The call for a ceasefire is primarily motivated by the collective desire for a substantial release of prisoners and prisoners of war detained in Israel and Gaza since October 2023. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, praised Hamas’s initial response, although specific details remain undisclosed.
According to reports from the BBC, a Hamas leader revealed that their response includes provisions for the reconstruction of the damaged Gaza, resettlement of the affected population, and assistance for refugees. Additionally, Hamas has proposed changes in the treatment of war casualties, advocating for the transfer of the wounded to foreign hospitals.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that representatives from the concerned countries are engaged in discussions about Hamas’s response on February 7, 2024, to chart the next course of action.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported over 27,000 deaths in the region since late 2023 when Israeli army attacks were initiated. In contrast, Israel’s government claimed 1,200 casualties in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
The joint press briefing followed a closed-door meeting between the two leaders and the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for trade and economic cooperation, as well as collaboration in green technologies, environmental engineering, geology, and energy efficiency.
The agreements were signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Vincent Biruta and Andrzej Szejna, Polish Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kagame acknowledged the positive outcomes of collaboration in education, citing the presence of Rwandan students in Polish universities. He emphasized the importance of developing the sectors covered by the signed agreements to enhance resilience in the face of global challenges.
“We have accomplished a lot together, the diplomatic presence in our respective countries will only serve to accelerate and solidify the good progress we are making,” he said.
President Duda, recognizing the hardworking societies of both countries, expressed Poland’s interest in credible partnerships with African nations that share common values.
He highlighted the deepening ties, especially with an increasing number of Rwandan youth studying in Poland, extending an invitation for interested Rwandans to enroll in military studies.
To streamline the implementation of agreements and ongoing economic projects, Kagame and Duda are set to engage in a roundtable discussion with Polish and Rwandan business leaders.
They aim to explore potential opportunities and address challenges, fostering further bilateral relations.
Both leaders expressed optimism about the forum, emphasizing its role in leveraging sector-specific opportunities in both countries. Rwanda, positioning itself as a gateway to Africa, anticipates utilizing Poland as a gateway to expanding and diversifying its export market into more European countries.
Diplomatically, both nations reciprocated by opening embassies, with Rwanda inaugurating its Embassy in Warsaw in 2021.
As part of his agenda, President Duda will pay respects at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and visit the School and Education Centre for Visually Impaired Children in Kibeho and the Polish Mining Company, LuNa Smelter in Kigali.
In related international engagement, Polish President Andrzej Duda’s visit to Rwanda follows stops in Kenya and precedes a visit to Tanzania. This aligns with Poland’s international mission initiated in 2017 to foster relations with African countries.
This announcement, made on February 6, 2024, coincided with his presentation of the report from the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).
The report highlighted that the current service delivery stands at 78.8%, falling short of Rwanda’s goal within the seven-year plan to achieve 90% good service delivery by 2024.
Musabyimana discussed the existing programs designed to alleviate citizens from poverty, acknowledging their limited reach in comparison to available resources.
This has led to dissatisfaction among those not reached, who perceive it as a denial of services by concerned leaders, thereby causing a surge in discontentment with local government services.
Musabyimana attributed these limitations to the country’s capacity, acknowledging that, of the 315,327 people currently in poverty-alleviation programs, additional individuals are gradually being included as resources become available.
Addressing anomalies in the selection process for beneficiaries, Musabyimana acknowledged well-known issues among leaders in choosing households for assistance.
He emphasized the need for addressing these issues and noted that some leaders engaging in improper practices are being punished. He also highlighted the problematic attitude of some individuals who expect constant assistance, leading to issues when it is not feasible.
To enhance accuracy and transparency in the provision of information on impoverished households, Musabyimana announced a shift to digital record-keeping. This initiative aims to reduce errors and enable better tracking to ensure that those selected for support are deserving recipients.
The Minister outlined plans to increase the government’s capacity to improve citizen welfare, expand outreach to all those in need, and encourage active participation in poverty-alleviation programs. He acknowledged the challenges of limited resources, emphasizing the importance of managing expectations.
The poverty alleviation program, launched in November 2023, involves a two-year commitment for participants.
The government collaborates with partners, and depending on increased means, additional individuals may be included. Participants make agreements regarding their expected progression out of poverty, setting annual goals and adopting strategies for implementation.
While Rwanda has made significant strides in poverty reduction, with rates declining from 60.4% in 2000 to 38.2% in 2017 and extreme poverty dropping from 40% to 16% over the same period, poverty alleviation remains a key focus of Rwanda’s Vision 2050.
The nation is committed to transforming lives by eradicating extreme poverty by 2024 through the implementation of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1).
Analysis from the 2022 National Population and Housing Census reveals that 887,508 individuals are living in extreme poverty, with an additional 3,139,395 in moderate poverty, totaling 4,026,903 people, which comprises 30.4% of the population.
Rural areas bear the brunt of poverty, with 3,502,686 individuals (37.3%) affected, compared to 13.4% in urban areas.
At the provincial level, both the Western and Southern provinces exhibit similar poverty rates of 35%, with the percentage dropping to 34.6% in the Eastern Province and significantly lower to 9.5% in Kigali City. Notably, the 2012 census identified the Western and Eastern provinces as having the highest poverty rates at 42% each.
At the district level, poverty rates vary, with districts like Gisagara, Nyanza, Rutsiro, Nyamagabe, Ngororero, Nyaruguru, Gatsibo, Nyagatare, and Ngoma experiencing rates ranging between 37% and 45%.
Conversely, districts such as Rulindo, Muhanga, Rwamagana, Musanze, and Gakenke boast poverty rates below 30%. Within Kigali City, Kicukiro showcases the lowest poverty rate at 6.7%, followed by Nyarugenge at 9% and Gasabo at 11.1%.
Individuals aged 30 to 44 constitute the majority of the population living in poverty, with the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) attributing their vulnerability to poverty to the establishment of independent households.
Regarding government services like Mutuelle de Sante, subscriptions are increasing alongside capacity building. Out of the 1,264,467 individuals expected to pay for themselves in the 2023/2024 financial year, 1,057,600 have already paid 100%, equivalent to 83.6% of those required to subscribe for Community Based Health Insurance (CBHI).
During his presidential campaign on December 18, 2023, Tshisekedi committed to seeking parliamentary approval for potential military action against Rwanda if provoked by the M23 armed group in Goma.
He conveyed that in the event of an incident in Congo, specifically in Goma, the President would convene Parliament to request authorization for war against Rwanda. This position was reiterated in an interview on Top Congo FM, where it was emphasized that the Congolese army has the capability to strike in Kigali without leaving Goma.
In a discussion in Kinshasa on February 6, 2024, Muyaya was asked about Tshisekedi’s failure to seek parliamentary approval following the recent explosion in the Mugunga area near Goma, confirmed by the Congolese army as the work of M23.
Muyaya explained that the government is currently engaged in military operations, but certain protocols must be followed. He said that declaring war is not a viable option as new institutions are being established. “Despite the President’s desire, it is not feasible under the present circumstances as outlined in the Constitution,” he said.
Highlighting the ongoing military operations, Muyaya underscored that the Congolese army is actively confronting M23 positions with advanced weaponry. He asserted that efforts are being made to neutralize the enemy and restore security in the country.
Tshisekedi’s assertion is grounded in the belief that the M23 group receives support from the Rwandan army, a claim vehemently denied by the Government of Rwanda. Rwanda maintains commitment to non-interference in the internal affairs of the Congolese people.
Rwandan Police spokesperson for the Eastern Province, SP Twizeyimana Hamduni, shared details, stating, “That family lived in the Southern Province and lived in conflict. They left that Province and went to live in Ndego Sector. They bought a house that the man registered on himself without telling the wife. The conflict continued.”
He continued, “On January 30, they got into trouble and went to the village office and said that they will not have any more problems after reconciliation.”
SP Twizeyimana also noted that after this encounter, neighbors saw the family once more on a Saturday but didn’t witness their presence afterward.
The tragic discovery came to light when concerned residents reported a strange smell, leading the police to investigate.
SP Twizerimana explained, “Yesterday, the people called the police and said that there might be a problem in the house next to them because there is a strong smell. The police went there together with the local authorities, they broke the padlock, entered and found a man hanging from a rope. They entered another room and found a woman with her head cut off, and their child, a machete was also found on the scene.”
Regarding the investigation, SP Twizerimana said, “So far, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau has started an investigation to find out what killed him, but it is said that the man who killed them ended up killing himself.”
The police spokesperson emphasized the role of substance abuse, stating, “People should avoid alcohol and other drugs because they cause conflicts.”
He also urged individuals to refrain from infidelity, noting, “they are also causes of conflicts at home.” Furthermore, he appealed to residents to seek assistance from local authorities instead of hiding their problems until they escalate to such tragic outcomes.
Police officers engaged primary and secondary students, teachers, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and drivers on road safety practices.
The outreach was conducted across different roads in Kigali and highways in the districts of Musanze, Rulindo, Nyamasheke, Ngororero, Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Ngoma, Kirehe, Bugesera, Kayonza, Muhanga and Nyanza.
It focused on educating students house to cross the road both at Zebra Crossing and where they don’t exist; dangers of using a phone while crossing the road and refraining from reckless practices of playing in the middle of the road, which in some cases has resulted into fatal accidents.
Drivers and taxi-moto operators were equally reminded of their duty to make road safe for all by respecting traffic rules and regulations.
They were particularly urged to do away with practices such as speeding, using a phone when driving or riding, bad maneuvers, wrong overtaking, drunk-driving, and driving or riding under stress which are some of major causes of accidents.
Pedestrians were also reminded to refrain from holding onto moving vehicles, reckless maneuvers, transporting big luggage and not to operate beyond 6p.m.
Gerayo Amahoro road safety awareness campaign started in 2019 to sensitize road users with the ultimate objective of changing behaviors to make road safety a choice and culture.
Blinken, who arrived in Cairo as part of a regional tour to consolidate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, also expressed U.S. support for the strategic partnership with Egypt and its role in promoting peace and stability in the region, presidential spokesman Ahmed Fahmy said in a statement.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and intelligence chief Abbas Kamel attended the meeting, which also addressed the need for a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue that ensures lasting stability, Fahmy said.
Blinken praised Egypt’s efforts to promote stability in the region, adding the U.S. is keen on continuing coordination with Egypt to prevent the conflict in Gaza from expanding.
Sisi highlighted Egypt’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza in cooperation with the United Nations and other relief agencies, and stressed the importance of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
Blinken’s visit to Cairo followed a stop in Saudi Arabia on Monday. He is also expected to visit Qatar, Israel, and the West Bank during his tour.
Upon their arrival at Kigali International Airport, the guests were warmly welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta.
As part of his broader mission to strengthen ties with African nations, President Duda is visiting Rwanda following his stop in Kenya and will proceed to Tanzania on February 8.
During his stay in Rwanda, President Duda will engage in bilateral discussions with President Paul Kagame, overseeing the signing of cooperation agreements between the two nations. A joint media briefing will follow.
In addition, President Duda will participate in a Rwanda-Polish business forum and tour the LuNa smelter, the largest Polish investment in Rwanda’s mining sector.
He will also visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The President’s itinerary includes stops at ‘Our Lady of Kibeho’ and the Educational Institute for Blind Children in Kibeho, established in collaboration with the Polish government.
Over the years, Rwanda and Poland have strengthened bilateral relations in areas such as higher education, defense, agriculture, trade, and investment. Notably, there are currently over 1,500 Rwandan students studying in Poland, marking the largest contingent of international students from a single country.
The diplomatic ties between the two nations have deepened, with Rwanda opening an embassy in Warsaw in 2021, reciprocated by the establishment of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kigali in December 2022, further enhancing the rapidly evolving cooperation between the two countries.
The Ministry of Health and the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) disclosed this during a session with the Lower House’s Committee on Unity, Human Rights, and Fight against Genocide on February 5. The discussion aimed to address issues highlighted in the National Commission for Human Rights’ report for the fiscal year 2022/2023.
The concerns raised in the report include the limited access to specialized medical services for individuals with disabilities and the elderly, as well as certain medications or treatments not covered by Mutuelle de Santé. Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana explained that, in collaboration with RSSB, they are considering expanding the range of medical services covered by Mutuelle de Santé, recognizing that some were previously excluded due to financial constraints.
Minister Nsanzimana emphasized the ministry’s desire to include as many services as possible in the Mutuelle de Santé health package. However, he acknowledged the need to assess the fund’s capacity, with a focus on increasing it to accommodate additional services. As an example, he mentioned assistive devices like prostheses, stating that the goal is to have them covered in hospitals across all districts by 2030, requiring a budget of Rw7.5 billion per year starting in 2024, totaling Rwf 52 billion by 2030 for basic assistive devices alone.
Louise Kanyonga, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of RSSB, highlighted that CBHI covered over 90 percent of Rwandans in 2023, with benefits increasing by 15 percent annually. She noted the scheme’s improved financial standing, shifting from liabilities to surplus due to additional resources averaging Rwf 32 billion annually. However, Kanyonga cautioned that without further improvements in financing mechanisms, the scheme might return to a deficit state, particularly if medical services expenses continue to rise.
Kanyonga pointed out that Mutuelle de Santé collected Rwf 85 billion in contributions in 2023, paying out Rwf 75 billion in benefits to cover health services for its members. To ensure sustainability, she stressed the need for additional funding, estimating a potential Rwf17 billion loss in the scheme over the next three years. The projected loss could result from covering expensive treatments like cancer medication and kidney transplants, alongside the escalating cost of healthcare.
To address the potential deficit, RSSB, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, is exploring innovative solutions. Kanyonga mentioned that discussions have progressed significantly, with the possibility of generating an additional Rwf 25 billion to Rwf 28 billion per year through new revenue sources to support the Mutuelle de Santé scheme. She expressed confidence that necessary actions would be taken by the next year.
The ‘Rwanda Bribery Index’ report by Transparency International Rwanda in December 2023 highlighted the Traffic Safety Police Department as the most corrupt, with a rate of 16.4%.
The report also identified corrupt practices within Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), where a total of Rwf 3,860,000 out of Rwf4,527,000, was offered to secure the release of individuals in RIB custody.
The prosecution and the judiciary were ranked second and third, with staff receiving average bribes of Rwf200,000and Rwf153,000, respectively.
Addressing reporters on January 30, 2024, ACP Emmanuel Karasi, Commissioner for Inspectorate of Services and Ethics in Rwanda Police, acknowledged the existence of corruption in these institutions. He emphasized the need for cooperation to effectively combat it.
Karasi stated, “We all agree that we still have a long way to go. It requires us to cooperate and admit that corruption exists. If we deny it, it means that it will be difficult to put efforts to fight it.”
To prevent corruption, ACP Karasi emphasized the importance of cooperation and information sharing, noting that tackling corruption requires joint efforts from both those corrupting and those receiving bribes.
The Deputy Ombudsman in charge of Preventing and Fighting Injustice, Abbas Mukama announced various reforms aimed at preventing and fighting corruption in these institutions.
He highlighted the establishment of the National Advisory Council for Anti-Corruption a month ago, led by the Minister of Justice, to provide direction, report every six months, and address corruption loopholes.
Mukama expressed confidence in the advisory council’s ability to offer solutions and create policies to combat corruption effectively.
Judiciary Spokesperson, Mutabazi Harrison announced the establishment of an inspection body and a special inspector dedicated to addressing corruption and injustice within the courts.
He clarified that court audits aim to identify, prevent, and report corruption without compromising the independence of the courts or their staff.
Additionally, Mutabazi announced the appointment of a special inspector to monitor corruption and injustice on a daily basis.
To handle economic crimes more effectively, a special chamber was instituted, separating them from civil and criminal cases. Mutabazi explained the need for specialized treatment due to the intricate nature of serious crimes like corruption and embezzlement.
He highlighted Rwanda’s unique system of case review on grounds of injustice, emphasizing its importance in ensuring accountability and preventing impunity. Mutabazi emphasized that this process allows for the reconsideration of cases, even after legal procedures have been exhausted.
Reforms in the Supreme Council of the Judiciary include enhanced decision-making authority without the possibility of appeal.
In the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, Deputy Secretary-General Consolée Kamarampaka outlined the role of the Inspection unit in monitoring the release and imprisonment of individuals, ensuring decisions are made collaboratively.
Further judicial reforms focus on fighting corruption, including the prescription of outdated practices, modernizing court technology for quicker trials and staff performance monitoring, implementing the ‘Clear the Courts’ program, and establishing anti-corruption committees at all levels.
