Category: News

{{A three-day follow up meeting about Post-Durban Dialogue on climate change and agriculture held in November-December 2011 in Durban, South Africa, opened today at the Mt. Meru Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania.}}

It is aimed at examining the outcome of the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP 17).

The Dialogue, which has brought together climate change and agriculture experts from nine Eastern Africa countries of Burundi, DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda is expected to focus on decisions of agriculture with a view to propose activities that would be considered under the agricultural work programme of Parties (members of UNFCCC).

Addressing the opening session, Tanzania’s Minister for Agriculture Hon. Prof. Jumanne Abdallah Maghembe informed the experts that Governments in the region and other Regional Economic Communities were fully committed to respond to the impacts of climate change collectively through policy and practical measures since the impacts had no boundaries.

Prof. Abdallah, who was represented by the Director General of Tropical Pesticides Research Institute (TPRI) Epiphania Kimaro, recognized the technical support that COMESA and her partners were providing to ensure developing countries fully benefit from the negotiations through providing necessary skills and information to the technical experts and negotiators to effectively negotiate and argue the case for Africa.

She added that the experts dialogue is an important opportunity for member States to reflect on the outcome of the Conference with the aim of preparing how to implement specific decisions that are of priority to the region and specifically to identify key issues relating to agriculture with a view to prepare a common position for consideration by the subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technical Advice (SBSTA) during its 36th Session schedule for May 2012.

The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sector Mr. Jean Claude Nsengiyumva disclosed to the participants that EAC had already considered the outcome of the COP17 during the Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Sectoral Council on Environment and Natural Resources that was held on 1 to 3 February 2012 in Arusha.

Nsengiyumva, who was represented by EAC Climate Change Coordinator Mr. Brian Otiende informed the meeting that EAC was in the process of implementing three critical policy documents approved by the EAC Heads of State Summit in April 2011 namely; the EAC Climate Policy (2011); the EAC Food Security Action Plan (2011-2015) and the Heads of States Summit Declaration on Food Security and Climate Change.

He reiterated that the EAC, COMESA and other strategic partners were committed to working with stakeholders in Eastern Africa with a view to developing a common position on issues related to agriculture for consideration by SBSTA and other bodies of the COP.

The Dialogue is being organized jointly by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community, (EAC) in collaboration with Climate Change Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS-EA), a global programme of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

{{Construction of Maize Factory is underway in Nyamagabe district, in Gatare sector.
Philbert Mugisha, the district mayor has announced that a mini maize factory will be built very soon in the district. }}

Mayor Mugisha says, “The factory project will not delay for we already have basic materials including machines and we are looking for the right place in which to install it.”

He added that the factory will be built within this year’s budget as it was included in the plan of action regarding the budget.

Jean de Dieu Karemera in charge of planning and follow up in Nyamagabe district said that the factory is valued at Frw 20 million with Frw15 million from Nyungwe National Park production and other Frw 5 million will be contributed by citizens cooperatives.

The factory news comes after citizens have been requesting for one saying that they have not been able to manage the maize harvest since they don’t have a factory to process maize into flour.

Agnes Nibisekere a maize farmer says that she harvests 8 tones and insists that the factory would help her in the good management of the harvest. “Sometimes we are unable to keep our maize otherwise we sell at a low price; so, it would be very advantageous if we get a factory.”

According to an Agronomist of Gatare sector, the factory would facilitate farmers maize harvest. “Maize was cultivated on 1,400 hectare in the previous season, and 4 tons are supposed to be harvested from each hectare.”

The agronomist insists that if they get a factory, they are likely to increase maize production. The factory is supposed to be completed in June 2012 as it will keep being expanded slowly by slowly.

Gatare sector is one of the sectors making Nyamagabe district and is known of having a big production of maize.

{{Eighty People have this morning been injured when a bus they were travelling in overturned and slid into a roadside trench.The Bus belongs to Onatracom Transport Company.}}

The passengers were heading to a meeting involving President Paul Kagame and Ngororero residents in the Northern Province.

Badege highlighted that accident took place in Kinyanda area located in Gakenke sector after which the driver failed to stop the bus alleged to have been over speeding.

“We are aware that the breaks got loose that’s why the bus overturned when he tried to stop, but we’re yet to get more details from the driver when he recovers,” he said.

The police spokesman further pointed out that out of the 80 injured people only 28 of them were seriously wounded. “6 people were taken to CHUK hospital and other 22 were taken to Kabaya hospital.”

{{Leaders from districts with areas entangled in poverty want government to give priority in responding to some of their requests meant to enhance progress in their territories.}}

The concern was raised amidst unanimous approval by leaders from districts including, Muhanga Kamonyi Ngororero and Rutsiro during a capacity building session held in Muhanga town.

suggesting solutions on how leaders can improve the welfare of vulnerable people, Alexis Rukundo an expert from Rwandese Association of Local Government Association (RALGA) and also one of the organizers, noted that competence is essential especially in planning and good management of government funds.

“Another solution is the involvement of concerned parties in decision making since it enables leaders to indentify some of the weak areas,” he advised.

However, both Tharcisse Niyonzima and Samuel Majyambere in charge of good governance in Kamonyi and Rutsiro districts respectively, argue that government has been reluctant towards responding to some of their proposals meant to address issues affecting people living in poverty.

Majyambere further notes that instead their superiors overload them with assignments which most of them are not relevant to their tasks.

“Too much work makes us lose focus in solving some of these matters hindering development.”

Faustin Minani an expert on good governance and also an organizer of the training from GIZ, pointed out that as far as competence among local leaders is key, more support from government and donors would compliment initiatives of local leaders meant to improve the welfare of vulnerable people.

{{A Rwandan genocide survivor based in the US, Eugenie Mukeshimana will be a guest on a talk show about Romeo Dallaire’s book “Shake Hands with the Devil”}}

The Holocaust-Genocide Resource Center which is located on Mercer County Community College’s the Library building in the United States; this February 29th 2012 will be hosting a talk show on the book “Shake hands with the devil” by author Romeo Dallaire, with Eugenie Mukeshimana, the founder of a genocide survivor’s network.

“Shake Hands with the Devil” is a book, much like a narrative from Dallaire’s accounts on the horrific bloodshed that occurred in Rwanda over One hundred days in 1994.

Romeo Dallaire is a Canadian general who served as force commander of the U.N assistance mission for Rwanda.

Dallaire that managed to rescue thousands of Tutsi’s, his book gives a vivid description of how he witnessed the massacre of about a million Rwandans while they cried for help but fell on deaf ears.

In his book he says “I watched as the devil took control of paradise on earth and fed on the blood of the people we were supposed to protect.”

Mukeshimana, a mother of one and a genocide survivor, immigrated to the United States in 2001 where she graduated from the college of St.Rose in Albany in New York.

Soon after the genocide Mukeshimana founded a Genocide Survivors Support group/ Network which now educates people about the crimes of genocide, her mission is to help as many genocide survivors rebuild their lives.

{{Huye district vice mayor in charge of Social Affairs Christine Niwemugeni has said that one way to accomplish performance contracts should be through partnership of districts since they can learn from one another. }}

Vice Mayor Niwemugeni urged made the remarks on February 9th 2012, after a study tour carried out at Rulindo district by all district and sector staff members in charge of social welfare.

The tour intended to emulate best practices of Rulindo as a role model. Delegates from Huye visited various activities in Rulindo including; radical terraces made to encourage land use consolidation policy, modern breeding and other activities.

Delegates acknowledged they learnt a lot and promised to implement such best practices acquired during the tour. According to Huye vice mayor in charge of social welfare, the visit was like a mirror that permitted visitors to compare themselves to others.

Niwemugeni noted that if all districts performed similar visits, this would quickly help achieving targets set in Performance Contracts for every district.

Rulindo district Mayor Kangwagye Justus said such tours help people in exchanging experiences and promised Rulindo will also visit Huye to learn from its best achievements.

The two districts agreed to enhance their partnership as one way to learn from each other in order to quickly and correlatively attain targets of their performance contracts.

{{A medical team led by Maj Dr Kayondo King from Rwanda Military Hospital has started a special medical outreach to Nyamiyaga sector residents in Kamonyi district. }}

The medical care exercise that kicks off on 13th February shall provide free medical treatment to more than 500 children in five days at Mugina Health Center.

Maj Dr Kayondo King said that this medical outreach is the second of its kind in Kamonyi District Rwanda Military Hospital uses its mobile clinic vehicles and staff to provide treatment to the needy in a remote area.

He added that this special outreach is more reinforced in terms of equipment and specialties in pediatrics, ophthalmology, dermatology and dental.

The military medical team is also using one of the mobile clinic vehicles with modern equipment that includes an Electro cardiograph to conduct heart examinations, an auto clave to sterilise medical equipment, an ultra sound to check internal organs of the body, refrigerator and an operating table, among other equipment.

The mobile clinic is a donation of the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare.

The medical outreach is organized jointly with Ministry of Health, Rwanda Military Hospital and Good Neighbors, a South Korean Non Government Organization operating in Kamonyi District.

{{Rwanda’s approach to healing trauma with tradition and culture could provide lessons for Aboriginal Australia, according to Prof. Jacqui Lavis, University of Canberra, Australia.}}

Prof. Lavis was speaking at a public lecture and discussion sponsored by the Centre for Gender, Culture and Development at the Kigali Institute of Education attended by students, lecturers and members of the public.

The lecture examined opportunities for cultural and traditional approaches to trauma healing in progressing the journey of healing in post conflict societies.

“In Australian Aboriginal communities, traditional rituals and acknowledgement of traditional healing have either disappeared or gone ‘underground’.” Prof Lavis said.

“After traumatic events many people experience posttraumatic stress disorder, feelings of shame and guilt, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, loss of trust, family breakdown and ongoing violence”.

According to Prof Lavis, traditional healing practices could focus on the ways that ritual and ceremony can address trauma reconciliation, cultural reinstatement and the building of resilience.

This spiritual process would involve strengthening and re-connecting with identity, language, land, dance and song.

Rwandan society has embedded some aspects of its continuing traditions in everyday life, but emerging research has shown that traditional healing practices in this country could further enhance community resilience and development.

In both Australia and Rwanda there are significant opportunities for further field research on these important topics to establish where traditional practices are still in use and their value in enhancing personal health and wellbeing.

The main questions raised by participants in the lively discussion that followed were ‘Can trauma be healed?’, ‘Does improving access to economic resources foster trauma healing?’, Can there be reconciliation while there is economic disparity?’ and ‘Are there different types of trauma– is there a difference between a protracted period of oppression and catastrophic events ?’

{{The trial involving jailed politician Victoire Ingabire has today been adjourned until 12 March after her lawyers successfully requested court for more time to examine latest evidence from Holland presented by the prosecution.}}

One of her lawyers Gatera Gashabana said that he was given the file of evidences late and couldn’t get time to analyse them to facilitate him defend his client.

While her second defense lawyer Ian Edouard asked for more time so as to translate the evidences into French the language he understands better for him to be prepared too.

Also on the other hand Ingabire asked the panel of Judges to reconsider the testimonies of a witness against her since she also accuses the government for having been responsible for her husband’s death.

“I don’t understand and it is not convincing how this witness against me and she is the same witness who is accusing the government over her husband’s death,” Ingabire said.

Ingabire also asked the court to summon the witness Specioza Mujawayezu testifying against her and also the court to summon the Minister of Defence or Minister of Foreign affairs to explain circumstances surrounding the death of this witness’ husband.

However the court says they will summon the parties mentioned above, if the court finds it necessary.

The prosecution says it had come prepared to give explanations surrounding the new evidences from Holland that was presented to Rwanda last December.

The prosecution however admits that it is indeed the right of the lawyers to get more time to study and understand every detail in the file.

The court ordered Ingabire’s lawyers to notify the court upon completing the examination of the evidences by March 5th this year.

The issue of the evidence in question was first raised on September 5, when prosecution requested the court to adjourn the hearing, pending the transfer of the evidences from The Hague, Netherlands.

It had been sabotaged by a petition to deny the transfer of evidences incriminating her and while the husband, Lin Muyizere for the failed legal battle back in The Hague.

Prosecution alleged that the evidence includes several documents discovered during a search of Ingabire’s residence in Holland that contain proof of her subversive activities, telephone records that indicate her past communication with militia commanders, as well as testimonies of people in The Netherlands who worked alongside the accused.

Ingabire came in Rwanda January 16th 2010 to register her party FDU-Inkingi to be involved in the presidential elections but she was arrested and begun her legal battle October 10th 2010.

Ingabire and her four co-accused Major Vital Uwumuremyi, Col Tharcisse Nditurende, Lt. Col. Noel Habiyaremye and Jean Marie Vianney Karuta are accused of forming an armed group, terrorism, complicity to commit terrorism, and genocide ideology, among others.

{{ENDS}}

{{Five Rwandan refugees from Zambia are currently in Rwanda where they are touring various sites in the country; their visit is part of a campaign initiated by the government aimed at encouraging them to return to their home country.}}

Similar visits have been ongoing whereby a few refugees are invited to tour the country and later left to return to their places of asylum in order to persuade their Rwandan friends to return home.

Addressing the team, General Marcel Gatsinzi the minister of disaster management and refugee affairs, noted that the visits are a major milestone towards facilitating free repatriation of Rwandan refugees, since those invited go back to explain to their colleagues about the country’s progress.

Gatsinzi has on frequent occasions advised refugees to avoid being misled by enemies of Rwandan known to spread negative reports about the country’s leadership.

The team led by Geraldine Mukakabego a lecturer at Gavendish National University of Zambia, is scheduled to tour the national museum, various genocide memorial sites, the National University of Rwanda and some industries.

“We intend to see some of the opportunities in Rwanda and find mechanisms on how to exploit them, anyway I’m impressed with the country’s development,” he remarked.

Zambia still hosts a big number of Rwandan refugees and the government through the ministry of national disaster and refugee affairs has been conducting awareness to encourage them to return to Rwanda, this follows the recent approval of a UN cessation clause banning Rwandan refugees by mid 2013.