Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

Attended by 855 people of 10 different religions from 73 countries, the conference featured an impactful order of events, beginning with an opening by the emcee who expressed the urgency of addressing global conflicts and the organization’s heartfelt desire for the cessation of wars. It highlighted the importance of unity among religious individuals and the shared values embedded in various scriptures that promote peace, justice, human dignity, respect, and harmony.

The event included prayers led by representatives from major religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism. The prayers represented by leaders of various religions were different in form, but their contents were all prayers for peace as each religious leader offered prayers rooted in their respective traditions, emphasizing the shared goal of ending war and achieving global peace.

The emcee, in detailing the order of events, explained that a real-time prayer and wish board would be operated where participants could share their own prayers and wishes for peace.
At the end of the prayer meeting, HWPL proposed a “Relay Prayer Campaign” through the moderator as a practical measure for peace. Religious leaders were urged to consistently hold prayer meetings for the cessation of war and world peace, creating opportunities in various forms to gather the hearts of as many people as possible.

Amid persisting conflicts and disputes among religions, HWPL’s dedication to fostering religious harmony is evident through initiatives such as the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Offices where religious leaders of various faiths and disciplines gather regularly to discuss their scriptures, HWPL International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA), Religious Youth Peace Camp, Open Dialogue with Religious Leaders, and MOUs with Religious Organizations. As of September 2023, there are 282 WARP Offices in operation in 131 countries.

The overall winner, Wiston Shimirwa, was presented with a prize of 200 square meters of roofing sheets valued at Rwf2.5 million. Boniface Tuyisenge, an architect, received a voucher worth Rwf300,000 for purchasing construction materials from IngCo. Meanwhile, Eric Maniraguha secured a ticket for two to Kigali Lounge, valued at Rwf200,000.

The selection process for these deserving recipients was meticulous, considering factors such as filled-out profiles, valuable feedback, and thoughtful inquiries.

Architect Boniface Tuyisenge, who claimed the second prize, expressed his motivation for participating in the awards. He highlighted the innovative nature of Mr Roof’s work in the Rwandan market, emphasizing the company’s ability to tailor roofs to individual client needs—a unique feature that resonated with architects who appreciate innovation and natural beauty.

“This opportunity aligns with our values, and winning tools we need for our daily work is a great addition to our professional resources,” Tuyisenge shared.

Jenny Rutaysire, the Sales Manager at Mr Roof, shed light on the company’s commitment to introducing new products and services to the Rwandan market. She emphasized the uniqueness of their offerings, prompting the strategic use of their newsletter as a platform for promotion.

“We chose this newsletter to disseminate information about our products, share updates on price reductions, and highlight various opportunities,” Rutaysire explained.

Encouraging continued engagement, Mr Roof expressed optimism about the future. Rutaysire encouraged those who did not secure prizes this time to stay connected, as the newsletter will feature numerous activities and opportunities in the future.

Acknowledging the increased interest in the ‘Mr Roof Newsletter,’ Rutaysire assured subscribers that their questions would be addressed in upcoming stories.

The newsletter, published twice a month at the beginning and end of each month, serves as a comprehensive source for all company-related news, providing subscribers with timely updates on products, promotions, and other exciting developments.

COP28, commencing on Thursday, is scheduled to conclude on December 12, 2023. On the inaugural day of COP28, member nations reached an agreement to operationalize a Loss and Damage (L&D) fund designed to compensate countries grappling with climate change.

The L&D fund, located at the World Bank but overseen by an independent secretariat, has garnered commitments exceeding $450 million from various countries. Although billions are still required to fulfill its purpose, this marks a positive step forward.

The L&D fund’s inception traces back to COP-27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, last year. It took five separate meetings, facilitated by ‘transitional committees,’ to achieve unanimous agreement among countries. Delegates hailed the first-day launch of the fund as a positive start, fostering good momentum for ensuing discussions.

Financial commitments, as of Thursday, include $100 million from the United Arab Emirates (the host country), $100 million from Germany, $17 million from the United States, approximately $50.6 million from the United Kingdom, and $10 million from Japan. The European Union also pledged $145 million, supplementing Germany’s contribution.

The decision to kickstart the fund on the inaugural day of COP28, after years of contention, serves as a noteworthy example of the summit’s efficacy in addressing urgent global challenges.

On the sidelines of COP28, President Kagame participated in the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) reception, co-hosted by King Charles III and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Launched by King Charles III in 2020 at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, the Sustainable Markets Initiative serves as the premier global private sector organization for sustainable transition. Its ability to convene leading organizations from industry, financial services, and governments is instrumental in driving innovation and expediting progress toward a just, sustainable, and prosperous future.

The Sustainable Markets Initiative’s mandate, known as the Terra Carta, aims to coordinate a global effort enabling the private sector to accelerate the achievement of global climate, biodiversity, and Sustainable Development Goal targets. Introduced in 2021 at the One Planet Summit, the Terra Carta outlines guiding principles and ambitious actions through 2030, placing Nature, People, and Planet at the core of global value creation.

The force urges all those involved in forex exchange to follow the law and to operate in designated or licensed places.

The caution follows the arrest of four suspected illegal money changers, on Wednesday, November 29, in Gisenyi town, Rubavu District.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that the quartet is part of the group that conducts black market forex exchange activities in Gisenyi town and at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“The four suspects were found with combined US$1,480, Rwf413, 500, Congolese francs amounting to 552, 650 and other currencies.

These are ongoing operations to fight these illegal forex trade activities. We strongly urge those engaged in forex trade to follow the layed regulations and guidelines” SP Karekezi said.

Regulation No. 42/2022 of 13/04/2022 governing foreign exchange operations provides that only licensed intermediaries are authorized to carry out foreign exchange business, in conformity with specific Central Bank regulations.

In article 29, operation of buying or selling foreign currency is prohibited, where at least one of the parties to the transaction is not a licensed intermediary.

In article 34, any violation of the provisions of this Regulation, and other related legal or regulatory provisions, shall be punished in accordance with the appropriate laws or regulations.

In addition, any person who sells or pricing goods or services in foreign currency contrary to the provision of this regulation shall be punishable by the seizure and confiscation of the amount involved in that transaction. The confiscated amount shall be credited on the Public Treasury account.

Article 223 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general, states that any person who, by any means, illegally sells or exchanges, national or foreign currency, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than six months and not more than two years or a fine of not less than Rwf200, 000 and not more than Rwf3 million.

Matthew Rycroft, Permanent Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office, has confirmed the continuation of the program to send migrants in illegal situations to Rwanda. During a hearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Security, Rycroft hinted at the provision of extra funds to Rwanda.

However, he consistently declined to disclose the exact amount, citing ministerial decisions to keep this information confidential until the summer.

This exchange occurred in a tense atmosphere at the Home Affairs Committee (HAC), leaving lawmakers frustrated by Rycroft’s lack of precise answers. Conservative MP Lee Anderson, in particular, expressed dissatisfaction with Rycroft’s inability to provide clarity on several questions.

The session also revealed that officials from the Ministry of Interior were unaware of the status of around 17,000 asylum seekers whose files had been withdrawn by the ministry.

The issue of additional funding beyond the initially allocated 140 million Euros to the Kigali government for managing asylum requests was raised. Rycroft indicated that there would be additional payments each year, with details being communicated annually, in accordance with ministerial decisions.

The project to send migrants staying in the UK illegally to Rwanda had faced a temporary halt by the Supreme Court, but the British government has recently decided to revise its agreement with Rwanda. According to Rycroft, British delegations are currently in Rwanda to finalize this agreement.

Lt Gen (Rtd) Kayonga, a seasoned figure with a notable past as the Chief of Defence Staff in the Rwanda Defence Force, steps into the role of Rwanda’s ambassador to Türkiye. His return to diplomatic service after four years, coupled with his prior stint as Rwanda’s ambassador to China, positions him strategically for this critical role following the departure of Fidelis Mironko, who served since 2020.

Simultaneously, Marie Grace Nishimwe assumes the helm at the National Land Authority, succeeding Esperence Mukamana, who parted ways with the institution in August under undisclosed circumstances. Nishimwe, well-versed in the intricacies of land administration, previously served as the Deputy Registrar and head of the land administration department within the same institution. Additionally, she holds the position of chair of the governing council of the Institution of Real Property Valuers of Rwanda.

These appointments signify a deliberate move by Rwanda to redefine its diplomatic representation and inject fresh leadership into crucial administrative roles, particularly within the National Land Authority. As the nation looks towards new horizons, these changes reflect a commitment to dynamic and strategic governance.