An official communication from the Office of the Guinea President on Sunday indicated that President Kagame is expected to land at the Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport at 9:00 am.
Senior government officials have been invited to attend the welcoming ceremony at the airport. The officials include the President of the National Security Council, Dansa Kourouma, the Prime Minister, Amadou Oury Bah, heads of various government agencies, members of different ministries, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, the Chief of the Gendarmerie, heads of land, air, and naval forces, diplomats representing their respective countries, international organization representatives, police chiefs, customs officials, conservationists, and the Mayor of Conakry.
The agenda items of the meeting were not immediately disclosed.
The visit, however, comes nearly four months after Guinea’s Interim President, Mamadi Doumbouya, concluded a three-day visit to Rwanda, aimed at strengthening friendship and cooperation ties between the two countries.
Doumbouya was accompanied by the First Lady of Guinea, Lauriane Doumbouya.
President Kagame made a similar trip to Guinea from April 17-18, 2023, which resulted in the signing of an agreement on the creation of a joint cooperation committee between Rwanda and Guinea. This committee covers areas such as agriculture, ICT, education, mining, and security.
President Kagame and Doumbouya also witnessed the inauguration of a highway interchange connecting Kagbélen to Conakry that was named after President Kagame. The project was initiated to ease movement between major industrial cities and Conakry as well as with neighbouring countries.
Kagame’s visit to Guinea follows a similar visit to Senegal, where he and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye agreed to strengthen ties between the two nations on Sunday.
According to the latest report from the National Institute of Statistics Rwanda (NISR), data sourced from the National Centralized and Integrated Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (NCI-CRVS) System shows that the number of registered legal marriages rose from 35,529 to 57,880 in 2023.
NICR said the sharp increase was likely a result of increased sensitization of couples to formalize their unions.
“These abnormal changes in marriages registered can likely be attributed to the sensitization of couples living in consensual unions to officialize their marriages,” the new report reads in part.
For a marriage to be considered official in Rwanda, it must be officiated by a civil registrar at a sector office, district office, or Rwandan embassy.
It’s estimated that for every population of 1,000 people in Rwanda, 43 marriages were officiated in 2023.
“The comparison of registered marriages with the resident population size gives a crude marriage rate equivalent to 4.3%,” the report adds.
Since 2019, the number of registered marriages has been fluctuating, dropping from 48,526 in 2019 to 30,859 in 2020 against a population of 12,663,116 people.
In 2021, 33,809 marriages were officiated, and in 2022, 35,529 people formalized their unions.
In 2023, a high number of marriages were officiated in Gasabo (5,177) and Rulindo (3,223) districts, while low numbers were observed in Nyabihu district (881) and Embassy (52).
In terms of age trends, there was a general observation that the number of marriages is high among females compared to men under 30 years old, while above 30 years old, the number of marriages becomes high among males compared to females.
On the matrimonial regime, 97.6 per cent of the unions signed a contract detailing joint ownership of their property, dubbed “The Community of Property.
Two per cent of the couples opted for the Limited Community of Property regime, in which spouses agree to pool their respective properties owned on the day of the marriage celebration, to constitute the basis of the acquests as well as the property acquired during marriage by common or separate activity, donation, legacy, or succession.
Some 0.4 per cent of the couples chose the Separation of Property regime, in which spouses agree to contribute to the expenses of the household in proportion to their respective abilities while retaining the right of enjoyment, administration, and free disposal of their personal property.
The report further reveals that the number of marriages is generally high between females and males with the same levels of education.
“Females who attended university are more likely to get married with males having the same level of education (2,743 cases) or those with upper secondary (760) while they are less likely to get married with those who never attended or only attended the preschool (5 and 2 cases, respectively),” the report reads.
Burundi had on Saturday accused Rwanda of training and arming rebel groups blamed for the twin grenade attacks including the attack reported at a packed bus stop in Bujumbura.
However, in a hard-hitting statement on Sunday, the Office of the Government Spokesperson, denied any links with the attackers, insisting that Burundi should desist from associating Rwanda with its internal problems.
“There is something clearly wrong going on with Burundi for its government to accuse Rwanda for recent grenade explosions in Bujumbura, a situation we have absolutely no connection with, and have no reason to be involved in.
“Burundi has a problem with Rwanda, but we have no problem with Burundi. We call on Burundi to solve its own internal problems and not associate Rwanda with such despicable matters,” the statement reads.
BURUNDI SHOULD NOT ASSOCIATE RWANDA WITH ITS INTERNAL PROBLEMS.
— Rwanda Government Communications (@RwandaOGS) May 12, 2024
Burundian Interior Ministry’s spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye told reporters on Saturday that RED-Tabara insurgents were behind the attacks.
He paraded six individuals, aged 28 to 56, to the press, saying they were part of the group destabilizing the country.
“These terrorists were recruited, trained and even equipped with weapons in Rwanda and by Rwanda,” Nkurikiye claimed.
“Afterwards, they are sent to the RED-Tabara terrorist group to be close to Burundi’s borders, and then they enter the country to carry out attacks.”
The relations between Rwanda and Burundi have deteriorated in recent months after Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye sustained accusations that Rwanda is financing and training the RED-Tabara group rebels.
RED-Tabara rebel group is considered by the Burundian government as a terrorist movement, with its members being linked to the failed coup attempt in 2015.
RDB, in collaboration with the Embassy of Rwanda in Senegal, organized an exclusive brunch in Galoya, Dakar, on Saturday to showcase investment opportunities in Rwanda.
The event brought together Rwandan investors, the Senegalese Investors Council, influential Senegalese personalities, and business leaders.
“The main objective was to highlight Rwanda’s notable advances in various sectors, ranging from sustainable tourism to innovative startups, in order to generate interest among Senegalese investors in the numerous investment opportunities offered by the booming economy of Rwanda,” stated RDB.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season 4 Sahara Conference. The tournament playoffs and finals are to be held in Kigali from May 24 to June 1.
The event was attended by, among others, Jean-Pierre Karabaranga, the Ambassador of Rwanda to Senegal, Setti Solomon, the RDB Chief Strategy, Partnerships, and Communications Officer, and Candy Basomingera, Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) Deputy CEO.
Ambassador Karabaranga seized the opportunity to emphasize the importance of economic collaboration in driving sustainable development and prosperity in both countries.
Citing Rwanda’s robust infrastructure, strategic location, and business-friendly policies, the ambassador noted that investors are welcome to tap into various opportunities in the fast-growing economy.
Last year, RDB reported a 50 per cent growth in foreign investment commitments to reach $2.4 billion (RWF 3 trillion).
RDB, in an annual report unveiled last month, indicated that the commitments are expected to create 40,198 job opportunities in the next five years.
The manufacturing is expected to create 9,900 new job opportunities over the five-year period, accounting for a quarter of the jobs projected to be created in the next five years.
Further, the government agency whose main mandate is to accelerate Rwanda’s economic development by enabling private sector growth, forecasts that the agriculture sub-sector will continue to thrive, contributing to the creation of 7,600 jobs over the same period.
Real estate is expected to create 6,200 new jobs by 2029 while the agro-processing sub-sector will contribute some 4,400 jobs to the economy.
Additionally, the construction sector will generate 2,700 jobs while the accommodation and food services sub-sector will create 2,600 job opportunities over the next five years.
Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply are poised to create an additional 1,500 new job opportunities, followed by the arts and entertainment sub-sector, where approximately 600 opportunities will be generated.
The financial and insurance sectors, along with administrative and support service activities, are expected to generate 500 and 200 jobs respectively over the next half-decade.
The Head of State was welcomed with full military honour on his first working visit to the country since President Faye was sworn in as Senegal’s fifth President on April 2, 2024.
President Kagame has arrived in Dakar where he is received by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye @PR_Diomaye, and members of the cabinet. pic.twitter.com/QsEI5G1D2J
— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) May 11, 2024
President Kagame is scheduled to hold talks with his Senegalese counterpart on strengthening fraternal and cooperation relations between the two countries.
The two Heads of State are also expected to attend the Basketball Africa League (BAL) game between Senegal’s AS Douanes and Rwanda’s APR, ahead of playoffs and finals set to be held in Kigali from May 24 to June 1.
Faye, 44, became the youngest man elected president in Senegal, after defeating main rival and ruling party coalition candidate Amadou Ba and winning the election with over 54% of the vote
The former tax inspector’s candidature was backed by prominent opposition figure Ousmane Sonko. Sonko endorsed Faye for the presidential seat after being barred from vying.
After his victory, Faye appointed Sonko as the country’s Prime Minister and pledged to restore stability and bring economic progress in the country.
Faye participated in the election barely two weeks after being released from prison in Dakar.
He had in April last year been charged with several offences, including contempt of court, after broadcasting a message critical of the judiciary in legal cases against Sonko.
Wilkens was then the Head of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency International in Rwanda and was living in the country with his wife and three children when President Juvénal Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, igniting ethnic tension in Rwanda, leading to the killing of more than one million people.
When it became apparent that things were out of hand and the killings by the Interahamwe group in Kigali’s neighbourhoods intensified, the American embassy decided to temporarily close and evacuate its citizens to safety.
Many Americans who had witnessed the killings firsthand could not hesitate but utilize the 72-hour window given to flee the country. But as everyone else was struggling to be among the first groups to be evacuated, Wilkens chose to remain behind with two domestic Tutsi workers after the American Embassy made it clear to them not to bring any Rwandans with them.
He sent his wife and children with an American convoy to Burundi and stayed at his home in Kigali with the two workers.
Speaking at the Kigali Public Library on Friday, May 10, as the country continues to commemorate 30 years since the Genocide against the Tutsi, Wilkins explained that he chose to remain behind because of the fears that Juan and Anita would be harmed.
“They [American Embassy] left us very little space for choice. We had this young lady who lived and worked at our home, so when the embassy gave us that order, I was like, no. I felt like that was an immoral thing for us to turn our backs and just abandon people,” he recounted.
“My heart was saying, how can you walk away from these two – the young man who was the watchman and the young lady? I often compared her to immediate family because we were so tight,” he added.
The 66-year-old noted that the US embassy’s orders still give him stomach pains to date.
“I understand the government’s responsibility towards its citizens and stuff, but then we need a plan B. And now here America is saying no, if you are from Burundi, Tanzania you can get in the convoy. It still gives me pain in my stomach,” Wilkins explained.
Over the next 100 horrific days of the genocide, Wilkins managed to save the lives of 400 Tutsis, including orphans from Gisimba Orphanage, whom he moved to safety through deadly roadblocks, thanks to his influence and networks.
He recounted that on the day he rescued the orphans more than 50 killers had surrounded the orphanage waiting to kill everyone. But the kids’ lives were spared after he reached out to the Governor of Kigali Tharcisse Renzaho and Prime Minister Jean Kambanda.
The discussion, moderated by Barbara Umuhoza, centered on Wilkins’ book ‘I’m Not Leaving,’ written in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
On why some missionaries turned their backs on Rwanda, Wilkins said, “We never know what is going on in the hearts and minds of other people. When my wife got to the American ambassador’s home with the children and my mother and father, another missionary came to her and asked where Carl was. And she said he is not leaving, and this man said, you mean we could stay? It’s just that it never occurred that that was even a possibility to him. He was a dedicated man, and I believed he probably would have except by that point he didn’t see a turn point. So that could be one possible explanation.”
He noted that some missionaries have never forgiven themselves for turning their backs on Rwanda.
Answering a question from the audience about where God was during the genocide, Wilkins said: “I see God’s hand, but through people, not through supernatural miracles like an invisible shield around somebody. I believe big miracles probably happen. But for me, what’s most empowering is not to believe that God is going to send a supernatural shield. What’s most empowering is believing that we have the power to love, to step forward for somebody else.”
This is Wilkins’ second visit to the country since leaving in 1996. Prior to the genocide, the then 36-year-old had lived in Rwanda for nearly 10 years.
The training was held at Kanombe Barracks in Kigali and was tailored to impart new drivers with skills in safe driving, traffic management, and techniques focusing on both heavy and light-duty vehicles in various operational scenarios.
The pass-out ceremony was presided over by RDF Chief of Defence Staff, General Mubarakh Muganga, who lauded the commissioned drivers for their achievements.
He emphasized the need for RDF personnel to be capable of operating different types of vehicles effectively.
General Mubarakh also reminded the new drivers to maintain discipline, and professionalism, and particularly refrain from consumption of alcohol, which he said is a major cause of road accidents.
Last year, Rwanda was awarded the Kofi Annan Road Safety Award for its commitment to road safety measures, particularly regarding the safety of vehicles.
The country’s road safety measures were recognised on September 26, 2023, during the 2nd edition of the Kofi Annan Road Safety Award, jointly organized by the Government of Morocco, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety.
Ambassador of Rwanda to Morocco, Zaina Nyiramatama, received the award on behalf of the government of Rwanda.
The ambassador said the Rwandan government is committed to putting in place both soft and hard infrastructure initiatives aimed at combating road crashes.
“In order to produce positive road safety outcomes, we have to bear in mind that strong management in all aspects of road safety is key. The presence of a funded lead agency to guide the national road safety effort and implement a Safe Systems approach should be a guiding factor on this cause,” she said.
To address road accidents, Rwanda has implemented several measures, including the mandatory use of speed governors to regulate vehicle speed and the installation of speed cameras on key roads, resulting in reduced road fatalities.
In a statement, the company with a presence in 10 countries spanning Africa, Europe and the Middle East said the move is aimed at fulfilling its long-time running of democratizing travel and optimizing customer experience for both domestic and international travellers in the East African markets.
Wakanow Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bayo Adedeji affirmed that the new market entries would redefine how business executives, tourists and fun travellers access end-to-end travel services.
“[Wakanow.com->https://wakanow.com/] brings a fresh perspective and industry expertise to delivering travel services that suit the needs of local and international travellers.
“[Wakanow.com->https://wakanow.com/] continues to push the boundaries of travel technology, and our entry into East Africa represents a milestone in our commitment to enhancing travel experiences across the continent. Our online platform will empower East African travellers with a one-stop-shop for all their travel needs”, Adebayo stated.
He further disclosed that the company has invested in technology to optimise customer experience when they book flights, hotels and other services on the website.
“At Wakanow, our unwavering focus on the customer and our relentless drive to innovate on their behalf distinguishes us from the competition. Unlike any other player in the market, we harness technology to its fullest extent, enriching the customer experience with added value”, Adebayo added.
The CEO emphasized that Wakanow’s entry into the East African market also creates a gateway to a multitude of opportunities for both the business and tourism sectors.
He also announced the appointment of Josephine Fifi Rurangwa as the Business Development Manager for the new East Africa market.
Rurangwa, the CEO said, will spearhead initiatives aimed at offering exceptional end-to-end travel deals, including flight booking, visa assistance, hotel reservation, protocol services, airport transfers (Wakanow Ride), and travel insurance.
Rurangwa welcomed the appointment and vowed to leverage her experience to deliver exceptional service to the East African market.
“I am honoured to lead Wakanow’s business development efforts in East Africa. This region holds immense potential, and I am excited to leverage my experience and expertise to ensure that Wakanow becomes the preferred travel partner for individuals and organizations in Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda,” she stated.
Rurangwa affirmed Wakanow’s commitment to prioritizing customer satisfaction and democratizing travel for Africans through the Pay Small Small (PSS) offering. This program allows customers to spread the cost of their flights overtime on [Wakanow.com->https://wakanow.com/], removing financial obstacles to booking.
“We are actively forging partnerships with local businesses, tour operators, and hospitality establishments, which will not only benefit our customers but also contribute to the local economy and tourism sector,” she added.
The company affirmed that Rurangwa, who has a decade-long career in the travel industry, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
Prior to the appointment, Rurangwa served at Wakanow as Head of Africa Expansion.
Wakanow has been in existence for the last 16 years and is accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
As Wakanow ventures into East Africa, the company anticipates achieving new milestones under Rurangwa’s leadership, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and innovation in the region.
Founded in 2008, Wakanow has rapidly grown to become a one-stop platform for travel enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive suite of services including flight bookings, hotel reservations, travel insurance, airport transfers, vacation packages, visa assistance, and more.
Besides Nigeria, Wakanow also operates in a number of other markets including, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Liberia, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the UK.
A feasibility study report unveiled earlier this month identified four Sweet Spots for introducing CBDC in the country, including the need to increase resilience against possible network outages, power failures, and natural disasters; improve innovation and competition; contribute to achieving the cashless economy national initiative over time; and develop faster, cheaper, more transparent, and more inclusive cross-border remittances.
The feasibility study, which began in September 2022, also identified risks related to the adoption of the CBDC by the public, financial providers, and merchants with a high level of concern. To mitigate these risks, the study recommends additional investments in promoting CBDC and education in order to shift existing consumer habits to this new innovative product.
As the consultation process continues, many people are wondering what CBDCs are and how they differ from popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
In simple language, a CBDC is like digital cash issued by the central bank. It’s similar to regular money we use but in a digital form.
The main difference between CBDC and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum is that CBDCs are issued and controlled by a country’s central bank, just like physical cash.
On the other hand, cryptocurrencies use a decentralized system for transactions and creating new units.
Because CBDCs are central bank-backed, they are considered a very secure way to hold and transfer money.
If the process to establish the digital currency sails through, Rwanda’s CBDC will be the official digital currency regulated by the National Bank of Rwanda.
“While crypto values change, Rwanda’s CBDC will always match the value of regular money,” BNR explains on its website.
Notably, the CBDC can be like a bank account (account-based) or like digital cash (token-based). Account-based CBDC links ownership to an identity and keeps records with a third party. Token-based CBDC doesn’t need a third party and is like using physical cash.
BNR affirms that CBDC will not replace existing digital payments like cards and electronic payments. However, it may offer new services and more payment options.
The ongoing consultation is aimed at getting public opinion on the Rwanda CBDC. The information will help the central bank understand the technology, regulations, and risks of the new digital money product before its rollout.
Three countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Nigeria – have fully launched CBDCs, while several others are in the piloting stage.
In Nigeria, the eNaira is a central bank digital currency (CBDC) backed by law. It is the digital form of the Naira and is used just like cash.
The delegation, led by Brigadier General Gabriel Elias Kwiligwa, arrived in Rwanda on Tuesday and is scheduled to attend the 10th meeting between the Rwanda Defence Forces and TPDF Brigades deployed along the Rwanda-Tanzania borderline.
“The delegation was welcomed by Col Justus Majyambere, Commander 5Div, upon their arrival at Rusumo One Stop Border Post. They proceeded to visit the Kibare Market in the Ndego sector of Kayonza district, an active hub where Tanzanians from Karagwe district frequently engage in trade,” RDF stated in a statement.
The quarterly security meeting will be held in Nyagatare, Eastern Province, and will be preceded by visits to some border areas in Kirehe and Kayonza districts, as well as Akagera National Park.
During the meeting, the forces are expected to deliberate on key issues, including sharing intelligence and information about the border, cross-border crimes, and security issues affecting communities living at the border points.
A similar meeting between Rwanda and Uganda authorities was held in the Eastern Province on Monday, during which the two governments pledged to renew their pledges to enhance cross-border cooperation.
The delegations were led by Clementine Mukeka, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rwanda, and Ambassador Julius Kivuna, Head of the Regional Peace and Security Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda.
“Excited to host the 2nd Rwanda-Uganda Cross Border Security Meeting in Nyagatare! Our shared commitment to peace and prosperity is evident in the high-level attendance from both nations. Let’s work together to build a secure environment and promote sustainable development across our borders,” PS Mukeka said.
Ambassador Kivuna said the meeting provided the delegations with an opportunity to reflect on the progress made by the two countries since the last security meeting held in Butale, Uganda, where they discussed key aspects such as immigration, trade and customs, health, security, and mapping and demarcation of the borders.
“I am proud to report that Uganda has made significant strides in implementing the agreements and frameworks that we discussed in our previous meeting,” Kivuna stated.
“Our commitment to collaboration and cooperation with our Rwandan counterparts has only strengthened, and I am confident that our partnership will flourish in the years to come,” he added.
The officials first met in Kabale, Uganda, in December last year for high-level security deliberations following the reopening of the Gatuna-Katuna border post in January 2022.
