Led by Maj Gen Alick Mhone, Chief of Policy and Plans from Malawi Ministry of Defence, the Malawian delegation was received Tuesday at the RDF Headquarters by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Patrick Nyamvumba.
Maj Gen Mhone revealed that the visit was aimed at sharing experience on Peacekeeping Operations. “We came to learn how the Rwanda Defence Force conducts its Peacekeeping Operations. We are very much impressed and we know there are a lot of experiences we can learn from here,” he said.
On the other hand, the head of the delegation from Sri-Lanka Defence Services Command and Staff College led by Navy Captain Asela Amaranath, was received at RDF Headquarters by the Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Jean-Jacques Mupenzi and later the delegation was briefed on RDF roles and organization.
After the brief, Navy Captain Amaranath said that Sri Lanka is a country that has experienced 30 years of internal conflict and having a similar history with Rwanda.
“We have come to learn how Rwanda has achieved unity and reconstruction after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi,” he said.
During their two-week study tour in Rwanda, students from Sri-Lanka Defence Services Command and Staff College will also visit some RDF and government institutions in and out of Kigali.
According to Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, other 53 drivers have also been arrested in the past one month for disconnecting the speed governor so as to over-speed.
“We have been sensitizing people, especially drivers on proper and safe road usage; we have time and again reminded motorists on respecting traffic rules and regulations and particularly desisting from actions like driving under the influence of alcohol, whose outcomes are fatal,” he said.
According to CP John Bosco Kabera, it has been observed that some drivers display unacceptable behaviors like drunken driving, speeding, tampering with speed governors and driving vehicles that are not road worthy, without mechanical certificates.
He said it’s time to take action because such dangerous behaviors that cause loss of lives can’t be tolerated.
“Consequences of violating road safety standards are dire and will not only affect the driver’s family with medical bills or worse still losing loved ones, but the country in general to repair the destroyed public infrastructure; these stringent measures are, therefore, meant to fight such dangerous human actions and to ensure safer roads for all,” he explained.
Drunken driving is a traffic offence that attracts a fine of Rwf150, 000 while speeding is punishable with a fine of Rwf50, 000. Tampering with speed governor device attracts a fine of Rwf200, 000 but if such action leads to speeding, the offender is slapped with an additional fine of Rwf50, 000.
“Any traffic offence you commit and results into another offence, it means additional fines, although drunken driving and tampering with speed governor further leads to imprisonment, confiscation of driver’s license and impounding the vehicle,” said CP Kabera.
He emphasized that Police doesn’t prevent people from enjoying or drinking alcohol but advised against impaired driving by finding other safer means to get to their destination, including using special hire or booking someone beforehand to drive you home.
The inauguration ceremony of the school located in Masoro, Gasabo district was attended by government officials, representatives from public and private institutions as well as regional representatives of the Adventist Church.
Accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, the President inaugurated the school along with the World leader of the Adventist Church, Dr. Ted Wilson.
ASOME was launched shortly after the Adventist Church celebrated 100 years anniversary in Rwanda in a ceremony that took place on 31st August 2019.
As he inaugurated the school, President Kagame lauded the church’s contribution to national development.
“It gives me great pleasure to join you today, for the inauguration of the School of Medicine of the Adventist University of East-Central Africa. Congratulations on this milestone which is a most valuable addition to Rwanda’s education and health system,” he said.
Kagame saluted the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Rwanda for marking one hundred years of serving the spiritual and social needs of Rwandans noting that the Church has been a valued partner of Government in the provision of healthcare and education.
“A century of Adventist activity in Rwanda has demonstrated the positive impact of shared vision and good collaboration. By fulfilling your pledge to establish a medical school serving East and Central Africa, you have reaffirmed your commitment to a productive partnership that benefits not only Rwanda but the entire region. This is very much appreciated,” he noted.
The President emphasized that the achievement celebrated is in tune with Rwanda’s goals where education, particularly in science and technology, as well as good affordable healthcare are the foundation of the well-being and prosperity of Rwandans.
He stressed that it requires qualified professionals, trained in high-quality universities such as ASOME, which are equipped with the latest technology.
“Medical students at this school will also benefit from the extensive network of Adventist institutions around the world, as well as association with a brand that stands for excellence. AUCA is, therefore, contributing to a brighter future for the people of our country and region. Thank you for sharing our vision, having faith in Rwanda’s future and accompanying us on our journey of national transformation,” said Kagame.
Dr. Blasious Ruguri, the president of the General Conference for East-Central Africa region of the Adventist Church thanked President Kagame’s efforts to make the construction of the school possible.
“We chose Rwanda as the best place to establish a school of medicine. EAC students are set to benefit from high-quality education to attend to patients in the region,” he highlighted.
He said that the church needs land for expansion of activities including the construction of hospital facilitating students during internships.
President Kagame promised infrastructural support to ASOME.
“The Government will play its part by continuing to invest in infrastructure, vocational skills, and a conducive policy environment. We are aware of the immeasurable value of higher education and good health, accompanied by a meaningful spiritual life. We will find land, as well as money to add to what is already there. I think we all need this befitting hospital sooner rather than later. We will do it,” he said.
“When we put our talents and specialized knowledge at the service of others, the gift of education is multiplied many times over. That is what the doctors trained here are expected to do,” added Kagame.
The first phase of the school took US$100 million for construction activities raised from over 25 million Adventist Church followers. Each contributed US$2.
The Adventist Church world leader, Dr. Ted Wilson said the school is a great milestone in the health sector.
ASOME will offer laboratory, midwifery, and surgery among other programs. It is expected to start with 55 students.
The Security Advisor to the President said this in his remarks while addressing about 1000 course participants and Reservists from Musanze and Nyabihu districts, yesterday 2nd September 2019.
“I am happy to be with you; thank you for your voluntary participation in this important training. We all know Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is a strong force but it is even stronger when it has, in reserve, willing and strong members like you who can be mobilised whenever required. This is an indication that you remain committed to serve your nation and this is commendable”, Gen Kabarebe told the Reservists undergoing a six-week ‘Fit for Activation’ training in Mukamira.
While delivering a lecture on the history of the Liberation Struggle and the campaign against the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, General Kabarebe commended the visionary leadership of Rwanda that led the National Liberation Struggle which laid the foundation of a prosperous Rwanda for all.
“Your presence here, together as retired RDF members, Ex Government Force members and combatants of different armed groups is an indication that we have achieved the unity and reconciliation of Rwandans that we fought for,” he said.
One of the course participants, Col (retired) Martin Nzitonda a former combatant from FDLR and later RUD URANANA, underscored that the course is very beneficial for Reservists who served in different forces.
“We came here for this training aimed at equipping us with common skills that will enable us defend and develop our nation as one strong force. A successful defence force, said General Kabarebe, is one with a strong Reserve Force. We have served in different forces and this is the first time we are given an opportunity to train together. We thank the leadership of Rwanda for this opportunity,” he noted.
The RDF is a three Service Defence Force comprising of the Land Force, the Air Force and the Reserve Force whose main role is to augment the Rwanda Defence Force active service when called upon under partial or total mobilization.
The Reserve Force is composed of a small active force with the remainder of its members being able retired members and other willing Rwandans who are trained and mobilised only when required.
Philomene Mukanyandwi, 21, and Jeanine Uwamahoro, 26, were at the time of their arrest found in possession of 4000 pellets of cannabis.
The Western region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi, said the duo was arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) in Kaniga village, Gisa cell of Rugerero Sector.
“ANU, reacting on credible information, arrested the two women red-handed. According to Police informers in Rubavu, they have been in this criminal business for a while trafficking cannabis and selling to local retailers,” he said.
CIP Kayigi appreciated people’s efforts to fight drug related crimes noting that many people nowadays understand its bad effects and are willing to share information.
“This is a serious crime because of its ill-health effects to consumers. It is also common that drug abusers end up committing other crimes like theft, sexual abuse, assault and even murder, so we should all stand up against it in our communities,” the spokesperson said.
Fighting drugs abuse is one of the RNP priorities and a number of initiatives have been laid to combat the vice through community policing where majority dealers and users have since been arrested.
Article 263 of the new penal code partly states that, any person who, unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances commits an offence, with a sentence ranging from seven years to life in prison, upon conviction, and a fine of between Rwf20 million Rwf30 million.
Maj Gen Bayingana has replaced Maj. Gen. Charles Karamba who was previously appointed Rwanda’s ambassador to Tanzania.
Bayingana has been the Chief Executive Officer of Zigama Credit and Savings Society (CSS). He is also the former Vice Chairman of the National Itorero Commission.
The statement from the Ministry of Defense (MINADEF) reads that President Kagame also appointed Brig-Gen Vincent Nyakarundi was appointed as the Head of Defence Intelligence and Col Andrew Nyamvumba as the head of Defence Research and Development at the Ministry of Defence.
Nyakarundi, who was Rwanda’s first-ever military attaché to the United Nations (UN) in New York, replaced Col Andrew Nyamvumba.
Appointments are to take immediate effect as per MINADEF statement.
In a press conference on plans to address overcrowding in the district, the mayor of Huye district, Sebutege Ange said that some of the classrooms will be constructed with funding of the World Bank.
“ A total of 47 classrooms are set to be built in this fiscal and more 74 classrooms to be constructed under the Government of Rwanda’s program supported by the World Bank,” Sebutege.
He explained that more schools will be built gradually to meet the target.
“Generally, Huye district needs over 400 schools to address overcrowding in schools. We shall build more classrooms progressively as we get more funds,” noted Sebutege adding that construction of new facilities shall go hand in hand with upgrading old classrooms.
They will be built within three phases starting from schools with the land.
If it goes into effect, the development will address overcrowding and contribute to quality education. Some of the teachers at Groupe Scolaire Gafumba from the Rusatira sector revealed that overcrowding negatively impacts quality education at the school where six children sometimes share one desk.
“When each of the six students on the same desks opens a book, the cover spreads to colleague’s book leading to clashes. We often calm down such quarrels,” said one teacher.
The problem is common at Groupe Scolaire Rukira where five students share one desk.
A total of 55 classrooms were built in Huye district during the last financial year.
The new Rwanda Energy Development Policy Operation (DPO) is the third and last of a $375 million programmatic series, the first of which was approved in December 2017.
The series support Rwanda’s energy sector objectives under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) – including universal access to electricity by 2024 while balancing the trade-offs with fiscal and financial sustainability. This DPO will build on achievements of the previous development Policy Operations.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana said: “The support through Development Series Operation has significantly contributed to the implementation of energy sector development strategy in Rwanda with the aim of having 100% electricity access by 2024 as stipulated in our National Strategy for Transformation”.
By end-2020, at the end of the DPO series, it is expected that Rwanda will have electrified 61 percent of its households, narrowed the gap in electricity access between female- and male-headed households, and be on track to achieve the National Strategy for Transformation objective of universal access to electricity by 2024.
It is also expected that Rwanda will have modernized the operations of the Rwanda Energy Group and the Government’s planning and decision-making processes and that fiscal transfers to the sector be contained at no more than 1.5 percent of GDP throughout the NST1 period.
Yasser El-Gammal, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda said that the previous Development Policy Operation series have already delivered substantial results.
“So far, new connections completed per year have doubled, while total access increased from 41 percent in late 2017 to over 52 percent today, and over a million people have gained access to electricity. This puts Rwanda at the forefront globally of achieving SDG7 of universal access to electricity,” he affirmed.
The World Bank cooperates with Rwanda in sectors such as Agriculture, Energy, Social Protection, Education/Skills development, Transport, Urban Development, and Housing among others alongside other cross-cutting and regional project interventions.
In particular, the public institutions in Burkina Faso that have contributed thematic topics to the book, “True Story of HWPL: Peace and Cessation of War” will be expected to support the event. The book introduces the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) of 10 articles and 38 clauses drafted by renowned international law experts, as a practical approach to sustainable peace through conflict prevention, mediation and resolution.
The DPCW that clarifies the role of the members of international society to prevent and resolve conflicts is in the process of being introduced to the UN as a draft resolution. As a part of the process, HWPL promoted worldwide Legislate Peace project has gained 1.5 million different types of supports from 195 countries through supporting signatures and peace letters written to their respective national leaders.
2019 HWPL World Peace Summit will be hosted in over 150 locations in 110 countries including South Korea, France, Australia, Russia, India, Zambia, and the United States of America in cooperation between HWPL and international actors – civil society organizations and governments.
The G7 is made up of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, and Canada.
President Kagame attended the G7 summit after receiving a special invitation as the immediate past chairperson of the African Union.
According to the Sunday Mail news medium from Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa and President Kagame met for bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) summit in Japan.
In an interview with journalists on Friday, President Mnangagwa said President Kagame had briefed him that he had “pleaded” with the G7 countries on the need to lift sanctions against Zimbabwe.
“In particular, with President Kagame, we were discussing strategies to deal with the question of sanctions. At the last SADC meeting in Dar es Salaam, a resolution was made to appeal to AU so that when AU goes to the United Nations, they speak about the removal of sanctions,” said the President.
“Sadc secretariat must also again appeal for the removal of sanctions. But individual African countries such as Kagame’s Rwanda are lobbying. They did lobby for Zimbabwe during the G7 meeting. President Kagame attended the G7 meeting and he was able to meet with the G7 leaders and he pleaded with them over the removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe.”
According to Sunday Mail, President Mnangagwa said that his Rwandan counterpart is a worthy ally in Zimbabwe’s fight against the embargo.
“These are the areas we were discussing and the possibilities of success and attitudes of every single leader in G7 and how they look at Zimbabwe.”
President Mnangagwa said he shares a brotherly bond with President Kagame.
“With my brother Paul Kagame, it is a continuous exchange of views with regards to our respective situations in Africa,” he said.
President Mnangagwa told Japanese media on Friday, that Zimbabwe will continue the international fight against sanctions, which are limiting the country’s ability to access credit from international markets.
He said: “ZDERA constrains us. For the past 20 years, we cannot access support from the IMF, World Bank, IFIs (international finance institutions). Those Bretton Woods institutions cannot extend any lines of credit to Zimbabwe. So, we are surviving through our own domestic means. We are doing our best. We cannot bury our heads in the sand and blame the Bretton Woods institutions for not giving us credit.”
The anti-sanctions lobby continues to gain traction, as Sadc leaders recently resolved to reserve October 25, 2019, as a day when the 16-member states would conduct activities to jointly call for the “immediate” lifting of the embargo.
The position was communicated at the regional body’s 39th Ordinary Summit of the Sadc Heads of State and Government in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Relations between Harare and Kigali continue to deepen, especially under the new political administration.
Of late, there have been reciprocal visits between senior officials from the two countries.
The country recently invited the chief executive officer of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Ms. Clare Akamanzi, to share experiences on how Zimbabwe can sustainably attract investments.
Earlier this year, Ambassador James Musoni became Rwanda’s full-time envoy based in Harare.
Previously, Rwanda’s South African embassy also covered Zimbabwe.
Similarly, Professor Charity Manyeruke was also recently appointed Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Rwanda.
Kigali used to be under the orbit of Zimbabwe’s embassy in Tanzania.
