IGIHE

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  • RRA rewards first Consumer for invoice demanding

    RRA rewards first Consumer for invoice demanding

    {Rwanda revenue authority has rewarded an amount of 100,000 Rwandan francs to Bitwayiki Suleiman as a result of invoice demanding from electronic billing machines.
    }

    This reward was organized by Rwanda revenue authority in order to influence consumers to demand for invoices from sellers around the country, through electronic billing machines.

    According to Bitwayiki Suleiman, invoice requisition acts as security to product ownership by the buyer, and also avoids future conflicts between parties.

    Bihoyiki has won this reward after 25 invoices from different people were selected randomly for the jackpot last Friday

    He also thanked Rwanda revenue authority for organizing the reward.

    Since RRA has started rewarding consumers for invoice demanding, most buyers will not forget to demand for the them, since it’s their right. Said Bihoyiki

    Apart from money (100,000) some other expected rewards include, mobile phones, and television sets.

    Talking to Bumbakare Pierre Celestin the commissioner for internal revenues, he reminded all consumers about their right to demand for invoices after buying different products.

    Currently, other 25 invoices have been selected, whereby another winner will be determined very soon.

  • Rwandans are not a people that accepts left overs

    Rwandans are not a people that accepts left overs

    {While concluding the 11th National Dialogue Council, Umushyikirano, President Paul Kagame revealed that “”There may be some people, for their own reasons, try to portray our country in bad light, but our accomplishments to date speak for themselves and show the truth to those who doubt our progress.”
    }

    He added that “You cannot force someone to put on your cloths because they will not fit. Rwandans are not a people that accepts left overs, we are a people that know what fits us and determined to achieve it. We will not accept left overs that don’t even fit our context…Rwandans deserve more than leftovers.”

    In his closing remarks, President Kagame said:

    “I would like to thank you all, especially the youth from around the country who participated and contributed ideas aimed at boosting national development. What we have discussed during this dialogue must go beyond words, implementation must begin today.”

    President Kagame noted that the indicators released by various institutions ranking Rwanda on various aspects, some of which are good and some not quite impressive should serve to remind Rwandans that there are possibilities and also that there is a long way to go.

    Resident Kagame asked leaders to look themselves in the mirror and improve their outlook, in relation to service delivery and good governance in general. He asked Rwandans not to be onlookers when acts of corruption are being committed because that way they will be accomplices to destruction of what has been achieved by Rwandans.

    President Kagame also asked Rwandans to embrace Agaciro and Ndumunyarwanda program so as to consolidate the country’s achievements. President Kagame wished all Rwandans a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

    The interactive session saw participants who included members of the Diaspora at the venue and outside, youth from the Districts of Ngoma and Huye who were participating through teleconferencing as well as through social media exchange ideas, ask questions and give suggestions. Resolutions were derived from the two-day discussions which will be implemented by the relevant institutions.

  • It’s now 1-year since we lost a hero, leader and Patriot-Aloysia Inyumba

    It’s now 1-year since we lost a hero, leader and Patriot-Aloysia Inyumba

    {It’s now been one year, since Rwanda lost a Hero, leader and Patriot who served as the minister of Gender and family development in the government.}

    Honorable Inyumba passed away last year a few days before RPF party was in preparations for the 25th anniversary ,where she was also recognized among the main founders of the ruling party.

    Her death came as a big surprise to the whole country since she was also one of the people’s representatives to the government.

    Aloysia Inyumba will always be missed and remembered forever due to the big part she played in liberating the country, bringing peace and her achievements on gender equality in the country. May her soul rest in eternal peace. Said His Excellency President Paul Kagame

    Honourable Inyumba Aloysia was born on 28th December 1964, she served as minister of gender and family development from 2011, before that, in 2004 she served as a senator, she was also in the committee in charge of foreign affairs and national security, she was also among the women representatives in parliament while she also served in other government positions and RPF Inkotanyi party.

    The late Aloysia Inyumba was laid to rest with respect on 10th December 2012 at Rusororo Cemetery in Gasabo district.

    Her memorial comes finding 12th National Dialogue (Umushyikirano) and the death of Former South African president Nelson Mandela who is most remembered for fighting Apartheid.

  • Regional Military officers complete maritime and rescue training at RPA

    Regional Military officers complete maritime and rescue training at RPA

    {Twenty three military officers from 8 Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Member States successfully completed a 5 day “Maritime Search and Rescue course” at Rwanda Peace Academy, Musanze. Rwanda Peace Academy Ag Director, Col Jill Rutaremara officially closed the course on 6th December 2013 with satisfaction that the knowledge acquired by the participants will contribute to regional maritime safety and security.}

    “I have no doubt that the aim of the course was achieved and that the knowledge and skills that you have gained will contribute to the enhancement of regional maritime safety and security”, he told the participants who just concluded a one week regional course on “Maritime Search and Rescue”.

    The course was aimed at equipping the course participants with skills that enable them to respond to any emergencies or distress at sea. The Director of RPA noted in his closing remarks that the same skills can be applied to other water masses including lakes such as Lake Kivu. “The safety of people at sea is a concern of both coastal and inland states”, he underlined.

    In his closing remarks, the Course Director Lieutenant commander Hjalmer C. Traugott-Olsen Danish Military Officer serving with EASF recalled the statement of Col Jorn E Rasmussen during the opening ceremony of the EASF Search and Rescue course at Rwanda Peace Academy who described that maritime search and rescue capabilities as big need for Eastern Africa Region. “Unfortunately every year thousands of people perish because of accidents at sea, that is why it is very useful to build this capacity”.

    The Course Director added that they have been allowed by the organizers to increase the course to a period of two weeks “ this gives the possibility to further tailor the EASF Search and Rescue course content to meet the needs of the East Africa region”, he explained.

    One of the participants from Burundi Armed Forces, Capt Frederic Ndayikeza told the media that they have learnt a lot during the “Maritime Search and Rescue Course” conducted at RPA, “we are able now to conduct maritime search and rescue operations with precision or with probability”.

    The course was a result of collaborative efforts between the Eastern Africa Standby Force Coordination Mechanism (EASFCOM), the Nordic countries and Rwanda Peace Academy. The participants came from Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda.

  • International volunteer day: Over 500 Rwanda youths donate blood

    International volunteer day: Over 500 Rwanda youths donate blood

    {Over 500 Rwandan youths managed to celebrate the international volunteer day by donating blood to the needy.}

    The international volunteer day is always celebrated on 5th December worldwide.

    Blood donations by the youths on this day was done to support the sick people who are in need of blood

    It was done in five places around the country whereby, in muhanga district 73 packages of blood were donated.

    In the Eastern province this program was carried out at Kabare secondary school whereby they managed to donate 104 bottles of blood.

    In the southern province 116 bottles of blood were contributed at EAV Kabutare secondary school in Huye district.

    Over 88 bottles of blood were contributed at Burengera in Karongi district.

    While 64 bottles of blood were contributed from the western province and the support took place at Lycee Ruhengeri in Musanze district.

    The total contribution of blood donated managed to reach 445 bottles which were contributed by mostly the youths.

  • Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director Statement of Condolence Nelson Mandela

    Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director Statement of Condolence Nelson Mandela

    {{UNICEF joins millions of people around the world who mourn the loss of
    Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa}}

    The Statement from UNICEF is read as follows:

    {Today we have all lost a hero, a powerful champion for children.

    The father of his nation, Nelson Mandela devoted much of his work to children. In 2002, he urged that Heads of State at the UN Special Session for Children endorse increased health and education resources for children. In 2004, through his Foundation and in partnership with the Hamburg Society and UNICEF, Mandela launched the Schools for Africa campaign to enroll two million African children in school. He started his own children’s fund and fought passionately, with his wife, Graça Machel, and the Global Movement for Children and UNICEF, to put children at the heart of the global development agenda.

    Madiba touched the lives of millions of children. They are a central part of his legacy.

    Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Graça Machel, his family and his nation.}

  • Obama defends Iran deal at Hanukkah celebration

    Obama defends Iran deal at Hanukkah celebration

    {President Barack Obama on Thursday defended his nuclear diplomacy with Iran before an audience of Israeli diplomats and senior members of the US Jewish community and officials.}

    At a White House Hanukkah reception, Obama said that it was important for the United States to test Iran’s intentions, and pledged to keep working for a comprehensive deal to deprive Tehran of a nuclear weapon.

    “For the first time in a decade we have halted progress of Iran’s nuclear program,” Obama said.

    “Key parts of the program will be rolled back even though the toughest of our sanctions remain in place.

    “That is good for the world, that is good for Israel,” Obama said, vowing to keep striving for a final deal with Iran over the coming months that takes care of the “threat of Iran’s nuclear weapons once and for all.”

    Obama also said however that Washington must remain vigilant and that its commitment to Israeli security would remain “iron clad” and “unshakeable.”

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu harshly criticized an interim nuclear deal reached between Iran and world powers in Geneva last month.

    Obama’s critics on Capitol Hill have also questioned the president’s tactics and are threatening to enact new sanctions against Iran, which the White House fears would scupper the talks.

    The interim nuclear deal freezes aspects of Iran’s nuclear program, in return for a modest easing of the sanctions regime that has crippled the Iranian economy.

    AFP

  • Statement at the Conclusion of the IMF Article IV Consultation Mission to Nigeria

    Statement at the Conclusion of the IMF Article IV Consultation Mission to Nigeria

    {An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission visited Nigeria during November 13-26 to conduct discussions for the 2013 Article IV consultation. The mission met with Finance Minister and Coordinator Minister of the Economy Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, senior government officials, members of the Legislature, and representatives of the private sector. At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Gene Leon, the Fund’s mission chief and senior resident representative in Nigeria, issued the following statement:}

    “Nigeria’s economy has continued to perform strongly in 2013. Real GDP grew by 6.8 percent in the third quarter of 2013 (compared to third quarter 2012), supported by robust performances in agriculture, services, and trade. Oil theft/production losses have adversely impacted export receipts and government revenues, leading to a significant drawdown from the Excess Crude Account. Inflation declined to 7.8 percent (end-September 2013) from 12 percent at end 2012, in part owing to lower food prices and monetary policy implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The exchange rate has been stable, and the banking sector is well capitalized with low levels of non-performing loans.

    “Although the outlook is positive, risks need to be managed. Growth is projected to increase to about 7 percent in 2014, while inflation should remain subdued in the single digits. Nigeria could be affected, however, by a decline in oil prices, the pace of recovery in global economic and financial conditions, capital outflows, continued losses in oil production, or increased security concerns. At the same time, the economy can manage such shocks given a relatively flexible exchange rate regime, improved financial crisis management capacity, and a stable banking system. But fiscal buffers are low and a sustained high rate of growth is needed to reduce unemployment, and poverty.

    “Fiscal consolidation is progressing well, and the momentum needs to be preserved through the ongoing election cycle. Key public financial management reforms are underway, including the implementation of a Treasury Single Account (TSA) and integrated information management systems, but lower-than-budgeted oil revenues are impacting budgetary plans at Federal, State, and Local levels and highlighting the need for rebuilding fiscal buffers to manage oil revenue volatility. Moving toward a sustainable non-oil primary deficit path will require resolve in continuing fiscal consolidation, including through resisting procyclical election spending, mobilizing non-oil revenue, improving efficiency in the public sector, and strengthening transparency in oil sector governance.

    “The current monetary stance is appropriate and should remain geared towards sustaining low inflation and a stable financial system. Managing liquidity in the banking system remains a priority, and will be aided by the implementation of the TSA and prudent fiscal management. Likewise, the CBN has maintained stability of the naira, containing inflation and facilitating business confidence. However, the continued importance of oil receipts and the magnitude of portfolio flows present potential vulnerabilities, and exchange rate flexibility may be a useful tool in the event of persistent pressures. Ongoing initiatives to strengthen the supervisory framework, including supervision of banking groups, should continue, and Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria’s activities phased out gradually.

    “To promote inclusive growth and mitigate the impact of vulnerabilities, ongoing structural and institutional reforms should be pursued resolutely. The 20/20 Vision and the Transformation Agenda provide a framework for ongoing reforms, including the privatization of the generation and distribution of energy, initiatives to increase food security and viability of agriculture, and programs funded through the Universal Basic Education Commission to improve human capital development. In addition, access to financial services for small-and medium-size enterprises, which have been key in many countries to enabling all to benefit from growth, could be improved. Other initiatives to improve the business environment and investment promotion could support diversification across sectors, but should be underpinned mainly by improvements in productivity and competitiveness. Growth in the next decade will need to rely on the continued implementation of reforms to strengthen institutions, improve efficiency, and prioritize quality infrastructure investments.

    “The mission would like to thank the authorities and technical staff for their excellent cooperation.”

    SOURCE

    International Monetary Fund (IMF)

  • IOM Rwanda Expects to Resettle 1,500 Congolese Refugees in 2014

    IOM Rwanda Expects to Resettle 1,500 Congolese Refugees in 2014

    {The International Organization for Migration (IOM) expects to resettle an estimated 1,500 Congolese refugees to the United States from Rwanda in 2014.
    }

    Nyiramahoro Tuyisenge is one of the approximately 600 Congolese refugees who have finished undergoing IOM’s pre-departure health assessment in preparation for their resettlement to the United States.

    It has been 17 years since threats from the militia in her village in the Democratic Republic of Congo sent her running into neighbouring Rwanda. The situation in her rural village has never stabilized and life at the camp has been tough, especially for her three children.

    “It is so hard to make appropriate food for babies in the camp. The tents get really cold when it rains and my children often get sick. I’m so worried about them,” said Nyiramahoro as she held her new born baby.

    “I’m very happy to go to the United States. I expect that I will have access to quality food, education and health.” Nyiramahoro said, full of hope and excitement for the new life ahead.

    Every year, IOM facilitates movements for thousands of refugees who have been accepted for third country resettlement. The resettlement programme offers a durable solution for refugees who are unable to return to their country of origin for fear of continued persecution and do not have the option to stay in their country of asylum.

    The US government funds IOM to conduct these health assessments and to organize the transportation of refugees to the United States.

    APO

  • DRC: Denial of justice for the victims of sexual crimes

    DRC: Denial of justice for the victims of sexual crimes

    { In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), victims of sexual crimes are facing insurmountable obstacles to obtain justice and reparation. The cost of proceedings is prohibitive and judicial decisions are hardly implemented. This is the damaging picture described in a report FIDH and its member organisations in DRC are publishing today, following several missions in that country.}

    For 20 years now, DRC has been the theatre of a conflict characterised by crimes of sexual violence of incredible magnitude and unprecedented brutality, amounting to crimes against humanity and war crimes. All combatants use this violence as a weapon of war to enslave victims and terrorise the population.

    Victims of sexual violence are particularly stigmatised. They are often rejected by their family and community. They need enormous courage and determination to file their case before the courts in an attempt to break the cycle of impunity.

    “In addition to the trauma and having to deal with a society that points the finger at them, rape victims must overcome exorbitantly expensive legal proceedings. These legal costs are, however, mandatory for these matters to be concluded properly”, explained Sylvain Lumu, Executive Secretary of the League of Electors.

    At each stage of the proceedings, victims must pay court costs and other large sums of money to the Congolese administration so that investigations and prosecutions may be conducted effectively. Even the certificate of indigence, which reduces some of the expenses of the proceedings, costs between US$25 and US$50. In a country where 67% of the population lives on less than US$2.00 per day, paying this sum is simply not possible. Without this certificate, and as a preliminary condition for any reparation, victims must systematically advance 6% of the total amount of the compensation decided in their favour in order to collect it. This prevents them from actually receiving any compensation.

    “The international community must strengthen its support of structural reforms of the legal system and participate in defining a true reparation policy. Otherwise, the meaning of this support to the organisation of trials, whose judgements are not ultimately implemented, is to be questioned”, declared Dismas Kitenge, FIDH Vice President and President of the Lotus Group.

    In front of the magnitude and gravity of these crimes, the international community supports the efforts of justice in the DRC and encourages the organisation of trials. Progress has been made, but the current proceedings only very rarely target the highest-ranking officials. Too many defendants remain free, even during trials. Too few judgements are final and effective. Our organisations have also observed that those who have been sentenced all too often manage to escape, and compensation that has been ordered for the victims are never paid. In the end, the victims of sexual crimes do not derive any benefit from justice in the DRC.

    “The Congolese authorities must urgently adopt political and legal reforms to fight against the impunity of the perpetrators of crimes of sexual violence and facilitate effective access of victims of crimes of sexual violence to justice and reparation. These measures require that the domestic legal system be reformed and that hybrid chambers (national and international) be established to judge these crimes in DRC,” concluded Jean Claude Katende, President of ASADHO.

    Agencies