IGIHE

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  • Nine Ugandan soldiers killed in South Sudan

    Nine Ugandan soldiers killed in South Sudan

    {Nine Ugandan soldiers have been killed and 12 others wounded in South Sudan, the army said Tuesday, dismissing claims by Uganda legislature that hundreds have been killed in the month-long battle.}

    The army spokesman Lt Col Paddy Ankunda said the troops had been killed in a single rebel ambush on January 14, the day Ugandan Parliament approved its deployment in South Sudan in support of President Salva Kiir.

    “Let there be no speculation anymore; Uganda has lost nine soldiers and 12 injured in South Sudan,” Lt Col Ankunda said. “The 9 UPDF soldiers died in a rebel ambush at Gemeza a week ago.”

    The rebel groups, however, claim that they have killed scores of Ugandan soldiers.

    Last week, opposition MPs made claims in parliament that hundreds of Ugandan soldiers have been killed in the fighting between soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar.

    Daily Nation

  • Imagine where Rwanda would be without RPF Founders-1990-2014

    Imagine where Rwanda would be without RPF Founders-1990-2014

    {Against the backdrop of entrenched divisive and genocide ideology, repeated massacres, the persistent problems of refugees in the Diaspora, and the lack of avenues for peaceful political change, the Rwandese Alliance for National Unity (RANU) was formed in 1979 by some Rwandese in the Diaspora with the objective of mobilizing Rwandese people to resolve these problems. }

    Almost a decade later, in 1987, RANU became the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF), whose objectives were:

    • To promote national unity and reconciliation;

    • To establish genuine democracy;

    • To provide security for all Rwandese;

    • To build an integrated and self sustaining economy;

    • To eradicate corruption in all forms

    • To repatriate and resettle Rwandese refugees;

    • To devise and implement policies that promote the social welfare of all Rwandese and;

    • To pursue a foreign policy based on equality, peaceful co-existence and mutual benefit between Rwanda and other countries.

    THE ARMED STRUGGLE

    Most of the world had never heard of the RPF until 1st October 1990 the day the war of liberation began against the military dictatorship in Kigali.

    Taking up arms was not an easy decision to make. War has always been the last option in the consideration of the RPF.

    However, all efforts for peaceful and democratic change in had so far proved futile.

    It had become apparent that only by taking up arms could anyone wishing to put an end to the dictatorship and the violation of fundamental rights hope to succeed.

    The regime had amassed a huge coercive state machinery using violence to oppress the people.

    The taking up of arms against the regime was therefore considered not just a right, but also a patriotic and national obligation.

    When the war began, Rwandese peasants, workers, students and intellectuals, men and women from every region and “ethnic” or social group, responded to the call of the RPF to rid Rwanda of dictatorship.

    With the beginning of the armed struggle, France, Belgium, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire) hurriedly dispatched troops to Rwanda to support the dictatorial regime.

    {{
    THE SEARCH FOR PEACE}}

    As the war for liberation escalated, RPF still attempted to seek peaceful ways of resolving the conflict.

    On 29th March 1991, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the RPF and the then Government of Rwanda signed the N’sele Ceasefire Agreement which provided for, among other things, cessation of hostilities, withdrawal of foreign troops, exchange of prisoners of war and finally, serious political negotiations to end the conflict.

    Immediately after signing the agreement, the Government of Rwanda ridiculed and ignored the
    Said agreement and the war intensified.

    {{THE ARUSHA PEACE AGREEMENT}}

    As the regime became more desperate, massacres of Tutsi’s in various parts of the country became widespread in a deliberate effort of ethnic cleansing.

    The regime used violence to harass and silence the emerging internal political opposition.
    Violence was also used to derail the peace process.

    After a long period of negotiation that took place in Arusha, Tanzania, the Arusha Peace Agreement was signed on 4th August 1993.

    The Arusha Peace Agreement was preceded by the signing of the agreement on a new ceasefire, as well as parties agreeing on the following principles:

    That there was neither democracy nor the practice of the rule of law in Rwanda;

    That a broad based government of national unity, including parties of different political persuasions was necessary to oversee the transition to democracy.

    That the Rwandese army was not national in character and that it was necessary to set up a truly national army from among members of the two existing armies; and That Rwandese refugees have a legitimate inalienable right to return home.

    The agreement was structured around five pillars:

    • The establishment of the rule of law;

    • Power Sharing

    • Repatriation and resettlement of refugees and Internally displaced people

    • The integration of armed forces; and Other miscellaneous provisions.

    • Members of the ruling were particularly threatened by the power sharing arrangements.

    • The Arusha Peace Agreement threatened the basis of their power and privilege, which they had so far enjoyed without serious challenge.

    •

    Given the fact that they had always relied on the army as the instrument of maintaining their grip on power at any cost, it is clear why they were very opposed to the idea of integration of the armed forces.

    The Arusha Peace Agreement was signed on 4th August 1993 and was supposed to have been implemented within 37 days, beginning with the establishment of the institutions of the presidency, cabinet and the National Assembly.

    A United Nations force was supposed to oversee this process.

    RPF honored all its commitments when in December 1993 it sent 600 of its troops to Kigali, as well as members of the Executive designated to be members of the transitional government.

    The regime on the other hand, was focused on the preparation for genocide.

    The Arusha Peace Agreement was never implemented although its principal provisions now constitute the Fundamental Law of the Republic of Rwanda.

    GENOCIDE

    The Genocide of the Tutsi in 1994 was a carefully planned and executed exercise to annihilate

    Rwanda’s Tutsi population and Hutus who did not agree with the prevailing extremist politics of the Habyarimana regime.

    This genocide was by no means the first time attempt by the government of Rwanda to wipe out sections of the population they believed were opposed to their politics.

    The first massacres of the Tutsi in Rwanda took place in 1959.

    Thereafter, almost in a regular manner, killings of the Tutsi became a common practice.

    Throughout the 1960s, the extremist government launched vicious attacks on Rwanda’s

    Tutsi population, resulting in a mass exodus into neighboring Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Congo.

    For the first time in Rwanda’s six century long history, a large portion of the people of Rwanda became stateless, and was denied the right to live in their motherland.

    It was also first time in Rwanda’s history, that the Rwandan leadership preached a message of division, hate, and violence, resulting in repeated cycles of genocide.

    Genocide re-occurred in 1973, 1979 and1990, after the launch of the
    Struggle by the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) to liberate Rwanda, the government launched yet another cycle of genocide.

    Between 1990 and 1994, the Bagogwe people of Northern Rwanda were targeted by the Habyarimana regime, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths.

    There were similar attacks orchestrated against people of Kibuye, Butare and elsewhere in Rwanda.

    Between April and July 1994, over one million Rwandans were killed by the genocidal regime.

    Many people were involved in the killings and those who planned and organized the genocide include the late President, Major General Juvenal Habyarimana, top government officials, including members of the so called Provisional Government, the Presidential Guard, the National Gendarmerie, the Rwanda Armed Forces (FAR), the MRND

    CDR militia (Interahamwe), local officials, and many Hutu in the general population.

    Preparation to carry out genocide by these groups involved the training of the militia, the arming of both the militia and some sections of the population, the establishment and widespread use of a hate radio called Radio television libre de mille collines (RTLM), and the distribution of lists of those targeted for elimination.

    Repeatedly, these groups prevented the establishment of the Arusha Peace Accords.

    When the genocide began in 1994, the United Nations had a peacekeeping force the United Nations

    Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) in Rwanda of about 2500 troops and the first reaction of the United Nations, and indeed of other nations that had their own nationals in Rwanda, was to withdraw their troops and their nationals respectively.

    Under the circumstances the RPF had to fight again in order to stop the genocide.

    On July 4, 1994, the RPF defeated the genocidal forces, liberated Rwanda and formed the Government of National Unity (which served from 1994 to 2003 when a new democratically elected government was in place).

    Among the highest priorities of the new post genocide government was to apprehend and bring to justice the perpetrators of genocide.

    Thousands of suspects had been arrested and imprisoned.

    The sheer bulk of genocide suspects and cases awaiting trial placed severe strain on
    Rwanda’s criminal justice system which had been already crippled by poor infrastructure and the death of profession also during the genocide.

    Rwanda’s prisons were heavily congested, and the cost of feeding and clothing prisoners was a drain on the economy.

    The lack of an adequate number of prosecutors, judges, and lawyers to try cases exacerbated the already bad situation.

    It would have taken over 200 years had Rwanda relied on the conventional court system to deliver justice.

    The government took the decision to ease pressure on the criminal justice system by categorizing genocide suspects according to the crimes of which they are accused.

    {{“Category 1” suspects}}

    the ’planners, organizers, instigators, supervisors and leaders’ of the genocide of which there were 2,133 would be tried in the conventional courts.

    {{
    Suspects in categories 2}}

    Four who were perpetrators of various crimes during genocide would be tried in traditional community courts or Gacaca courts.

    Gacaca is a traditional Rwandan conflict and disputes resolution procedure designed to be participatory and reconciliatory justice that has been modernized to deal with a
    Backlog of genocide cases.

    Inyangamugayo (persons of integrity) elected from the local community make up the jury of this traditional jurisdiction.

    The Gacaca process would significantly speed up trials and sentencing and also have the advantage of involving the community in the trial and sentencing process hence contributing significantly to reconciliation.

    This was in line with the new government’s policy to reconcile Rwandans after many
    decades of division and hatred, while ensuring that justice was being done.

    The government also made it a priority to rapidly develop the criminal justice system. Special training was provided to magistrates and judges, while courts around the country were renovated.

    A national police force was created and charged with civil security matters and criminal investigations.

    THE FALL OF THE GENOCIDAL REGIME

    On 4th July 1994, the capital city of Rwanda, Kigali, fell to the forces of the Rwandese Patriotic
    Army (RPA), the armed wing of the RPF. The members of the so called Provisional Government, the armed groups, and many people who were involved in genocide, fled mainly to the DRC and Tanzania.

    Over three million refugees fled to Tanzania and the DRC.

    On 19th July, 1994, the RPF established the Government of National Unity with four other political parties.

    The Liberal Party (PL), the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), and the Republican Democratic Movement (MDR).

    {{
    Weeks later a 70}}

    Member Transitional National Assembly was formed consisting of representatives of the RPF, the four other original parties plus three other smaller parties, namely, the Islamic Party (PDI), the Socialist Party (PSR), and the Democratic Union for Rwandese People (UDPR), as well as six representatives of the Rwandese patriotic front.

  • “Towards a Global Convergence in Global Health: What It Means for Health after 2015”

    “Towards a Global Convergence in Global Health: What It Means for Health after 2015”

    {{New York- January 16, 2014}}, {H. E Dr Agnes Binagwaho, Minister of Health took part in a panel discussion held to introduce the notion of Global Convergence in Global Health and exploring the crucial need to integrate it into the Post 2015 framework. The event hosted by the Permanent Mission of Norway and the Global Health 2035, invited Dr. Binagwaho to take part in a panel of experts that included Dr. Margaret Kruk from Columbia University, a commissioner of Global Health 2035; Dr. Gavin Yamey of the Global Health Group; Dr. Ariel Pablos Mendez of USAID and Dr. Srinath Reddy, President of the Public Health Foundation of India.
    }

    The event tiled “Towards a Global Convergence in Global Health: What convergence means for health after 2015” was at the occasion to launch the report: Global Health 2035, that was put together by 25 renowned economist and global health experts from around the world, who came together from December 12 to July 2013, in order to revisit the case for health investment and it was published on December 3, 2013.

    This Lancet Commission explores the possibility of achieving immense progress in global health by 2035, through grand convergence towards reduction of preventable infectious, maternal and child deaths to low levels universally. The report considers the capability of forming an SDG around the grand convergence of global health. The said report was published on December 3, 2013, and this was its first launch in New York. In a nutshell, the report makes the case that the return on investing in health is even greater than previously estimated.

    Bringing a localized example, Rwandan Minister Dr. Binagwaho, discussed how her country achieved an 80% reduction of preventable deaths. She explained that a strong financial investment in health, with the help of the private sector and coordination of partnerships around the agenda was key to facing the challenge of a gap in universal access to health in Rwanda. The process involved education the population and dispatching skilled community workers to all parts of the country. She highlighted that these workers were elected by their own communities in order to preserve trust and solidarity within the system..

    Dr. Kruk of Columbia University described the Global Health 2035 report as a product of academic and independent analysis of the divergent effect that health conditions have taken globally and the need for successful convergence as a number of countries such as Chile, China, Cuba and Costa Rica have illustrated. Fiscal policies can curb Non-communicable diseases and injuries and leverage significant new revenue for low and middle-income countries.

    She further stated that the 2035 convergence goals are encapsulated into the“16-8-4” convergence goal, which consists of the reduction of under-5 mortality to 16 per 1000 live-births, reducing annual AIDS deaths to 8 per 100,000 population and reducing annual tuberculosis deaths to 4 per 100,000 population.

    Dr. Yamey of the Global Health Group stated that the UN is a tool which can facilitate country-level expenditure and impact necessary for 2035 such as structural investments in low income nations and investment on convergence in lower-middle income nations. He insisted that the economic benefits will exceed the costs of investment. Moving onto global health convergence as part of the post-2015 framework, Yamey stated that it would consist of a single, simple, overarching goal which encapsulates multiple conditions involving a progressive and pro-poor UHC, monitored with feasible targets.

    In her concluding remarks, Dr. Binagwaho debunked the myth that poor countries cannot contribute to its health and introduced the pro-poor system that Rwanda utilized to ensure the poorest in rural areas benefit first and foremost. In concluding her statement, the minister placed importance on equality, science, participation and good governance in Rwanda’s success so far

  • Rwanda launches Governance Month 2014

    Rwanda launches Governance Month 2014

    {Rwanda’s Minister of culture and Sports Mitali Protais, has, yesterday, presided over the official launch of the Governance month at national level in Rusatira sector – Huye District. The annual event is organized by the Ministry of Local Government in partnership with Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).
    }

    The theme of this year: “Imiyoborere Myiza: Umusingi wo kwigira”/ “Good Governance: The Foundation of Self-Reliance”.

    The Minister of Culture and Sports said that good governance is a product of every citizen’s participation and the basis for sustainable development. He further reminded that Rwanda has gone through difficult times, and what we have achieved so far is a result of embracing good governance practices.

    Minister Mitali Protais, called on local leaders, students and citizens to embrace
    “Ndi Umunyarwanda program,” and avoid whatever can divide Rwandans, because Self reliance can not possible without unity and a common Vision.

    Participants were particularly urged to promote activities aimed at preserving what
    Rwanda has achieved – “Peace and security, Unity of all Rwandans, improvement in
    education and Health sectors which are among key achievements that foster National
    Development ultimately leading to Self-reliance,” Minister Mitali emphasized.

    The Minister of Culture and Sports also toured developmental projects including; stone
    paved roads at Taba, modern market constructed through Public and Private Partnership, modern car park, a model village and the newly refurbished Huye stadium.

    Activities of the governance month that will take place in all districts in the country include: Governance clinics where leaders respond to citizens’ problems and provide solutions, Public lectures and debates on national issues such as: governance, Human Rights, fight against gender based violence, NdiUmunyarwanda Campaign, partnership between Public, Private sector, Civil Society and Media among others.

    Speaking at the launch, Dr Felicien Usengumukiza, RGB Deputy CEO in charge of Governance Research and Monitoring urged citizens to get fully engaged in activities of governance month as it is a way of fostering principles good governance and benefit from leaders and citizens discussions.

    The governance month will also be an opportunity to show case Community development Projects, Youth camp and Umuganda activities, Football competitions for ‘Umurenge Kagame Cup’, dance, Drama, and many others.

    The Governance month will be concluded with a policy Dialogue on 14th March 2014, meant to examine what was achieved and to set strategies aimed at overcoming Governance challenges that emerged during the period. The Policy Dialogue will coincide with an International conference on Decentralization.

  • RDF Peacekeepers in CAR Begin Protection of Civilians

    RDF Peacekeepers in CAR Begin Protection of Civilians

    {Rwanda has so far deployed more than 470 Officers and Men of the 850 Mechanized Infantry battalion (RwaMechBatt1) of Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) in Central African Republic to serve in the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA). The airlift operation jointly conducted with United States Air Force began on 16 January 2014 using two C-17 aircraft per day, lifting both troops and equipment.}

    Upon arrival in Bangui on 16 January, RwaBMechBatt1 Commander, Lt Col JP Karangwa and his troops were welcomed by the MISCA Force Commander, Brigadier Gen. Martin Tumenta, MISCA and French Officers. The civilian population turned up in big numbers and the RDF troops immediately started interacting with the population, before embarking on duty immediately conducting patrols and protection duties.

    The RwaMechBatt1 was assigned North Bangui Sector within the MISCA AOR. Apart from conducting patrols, the Rwandan troops are guarding strategic installations in North Bangui including the Airport and Key Institutions like The Presidency Office and his Palace as well as the Parliament where elections to vote the Interim President of the CAR are taking place today.

    “I wish you a warm welcome and the Mission expects from you the ultimate contribution to bringing peace and stability in the Central African Republic”, said Brigadier General Martin Tumenta to the arriving Rwandan troops.

    When asked to comment on Rwandans contribution to end violence in CAR, Col. Leon Ndong-Ntutume, Spokesman of the MISCA told the media that Rwandan peacekeepers will work together with other Peacekeepers; “That’s not to say that only the Rwandans who have experienced genocide in their country are responsible for stopping the slaughter in Central African Republic.”

    In Central African Republic, violence between Christians and Muslims has left more than 1,000 people dead and 1 million of displaced persons.

    MOD

  • EAC issues quality assurance rules to facilitate regional trade

    EAC issues quality assurance rules to facilitate regional trade

    {The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has issued new regulations to enhance the operationalization of the EAC Standardization, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing Act (SQMT) of 2006. The regulations geared towards facilitating regional trade were approved by the Council of Ministers in November last year and are issued in line with Article 6 of the Protocol on Establishment of the EAC Common Market, with reference to free movement of goods. Article 6 of the Protocol stipulates among other laws that EAC SQMT Act, 2006, shall govern the free movement of goods and regulations made there under.}

    The regulations include: The EAC SQMT (Product Certification in Partner States) Regulations, 2013; The EAC SQMT (Designation of Testing Laboratories) Regulations, 2013; and The EAC SQMT (Enforcement of Technical Regulations in Partner States) Regulations, 2013. The EAC SQMT (Product Certification in Partner States) Regulations, 2013 provides for certification bodies in the Partner States on the basis of Product Standards.

    {{Testing laboratories}}

    “The regulations will facilitate the issuance of quality marks on products conforming to regional and international standards and provide consumer confidence of the products traded in the region,” according to an EAC statement. The regulations would also provide for emphasis on recognition of each Quality Marks issued by other Partner States.

    Testing laboratories The EAC SQMT (Designation of Testing Laboratories) Regulations, 2013 provides for the ministers responsible for Trade in the Partner States to designate Testing Laboratories to be recognized in the region.

    It will facilitate an organized recognition of testing laboratories to test goods for conformity assessment in the region. The EAC SQMT (Enforcement of Technical Regulations in Partner States) Regulations, 2013 provides for Partner States to declare or notify a technical regulation, which may create barriers to trade and obliges Partner States upon request to explain the justification for that technical regulation.

    The bloc also registered significant growth in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from $2.6bn in 2010 to $3.8bn last year. “EAC was the fastest growing region within African continent. Growth registered rose from 3.7 per cent between 2010 and 2012 against the average Sub-Saharan Africa growth of 3.2 per cent,” said the deputy secretary general in charge of Projects and Programmes, Ms Jesca Eriyo.

    Speaking at the 2nd EAC Secretary General’s forum late last year, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism, Phyllis Kandie noted that EAC is now recognized as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. She told participants at the event organized under the theme, “The EAC we want” that this was due to the strong intra- EAC trade, adding that the bloc was now working on developing legal binding mechanisms.

    Ms Kandie also underscored the importance of holding regular dialogue with private sector, civil society and other representatives of interest groups within EAC member States in order to get their views and expectations on the various stages of regional integration.

  • Rusizi: Rwanda-Burundi taxi and motor drivers in battle for clients

    Rusizi: Rwanda-Burundi taxi and motor drivers in battle for clients

    {Rwandan taxi and motor drivers are deeply showing anger over taxis’ and motor cycle, s from Burundi that take away clients from the area near the border of Rwanda and Burundi
    }

    This is evidenced by cars with Burundian number plates that have dominated the area through in and out movements between the two countries.

    Speaking to IGIHE, these special hire taxi and motor cycle drivers are not happy with this condition because it has led them to heavy losses and failure to pay government tax in time.

    “They also added that in order to win the hearts of these customers, it has led them to change from Rwanda number plates to Burundi number plates” Said Ndayiziga Emmanuel the head of (COMOMARU) cooperative in Bugarama sector.

    He also added that people residing near the border fear taxes in the Country that,s why they prefer using Burundian number plates to avoid taxes in Rwanda.

    Speaking to IGIHE, the executive secretary of Rusizi district, Antoinne Mbonyumukiza he thought the problem had been solved as the two parts have been once in discussions before.

    However, taxi drivers still confirm the problem hasn’t yet reached its limelight but still in progress and affecting them negatively.

    –

  • Kagame tips Kenyans on Good Governance

    Kagame tips Kenyans on Good Governance

    {President Paul Kagame has said Africans and their leaders need to work hard to ensure the continent’s rightful place on the global stage.}

    He was speaking yesterday in Naivasha, Kenya at an event dubbed the ‘Governors’ Summit’ organised by the Nation Media Group–an occasion that gave the country’s governors an opportunity to take stock of the last eight months they have been in power under a devolved governance system.

    The President said for Africans to claim their rightful place on matters that concern the continent and the world at large, they need to spend more time on actions than words.

    “People speak of the African renaissance or Africa Rising – all these mean a lot and I want to believe them. But I ask myself hard questions, like why wasn’t the previous one Africa’s century? What stopped Africa from claiming its rightful place during past periods?” he posed.

    The Rwandan leader added: “There are more meaningful things to be done than to be said. We need to do more; be honest with ourselves, and have the courage to face our challenges upfront.

    “We have to make sure we fulfill the hope Africans have for our continent.”

    Kagame hailed the East African Community (EAC), for placing the interests of its citizens right at the heart of the regional integration agenda.

    But he urged regional leaders to do more.

    “The overwhelming positive reaction from our citizens in this framework of cooperation is proof that we have common aspirations that transcend our individual countries. The people of East Africa want to trade together and to get opportunities that come with strengthening regional collaboration. It is up to the leaders to find ways to deliver on these expectations.”

    Kagame said that leaders in the region had a duty to be accountable to individuals beyond their respective borders in order to enhance EAC integration process.

    Kagame shared Rwanda’s governance and decentralisation experience following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and encouraged Kenya’s county government to place more emphasis on homegrown solutions that prioritise the wellbeing and aspirations of the people of Kenya.

    He said interventions that respond to the unique situations of a country and the needs of its people deliver development visions faster.

    Kagame also took questions in an interactive question-and-answer session which touched on his personal journey into top leadership positions and how Rwanda managed to forge ahead after suffering from the most brutal genocide in recorded history – the infamous 100 days of slaughter that claimed the lives of more than a million people.

    “Together with the rest of East Africa, Rwanda stands with Kenya as you embark on the important work of implementing a governance framework that will deliver to your citizens,” Kagame told the governors and other participants.

    Kagame added: “This new beginning should be a unique opportunity to use your own homegrown solutions to achieve and sustain the goals of your respective counties and ultimately to attain your national vision.”

    The President said although each country is unique in its own way, African governments shared common aspirations and challenges, which provide an opportunity to learn from each other.

    “We can adopt and adapt beneficial practices and sidestep pitfalls to guarantee the wellbeing of our people and build successful nations. To begin with, it is up to us to put in place a leadership and governance that is based on local needs and is people centered. This is the first step in fostering community prosperity, which in turn will create confident and self-reliant nations,” he explained.

    Drawing from Rwanda’s home-based initiatives like Umuganda (monthly community service), the Rwandan leader urged Kenyan governors to devise cost effective schemes that involve citizens in nation building.

    For example, he said, if you don’t need donors to keep a clean house then you don’t need any to keep a clean country. “In the business of government, there isn’t anything that doesn’t involve citizens. We continue to learn that sustained frank dialogue between leaders and citizens at all levels, is the only way national goals can be achieved, even with limited material resources.”

    “Failure to respond to the needs of our people will inevitably result in stagnation, instability and, eventually, jeopardise sovereignty – but we have the ability to prevent such outcomes.”

    Other speakers at the forum included Isaac Ruto, Governor of Bomet and Chair of the Kenya Governors’ Council, Philip Kinisu, Chairman Governance Board, PwC Africa, Linus Gitahi, Group CEO, Nation Media Group, and Prof. Olive Mugenda, Vice Chancellor, Kenyatta University.

    Kenya swore in 47 elected county governors in a new government structure in March last year. The structure is provided for under the new 2010 constitution.

    The county governments are expected to decentralise service provision and resource distribution and to involve citizens’ participation in government affairs.

  • Rwanda stock Market report for Monday 20th January, 2014

    Rwanda stock Market report for Monday 20th January, 2014

    {Today on RSE, the market activity was higher compared to the last Friday’s trading session. The total turnover for the day was Rwf 3,103,331,400 from BoK counter which recorded 5 transactions of 1,607,500 shares traded between Rwf 240-249; Bralirwa counter which recorded 1 transaction of 3,225,000 shares traded at Rwf 839 and USL counter which recorded 1 transaction of 500 shares traded at Rwf 165.}

    BK; BRALIRWA and USL shares closed at Rwf 245, Rwf 839 and Rwf 165 respectively, translating into a decline of Rwf 5; Rwf 1 and Rwf 10 respectively compared to their previous shares closing prices.
    KCB shares last transacted at Rwf 185 while NMG shares last transacted at Rwf 1,200.

  • COGEBANQUE reveals Rwf 1.5 billion, Profit for 2013

    COGEBANQUE reveals Rwf 1.5 billion, Profit for 2013

    {As COGEBANK balanced its books for the year 2013, Rwf 1.5 billion profit was realized; therefore they declared a plan to double that profit in the year 2014.}

    During to the ceremony 4- extra ordinary employees were awarded and promised improvement on customer care services.

    Among the 4- employees who were awarded include: Mutamuriza Francine, Uwineza Alice, and Munyankindi Christophe, and Uwanyirigira Jean d, arc.

    These celebrations took place on Sunday 19th January 2014, as the COGEBANK administration leaders at high levels explained to crowd about their achievements since 15-years of COGEBANK existence.

    According to the general manager of COGEBANK Allain Lepatre-Lamontagne, every year this day is celebrated, for the reason of discussing with employees about the past, present and future programs of the financial institution (COGEBANK).

    He also expressed happiness on the 30% profit, which the bank managed to achieve during the year 2013.

    Ecobank plans to work with low income earners with potential to grow in business during the year 2014.

    VISA cards, electronic banking will be offered to clients during 2013 for easier Banking activities with also the development of new products.

    COGEBANK plans to resume the construction of its Main office premises, opposite Radio Rwanda this year.