The Peacekeepers were composed of Rwandan Military, Police and Correctional Service serving under MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic).
In his remarks, Gen Nyamvumba commended the job being done by Peacekeepers and the partnership existing between the Military, Police and Correctional personnel of Rwanda.
“The population of CAR that you are serving, as well as the leadership of Peacekeeping Mission in New York all say that you are doing a commendable job. This has made you good ambassadors of Rwanda,” he said.
“What is required from you is to continue what you started and maintain and sustain the achievements attained. This requires you to uphold your discipline and maintain professionalism,” Gen Nyamvumba added.
Rwanda maintains the highest number of Peacekeepers serving in MINUSCA.
The warning follows the launch of Agriculture Season 2020 A at the end of September 2019. The majority of citizens in rural areas are currently busy sowing maize, beans, wheat and soy among others.
The statement prohibiting local leaders and non-governmental organizations organizing meetings or campaigns in morning hours was released yesterday.
Signed by the Minister of Local Government, Prof Anastase Shyaka, the statement reads that several meetings bringing together citizens in morning hours have been popular nowadays taking the time they would be spending at work.
“We request all relevant institutions to hold meetings afternoon especially during this planting season for them to spend morning hours in development activities,” reads the statement in part.
Minister Shyaka appealed to all concerned people to respect the regulation in favor of citizens’ common interests.
Mukakarangwa was arrested on Saturday following Prime Minister’s Order dismissing her from Public service due to gross misconduct.
Her dismissal was announced during resolutions of the cabinet meeting that was chaired by President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro on Thursday last week.
Speaking to IGIHE, the spokesperson of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Modeste Mbabazi has confirmed the arrest of Mukakarangwa.
“She has been arrested for alleged favoritism,” he said.
Mukakarangwa is alleged of recruiting his brother in RCA and sending him to work on missions as a public servant as well as using work vehicles for personal interests.
She was detained following the arrest of Esther Batamuriza, RCA Director of Administration and Finance Unit on 11th October 2019 for financial mismanagement.
David, accompanied by his mother and fiancée, began his trip by visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial where he paid respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He learned about the causes of the Genocide and how Rwandans have built a new nation on a foundation of dignity and togetherness. David and his family honoured the victims by laying a wreath and observing a moment of silence.
He also met President Paul Kagame, before heading to Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Northern Province where he planted an indigenous tree as part of efforts to reforest areas surrounding the stunning Volcanoes National Park – home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
David and his family also enjoyed ‘Rwanda Night’ at the Lodge, which included traditional Rwandan dancing and drumming, as well as sampling the local cuisine.
Kicking off day two, David and his family trekked through the volcanoes to see Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. During the incredible wildlife experience, they learnt about the country’s successful efforts to conserve and protect the gorillas and their habitat. David then traveled back to Kigali to attend a national league football match at Kigali Regional Stadium where he met players, young Rwandans from the Irebero Goalkeeper Training Centre and enthusiastic fans.
David concluded his trip by meeting hundreds of Arsenal fans at the Kigali Convention Centre where he answered questions on his experience in Rwanda and his life and football career.
Helping to build awareness of Rwanda as a welcoming and culturally rich tourist hotspot, David was the first Arsenal first-team player to visit Rwanda since the partnership’s launch last season. He follows in the footsteps of Arsenal legends Alex Scott, Tony Adams and Lauren who have previously participated in the country’s Kwita Izina Gorilla naming ceremony – a prestigious celebration of Rwandan conservation and culture.
David’s trip was part of Visit Rwanda’s ground-breaking partnership with Arsenal Football Club, which also includes a focus on football development through a unique partnership between Arsenal, the Rwandan Football Federation and the national Ministry of Sports and Culture to develop and nurture local football talent at the grassroots level for girls and boys.
{{Following the visit David Luiz}}, said it has been incredible to learn about the wonderful country and experience the welcoming spirit of the Rwandan people.
“I came with the curiosity to learn about the country, considering what it went through 25 years ago. I have to say I was inspired by how fast it has moved forward and how it has become a progressive, fast-growing nation with so many amazing things to see and do,” he said.
“My family and I are so thankful for the opportunity to come here and see the passion of football fans, experience Rwanda’s culture and witness breath-taking scenery. From trekking to see mountain gorillas to watching local football and mixing with fans of all ages, it has been a humbling and wonderful experience. We can’t wait to come back and see even more of this beautiful country. I’m going to recommend all my friends to spend their holidays in Rwanda,” added David Luiz.
{{Clare Akamanzi}}, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, revealed it was fantastic hosting David and his family in Rwanda and where he enjoyed every moment of his stay.
“David created a real bond with the local community. Rwanda is a must-see travel destination and we are happy David and his family experienced the best the country has to offer, from world-class hospitality options to once in a lifetime experiences like trekking the endangered mountain gorilla. We look forward to seeing David in Rwanda again, and welcoming more Arsenal players, fans and tourists from around the world to our beautiful country,” she noted.
{{Detailed Visit Summary
Kigali Genocide Memorial}}
David’s time in Rwanda begun with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial where he paid respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He learned about the causes, reality, and consequences of the Genocide as well as how Rwandans have built a new nation on a foundation of dignity and togetherness. He and his family also laid a wreath at the memorial burial place where 250,000 of the more than one million victims of the Genocide have been laid to rest.
After visiting, David wrote a touching message in the memorial guestbook:
“{Hello friends, I just want to remind you that we are all born one for the other, we all need each other. It doesn’t matter where; we need to live with love, peace, and happiness. God bless you all. From your brother, David.}”
{{Audience with Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda}}
After visiting the memorial, David visited the offices of the Rwanda Development Board where he interacted with staff and met with the Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi.
Shortly after, President Kagame received David at his office, Urugwiro Village.
In his meeting with the President, David was accompanied by his fiancé Ms. Bruna Da Conceicao Loureiro, mother Regina Celia Moreira Marinho, and Peter Silverstone, Arsenal Football Club Commercial Director. They were also joined by the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, Clare Akamanzi. View photos here.
{{Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Musanze Distric}}t
David then traveled to Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Musanze District (Rwanda’s Northern Province) where he planted an indigenous tree as part of efforts to reforest areas surrounding Volcanoes National Park and the lodge. He also took the time to train at the foothills of the volcanoes.
While at Singita, David also met with the Governor of the Northern Province, JMV Gatabazi, the Chief Park Warden of Volcanoes National Park, Prosper Uwingeli, and Eugene Mutangana from the Rwanda Development Board Tourism and Conservation Department. They discussed Rwanda’s successful gorilla conservation efforts and plans to expand their habitat.
David and his family also enjoyed ‘Rwanda Night’ at Singita Kwitonda Lodge, which included traditional Rwandan dancing and drumming, as well as sampling the local cuisine.
{{Trekking Kwitonda Gorilla Family in Volcanoes National Park}}
In Volcanoes National Park, David and his family trekked to visit the Kwitonda family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and were amazed by this unique and incredible wildlife encounter.
{{Attending APR v. Etincelles Match at Kigali Regional Stadium}}
After the trek, David traveled to Kigali to attend a national league match between APR v. Etincelles at the Kigali Regional Stadium where he met with players from both teams as well as
the referees. During half time, he joined a football juggling competition with young Rwandans from the Irebero Goalkeeper Training Centre. David presented the winner of the competition, Prince Alonso Ishimwe, with a signed #23 Arsenal home kit jersey.
{{Meeting Supporters and Press Conference}}
After the match, David met with Arsenal fans in Rwanda at the Kigali Convention Center. He interacted with the fans by taking selfies and answering questions about his career
The visit comes after a highly successful first year of Visit Rwanda’s partnership with Arsenal as the club’s inaugural Sleeve Sponsor and Official Tourism Partner.
In just twelve months, the partnership has made Rwanda a must-see holiday destination for football fans and tourists around the world.
An independent survey conducted by Hall and Partners of 20,000 Arsenal fans across 30 markets found that as a result of the partnership, 51% of respondents are more likely to consider Rwanda as a tourist destination, demonstrating a shift in perception and understanding of the country.
In 2018, 1.7 million people visited Rwanda – an 8% increase from 2017.
This success has led the partnership to be nominated for a Leaders Sports Award in the sponsorship category, which recognizes the best work and most talented individuals in sports business.
Visit Rwanda and the partnership with Arsenal also won the top award for destination excellence in luxury and experiential travel at the 2019 Luxperience Awards and an Honorary Award for Partnership for ‘a unique and transformational partnership by an African brand’ at the 2019 Best of Africa Awards.
The incident took place this morning around 9 am as Bandetse sought shelter under the tree as it rained heavily.
Police spokesperson in Kigali city, CIP Goretti Umutesi has told IGIHE that both the motorcyclist and passenger were sheltering under the same tree.
It is said that they ran away as the tree squeaked and eventual crumble hitting dead Bandetse who was returning to save his motorcycle from the tree fall.
Police rushed for intervention but found the man dead upon arrival and took his body to Kacyiru Hospital.
CIP Umutesi condoled with the bereaved family and called upon all people to be cautious during this rainy season.
“People should not seek shelter under trees during this rainy season lest thunder strikes them or the trees crush them. It is advised against sheltering in forests, trees, touching steel and sheltering in public places with no installed lightning protection systems,” she said.
Kagame made the observation today as 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.
CGECI Academy is one of the largest forums of the Ivorian Private Sector.
As he delivered his remarks, Kagame expressed delight to return to Ivory Coast to learn about the country’s work and strengthening relations as well.
The President highlighted that the Ivorian private sector is an inspiration, because of its productivity, dynamism, and resilience which contributed to the recovery and rapid development of the nation and stressed the need to exchange best practices between both countries.
“The potential of Ivorian business to grow and be a pillar of our continent’s economy is evident. For example, we would like to see more Ivorian investment and expertise in Rwanda, as well as the exchange of best practices for the creation of a strong industrial sector,” he noted.
Kagame said that companies in Côte d’Ivoire and around Africa can do much more to catalyze and finance local innovation and commended CGECI, for the commitment to the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
This year’s conference is themed ‘Creating a conducive business climate’.
President Kagame explained that such forums are highly relevant to complement efforts expended by African countries to support the cause.
“Efforts by many African countries to improve their business environments are bearing fruit, but we can all do so much more. One way to advance this cause is through forums like this one. Coming together here, we make useful connections, share experiences, and learn from each other,” he said.
“The starting point is ensuring that relevant actors in both the public and private sectors get involved for the right reasons. Ultimately, what we seek is to attract and retain the maximum levels of investment we can, both domestic and foreign, to grow our economies and generate wealth of our citizens,” Kagame added.
The President said some factors are beyond our control but emphasized that ensuring to get the best value for every amount invested is within reach.
Kagame underscored that ‘no opportunities should be lost to regulatory barriers or other delays and uncertainties of our own making’ and shared Rwanda’s efforts that are showing off.
“For Rwanda, we made a deliberate effort to mobilize every branch of government, alongside the private sector, to contribute to business climate reforms. The stakes were high and a consistent focus on key indicators has led to good results. Therefore, there is no reason not to do what is within our capacity. We will all directly feel the benefits of doing just that,” he said.
Kagame stressed that the timing is right, with Africa coming together to proactively shape the future through the African Continental Free Trade Area which he considered an exciting and very promising development for the continent.
“Each country and region has to do its part to ensure the success of the economic integration that we all want to see. We are counting on you and your colleagues around Africa to sustain that momentum,” he noted.
“You are well-placed to mobilize our business communities to seize this exceptional chance. Now is the time to prepare for the implementation phase and capitalize on the benefits that the African Continental Free Trade Area holds, for everyone involved,” added Kagame.
The President also called on Governments to do their part, listen to, and work with the private sector, to overcome existing barriers to doing business and ensure that young people are equipped with the education and training required, to take advantage of new opportunities.
“We have to reach a point where our countries have the capacity to finance our own transformation. Development aid has been useful and it continues to be useful, especially when we work to get the most impact out of every cent that we receive. But the point has never been to remain dependent forever when we have always had the potential to be wealthy ourselves,” he said.
“There are much more productive ways for our continent to partner with various countries and regions, for mutual benefit. This remains an urgent task and the African private sector has an indispensable role to play,” observed Kagame.
According to Stéphane Aka-Anghui, the executive director of the General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI, Patronat) the Rwandan president was chosen as the guest of honor because his country has made considerable efforts to make the business environment attractive and could share its experience with Ivorian companies.
The World Bank Doing Business report 2018 rated Rwanda 29th globally in easing business and second in Africa following Mauritius.
The 8th edition of “CGECI Academy” was initially scheduled for October 17 to 18 and was rescheduled from October 14 to 15 in Abidjan for Rwandan President Paul Kagamé to participate.
Kagame was last in Ivory Coast on 20th December 2018 when he was conferred honorary citizenship of Abidjan.
This forum, held annually since 2012 at the initiative of CGECI, aims to promote the creation of a business environment conducive to the national private sector.
The Minister made the appreciation on Saturday as he officially inaugurated newly constructed hostels for 40 Intwaza from Rusizi district.
The elderly survivors, locally known as ‘Intwaza’ in Kinyarwanda to describe their post-genocide resilience, are widows and widowers – Genocide survivors who live in well-managed retirement homes to avoid isolation and loneliness.
Minister Shyaka said that security is paramount for the country to consolidate gains.
On the night of 4th to 5th October 2019, armed assailants raided Kinigi sector, Musanze district where they killed 14 residents and injured many.
Following a deadly attack that left fourteen dead, a hunt for the assailants was mounted where after Police confirmed that 19 of the attackers were shot dead while 5 were arrested and paraded before the media.
Minister Shyaka praised Rwanda’s soldiers for professionalism and readiness top contain emerging security threats and civilians for cooperation to preserve security.
“I would like to inform our soldiers that civilians are also active. Grass root leadership is actively contributing to enhanced security. You have to provide information on any security. This is the commitment shared by residents from different districts,” he said.
Minister Shyaka explained that girls are also ready to defend national security and arresting suspects serving with an example from a recent case in Musanze district.
“If you got wind of it, two girls recently chased after assailants, apprehended, cuffed them and alerted soldiers. Being a soldier doesn’t only require male nationals but also our girls can make it. This induces pride in promoting inclusive gender policy. Had it not been the promotion of such a policy, these girls would hide in the backyards by the time they saw the attackers. They, however, stood firm and chased after and seized assailants because gender equality policy has taken root and yielding fruits,” he noted.
Prof Shyaka made the appreciation following the revelation by one of the attackers identified as Ndayisaba Alex, hailing from Cyuve sector narrating how he was apprehended by two girls.
Ndayisaba took cover in a hole under a concealment of grasses as Rwanda’s soldiers opened gunfire to him and his colleague.
“I took cover in a hole for about four hours. An old woman who came later to collect vegetables saw me and ran away. I was on a red T-shirt. I followed and told her that she should have no worries about. The old woman asked for my identity card which I didn’t have and decided to surrender. She had two girls who apprehended me as I tried to escape and brought me to the police,” he said.
Minister Shyaka called on other citizens to embrace such bravery to safeguard the nation in collaboration with security institutions.
According to neighbors, the incident took place around 10 pm on Saturday when the two partners developed a dispute.
“We heard them fighting and rushed to calm the situation. We found the woman breathing hard and told us that the husband had banged head on the wall. The woman died before finding a motorcycle to take her to the hospital,” said one resident.
The executive secretary of Mugombwa sector, Sibomana Damien has told IGIHE that the man was arrested by Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) as investigations are underway.
“The man was arrested. Investigations are underway to establish the cause of his wife’s death. Sources reveal that the husband hit his wife’s head on the wall,” he said.
Mpakaniye is detained at RIB station in Muganza while the woman’s body was taken to Kibirizi Hospital for an autopsy.
Both spouses were born in 1993 and were legally married. The woman leaves a child of one year.
The first-ever gathering dubbed, “ICDL Africa Forum 2019”, will convene in Ubumwe Grande Hotel on October 16th, 2019. It is a key platform that will advance the continent’s digital transformation agenda.
The ICDL Africa Forum will bring together over 200 participants, focusing on the role and the need for digital skills in Africa in addressing the challenges of the skills gap in the Workforce across the continent. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of ICT and Innovation Rwanda will be joined by various key personalities from Smart Africa, Kigali City, ANSUT, AIMS, GIZ – STEP, Computer Aid International, TETFUND, ABSU-CEP, and others.
The summit will feature two-panel discussions, case studies, testimonies, public-private workshops, and thematic working groups that will provide participants avenues to explore major challenges for the development of Africa’s digital industry. Furthermore, it will discuss the possible solutions that can be put in place to address these challenges
Other key subjects at the summit will be: How can we assess the relevancy of standardized Digital Skills by adopting ICDL? What insights can be drawn from the creation of a public-sector workforce ‘ICDL Profile’ as the standard across member states? What must a united Africa do to better enhance the implementation of Digital Literacy?
“We are excited to welcome the ICDL Africa Forum,” says Alice Umurerwa, Marketing Development Executive at ICDL Africa. “Digital literacy is at the heart of a strong economy, where citizens are equipped with the digital skills necessary for their education, in their workplace or in their daily lives. By focusing our efforts on making Africa a digital literate continent, we are enabling Rwandans and other Africans to be globally competitive in the job market and facilitating their career journey.
Today, ICT is transforming lives as people use new technologies to communicate, collaborate and conduct business across time zones and borders, without restriction.
ICDL Africa is a subsidiary of the ICDL Foundation, the not-for-profit certifying authority of ICDL. Established to guide the implementation of the ICDL standards in the African context, ICDL Africa manages the accreditation of a growing network of ICDL Accredited Test Centres (ATCs) and provides a focal point for the formation of partnerships with organizations who share our national economic development and capacity building goals
ICDL certification programmes have been delivered to over 14 million people, in 41 languages, across 100 countries, through a network of over 24,000 test centers.
President Geingob made the remarks on Friday while presiding over the official inauguration of the new Headquarters for the Namibia Police Force in the capital Windhoek.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza attended the inauguration ceremony at the invitation of his counterpart, Sebastian Ndeitunga.
In his speech, President Hage thanked IGP Munyuza and his delegation for attending the ceremony and for the “valuable and excellent working relations” between Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Namibia Police Force.
RNP and Namibia Police Force signed a memorandum of understanding in 2015 to partner in various areas of Policing, including training, cooperation against cross-border crimes like cybercrimes, narcotics, and human trafficking, terrorism, and tracking of criminal fugitives, among others.
Since then, Namibian Police officers have been trained in Rwanda in varied policing disciplines including the Police Senior Command and Staff Course (PSCSC) at National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District and cadet course. Namibian Police also trained the RNP Band Unit in basic and advanced band courses.
Cooperation is one of RNP’s main focus in its pursuit of collective security in the face of an evolving security landscape coupled with technological advancement, which, on one hand, is crucial for development, but on the other, have facilitated cross-border crimes.
Over the years, RNP has signed about 40 bilateral and multilateral agreements which mainly focus on training, exchange of information, tracking of criminals, as well as other best practices.
