The Government of Rwanda introduced land registration in 2009 to enhance transparency and put an end to land-sharing related disputes. The exercise was completed in 2013 but some parcels remain unregistered.
RLMUA statement released on 15th October 2019 has given a three-month deadline for people with unregistered land.
It is said that some landowners provided incomplete and wrong registration details resulting in rejection by the data entry system.
They were requested to provide evidence proving them right owners but 14% of the land remains unregistered.
RLMUA figures indicate that a total of 11,5 million land documents have been issued based on land identification number known as Unique Parcel Identifier (UPI) while the rest remaining 1.5 million parcels are not registered.
The institution also reports 18,000 parcels involved in disputes.
Espérance Mukamana, the Director-General of RLMUA has said that people with unregistered land are given a three-month deadline while those with disputed land have one month to settle the issue or face penalties including registration of the land as Government property.
“We have not yet taken possession of the land but we want all parcels registered to owners. All people coming with evidence proving they are right owners will have the land registered to them. The main intention is to avoid incomplete data,” she said.
RLMUA indicates that 331,110 of registered parcels belong to the Government that those whose owners are not registered will become Government properties very soon.
The Accreditation Ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola, Secretaries of State and senior officials of the Ministry of External Relations, and senior officials in the office of the President as well as Diplomats of the Rwandan Embassy in Angola.
On July 16, 2019, President Paul Kagame appointed Ambassador Wellars Gasamagera extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Rwanda to Angola.
During his audience with the President of the Republic of Angola H.E João Lourenço the Rwandan Ambassador to Angola, thanked him for the excellent and growing cooperation between the two countries and for the role Angola is playing in bringing peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
The Ambassador also expressed his desire to strengthen and develop the already existing relations between both countries and accelerate the signing of the joint Permanent Co.
The President of the Republic of Angola, H.E. João Lourenço observed that he honors the excellent relations, friendship and mutual understanding that exists between the Republic of Angola and the Republic of Rwanda.
Rwanda and Angola are both members of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and have cooperation agreements in the fields of Diplomatic, civil aviation, security, and public order.
The authorities of both countries have been working to diversify cooperation by adopting means that help to identify common interests with mutual benefits for both countries.
The decorated hybrid force under Rwanda Formed Police Unit-One (RWAFPU-1) deployed in Malakal, Upper Nile headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Paul Gatambira, is one of the three Rwandan Formed Police Units (FPUs) operating under the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
UNMISS Head of Field Office (HOFO) in Malakal Mrs. Hazel Dewet presided over the medal ceremony held in their base camp.
It was also attended by UN Police (UNPOL) Chief of Staff, ACP Barthelemy Rugwizangonga, who represented UNMISS Police Commissioner, UNMISS Sector-North Commander Brig. Gen Johnson Akou Adjei Koffi, Malakal Police commissioner Maj. Gen Chol Atem, commanders of peacekeepers from other countries, among other high-ranking UNMISS and South Sudan officials.
The medal ceremony was characterized by a parade, martial arts and cultural performance by the decorated Rwandan peacekeepers.
Mrs. Dewet hailed the Rwandan peacekeepers for their professionalism in contributing to the peace agreement in South Sudan. She particularly appreciated the role played by the Rwandan women under RWAFPU-3, adding “it’s an indication that peace-building is not only the work of men.”
“Your limitless efforts showed that you were prepared enough and brave people to endure any challenging situation; it erased doubts you would accomplish any assigned tasks with resolute efficiency and extreme professionalism even in the face of fragile and volatile environment,” Mrs. Dewet said.
She stated that the awarded medals define Rwandan peacekeepers’ commitment to the unification and peace for the people of South Sudan, adding that the UN appreciates “Rwanda’s commitment to international peace.”
The UNPOL Chief of Staff, ACP Barthelemy Rugwizangoga conveyed his gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for its contribution to UNPOL and for bridging the gender parity gap in peacekeeping.
He thanked the decorated officers for their confidence and trust building patrols, cordon and search operations, prevention of sexual and gender-based violence as well as operational support to the mandated activities of the Individual Police Officers (IPOs), UN and humanitarian actors.
In his remarks, the RWAFPU-1 contingent commander, ACP Paul Gatambira stated receiving the medal was an honor for the decorated peacekeepers, and thanked the UN, South Sudan government; UNMISS leadership and the people of South Sudan for their support, which facilitated them to effectively discharge their duties.
“I would like to acknowledge that it would not have been easier without support, encouragement, cooperation, and guidance of the UNMISS leadership like; UNPOL/IPOs, Military components, UNDSS [United Nations Department of Safety and Security], and all civilian components without forgetting humanitarian agencies,” ACP Gatambira said.
He further noted that they have gained more experience, exposure, diversity, and resilience in handling “unpredictable and challenging circumstances,” which will be shared back in their home country and beyond.
ACP Gatambira also thanked the decorated officers under his command for their professionalism, commitment, teamwork, and hard work, and expressed gratitude to the people of Malakal for being “partners in peacekeeping activities.”
RWANFPU-1 was deployed in UNMISS, Malakal in November last year, where they were largely charged with the protection of over 32,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and communities in the vicinity and conducted varied human security activities, including communal work—Umuganda.
The signing took place during Kagame’s one-day official visit to Bangui and was reached following bilateral talks.
The agreements focus on defense, oil, investment promotion, mining and oil, investment promotion and a Bilateral Investment Treaty.
While in Bangui, Kagame attended a State Luncheon hosted in his honor by President Touadéra, where he was awarded the highest decoration “Grand Croix de la Reconnaissance” and a symbolic key to the City of Bangui as the city’s honorary resident.
Kagame welcomed the award and commended the signing of bilateral agreements noting that it was an indication of a new chapter in bilateral ties between the two countries.
“This occasion marks a new chapter in the bilateral relationship, between Rwanda and the Central African Republic,” he said.
“Today, we signed a number of important agreements which put our joint endeavors on solid footing. And this is just the beginning. These agreements should be diligently implemented, so we can build on them to achieve even more together, in the years ahead,” highlighted Kagame.
President reminisced on both countries’ shared history and observed that nothing should hold back their progress because there are possibilities to shape a dignified future.
“Both our countries have endured difficult histories. There is no doubt about it. However, no nation is forever hostage to its past. There is always a choice that can be made, collectively, to build a future, in which every citizen has a sense of dignity and belonging,” he noted.
“We also seek to learn from the efforts of others, including the Central African Republic. In a small but significant way, this kind of practical cooperation gives meaning to the tragedy we went through. Rwanda stands ready to continue accompanying the people of the Central African Republic, as you move forward,” added the President.
The central African Republic has been in turmoil since a violent takeover of power in 2013. The aftermath saw widespread violence as armed militia fought each other and took revenge on the population.
The March 2016 election of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra brought an initial lull but was followed by more fighting in late 2016 and early 2017 between armed groups including ex-Seleka factions and anti-balaka militias – both controlling vast areas of the country.
Rwanda experienced a tragic past during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which took the lives of over 1 million victims. Following the mayhem, Rwanda introduced unity and reconciliation programs that all Rwandans were brought together under one common identity and worked hard for the country’s resilience.
For Rwanda, Kagame said, the key factor in the country’s peacebuilding process was a firm commitment to national unity whereby Rwandans endeavor to find solutions to their problems through dialogue and consensus.
He highlighted that Politics should bring people together to promote the well-being of everyone, not create divisions and commended the President and the people of the Central African Republic for the steps taken towards peace and reconciliation.
Kagame’s visit was the first of its kind since Touadera assumed office in 2016.
Rwanda is the top contributor of peacekeeping forces in the CAR with a mission of 1,370 army troops as well as 430 police personnel.
He replaces Vincent Karega who was appointed to represent Rwanda in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwanda and South Africa have been working towards revitalizing relations that soured in 2014 over political crises related to hosting convicted fugitives including Kayumba Nyamwasa convicted of terrorism acts that involved grenade attacks in different parts of Kigali taking lives of many people.
At the time, South Africa also accused Rwanda of being behind an armed attack on Kayumba’s home in South Africa.
This saw South Africa suspending the issuance of Visa to Rwandans heading to the country using ordinary passports and deported three Rwandan diplomats in Pretoria. In return, Rwanda expelled six South Africa’s diplomats.
As President Ramaphosa attended African Union Summit in Kigali 2018, he revealed that he had agreed with his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame to facilitate both countries’ Foreign Affairs Ministers to deal with the issue amicably and make a report for implementation. No progress has so far been reported.
George Nkosinati Twala was the last South Africa Ambassador to Rwanda. He was recalled after ending a 6-year term limit but has not yet been replaced.
The Project brings together African troop-contributing countries, the other UN Member States and the UN Department of Field Support.
It aims at enhancing the capacity of engineering contingents or sub-units through training and equipping.
While giving his closing remarks on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, RDF Chief of Logistics, Brig-Gen Dr. Ephrem Rurangwa emphasized that RDF has no doubt that the trained personnel will use the acquired skills to effectively perform their tasks.
“Having an operator graduating from using one machine to using more than two machines is quite an achievement for our operators. Being able to train our personnel is important in capacity building, and this requires skills improvement for a good instructor as well as a good student,” he said.
“You will work with trainees all over the country where we have projects.
Take care of the reference materials that you have been given, they will make your work easier,” Brig-Gen Rurangwa added.
He further stated that the skills acquired are also crucial for deploying Engineering Component Squadron in UN Peacekeeping Mission, noting that the squadron is composed of combat engineers, construction engineers, and equipment.
The training was organized in partnership with the governments of Rwanda, Brazil, Israel, Japan, Switzerland, and the UN.
Theogene Nsabimana, 40, was arrested Monday in Gitaraga Cell, Masaka Sector in Kicukiro District following several complaints from victims, some of who were his passengers while others fell victims of his sporadic ambushes in late hours of the night along different pathways in the cell.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie Gorette Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali has said that law enforcement agencies and the cooperative of motorcyclists in Masaka have been working together to locate and arrest Nsabimana and two others still at large said to be part of the gang.
“We understand that Nsabimana was working with other two people to grab bags and other belongings, especially from women and girls. All the victims described Nsabimana and two other men still at large, as their attackers,” CIP Umutesi said.
Following the arrest of Nsabimana, a number of his victims showed up and indeed identified him as one of the men, who attacked them and stole their belongings that included mobile phones and money.
Most of the victims are women from Gitagara and Rusheshe cells in Masaka, who would be attacked on their way from Biryogo market. It is the second time he has been arrested over the alleged criminal acts.
Meanwhile, the cooperative of commercial motorcyclists in Masaka also said that Nsabimana was not a registered motorcyclist and that “such unregistered members take advantage of their being incognito to steal from their passengers.”
The federation of motorcycle cooperatives—FERWACOTAMO—is building a database and registering every commercial motorcyclist and owners of motorcycles, including installation of GPS, to help trace implicated wrongdoers, keep records of their members’ behavior and help them to take action against errant members.
The AG100 motorcycle, RA 965N was stolen on October 8, from Munyangoga’s home in Nyamata Sector. It was recovered on October 14, in Rilima Sector.
The Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana said that on the fateful evening, Munyangoga returned home and parked his motorcycle on the veranda.
Later that evening, he came out of the house only to find that his motorcycle was nowhere to be seen and he immediately called law enforcement agencies which commenced the search for the motorcycle and suspected thief.
“On October 10, Rilima Police station received a call at about 10pm from a local resident, who saw a motorcycle hidden in a banana plantation; apparently the suspected thief was looking for a buyer,” CIP Twizeyimana said.
“The suspect was selling the motorcycle at Rwf700, 000. Although he managed to flee the arrest that very night, we know him and law enforcement officers are working together to locate and bring him to justice,” the spokesperson added.
He thanked the resident, who was quick to provide information, which facilitated the recovery of the motorcycle and called for strengthened partnership and information sharing on anyone they suspect to be a wrongdoer.
Munyangoga, on his part, thanked the resident who helped the Police efforts to recover his motorcycle, and commended the impact of community policing in fighting and preventing crime.
Disasters followed a warning by the Weatherman predicting heavy rain from Thursday 10th October to Sunday 13th October 2019.
The rain was predicted at the precipitation of between 10 and 25mm per day.
“The rain predicted by Meteorology Agency left five people dead and destroyed some houses. Those who died include the motorcyclist crushed by a tree, some were carried by flowing streams while a house fell on another died of house fall,” said the Minister Kamayirese.
She appealed on citizens to be cautious during the rainy season and relocate from susceptible risky zones.
Upon arrival, Kagame is expected to hold bilateral talks with his counterpart.
Different posters have been erected along roads in CAR to welcome Kagame.
The President heads to CAR following a visit to Abidjan in Ivory Coast where he attended the 8th edition of Confédération Générale des Entreprises de Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI) Academy 2019 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast as the guest of honor.
Both heads of state are not meeting for the first time. Touadéra was previously in Rwanda attending Rwanda’s 25th Liberation Anniversary.
Kagame and Touadéra are expected to hold talks aimed at promoting cooperation and trade.
According to RFI, the mining sector, as well as a strengthening of military cooperation are among other areas of discussion.
The two heads of state are also expected to establish a joint commission, which organizes regular meetings between delegates from both countries.
The visit aligns with Rwanda’s initiatives to strengthen cooperation with Francophone countries three years after joining The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) which it had left in 2007.
Rwanda and CAR enjoy good relations in security cooperation. Rwanda is ranked the 3rd largest contributor to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic with over 1389 soldiers and police officers.
Rwanda started sending troops to CAR in 2014. CAR is rich in minerals like Gold, Diamond, and Uranium among others.
