On Thursday, September 28, 2023, the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), tasked with facilitating the reintegration of ex-combatants, marked a significant milestone in this transition.
They provided professional equipment to these former rebels upon the completion of a qualifying training program at the Mutobo Demobilization and Reintegration Center, located in the Musanze District.
The comprehensive training programs encompass a wide range of vocational skills, including construction, electricity, sewing, plumbing, welding, agriculture, hairdressing and mechanics. The curricula for these professions are carefully designed to ease their transition into civilian life.
This event marked the 69th cohort of beneficiaries of such training, some of whom are eagerly awaiting conditional release next October. They received professional equipment as a gesture of encouragement to continue their journey towards rehabilitation and making a positive contribution to society.
Bizimana Hamissi, the Mayor of Musanze District, wholeheartedly endorsed this initiative and urged the recipients to utilize their newly acquired skills to fortify national unity and stability.
According to Valérie Nyirahabineza, Chairperson of RDRC, this initiative extends beyond mere material assistance; it signifies a crucial step toward establishing peace and harmony in the region, a cornerstone for Rwanda’s progress.
Major General Félicien Nsanzubukire, a former member of the CNRD-FLN militia, conveyed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries and emphasized their eager anticipation of a positive transformation in their daily lives. He reiterated their commitment to rebuilding the Rwandan social fabric.
With a past marked by conflict, these former combatants now wield tools of creation, not destruction. This symbolizes tangible hope for a peaceful and constructive future in the heart of Rwanda. Their determination to make a positive societal contribution serves as a beacon of hope, reflecting the resilience and commitment of the Rwandan people on their path to unity and reconciliation.
As these former combatants take hold of their new tools, they are not only shaping professions but also sculpting the hope of a harmonious future, one stone at a time. Their efforts are contributing to the vibrant heartbeat of Rwanda, a nation that aspires to join the ranks of emerging nations.
Bintou Keita, special representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and head of the UN’s peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, highlighted the ongoing attacks and humanitarian crises in key provinces to the Security Council.
Keita told the council that attacks on local populations, roadblocks, and denial of humanitarian access continue to fuel suffering in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
“As I speak today, over 6 million people remain displaced in these places,” she stated, urging continued support for underfunded relief operations.
Addressing the anticipated but yet-to-be-finalized exit of UN peacekeepers from the DRC, Keita urged the council to provide clear feedback on the August report’s recommendations from the secretary-general concerning the future of the MONUSCO mission she oversees.
At the UN General Assembly last week, the DRC’s president urged the UN mission to expedite its withdrawal and move the deadline up a year from December 2024 to December 2023.
Another deeply concerning aspect of the crisis is the prevalence of gender-based violence. Keita said over 10,000 survivors sought assistance from the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, in the three provinces in June and July.
Due to the heightened risk of sexual violence in displacement areas, the UN mission has intensified its patrols, collaborating with the Congolese armed forces.
Continued humanitarian and security measures are still essential, she said.
“I am hopeful that the trials currently underway will provide justice to the bereaved families of the victims, including one police officer, and shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” she concluded
“Today, violent clashes took place in the vicinity of the army’s Engineers Corps in Omdurman, while large areas of the Umbada neighborhood of the city came under violent artillery shelling,” an eyewitness from Omdurman, west of the Sudanese capital, told Xinhua.
He said the artillery and air bombardment focused on western parts of the Umbada neighborhood and the army-controlled Karari military base in northern Omdurman.
The Resistance Committee of Umbada neighborhood said in a statement on Thursday that “the neighborhood experienced violent artillery bombardment, which left 13 civilians dead and 35 others wounded.”
Also on Thursday, the independent Sudan Tribune news portal cited eyewitnesses as saying that “they heard strong explosions caused by artillery shells fired by the RSF towards the army’s positions in central Khartoum.”
The RSF artillery strikes mainly targeted the army headquarters in central Khartoum, causing heavy smoke columns, the news portal said.
An eyewitness from eastern Khartoum told Xinhua that the SAF warplanes bombarded the RSF posts in Imtidad Nasir neighborhood east of the capital.
Meanwhile, the Sudanese Emergency Lawyers, an activist group initiative concerned with monitoring violations, said in a report on Wednesday that between April 16 and Sept. 19, 954 civilians have been killed and 2,434 others injured in both sides’ bombardment in the Khartoum State, El-Obeid, the capital city of North Kordofan and Nyala, the capital city of South Darfur State.
“130 children and 94 women were among the dead, with Khartoum recording 647 deaths, El-Obeid 79 deaths, and Nyala 228 deaths,” the report said.
Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, resulting in at least 3,000 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries, according to figures released by the Sudanese Health Ministry.
According to the latest report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), some 5.3 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan.
Over one million people have crossed into neighboring countries, including the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan, OCHA said.
The meeting held at the RNP General Headquarters in Kacyiru, was chaired by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Felix Namuhoranye, reviewed the status of vandalism and response measures.
It was also attended by the Chief Executive Officer of REG, Armand Zingiro, and Omar Munyaneza, the Chief Executive Officer of WASAC Group as well as dealers in scraps and managers of recycling industries.
At least 829 cases of vandalism targeting energy transmission and distribution lines, were recorded between January and September, this year.
According to REG, most cases affected service cables, cross-arms stolen from pylons, earthing wires, underground cables, meters, twisted cables, circuit breakers, surge arrestors, and transformer damages, among others.
As a response, Rwanda National Police has since recovered at least 12360 metres of stolen.
Scores of vandals have also been arrested, including 50 people apprehended last month.
The majority 39 percent cases of utility vandalism were registered in the Southern Province followed by Northern with 26 percent, Western and Eastern provinces with 13 percent each, and 9 percent of the cases were registered in City of Kigali.
IGP Namuhoranye warned of increased operations against these acts that affect national development and security. He further cautioned dealers in scraps, who buy stolen utility items thus influencing such vandalism and theft.
“Operate your businesses in accordance with the law. Buying equipment stolen from vandalized power lines, road signage, water distribution lines and other public infrastructure will not be condoned and it will call for tough measures against anyone involved,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
Normally, utility items are not considered as scraps unless they are sold by the respective institutions.
“Manhole covers are not scraps and so are electric and cyber cables, nuts and bolts stolen from power lines, power metres and other utility equipment that encourage vandalism and theft,” the Police Chief said.
Also raised during the meeting are people involved in scraps business, who are not registered and registered companies that operate contrary to the set guidelines.
REG Chief Executive Officer, Zingiro said that vandalism of electricity infrastructure has become one of the major challenges that the energy group is facing in different parts of the country.
This, he added, affects the smooth supply of electricity services to the public, causes insecurity, negative social economic impact, losses, electricity incidents among others.
Equally, WASAC CEO, Munyaneza said that these acts of vandalism are affecting government efforts to extend clean water to all Rwandans by the end of 2024.
Increased operations against vandals and dealers in stolen utility and items and road signage, community awareness, regular inspection at recycling industries, more deployments and information sharing are among the initiated measures to curb the high impact crimes of vandalizing utility facilities and other public infrastructures.
On the second day of the event, Caroline Wanga, CEO of Essence Ventures, emphasized the importance of authentically portraying African narratives. She highlighted that the continent’s rich heritage has traditionally been expressed through its unique storytelling methods. Wanga stated, “In discussing Africa, it’s vital to engage in genuine dialogue. We’ve celebrated our heritage through our distinct method of storytelling, which the world is longing for now more than ever. As the overseer of Essence Ventures and other platforms, I am committed to ensuring our tales are told from a position of strength and authenticity.”
The final day featured a chorus of leading private sector voices. Notably, leaders from the business and media world such as Jeff Wong, EY Global Chief Innovation Officer; Niraj Varia, CEO of iProcure Ventures; Lakeshia Ford, Founder of Ford Communications; Claudia Kwarteng–Lumor, Founder of Kollage Media, producers of GLITZ AFRICA Magazine; Somachi Chris-Asoluka and CEO of The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).
Complementing these luminaries were esteemed figures from government and international organizations, including President Masisi, Adebayo Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy for Nigeria, Joy Basu, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs at the US Department of State.
Also speaking were NBA stars Bismack Biyombo and Gorgui Dieng from the sports world and Senegalese singer Baaba Maal.
Assistant Secretary-General Sanda Ojiambo, CEO of the United Nations Global Compact, the entity that coordinates GABI, underlined the critical importance of unleashing Africa’s green potential. Ojiambo’s message stressed the urgent need for businesses to expedite and amplify their efforts toward achieving “just, inclusive, and sustainable growth.”
Assistant Secretary-General Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre extended an invitation to businesses to participate in the ITC SheTrades network. This flagship program for women’s economic empowerment has already made a substantial impact, offering vital support to over 200,000 women entrepreneurs since its inception in 2015. The ITC SheTrades initiative plays a pivotal role in maximizing the boundless opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
With over a thousand attendees, GABI’s influence is gaining momentum across Africa, setting the stage for a future defined by opportunity and sustainable development. The vibrant exchange of ideas, the engaging, thought-provoking discussions, and the connections forged during the event solidify its position as a premier convening for those invested in Africa’s growth and economic future.
UNDP’s Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, announced the Timbuktoo initiative, an ambitious movement dedicated to harnessing Africa’s rich heritage of innovation and knowledge. Ms. Eziakonwa stated, “Inspired by the historical heartland of civilization, ‘Timbuktu’ is our commitment to bridge the gap between the burgeoning talent in Africa and global opportunities that await. We envision tearing down barriers that have historically limited Africa’s vast potential, creating a future where the continent’s talent seamlessly connects with global prosperity.”
The event concluded with inspiring remarks from UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, highlighting the importance of collective action in realizing Africa’s potential and achieving sustainable development. She called for unity and support from the global community and the private sector. She closed by emphasizing that this is just the beginning of a new chapter in Africa’s story, one marked by sustainable economic growth, empowerment, and the realization of the continent’s full potential.
Akamanzi voiced the appreciation via X account, formerly Twitter following the appointment of her successor.
“I am deeply grateful to H.E Paul Kagame for the opportunity to serve at Rwanda Development Board. The growth and mentorship I’ve experienced has been more than a job. It’s been a labour of love that has greatly enriched me both personally and professionally”, she posted.
On Wednesday, September 27th, President Paul Kagame made several appointments, including Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe as Rwanda’s new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, responsible for Regional Cooperation. He succeeded Prof. Manasseh Nshuti, who has been appointed as a Senior Advisor in the President’s Office, in charge of special assignments.
Among these appointments, Francis Gatare has been named the new CEO of RDB, succeeding Clare Akamanzi.
Gatare also expressed his appreciation to President Kagame for the new assignment. He expressed his honor in joining the super-talented and committed team of the Rwanda Development Board and pledged to give his all, to listen and learn, with a vision to advance public-private partnerships as the engine of Rwanda’s economic growth.
Akamanzi had assumed the position from Gatare in 2017, after serving in that capacity since 2014 before becoming the CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB). Gatare was subsequently appointed as the Senior Economic Advisor in the President’s Office in 2021 before his latest appointment.
Professionally, Akamanzi is a lawyer with a Bachelor of Laws obtained from Makerere University and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre (LDC) in Kampala. She also holds a Masters of Laws in Trade and Investment law obtained from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, in addition to an honorary degree in Laws from Concordia University.
Additionally, she is a public administrator with a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University and is involved in business and politics.
According to USA Today, his publicist confirmed the sad news on Thursday, revealing that Gambon, aged 82, succumbed to pneumonia.
A heartfelt statement released by his family, issued through their spokesperson, conveyed their profound grief: “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside.”
Michael Gambon assumed the role of Dumbledore in 2004, succeeding the late Richard Harris, who had originally portrayed the character. He commenced his magical journey as the revered mentor in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and continued enchanting audiences until the epic conclusion, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.”
Throughout his illustrious career spanning over five decades, Gambon’s distinctive deep and resonant voice rendered him instantly recognizable on screen and stage alike.
Gambon’s foray into the world of theater began with his membership in the Royal National Theatre in London, where he emerged as a prominent figure. His breakthrough role came in 1980 when he took on the lead in “The Life of Galileo.” He subsequently graced numerous productions of William Shakespeare’s works, amassing three prestigious Olivier Awards for his contributions to London’s theater scene. In 1997, Gambon made his debut on Broadway, leaving an indelible mark on the international stage.
The esteemed actor embarked on his cinematic journey in 1965 with “Othello,” an adaptation of Shakespeare’s renowned tragedy. His repertoire expanded to include notable performances in films such as “The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover,” “The Insider,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” and “The King’s Speech,” which earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2011.
Gambon’s success extended seamlessly to the realm of television, where he clinched four BAFTA Awards for Best Actor for his outstanding roles in “The Singing Detective” (1986), “Wives and Daughters” (1999), “Longitude” (2000), and “Perfect Strangers” (2001). Additionally, he secured two Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
In 2017, the Irish Film & Television Academy bestowed upon him the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to an actor whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
This terrorist organization, comprised of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, has long posed a disruptive force in the region. However, today, its influence is dwindling, and its ranks are weakening.
This terrorist group, reinforced by a coalition of fighters with blood on their hands from the atrocities committed during Genocide against the Tutsi, used to receive various forms of support from anti-Kigali factions.
However, this diverse alliance is now in decline. In the past, FDLR maintained a tacit partnership with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), but this collaboration has become more open, particularly in their engagements with the March 23 Movement (M23), which has been in conflict with Kinshasa, as recently reported by the United Nations (UN).
The testimonies of Staff Sergeant Uwiduhaye Marie Chantal offer valuable insights. She spent 25 years as a member of this terrorist group before her capture in December 2022 by M23 combatants in Rutshuru, North Kivu province. Her testimony sheds light on the FDLR’s decline, as she experienced it firsthand.
Recruited into the FDLR at the tender age of 13, after fleeing her home in Rubavu, Uwiduhaye initially harbored hopes of the resurgence of a genocidal ideology in Rwanda. However, that dream gradually faded over time.
Uwiduhaye, a mother of two children who have never known their homeland, shared her post-captivity experiences at the Mutobo rehabilitation center, situated in the Musanze district. Here, she and other former combatants receive civic training to facilitate their smooth reintegration into the community.
Her revelations, including the alleged support received from the Congolese government, particularly in the illicit charcoal trade in Virunga National Park and the provision of arms and ammunition in exchange for assistance to the FARDC, raise serious concerns.
She also sheds light on the internal discord within the FDLR, which has been exacerbated by ethnic rivalries and conflicting ambitions among various factions represented by figures such as Murwanashyaka Ignace, General Wilson Irategeka, and General Byiringiro Victor, known as Rumuri.
In Uwiduhaye’s perspective, the FDLR’s incapability to seize power in Rwanda is evident, especially since she believes that their alliance project with the FARDC, who are grappling with countering the M23 rebellion, is a descent into an inevitable catastrophe.
The FDLR, which once boasted 7,000 fighters in 2007, has seen its numbers dwindle to a range of 1,000 to 1,500 combatants by 2015. They continue to lose ground on the battlefield and are currently experiencing a significant reduction in their ranks.
This decline of the terrorist group appears to be a one-way journey into the annals of history. However, for Mrs. Marie Chantal Uwiduhaye, it represents hope for a return to lasting peace in the region.
Simultaneously, they offer guidance, suggesting courses of action and informing their clients about their legal rights. Through representation in court and the art of argumentation, lawyers effectively fulfill their roles as advocates.
{{Diverse specializations in the legal field}}
The legal profession encompasses various specialized areas, depending on the lawyer’s chosen field. Lawyers can specialize in intellectual property, business finance, mergers and acquisitions, environmental law, corporate law, or bankruptcy proceedings.
{{Daily activities in the legal arena}}
Lawyers engage in a range of daily activities, including advising and representing clients in court, liaising with clients and other stakeholders, conducting thorough legal research and analysis, interpreting laws and regulations, presenting facts both in writing and orally, and skillfully preparing and filing legal documents such as lawsuits, appeals, wills, contracts, and deeds.
{{Skills essential to lawyers or attorneys}}
Successful lawyers possess a repertoire of critical skills:
{{Analytical skills: }} Lawyers excel at sifting through extensive information to help clients navigate and resolve complex problems.
{{Interpersonal skills:}} Building trust and rapport with clients is paramount, as it encourages clients to share sensitive information related to their cases.
{{Problem-solving skills:}} Lawyers must demonstrate adept problem-solving abilities to formulate the most effective defense or recommendations.
{{Research skills:}} Proficiency in research is vital for providing clients with sound legal advice and representation.
{{Speaking skills:}} Lawyers are entrusted to articulate their clients’ positions persuasively in court, conveying evidence clearly to judges and juries.
{{Writing skills:}} Precision and specificity are essential when drafting legal documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
{{Varied job titles}}
Job titles within the legal field include Attorney, Associate Attorney, Lawyer, Associate, Assistant Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, City Attorney, County Attorney, Partner, and Assistant Counsel. Each of these titles signifies a unique position and set of responsibilities within the legal world, reflecting the varied and multifaceted nature of the legal field.
{{Educational requirements and career paths}}
To embark on a career as a lawyer or attorney, a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Law is essential. Legal professionals can find employment with government entities, private organizations, consulting firms, or establish their consulting practices.
Many law schools worldwide offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and research programs in legal studies. Following a Bachelor’s degree, individuals may opt for further education, such as the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), which bridges the gap between academic knowledge and clinical practice, imparting practical legal expertise. ILPD also offers continuing legal education across various legal domains.
{{Membership in the Rwanda Bar Association}}
For those aspiring to practice law in Rwanda, membership in the Rwanda Bar Association (RBA) is a prerequisite. The RBA serves as a professional organization responsible for legal representation and regulation, playing a pivotal role in administering justice and upholding the rule of law in Rwanda.
{{Access requirements for Rwanda Bar Association}}
To become a member of the Rwanda Bar Association (BAR), certain eligibility criteria must be met.
First and foremost, one must hold Rwandan nationality and possess a Bachelor’s degree in Law or an equivalent qualification.
Furthermore, they should hold a recognized certificate from the Institute of Legal Practice and Development or an equivalent institution.
It is also essential that the applicant has not been sentenced to a term of imprisonment exceeding six (6) months.
Successful completion of the Bar Association’s qualifying test is another prerequisite.
Lastly, individuals with convictions for genocide crimes or related offenses are not eligible to join the Rwanda Bar Association.
Foreigners, on the other hand, have the opportunity to practice law in Rwanda, provided they meet specific conditions. This can be done either under conditions of reciprocity or in accordance with international agreements.
{{The power of education}}
Education is the most potent tool governments wield to cultivate human capital. The foundation of education is laid early in life, but higher education transforms knowledge into a formidable asset. The future of any society hinges on the application of knowledge, and higher education equips us with the ability to question, comprehend arguments, and assimilate information.
{{The role of lawyers in society}}
Lawyers assume indispensable roles in society. They offer legal counsel, represent clients in court, draft legal documentation, ensure adherence to the law, uphold the rule of law, and contribute to legal reform. Lawyers also play a pivotal role in championing social justice, safeguarding human rights, and facilitating access to justice. Lawyers stand as integral pillars of our society, and their contributions are immeasurable. Consequently, it is paramount that we continue to recognize and value the invaluable work that lawyers undertake within our communities.
These individuals resided in Kamuvunyi Village, in Gacaca Cell, Rubengera Sector of Karongi District.
The heart-wrenching discovery occurred on Thursday, September 28th, when the siblings of the deceased young men noticed their absence and decided to break down the door, only to find them lifeless.
Authorities were swiftly alerted, with the executive secretary of Rubengera Sector, Médard Nkusi, confirming that both the Police and Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) arrived promptly at the scene to commence a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
“While there is suspicion that a brazier may have been involved, we cannot definitively confirm this at present. RIB officers are actively conducting their investigation, and we eagerly await their findings,” stated Nkusi.
The two young men have been identified as Karim Niyomugabo, aged 17, and James Ishimwe, aged 20. Their bodies are to undergo postmortem examinations at Kibuye Hospital before being laid to rest.
