President Kagame’s one-day visit to Conakry on May 13th, 2024, marked his second visit to Guinea since General Doumbouya assumed power. President Kagame last visited in April 2023.
General Doumbouya stated, “I am honored to host in Conakry my brother and friend, His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda. This visit, following the first one, is a testament to the strong relationship of brotherhood and friendship between our countries and it strengthens the cooperation between Conakry and Kigali.”
General Doumbouya also announced that he and President Kagame were proud to meet Hadja Andrée Touré, the widow of Ahmed Sékou Touré, Guinea’s first president, and that their conversation with Hadja was deeply emotional.
General Doumbouya added, “We are profoundly honored to meet Hadja Andrée Touré, the widow of Guinea’s first president, the late Ahmed Sékou Touré. This meeting, marked by symbols and emotions, reminds us of the rich legacy we possess and the patriotic spirit that guides us.”
He continued, “The warm handshake between President Kagame and Hadja Andrée Touré, and my handshake with the president’s widow, are symbols that we should learn from the past to address current challenges.”
President Kagame’s visit to Guinea followed his trip to Senegal on May 12th and 13th, where he met with the country’s new president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
The young man was taken into custody by security officials On the morning of Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
The Deputy Mayor of Nyamasheke District in charge of Social Affairs, Athanasie Mukankusi, has told IGIHE that the young man killed his father on Sunday, but the information became known on Monday, May 13, 2024.
She said that after killing his father, the young man burned the body to eliminate evidence and then threw the remains into a latrine.
Mukankusi further stated that the mother of the young man was the one who discovered the act and immediately reported it.
She added, “The mother suspected that her son was the perpetrator because the old man had been missing for two days, and they saw his son burning something. Upon further investigation, they discovered that it was his father’s body he had thrown into the latrine.”
Mukankusi also mentioned that the young man had a property dispute with his father.
She added that after disappearing in the early hours of this Tuesday, he was arrested and is now detained at Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) station in Kanjongo.
When questioned about this possession, Barikana, who had already resigned from his position in the Chamber of Deputies, admitted he acquired the weapons while living with soldiers but forgot to return them.
Currently, Barikana is being held at the RIB Station in Remera while investigations continue to determine how he obtained the weapons and why he possessed them without legal authorization.
RIB has reminded the public that “owning firearms is governed by specific laws and any violation of these laws constitutes a criminal offense under Rwandan penal statutes.”
Barikana has been a deputy since 2013, prior to which he served as a Director in the Prime Minister’s Office between 2010 and 2013. From 2003 to 2013, he was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, and before that, he was the Prefect of Kibungo Prefecture from 1999 to 2001.
{{What does it take to own a gun in Rwanda?}}
In 2018, Rwanda revised its 2009 firearms law to reintegrate crimes and penalties that were omitted in 2012 and aligned with the constitutional requirements.
The National Police once told IGIHE that since 2018 [to 2022], no civilian in Rwanda has been granted a firearm license due to pending regulations. These regulations define the fees for a gun license, how and where one can acquire a gun, mandatory training for gun use, and the amount of ammunition allowed.
In 2022, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Rwandan Police stated that no civilian owns a gun as those who had them had returned them when the law was revised.
He mentioned, “It used to be done, but since the law was abolished, they returned them to wait for what the new law stipulates.”
When the law was revised, the then Minister of Justice, Johnston Busingye, stated that the requirements to own or trade weapons in Rwanda are numerous and nearly impossible to fulfill.
He said, “I believe it is almost impossible. To trade, to show where you want to trade, it’s a Presidential Order that dictates how it should be done.”
{{Requirements for obtaining a firearm license}}
Owning a firearm, except for those allocated to the Rwandan Defence Forces, the Rwandan Police, and other legally authorized agencies, requires a written permit issued by the Rwanda National Police.
Carrying a firearm, except for those allocated to the Rwandan Defence Forces, the Rwandan Police, and other legally authorized agencies, is permitted with a written authorization from the Rwanda National Police.
{{The law grants a firearm license to an individual who fulfills the following}}
An agreement with the Rwanda National Police confirming that if provided with a gun, ammunition, and related items, they will not be used unlawfully,Travelers with a certification from their country stating the gun, ammunition, and related items are for their personal use, private security firms.
To be eligible for a firearm license, one must write to the Rwanda National Police explaining why they need a gun; be of good character; be at least 21 years old; have a medical certificate from a recognized doctor confirming they do not suffer from mental illness.
Additionally, they must have a certificate from the Rwanda National Police proving they know how to use a gun; not have been sentenced to imprisonment of six months or more; and show a legal firearm ownership and carrying permit for foreigners who possess it.
However, the Rwanda National Police may refuse to grant a firearm license.
An individual who meets these requirements can own one (1) firearm for hunting, sport, or self-defense. Those with a permit issued by the Rwanda National Police may own more than one (1) firearm.
The law explains that owning a firearm in any form, except for those allocated to the Rwandan Defence Forces, the Rwandan Police, and other legally authorized agencies, requires a written permit from the Rwanda National Police.
Carrying a firearm, except for those allocated to the Rwandan Defence Forces, the Rwandan Police, and other legally authorized agencies, is permitted with a written authorization from the Rwanda National Police.
A firearm license, along with ammunition and related items, is renewed annually with a fee set by a Presidential Order.
The Rwanda National Police has the authority to temporarily or permanently revoke a firearm license and ammunition if they are used unlawfully or in a manner that could threaten public safety.
The law also states that no civilian is allowed to own weapons designated for state security agencies. Anyone owning a gun, ammunition, and related items cannot carry them without a permit. Renting, lending, or mortgaging guns, ammunition, and related items is prohibited.
When a lawful owner of a gun, ammunition, and related items dies, the Rwanda National Police retrieves them.
Nkombo island is one of the eighteen sectors in Rusizi District. This geographic feature makes it challenging for residents to engage in commerce with other parts of the country, as their only current option is by boat.
In this context, President Paul Kagame promised a second boat to assist the people of this sector in their trade with other regions.
This boat is being manufactured at the sole modern shipyard in Rwanda, Afrinest Engineering, located in Karongi District.
Alain Munyaburanga, the Head of Afrinest Engineering, stated that the construction of the boat is progressing well. “The work on the boat is about 80% complete. We are trying to finish it as quickly as possible so it can start operating,” he said.
This shipyard previously constructed a five-star hotel ship that offers tours for tourists on Lake Kivu. If there are no unforeseen issues, the second boat is expected to be completed within this year.
The new ship will have the capacity to carry 150 passengers and can also transport cargo, including six cars.
This boat will provide a solution for travelers between Rusizi and Rubavu, as it will reduce the travel time to four hours, compared to six hours by a regular passenger bus.
Abdul Djabar Ntahomvukiye, the Executive Secretary of the Nkombo sector, told IGIHE that the completion of this boat will be a significant relief for the Nkombo residents. The current boat can only transport 30 passengers.
“Once the new boat is operational, it will be a blessing as it will be able to transport 150 people along with their cargo. The existing service covers routes to Nkombo, Nyamasheke, Ishywa, and Gihaya, but there’s also a need for services that cover longer distances,” he said.
The Nkombo sector is home to over 18,600 people who primarily rely on agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing.
The name ‘Neiliansheng’, meaning ‘continuous promotion’, signifies the belief that wearing their imperial boots could elevate a court official’s rank by three levels.
Originating as a maker of official boots for the court’s elite, Neiliansheng gradually expanded its clientele to include prominent families, skillfully marrying artistry with functionality in each pair of shoes.
The legend of Neiliansheng’s craftsmanship has flourished over the years, receiving endorsements from a host of historical figures, including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and Deng Xiaoping.
Its iconic thousand-layer sole has become a hallmark of the brand, earning Neiliansheng the title of “the first Chinese cloth shoes” by the China Chamber of Commerce Federation in 2006—a year that also saw it recognized as a “Chinese time-honored brand” by the Ministry of Commerce.
To honor its rich heritage, Neiliansheng’s flagship store created a small museum on its third floor, offering visitors a glimpse into the enduring cloth shoe culture.
The allure of Neiliansheng shoes lies in their meticulous production. Crafted with traditional techniques and made from natural materials like pure cotton, hemp, and wool, these shoes promise environmental sustainability and unparalleled quality.
This dedication to traditional methods has garnered the brand numerous national patents and recognition on the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2008, further cementing its status as a cultural beacon.
In 2011, in recognition of its cultural significance and innovative practices, Neiliansheng was designated as a demonstration base for the production of national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture.
It also stands out as the only “high-tech enterprise” among China’s time-honored brands, showcasing its capability to innovate within the bounds of traditional shoemaking.
Neiliansheng’s influence stretches beyond mere fashion and culture. It has played a role in major national events, such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where it provided specially designed etiquette award shoes for female hostesses.
Continuing this tradition, in 2022, Neiliansheng crafted custom cloth shoes for international dignitaries attending the Winter Olympics, demonstrating its global appeal and the timeless relevance of its craftsmanship.
President Goita was supposed to step down after 18 months following a coup, but this was extended to two years. Subsequently, he faced significant pressure to leave office after his self-declared term ended.
However, this could change as the government has expressed a desire to postpone elections until 2027, due to the country still grappling with difficult times characterized by poor security, economic downturns, and other issues.
After three months of general discussions, the government now wishes to extend President Goita’s term by another three years, with him potentially leaving office in 2027.
Yet, this is also not straightforward as pressure continues to mount on Goita, who is accused of violating human rights and imprisoning political opponents, charges he seldom addresses.
On the other hand, the Mali government has expressed a desire to negotiate with the groups opposing it and, if necessary, integrate some of their fighters into the national army to end a conflict that has been devastating parts of the country’s north for over a decade.
The commemoration, which took place on May 11, 2024, at the Genocide Memorial in ‘Place du Parc’, highlighted concerns that the international community has not done enough to apprehend Genocide suspects who still move freely across Europe and other regions.
The event was organized by a group of genocide survivors in collaboration with the Rwandan Diaspora of Mons and the City Administration.
André Bucyana, Chargé d’Affaires at the Rwandan Embassy in Belgium, recounted the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, outlining how it was planned, tested, and executed, with the present challenges including denial by those who distort its facts.
He highlighted the importance of remembering the victims, noting that it revives the painful memories for the survivors, while also praising their resilience and continuing recovery efforts.
“However, the path toward justice is still long, despite some trials that have occurred over the past 30 years, particularly here in Belgium,” he added.
Gilbert Dushimimana, the President of Rwandan community in Belgium known as DRB-Rugari, remarked that people should learn from the leadership of Rwanda to “continue to draw strength from the atrocities committed during the Genocide against the Tutsi” in order to help prevent such history from recurring.
Dushimimana also expressed gratitude towards the Mons administration for its continued support in remembering the genocide against the Tutsi since 2017, “up to the provision of a Genocide Memorial, demonstrating your solidarity with us.”
Nicolas Martin, Mayor of Mons, noted that the Genocide against the Tutsi was among the most rapid and widespread genocides, involving the mass slaughter of individuals from various backgrounds. He commended the unyielding spirit of the survivors.
“The sheer brutality of this genocide, when recounted, immediately reminds us of the survivors; thus, our efforts are intended to assist the survivors in continuing to live, regardless of the challenges,” he stated.
Ernest Sagaga, the President of Ibuka-Mémoire & Justice-Belgique, emphasized that remembering the Genocide against the Tutsi means honoring the lives lost even before the genocide commenced, reflecting on their horrors even though they had been assured protection by the international community, which ultimately let them down.
Sagaga also praised the Mons leadership for providing a space that includes the Memorial for those killed in the Genocide against the Tutsi and Belgian soldiers who died in Kigali on April 7, 1994, when the Genocide officially began.
The commemoration featured three segments, including a walk to remember, commemoration talks and testimonies at the “Hotel de Ville de Mons,” and a candlelight vigil in Jemappes, where testimonies were shared and photographs of lost and wiped out families were displayed, reflecting on the lives they led.
This event is part of a series of 30th-anniversary commemorations of the Genocide against the Tutsi that have taken place in various cities across Belgium, including Brussels, Liège, Namur, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Bruges, with forthcoming events scheduled in Antwerp, Charleroi, and Tournai.
The competition aims to nurture the entrepreneurial and innovative skills of students starting from a young age. It lasts for six weeks, during which students face a variety of challenges in which they participate online using computers or smartphones. These tasks help them enhance their understanding of societal and global challenges, prompting them to think of inventive solutions.
Initiated in South Africa in 2019 by the Allan and Gill Gray Philanthropy, the program has been a significant influence in Rwanda’s educational landscape.
At the awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, for the competition’s fourth iteration, Sherry Uwase, the Marketing and Communications Director at Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies Rwanda (AGGPR), emphasized the significant effects the initiative has had on the educational sector in Rwanda over the past years.
“The primary benefit of these competitions is that they align with modern entrepreneurial education and future educational plans that focus on quality,” said Uwase.
“Our goal is for more schools to participate in these competitions, helping us reach our objective of equipping all students with entrepreneurial skills early in their lives and preparing them for the job market.”
This year’s competition, held from January 22 to March 6, 2024, presented challenges in fields such as construction, finance, tourism, commerce in Africa, mechatronics, and artificial intelligence (AI).
The competition attracted thousands of students from 900 schools across all districts of the country, with 2,200 teachers aiding and mentoring the participants.
Olive Uwiduhaye, a student at G.S Kareba, won the grand prize, which included a trip to Akagera National Park and training in entrepreneurship.
“I am excited about the training I will receive, as there is much I expect to learn from it. The challenge related to artificial intelligence particularly inspired me to dream of becoming a significant female figure in this region, especially in Rwanda, with diverse knowledge. I also want to advance modern agriculture in my hometown of Nyabihu,” said Uwiduhaye.
Parfait Busabizwa, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, noted the value of such programs for the youth, as they instill a culture of entrepreneurship and nurture future entrepreneurs.
“Teaching them while they are still in school helps them discover their potential and create innovative job opportunities for themselves and their peers early on, fostering a love for it and fine-tuning their projects,” stated Busabizwa.
The Rwandan government, along with its partners and various organizations, continuously strives for the advancement of the country’s youth, launching numerous programs aimed at their development.
An example is the competitions organized by the Ministry of Youth and Culture since 2013, which have engaged over 2,000 young entrepreneurs, leading to the creation of 36,000 job opportunities for other youth.
As the fourth edition of the ‘Wavumbuzi Entrepreneurship Challenge’ concluded, students, teachers, and educational institutions received various awards, including cash and technological equipment such as computers.
The move is designed to allow customers to receive faster services and for the company to benefit from increased efficiency, with the potential for a single employee’s daily output to multiply by five.
As part of the acquisition, Koi Pay’s team, including experts in software development, have transitioned to Jali Finance.
Felix Nkundimana, the CEO of Jali Finance, explained that the firm had planned to transform into a FinTech company, which necessitated approaching firms specialized in this technology.
Koi Pay was chosen because it met all the required criteria, leading to the integration of their platforms.
“From today, Koi Pay will cease to exist as an independent entity, and all employees will merge into one company. The Koi Pay App will now become the Jali Pay App. We aim to transform Jali Finance into a company that offers financial services using advanced technology, ensuring quick and integrated service delivery,” Nkundimana stated.
He highlighted that the technology adopted is expected to significantly boost both customer satisfaction and corporate profitability. Financial institutions often rely heavily on paper-based processes or small consumer loans that were cumbersome to manage traditionally.
According to Nkundimana, the new technology will fully address these issues, offering customers quicker and more streamlined services, which in turn will enhance the company’s profitability and growth. “If our employee could serve 100 customers before, now with this technology, they can serve up to 500,” he noted.
This technology also reduces potential errors and exhaustion from manual tasks, ensuring customers can access services anytime they need. “Apart from getting services faster, customers will be able to perform some tasks themselves, reducing the need for physical travel to obtain services,” Nkundimana added.
Frank Mugisha, the CEO of Koi Pay, assured customers that they should not worry about the transition, as Koi Pay is merging into a strong and well-established company in the market.
“The services we offered were similar to those of Jali Finance, but they were conducted traditionally without the use of technology and included some that we did not provide. It’s a win for our customers, who will now receive superior services. They should feel that nothing has changed,” Mugisha said.
After three years of operating Koi Pay, Mugisha emphasized that the investment in developing robust platforms has significantly improved service delivery and he has no doubt that “Jali Finance will advance remarkably in its development.”
To date, Jali Finance has helped about 5,000 people acquire motorcycles on loan, with numbers expected to rise. By the end of 2024, they aim to assist over 2,500 more, targeting a total of 7,500 by December this year. The services have been well-received, with 97% of motorcycle loan recipients paying back successfully, many having completed their payments.
Jali Finance also plans to expand into other services soon, such as car loans, low-interest personal loans, and facilitating connections between fuel seekers and suppliers. Additionally, the company anticipates expanding operations into other countries within the year, with technology playing a significant role in this growth.
Statistics show that in 2017, there were 17,331 teenage pregnancies, which sharply increased to 23,622 in 2019. In 2020, the number was 19,701, and it rose again to 23,534 in 2021.
The 2023 NISR report on key health and welfare statistics in Rwanda (Rwanda Vital Statistics Report) indicates that women who gave birth that year included those as young as 10 years old.
The report also highlights that there were 102 children registered in the civil status records born to women aged between 10 and 14 in 2022, while those born in 2023 increased to 75.
Children registered as born to women aged between 15 and 19 were 20,109 in 2022, and this number increased to 21,469 in 2023.
In March 2024, during a visit to the Northern Province, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, pointed out that when a child is impregnated at a young age, it often results in dropping out of school, and sometimes the child suffers from poor nutrition, or both may live in poor conditions.
She stated, “The first thing that needs to be done after education and explanation is to enforce the laws. Those involved should be punished to serve as a lesson to others, but most importantly, we must all collaborate to protect the child because often it is the parents who are involved, but anyone who sees it must act, and not leave it solely to the family.”
99% of the girls who gave birth aged between 15 and 19 were first-time mothers, while 1% had given birth more than once.
The statistics also show that the children born to these teenage girls had an average birth weight of 2,975 grams. Female infants had an average birth weight of 2,937 grams, while male infants born to these girls weighed an average of 3,013 grams.
The NISR report does not specify the residences of the women under 19 who gave birth but indicates that of the over 340,000 children born countrywide, more than 5% were born to women aged between 15 and 19, and 22% were born to women aged between 20 and 24.
According to MIGEPROF, the number of teenagers aged 14-19 who were impregnated in the Eastern Province in 2023 was 8,801, while in the Northern Province it was 3,724.
Meanwhile, 70 men from the Eastern Province have been prosecuted for the crime of child sexual abuse.
