IGIHE

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  • Nigerian Judges applaud Gacaca and Abunzi judicial system

    Nigerian Judges applaud Gacaca and Abunzi judicial system

    {Over sixty (60) Nigerian judges from Lagos in Nigeria who are in Rwanda for a retreat have applauded Rwanda’s judicial system of Gacaca and Abunzi developed as a home grown solution for disputes resolution. }

    Justice Minister, Johnson Busingye on Monday at Gorilla Hotel Nyarutarama in Kigali enlightened the visiting judges how Rwanda dealt with judicial matters after the Genocide against the Tutsi.

    “After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, government at the time inherited a deeply scarred nation with no rule of law, where systems had been decimated and mistrust for the state reigned.” Minister Busingye said. “As Rwanda struggled to rebuild itself, restore the rule of law and security while giving hope to its people, it also faced the unprecedented difficulty of handling the massive numbers of genocide suspects and restoring dignity to survivors while honoring the memory of the dead.”

    The Justice Minister highlighted how Gacaca was introduced to handle over 2 million cases which were waiting the courts of law and to foster reconciliation.

    He added that after Gacaca winded up, Abunzi system was established to handle the new disputes in the society. The Abunzi sytem (mediation committees) is a bit similar to Gacaca.

    Chief Judge of Lagos state, Ayo Tunde Phillips said that what they have seen and continue to see in Rwanda have given them a lot of lessons and would wish to borrow a leaf

    RNA

  • Find the latest on the Agaciro Development Fund

    Find the latest on the Agaciro Development Fund

    {The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning of Rwanda would like to thank Rwandans and Friends of Rwanda for their generous contributions to the Agaciro Development Fund.}

    In a press release the Ministry”Thanks to your generosity and commitment, contributions to the Agaciro Development fund that have grown to a total of RwF 20,183,551,767 as of November 4th, 2013.”

    The Agaciro Development Fund is a solidarity fund that has been initiated by Rwandans to improve the level of financial autonomy of Rwanda as a nation. The uniqueness of the fund is that it is Rwandans themselves that will finance it. The Agaciro Development Fund sets the tone that Rwandans will work together to drive their own development; giving the entire Rwandan population a higher level of direct ownership in the nation’s projects.

  • Museveni orders deployment of armed-forces at border with DRC

    Museveni orders deployment of armed-forces at border with DRC

    {President Yoweri Museveni has ordered for the deployment of heavily-armed soldiers and tanks at the Uganda border with Democratic Republic of Congo following fresh fights between the DRC Army and the M23 rebels.}

    During the heavy fighting on Monday morning, the bomb shells landed into Kisoro district injuring several people. At least four people are confirmed dead from the bombshells, several injured and others in critical conditions at Kisoro Referral Hospital. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Spokesperson Lt Col Paddy Ankunda also confirmed that several people have been injured by the bombshells.

    In response, President Museveni has ordered the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Katumba Wamala to dispatch 1,000 heavily-armed soldiers and armored tanks to the border with Congo.

    {{Uganda News}}

  • Rwanda Dancers Thrill As South Africa Wins Best Country Stand At Akwaaba Travel Fair

    Rwanda Dancers Thrill As South Africa Wins Best Country Stand At Akwaaba Travel Fair

    This time last week, the 9th edition of the Akwaaba Africa Travel Market was in full flow with the three-day event attracting exhibitors from across Africa and beyond. Exhibitors from Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Rwanda, Kenya, Namibia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Jordan and more converged on the convention centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island to market their products and services to a Nigerian audience regarded as one of the most adventurous worldwide.

    The guest speaker at the travel exhibition was Dr. Auliana Poon. She heads the Tourism Intelligence International, a leading consultancy that provides innovative solutions for numerous countries worldwide. The Director General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs Sally Mbanefo was also notably present along with tourism ministers and ambassadors from the Gambia, Zambia, Rwanda and South Africa. A host of international hospitality outlets were present to court the Nigerian customer in particular and the West African sub-region in general.

    The Ibis hotel group was one of the prominent newcomers to the show, joining other participants like the African Sun, Protea Hotels , Movenpick and many more. This year’s edition of Akwaaba was especially notable because of the participation of the Africa Business Travel association (ABTA).

    ABTA helped in conducting business travel training sessions during the travel fair. Led by Monique Swart, ABTA discussed issues such as the future of travel management companies (TMCs) and the key challenges faced by companies travelling in Africa.

    Several country days were celebrated at Akwaaba, complete with indigenous cuisines. Nigeria, Gambia, Kenya and Rwanda took turns in entertaining visitors. The famed Rwanda dancers were especially enthralling. Akwaaba ended on a partying note on Tuesday with the South Africans, who won the best country stand hosting guests to a cocktail at the venue of the exhibition. Southern Sun Ikoyi hotel made sure it continued into the evening by hosting select dignitaries to another cocktail at their hotel.

  • FARDC, FDLR clash in Bunagana

    FARDC, FDLR clash in Bunagana

    {Reports from locals indicate that at least 25 civilians and Congolese army (FARDC) soldiers were killed on Sunday, November 3, at the Uganda – Congo Border town of Bunagana following fierce fighting between FARDC and FDLR}

    This comes as a surprise since the two forces have been fighting alongside each other as allies. The fighting which intensified at around 4:00pm saw a big number of civilians cross the border into Uganda fleeing from the fighting between the two factions of the FARDC , FDLR- MONUSCO coalition.

    The coalition occupied Bunagana on Wednesday following the withdrawal of M23 rebels.

    According to sources, the clashes between the allies could have been fuelled by FARDC’s refusal to give up weapons to FDLR which is believed to be the deal between the two sides. The sources believe that the incident was not a mistake, but a result of the lack of confidence by FDLR towards its ally (FARDC).

    “The FDLR are accusing FARDC for being liars. They don’t have confidence in President Joseph Kabila KABANGE on his support to infiltrate Rwanda,” says the source who adds that the deal was to help FARDC fight M23 and then FARDC would in return help the FDLR to return home in Rwanda.

    It is reported that about 1,000 FDLR militias from Busanza and Karambi were supposed to strengthen the Bunagana front to launch the final assault scheduled for today.

    They have however, changed goal posts and instead of occupying the front line against the M23 in Cyanzu, the FDLR have decided to take the road back to Rwanda through the Virunga National Park.

    Sources say that Colonel Gasari is leading the contingent of 1,000 militias who entered the Virunga National Park at the foot of mount Sabyinyo. Among the officers commanding the troops, people noticed commanders YASOLO, Gavana , KASONGO,MWAMI , Koffi and Claude the commander of the troops that were based at Kinyana .

    “The commanders are determined to return to Rwanda to fight based on the recommendations of Tanzanian and Congolese presidents,” says the source.

    Having been unable to convince their allies until the end of the war, FARDC opened fire and clashes lasted more than two hours before seeing the FDLR disappear heavily armed, in the forest for a new adventure.

    This incident is expected to harm relations between the allies (FARDC and FDLR). The Tanzanian contingent that is in the Intervention Brigade tried to convince the FDLR to wait until the end of M23 and plan an organized departure to Rwanda, something the FDLR didn’t accept.

    {{News of Rwanda}}

  • Tanzania rejects joint EAC tourist plan

    Tanzania rejects joint EAC tourist plan

    {As the three East African Community (EAC) members states of Kenya,Uganda and Rwanda prepare to unveil the join tourist entry Visa at the world’s largest tourism trade fair – the World Travel Market (WTM) in London which gets underway on Monday ahead of its official launch in January 2014, Tanzania has categorically stated that it will not be party to joint tourist Visa agreement.
    }

    The government of Tanzania has indicated that it will not join the fast tracked East African single tourist visa until the relevant fee collection infrastructure that links member states is in place.

    The stand comes even as three other EA members – Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda – are about to launch the visa early next year.

    The visa will help to ease movement of tourists across national borders and make it easier for industry players to offer multi-destination packages.

    According to a spokesman for Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr Chikandi Rumisha, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure is an important prerequisite to any agreement because it will enable the exchange of fees, data and other information on tourists.

    Mr Rumisha said on Friday in Dar es Salaam that Tanzanian government has also considered other issues including security as verification of visitors will only be done at any entry point among the member states.

    “The proposed network of sharing data on tourists and fee collection, as well as security issues leaves a lot to be desired,” Mr Rumisha said.

    “For instance, when a tourist pays entry fee in Kenya, and he or she gets security problems here, we ( Tanzania) will incur costs?” he said.

    The single tourist visa has been the subject of discussion for a number of years, with security issues, how to split revenues and visitor screening being among the major issues.

    But Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya have seen that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, according to Ms Waturi Matu, a coordinator (Kenya) of the East African Tourism Platform.

    Moves to facilitate tourists across EAC borders were given fresh impetus in June under what has come to be termed as ‘the coalition of the willing, when the presidents of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda met and agreed to strengthen integration and cooperation.

    “Rwanda will be in charge of designing the visa, and the plan is to have it launched in January next year with Tanzania and Burundi free to join at any time,” Ms Matu said.

    Source: Standard Digital News

  • Morsi Arrives for Trial Amid Fears of Violence

    Morsi Arrives for Trial Amid Fears of Violence

    {Egypt’s former President Mohamed Morsi arrived at a Cairo courtroom on Monday to go on trial for inciting killings, four months after he was ousted in a coup.}

    Hundreds of riot police and armored vehicles were stationed around the Police Academy in Cairo, where the proceedings will take place, after authorities switched the trial venue at the last minute to deter protesters, the Associated Press (AP) reports.

    While there were no reports of violence late Monday morning, demonstrators on both sides of the political spectrum vowed to take to the streets as the trial began.

    Morsi and 14 other Muslim Brotherhood leaders face charges of inciting murder and violence in riots outside the Presidential Palace that left 10 people dead in December. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison or even face execution.

    A lawyer for the ousted leader told CNN that he was optimistic that Morsi would be acquitted. His main worry was whether the Muslim-Brotherhood-backed leader would be given a fair trial — a concern echoed by rights group Amnesty International who have said that the trial would be a test for the Egyptian authorities.

    In the December riots, Morsi supporters clashed with peaceful protesters camped outside the Presidential Palace, according to AP. Videos posted on social media appear to show Morsi supporters detaining and torturing members of opposition groups.

    Time World

  • Mexico gun battles leave many dead

    Mexico gun battles leave many dead

    {Thirteen killed in border city of Matamoros as gunmen clash with Mexican armed forces in region ravaged by drug gangs}

    Thirteen people have been killed in shootouts around the north-east Mexican city of Matamoros in one of the worst recent outbreaks of violence in an area ravaged by drug gangs.

    Three gunfights took place around the city, close to Brownsville, Texas, two of which were exchanges between gunmen and Mexico’s armed forces, according to a statement from the state government of Tamaulipas.

    Eight men died in the fighting with Mexican marines after four men and one woman were killed in an earlier clash between unidentified armed groups, the state government said.

    None of the dead has been identified.

    Drug cartels seeking control of smuggling routes into the US have in the past few years been responsible for a series of massacres, gunfights and kidnappings in Tamaulipas, giving the state the reputation as one of the most lawless in Mexico.

    President Enrique Peña Nieto took office in December pledging to eradicate the gang violence that has claimed about 80,000 lives since the start of 2007, but parts of Mexico are still regularly racked by shootings and executions.

    The Guardian

  • VVIP chopper scam: CBI to send judicial request to Italy

    VVIP chopper scam: CBI to send judicial request to Italy

    {With a view to finalising the chargesheet in VVIP helicopter purchase scam, CBI will send a judicial request to Italy seeking statements of the accused who have been facing trial in that country. }

    CBI sources said a detailed questionnaire on various aspects of financial transactions, meetings of alleged middlemen and their interests in Indian and Tunisian companies, among others, would be part of the judicial request.

    They said the agency wanted to first get the statements through the judicial request – also known as Letters Rogatory – after which it might seek extradition of the suspects, if needed.

    The top executives of Italian firm Finmeccanica and its United Kingdom-based subsidiary AgustaWestland are facing trial in Italy for alleged corruption in supply of 12 VVIP helicopters to India.

    Contract under probe

    The Rs 3600-crore contract is under probe of Italian and Indian agencies for alleged kickbacks paid to Indian officials, including former IAF chief S P Tyagi, to clinch it. Tyagi has denied allegations of any kickbacks.

    Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini, former and current Chief Executives of AgustaWestland respectively, are facing trial in Italy for alleged corruption. Orsi was heading AgustaWestland when the deal was signed in 2010 and is now the Chief Executive Officer of parent company Finmeccanica.

    The statements of both these top executives are important for CBI for finalising its charges which would be levelled in the chargesheet, the agency sources said.

    India has become a civil party in the ongoing trial in Italy which helped it in getting court documents submitted by Italian prosecutors in connection with the case.

    Sequence of events

    CBI needs statements and answers to its queries focusing on its probe so far in the case. The agency will have to corroborate allegations levelled in its FIR, besides piecing together the entire sequence of events in its chargesheet.

    Indian express

  • Suspected drug dealer arrested in Rulindo

    Suspected drug dealer arrested in Rulindo

    {A 42-year old woman suspected of trafficking and selling narcotics and illicit gins was arrested by police in Rulindo District.}

    She was apprehended on Saturday from her home in Kivugiza cell of Masoro sector in a police targeted operation.

    2, 277 pellets of cannabis, 15 litres of kanyanga and 74 sachets of chief waragi were also ceased from the suspect’s house.
    Police also ceased 47 kilogrammes of cassiterite and plastic bags from her house.

    She is held at Murambi Police Station for further investigation.

    The suspect was arrested following a neighbors’ tip-off to Police.

    Area residents, who informed police of the suspect’s illegal acts, said they were fed up with her criminal business, which was causing insecurity in the area.
    They said that the suspect had been advised on several occasions to abandon this illegal business, but their warnings fell on deaf ears.

    The Northern Region Spokes Person, Chief Superintendent (CSP) Francis Gahima applauded the public for its continual cooperation with Police, which he said has led to the arrest and prosecutions of criminals.

    He cautioned the public to use legal avenues to general streams of income,

    “Drug consumption and trading is not only punishable by the law and impedes on the economy of the country but also harmful to people’s health”, CSP Gahima explained.
    If found guilty, the suspect will face up to five years of imprisonment and a fine up to Rwf5 million.

    Rwanda National Police