According to the Gazette, the National Security Council coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby confirmed on Monday that Paul Rusesabagina had left Rwanda ‘and is currently in Doha’.
“He will soon be making his way back to the United States. And his family is, as I’m sure no one is surprised, they’re eager to welcome him back here, home,” he added.
The National Security Council coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, confirmed on Monday that Paul Rusesabagina had departed Rwanda and was currently in Doha. Kirby stated, “He will soon be making his way back to the United States. And his family is, as I’m sure no one is surprised, they’re eager to welcome him back here, home.”
The US Presidency, White House recently conveyed their appreciation through a brief statement that acknowledged Rusesabagina’s release and thanked the Rwandan and Qatari governments for facilitating it.
Commenting on the development after the presidential clemency granted to Rusesabagina, Stephanie Nyombayire, the Press Secretary for the Office of the Presidency, disclosed that Rusesabagina’s release is the outcome of a joint effort to reset the relationship between the United States and Rwanda.
Rusesabagina, the former President of the MRCD-FLRN terror group, was sentenced to 25 years in 2021 for terrorism charges.
Along with Nsabimana Callixte, alias “Sankara,” who served as the FLN’s spokesperson, and 18 others linked to the same case, he was released on presidential clemency last Friday. Rusesabagina had been arrested in 2020.
More 358 individuals convicted of various offences were also granted collective commutation on the same day.
The event took place at the Rwandex – Mundi Center on 26th March 2023 and was well attended by guests including the British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Omar Daair, the Ambassador of Sweden to Rwanda, Johanna Teague and Miss Jeannette Uwimana, who was crowned Miss Innovation during Miss Rwanda 2022.
The exhibition showcased the talents and work of various artists and organizations, including Seeing Hands Rwanda, which trains visually impaired persons to provide massage therapy, and Imagine We, a publishing company that trains aspiring writers. Kigali Deaf Art Gallery, an organization bringing together deaf-mute persons who create different works of art, also participated.
Visitors could also meet with different artisanal groups that produce African traditional handicrafts, such as Tubiteho and Nyamirambo Women Centre, among others.
Fashion houses, including Inkanda House, Rwanda Union of Little People (RULP), and Project Sufuri, were also represented. The Community of Potters of Rwanda (COPORWA) and other umbrella organizations for marginalized members of society, including Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) and Organization for the Integration and Promotion of People with Albinism (OIPPA), also participated.
The event was not just a showcase of talent and creativity, but also an opportunity for visitors to learn more about inclusion and diversity in Rwanda.
Participants were entertained by the Seastarz band and singer Mani Martin, who performed songs including “It’s Okay,” a song that seeks to empower those who have faced adversity and discrimination in their lives.
According to the British High Commissioner, Omar Daair, the event was organized to promote equality and showcase the uniqueness of Rwanda as a country that promotes inclusion.
He emphasized that marginalising some members of the community based on their appearance, character, or beliefs diminishes the potential gains they can bring to society. The Ikaze event was a demonstration of the true value of vibrant, inclusive economy that creates opportunity for all.
The exhibition provided a platform for marginalized people to showcase their talents.
Benjamin Nkwitonda, also known as Ben Rwanda, recited a powerful poem called “Arazira Iki?” advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
Besides, participants of “Ikaze Bazaar” were delighted with the creative artworks exhibited at the event and stressed the need to organize such events on a regular basis to promote businesses of people from these segments of society.
The event was a resounding success and highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive society where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
The car was manufactured in 2023 and is an automatic or Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission SUV with a striking appearance similar to the bestselling T5 EVO model at Carcarbaba, the local car dealership representing Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor.
The T5 HEV is a compact SUV, measuring 4595mm in length, 1865mm in width, and 1680mm in height, which makes it suitable for on and off-road driving. The vehicle uses 50% less fuel than other vehicles, and its non-rechargeable battery has received a five-star safety rating. The 4E15T engine provides a maximum power horse (N.m) of 280 and a maximum torque speed of 1500 to 3500. The car’s battery voltage is 349 V, and it has a rated power speed (Rmp) of 5500 with fair fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100 Km and Turbo intercooler, providing a powerful driving experience.
John Mugabo, the Managing Director of Carcarbaba, announced at a recent press conference during the launch of the new car that the hybrid vehicle is priced at $34,000, approximately Rwf36 million. Until June, Carcarbaba offers a flexible payment terms of up to one year, free comprehensive insurance for one year, and free Mango 4G internet for 12 months. After-sales services include free full tank fuel on delivery, three years or 100,000 km vehicle warranty, five years or 100,000 km battery warranty, and one-year free vehicle maintenance.
Besides, the first 20 customers who order the car will receive a 55-inch smart TV. Many clients are ordering their vehicles and the First client who ordered the vehicle already received it . Huang Sheng Wei, the CEO of Dongfeng Africa Export Base, announced that the company would support Carcarbaba by providing spare parts, with plans to establish an assembling plant in Rwanda in the future.
“Rwanda is a beautiful country that is developing extremely fast, and we want to grow with Rwanda for Rwandans. The Government has set clear policies to protect the environment, and we are willing to lend a hand to the government in the ’Go Green’ policy by importing as many hybrid cars as possible, which are environmentally friendly but also cost-effective to meet the needs of local residents,” said Mr. Huang Sheng Wei.
DongFeng vehicles are currently sold in various countries, including Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, countries in Latin America, France, the United States, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ghana, and more. The T5 HEV is an excellent option for environmentally-conscious drivers looking for a cost-effective vehicle with less fuel consumption.
Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor is one step closer to achieving its goal of producing zero-emission cars with the launch of the T5 HEV in Rwanda. The brand-new 2023 T5 HEV after the promotion will cost Rwf 36 Million. Carcarbaba operates in the nearby Sawa Citi Supermarket, making it easy for interested buyers to inquire and get their hands on the high tech hybrid vehicle.
The lions were reintroduced to the park following a 15-year absence when seven lions were translocated from South Africa in 2015. Two more males were later translocated to increase genetic diversity in the community in 2017. Now, the park boasts a ‘completely known’ population of 58 lions.
The Conservation and Research Department of Akagera National Park works hard to monitor the growing population of lions and ensure that any changes to the population are documented. Routine tracking on the ground, coupled with sightings and reports from other staff and guests, allows the department to better understand the population, including their social structure, group interactions, diet, and individuals’ health and condition.
The reintroduction of lions to the park has not only helped to ensure the survival of the species but also to prevent poaching and human-lion conflict along the park boundaries. All signs suggest that the lions have settled in well to Akagera and are behaving normally. There are now two main prides, one in the north and one in the south of the park. Both prides associate with one dominant coalition of males, while a third smaller pride uses the northern-extreme of the park, and four subordinate coalitions move throughout the park, avoiding the more dominant males.
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only Big Five destination, hosting populations of lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino, and buffalo. These animals are believed to be the ones that balance the ecosystem, making the park an essential conservation area for Rwanda and Africa as a whole.
With 21 cubs born in 2022, fully understanding the family tree is key in supporting future management decisions. The Conservation and Research Department continues to work hard to ensure the continued growth and well-being of the lion population in Akagera National Park, making sure that these magnificent animals remain an important part of Africa’s natural heritage.
The competition held under the theme Fostering Police cooperation to fight transnational organized crimes through sports” brought together eight out of 14 EAPCCO member countries.
During the week-long interforce competitions, Rwanda won gold in football, volleyball, handball and basketball.
Other categories won by Rwanda include, beach volleyball, taekwondo, boxing, karate and shooting.
Kenya, which was the best in athletics, came second in the overall standing to win silver while Uganda, which emerged the best in netball, won bronze.
The closing ceremony of the annual multi-sports event held at BK Arena was presided over by the Minister of Interior, Alfred Gasana.
Present was also the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Felix Namuhoranye, the Minister of Defense, Maj. Gen. Albert Murasira, the Commissioner General of Ethiopian Federal Police, who doubles as EAPCCO chairman, Demelash Gebremicheal Weldeyes, the IGP of Tanzania, Camillus Wambura, head of missions, Chief Defense Staff (CDS) Jean Bosco Kazura, and representatives of other EAPCCO Police chiefs, among others.
The colourful event opened with an entertaining handball finals between Rwanda and Uganda. Rwanda won 41-27 to take gold for the fourth successive time, having won it in the first edition in Uganda in 2017, and defended it during the second and third editions held in Tanzania and Kenya in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Minister Gasana said that the games are a great catalyst of connections among participating law enforcement agencies.
The interactions between players, he said, should allow them to remain in touch and exchange information and best practices.
“It is only through stronger police cooperation that we can ensure that the Eastern Africa region remains safer and more secure; a state of affairs that is fundamental for steady development,” Minister Gasana said.
To sports teams, he added, it was about fostering Police cooperation through sports, which makes everyone a winner.
IGP Namuhoranye said that the games showcased the spirit of Police officers; determination, challenging limits and striving for better.
“The EAPCCO Games have become an important pillar of our regional cooperation. They have helped in deepening and widening collaboration among member countries,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
Throughout the competitions, he added, participants have been able to play, interact, network and create bonds for future collaboration and partnership among Police in the EAPCCO region which is what the games intend to achieve.
The EAPCCO chairman, CG Demelash Gebremicheal Weldeyes, also said that the aspect of sports was introduced to create strong cooperation against transnational organized crimes, which is a global issue.
“We come together to share best practices among member states. Therefore, winning or losing is not important, but realizing that sports can be a wonderful platform where we build coalition as a region in fighting cross jurisdictional crimes is a highly cherished trophy,” CG Demelash said.
The Challenge is an annual competition aimed at exposing students in higher learning institutions (HLIs) to the capital market industry while instilling in them the culture of saving and investment. The competition helps prepare students as future investors and professionals in the capital market industry by learning more about the stock market in general.
It is the 10th edition, organized in collaboration with the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE), the Rwanda National Investment Trust (RNIT), and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (iCPAR).
The three-month-long competition that will run up to June 16th, 2023 is aimed to expose university students and other higher learning institutions to the capital market industry, enabling them to acquire a saving and investment culture through the capital markets.
It is also an opportunity to promote financial literacy among university students in Rwanda and to raise awareness about the importance of investing in the capital markets.
In all 9 previous editions, this particular competition has attracted more than 10,000 participants in both the quiz and written essay categories, from all Universities and Higher Learning Institutions across Rwanda.
The 2023 Capital Market University challenge will comprise three stages in the provincial quiz category, whereby winners from each stage shall go to the next round. Three winners from the 3rd round at the provincial level shall immediately go to the national level.
More so, the 10th edition of the Capital Market University Challenge will be fully conducted digitally through the portal: https://investor.cma.rw/. Potential contestants shall register either in quiz or essay categories via the link: https://investor.cma.rw/cmuc/login/index.php. At the national level, the top three contestants, drawn from winners at the provincial level will get additional awards.
Pascal Niyomuremyi, is the former winner of the annual Capital Market University Challenge. Together with his saving club bought stocks, and from that moment they are saving regularly in capital market products and started growing their business.
The youthful Pascal said: “We did not spend recklessly the acquired money, as Capital Market Authority teaches us the culture of saving and investing, we bought shares in some of the listed companies. After one year we invested in other businesses and as of now our business is growing and we still have shares in stocks.”
Magnifique Migisha, Coordinator of the Capital Market University Challenge, stressed that “We believe that the most effective way for the youth to secure their future is to venture into smart saving and investment opportunities in order to guarantee their lives sustainability. The concept of such competition was initiated to facilitate attaining a such objective.’
Migisha added that enabling young people to explore capital markets through saving and investing in capital market products (shares, bonds, and any other instruments) offered by different firms at the Rwandan stock market, is one of the best ways for them to secure their future.
The Capital Market University Challenge provides several benefits to participating students including Learning about investing, an opportunity to meet and network with industry professionals.
Jonathan Gatera, CEO of Rwanda National Investment Trust stressed that “This challenge encourages entrepreneurship among university students as some of them were inspired to start their own businesses or invest in startups after learning about various financing options available in Rwanda’s capital market.”
As soon as one registers, contestants start researching the provided topic and submit it once they are done, not wait for the deadline. The essay has to be original and innovative, not more than 800 words and plagiarism is punishable with discontinuation from the Challenge.
Over the past three months, the family of Paul Rusesabagina, who was convicted of terrorism charges before receiving presidential clemency last week, remained silent.
Even his daughter, Carine Kanimba, who had previously been vocal in advocating for her father’s release through various news outlets, kept quiet during this period.
This signaled how the United States and Rusesabagina’s family changed their attitudes in this case.
After the announcement of Rusesabagina’s release on Friday last week, the US officials the decision through different statements but his family remained silent.
IGIHE has learnt that his family has designated a representative to comment on Rusesabagina’s case.
The representative is identified as Juleanna Glover who serves as a consultant for different organizations.
Juleanna Glover is a well-known consultant who has worked with a variety of organizations. Some of the notable institutions she has provided consultation services to include Uber, Tesla, Microsoft, Oracle, eBay, the Smithsonian, Snapchat, JP Morgan Chase, Netflix, Tata Sons, CVS Health, SpaceX, Chobani, AT&T, LVMH, PepsiCo, Google, and Alibaba, among others.
Responding to an email sent by IGIHE about Rusesabagina’s release, he said: “The family of Paul Rusesabagina is pleased to hear the news about his release. They hope to reunite with him soon.”
Juleanna has declined to comment on questions regarding Rusesabagina’s release and his expected arrival time in the United States.
It is said that Rusesabagina will not receive any special ceremonies upon his arrival and will be treated as an ordinary citizen, without being portrayed as a hero.
Sources indicate that the United States accepted it. Besides, Rusesabagina also indicated it in his letter requesting for clemency saying that he will not involve himself in Rwandan politics.
As Rusesabagina was released in the night of Friday 27th March 2023 around 10 p.m., he was accompanied by officials from US embassy from Mageragere Prison to the residence of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador in Kigali.
He had to stay at the embassy’ residence until he is granted permission by the Minister of Justice to leave the country for Doha where he will spend few days before travelling the US.
One of persons who met with Rusesabagina on Saturday told IGIHE that he was safe.
According to sources, Rusesabagina might depart from Rwanda this Monday.
However, details have not yet emerged whether he is still in Rwanda or not.
Other sources say that his departure may be delayed due to incomplete travel documents.
The release of Rusesabagina is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve relations between Rwanda and the United States, which had faced challenges over the past three years.
While the US had exerted pressure for Rusesabagina’s release, Rwanda maintained that it could not be forced to free a person who had committed such crimes.
The situation prompted a visit from Antony Blinken, who traveled to Rwanda last year, with the release of Rusesabagina being among the key issues on the agenda.
Stephanie Nyombayire, the Press Secretary for the Office of the Presidency, recently disclosed that Rusesabagina’s release is the outcome of a joint effort to reset the relationship between the United States and Rwanda.
Rusesabagina, the former President of the MRCD-FLRN terror group, was sentenced to 25 years for terrorism charges along with Nsabimana Callixte, alias “Sankara,” who served as the FLN’s spokesperson, and 18 others linked to the same case.
Rusesabagina had been arrested in 2020. Following his release, Qatar affirmed that it was involved in the mediation that led to the clemency granted to Rusesabagina that plans to send him to Doha were underway.
FDLR is a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Rwanda and Uganda continue to scale up efforts geared towards restoring bilateral ties that experienced setbacks since 2017 over reciprocal accusations.
At the time, Rwanda accused Uganda of illegal detention of Rwandans and working with groups intending to threaten its security including FDLR.
Meanwhile, Uganda also accused Rwanda of sending spies to the country.
On Friday last week, Rwanda and Uganda signed memoranda of understanding to facilitate cooperation in different fields.
They were signed between Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta and his counterpart of Uganda, Uganda Gen Jeje Odongo in Kigali during a meeting of the 11th Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) between Rwanda and Uganda.
The agreements are in the fields of justice and constitutionalism, mutual legal assistance, diplomatic and political consultations, and migration matters, according to the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister Biruta expressed optimism that the consultations will further strengthen bilateral ties.
Minister Odongo said that Rwanda and Uganda are members of the East African Community (EAC) where they should work together, along with other member states, in finding a solution to security problems of eastern DRC as they are both affected in the same way.
As he said, this should be done in the spirit of African solutions for African problems.
“Security problems that occur in eastern DRC affect both of us in a similar way. ADF which affects Uganda is resident in the eastern DRC. FDLR which affects Rwanda is in eastern DRC,” he noted.
“Two hands are better than one. That is why I said, we should continue to work together so that, with the region, both in East Africa as the region, under the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region, we are able to put our contribution in finding a solution,” added Gen Odongo.
He highlighted that consultations that have been agreed will help to reach common ground in finding a solution to problems in eastern DRC.
Apart from ADF which threatens Uganda’s security, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in collaboration with Rwanda National Police (RNP) confirmed on 1st October 2021 that law enforcement agencies had arrested 13 people between August and September in the same year suspected of working with ADF while plotting a plan to conduct terrorist attacks in different parts of Kigali.
At the time, RNP revealed that the suspects were arrested with different improvised explosive devices (IEDs) materials that include; wires, nails, phones, explosives and videos for radicalization.
They were arrested at different times in Kigali City, Rusizi and Nyabihu districts.
The suspects said that they were assigned to shatter different buildings including Kigali City Tower, Downtown and others in Nyabugogo.
These attacks were being plotted in revenge for Rwanda’s intervention to fight terrorists in Cabo Delgado of Mozambique.
He made the disclosure on Saturday 25th March 2023 as Rwandans in The Netherlands celebrated the International Women’s Day usually marked on 8th March every year.
During the ceremony, which brought together Rwandans and their friends from across the country and neighboring countries, including Belgium, Amb.Nduhungirehe expressed pride in Rwanda’s achievements in women’s empowerment.
“Rwanda is renowned for efforts in women empowerment, but also in ICT and digital transformation. Mixing the two is important but there is still a long way to go considering our history where women’s rights and empowerment were not given needed attention. That is why Rwanda had to develop policies to empower them,” he said.
During his speech, Amb.Nduhungirehe reflected on some of the key indicators that demonstrate Rwanda’s commitment to women’s empowerment, such as the country’s 61% representation of women in parliament and policies that promote the rights of girls and women.
“In the past, only boys were entitled to inherit from their parents because it was assumed that girls would eventually marry and be taken care of by their husbands’ families. However, the situation has changed.
Although there is a high number of girls attending primary and secondary schools, there is still a gap when it comes to university education. This is a problem we must confront. As women make up the majority of the population, their representation should be reflected in all sectors, and we are working hard to close this gap,” he said.
Amb. Nduhungirehe also emphasized the need for women to have greater participation in global policies, especially in this digital era.
“Digital development without the participation of women cannot reach its full potential. It is a great tool that can be leveraged for better access to education and employment, digital financial services and access to information especially for women and girls,” he noted.
As an example, Ambassador Nduhungirehe highlighted that 55.6% of Rwandan women aged 21 and above own a mobile phone, compared to 71.4% of men. Additionally, 79% of women in urban areas have access to mobile phones, while only 46% of those in rural areas do.
“We still face a number of challenges that continue to feed the gender digital gap which include negative stereotypes but the Government of Rwanda is really committed to bridge that gender gap divide by promoting innovation strategies to address gender stereotypes and engaging men and boys towards empowerment of women and girls in all sectors of our country,” noted Amb. Nduhungirehe.
Kamali Hilda, heading the gender equality and development unit in Rwanda’s diaspora in The Netherlands commended Rwanda for tireless efforts to empower women and girls.
“Our country has done a great work in bridging the gender equality. There are challenges but Rwanda is in the right direction. Rwanda is among top ten countries that reduced gender inequalities and has with the highest women representation in leadership among others,” she said.
“The International Women’s Day is meant to take stock of achievements but we still need to do more to remove barriers hindering access to technology,” added Kamali.
She thanked women in Rwanda for making commendable steps to overcome barriers hindering their full participation in development activities and Rwanda’s Embassy in The Netherlands for support to make the celebration possible.
Lisette Neza Ntukabumwe recited a poem about the dignity of women as people who deserve protection and high respect in the society.
During the celebration, girls and women were given floor to showcase their products.
The ceremony had been suspended for three years due to COVID-19 related restrictions.
Shooting is one of the 13 sports disciplines at the ongoing 4th edition of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) Games.
In the shooting finals held on Sunday, March 26, Rwanda was the overall winner with six gold medals, five silver and two bronze.
Kenya came second to win silver with four medals (one gold, two silver and one bronze) while Uganda won bronze.
Corporal Patrick Ndungutse (514 points) and Police Constable (PC) Eric Ndeziryayo (502) won gold and silver, respectively, in male individual pistol while CPL Daudi Jumanne from Tanzania settled for bronze with 342 points.
Rwanda also won gold in male team pistol, Kenya won silver while Burundi came third to win bronze.
In female individual pistol, Rwanda’s Aline Niyindeba came third to win bronze behind Kenya’s duo of Belinda Akoth and Sarah Sintoi, who won gold and silver, respectively.
It was the same results for Rwanda in female team rifle as Tanzania and Uganda followed in that order.
Rwanda also swept the medals in male and female individual rifle.
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Rwanda also won four gold medals in boxing. David Mugisha beat Uganda’s Moses Kabuka in light flyweight 48kgs; Zackalia Niyonagize stood tall against Iyob Aseta of Ethiopia in Batam weight 54kgs; Aimable Hagenimana beat Martin Odour of Kenya in feather weight 57kgs; while Vincent Nsengiyumva clinched gold in cruiser weight 86kgs after beating Diye Dem Mathias of South Sudan.
