Author: Publisher

U.S. Embassy Welcomes TechWomen Delegation to Rwanda

Kigali – {The U.S. Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda is pleased to welcome to Rwanda a delegation from the TechWomen exchange program, a U.S. Department of State exchange program that encourages and supports women in Africa and the Middle East to develop and pursue opportunities and careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.}

The delegation includes six Rwandan women selected last year to take part in the TechWomen exchange program. These Rwandans joined representatives from across Africa and the Middle East in connecting with mentors from technology firms including Facebook, Juniper Networks, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, LinkedIn, Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe L.L.P, Twitter, and Walmart eCommerce.

While in Rwanda, the group will visit and meet with girls in the hopes of sowing interest in the world’s dynamic technology and science fields. Delegation members plan to visit Rwandan schools, including Akilah Institute for Women, Gashora Girls Academy, Carnegie Mellon University’s Kigali Campus and the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology. Other planned visits include paying respects at the Kigali Memorial Center in Giszi and connecting with girl-centric development efforts in and around Kigali.

Delegation members will also join more than 150 young Rwandan girls at the inaugural U.S. Embassy Kigali Girls Technology Fair Feb. 5 at the U.S. Embassy in Kacyiru. This invitation only event will introduce girls from 30 different Rwandan secondary schools to the TechWomen delegation and the Rwandan TechWomen alumnae, giving those girls a chance to hear first-hand how these successful women got their starts and successes in the technology fields.

The trip coincides with a visit from Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Evan Ryan, who will accompany the TechWomen delegation on several programs in the country. Ryan is scheduled also to attend the inaugural U.S. Embassy Kigali Girls Technology Fair Feb. 5.

Interested in being one of the next TechWomen? Those interested can learn more about the program and apply online at www.Techwomen.org.

February 3, 2014
France Holds up Mirror in Rwanda Genocide Trial

{Through a ground-breaking trial, France is at last coming to terms with its much-criticized response to Rwanda’s genocide.}

The trial is two decades too late to stop the killings. But activists hope it reminds today’s French leaders of their responsibilities in Africa, and marks the end of an era in which France provided a haven for those who commit atrocities abroad.

A wheelchair-bound Rwandan former intelligence chief, Pascal Simbikangwa (Sim-BEE-kangh-wah), appears in Paris court Tuesday for a seven-week trial. He faces charges of complicity in genocide and complicity in crimes against humanity.

France was close to the Rwandan government and is accused of helping people involved in the 1994 genocide to flee.

The trial was made possible under 1990s laws allowing near-universal jurisdiction for exceptional crimes.

{{AP}}

February 3, 2014
BRD Exceeds 2013 Investment Targets

{{The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) has registered remarkable performances in funding developmental projects in the priority sectors of the Rwandan economy.}}

In an interview with the media, Manzi Benjamin the Director of Investments in (BRD) attributes the achievement to the practice of maintaining better management of the bank’s current portfolio that increased repayments from existing customers ultimately boosting financing of other new projects in the bank.

As a policy lending institution, Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) is positioned to spearhead development of the economy through provision of financing to projects that speed up the development of the economy. The bank works in order to meet its mandate of playing the foremost role in development of the country.

Last year, the bank registered remarkable performances in funding developmental projects in the priority sectors of the Rwandan economy. This achievement was attributed to the practice of maintaining better management of the bank’s current portfolio that increased repayments from existing customers ultimately boosting financing of other new projects in the bank.

Much emphasis has been put on real estate development through financing developers however the bank is to start its affordable housing estate development soon after raising funds for this specific project to facilitate in closing the gap in the housing demand.

The bank has also strengthened its position of being at the forefront of financing SMEs of all kinds most especially agro-processing, manufacturing and services through collaboration with the Business Development Fund (BDF) which offers guarantees thus mitigating the major challenge for startups projects (lack of collateral/security to access finance).

The management of the bank will continue to solicit for more funds within the current financial year to consolidate the economy through access to developmental financing.

To review the bank’s performance in 2013 (with particular focus on status of investments financing), Mr. Manzi reveals tips on accessing investment loans, and re-affirms the bank’s commitment to increasing its investments in developmental projects in 2014 and other years ahead.

{{Role does the Investment department play in the growth of the bank and of the national development}}

{{MB}}: As a development bank that boosts the economy through availing financing, we engage our funds in priority sectors of the economy that engineer development of other sectors through value addition. In other words, BRD finances project promoters (entrepreneurs) as long as their project concepts are in line with developmental mandate of the bank.

Precisely, developmental projects are those that ‘add value’ to the locally existing or imported raw materials, provide employment for Rwandans as well as creating wealth by using imported technology as a tool to enhance knowledge and experience to Rwandans.

{{An overview of total investments made in 2013 and some of other achievements registered}}

{{MB}}: In 2013, we were satisfied with our performance as we achieved many of our set targets and we have high hopes for this year as well. Looking at our initial projections for 2013 in comparison with financing approvals, we had set a target of 45 Billion Rwandan francs for approval and achieved 60 Billion Rwanda francs worth of loan approvals thus a 130 percent achievement rate.

Among these, the biggest investment approvals were registered in the commercial and hotels, closely followed by manufacturing and industries, and agriculture and livestock sectors with 65 percent of approved loans disbursed to the beneficiaries.

In line with EDPRS II, these investments were to raise jobs to curb unemployment and in this regard, investments approved directly created an estimated 4,000 permanent jobs and 10,500 temporary jobs. It must be noted that there are so many other jobs created indirectly that were created though it is difficult to ascertain the specific number.

Our statistics showcase a positive trend on national revenue reserves with projected 8.8 Billion Rwandan francs worth of taxes realized from the total investment approvals made in 2013 as the nation drives to self-reliance.

{{The bank’s main focus of investment financing in 2014 and the years ahead as well.
}}

{{MB}}: Our focus still remains the same, we plan to pump more funds in developmental projects in the priority sectors as mandated to pave Rwanda’s development path.

To be precise, our focus will be on affordable housing as well as ensuring SME development to achieve the set targets on achieving more jobs and reduce poverty through raising the standards of living as mandated by the EDPRS II.

We will also focus on amplification of our refinancing system through which Microfinance institutions will be financially empowered to efficiently cater for prospective clients in need of small investment loans to facilitate SME growths especially targeting women and youth.

The bank is ready to make investments in green energy especially financing of micro-hydro power plants to boost the energy sector. We have signed an MOU with FONERWA (Environment and Climate Change Fund) to boost financing of this sector

February 3, 2014
Kigali: ADPR Bibare tipped on “Ndi Umunyarwanda program”

Christians of ADPR Bibare church resumed a discussion on “Ndi umunyarwanda program”. The church is located in Masoro Village in Ndera Sector.

It’s now 4 month since the discussions were resumed.

According to the guest speaker MP Bamporiki Edward history doesn’t show the part played by churches in the battle of fighting genocide.

He also added that Ndi umunyarwanda program is the first step in sensitizing people to ask for forgiveness and forgiving each other through reconciliation between one another.

Speaking to journalists, the head of this village Pastor Harerimana Anaclet said the goals of the village follow the vision of ADEPR church through sending the message of God and changing their standards of living.

February 3, 2014
Kaberuka Affirms AfDB’s Confidence in Ivory Coast

{{African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President Donald Kaberuka has appreciated the efforts of the Ivoirian authorities and people as a whole for their reconstruction work, their economic relaunch and excellent results achieved in a short time.}}

Kaberuka was Opening the 4th “Invest in Côte d’Ivoire Forum” in Abidjan on January 29 in the presence of the Ivoirian Prime Minister, Daniel Kablan Duncan, and political and economic representatives from Côte d’Ivoire and abroad

He also saluted the return to political stability, the growing pace of economic reform, and the country which is positioning itself “very well” in the sub-region.

The meeting, with the theme of “Private sector: A lever for successful regional integration,” brought together nearly 3,000 participants from 113 countries.

Kaberuka did, nonetheless, add the qualification that “Africa still has a long way to go to achieve its transformation, create the jobs our young people need, and increase its participation in global value chains. That is why we must make a clear distinction between necessary economic growth and economic transformation, which is the strategic goal,” he said.

With regard to the forum, Kaberuka called on its participants to analyze the investment landscape together and explore the opportunities presented by the Ivory Coast’s reconstruction and economic relaunch. There was also a need, he added, to work out how to transform certain constraints into business opportunities.

“To the investors present here, I have just one message,” he said: “You will be right to have confidence in the Ivory Coast. The AfDB strongly believes in this country,” he continued. “That is why, after a decade in which we had to relocate our institution because of the crisis in the country, we have just started our return to the Bank’s headquarter here in Abidjan. I am here with our teams to discuss with the Government how best to structure our operations, to make this country even more attractive and competitive.”

The AfDB has a presence in financing the Ivory Coast’s economy through its public sector and private sector arms, particularly in the area of infrastructure, and it is involved in key projects such as the Azito and CIPREL power stations, and the Henri Konan Bédié Bridge and road projects.

Kaberuka added that the African Development Bank is willing to consider accompanying viable projects, which, if certain conditions are met, will benefit from the Bank’s experience and have its finance tools at their disposal.

Appreciating the reforms undertaken by the Ivory Coast to improve the business climate, Kaberuka emphasized three key points which need constant improvement: security, the judiciary system and the public sector.

Kaberuka also dwelt on the need for regional integration in Africa for growth that takes sufficient account of issues of inclusion and equal opportunity for all.

He also proposed strengthening the Bank’s partnership with investors as part of its private sector arm. This arm grants loans, guarantees and other products up to an amount of approximately $2 billion each year.

Finally, Donald Kaberuka reiterated the willingness of the Bank, a leading African institution, to work closely with Côte d’Ivoire.

AFDB

February 3, 2014
Kenya: Now Bring Barasa to Me – Bensouda

{The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, has welcomed the ruling allowing the extraction of journalist Walter Barasa to The Hague.}

Barasa is supposed to face charges for alleged bribery of witnesses in the case against Deputy President William Ruto and former Kass FM broadcaster Joshua arap Sang.

“We expect that the Government of Kenya will take all necessary steps to move the matter forward so that Walter Barasa can be arrested and surrendered to the ICC without undue delay to face charges for attempted obstruction of justice,” Bensouda’s office said.

Barasa on Friday lost a bid seeking to block an arrest warrant issued against him by the ICC last year.

While issuing the verdict, Justice Richard Mwongo said that Barasa’s application was premature because the High Court was not the right forum to determine whether or not the warrant was rightly issued or not.

The judge added that Barasa would only be able to get a chance to give his side of the story once he surrendered to the court or was given up to the court.

Barasa has however received 14 days of reprieve, within which he can appeal against the decision.

“The Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku is now at liberty to commence these proceedings against Barasa but that liberty has been stayed for 14 days pending appeal,” directed the judge.

Justice Mwongo said that the only person with the power to challenge the application was Attorney General Githu Muigai and that the High Court had the jurisdiction to hear the matter.

The 41 year old journalist cum-activist is being sought by the ICC after he was accused of bribing three prosecution witnesses in the case against Deputy President William Ruto and Joshua arap Sang with amounts ranging between Sh1 million and Sh1.5 million.

He has however denied the claims, accusing the ICC Prosecution of having a vendetta against him.

Meanwhile the Attorney General is expected in The Hague in two weeks time to respond to a request by Bensouda to have all witnesses who have declined to testify in the case against Deputy President William Ruto and former Kass FM presenter Joshua arap Sang summoned.

Muigai is expected to travel to ICC on Valentine’s Day after being directed to do so by the court to clarify the principles of Kenyan law while at the same time giving an update on the current status of cooperation between Kenya and the Prosecutor’s requests.

The Attorney General will be required The Office of the Prosecutor has been expressing concern with the rate at which witnesses have dropped out of the case. At times the court has had to adjourn proceedings due to lack of witnesses.

{{Capital FM}}

February 3, 2014
RDF to Harvest 20,000 tons of Maize in Gabiro Farm

{{Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) will harvest about 20,000 tons of maize this season in the Military Farm at Gabiro Barracks. The produce will partly be bought for Strategic Food Reserve with the extra sold at the EAC Commodities Exchange market.}}

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Agnes Kalibata accompanied with the Minister of defence, Gen James Kabarebe on 2 February 2014 launched the harvest exercise.

The maize to be harvested covers 664 ha at Gabiro, in Gatsibo and Nyagatare districts. Over two thousand citizens from the two districts were employed in the farm.

Dr. Kalibata said that the maize crop yield to be harvested in Gabiro RDF Farm indicates how the region is fertile and with irrigation, mechanization and other methods, this would be a food basket for the whole country. The Government is in the process of using irrigation in near future in the area by using Akagera River, she said.

With the current maize crops, the Minister of defence, Gen.James Kabarebe requested extra Combine Harvesters and other technical support from the Ministry of agriculture. Dr.Kalibata promised full support and said that the crops will be directed in the Food Reserves for the country.

The RDF spokesperson, Brig Gen Joseph Nzabamwita said that with developmental activities RDF is tackling human security issue. ”There is no doubt the country is protected and has security. However, RDF is engaged in comprehensive Human Security which involves food security. To achieve our mission we need to work in collaboration with our people” he said.

RDF is targeting to plant beans on 300 ha for next Season B and a total of 1343 ha that will be cultivated in 2015 A season beginning September 2014.

Mechanization including use of helicopters for weeding and pest control will be used to increase crop produce said Brig Gen Nzabamwita.

RDF runs other developmental projects including cassava farming in Gako, Bugesera district, cattle farming in Songa and diary in Nyanza district and pigs project developed in Kicukiro district.

MOD

February 3, 2014
Uganda Miners Must Protect Karamoja Interests, Rights Group Says

{Mining developers in Uganda’s northeast Karamoja region have failed to respect the rights of local residents who communally own the land for raising livestock and cultivating crops, Human Rights Watch said.
}

The government and some exploration companies have excluded customary land owners from discussions to develop deposits in the area, the New York-based group said in a 140-page report entitled “How Can we Survive Here?” released today. The hunt mainly for gold and marble has intensified over the past two years as at least three companies started operating without the communities giving full consent, it said.

The East African nation, which has deposits ranging from gold to copper, hasn’t produced large quantities of minerals. The industry could expand “significantly in the near future” as investor interest in oil spreads to minerals, according to a report on the U.S. Geological Survey’s website.

Uganda, classified by the World Bank as one of the world’s poorest nations, discovered oil in 2006 and has an estimated 3.5 billion barrels of crude. London-based Tullow Oil Plc, Cnooc Ltd. and France’s Total SA are jointly developing the finds, which have yet to enter into production. The nation has sub-Saharan Africa’s fourth-biggest oil reserves.

The situation in Karamoja mirrors concerns in Uganda’s oil-rich regions about the possibility of heightened political patronage, corruption and restrictions on civil-society groups that criticize the government’s development plans, Human Rights Watch said. The report is based on 137 interviews between May and November.
Local Approval

The government ensures its development plans for the region have the backing of the local community, Barbara Oundo Nekesa, minster of state for Karamoja, said by phone.
Story: Prominent Mongolian Environmentalist Given 21-Year Jail Sentence for ‘Terrorism’

“It is not possible that government can work against its people,” she said from Kampala, the capital.

Karamoja, a region of 1.2 million people mainly of the pastoralist Karamojong ethnic group, has suffered recurring bouts of violence and food insecurity, with the highest rate of childhood malnutrition in the country, according to Human Rights Watch.

“Mining development could be a real boon to the people of Karamoja, bringing jobs and better security, services, and basic infrastructure,” said Daniel Bekele, the group’s Africa director. “However it is still unclear how the people of Karamoja will benefit, if at all, from mining, or how the government intends to protect their rights during this process.”

February 3, 2014
Qatar: Rwandan-Qatar air hostess, nominated among the best employees

{Rwandan senior air hostess working with Quatar Airways Karire Lillian has been nominated among the list of best employees in providing customer care services to clients in year 2013.}

Speaking to IGIHE, Karire said she works as a senior Hostess at the airport whereby she is based in the diplomatic category and Business class.

She is the one who follows up supervisors operations in providing services like ticketing, lounges, checking, counters, transfer desk and finding five star hotels to clients.

She also added it didn’t take her longtime to secure this job where she has been working for 2 years, before leaving the Belgian company Mec and Serena hotels were she was working as a Guest services officer.

Karire studied her high school in Rwanda at saint Vincent in Musanze district, African Adventist University and INILAK.

She added Rwandan businesses to respect clients because they are the ones who provide them with excellence in everything.

Quatar Airways was founded on 22nd November 1993, launched in Rwanda 2012, and its one of the best Airline companies ranked 1st runner-up to emirates according to the list that was released in 2013, while Doha Airport comes 68th on the 2013 world rankings.

February 3, 2014
Funeral arrangement for Anne Heyman scheduled for Today

{The funeral for Anne Heyman has been scheduled for Monday, February 3rd at 12 noon at B’nai Jeshurun, 257 West 88th Street (between Broadway and West End Avenue). Afterward, the ceremony will continue at Sharon Gardens Cemetery, 273 Lakeview Avenue, Valhalla, NY 10595
}

In lieu of flowers, it is the family’s request that donations be made to Anne’s life changing project – the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV). ASYV was built to enable orphaned and vulnerable youth in Rwanda to realize their maximum potential by providing them with a safe and secure living environment, health care, education and necessary life skills. Education and service are used to model and create socially responsible citizens in Rwanda and around the world.

Anne Heyman, a Jewish philanthropist who founded a Rwandan youth village for children orphaned in that country’s 1994 genocide, died in a horse-riding accident.

Heyman, 52, died Friday afternoon after falling off a horse during a jumping competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Florida, The Palm Beach Post reported.

February 3, 2014