Trainees include Police, military and civilians from the host Rwanda, Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda and allied participants from Norway.
It’s intended to address issues regarding concepts of gender mainstreaming, SGBV causes and forms in Post conflict situations. It further provides participants with skills, knowledge and techniques of investigating cases related to SGBV during conflict situations.
The commandant of PTS, Commissioner of Police (CP) Vianney Nshimiyimana, while opening the course, said that training is an effective measure to address most of the challenges in regard to contemporary policing and to enforce national laws.
“This course is very paramount to Rwandans as a post genocide country, on one hand, but also in line with functions in peacekeeping operations in region and across the globe,” CP Nshimiyimana said.
The course is line with developing capacity and capabilities of EASF for future deployment in Peace Support Operations.
“This course answers most of our enduring questions in the protracted struggle to professionalize our police forces. Such crimes thrive in insecure and chaotic countries where most of you will be deployed for your peacekeeping missions, and you will be expected to investigate and handle such crimes efficiently,” the commandant said.
The head of Police Component at EASF, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dinah Kyasiimire, observed that SGBV has devastating long term effects on the lives of victims, their families and communities, and impedes development.
EASF is one of the five regional forces for Peace Support Operations (PSOs) with multidimensional components that consist of military, police and civilians, and mechanism to provide capability for rapid deployment and intervention, peace support and peace enforcement.
The reduction in data prices is expected to drive further internet connectivity, facilitate business growth and enable communication.
Speaking about the new 4G offers, MTN Rwanda’s Chief Marketing Officer, Richard Acheampong said, “We at MTN believe that every Rwandan deserves the benefits of a modern connected world. Our reduction in pricing indicates our commitment to internet connectivity and making high-speed internet affordable for all.”
Data continues to be one of the fastest growing sources of revenue and subscriptions for MTN Rwanda, with data revenue year on year to date growth of 52.6%.
“MTN continues to see a steady growth of data subscribers on the network and we expect this trend to continue now with the reduction in 4G bundles. Through our pro-customer centric approach, we are not only offering our customers lower rates but also giving them the experience of a good quality network,” added Acheampong.
2018 saw U900 being deployed across the whole network countrywide to drive network efficiency and offer better customer experience. The population coverage went from 53% as of 2017 to 92% in 2018. The plan continues in 2019 that entails upgrading the capacity of 3G sites to enable them to carry more traffic, as well as the building of additional sites.
MTN Rwanda continues to be customer-centric and introduce affordable products and services that will deliver a bold digital world to its customers. This will happen with more affordable data, reliable network and affordable Internet-enabled handsets such as the newly introduced entry-level smartphone, ‘Ikosora’. This combination not only drives smartphone penetration but allows for affordable digital inclusivity. With MTN data, everyone has an offer that suits their needs, regardless of budget.
1. The Cabinet meeting approved minutes of its previous meeting held on 07/06/2019.
2. The Cabinet meeting approved the following policies, strategies and agreements:
o Rwanda child online protection policy for protecting children against risks related to exposure to cyber space;
o The national cooling strategy meant to phase out use of harmful gases;
o Agreement between the Government of Rwanda and Muganza – Kivu tea factory Ltd on co-management of some state forests located in Nyaruguru District;
o Agreement between the Government of Rwanda and Karongi tea factory Ltd on co-management of some state forests located in Karongi District.
3. The Cabinet meeting approved the following draft laws:
o Draft law governing statutes of judges and judicial personnel;
o Draft law approving ratification of the cooperation agreement between the Government of the Republic of Rwanda and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in the field of communication, information and media;
o Draft law approving ratification of the African Union Convention on cyber security and personal data protection adopted at Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
4. The Cabinet meeting approved the following Presidential orders:
o Presidential order establishing special statutes governing diplomatic officers;
o Presidential order granting retirement to 7 senior officers and 61 junior officers of Rwanda National Police;
o Presidential order discharging a junior officer of Rwanda National Police on health grounds.
5. The Cabinet meeting approved the following Prime Minister’s orders:
o Prime Minister’s order allocating state land located in Nyamasheke District, Karambi Sector, to Gatare tea company Ltd for tea cultivation;
o Prime Minister’s order granting a leave of absence for non-specific period to Mr. NKURUNZIZA Mark who was chief financial officer in Rwanda Development Board.
6. The Cabinet meeting approved the following Ministerial orders and Instructions:
o Ministerial order granting retirement to 140 non-commissioned officers of Rwanda National Police;
o Ministerial order discharging 8 non-commissioned officers and low-ranking officers of Rwanda National Police on health grounds;
o Ministerial instructions amending the existing ministerial instructions on modalities for negotiation and management of contracts between government and service providers.
7. The Cabinet meeting approved agrément of Mr. GOBOPANG DUKE LEFHOKO as High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to the Republic of Rwanda with residence in Nairobi, Kenya.
8. AOBs.
o The Minister of Trade and Industry informed the Cabinet meeting that on 6th July 2019, Rwanda will celebrate the international cooperative day under the theme “cooperatives for decent work”.At national level, the day will be celebrated in Rugarama Sector, Gatsibo District, as well as in other districts across the country;
o The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion informed the Cabinet meeting that from 26th to 28th June 2019, Rwanda will host a meeting of Ministers in charge of gender and women promotion in the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) at Serena Hotel, Kigali;
o The Minister of Defense informed the Cabinet meeting that from 24th June to 7th August 2019, the 12th intake of Itorero Indangamirwa will be held at Gabiro Combat Training Center;
o The Minister of Healthinformed the Cabinet meeting of Rwanda’s preparedness to prevent and handle any Ebola threats.
This communiqué was signed by
Marie Solange KAYISIRE
Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister in charge of Cabinet Affairs
The district targets connecting all households by 2024 aligning with national strategic objectives.
The statistics have been revealed during the launch of electricity transmission line alimenting rural sectors namely Cyanzarwe, Nyamyumba, Bugeshi, Kanama and Nyakiriba.
The district had pledged to connect 7120 households with on grid-electricity but the number was outperformed to 7174. A total of 1020 homes were connected to off-grid electricity from the expected 1000.
Steven Igooma, the Manager of Rwanda Energy Group (REG) branch in Rubavu District explained that all households will have been connected to electricity before 2024.
“We targeted to connect 7120 homes with electricity and 1000 with off-grid energy in Rubavu district but the target was respectively superseded to 7174 and 1022. We will have connected the rest before 2014,” he said.
The mayor of Rubavu district, Gilbert Habyarimana explained that they will connect specific homes every year, an exercise to be conducted easily given that residents are in settled villages.
Residents were delighted with the development. Edouard Bizimana, one of residents whose house was connected with electricity in Cyanzarwe sector said it reduced theft overnight and enabled children to revise studies uninterruptedly.
“We would walk 10 km to charge our cell phones in Mahoko center; children revise studies accordingly and watch television. They have up to date on national progress,” he said.
Since he was connected to electricity, Enock Nsengiyumva turned into a barber barbing and started yielding from his business.
“We used to walk three hours to get our hair cut. With electricity, I started a barbershop which earns me income,” he said.
The six-minute and 10 seconds song is in French language with traditional beat.
Kizito Mihigo praises Pope Francis as a role model for humility.
“Pope Francis, our model of humility. You lead us on the path of holiness. In the Catholic Church, our uniting family, there is Faith, there is Hope, there is Love, there is Life. Pope Francis, we pray for you. Remain the sign of our unity. We praise God our Father for our worthy pastors,” reads part of the song.
Talking to IGIHE, Kizito Mihigo said that the song is released as the Catholic Church is preparing for the celebration of Saint Peter and Paul considered as disciples at the heart of the foundation of Catholic Church.
“This pushed me to reflect on their successors in evangelical mission and found the need to praise their great work,” he said.
In Choruses, Kizito talks about different achievements by Pope Francis worldwide like uniting people of different religions and beliefs through discussions, his role model aspects in humility, consolidating with wretched people, striving for peace and unity among others.
Kizito Mihigo also produces songs dedicated for the celebration of mass and others for Virgin Mary.
The audio of “Le Pape François” song was produced by The Sounds Studio of Producer Bob while the video was produced by Producer Faith FEFE.
Both countries have built friendship in major areas of trade, education and health.
The year 2019 started with a new impression in Rwanda-Egypt relations.
It is the year in which President Paul Kagame who chaired the African Union in 2018 handed over to his counterpart of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El Sisi.
Later on, top Government officials have been meeting to build vivid relationships built on mutual trust.
At the beginning of June 2019, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Richard Sezibera visited Cairo at the invitation of Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to discuss Rwanda-Egypt strong partnership and explore new areas of cooperation.
The discussions were also attended by Rwanda’s ambassador to Egypt, Sheikh Habimana Saleh.
Both leaders held discussions revolving around promoting investment and opening gates to each other.
Minister Sezibera and Sameh Shoukry agreed on meeting at the end of this year to assess the progress of maximizing advantages from investment opportunities.
“They agreed on meeting in Kigali to sign joint-agreements based on freedom of investment in both countries and seeking solutions to problems raised by investors,” said Amb Sheikh Habimana Saleh.
Amb. Habimana has told IGIHE that the visit has started bearing fruits.
Following the visit of Minister Sezibera, investors from both countries have started exchanging visits to identify areas of priority to be leveraged on for investment.
On support of Rwanda’s embassy in Egypt, Rwanda’s investors in transport sector visited Egypt on 20th June 2019.
They met with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) which requested them to create a platform in order to benefit from funds to overhaul transport in Rwanda.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Association des Transporteurs des Personnes au Rwanda (ATPR); Jali Holdings Company and Rwanda Inter-Link Transport Company (RITCO).
The Managing Director of ATPR, Théoneste Mwunguzi has told IGIHE that they expect to reap big from the study trip held in Egypt.
“We held discussions with Afreximbank. They told us that we can get funding to take further the progress of public transport sector through a joint platform,” he said.
The platform will establish an association with one spokesperson who will work closely with the advisor in Rwanda’s embassy to Egypt, Eric Kayoge and an employee of Afreximbank to prepare a well-polished project allowing them to obtain funding.
Mwunguzi and his colleagues shared with Afreximbank on the current progress of Rwanda’s digitalization efforts in transport in tickets sales, use of Tap and Go cards and introduction of free Wi-Fi in public buses.
Afreximbank wants the transport sector connecting African countries and facilitate free movement of trade and people.
“We realized that they trust us more than we think. They want to give us huge funds based on outcomes of our discussions. We need like Rwf 50 billion. We want to invest in cross border transport. If we get the funding, part of it would be used to buy buses among other advanced equipment,’’ said Mwunguzi.
Egypt investors started exploring investment opportunities in Rwanda
Egypt embassy in Rwanda, the Private Sector Federation (PSF) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) recently convened the management of 16 firms from Egypt and private investors from Rwanda in an event aimed at identifying areas of cooperation for investment.
The event was held in Kigali city on 21st June 2019. It is expected that investors from both sides can cooperate to transfer goods to each other and maximize benefits from agricultural produce among others.
Natacha Kaneza, head of membership coordination at PSF explained that the gesture was meant to strengthen cooperation in joint-trade.
“The event brought together investors from Egypt firms and Rwandan counterparts. It sought to help them identify what items manufactured from their plants are needed in Rwanda. They also stand chance to build plants in Rwanda,” she said.
The representative of investors from Egypt, Dina Helal said they target facilitation of trade between both countries.
“We want to put in much effort so that we can establish plants here in the years ahead to supply to other countries products manufactured in Rwanda. We are still assessing it and seeking partners here. We hope everything will be right,” he said.
Egypt ambassador in Rwanda, Ahmed Samy Mohamed El-Ansar said that building national economy is the priority following Minister Sezibera visit to Egypt.
“This is part of cooperation that should characterize joint-trade efforts. Both countries will cooperate in different areas as members of African Union and COMESA among others. We are aware that Rwanda facilitates investors. It is possible that Egyptians firms can be built here. We held discussions with people who are analyzing it,” he explained.
World Bank Report in October 2018 ranked Rwanda 29th among 190 world countries and the 2nd in Africa after Mauritius for easing businesses.
The financing agreement for the Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project – Phase 1 (KIIWP1) was signed on 22 June by Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Gerardine Mukeshimana, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources of the Republic of Rwanda.
Project financing includes a $17.8 million loan and $8.3 million climate finance grant from IFAD. The project will be co-financed by the Government of Rwanda ($5.4 million) and the beneficiaries themselves ($1.5 million).
Agriculture is the key driver of poverty reduction in Rwanda. It employs around 70 per cent of the population and provides 91 per cent of the food consumed in the country. The sector also accounts for 70 per cent of export revenue and 32.7 per cent of the GDP. It is characterized by small production units and high population pressure on natural resources. About 80 per cent of the rural population is made up of subsistence farmers who depend mainly on rainfed production (less than 6 per cent of all cultivated land in the country is irrigated).
KIIWP1 will respond to the urgent need to tackle water issues and will be implemented in eight drought-prone areas in the Eastern Province: Gahini, Kabare, Kabarondo, Murama, Murundi, Mwiri, Ndego and Rwinkwavu. These areas are relatively hot with limited rainfall averaging just 900mm per year compared to the rest of the country (1,000 mm to 1,400 mm). While rural households face serious water scarcity during dry months, there is high potential for irrigation development.
The new project will promote climate-smart agriculture for irrigated and rainfed lands through farmer field schools, as well as disseminating good nutritional practices. Furthermore, it will invest in catchment rehabilitation, livestock and domestic water infrastructure development and establishment of efficient infrastructure management institutions.
KWIIP1 will help 11,250 rural farmers gain access to land and water to increase their production and bring 1,400 hectares of land under climate-resilient management that will benefit 21,000 people. The project will construct 35 valley tanks and boreholes in rainfed areas and invest in schemes for the irrigation of 2,275 hectares.
Since 1981, IFAD has financed 19 rural development programmes and projects in Rwanda at a total cost of $621.14 million, with an IFAD investment of $382.06 million. These projects and programmes have directly benefited 1,540,517 rural households.
{{About IFAD}}
IFAD invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, we have provided US$20.9 billion in grants and low-interest loans to projects that have reached about 483 million people. IFAD is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency based in Rome – the United Nations’ food and agriculture hub.
The rhinos arrived in Rwanda today around 3am after 6000 km flight that started on Saturday from Europe to Rwanda.
They were transported to Akagera National Park upon arrival at Kigali International Airport where they will be ultimately released into their new wild home.
The translocation of the five rhinos is the largest ever translocation of rhinos from Europe to Africa.
This historic journey began at Safari Park Dvůr Králové (Czech Republic) where all five animals have been gathered since November 2018.
It is part of a unique collaboration between the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), the Government of Rwanda and conservation NGO African Parks.
Fewer than 5,000 wild black rhinos and only 1,000 Eastern Black Rhinos remain in Africa; and their future is severely threatened by poaching for the illegal demand for their horns.
This translocation project represents an urgent and valuable opportunity to expand the range and protection of the black rhino, and demonstrate how captive rhinos can help supplement and repopulate wild populations within secure landscapes.
Three female and two male black rhinos, ranging between two to nine years old, were chosen from the EAZA EEP. Jasiri, Jasmina and Manny were born in Safari Park Dvůr Králové (Czech Republic); Olmoti comes from Flamingo Land (United Kingdom) and Mandela is from Ree Park Safari (Denmark).
The rhinos are being donated to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the governmental body that in partnership with African Parks manages Akagera National Park, the rhino’s new home in Rwanda.
Akagera National Park is an ideal destination for the reintroduction of the animals. In 2017, RDB and African Parks successfully reintroduced 18 rhinos to the Park with support from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
Since 2010, the Park has undergone a revival with poaching practically eliminated, allowing for key species to be reintroduced, including lions in 2015 which have since tripled in number, and rhinos in 2017 – a decade after they were last seen in the country.
Strong community conservation efforts have resulted in tremendous support for the Park, and tourism is now leading to Akagera being 80% self-financing, generating US $2 million a year, which goes back to the Park and surrounding communities.
Commenting on the new translocated rhinos, Jes Gruner, Park Manager of Akagera National Park said “We have been preparing for this moment for years and are excited to build on our efforts to revitalize the Park with the RDB and the successful introduction of the first round of rhinos in 2017.”
“This transport of five rhinos from Europe is historic and symbolic, and shows what is possible when dedicated partners collaborate to help protect and restore a truly endangered species,” he added.
The strength of the Park’s management was a contributing factor in the decision for EAZA and its Members to agree to the translocation.
These conditions also will allow for the ongoing study of the five animals from Europe and the existing population as they gradually integrate to contribute to a stable population of black rhinoceros in East Africa.
The Park is a key component of the Government of Rwanda’s strategy to foster economic growth while providing a secure future for wildlife in the country.
According to Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer of RDB, the translocation of five rhinos from European zoos to Rwanda will further enhance the natural ecosystem in Akagera National Park.
“This partnership with our European friends is a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to conservation. Today, poaching is almost non-existent in our four national parks and we are confident that these rhinos will thrive in their natural habitat in Akagera. They are a positive addition to Akagera, a Park where tourists can now visit the African Big Five,” she said.
Today, Akagera National Park is home to the big five animals including lion, leopard, rhinos, elephant and buffalos.
Police said Innocent Uwizeyimana, 33, was impersonating REG staff and stealing pre-paid cashpower metres from people’s homes.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie Gorette Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali, said the arrest of Uwizeyimana followed complaints from people whose cashpower metres he had taken.
“Uwizeyimana was going around telling people that he is an employee of REG and that he was checking faulty cashpower metres to be replaced,” CIP Umutesi said.
“He would take them from one house and put them on other houses and would be paid by the new beneficiaries in return,” she added.
Affected residents, she said, later called the service provider—REG—which verified and found out that Uwizeyimana was dismissed.
“REG in-turn informed the Police and Uwizeyimana was arrested. He had already taken cashpower metres from 10 houses as well as electric cables connecting houses from the grid,” she explained.
She appealed to the general public to always be vigilant and report such suspicious individuals.
“Always take a step to find out if the person is actually who he is by calling service providers or the Police,” CIP Umutesi advised.
The penal code in its article 279, states that “any person who, without title usurps public, civil or military functions or poses the acts of one of these functions or falsely attributes to himself/herself the quality of a public official or publicly wears a costume, a uniform, badge or an emblem with an intention to mislead the public, commits an offence.”
Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years and not more than three years, with a fine of not less than Rwf300, 000 and not more than Rwf500, 000.
Theft, under article 166 attracts an imprisonment of between one and two years and a fine ranging from Rwf1 million and Rwf2 million, community service in a period of six months, or one of these penalties.
However, in article 167, the penalty is doubled if the offender usurps false title or insignia of a civil servant or a person responsible for services of general interest or with a false mandate from public authority.
The four suspects arrested during a security operation conducted on Saturday are identified as Emmanuel Ziruguru, 54, Anastase Ntamuhanga, 66, Samuel Ruhumbankaka, 50, and Vincent Harindintwari, 41.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said that all the suspects are residents of Nyaruguru District, Ruheru Sector, Umusebeya Cell, Mubuga Village.
Mubuga Village in Ruheru Sector borders Nyungwe National Park.
According to CIP Karekezi the suspects were handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) station at Busanze.
“On June 22, a security patrol in Ruheru along Nyungwe National Park intercepted the four people carrying bundles of bamboo trees, which they had cut in the park,” he said.
CIP Karekezi said that there was information about groups of people who sneak into the National Park especially at night to cut bamboo trees.
“There are some individuals who made it a business to cut bamboo trees in Nyungwe for sell and others for construction,” the spokesperson said.
He warned residents against destroying the national park adding that “operations are continuous to arrest anyone engaged in environmental degradation acts.”
