These officers are Gabriel Kasongo, responsible for the salaries of soldiers on leave, and Jerry Ngoy Katengo, in charge of the soldiers’ census.
The prosecution presents evidence that these officers also attempted to bribe the commission responsible for financial oversight, IGF, which was auditing how the soldiers were paid their salaries.
Lt Col Ngoy explained that he paid the salaries of all soldiers working in the 34th military region, indicating that the problem occurred with those who were sent to work in other regions.
As Radio Okapi explained, there was also an issue with the list of those paid, showing that the signatures appeared to be similar. This suggests that some of them might not have received their money.
Understanding the significance of balanced nutrition and sustainable development, Enabel and MINAGRI have set out on a mission to enlighten the populace on the nutritional merits of pig and poultry products.
The event drew an attendance of around 150 stakeholders from diverse sectors, including the Rwandan Poultry Industry Association (RPIA), the Rwandan Pig Farmers Association (RPFA), chefs, culinary instructors, and students from technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.
The day was packed with activities geared towards encouraging the consumption of pork and chicken, such as live cooking demonstrations, recipe tastings, and networking opportunities. Gerrit Bosman, Project Manager of the PRISME-Enabel project, encapsulated the essence of the event, stating, “Let’s share tasty pig and poultry products, combining the rational aspect of animal protein for a healthy diet with the intuitive/emotional aspect of tasty meat products, as the proverb goes: the way to the heart is through the stomach.”
The event also served as a platform for mini-exhibitions, allowing industry stakeholders to display their products, share knowledge, and establish valuable business connections.
One of the event’s attendees, Niyoyita Peace, a pig farmer from the Ntarama Pig Farm in Bugesera, expressed her enthusiasm and optimism in an exclusive interview, saying, “I started in 2017 with ten pigs, and now I have over 440. Pork is among the most consumed meats, and its consumption is widespread in bars, hotels, and beyond. There is hope that its consumability will increase after this event. I encourage Rwandans to embrace pork not only as an affordable and nutritious meat option but also to overcome societal norms and cultural myths surrounding its consumption.”
Agnes Uwamahoro, who began their journey in 2017 and currently manages 3,000 chickens, half of which are broilers and the other half layers, addressed the misconception that poultry farming is only for the affluent.
“Our farms provide healthy meals to our chickens, keeping them free from diseases. It’s a myth that poultry and eggs are only for the rich. I believe that Rwandans already recognize the importance of chicken and eggs but need to be further encouraged. I have faith that this event will lead to an increased desire among our people to consume more poultry.”
Providing further insights into the motivation behind the event, Jean Claude Ndorimana, the Director General of Animal Resources Development at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources explained the idea for this event emerged from the realization that meat consumption in Rwanda is significantly low.
“In partnership with Enabel and IFAD, we want to raise awareness about meat consumption. Our strategy includes establishing meat stores across the country to facilitate easy access to meat, teaching people how simple and feasible it is to cook meat at home. We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy chicken and pork, regardless of their financial capabilities,” he noted.
The Chicken and Pork Gastronomic Event 2024 represents a pivotal initiative in altering dietary habits in Rwanda, advocating for increased meat consumption through an engaging and educational culinary experience.
Speaking during a recent interview with French newspaper Jeune Afrique, President Kagame said the ‘hate ideology’ poses a security threat to Rwanda and its people.
He faulted Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye over the involvement of the Burundian troops in the ongoing DR Congo-M23 war, saying he had warned the Head of State against the deployment of the soldiers to fight alongside FDLR militia.
Kagame went on to accuse Ndayishimiye of lying to him regarding the secret operation.
“I called, by phone, and I asked to talk to President Ndayishimiye and I did and I asked him, President, I have heard that you are sending a force, another force other than that one in the East African Community Regional Force to fight on behalf of the government of Kinshasa. I said, that is in contradiction with why the East African Regional force was formed, that you are participating in,” he revealed.
“So, you’re going to participate in something else. And I told him, ‘This is dangerous and you understand the implication. You are actually threatening us with your presence in support of the FDLR near our border,’” Kagame added.
He disclosed that the Burundian Head of State had sworn to him that the intelligence he had was wrong and that there were no plans to deploy Burundian troops to the troubled eastern region.
“I said, I’m happy to be wrong. If I’m wrong we’re good. I’m really happy to hear that,” Kagame said.
“But two weeks after, they were in Goma – or even less than two weeks. So, you can see he even told me lies.”
President Kagame blamed ethnic primitive politics for the collaboration.
“I think of primitivity. We still have politics going on based on ethnic [affiliation] and this is exactly what brings together Tshisekedi, Ndayishimiye and the FDLR,” Kagame added.
At the same time, President Kagame said the conditions set by Tshisekedi were a stumbling block to peaceful resolution of ongoing instability in the Eastern DRC.
President Tshisekedi had earlier demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory as a precondition for meeting Kagame for discussions over the conflict.
He also said he was ready to meet Kagame on the condition of the precontaining of the M23 militia, which DRC accuses Rwanda of backing.
Reacting to the conditions, Kagame accused President Tshisekedi of manipulation and playing to the gallery of ‘external forces’.
“Tshisekedi has been able to manipulate individual leaders, countries and is now almost bringing a misunderstanding between and among regions. Because he was playing SADC (Southern African Development Community) against East Africa,” Kagame stated.
“Why don’t we therefore find a way of talking about it and not allowing Tshisekedi to dictate the terms of what must happen because we know he is wrong.”
Kagame said he could also declare his conditions but maintained that he won’t for the sake of finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
“I could also start by giving conditions, but it’s the wrong way to go about it,” he noted, adding, “I could also say that unless the FDRL is removed from Congo, I am not going to talk to President Tshisekedi. However, this does not serve the purpose of bringing peace.”
The Rwandan Head of State further noted that President Tshisekedi’s threats to invade Rwanda should not be taken lightly.
“I think he has the capacity to understand what he is saying as the leader of the country. That’s a serious problem I need to prepare for and take care of… This means that one night he could wake up and do something that you never thought normal people would do,” he said in response to a question about whether he was concerned about Tshisekedi’s remarks during the campaign period last year, suggesting he could break off cautious diplomacy with Rwanda and declare war if re-elected.
The meeting between these two delegations took place on the 21st day of March, as stated in a communication from the Angolan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While the specifics of the discussions and the conclusions reached have not been disclosed, it is evident that the focus was on addressing security issues in the Eastern region of the Congo, where the M23 rebel group has recently intensified its operations in clashes with government forces, neighboring countries, and other armed groups.
This dialogue follows President Paul Kagame’s recent visit to Angola, where he met with Angolan President João Lourenço to discuss security issues in the region.
Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, although Rwanda denies this allegation.
The Rwandan government asserts that the root causes of insecurity in the Eastern Congo include the presence of the FDLR militia, implicated in various atrocities including attacks on civilians, perpetuation of genocide ideology, and destabilization.
Rwanda highlights the need for addressing the FDLR presence in the DRC, as outlined in the agreements of Luanda and Nairobi, considering the overall security situation in the Eastern region and beyond, as issues such as the resurgence of genocidal militias continue to threaten stability, particularly due to their involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Angolan President Lourenço held discussions with Félix Tshisekedi on the 27th of February 2024 during their meeting in Luanda.
Speaking during a recent interview with Jeune Afrique, President Kagame said the conditions set by Tshisekedi were a stumbling block to peaceful resolution of ongoing instability in the Eastern DRC fueled by the ongoing fight between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group.
President Tshisekedi had earlier demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory as a precondition for meeting Kagame for discussions over the conflict.
He also said he was ready to meet Kagame on the condition of the precontaining of the M23 militia, which DRC accuses Rwanda of backing.
reacting to the conditions, Kagame accused President Tshisekedi of manipulation and playing to the gallery of ‘external forces’.
“Tshisekedi has been able to manipulate individual leaders, countries and is now almost bringing a misunderstanding between and among regions. Because he was playing SADC (Southern African Development Community) against East Africa,” Kagame stated.
“Why don’t we therefore find a way of talking about it and not allowing Tshisekedi to dictate the terms of what must happen because we know he is wrong.”
Kagame said he could also declare his conditions but maintained that he won’t for the sake of finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
“I could also start by giving conditions, but it’s the wrong way to go about it,” he noted, adding, “I could also say that unless the FDRL is removed from Congo, I am not going to talk to President Tshisekedi. However, this does not serve the purpose of bringing peace.”
The Rwandan Head of State further noted that President Tshisekedi’s threats to invade Rwanda should not be taken lightly.
“I think he has the capacity to understand what he is saying as the leader of the country. That’s a serious problem I need to prepare for and take care of… This means that one night he could wake up and do something that you never thought normal people would do,” he said in response to a question about whether he was concerned about Tshisekedi’s remarks during the campaign period last year, suggesting he could break off cautious diplomacy with Rwanda and declare war if re-elected.
Kagame’s recent remarks comes two weeks after he confirmed his readiness to engage in talks with Tshisekedi in order to tackle the crisis in eastern Congo.
The announcement followed mediation efforts led by Angola President João Lourenço, who is serving as the African Union’s mediator in the DR Congo crisis.
Originally penned by the late American author Helen Keller, the quote has been used by millions of people around the world to encourage others to take risks in life, especially in the business realm.
The quote resonates well with Mbundu’s business career. He started out as a clerk helping his father manage their family coffee business in the modern-day Kanungu District of Uganda before trying his hand at the gold business his father had also ventured into.
Speaking on Sanny Ntayombya’s recent podcast, the owner and chairman of MFK Group Ltd revealed that helping his father manage their family business as a teenager prepared him for what would be the business empire he runs today.
Born in 1964, the Rwandan national spent his childhood in Uganda, where his parents had taken refuge. He went to Mbarara for his primary school education. During his free time, he helped his father’s farmhands do some clerical work and made some pocket money in the process.
“This helped him earn some money for pocket money. I was an ambitious young kid. My father was impressed and I enjoyed it. I must say that when I went to my senior one, I had much more pocket money than any other kid in school,” he stated.
He attended St Mary’s College Kisubi for his senior school and later Makerere University, where he pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce.
While still studying at Makerere University, he continued to help his father run his businesses, although now under a tough political environment that forced his father to nearly go into exile twice. He said his father lost most of his properties during the reign of President Idi Amin.
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In the early 1980s and at the age of 17 years, his father introduced him to banking. He was tasked with preparing cheques and reconciling accounts. This, he says, helped him to be responsible from a very early age.
“It opened up my mind to being responsible because of the risks I had to deal with at my young age,” he revealed.
After his graduation in 1988, he decided to fully focus on business and played a big role in expanding his father’s gold trading business to the European market.
Mbundu and members of his family relocated to Rwanda in 1994 after the genocide against the Tutsi and the coming to power of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).
He admits that while the business environment was tough at the beginning, the RPF administration helped put the country on track. Some of the challenges he faced while starting out as a businessman in Rwanda include the monopoly enjoyed by Rwandex Ltd in the processing and export of coffee.
Another key challenge was inadequate labor force at the time due to the genocide that led to deaths and many locals seeking refuge in neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The business environment, however, started showing signs of recovery and stabilization in 1995, giving his business the much-needed reprieve.
Mbundu’s business acumen and the enabling environment have seen his business achieve great success in the last 30 years. His MFK Group has holdings in businesses across industries such as agriculture, education, real estate, IT, and more.
As the founder and equity partner in more than half a dozen companies and an advisor to several boards, Mbundu credits his success to hard work, teamwork, and skilled managers whom he trusts to run the enterprises as he plays the overseer role.
Despite what he terms as a shortage of skilled workforce in Rwanda, he believes the country is on the right economic trajectory.
“We are in a better place than we were before,” he retorts when asked to comment on the status of the country’s economy.
Regarding his advice to aspiring and budding entrepreneurs, he encourages people to venture into businesses they are passionate about to avoid disappointments common in the sector.
“I think it’s important not to just copy someone but to think through something. It’s better to go slowly, and if you make a mistake, it’s easy to correct it,” he quipped.
“Plan well and always be mindful of risks. Suppose this doesn’t go as planned, what is the fallback plan because your banks and financiers will not be kind. You have to be very careful,” he added.
He also encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of financial credits available to them and to embrace partnerships and collective investments.
An ardent supporter of the English Premier League Club Manchester United, the businessman enjoys working out in the morning and reading business-related content during his free time. Some of his recent reads include “Rich Dad Poor Dad” and “Atomic Habits,” among others.
Recognizing this dire reality, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO, held its 8th annual commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) on March 14th at its peace training institute in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
The event’s theme resonated deeply: “Building the Minds of Peace: Promoting Institutional Peace via Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding.”
Since the DPCW’s proclamation on March 14, 2016, HWPL has consistently held annual commemorative ceremonies to advocate for the institutionalization of peace.
This year, the event gathered about 12,500 distinguished experts from diverse fields – political, legal, religious, educational, media, and representatives from women and youth sectors – both online and in person.
Among participants, about 10,000 HWPL members moved in an orderly manner under the guidance of staff and filled the commemorative ceremony venue.
Drafted in collaboration with international legal specialists from 15 countries, the DPCW comprises 10 articles and 38 clauses. It outlines the principles and tools necessary to prevent and resolve conflicts, cultivate a peaceful global society, and defines clear roles for individuals, communities, and nations in achieving lasting peace.
In his congratulatory speech, Vidura Wickramanayaka, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka, said, “The commitment and dedication shown in the pursuit of peace projects have not only been commendable but have also laid the foundation for a more harmonious world. The tireless efforts of individuals and organizations working towards the common goal of ending war and fostering understanding among nations are truly inspiring.”
As President of the Daegak Buddhism Jogye Order in South Korea, Ven. Beopsan who has been participating in interreligious dialogue for nine years, emphasized the importance of religious leaders’ participation in peacebuilding efforts including comparative study of scriptures. He said, “Intercultural dialogue and understanding can be found at HWPL’s World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office. The root of religion is one and its meaning is a truly noble value.”
Having pointed out that conflicts caused by religion have threatened global peace, Chairman Man-hee Lee of HWPL said, “Different religions should come together, learn each other’s values and become one by comparative study on scriptures. Religious communities should practice faith based on scriptures, so they can live with humanity on this earth. We must create a world where people communicate, cooperate, and help each other regardless of religion,”
Lastly, the ceremony concluded with a variety of performances depicting the journey of peace. During the performance, there was a session where the contents of Article 10, 38 clauses of the DPCW were explained through performance, and expressed an image of a paradise filled with flowers where peace was achieved.
Kolle George Nkume, station Manager of Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) Mount Cameroon Fm Buea, who attended this event emphasized the importance of intercultural dialogue in effectively promoting peace by saying “Institutional peace must reflect societal demands, it must reflect the culture of the society, and it must reflect the ideas of the society.”
IGIHE journalist Théophile Niyitegeka agreed with the theme of this event, emphasizing the importance of intercultural exchange in promoting peace within society and institutions.
He highlighted the significance of cultural dialogue in fostering institutional peace, stating, ” Intercultural exchange is paramount in promoting peace in societies and institutions. Development can only be attained by turning cultural differences into solutions for people to usher themselves into a shared future and promote peaceful coexistence”
HWPL is actively engaging in various peace initiatives in Thailand to improve the negative perceptions of the southernmost region. Efforts include the Pattani Eco Project aimed at boosting the economy of southern Thailand by transforming it into a tourist destination, as well as conducting cultural exchange programs and human rights webinars.
These activities seek to motivate individuals to recognize the importance of youth empowerment and HWPL’s peace activities, fostering collaboration towards the establishment of peace-promoting international laws. Through such endeavors, HWPL is striving to achieve institutional peace, with expectations for further initiatives to enhance the perception of the southernmost region and realize peace within Thailand.
The armed attacks in Burkina Faso have persisted since 2015, resulting in an estimated 20,000 casualties and over 2 million displaced individuals. Since 2019, HWPL has been tirelessly striving for peace, starting with the Peace Summit held in Waga-Dugu, Burkina Faso.
The proactive support from Burkina Faso’s public institutions, as highlighted in the book “The Truth of HWPL: Cessation of War and Peace,” is eagerly anticipated. This book introduces Article 38 of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), authored by renowned international legal experts, advocating for a pragmatic approach towards sustainable peace through conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution.
The expectation is that such efforts in Burkina Faso will lead to the institutionalization of global peace, with HWPL leading the way through its vigorous activities.
The discussions, held on March 22, 2024, spanned the entire day, engaging a broad spectrum of participants in deep conversations about the genocide’s legacy and the ongoing battle against its denial and trivialization. A poignant moment came with the presentation of “Our History,” a song by Jules Sentore, which encapsulated the themes of memory and resilience.
Distinguished attendees included Igor Cesar, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany; Judence Kayitesi, President of Ibuka-Deutschland; Dr. Eric Ndushabandi; Ernest Sagaga, head of Ibuka-Mémoire & Justice in Belgium; and notable legal and political figures such as Richard Gisagara and Heike Raab, State Secretary of Rhineland-Palatinate’s State Chancellery. Their speeches underscored the multifaceted challenges of confronting genocide denial across Europe.
Lawyer Richard Gisagara particularly stressed the sophistication of denial tactics and the imperative of bolstering legal frameworks to counteract them. He lauded European efforts, including France’s legislative strides against genocide denial and the European Union’s foundational law encouraging member states to criminalize the denial of all recognized genocides.
Ernest Sagaga and Dr. Eric Ndushabandi provided insights into the resilience of the Tutsi genocide survivors and the pernicious spread of genocide ideology in Africa’s Great Lakes Region, respectively. Their contributions illuminated the path from trauma to progress, highlighting the importance of remembering and learning from past atrocities.
Ambassador Cesar emphasized the event’s role in shining a spotlight on the denial and minimization of the Genocide Against the Tutsi and other genocides, advocating for a collective European response to this challenge. The discussions aimed not only at commemoration but also at fostering a broader understanding and action against genocide denial.
The dialogue underscored the importance of such forums in legislative spaces like the German Parliament to ensure wider recognition and action. The participation of witnesses and survivors, including Sakina Denise Uwimana Reinhardt, added a deeply personal dimension to the discourse, bridging historical facts with the lived experiences of those affected.
Judence Kayitesi reiterated the necessity of these discussions in combating the persistent denial and trivialization of the genocide, urging for sustained engagement in this crucial endeavor.
This initiative is part of a larger effort that includes the establishment of the first memorial for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Germany, joining over 20 similar memorials worldwide.
These sites serve as solemn remembrances for the victims and as educational resources, emphasizing the global commitment to remembering the Genocide against the Tutsi and preventing future atrocities.
This is one of the 82 articles supporting the goals and objectives outlined in the PSD manifesto for the upcoming general elections scheduled for July 2024.
The method of integrating conscription into national defense laws varies widely across the approximately 85 countries globally that employ it.
Countries requiring compulsory military service, depending on individual circumstances, typically enlist individuals from the age of 18.
Senator Nkusi Juvenal, speaking at the Second National Congress of the PSD party, where the manifesto was unveiled on March 24, 2024, emphasized that in prioritizing security, there is a need to introduce an annual conscription quota specifically for secondary school graduates.
He stated, “The PSD party advocates for the introduction of an annual quota for conscription of secondary school graduates.”
While this provision is not explicitly stated in the current legislation, it implies that every individual completing secondary education would be eligible for conscription into the military when required.
In the East African region, Rwanda mandates conscription at the age of 18, Sudan requires individuals to serve for 24 months, but conscription is not enforced in Tanzania.
In Somalia, the law allows conscription for individuals aged between 18 and 40 for men and between 18 and 30 for women, but it is not actively implemented.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, individuals aged between 18 and 45 are eligible for conscription when necessary.
In Europe, approximately 15 countries enforce conscription. In Russia, individuals aged between 18 and 27 are required to serve for one year, with 25% entering annually.
The Russian Ministry of Defense’s website indicates that many government and private sector jobs require military experience.
Joining the military often exempts individuals from state university entrance exams.
In Austria, conscription registration starts at 18, and service can last up to nine months. Those unwilling to serve can opt for civil service, which lasts for nine months.
In Ukraine, conscription laws were enacted in 2013 but were amended after Russia annexed Crimea. As of 2021, around 13,575 individuals had been conscripted.
In South Korea, men aged between 18 and 36 are obliged to serve in the military.
In countries like Algeria, Angola, Eritrea, and elsewhere in Africa, individuals as young as 18 can be conscripted into military service.
Some countries implement selective compulsory military service based on quotas and the knowledge of conscripts.
In Benin, individuals aged between 18 and 35 are conscripted, but students are exempt. In Cape Verde, conscription lasts for two years.
In Egypt, conscription is mandatory for men aged between 18 and 30, with a reserve commitment until the age of 36, after which they may be placed in a standby reserve.
Harindintwari is currently receiving medical care at Gakoma Hospital for serious injuries to his legs and hand.
The incident which occurred on March 23, 2024, was confirmed by Rutaburingoga Jérôme, the Mayor of Gisagara District, in an interview with IGIHE.
According to the Mayor, Harindintwari’s actions resulted in grave injuries, necessitating immediate and ongoing medical attention at Gakoma Hospital. “The grenade detonated near his thighs and hands, causing significant injuries. Our medical team at Gakoma Hospital is providing him with the necessary care,” said Rutaburingoga.
The underlying reasons for this drastic step appear to be personal. Rutaburingoga disclosed that the incident might be linked to familial discord, specifically mentioning disagreements with Harindintwari’s wife, who, at 46, has filed for divorce.
Further investigations revealed Harindintwari’s background in the military, specifically with the now-defunct Ex-FAR, where he had access to grenades and other military equipment.
Despite his previous military affiliation, possessing such weapons is against the law, and Harindintwari is subject to face legal repercussions.
“While he receives treatment, law enforcement agencies are preparing to take necessary legal actions against him for illegal possession of weapons,” Rutaburingoga added.
