In June this year, President Kagame held a two-day working visit to Gabon aimed at promoting bilateral ties.
Kagame and his Gabonese counterpart, Ali Bongo held talks on Africa’s economy through regions they lead.
President Ali Bongo is the Chair of Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) while President Kagame is chairing the East African Community (EAC) since February 2019.
Gabon is among 44 countries that signed the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at the Extraordinary Summit of the African Union held in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2018.
As he addressed the press in Gabon, Kagame said his visit was meant to strengthen bilateral relations between Gabon and Rwanda and visiting his counterpart who was recovering.
President Bongo was hospitalized in Riyadh Saudi Arabia suffering from a stroke in December last year.
He returned to his country in January 2019 where he kept getting medical assistance.
Kagame expressed delight to see his Gabon counterpart, Ali Bongo Ondimba in good health and resuming responsibilities after a long period of sickness.
“It gives me an opportunity to visit with my colleague who has not been feeling well. I am glad that there is a significant improvement to his health that has led to the resumption of his responsibilities,” he said.
“In the African way, we visit friends when it is good times and when it is not so good times,” added Kagame.
At the time, Kagame explained that Gabon has been committed to supporting Africa’s development.
“Gabon has been central to African interests, vision and the strategy to achieve that vision. President Bongo has been very active working with other leaders on our continent to make sure we raise our level of development,” stressed Kagame.
Rwanda and Gabon enjoy existing vibrant relations. They are all members of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
Rwanda and Gabon signed a cooperation agreement since 1976 that was revised in 2010.
Ngirente made the remarks today as he officially opened the 2019 Business of Conservation Conference held at Kigali Convention Centre. The conference is part of the week-long Kwita Izina 2019 activities.
It brought together leaders from conservation as well as the intersecting industries, to promote best practices, strengthen networks and partnerships, and collectively tackle the challenges of saving Africa’s wildlife and its habitat.
While addressing participants, Premier Ngirente said that Rwanda earmarked much effort in the conservation of natural ecosystems.
“Rwanda is not new to conservation and the protection of natural heritage. We recognized the critical need for conservation-based tourism and economic development through the protection of our natural ecosystems,” he said.
As part of conservation efforts, Rwanda We have become a World leader in conservation has more than 8.9% of its land base protected as national parks.
A few of Rwanda’s conservation achievements include the mountain gorilla conservation in the Virunga Massif as a result of government, communities and conservation partners working together.
The 2016 census revealed a 59% increase in participation from 2003.
This saw the number rising from 240 to 604.
Over the past four years, African Lions were successfully reintroduced to Rwanda in 2015 after being hunted to extinction in 1990s.
An additional 2 male lions were translocated in 2017 to add to genetic diversity of a population that is now thriving and continues to grow.
Eastern Black Rhino were successfully reintroduced to Akagera in 2017, 10 years after the last rhino was seen in 2007.
Today, Akagera National Park is home to big five animals including Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos and Buffalo.
Premier Ngirente explained that Rwanda took heed on giving back to communities along the conservation journey.
“These strategies have resulted in significant results in Rwanda and for Rwandans over the past 15 years, visits to our national parks increased by 600% since 2003 and a 250% growth in revenues from these same visitors. This solid foundation of conservation, with an aggressive but pro-conservation Tourism Strategy has resulted in significant positive social-economic growth and development benefits for our citizens,” he said.
Under the program known as Revenue Sharing Scheme, Rwanda has invested more than US $5.8 million since 2005 into more than 647 projects in communities surrounding the national parks.
This Revenue Sharing Program, started with 5% and then increased in 2017 to 10% of all tourism revenues invested in communities adjacent to national parks providing economic development capacity and making the lives better for Rwandans.
n 2018/19 alone, the Program supported investments worth US$1.7 million in 37 projects, an increase of 51% over 2017/18.
Ngirente highlighted that this investment has served as a catalyst for many conservation and community partners.
A conservative estimate of community benefits project investments since 2005 increases to 13 million dollars, the result of this investment is clear to see-for both people and nature. We also have an important but little known Special Guarantee Fund in which an additional 5% of all tourism revenues have been used to support management and compensation resulting from human wildlife conflicts in these same communities surrounding our national parks,” he said.
According to Premier Ngirente, Rwanda’s experience is that collaboration and effective partnerships are the key to how the country has been able to achieve the significant results and benefits of conservation, sustainable tourism and economic benefits in Rwanda, for Rwandans.
He said these are the means by which Rwanda has achieved conservation results, provide exceptional tourism experiences for visitors at home and from around the World, and improving the lives of Rwandans as well as means by which ‘we will achieve additional results in the future’.
The Premier further called for efforts in the management and preservation of the ecosystem for the sake of sustainable economies and Africans in general.
“Allow me to add my voice to calls for action that ensure the protection and management of our natural legacy in Africa, but also make use of it in a sustainable way to help drive economies and the benefits for the people of Africa,” he said.
Hailemariam Desalegn, former Ethiopian Prime Minister stressed the need to advance measures towards improved environmental protection and called for youth’s efforts to take advantage of available opportunities.
The conference was organized in collaboration with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and African Leadership University (ALU) through its School of Wildlife Conservation (SOWC).
The vehicle, RAD 131U was intercepted on Thursday at a check-point that was mounted in Gisakura Sector.
The banned skin bleaching products had been trafficked into the country through an illegal border and was being transported to Kigali.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that the driver of the vehicle identified as Daniel Nsengiyumva was also taken into custody.
He said that Police officers, who were on their usual duties stopped the vehicle, which was being driven by Nsengiyumva to verify all the required traffic-related documents.
“The driver had all the traffic documents, but in the process, they noticed boxes loaded in the same vehicle and when they verified they found he was transporting boxes of banned skin bleaching products that include Epiderm cream and Diproson. The driver was arrested and the vehicles, as well as the dangerous products, were impounded,” said CIP Kayigi.
“When you caught in such acts you lose these products that pose health risks, imprisoned and that affects your individual or family development.”
All lotions, oils, and soaps with hydroquinone were banned in Rwanda. They were scientifically proven to cause skin irritation and skin cancer, among other diseases,” he added.
Rwanda National Police (RNP), Ministry of Health as the lead agency, Rwanda Food and Drug Authority, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), launched the joint operation against skin bleaching creams, oils, and soaps, late last year.
Medical experts suggest that the two toxic chemicals; hydroquinone and mercury react with ultraviolet rays and lead to more pigmentation and premature aging. The more these products are used the less melanin the body produces, and this leads to an increased risk for skin cancer.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), mercury in skin lightening soaps and creams has side effects on the kidney, cause skin rashes, skin discoloration, and scarring, as well as a reduction in the skin’s resistance to bacterial and fungal infections.
The 25 baby mountain gorillas were named following 23 others named by conservation champions from all over the world.
The 25 baby gorillas named are members of the Amahoro, Umubano, Hirwa, Igisha, Isimbi, Muhoza, Kwitonda, Sabyinyo, Susa, Pablo, Kuryama, Mafunzo, Kureba, Musirikali and Ntambara groups.
{{What’s in the names of the 25 Baby Gorillas }}
-* Jeremy Jauncey, Founder & CEO of Beautiful Destinations, an award-winning nation branding agency named a baby gorilla from the Isimbi family as well, ‘Ingando’ which represents ‘opportunity for the future and hope for a better world’.
-* Madeleine Nyiratuza, Programme Specialist, Sustainable Growth Unit at UNDP Rwanda, named a baby gorilla from the Amahoro family, ‘Isanzure’ noting that the name means that gorillas should be allowed to roam freely.
-* Amb. Ron Adam, the Ambassador of the State of Israel in Rwanda named a baby gorilla from the Sabyinyo family, ‘Igihango’ which means ‘covenant’ and said it represents the unbreakable bond between the gorillas and their guardians.
-* Tony Alexander Adams MBE, an English football legend named a baby gorilla from the Mafunzo family, ‘Sura’urwanda’ which translates to ‘Visit Rwanda’, symbolizing the partnership Rwanda has with English football club, Arsenal.
-* Niklas Adalberth, Swedish entrepreneur and founder of Norrsken named a baby gorilla from the Isimbi family, ‘Irembo’ which means ‘gateway’.
-* Ngabo Médard Jobert, better known as Meddy, a Rwandan RnB and pop artist named a baby gorilla from the Musirikare family, ‘Inkoramutima’.
-* Otara Gunewardene, a Sri Lankan businessperson and philanthropist, named a baby gorilla from the Pablo family, ‘Kira’ which means ‘bless you’ in Kinyarwanda and named after her two sons, Kiran and Rakhil.
-* Louis Van Gaal, Dutch former football manager and a player named a baby gorilla from the Hirwa family, ‘Indongozi’ which means ‘leader’.
-* His Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe: Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia named a baby from the Pablo Family ‘Umukuru’ as a tribute to Mutware, the oldest elephant in Akagera National Park that died last year.
-* Ronan Donovan, National Geographic photographer and filmmaker named a baby gorilla from the Kwitonda family and the name was chosen after National Geographic opened the naming process to their social media followers. The name that was chosen was ‘Intego’ which means ‘purpose’.
-* HRH Princess Basma Bint Ali, an advocate of biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture in Jordan named a baby gorilla from the Mafunzo family, ‘Uhiriwe’ which means ‘lucky one’.
-* Emmanuel Niringiyimana, a young Rwandan who built a road on his own to facilitate the movement of people and goods in his village in Karongi District named a baby gorilla from the Igisha family, ‘Mugwire’.
-* Paul Milton, the founder of Milton Group who developed the Singita Kwitonda Lodge on behalf of investors Mr. Paul Tudor Jones and Mr. Anders Povlsen & Luke Bailes, the Founder and Executive Chairman of Singita, named a baby from the Pablo family, ‘Inararibonye’ which means ‘wise and experienced’ in Kinyarwanda.
-* Dame Louise Martin, DBE, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Patricia Scotland, named a baby gorilla from the Igisha family, ‘Uruti’ which means ‘the highest recognition of heroism’ and ‘Nazarian’ which means ‘the one who loves and initiates peace among the communities’.
-* Naomi Campbell, an English supermodel, actress, and businesswoman named a baby gorilla from the Muhoza family, ‘Intarutwa’ which translates to ‘excellent’ in Kinyarwanda.
-* Award-winning Rwandan Professional cyclist, Joseph Areruya named a baby gorilla from the Amahoro family, ‘Inganji’ meaning long life.
-* Marco Lambertini, Director General of World Wildlife Fund for Nature named a baby gorilla from the Kwitonda family, ‘Ikirenga’ which means ‘Exceptional’.
-* Sherrie Silver, Actress, and choreographer named a baby gorilla from the Susa family, ‘Ibirori’ which means ‘celebration’.
-* Anthony Nzuki: Ranger Post Leader at Akagera National Park, Rwanda named a baby gorilla from the Kureba family, ‘Karame’.
-* Kenyan entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Kiboro Wilfred, named one of the new baby gorillas from the Sabyinyo family, ‘Ituze’ which translates to stability in Kinyarwanda and ‘take care of it’ in Swahili.
-* Jean Nepomuscene Musekura, one of the incredible park rangers from Volcanoes National Park chose the name ‘Bisoke’ for one of the new baby gorillas from the Ntambara family.
-* H.E Amb. Karén Chalyan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Rwanda named a baby gorilla from the Ntambara family, ‘Umwihariko’ which means ‘exception’.
-* Robert Twibaze, one of the senior tour guides with over 12 years of experience chose the name ‘Inzobere’ for a baby gorilla from the Agashya family.
-* Amina Mohammed: Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. She was formerly the Federal Minister of the Environment of Nigeria. She named a baby from the Umubano family, ‘Ingoga’ which means courage in Kinyarwanda.
-* Shaffer Chimere Smith, better known by his stage name Ne-Yo named a baby gorilla from the Kuryama family, ‘Biracyaza’ which means greater things are coming for Rwanda.
Speaking while making her remarks at the ceremony, RDB Chief Tourism Officer, Belise Kariza said that: “As we give names to 25 baby gorillas today, we celebrate our conservation successes and thank the community, partners and friends from around the world for their invaluable support to protect these remarkable animals.”
She said that more work is needed to ensure the long-term survival of mountain gorillas that remain endangered species.
The most recent census tells us that the mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Massif has grown by 23% since 2010 to 604 individuals.
Kaliza highlighted that this success is the result of governments, communities and conservation partners working hand-in-hand to protect the species and its habitat.
RDB Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi also emphasized that ‘Kwita Izina forms part of an ambitious strategy to preserve our natural heritage and further expand the role of tourism in our country’s transformation. We have set the lofty target of increasing tourism revenue to 800 million dollars over the next five years – roughly double what it is today. Achieving the vision, we have set for ourselves requires thinking big and even acting boldly’.
{{About Kwita Izina}}
Kwita Izina is a time-honored tradition in which Rwandan families hold a ceremony to name a newborn baby. For three decades prior to the first official gorilla naming ceremony, park rangers and researchers named Rwanda’s mountain gorilla babies as part of monitoring each gorilla in their family and habitat.
The Government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Development Board and in collaboration with conservation partners, the private sector and local communities, has achieved remarkable success in protecting and growing the endangered mountain gorilla population and conserving its habitat.
Rwanda’s traditional naming ceremony was adapted to celebrate this success as a national flagship event now known as Kwita Izina.
Kwita Izina was introduced in 2005 to raise awareness of conservation efforts and to thank communities for their on-going and invaluable participation and support of these initiatives.
It is now the most important event on Rwanda’s conservation calendar and is attended by national, regional and international participants.
281 baby mountain gorillas have been named since Kwita Izina began. Alongside the naming ceremony, a weeklong celebration of activities is hosted to share the importance of conservation and the role of tourism in protecting rare and iconic species.
Today, Kwita Izina is fast becoming Africa’s leading dialogue on conservation and sustainable tourism.
As a result of conservation efforts such as Kwita Izina, the population of the endangered mountain gorilla increased to 604 in 2016 in the Virunga Massif compared to 480 in 2010.
The Virunga Massif is comprised of Mikeno Sector of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Mountain gorilla numbers in the entire region had fallen as low as 242 in 1981.
The husband and the victim identified as Marie Mukakabayiza, 48, lived in Rukeri village of Kabuye cell.
According to information from neighboring residents, both spouses conflicted on the way back from the visit to their aunt, Mukakabayiza yesterday evening where the husband strangled the wife to death.
The executive secretary of Maraba sector, Jean Baptiste Hakuzimana said that the suspect went missing and a manhunt has been mounted.
“After committing the crime, the man went into hiding. We have launched a manhunt in collaboration with security officials,” he explained.
The body was discovered yesterday night around 9 pm in a footpath usually used by students studying at the college.
IGIHE has learned that her body was first seen by two female students and alerted the college staff.
The Communications Officer at the University of Rwanda, Mike Karangwa, has told IGIHE that the body was taken to Kacyiru hospital for postmortem.
“The information was provided by colleagues who saw her body as they returned to their hostels. It was immediately reported to the university’s unit working closely with Police and Rwanda Investigation Bureau,” he said.
Karangwa explained that some suspects behind her death have been arrested as preliminary investigations continue.
The event attracted thousands of Rwandans and prominent personalities from different countries across the world that turned up for the ceremony.
The baby gorillas named on Friday were born between 1st July 2018 and 11th May 2019.
Naomi Campbell was among prominent figures that graced the event including Tony Adams, an English football legend who played for Arsenal and England and American RnB singer Ne-Yo and Tony Adams along with other celebrities.
The 25 baby gorillas named are members of the Amahoro, Umubano, Hirwa, Igisha, Isimbi, Muhoza, Kwitonda, Sabyinyo, Susa, Pablo, Kuryama, Mafunzo, Kureba, Musirikali and Ntambara families.
Naomi Campbell named a baby gorilla as ‘Intarutwa’ and later visited gorillas in the park.
Following the visit, she expressed delight for wonderful experiences of her visit in a tweet featuring a message and pictures with gorillas.
“Rwanda, I love you. Thank you to everyone who made this trip so special,” she tweeted.
Aloysia Vuganeza, 36, was arrested Saturday in a joint operation conducted by the Police and local leaders of Nyundo Cell.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that residents reported to their local leaders about Vuganeza’s criminal dealings.
“Residents told area authorities that Vuganeza was retailing cannabis in their community; authorities reported the matter to Karago Police station,” CIP Kayigi explained.
“Police and local authorities responded to the information and arrested the matron red-handed with 86 pellets of cannabis. The narcotics were recovered in two separate locations; in the kitchen and the pigsty,” he added.
It is said that Vuganeza is a local cannabis retailer in Gasiza trading centre, and supplied by other big dealers.
Information from informers indicate that she is supplied by someone, who normally comes on a motorcycle; the same supplier also gives other retailers in Rambura Sector.
CIP Kayigi explained that law enforcement organs, local leaders and residents are working together to obtain detailed information on the whole ring of traffickers, the motorcycle in question and its rider as well as all local retailers, to face the law.
“This is an unusual in Rwanda where a mentor sells cannabis; you can imagine what it means and the extent of the threat to her students, who can be easily turned into the market–consumers,” the spokesperson observed.
“A mentor, educator and mother, whose majority of her customers were young people in Gasiza trading centre… this is so dangerous to students and the youth in general, parents, the community, education sector and the country in general; we call upon all Rwandans to stand up against such high impact crimes that destroy lives of the young people,” he added.
Anyone convicted of selling narcotics to children or teens faces life imprisonment.
Transporting, making and selling narcotic drugs attracts a sentence of between seven years and life in prison, under article 263 of the penal code.
The campaign that concluded yesterday started on 31st May 2019, attracting over 500 youth.
Throughout the campaign, MTN awarded Yolo pack users with phones, T-shirts, televisions, cash prizes, cows among others.
Registration to Yolo pack was free where the youth would dial *154*6# and stand a chance to win different awards.
Desire Ruhinguka, the Marketing Operations Senior Manager at MTN Rwanda, has told IGIHE that the campaign attracted a large number of users and left them acquiring resources contributing to their economic growth.
“We awarded winners every week with data bundles, cows, televisions and Rwf 500,000, smartphones and so on. The campaign was successful given that students also participated during holidays,” he said.
“We organize such programs to build long-standing relationships with our clients based on mutual interests,” added Ruhinguka.
He highlighted that MTN Rwanda 5 million subscribers and wants to substantially boost the numbers in a win-win situation.
Iradukunda Deborah from the Niboye sector of Kicukiro district received a cow. “I registered in Yolo last month and stood chance to win. I expect the received cow to calve and grow my wealth,” she said.
The announcement follows recent wave of mayoral resignations that started on Tuesday where top officials from Burera, Gicumbi, Musanze, Karongi, Ngororero, Nyamasheke, Rubavu, Rutsiro, Gisagara, Muhanga, Ngoma and Rwamagana districts resigned on account of failure to deliver.
“NEC informs interested candidates meeting requirements that applications to join advisory councils will be received from 9th 13th September 2019,” reads the announcement signed by NEC Chairman, Prof. Mbanda Kalisa.
District officials including the mayor are elected by the advisory council comprised of sectors’ representatives, youth and women, private sector and of disabled people’s representatives.
