Category: Politics

The meeting was a part of the official tour undertaken by the Cuban delegation across various African countries, commencing on November 14 with Ghana as their first stop.

On the same day, Vice President Mesa expressed his appreciation on social media (formerly Twitter), thanking Rwanda for the warm welcome. He specifically highlighted the gracious reception provided by Vincent Biruta, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, upon their arrival in Rwanda.

In addition to engaging with President Kagame, Vice President Mesa also held talks with Rwanda’s Senate President François Xavier Kalinda on November 20, further underscoring the commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.

Rwanda and Cuba have maintained diplomatic relations for 44 years. Additionally, both nations have established diplomatic representations in each other’s territories, further solidifying their commitment to fostering ongoing ties and cooperation.

On December 20, more than 44 million people in the DRC registered to vote for the president, members of parliament, and provincial leaders. A total of 26 candidates vied for the position of Head of State, with 25,832 members of parliament and 44,110 provincial leaders, along with 31,234 regional leaders, also in contention.

Tshisekedi reassured his supporters that nothing detrimental would occur under his leadership, pledging, “I will never stop loving them, and I will give my life for you.” Distinguishing himself from other candidates, he cautioned the people against listening to promises that lack substance, emphasizing the need to scrutinize the track record of those in power.

Notably, President Paul Kagame was repeatedly referenced in Tshisekedi’s statements, with a clear warning to the citizens to consider Rwanda as an adversary and to maintain a distance. Tshisekedi emphatically declared that any association with Rwanda is now out of the question. He revealed that, upon assuming office, he initially collaborated with Rwanda to address violence and insecurity in Eastern Congo, aiming for the mutual development of both countries. However, he claimed that Rwanda betrayed this collaboration.

Tshisekedi asserted that he will no longer engage in dialogue with Rwanda and President Kagame. In the earlier days of his presidency, the relationship between Tshisekedi and Rwanda was seemingly flawless, marked by joint efforts to combat the FDLR terrorist group in Eastern Congo. However, he now insists on severing ties with Rwanda, despite past camaraderie.

The current strained relationship stands in stark contrast to previous displays of support, such as President Kagame’s attendance at Tshisekedi’s father’s funeral, where he was warmly welcomed in Kinshasa.

Previously, when President Kagame visited Goma to aid those affected by the Nyiragongo volcano eruption, Tshisekedi expressed gratitude to his “brother” for the support.

The rift is further underscored by the stark shift from describing Kagame as a ‘brother and trusted partner’ to outright rejection of any future collaboration. President Kagame’s attempts to explain the root of problems in the East of the DRC appear to have fallen on deaf ears, as Tshisekedi’s character has markedly changed over time.

Tshisekedi was appointed by the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC) to facilitate talks between Chad’s opposition parties following the sudden passing of Idriss Deby, who was succeeded by his son.

Recently, the opposition parties initiated a petition, urging their supporters to sign it with the aim of collecting a minimum of 200 signatures. The petition explicitly expresses their dissatisfaction with Tshisekedi’s role as a mediator, alleging that he has exhibited bias in favor of Chad’s Transitional President, Mahamat Déby.

One prominent opposition figure, Yaya Dillo, expressed his frustration, stating that they had been patient and cautious but now believed that Tshisekedi was conveying a biased message from those in power. He criticized Tshisekedi, contending that he is an unsuitable representative of democracy to mediate on behalf of the people of Chad.

This development occurred just as Tshisekedi’s envoy was expected in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, to facilitate negotiations between the government and its opponents.

Jean-Bernard Badaré, the spokesperson for Idriss Deby’s MPS party, who was succeeded by Deby’s son, remained resolute in asserting that negotiations would proceed irrespective of the opposition’s stance.

He underscored that Tshisekedi’s appointment was made by CEEAC, and any alteration to his role would need to originate from that organization.

In a related development, one opposition politician, Succès Masra, postponed his return to Chad after a year in exile in the United States.

Masra cited the government’s disregard for human rights, politically motivated arrests, and their subsequent release as reasons for his decision not to return to the country.

This declaration was made during an interview with Jeune Afrique, where President Kagame responded to questions about his recent re-election as the Chairman of RPF Inkotanyi, where he received an impressive 99.8% support, raising speculations about his role in the forthcoming elections.

In response to the interviewer’s inquiry, Kagame expressed his appreciation for the trust bestowed upon him by the people of Rwanda. He emphasized his commitment to serving their interests to the best of his abilities.

Furthermore, he unequivocally confirmed his candidacy for the 2024 presidential polls, acknowledging the apparent nature of his potential rerun, as suggested by the interviewer.

Expressing his gratitude, Kagame recognized the continuous trust placed in him by cadres and citizens alike. He stressed the profound significance of this trust, acknowledging that it deepened his sense of duty and indebtedness to the Rwandan people.

Reflecting on his political journey, it’s worth noting that Kagame initially assumed office on April 17, 2000, following his election by the Parliament and cabinet members. He stepped into the leadership role after Pasteur Bizimana’s resignation, leading the country during a three-year transitional regime.

In 2003, Kagame was elected as President for his first term, securing an impressive 95% of the votes. He was subsequently re-elected for a second term in 2010, with a substantial 93% of the votes. At that time, the Rwandan constitution stipulated a two-term limit for the head of state.

In response to the request of over 5 million citizens, the Parliament revised the Constitution, allowing Kagame to run for the 2017 presidential polls. In that election, he garnered a commanding 98.79% of the votes, facing competition from other contenders, including Mpayimana Philippe, who received 0.73%, and Dr. Habineza Frank, who obtained 0.48% of the votes.

Now, after serving six years in his third term, Kagame has announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential elections.

This decision aligns with the Constitution’s revision in 2015, which permits the President to contend for presidential polls until 2034. Notably, these upcoming terms will be reduced to five years instead of the previous seven, while maintaining alignment with constitutional changes.

“As the people of Zimbabwe, we have demonstrated that we are a mature democracy,” Mnangagwa said in his first public address to the media at state house in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, after being announced the winner.

He was re-elected for his second and final five-year term, after garnering 52.6 percent of the total votes cast, according to the results announced by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Priscilla Chigumba late Saturday.

According to ZEC, Mnangagwa beat 10 other presidential contestants after polling 2,350,711 votes, constituting 52.6 percent of the total 4,468,668 valid votes cast.

His main rival and opposition Citizens for Coalition Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa, got 44 percent of the valid votes cast, after getting 1,967,343 votes, according to Chigumba.

“The elections have come and gone. I am humbled by the trust and confidence that you my fellow country men and women have reposed on me, to once again serve as President of our great country Zimbabwe,” said Mnangagwa.

He took the opportunity to thank the various election observer missions that witnessed the electoral process without bias.

Now that the election period is over, Mnangagwa urged the nation to remain united towards national developmental aspirations.

“There is much more work to be done. Together, as one united people we shall continue on the growth trajectory witnessed over the last five years. No one and no place will be left behind,” Mnangagwa said.

He further urged the nation to remain vigilant and jealously guard the prevailing peaceful and tranquil environment. “That which unites us is much greater than that which could ever divide us,” Mnangagwa said.

“I further call on us all to return to work with a greater sense of purpose towards increased production and productivity across all sectors,” he added.

He also thanked other contestants in the election, saying “there are no winners or losers; but one united people of Zimbabwe.”

Mnangagwa said after a successful first five year term, the thrust of his government now would be to ensure the consolidation of the country’s food security.

According to ZEC, voter turnout in this year’s election was 68.9 percent in the presidential election.

Mnangagwa’s ruling ZANU-PF party won the majority of the 210 parliamentary seats.

The vehicle, Toyota Hilux RAD 698C belonging to one Dr. William Agaba, was reported stolen on July 17, from a parking lot at MTN service centre in Nyabugogo.

The RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said that the search for the vehicle was activated after the victim reported the alleged car theft.

“Police first recovered the engine of the vehicle on July 23, in Gisenyi town, Rubavu District where the suspect in custody was looking for a buyer.

The other part of the car without an engine was later recovered in Kacyiru sector, Gasabo District,” CP Kabera said.

Investigations indicate that the suspect, a mechanic in Gatsata, hatched a plan in May, when he forged the car key as he was repairing it at a garage in Gatsata.

CP Kabera warned against such criminal acts and thanked members of the public, who helped the Police in successful investigations.

The victim, Dr. Agaba, thanked the Police for the swift response to recover his vehicle.

“I am grateful for efforts that Rwanda National Police deployed to successfully recover my car and to arrest the suspect,” he said.

Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.

In article 167, the penalty for theft doubles if the offender committed the crime through burglary, climbing or possession of keys other than the owner; the theft is carried out during the night or the theft is carried out by more than one (1) person.