IGIHE

Category: Events

  • 9th National Dialogue in photos

  • Looking Back At The 8th National Dialogue

    As the country gets set with the 9th National Dialogue (Umushyikirano) scheduled for December 15-16, Igihe.Com team takes you back at the resolutions adopted at the last 8th National Dialogue.

    After two days of deliberations at the Parliamentary building, development process and assessing the performance in 2010, the house set targets for 2011.

    President Paul Kagame chaired the event during which the former Prime Minister Bernard Makuza presented a report on the implementation of the 2009 resolutions.

    Last year’s edition attracted representatives of the central and local government, legislators, the private sector, civil society, religious leaders, development partners, Rwandan Diaspora as well as Diplomatic corps.

    The dialogue was also broadcast live on national radio and television and close to 100, 000 people followed the proceedings online. The public was able to participate through text messages and phone-in interventions.

    The Resolutions

    Following the lengthy discussions, the house adopted a number of resolutions to be implemented in the next one year on the economy, good governance and social welfare.

    Economy

    Umurenge SACCO generated a lot of debate regarding it performance and progress. It was cited that the cooperative was yet to attract a large membership base. It was therefore resolved that leaders, at all levels, mobilise people to join the programme which is aimed at encouraging the saving culture.

    It was agreed that the masses be encouraged to “own” the SACCOs and also understand that they are for their own benefit.

    Also agreed was the need to increase the capacity of microfinance institutions to increase savings and lending especially in rural areas, as a way of supporting investment in rural projects like agriculture.

    The house agreed on new measures of water harvesting to increase irrigation in marshlands and on hillsides in a bid to support agriculture especially at the time when rain is increasingly becoming unpredictable.

    During the National Dialogue, the private sector was called upon to take part in the plan to see at least 100, 000 hectares of land put under irrigation over the next seven years.

    It was also agreed that the youth savings scheme COOJAD be merged with Umurenge SACCO to make it more effective and also boost Umurenge SACCO membership and financial resources.

    Among other things, government moved to claim all marshlands with a resolution that all people settling in marshlands be moved to upland areas with immediate effect. The decision was based on the need to reserve marshland areas for strictly agricultural purposes.

    Also dominating the dialogue were high fuel and food prices particularly in the City yet rural farmers were failing to get market for their surplus produce, hence the need to create immediate supply chains by all the parties involved.

    Good Governance

    On good governance, it was noted that there was a need to streamline and strengthen measures to fight genocide and the genocide ideology as well as the need to urgently look into welfare of genocide survivors.

    The immediate need to look into the state of genocide memorial sites was highlighted, with a call to all district authorities to take up the responsibility.

    On decentralisation, it was resolved that all levels of governance and with in the private sector, leadership should be brought closer to the people through good customer care initiatives aimed at developing all Rwandans in general. Bad service was condemned.

    Following the participation of over 30 members of the Rwandan Diaspora, it was agreed that all Rwandans still in exile be encouraged to return home and “see” with their own eyes the “new Rwanda” and thereafter consider returning home.

    Social Welfare

    It was resolved that Kinyarwanda language be allocated enough time on the curriculum to allow Rwandan children time to know their culture and language.

    A need to make sports compulsory on the curriculum for healthier children was highlighted.

    The government and its partners set themselves a goal to eradicate poor housing, particularly grass-thatched houses, atleast by the end of 2011.

    Major among other recommendations was the need to involve parents, through their associations, to work hand in hand with teachers to monitor the education progress of their children as part of the plan to have parents pray a key role in the education of their children.

    Special attention was also put on the need to increase the numbers and capacity of Vocational Training Schools (TVET) to encourage hands-on skilled training.

    The Ministry of Sports and Culture was tasked to establish the “Kinyarwanda Parliament” to be established by the Ministry of Sports and Culture by 2011 while the urgent need to fast track the 12 Year Based Education was identified among other recommendations.

    Details will be posted on both of our English and Kinyarwanda versions keep loged in to Igihe.Com for information about the 9th National Dialogue.

    ENDS

  • All set for the 9th National Dialogue

    This Thursday 15th December, all roads will lead to the Parliamentary buildings as the nation once again comes together for the annual national dialogue commonly known as Umushyikirano.

    The 9th of its kind, the 2011 National Dialogue is to bring together central and local government leaders, the civil society, diplomatic corps, the private sector as well ordinary citizens and Rwandans from Diaspora.

    According to the Minister of Cabinet Affairs Protais Musoni, this year’s national dialogue will act as a platform to assess the country’s progress as well as lay new strategies that will guide the country towards a fast-tracked development path.

    “This year’s National Dialogue will take place between 15th and 16th December and it will be an opportunity for us to handle issues which are of importance to the well being of Rwandans,”

    “We will also use this opportunity to evaluate the progress in the implementation of the recommendations from last year’s dialogue and the goals we set for ourselves. The President of the Republic is expected to guide the discussion,” Musoni said in an interview with IGIHE.com.

    Minister Musoni said that the full programme to cover the two-days is yet to be released but noted that it is expected to be highly interactive will Rwandans and non-Rwandans participating on phones and online.

    “It is going to be highly interactive. Rwandans will participate through phone calls, text messages and online forums where the dialogues will be streaming live. It will also be live on the National TV and on several radio stations and websites,” Musoni said.

    It should be noted that last year over 100, 000 Rwandans participated by calling in on a live call-in telephone line and a direct SMS line as well as on internet. The dialogue was also streamed live, especially for Rwandans in the Diaspora on http://www.umushyikirano.gov.rw/ and www.orinfor.gov.rw.

    Musoni said that this year the number is expected to increase as more and more Rwandans gain access to internet and mobile phones.

    The Cabinet Affairs Minister noted that the Prime Minister is expected to present a report on the implementations of the resolutions adopted during the 8th dialogue in the areas of the economy, good governance and social welfare.

    Pertinent among the issues raised last year was the implementation of the anti-Nyakatsi programme, a government initiative to eliminate grass-thatched houses which had raised eye brows over the procedure used and the mismanagement of the resources set aside for the programme.

    Also major among the issues raised was the performance and progress of Umurenge SACCO programme which was yet to attract a large membership base.

    It was resolved that leaders, at all levels, mobilise people to join the programme which is aimed at encouraging the saving culture. Also touched were issues affecting the agriculture sector as well as 12 Year Basic Education.

    The National Dialogue is mandated by the 2003 Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda. It is convened by the Head of State, bringing together all major stakeholders in nation building. The first was held in 2003.

    Igihe.Com is committed to be your number one source of news and information on the forthcoming 9th National Dialogue. We will update you on the progress made so far and what you should look forward to as we approach the d-day.

  • France to invest Frw 36Bn as Kagame’s visit winds up

    After the end of President Paul Kagame’s two day official visit to France, the Head of State met with the France Business community under Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF)-the organization of business associates in France and challenged them to invest their businesses in Rwanda.

    The foreign investment is intended to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries as were also emphasized during the roundtable talks by the three Rwandan Ministers Louise Mushikiwabo, Foreign Affairs Minister, François Kanimba of MINICOM, and Tharcisse Karugarama, the Minister of Justice along with John Gara of RDB in a press briefing.

    Gara said that the French business in Rwanda is still low and that they count not more than U.S$3.5. He added that after the Presidential visit, a lot will be transformed and new investments from France are to crown Rwanda’s fastest growing business environment.

    The communications Office from the France’s Presidents’ office had during the trip issued a communiqué anticipating investing almost 42 million Euros (est. Frw36b) in Rwanda soon.

    Minister Kanimba said the talks are underway to find selected sectors in Rwanda for the France business community to invest in. The minister said that they will invest in tourism sector, Methane gas, facilitate the construction of the new International Airport, construction of the railway transport that will connect Rwanda to the Indian Ocean, and the gold mining construction among others.

    For the new International Airport construction and other infrastructures, the government of Rwanda put the system of allowing the private investors to contribute which will earn them a lot of profits.

    Kanimba also recommended the exportation of tea, gold, coffee, flowers to France.

    According to a press statement from the office of the Government Spokesperson released prior to the trip, the visit followed the French President Nicholas Sarkozy’s visit to Rwanda in February 2010 that marked a major step forward in diplomatic relations with France, that were renewed at the end of 2009, and it was the Kagame’s first official visit to France since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis, where Rwanda has accused France of complicity in massacres, an accusation which Paris always and continuously denies.

  • Meeting the People

  • ‘Rwandans are All One’, Kagame Tells Diaspora in France

    President Paul Kagame has told over 3700 Rwandan Diaspora in Paris, France Sunday evening that meeting them is one of his responsibilities as a Rwandan leader.
    kags-2.jpg
    “It’s one of my responsibilities to meet and dialogue with all Rwandans. When I meet you, it’s another step forward to our country’s progress. Whenever I meet you, I usually tell you and will repeat, Rwandans are one. Even though there are minor differences between us, the bottom line we are all one.”

    Kagame was speaking to the Diaspora at E.M.G.P in the “Le Dock Pullmann” complex under the theme, ‘Equality and Brighter Future’.

    However, Kagame discussed that ‘the constructive politics I know and used to, allows a difference of people but it reminds them of a point of convergence.’

    He added that Rwandans have the same opportunities, ‘If one doesn’t want it this way that’s up to them. And I know those who want it are many. Rwanda is for all Rwandans. No Rwandan should have more opportunities than others.’

    Kagame explained that ‘We can have the same opportunities but we may have differing capacities, however,those with more capacity should help those with less capacity to also achieve progress.’

    The attentive gathering was told by the eloquent Kagame that ‘No Rwandan wants to sleep hungry. I do not know of any tribe, race and ethnicity in the world that do not need to have a better life. In Rwanda we should have a better life. We want a Rwanda for all people.’

    We should not keep in the bondage of history. We have transcended such bad politics. Those who are still in such politics of shame are also shameful. You shouldn’t waste time. They derive value from wasting your time.

    We must use your time on constructive issues. We should spend our time building our society.

    Kagame told the religious faithful that even if one prays, ask God to help you fight Ignorance, illiteracy and poverty however; you should also work for all you pray for.

    All the problems we went through and others ahead, it’s not because God forgot about us…but we might have misused the chances or opportunities God gave us.

    Can God give you people and then you divide them, kill them. What would you harvest from this? God gave us a Rwanda, and then we destroyed it. We should change and I think we have since changed and transcended the past.

    The long distances you have travelled are a sign that you have transcended the past. Opportunities strike once in a while so you should utilize the opportunity once it’s available. We must use the current opportunities available to work together as a nation and transform our country for the better future.

    We want to be identified as people always finding solutions but not always causing trouble.

    Kagame noted to the congregation living in Diaspora that ‘This is not your home. Tell me whether there are no problems here in Europe.’

    Meanwhile, President Kagame will meet French president Nicholas Sarkozy tomorrow Monday.

    President Kagame said his visit to France is meant to cement ties and thus this would speed up the processing of files of cases of genocide suspects living in France.

    “The pursuance of these issues has been ongoing under the liasion of the Justice ministry of Rwanda. However, my meeting with the President Sarkozy will just help speeding up the process,” Kagame said while responding to a question from a member in the audience.

  • Rwanda is Open For Business

    John Gara, the CEO of RDB has today told the Diaspora Rwandans in Paris France that Rwanda is open for business and has urged them to ‘bring your money back home and invest’. When you start a project in Rwanda you will have contributed to nation building.

    ‘If you want to invest in Rwanda we shall handle you with close care. We want you to feel the connection you have with your country. It’s easy to start your business in only 24hours. You can be on a flight to Kigali following day register your business and third day fly back.’

    Gara told the Diaspora that Rwanda is a third Country in Africa among the most competitive after South Africa and Mauritius.

    The speakers are enumerating the major milestones Rwanda has achieved since 17years ago including; security, doing business, women participation in governance, human rights, Equality, justice, unity, good leadership and a national Vision 2020 and most especially the trust citizens have in the Rwanda Leadership.

  • Presidents Kagame, Sarkozy To Meet in Paris

    President Paul Kagame will today in Paris France meet with the French President Nickolas Sarkozy and French investors.

    President Kagame’s visit follows the recent visit to Rwanda by his French counterpart Nicholas Sarkozy.

    The visit is meant to cement diplomatic ties between the two countries that haven’t been smooth in the past.
    dsc_5931.jpg
    On the first day President Kagame will also meet with the Rwanda Diaspora community in Paris attracting most from Scandinavian countries and European countries.

    The Diaspora community in Europe has been very expectant of this day as evident from preparations published on several online outlets.
    dsc_5917.jpg
    The president will at E.M.G.P in the “Le Dock Pullmann” complex meet the Diaspora under the theme, ‘Equality and Brighter Future’ as he always urges Rwandans to value themselves as the starting point to achieve sustainable development that is a national vision.

    At this venue, there will be showcasing of Rwandan products and services from institutions including; government, banks, construction firms and RDB.
    dsc_5770_1.jpg
    One of the event organizers has told Igihe.com that a high number of Rwandans living in Europe will turn-up but couldn’t give any estimates, “There is a large number of Rwandans living in Europe and many have confirmed their participation today”.

    Today’s event will be characterized by presentations by President Kagame to the Diaspora.
    The Diaspora will have airtime to ask several questions and receive responses from the president.

    President Kagame has always encouraged such engagements even back home in Rwanda while meeting citizens around the country.

    Also there will be performances by Rwandan artists including; Kitoko, Miss Jojo, Intore Masamba , Mihigo, Kizito, Mihigo Francois, Miss Jojo, Mani Martin, Afsana and Ben Kayiranga.
    dsc_5868.jpg
    dsc_5809.jpg

  • Welcome in Paris

    rwandaparis2011_dancersen.jpg

    rwandaparis2011_adresse.jpg

  • ICGLR Resolves on Regional Armed Groups

    The Inter-Ministerial meeting that brought together Defense ministers from eleven member countries in the Great Lakes Region have recommended new strategies that will curb down the armed groups currently causing insecurity and instability in the region.
    james-kabarebe1.jpg
    The new strategies were adopted during a one day meeting of Defense Ministers under the auspices of the International Conference on Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) held at Lemigo Hotel, Kigali.

    The high level meeting co-chaired by Rwanda’s Defense Minister Gen. James Kabarebe and Uganda’s Defense Minister, Hon.Dr. Crispus Kiyonga reaffirmed their commitment to the efforts in the fight against negative forces in the region and committed their governments to expeditiously implement the ICGLR ‘protocol on non-aggression and mutual defense in the Great Lakes Region.

    According to the statement the meeting also welcomed the African Union’s initiative to deal with LRA in the Great Lakes Region and urged the continental body to extend the initiative to cover all other armed groups in the region that are mainly based in DR Congo and Central African republic.

    The recommendations also vows to support and facilitate implementation of cessation clause on Rwandan refugees due in Dec. 31.

    The Ministers further urged regional governments to integrate and implement the best practice guidelines on practical disarmament developed by RECSA as well as the fight against terrorism in the region.

    The Inter- Ministerial meeting examined the report of experts meeting held from September 7 -8 specifically taking note of the request by Sudan governments that the illegal armed groups in Darfur to be recognized as negative forces and be fought under ICGLR strategies.

    The one day inter-ministerial defense meeting’s recommendations were based on the report of the two day experts meeting that was held before.

    ICGLR brings together Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.