working with school-based mentors, teachers will be tested again in September 2014 to measure their progress.

    From 2015, teachers will have to under go more rigorous evaluative tests meant for certification purposes which will determine levels attained.

    These tests will impact on future teacher mobility, promotion, career development, transfer, dismissal, etc.

  • ICTR Frees Rwandan ex-police Chief

    ICTR Frees Rwandan ex-police Chief

    {{A Rwandan ex-paramilitary police chief found guilty of genocide by a UN-backed war crimes tribunal has been acquitted on appeal.}}

    Gen Augustin Ndindiliyimana was already free as his sentence was the 11 years he had spent in custody awaiting trial.

    He was one of the most senior figures to be sentenced by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).

    He was put on trial with ex-army chief Gen Augustin Bizimungu, who was given 30 years and is also appealing.

    Two other officers were convicted with the generals and their appeal verdicts were also announced on Tuesday.

    Major Francois-Xavier Nzuwonemeye, the former commander of a reconnaissance battalion, and his second in command, Capt Innocent Sagahutu, were accused of ordering the murder of Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana and were serving 20-year sentences for crimes against humanity.

    On Tuesday, Maj Nzuwonemeye was acquitted and Sagahutu has his jail term reduced to 15 years.

    {Augustin Bizimungu was found to be in complete control of his men in the 2011 judgement}

    BBC

  • National Security Meeting Discuss Comprehensive Human Security for Rwandans

    National Security Meeting Discuss Comprehensive Human Security for Rwandans

    {{A National Security Meeting was held at Rwanda Defence Forces Headquarters, Kimihurura, on 10 February 2014 to discuss the security status in the country.}}

    The Inter-Ministerial meeting brought together Ministers, Governors, Mayors and Officials from Defence, Police and other Security Organs.

    The RDF Spokesperson, Brig Gen Joseph Nzabamwita told media that the meeting was happy with the security situation in the country and commended the citizens for their role.

    Comprehensive human security issues regarding health, food security, crime, youth delinquency, drug abuse and other forms of insecurity were discussed as they relate to social-economic well being of citizens and national development.

    The meeting adopted strategies to enhance coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders for quick implementation of government programs. Brig Gen Nzabamwita said that the meeting resolved that local leaders and security officials should more be engaged and available to work hand in hand with the people in their respective areas.

    The meeting resolved to address declining health insurance known as Mutuelle de Santé contributions by encouraging leaders to educate and encourage the population to honour their annual payments.

    Youth education, employment including financing through co-operatives and participation in various developmental activities was emphasised to tackle the long term causes of youth delinquency.

    The population was further commended for their consciousness on security and asked to continue working closely with local leaders and security organs to stamp out any security threats affecting them particularly in fighting crime.

    Citizens watch, night patrols and sharing of information were found best practices to be further used for collective security.

    The meeting called the population to engage in national programs and development activities, ignoring diversionary propaganda against the country.

    Regarding FDLR genocidal forces, the RDF Spokesperson told Media that the population in collaboration with security forces is determined to defeat them if they attempt to conduct their evil activities.

    He advised them to lay down their arms and go through Mutobo demobilization and re-integration centre so as to join their compatriots in developing the country.

    He called on MONUSCO to execute their mandate of fighting the FDLR and eradicate it from Eastern DRC for the sake of regional stability and development.

    The meeting chaired by the Minister of local government, Hon. Musoni James was also attended by Ministers of Defence, Internal Security, Agriculture, Health and Minister for State for Social Affairs.

    source:MOD

  • Stay & Tell all, Khan tells ICC Witnesses

    Stay & Tell all, Khan tells ICC Witnesses

    {{Deputy President William Ruto’s lawyer Karim Khan has asked prosecution witnesses in the case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) not to pull out but to testify truthfully.}}

    “I don’t want witnesses just to hide under the carpet. And I’m saying this not only as lead counsel for the defence of His Excellency William Ruto but on the instructions of his Excellency William Ruto himself,” Khan said on a visit to Kenya on Tuesday.

    Khan said they should not be afraid to testify because they received inducement to sign up as prosecution witnesses as the real crime was giving false testimony on the stand.

    “Even if they say foreign agents like USAID have pushed certain stories, fed them certain stories or encouraged them to tell certain lies, let them come to the court and reveal the truth behind this case,” he encouraged.

    Such admissions, Khan continued to say, would act as further proof of the shoddy investigations and external influence on the Office of The Prosecutor.

    “That’s what we want to be presented to the judges and that’s what the victims of this post-election violence deserve. The Kenyan electorate have a right to the truth,” he argued.

    And to this end, he said he plans on applying for former ICC Prosecutor Louis Moreno Ocampo – who first pursued the Kenyan cases at the ICC – to be called as a witness.

    “He was the ultimate boss of that office. He was the person who directed everybody else and I think it’s relevant to this case. It’s not seeking simply to drag a personality and put them in a witness box. But I think there’s a legitimate forensic necessity for the judges to hear how lamentable the investigations in this case were,” he said.

    In a rare interview on the Kenyan cases with Radio Netherlands Worldwide recently, Ocampo admitted that there were diplomats who asked him to stop President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto from contesting in the 2013 General Election.

    “There were some diplomats asking me to do something more to prevent Kenyatta or Ruto to compete for the elections,” he said during the interview.

    On Monday, witness P0323 – David Kiarie Kibe – said he could not in good conscience testify against Ruto as he had been induced by USAID.

    It’s due to the increasing number of witness withdrawals that the ICC prosecution has applied for these renegade witnesses to be compelled to testify.

    An application Khan is opposed to, despite urging the witnesses to testify.

    “On Valentine’s day we’re all going to be busy in court. The trial chamber has asked for oral arguments on that. We say there’s no such power. Witnesses must come voluntarily,” he said.

    {Khan said they should not be afraid to testify because they received inducement to sign up as prosecution witnesses as the real crime was giving false testimony on the stand}

    Capitalfm