At Iwawa, youth acquired different skills including masonry, carpentry, tailoring, agriculture and veterinary among others.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Saturday, the Director General of National Rehabilitation Service (NRS), Aimé Bosenibamwe urged the youth to use acquired skills in developing themselves through working in cooperatives.
“There is a programme to receive those who graduate from here in districts; different officials are working to welcome you and will direct you in projects to establish, as a way to reintegrate you in the society, NRS in partnership with local government authorities will facilitate you in establishing associations and cooperatives through which you will perform income generating activities,” he explained.
After a year of being trained, the youth say that they acquired skills that will help them in future.
“I learnt masonry skills from here which will help me towards development. I abandoned drugs and will encourage former peers to abandon such vices,” said Jean Paul Gacamumakuba from Kicukiro District.
Cesalie Nyirantagorana, a parent whose child was rehabilitated, hailed the programme saying it was not possible for parents themselves to change the behaviors children had developed.
The cohort of 1,974 graduate is the 15th edition at Iwawa. Since the centre was established in 2010, over 15,000 have graduated from there.
The 14th edition of the marathon is scheduled for May 20 at a tune of Rwf73 million, reflecting a decrease by Rwf17 million from the last year’s spending.
According to Jean-Pierre Ndacyayisenga, the technical director of the Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF), over 8,000 athletes including amateurs and professionals are expected to participate in this year’s marathon.
The participants will either compete in full marathon in a 42.195km distance or run for fun in 10km.
During the launch of the registration that took place at Kigali Cultural Village, the local athletics governing body’s representative, Fidèle Mubirigi highlighted the progress made in preparations and success the marathon has registered over the past years.
During the ceremony, the roadmap of preparations and registration for local, regional and international participants, as well as courses of the two categories of competitions, run for fun and full-marathon races was successfully unveiled.
“In the past years, MTN Rwanda was our main supporter, other sponsors were not big enough, but now we are very excited about this year’s edition because we have been graced with some of the biggest sponsors in our country like Skol, RwandAir, BK and other sponsors. It is a great move for us because it will facilitate us in launching the best Kigali International Peace Marathon ever seen,” Mubirigi said.
Alain Numa, the Sponsorship and Promotion Coordinator at MTN Rwanda, expressed gladness for the new sponsors, saying that MTN Group is ready to work hand in hand with other sponsors to support the Kigali International Peace Marathon.
“This will be our fourth year supporting Kigali International Peace Marathon. Although we are investors, we also try to support the government in all ways possible. It is also a way to use sports in fostering good relations between countries,” he said.
Participants register with the payment of Rwf2000 via MTN line using the code *182*3*505050*2000#, or by visiting the nearest MTN branch.
Sprawled across the Cap-Verde Peninsula, in the far west of Africa on the Atlantic Ocean, Dakar is the grand capital of Senegal also commonly known as “le Paris d’Afrique” due to the modernized changes the former French colonial city went through.
From Kigali on the RwandAir’s feel and experience touch, the travel proved relaxing and refreshing. The homey feeling I received from flight attendants made me feel like I was practically at my neighbor next door, with the sole difference being on a moving aircraft.
It was 13- hour entertaining flight as RwandAir flew from Cotonou-Bénin, Douala-Cameroon, Abidjan-Côte d’Ivoire to finally land in Dakar. You’d wonder why I said entertaining –well, Joseph, the waiter was ever so charming while making sure that I missed nothing, and I was no exception for he did so with everyone. From tea to water; everything I was given beheld Rwanda’s imprint, the only thing I may have not yet checked is the provenance of the tasteful fish I ate, although I would bet it was from Rubavu’s waters. A generous applause goes to RwandAir’s team.
Arrived at my destination, I reveled at the beauty of the exotic capital of Senegal. The catching beauty was not really in its architecture nor the dusty streets or the roads collapsed by traffic: but rather in its atmosphere and cheerful people.
It is a friendly city with a very complex native language known as ‘Wolof’. I would even say that anyone would get a bit lost trying to understand this language. During my stay, I tried to learn some of it; like saying I’m good is ‘Maa ngi fi’ [Spelled as Mængiːfiː], saying Yes is ‘waaw’ [Spelled as Wæwu], Saying ‘My name is Philbert’ is ‘Maa ngi tudd Philbert’ [Spelled as Mængiːtudu].
As I toured the country, here are some of the places that make the nation so singular and that will definitely mark you if you ever decide to travel to Senegal.
{{La Maison des esclaves in Goree Island
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Goree Island is a small 45-acre island located off the coast of Senegal that is only three kilometers away from Dakar. This quiet and quaint island was a prominent place for the development of Atlantic slavery trade and served as a center for expanding slavery trade by the Europeans.
The island which is considered as a memorial to the African Diaspora had over 20 million African slaves passing through it between the mid-1500s and the mid-1800s. During the African slavery trade, Goree Island was a slave-holding warehouse where African men, women and children were jailed before being shipped to the Americas.
The slave house that was built to keep the slaves had a small door called the “door of no return” through which every man, woman and child walked to the slave boat to be taken to the ‘New World’. The slave house built in 1776 remains intact to this day with cells and shackles, and is a major tourist attraction of Goree Island.
Chosen to be a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Goree Island still retains and preserves all the traces of its terrible past and displays to the world the miserable life once led by their ancestors.
{{African Renaissance Monument
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The African Renaissance Monument, also referred to as Monument to the African Renaissance, is a bronze statue perched on Mamelles hill in Dakar, Senegal. The representation of a man, woman and child emerging from a volcano stands erect against the skyline in Senegal at 164 feet high, taller than the Statue of Liberty in the U.S.A.
Visiting this place will only cost you 4000 CFA which is Rwf6500 and you are free to roam around and inside this monument.
The monument that was built by the former president Abdoulaye Wade in 2010 is about the culture and future of the African continent. It’s represented by a man and his wife together holding the hand of the young one, which means the next century is better than the past. The whole monument encompasses all generations for the future of the continent.
Upon entering, the “lobby” of the monument has a distinct presentation dealing with African, and African diaspora history, covering various renowned leaders such as Léopold Senghor or Toussaint Louverture and various historically important events such as the slavery trade or colonialism.
{{You cannot just leave without saying Hi to Saly…
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Saly is a beach resort area in the Petite Côte region of Senegal. A former Portuguese trading post, Saly Portugal village features restaurants and bars.
It is the “Rubavu” of Rwanda. It is one of the touristic resorts in Dakar and detains a much more relaxed energy than the center of the capital.
It is relatively clean and quiet. It is usually full of young people playing with street vendors and families.
A piece of advice would be that you stack some pants, since everyone in Senegal covers their legs pretty much. Also, the wind blows practically everything…dresses and skirts not spared.
To finish, le “Paris d’Afrique” may not be the most beautiful place on earth or a holiday destination for those seeking comfort but it has everything for a fascinating experience as a whole. You will be rendered speechless by the epic vistas of a gorgeously tropical and stunning natural beauty that is Africa.
Miroslav Lajčák yesterday laid a wreath on mass graves containing the remains of more than 250,000 victims, and was given a tour through the different sections of the memorial explaining the history of divisionism in Rwanda, and the Genocide against the Tutsi and its consequences.
Lajčák who is a Slovak diplomat and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed his shock at what he learnt during his guided tour. He expressed his chagrin at what happened in Rwanda and at the UN’s failure in preventing the Genocide.
“This is a very historic place that I wished to visit and pay my respects to those who lost their lives in the Genocide and to say once again that we failed the people of Rwanda and that it should never happen again,” he said.
Miroslav Lajčák added that violent conflicts are on the rise in many parts of the world today due to political leaders who favor decisions that are more prone to lead to wars rather than solve disputes.
“I wish the World could learn faster. If some political leaders could be brought here, they would see themselves the consequences of irresponsible political actions,” he remarked.
During a High-Level Meeting on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace that was held at the UN Headquarters earlier this year, Lajčák dedicated an article, titled “A New Approach to Peace”, to the meeting, where he noted that “the UN was founded for peace and that its success in preventing conflict should be the norm – not the exception”.
Miroslav Lajčák is President of the 72nd sessions of the UN General Assembly since september 2017.
The seminar with a theme; ‘Shattering the glass ceiling: – why and how?’ was held on the 3rd of May 2018 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. It sought to spur a conversation on strategies and commitments that are necessary to meet the United Nations goal of increasing by 15% female staff officers and military observers and 20% female police officers by the end of 2018.
In her remarks, the Permanent Representative of Rwanda, Ambassador Valentine Rugwabiza, outlined suggestions on how to increase women’s meaningful participation in peacekeeping such as identifying and eliminating the inequalities that reinforce prejudice towards women, employing a gender perspective and instilling a mechanism for accountability while respecting women and prioritizing their dignity and equality.
As a peacekeeper in the Central African Republic (CAR), Captain Lausanne Nsengimana shared her experiences, saying that her work in peacekeeping was not only about securing a cease-fire, but also a matter of education and sharing experiences between women in a normal day setting.
“As female peacekeepers, they can build stronger relationships with communities and gain more access to information than all-male contingents”, she said.
“Younger Rwandan women, those born after the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, are increasingly joining the officer corps, but more mobilization is needed to be done to increase the numbers of women joining the armed forces”, she noted while sharing her observations on the recruitment of women in Rwanda Defence Forces.
Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani from Indonesia, asserted that there were many reasons to increase women’s participation in peacekeeping and pointed out the fact that ‘not a single woman peacekeeper has been accused of sexual exploitation and abuse in any peacekeeping mission’.
Ambassador Tore Hattrem from Norway, recommended that ‘member states can learn from each other and work together to reach the goal of having more female peacekeepers in UN operations. For the simple reason that it makes UN Peacekeeping Operations more effective’.
In her closing remarks, Ambassador Rugwabiza stressed on the centrality of transformative leadership in the promotion of women’s participation in peacekeeping, she said ‘good leaders change bad attitudes, and open up opportunities’.
She also recommended that countries with high numbers of peacekeeping forces such as Rwanda, should collaborate and share best practices and strategies.
‘After all, Success stories can only bring more success stories’, Rugwabiza said
Numbers show that from April 20th to May 3rd different people across the country received different medical services in a yearly activity that will take three months.
Among those operated are; 1639 who were operated on respiratory disease, 717 were operated on female-specific diseases, 1163 were operated on bones, 1340 were operated on internal diseases, 399 received dermatology services; a total of 11,191 were circumcised and 795 were tested on HIV/AIDS.
Yesterday, RDF officials visited the sites of activities in Rulindo and Bugesera Districts. People who spoke to IGIHE hailed the activities by Rwandan army saying that they were not able to afford the cost of operation.
The 62-year-old Cassien Karekezi from Rweru Sector of Bugesera District said that they operated him a pimple on his genital organs.
“I had a pimple on my genital organs which I suffered for five years. They operated it, and I hope to get better. I am blessed because I didn’t expect to get such services,” he said.
“Every single coin our family used to earn was spent in hospitals seeking medication which did not bear fruit. Today the situation is going to change, we will use our earning in family development activities,” he added.
RDF’s Maj. Dr. John Bukuru, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon said that in Bugesera District, they have operated 1300 people.
He said that the majority had teeth disease and called people to take care of their hygiene and medical check-up once they feel pain.
In other activities like agriculture, RDF partnered with people to cultivate Irish Potatoes on 137,6 hectares and Sweet Potatoes on 57,3 hectares; vegetables on 26,6 hectares and fought against banana bacterial wilt commonly known as Kirabiranya on a total of 61,39 hectares.
Rulindo District Mayor, Emmanuel Kayiranga hailed the activities saying that when soldiers go beyond security provision and partner with people, it helps spur the development of the country and welfare of the communities.
This comes on the back of this year’s Transform Africa Summit (TAS) that will take place in the country from 7th to 10th of this month, with over 4,000 delegates expected to attend.
It will now be easier and more affordable for subscribers to browse and read news on this year’s Transform Africa Summit (TAS) after the telecom firm slashed its out-of-bundle data costs to Rwf10 per MB. The telecom’s out-of-bundle data users previously parted with Rwf56.
Speaking about the new product, Phillip Amoateng, the Airtel Rwanda Managing Director said; “Internet is an essential part of our everyday life. As a user, one wants FAST and affordable internet so as to remain connected to loved ones, work efficiently and get updated with local and international news and events. This offer is designed to enable delegates who will be attending the summit to remain connected to their social and professional networks without worrying about data running out.”
Under the offers, subscribers will be able to purchase 30 Giga bytes (GB) of data at only Rwf 10,000 (about US$12) and will also be able to rent fully connected MiFi device for the same amount. This device can connect up to 10 users at a time.
In order to access the services, customers can simple dial *255*2# and go to internet packs, then select monthly packs or visit the Airtel stand at the summit or service centers.
On December 18, 2017, Bharti Airtel announced it had signed an agreement with Millicom International Cellular S.A to take over Tigo Rwanda operations, which is currently the second biggest telecom firm in the country by market share.
The Rwandan telecom sector was boosted by these news as the development is arguably the biggest in the telecom industry that has been dogged by slow growth levels over the past few years.
A statement from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR) says that some elements in the Kiziba Refugee Camp have been stirring trouble, including attacking law enforcement officers, in the hope of being resettled in Western countries of their choice.
MIDIMAR warned that they cannot stand refugees who violate Rwandan laws.
“Rwandan authorities cannot decide for other asylum countries, nor do we need to carry the burden of refugees who espouse lawlessness. For those refugees who wish to return to their country of origin, they are free to do so,” the statement reads.
The statement says that the Government of Rwanda, in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR) and other agencies, remains willing to host peaceful refugees and provide them the usual support and benefits on condition that they respect the rule of law which is an obligation of every resident of the country.
On Friday UNHCR also appealed to refugees in Kiziba Camp to avoid further confrontation and embrace calm and restraint. They also called Rwandan Authorities to avoid tensions that could lead to further loss of life.
The drugs worth over Rwf1 million, according to Police in Gicumbi, were seized in varied operations in the last two months.
They include 258 litres of crude gin locally known as Kanyanga, 123 dozens Chief warage, 104 litres of Blue sky and 60 dozens Chase vodka, all banned gin and packed in plastic bags.
Plastic bags were also banned in Rwanda, and trafficking, manufacturing, selling and using them is punishable by law.
Other disposed of drugs include cannabis, locally made illicit drinks as well as illicit raw materials used to distill locally made substances, which were also seized during the same operations.
While addressing hundreds of residents, who turned up to witness the destruction exercise, Inspector of Police (IP) Jean de Dieu Nkuranga thanked them for their involvement in reporting drug dealers.
“All these drugs were seized because you were brave and responsible to report the dealers, many of whom were also arrested,” IP Nkuranga, who is the commander of Butaro Police station, told the residents.
“These drugs come from our neighboring countries and traffickers use routes in your communities; there are also other psychotropic substances that are distilled locally in your neighbourhoods. We will continue to count on you to report such people so that they are arrested,” he added.
He noted that police will not take chances because they are threats to community safety, family harmony and development.
“All drinks must have standards, dealers must be licensed and with the standard mark. Any liquid substance that contains more than 0.5 percent of methanol in its composition not supposed to be taken because it is harmful to the health,” said CIP Nkuranga.
Eugide Ndayisaba, the executive secretary of Butaro sector urged the residents to desist from consuming and producing such psychotropic substances, and share information about whoever is involved to prevent causing ill health to unwitting drinkers.
Wenger’s departure at the end of the season triggered sadness among Arsenal’s fans world-wide, as he had gone on too long and not been able to deliver another title or finally win the Champions League that he craved so badly.
Diego Costa killed Arsene Wenger’s last hope of a glorious Arsenal farewell as his goal sent Atletico Madrid through to the Europa League final 2-1 on aggregate on Thursday.
The 68-year-old Arsene Wenger admitted that he was “very, very sad” to be leaving Arsenal on the back of a Europa League semi-final defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid.
As fans took to twitter their disappointment, President Kagame among others gave his take on the departure of the coach who had been Arsenal’s coach for 22 good years.
“My take on my beloved Club Arsenal- a very good one at the game and a very good coach like A.Wenger, this should not have been the kind of ending of an era. The coach is leaving and club trophy-less it was long coming! I am still a committed fan going forward. Blame the owners”, reads President Kagame’s tweet.
“As I had said way back and just as a good observer…Something fundamental needed to change at/about the club. But if anything changed it was not the right one. All the best to all involved! We still need Arsenal to go back where it belongs- up there among the best in the game!” He added.
In 2007, when President Kagame who is a devoted Arsenal fan since 1996 was celebrating his 50th anniversary, Coach Arsene Wenger gave him Arsenal Emirates’ Flag with signatures of all players at the time.
Also in 2013, President Kagame was spotted in Arsenal’s stadium, where the team scored 2-0 against Napoli in UEFA Champions league.
