Speaking at the event, the Minister of Local Government, Francis Kaboneka thanked the province’s commitment to the country’s development and promised continued partnership.
“There are more than 2000 small and big projects they have implemented. Their programmes contributed to health, education and supporting persons with disabilities among others,” he said.
RhenaniePalatinat also contributes in capacity building for people in different sectors including training teachers and health workers.
The province also provides Euro2.5 million every years to Rwanda.
Governance, Sports and Infrastructure Minister in Rhenanie Palatinat Province, Roger Lewentz promised extended partnership to 35 more years ahead.
“We need to advance cooperation by equipping youth as we prepare our future. We observed that Rwanda is developing, we shall continue this partnership in 35 years ahead and achieve more” he said.
RhenaniePalatinat started supporting Rwanda’s development programmes in 1982.
Before entering the grounds of the court, every person was obliged to present his/her identification (ID or passport) as well as getting registered by security agents.
Also in attendance was the new defense lawyer, Gatera Gashabana defending Adeline Mukangemanyi as she requested in the previous hearing and Pierre Celestin Buhuru defending Diane Rwigara and Anne Rwigara.
Gashabana said that he received confirmation to defend Mukangemanyi yesterday (Thursday) 4:00pm. He said that he met his client but the only document she had was arrest warrants.
Gashabana requested to be given some time to read the dossier.
He said that he discussed nothing with the client.
Prosecution said that it is unusual to adjourn pre-trial hearing four times, so far taking 10 days contrary to the laws determining 72 hours to have decided on pre-trial hearing since the prosecution submitted the case to court.
Prosecution requested the court not to adjourn hearing over defense reasons as all defendants were read their allegations with the presence of the lawyer, Buhuru.
“Isn’t this postponement contradicting ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ principle?,” prosecution questioned.
Prosecution called to separate hearing of Anne Rwigara and Diane Rwigara represented by Buhuru as lawyer Gashabana goes ahead with reading Adeline’s case file.
Defense lawyers however rejected the call for separate hearing describing it, as contradictions in the trial
Anne Rwigara requested court to give them access to their case file, allow them visitors, be given 30 minutes out of the cells and give them back their Bibles.
The presiding judge adjourned the hearing to Monday 16th October, 2017
Kagame was speaking yesterday in the Human Capital Summit hosted by the World Bank Group in Washington DC, USA.
The event aims at highlighting the importance of a healthy, educated and skilled citizenry for the building of a stable and productive economy
Kagame said that human capital is without doubt the driver of high-income growth and the foundation of prosperity.
He said that people are all born equal in rights and dignity, but the trajectory and velocity of progress are determined by how well they use the capabilities acquired in the earliest stages of their lives.
The head of state said that investing in health, education, and creativity, leaders turn people into individuals who have the ability to think and act, not just for themselves but also for the benefit of their communities.
“Unleashing human freedom and ability is a force multiplier that creates limitless potential. For that reason, I would like to challenge us all not to limit our ambitions to “eliminating extreme poverty”. That just doesn’t sound good enough” Kagame said.
“Our aim is prosperity and well-being for everyone. That is the essence of what keeps bringing us together here, time after time” he added.
{{Rwanda’s experience}}
Speaking about Rwanda’s experience, Kagame said that twenty-three years ago, the country was utterly devastated.
“As we worked to rebuild the nation, we had no choice but to put our people at the centre of our strategy. It was simply a question of security and survival” Kagame said.
Using the example of decades before 1994, Kagame said that access to secondary and higher education was a political favour subject to ethnic quotas. He said that the country produced only about 2,000 university graduates in that period, contrary to today, around 90,000 Rwandans complete tertiary education every year.
He said that Rwanda’s national health insurance programme covers nearly 90 per cent of Rwandans, and tens of thousands of volunteer Community Health Workers are deployed across the country.
“This contributed to an 80% reduction in maternal mortality and a 70% reduction in infant and child mortality since the year 2000” he said
He reiterated that by requiring equality of access and opportunity for girls and women in schools, in the workplace, and in terms of legal rights, the country have made the economy demonstrably stronger and more resilient.
Kagame continued to say that broadband internet is available throughout the country and increasingly affordable.
“We are expanding technical and vocational education with direct relevance for the job market” he added.
Kagame said that Rwanda has decided to bring all key agencies together into a coordinated Early Childhood Development programme focused on nutrition, sanitation, and pre-school education.
“Eliminating malnutrition is a particular priority. The rate of stunting fell from over half of children in 2010 to closer to one-third today. But this is still unacceptably high. Our target is to further reduce stunting to 15% by 2020, with annual 6% reductions thereafter” he said.
Kagame said that Rwanda is pleased to have the partnership and strong support of the World Bank for these efforts with three new projects focused on social protection, nutrition, and agriculture.
However, Kagame said that Rwanda still has a long way to go to reach high-income status.
“Given our starting point, we are accustomed to difficult journeys, so there is no doubt that eventually we will get there. But we cannot derive full benefit from our natural resources or seize the opportunities of globalisation without first making the inherent potential of our people a reality” he told participants.
He said that the government does not provide funds, but also creates public goods through an environment of security, stability, policy predictability, and the rule of law.
He emphasized that optimism about the future that is shared by Rwandans, as well as partners, is based on continuing to deliver tangible improvements in the well-being of citizens.
He said that human capital generates prosperity by enabling mindsets of responsibility, productivity, innovation and self-reliance.
The competition aims at identifying and supporting social entrepreneurs with digital tools and technology to improve communities and impact future generations. Tigo Rwanda is looking for innovations that focus on broadening financial inclusion and digital inclusion.
After an extensive selection process that involves both Tigo, Reach for Change and external experts, three winning initiatives will each receive a financial award and support to grow their organization in the Reach for Change Incubator program.
In addition to the cash prize of Frw 8,2 million each, the selected ideas will receive tools to support their social enterprises and develop as leaders and access to a global network of existing social entrepreneurs. The application period for the competition is now officially open and applications will be received until November 17, 2017.
“Together with our partner Reach for Change we have supported 12 social entrepreneurs in the Reach for Change Incubator, who have impacted the lives of over 66,000 children in Rwanda. These social entrepreneurs have made use of funding, coaching, mentorship and more to create impressive impact in Rwanda. We are also excited to bring even more young innovators to the fore with this competition” said Tigo Chief Business Officer, Amit Chawla at the launch event at KLab
“We are looking for the best innovative digital ideas that can provide genuine solutions to problems facing children and society, while at the same time promoting connectivity, financial inclusion, and digital inclusion particularly in deprived communities. We believe social entrepreneurship has the power to drive change in our communities,” said Lindy Larson, Reach for Change Africa Programs Manager.
Applications are open from the 13th of October to the 17th of November. Individuals with initiatives that use digital tools and technology to create impact are encouraged to apply. More information about the competition can be found on the site below;
[Apply to the 2017 Tigo Digital Changemakers Competition!
->http://rwanda.apply.reachforchange.org/en/app/accounts/login/?brand=tigo]
To stand a chance to win the competition, the applicants must have a working prototype in place that fits into financial Inclusion or digital Inclusion; have potential for a great social impact, be scalable, financially sustainable, and system changing.
The SPT will also assess the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty, as well as the measures taken for their protection against torture and ill-treatment.
“Rwanda ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) in June 2015 so it is required to set up an independent and sufficiently-resourced monitoring body that has unrestricted access to all places of detention,” said Arman Danielyan who will head the SPT delegation.
Among the places the SPT delegation is due to visit are prisons, police stations, detention facilities for women as well as juveniles and psychiatric institutions. The experts will also meet high level Government officials, the Judiciary, the National Commission for Human Rights, UN agencies and representatives of civil society.
At the end of the visit, the SPT will submit a confidential report to the Government of Rwanda, containing its observations and recommendations on the establishment of the NPM.
For the SPT, the key to preventing torture and ill-treatment lies in building constructive relations with the State concerned, and its guiding principles are cooperation and confidentiality.
According to Police, all the automobiles were impounded following different traffic rules violation and owners did not go to claim them.
The Commissioner for Road and Traffic Safety Department at RNP, CP George Rumanzi said that all automobile are held at Kacyiru Police Headquarters.
“We have seized over 1200 motorcycles without insurance; like the law says, after 30 days they will be auctioned” he said.
He continued to explain that these motorcycles had different problems like lack of insurance, drivers without driving permits and stolen motorcycles among others.
He said that they will auction different cars, some of which had been stolen and others had no insurance.
Closed are Nile Source Polytechnic of Applied Sciences (NSPA), Rusizi International University and Singhad Technical Education Society (STES)
Early this year, MINEDUC had provisionally closed some universities and some faculties in different private universities asking them to meet standards requirements.
In August, the Executive Director of the Higher Learning Council (HEC), Dr. Emmanuel Muvunyi said some universities had worked towards meeting the requirements, but still had a few requirements to meet.
Those universities are Mount Kenya University, Mahatma Ghandi and Polytechnic Institute of Byumba (IPB).
Reports indicated that Rusizi International University, Nile Source Polytechnic of Applied Arts (NSPA) and Jomo Kenyatta University were missing many requirements.
Particularly STES and Open University of Tanzania did nothing to meet the required standards.
“Given that the report of the follow-up assessment of NSPA conducted on 12/07/2017 and the verification exercise conducted on 21/09/2017 by HEC indicated that NSPA had not been able to address the issues that led to the suspension of Institution’s operation within the given time frame of six months” MINEDUC letter to NSPA reads in part.
The letter goes on to say that the university was closed following law governing the organization and functioning of Higher Education in Rwanda.
“It is in this regard that the management of NSPA is hereby informed that, the legal procedures concerning permanent closure of NSPA have been initiated. Hence, NSPA management is requested with immediate effect to meet all the necessary and due financial and academic obligations to the affected students to allow them continue their studies in other higher learning institutions” reads the letter.
NSPA was approved to operate in Rwanda by the Cabinet meeting of September 11, 2013.
{{Other closed universities}}
Speaking to IGIHE, Muvunyi confirmed that Rusizi International University and Singhad Technical Education Society (STES) were also closed.
Muvunyi said that Jomo Kenyatta had informed them that it had left Rwandan market and that Rusizi International University had had ownership, management and academic problems.
He said that STES did not implement any of recommendations.
Ngirente was speaking Friday while presiding over the ‘2017 Taxpayers Appreciation Day’ in Kigali.
The day was celebrated under the theme ‘My Tax, My Development, My Dignity’
Statistics show that in 2016/207 fiscal year, taxes contributed 56.4% whereas in 2017/2018 will contribute to 66% to financing the national budget . According to Ngirente, this is a proof of how taxes contribute to developmental activities like constructing infrastructure, classrooms, hospitals and electricity among others.
He challenged people who are reluctant to pay taxes, to change their mindsets towards understanding tax payment as a contribution in building the nation.
“I would like to remind people who evade taxes and those who delay to pay them to change their mindsets and understand that tax payment is everyone’s responsibility. It benefits both taxpayers and the country in general.
We should know that no country could develop without the contribution of its population” he said.
He said that in seven years, the government will achieve the target of being self-reliant through increasing tax revenues.
Ngirente said that the government target to increase investment by promoting Made in Rwanda and increasing exportation and their added value.
The Commissioner General of Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Richard Tusabe hailed the role of government in mobilizing more taxpayers.
He stated some challenges like tax evasion and called upon the government’s contribution in tackling the problem
According to RRA, in 2016/2017 fiscal year, they collected a total of Rwf1,086.5 billion whereas they target Rwf1,215 billion in 2017/2018
A report released on July 5, 2017, HRW says that different people were killed by the Army, Police, Reserve Forces and DASSO while others were killed by individuals following orders by local leaders.
Dubbed ‘All Thieves Must Be Killed’, the report says that at least 37 people were killed in Rubavu and Rutsiro Districts of Western Province over petty crimes like robbery, drug dealing, illegal cross border crossing and illegal fishing among others.
According to the Chairperson for the Rwanda National Commission for Human Rights, Madeleine Nirere, people who were claimed executed are still alive and others who were confirmed dead, had died following natural diseases.
{{A look into the findings }}
According to the Rwanda National Commission for Human Rights, seven people reported executed in the HRW report are alive and these include; Tharcisse Nsanzabera, Alphonse Majyambere, Daphrose Nyirabavakure, Jovan Karasankima, Elias Habyalimana, Donati Nzamwitakuze and Emmanuel Hanyurwabake.
In the HRW report, names of one person are mistaken.The report talks about Pascal Nsabiyeze while the commission says correct names are Alias Nsabiyeze.
According to the commission, four persons reportedly killed in the report, have died of natural diseases. These
are; Thaddé Uwintwali, Jean Kanyesoko, Innocent Habimana and Jean Damascène Ntiriburakaryo
Rwanda National Commission says that six persons died as a results of various accidents though HRW reports that they were executed by the Rwanda Defence Forces, National Police or DASSO officers.
These include, Jean de Dieu Bihibindi, Samuel Minani, Amurani Bazangirabate, Djuma Ntakingora, Vedaste Renzaho, Emmanuel Ntamuhanga.
The commission says that one person reportedly executed by the Rwanda Defence Forces or police officers was shot dead by the Congolese soldiers. The person was identified as Moise Tuyisenge.
Also one person reportedly executed by an RDF soldier in HRW report; the Commission says they found out that the perpetrator was procecuted and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was identified as Emmanuel Nzitakuze.
The commission rejects accusations of two people reported by the HRW to have been killed by individuals on orders from authorities, saying that they established that perpetrators were prosecuted and sentenced by courts as they committed the offence on their own behalf. These include, Jean Claude Barayavuga and Théoneste Uzamutuma.
Rwanda National Commission for Human Rights also said that ten people were reported to have been executed, but the commission says that they are unknown in local administrative entities singled out in HRW report.
These people include, Innocent Mbarushimana, Jean Damascène Ntahondereye, Emmanuel Niyigena, Nzabandora Ndayishimiye, Hakuzimana Basabose, Naftal Nteziriza, François Buhagarike, Alexandre Bemeriki, Jean de Dieu Habiyaremye and Vincent Nshimiyimana.
“The allegation that 10 persons reported by HRW to have been executed by the Rwanda military or police officers after being accused of theft and executed on orders according to which all thieves must be killed is not true. At different times, those individuals were shot while crossing the Cyanzarwe Valley from the DRC, during the night; a pathway usually used by FDLR elements to cross to Rwanda and disrupt security. Local authorities have forbidden residents to cross the valley during the night for security purposes”, Madeleine said.
These people include; Ernest Tuyishime, Jeanine Nirere, Benjamin Niyonzima, Innocent Nshimiyimana, Fulgence Rukundo, Gasore, Prosper Iradukunda, Joseph Mukeshimana, Pierre Hakizimana, Muke Flavien alias Basare.
The event is set to venture into the Rwandan renewable energy market and provide an international business and partnerships platform by highlighting attractive investment opportunities.
The two-day conference and exhibition for renewable energy will engage private and public sector players for networking, dialogue, technology exhibition and knowledge exchange to scale-up the use of renewable energy for sustainable growth and focus on small and medium hydropower project development in Rwanda and the region.
The conference will bring together over 200 participants from international, regional and local players in the energy sector, through a combination of in-depth panel and expert discussions with senior-level members from the government and key business leaders and pioneers.
The conference is expected to forge strong connections with potential business partners through extensive networking sessions and business match-making, identify technology solutions from leading providers.
Also the meeting will help engaging financiers and investors interested in the Rwandan renewable energy market, exchange know-how with counterparts.
The current energy generation (2017) is at 210.9 MW installed capacity. Power Generation mix is currently diversified as follow: hydro power 48%, thermal 32%, PV 5.7%, methane-to-power 14.3%.
According to the Rwanda Energy Group Report as of August 2017, Rwanda has achieved 40.5% access rate, of which on-grid access represents 29.5 % and off-grid access 11%.
Rwanda plans to achieve Universal access of 100% by 2023/2024; with on grid connections representing 52% and off-grid 48% by 2023/2024.
