The suspects, a 57-year-old mother and her 27-year-old daughter, were apprehended at their residence in Runyeheri Village, Nyarushyamba Cell, Nyakiriba Sector, on the morning of Tuesday, December 3.
The Western region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, said the arrest followed a tip-off from the public.
“Based on credible information the Police had about a large stock of smuggled clothes stored at the suspects’ home, Police officers from the Anti-Smuggling Unit searched the premises where they found eight bales of used clothes that had been smuggled into the country from the DR Congo,” SP Karekezi said.
He commended those, who provided the information on the two suspected smugglers, and urged the public to avoid engaging in smuggling.
SP Karekezi noted that taxes are used to develop infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, and other public facilities, but warned that such acts amount to illegal cross-border.
He added that evading taxes undermines the country’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.
SP Karekezi also reminded the public that the Police, in collaboration with other institutions and the community, are actively fighting smuggling and fraud.
Engaging in such illegal trade carries severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and a fine equivalent to 50% of the value of the smuggled goods, as stipulated under the East African Community Customs Management Act.
IGIHE recently caught up with Naeem Khan, High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Rwanda, who highlighted the significant progress in the bilateral relations between the two nations.
Reflecting on his two-year tenure in Rwanda, High Commissioner Khan emphasized the growing partnership, particularly in trade, business, and diplomacy.
“The bilateral relationship is improving after high-level visits, including the Honourable President of the Senate to Pakistan, as well as defense authorities like the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff,” he said.
These exchanges have played a crucial role in enhancing cooperation across various sectors, fostering stronger ties between Rwanda and Pakistan.
One notable milestone in the relationship was the opening of Rwanda’s High Commission in Pakistan, marking the first time Rwanda has established an embassy in the country.
High Commissioner Khan considered this as a landmark achievement for both nations and stressed the importance of this diplomatic presence in deepening bilateral relations and enhancing collaboration.
Trade between Rwanda and Pakistan has also seen remarkable growth. “When I arrived here, our bilateral trade stood at $34 million. Today, according to statistics, it has already surpassed $70 million,” High Commissioner Khan shared.
Rwanda’s tea industry stands out as a key area of export, with Pakistan importing over 60% of the country’s tea production.
Additionally, both nations are exploring new markets for products like coffee, beans, lentils, and pulses. With Pakistan’s population of 250 million, there is considerable potential for Rwandan goods in this large consumer market.
High Commissioner Khan also emphasized the potential for collaboration in agriculture, industry, and technology. “Pakistan produces some of the world’s best lightweight tractors, which are ideal for Rwanda’s hilly terrain,” he said, noting that both countries could benefit from stronger ties in this area.
The envoy also pointed to the growing importance of Information Technology. Rwanda is becoming known for its strong digital economy, while Pakistan is positioning itself as a global leader in IT-based solutions, providing further opportunities for collaboration.
Additionally, High Commissioner Khan revealed that Pakistani investors are increasingly viewing Rwanda as a strategic hub, not just for the local market but also for the wider East African region.
“We are working on joint ventures where Pakistani companies will manufacture in Rwanda and then re-export to other countries,” High Commissioner Khan explained, highlighting potential in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
Looking ahead, the High Commissioner expressed optimism about the role of bilateral agreements in promoting economic growth.
One exciting prospect is the development of a free industrial zone, which the envoy explained is currently in the early stages.
He explained that they are engaging with relevant institutions to expedite this process, promising to create employment opportunities for the local workforce.
Currently, there are around 500 Pakistanis living in Rwanda, along with their families. They are primarily involved in the car business, hotel and restaurant management, and IT services, while others work in international organizations.
With a longstanding relationship spanning 62 years, Rwanda and Pakistan continue to collaborate across various sectors, including trade, health, and investment, further strengthening their partnership.
The motion to remove the martial law order was approved at an urgently convened cabinet meeting, according to multiple media outlets.
Before the meeting, Yoon said in a televised address that martial law troops were withdrawn as the National Assembly demanded the lifting of martial law, vowing to lift the martial law at a cabinet meeting to accept the parliamentary demand.
The president asked the National Assembly to stop paralyzing state affairs by trying to impeach government officials, slash the government’s budget for next year and launch a special prosecutor’s team for investigation into scandals involving the first lady.
Yoon declared the emergency martial law Tuesday night, marking the first martial law declaration since the country’s military dictatorship ended in the late 1980s.
The National Assembly held a plenary session, passing a resolution to lift the martial law with 18 lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party and 172 lawmakers of opposition parties in attendance and voting in favor.
In accordance with the constitution, the president should lift a martial law when the 300-member parliament demands the lifting with a majority of lawmakers voting in favor.
This marks Rwanda’s eighth participation in the prestigious event, represented by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) leading the delegation of several tour operators, including Wilderness Safaris, Primates Safaris, Uber Luxe Safaris, Rwanda Eco Company Safaris, Songa Africa Tourism Company, Blue Monkey Tours, Africa Journeys, Wildlife Tours, and Palast Tours and Travel.
The primary aim of Rwanda’s presence at ILTM is to highlight the country’s rich and diverse tourist attractions, boosting its profile on the international stage. On the opening day alone, over 160 visitors toured Rwanda’s stand, with an additional 33 visitors, including media representatives, hosted by RDB, bringing the total number of visitors to 193.
Rwanda is also set to benefit from the insights of more than 1,800 industry professionals attending the event. ILTM is renowned for connecting luxury travel buyers, sellers, and partners, and draws participants from regions such as Africa, Asia, South America, the Middle East, and China. Rwanda participated in the event last year as well.
According to the World Bank’s report on Rwanda’s economic performance, tourism is expected to play a key role in the country’s growth trajectory.
In 2024, the tourism sector is projected to generate $660 million, up from $620 million in 2023. It is expected that Rwanda’s gorilla tourism will account for $200 million of this total, while conferences and related activities will contribute $90 million.
Sports and entertainment tourism are expected to generate $110 million, with business tourism contributing $68 million. Visitors coming for family and friends are anticipated to bring in $86 million, while other types of visitors will add $46 million to the sector.
In 2023, Rwanda welcomed more than 1.4 million visitors, and projections indicate this number will double by 2029, driven in part by the expansion of RwandAir’s flight routes.
{{Below are some photos from the evening of December 2, 2024, marking the official opening of the ILTM.}}
The meeting was confirmed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, in an interview with IGIHE on December 4, 2024.
According to the Angolan Presidential Office, ministers representing Angola, Rwanda, and the DRC, who are part of the Luanda peace talks, will also attend the meeting aimed at discussing peace and security in the eastern DRC.
This upcoming discussion will build upon a ministerial meeting held on November 25, 2024, where the three countries agreed to dismantle the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebel group and to lift the security measures Rwanda had imposed in 2022.
Following the ministerial agreement, President João Lourenço of Angola, acting as the African Union-appointed mediator, spoke with Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi by phone to discuss the next steps toward peace in the region. Lourenço’s goal is for the two leaders to sign a peace agreement once they have reached a consensus.
The dismantling of the FDLR will occur in three phases. The first phase involves assessing the threat posed by the group, identifying the locations of its bases and weapons. The second phase will involve targeted military operations against the group, and the final phase will focus on repatriating its fighters.
As the FDLR is addressed, Rwanda will lift the security measures it implemented in 2022. A joint security mechanism led by Angola will oversee the entire process.
Minister Nduhungirehe recently noted that the issue of the M23 armed group, which remains a key challenge, was not discussed at the November talks but will be addressed in the upcoming meeting.
This recognition comes after the international body’s acknowledgment of several other Rwandan heritage sites, including four Genocide memorials and Nyungwe National Park, further highlighting the rich cultural and natural heritage of Rwanda.
This momentous event took place on December 3, 2024, during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Asunción, Paraguay.
The Intore dance’s inclusion on UNESCO’s prestigious list marks a historic first: it is the first time a Rwandan cultural performance has been inscribed, solidifying the Intore as a significant cultural symbol for both Rwanda and the wider world.
UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List is a global effort to safeguard traditions that are passed down through generations. The list aims to preserve practices, knowledge, and skills that define a community’s cultural identity. Currently, 678 elements from 140 countries are included, showcasing the diverse cultural practices and traditions from across the globe.
{{Intore: More than just a dance}}
The Intore dance is a powerful expression of Rwandan culture, performed by a troupe of dancers who recreate the movements of warriors in battle. Dancers form lines that represent the ranks of soldiers preparing for combat, with each movement reflecting strength, courage, and the struggle against an unseen enemy. The rhythm of traditional drums and horns guides the dancers, who wield spears and shields in synchrony with their energetic leaps and footwork.
Accompanying the dance are songs and poems that celebrate themes of victory, power, and national pride, adding a rich auditory layer to the performance.
Today, the Intore dance is widely practiced across Rwanda. It is a prominent feature in national cultural events and festivals, often performed alongside the national ballet in performances that are cherished by both locals and tourists. In addition to state-sponsored events, the dance is celebrated by smaller regional troupes that are found throughout the country. Schools and universities regularly organize training sessions, ensuring that the art form is passed on to younger generations.
The practice is also transmitted within families and communities, further embedding the Intore dance into the social fabric of Rwandan life. Whether at weddings, public celebrations, or during the harvest festival, the dance serves as a vibrant symbol of unity, victory, and cultural pride. It remains a popular form of entertainment and an expression of strength during important national moments.
The inclusion of Intore on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List not only protects the dance from potential extinction but also underscores its role in fostering social cohesion and national identity.
The two-year pilot project aims to assess the prevalence of TB and the effectiveness of efforts to combat the disease, with plans for expansion to other sub-Saharan African countries.
Dr. Kabayiza Jean Claude, the study’s lead researcher, highlighted that the research would provide a comprehensive overview of TB in the region and help identify strategies to address the rising cases.
“Despite improvements in medication availability and the decline of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we have seen a significant increase in TB cases in both Rwanda and sub-Saharan Africa. This research will help us understand why these numbers are climbing,” Dr. Kabayiza said.
The study aims to collect data from all TB patients treated in Rwanda since the introduction of treatment services. Researchers will specifically focus on 240 patients with multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), exploring factors such as medication adherence and co-existing health conditions.
“We want to understand their experiences, treatment adherence, and other health challenges they may face. This data will be pivotal in shaping future strategies,” Dr. Kabayiza added.
The research will span 16 hospitals across Rwanda, with a focus on gathering data from TB patients. Among these, 240 MDR-TB patients will undergo tests to identify the factors contributing to the rise in TB cases.
The study will employ the “OMOP CDM” technology to collect and store data, which will be accessible to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) for further analysis.
Professor Dr. Twagirumukiza Marc, a medical lecturer at Ghent University, commended Legacy Clinic for its pioneering role in this research, praising its commitment to advancing healthcare.
“Collaborating with international organizations ensures that we gather reliable data, which can inform decision-making and improve healthcare policies,” he said.
Healthcare professionals from participating hospitals expressed the importance of accurate data collection.
Muhawenimana Janvière, data manager at Ntarama Health Centre, emphasized, “By using technology to centralize data, we ensure its completeness and reliability. This will enable authorities to take informed action.”
Xavier Nkundimana, IT officer at Muhima Hospital, noted that the research will provide policymakers with essential data to guide efforts toward eliminating TB.
The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) reported that between 2022 and 2023, the country recorded 9,417 new TB cases, including 90 multi-drug-resistant cases. This marked a significant increase from the previous year, when there were only 5,538 new TB cases.
Among the graduates, 67 completed the first level (RAF1) designed for entry-level employees, while 70 graduated from the second level (RAF2), targeted at middle management.
The event, which marked a significant milestone, was attended by John Rwangombwa, the Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, who served as the guest of honor. Also present were banking leaders from various institutions, members of the Rwanda Bankers Association (RBA), and other key stakeholders.
The RBA, which established the academy, continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the development of the country’s banking sector.
The training focused on building professionalism across various aspects of banking, including understanding the banking system, asset management, customer service, lending practices, and more.
RAF offers two levels of training: one for employees with general banking knowledge or those seeking to begin a career in banking, and the second for branch managers. A third level of training, set to launch next year, will focus on senior banking executives.
Governor Rwangombwa praised the Rwanda Bankers’ Association for its commitment to improving the knowledge and skills of banking professionals, which he said is essential for building a robust and resilient financial sector.
He emphasized the graduates’ role in applying their new skills to drive the development of the financial sector, particularly in adapting to industry changes and delivering high-quality services to clients. He expressed confidence that the training would empower the graduates to innovate and make informed decisions to contribute to the sector’s growth.
Hannington Namara, Managing Director of Equity Bank PLC Rwanda and Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Rwanda Bankers Association, acknowledged that all the graduates work for financial institutions and that the knowledge gained through the training would enhance productivity and efficiency within their organizations, as well as mitigate financial risks.
Diogène Twizeyimana, Branch Manager of BPR Rwanda Plc in Kayonza and one of the graduates, expressed gratitude for the program. He highlighted that the training would enhance the quality of his work and underscored the importance of continuous learning in improving performance.
He noted that the courses equipped him with critical skills, from customer service to understanding the role of technology in banking, making him better prepared to meet customer needs and provide high-quality service.
Cloritah Naamara Mbabazi, an employee at Bank of Kigali and one of the top performers in the program, shared how the training broadened her knowledge beyond her specific department.
She explained that this newfound expertise would enable her to offer more comprehensive support across the bank, benefitting not just her department, but the entire institution.
Tony Francis Ntore, Chief Executive Officer of RBA, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continue demonstrating professionalism in their work, applying the knowledge they had gained to enhance service delivery across the sector.
Weapons in the latest package include air defense capabilities, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, and anti-tank weapons, among others, according to a press release from the Department of Defense.
The provision followed President Joe Biden’s announcement on Sept. 26 that his administration would provide another significant package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to Ukraine. The weapons will be provided under previously exercised Presidential Drawdown Authority from Department of Defense stocks, the Department of State said in its version of the announcement.
The assistance has been reported by news outlets based on anonymous sources prior to Monday’s formal announcements from the defense and state departments. It coincided with the Biden administration’s reported request for Ukraine that it lower the recruitment age from 25 to 18 to make up for the loss of manpower on the battleground.
According to a statement released by RURA, the pilot will be conducted on the Nyabugogo-Kabuga and Downtown-Kabuga routes.
“Under this new system, commuters will pay based on the distance travelled rather than a flat fare for the entire route. The approach is designed to promote equity and fairness in public transport fare systems,” the statement reads.
RURA further clarified that passengers will be required to tap in when boarding the buses and tap out at the end of their trip to avoid being charged for the entire route.
The statement also outlined the fare structure, with passengers paying Frw182 for the first two kilometers, Frw205 for three kilometers, Frw219 for four kilometers, Frw251 for the fifth, and so on until the 25th kilometer, where the fare will be Frw855.
RURA also provided examples of how fares will change on various common routes in Kigali. For example, the fare from Downtown to Remera (10 km) will be Frw388 from Frw307. The fare from Downtown to Rwandex (6 km) will cost Frw274, reduced from Frw307, among other adjustments.
Earlier this year, in February, Minister Dr. Gasore explained that a fare-based system would be particularly beneficial to passengers, especially after the removal of subsidies.
He emphasized that while the new system might result in higher fares for long-distance travelers, short-distance fares could decrease.
