Ishimwe, the CEO of Rwanda Inspiration BackUp, a company which organizes Miss Rwanda contest was arrested on 26th April 2022.
IGIHE has learnt that RIB has already sent his file to the Prosecution.
Findings from preliminary investigation show that Ishimwe faces three charges including rape, soliciting or offering sexual favours, and harassment connected to sexual relations.
Rape crime attracts between 10 and 15 years sentence and a fine between Rwf1 and 2 million.
Soliciting or offering sexual favours attracts a sentence ranging from five to seven years and a fine between Rwf1 and Rwf2 million.
The third charge of harassment connected to sexual favours attracts a sentence between one and two years and a fine ranging from 100,000 to Rwf200,000.
The Spokesperson of RIB, Murangira B Thierry has appealed on Rwandans to distance themselves from such crimes and victims of sexual abuse to defy odds and report their cases to RIB or nearby Isange One Stop Center.
“RIB requests the general public to shun these crimes because it won’t tolerate any offender. The bureau also urges those who might have experienced sexual abuse to set fears aside and file accusations to RIB. These crimes cannot be stamped out if offenders are not held accountable,” he said.
Dr. Murangira has also warned social media users mocking victims trying to reveal their ordeal reminding them that they might be held accountable because it can tamper with investigation.
Ishimwe started organizing Miss Rwanda in 2014 through his company dubbed Rwanda Inspiration BackUp.
In 2009, it was organized by the then Ministry of Sports and Culture before he took over.
The contest was later suspended for two years and resumed in 2012 organized by Mashirika Creative and Performing Arts Group.
Muhamadi Nshimiyimana, Risk and Compliance Officer at Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda has said that the company organizes annual commemoration events with a view to teach the youth about history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to prevent reoccurrence.
“Coming here to commemorate helps us to learn from the dark past and gain strength to rebuild the nation. It also equips us with knowledge helpful to desist propagandists denying and trivializing Genocide against Tutsi,” he said.
Claudine Mukakibibi, the Customer Service Manager at Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda whose parents are laid to rest at Kigali Genocide Memorial thanked the company’s management for dedicating time for commemoration.
Employees of Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda also laid wreaths to the grave of her parents.
“I am excited to see my colleagues standing in solidarity with me and laying wreaths at the grave in which my parents and other victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are buried,” she said.
The Managing Director of Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda, Annie Nibishaka has said that remembering Genocide against Tutsi helps to prevent reoccurrence.
“Today, we are here to commemorate victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and rebuilding through strengthening unity to prevent reoccurrence of what happened,” she said.
Nibishaka urged the young generation to draw their emphasis on activities meant to commemorate and build unity.
“I would like to call upon everyone here, especially the youth forming the majority of our employees to keep striving for peace, security and purpose-driven life. We must continue to stick to the good cause of building the future rooted on peace, unity and reconciliation,” he said.
Chantal Mudahogora, an expert in mental health and survivor of Genocide against Tutsi delivered a talk to employees of Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda revolving around mental health problems and trauma.
She explained that declining to seek medical attention when you have depression affect can worsen one’s health conditions.
Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda rebranded in February this year.
He made the revelation on 3rd May 2022 as Burundi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented achievements in the third quarter of the fiscal year between January and March 2022.
Minister Shingiro revealed that mending relations with Rwanda has been part of areas of priority.
“We stayed on track to mend relations with Rwanda. The journey is on good progress,” he said.
Shingiro has however explained that there are pending issues to be sorted out for relations to be fully normalized, particularly the issue of coup plot suspects that attempted to overthrow President Nkurunziza in 2015.
“Stopping the support to suspects who attempted to overthrow the leadership in 2015 hiding in Kigali will be a great symbol which will also change a lot along the journey to normalize relations,” he said.
Those people needed in Burundi to face justice include Gen Godefroid Niyombare for having commanded soldiers who opposed the Government in 2015.
Many Burundians fled to Rwanda as chaos escalated in Burundi following brutal attacks of Imbonerakure, a youth group linked to CNDD-FDD political party.
Rwanda maintains that many Burundians are sheltered as refugees who must be protected against deportation by international laws.
As part of efforts to mend relations, various leaders from Rwanda and Burundi have been meeting at different times.
The meetings saw both countries exchanging criminals including rebels from RED Tabara, a rebel group hostile to Burundi and others from FLN, a terror group intending to destabilize Rwanda.
President Paul Kagame recently sent a message to his counterpart of Burundi on restoring the two neighbouring countries’ relations.
The message was delivered by Rwanda’s Defence Minister, Maj Gen Albert Murasira to President Evariste Ndayishimiye at his palace in Gitega on 15th March 2022.
Maj Gen Murasira went to Burundi following the coming to Rwanda of Burundi’s Minister in charge of EAC Affairs, Youth, Culture and Sports, Amb. Ezéchiel Nibigira who conveyed a message from Ndayishimiye to President Kagame.
At the time, Rwanda’s Presidency revealed that their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations.
On another note, Rwanda accuses Burundi of supporting rebel groups intending to threaten its security including FDLR and FLN among others. These rebel outfits have been using Burundi’s ground for recruitment of new combatants to be trained in DRC forests.
Testimonies show that these combatants continue to use the country to plot attacks to Rwanda through Nyungwe National Park.
As he received oaths of new officials in February 2022, President Kagame said that there is a good progress on mending relations with Burundi.
“Starting with Burundi, our leaders have been meeting with Burundian counterparts. Recently, the President of Burundi sent envoys with a message, all aimed at continuing to improve the relations between our two countries. There is good progress that we are happy about,” he said.
“As we move forward, our bilateral relationship will continue to improve. Burundians and Rwandans will be living together as it used to be and should be. What used to be a security issue at the border in Kibira and Nyungwe , people who cross to attack Rwanda and then disappear in Kibira ; we are working with Burundi and are coming to an understanding to address this issue permanently,” Kagame added.
As both countries seek to normalize relations, Rwanda recently opened all land borders following long time of closure due to COVID-19 related restrictions.
However, Burundi has not yet given a go ahead for free movements on its side.
Burundi says that both countries need to address pending issues before reopening its borders.
Details of the incident emerged on Tuesday 3rd May 2022 around 6:00 p.m. when the daughter of the deceased identified as Nyiransabimana returned home from a market and found the house closed.
After failing to get inside the house, she asked a child to enter through a window to open the main door.
The daughter entered the house and found her father dead hanging with a rope around the neck.
The incident happened in Nyagakomba Village, Kanunu Village of Nyakabuye Sector of Rusizi District.
The executive secretary of Nyakabuye Sector, Ildephonse Ngamije has told IGIHE that the family once experienced properties related disputes ten years ago where the deceased’s wife accused her husband of abandoning responsibilities to feed the family. Ngamije has however revealed that such disputes seemed to have ended.
“He was found hanging with a rope around the neck. We are waiting for investigation findings from Rwanda Investigation Bureau to confirm whether he was hung or committed suicide,” he said.
Ngamije appealed on residents to avoid taking own lives irrespective of whatever circumstances.
The deceased was living with his wife aged 74, daughter Nyiransabimana and grandchild.
The Premier made the revelation as he officiated the opening ceremony of the 12th Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa, taking place in Kigali from 3rd to 7th May 2022.
Dr. Ngirente was representing President Paul Kagame at the ceremony that was also attended by the Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland.
The meeting brought together heads of anti-corruption agencies, government officials, representatives from international organizations in anti-corruption sectors and diplomats among others.
Themed “Combatting Corruption for Good Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa”, the meeting takes place at a time when Rwanda is making preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled in June 2022.
Premier Ngirente has said that the theme for this conference is very important because it is in line with the Africa’s Agenda 2063, “The Africa we want”, aspiration number 3, which provides for an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law.
He stated that it clearly illustrates the firm commitment of African leaders to uphold the culture of the rule of law and good governance.
Several reports have indicated that global corruption is now costing around USD 1 trillion annually. This has severe effects on the lives of people as the cost is very high and continues to weaken resilience of communities.
“This has severe effects on the lives of our people. This cost is very high and continues to weaken resilience of our communities,” said Premier Ngirente.
He explained that corruption creates economic distortions and hampers investments.
Dr. Ngirente also observed that investors who deserve a fair and competitive business environment will avoid investing in countries where there is a high level of corruption.
“In Rwanda, the political will to enhance transparency and accountability are key factors to implement a zero-tolerance approach against corruption,” he noted.
Premier Ngirente told participants that the Government of Rwanda adopted the performance contracts system in 2006 to promote accountability and transparency.
“Under this system, every year, Public Servants sign performance contracts with their managers/supervisors or heads of institution. This is done at all levels of administration, from the local district to ministries and embassies,” he said.
“In that spirit of preventing and fighting any form of corruption, the Government of Rwanda aims at using Information and Communication Technology [ICT] for delivering services to our citizens. So far, key government services are currently accessed online,” added Dr. Ngirente.
The Secretary General of Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland has said that corruption has many devastating effects and hinders countries’ journey to achieve sustainable development.
She underscored that fighting corruption requires collaboration and commitment by Commonwealth countries.
“We must develop and work simple mechanisms to recover ill-gotten assets lying in foreign jurisdictions. The collaboration must go beyond the anti-corruption agencies to the anti-money laundering agencies and tax authorities in the commonwealth countries,” she said.
“We can win the war against corruption through collaboration cooperation and through a whole of the Commonwealth approach and using transformative technologies,” added Scotland.
Pointing out on the severity of corruption, Scotland revealed that Africa loses US$50 billion annually that should be used in development programs.
{{Technology in fighting corruption }}
The latest report by Transparency International ranked Rwanda the 52nd country globally in fighting corruption and the 4th least corrupt African country.
The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2021 indicated that Rwanda scored 53% from 54% of 2020.
Rwanda’s Chief Ombudsman, Madeleine Nirere has said that political will has yielded good results noting that fighting corruption will continue to be given special attention under the bold vision of President of the Republic.
She explained that Rwanda has made great strides and wants to take the lead in global efforts to fight corruption by 2050.
Nirere highlighted that a lot has been achieved considering the extent at which technology was promoted in service delivery and e-procurement.
The Chief Ombudsman stressed that it reduced physical interactions between people seeking services and providers.
Among others, she explained that assets recovery efforts have been also fruitful overtime where Rwanda recovered Rwf6 billion in 2021 with a target to recover 92% of public assets from 82.5% of 2017.
Nirere has also called on the Heads of Anti-corruption Agencies to maintain strong collaboration with national, regional, and international partners, if they are to fulfill their goals of sustainable development.
Despite intensified efforts, the Chairperson of Transparency International Rwanda, Marie Immaculée Ingabire has observed that people continue to forge new tricks to solicit and offer bribes.
“Technology has played a role in reducing corruption but it doesn’t mean it was completely stamped out. For instance, it was apparent that the e-procurement was held in transparency at the onset but the efforts have stepped back. When we try to analyze the situation, we realize that selected bidders get advantaged and given information facilitating them to win. It is no longer necessary to sit together at the office. People can meet anywhere when they know each other. This is the new trick being used,” she said.
Ingabire further disclosed that lack of integrity and difficulties in getting evidences are among rampant challenges hindering efforts to stamp out corruption.
The Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies was established in 2011 to foster collaboration of the Nations.
The annual Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in The Commonwealth Africa in 2019 was held in Kampala, Uganda where Members agreed that the next Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa in 2020 would be hosted by Rwanda in partnership with The Commonwealth Secretariat.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Conferences of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa for 2020 and 2021 took place virtually.
This year’s conference comes to Rwanda following fruitful efforts to fight the pandemic globally.
The Association of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in The Commonwealth Africa is composed of Anti-Corruption Agencies from 18 African countries namely ; Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
The bag was stolen the previous night at a Milk Collection Centre in Mariba Village, Karambo Cell, Kanama Sector in Rubavu District where it was kept.
The bag was stolen when the victim, Kirsten Dodroe together with other 10 students of UGHE, were touring Gishwati National Park.
The Western region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi said that the items were recovered from two suspected thieves identified as Vedaste Nshimiyimana, 27, and Theogene Tuyishime, 18, who were also arrested.
Tuyishime is an employee at the milk collection center while Nshimiyimana is a herdsman.
“Police first arrested Tuyishime, who disclosed Nshimiyimana as his accomplice and who was hiding the bag.
Nshimiyimana was located and arrested in Muhanda Sector, Ngororero District with the stolen bag, which contained assorted valuables including clothes,” SP Karekezi said.
At the time of his arrest, Nshimiyimana was also found in possession of 10 pellets of cannabis.
The suspects were handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) at Kanama station for further legal process while the recovered bag was returned to the rightful owner, who thanked Rwanda National Police (RNP) for the swiftness.
Article 166 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general provides that any person convicted for theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than two years and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Frw2 million, community service in a period of six months or only one of these penalties.
In article 167, the penalty for theft doubles if the offender committed the crime through burglary, climbing or possession of keys other than the owner; the theft is carried out during the night or the theft is carried out by more than one (1) person.
The Ministerial order nº 001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorization classifies cannabis in the category of “very severe narcotics.’’
Article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person who, in any way, eats, drinks, injects himself/herself, inhales or one who anoints oneself with psychotropic substances, is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years or subject to a penalty of community service.
The virtual and physical meeting included a session for experts, the heads of military and police components session as well as the ministers’ session.
It analyzed and discussed the regional political and security situation in some of its eleven member countries.
They also examined the operationalization of the Committee of Elders, and link documents that will regulate the Multinational Force of Central African Economic Community of member states (FOMAC).
The meeting was in line with the revised protocol of the Central African Region Peace and Security Council (COPAX) adopted in December 2019.
ECCAS aims to develop capacities to maintain peace, security, and stability as essential prerequisites for economic and social development; to develop physical, economic, and monetary integration; to develop a culture of human integration and to establish an autonomous financing mechanism for ECCAS.
During the meeting, an entrepreneur identified as Marie Ange Ingabire is among participants who voiced concerns over faced hindrances while exporting agricultural produce.
She heads a company dubbed Tropi Wanda Ltd which exports horticultural produce including fruits and avocadoes.
Initially, Ingabire started exporting five tonnes of avocadoes per week which have increased to 20 tonnes.
She however expressed concerns over the issue of freight aircrafts and insufficient cold rooms.
The female entrepreneur revealed that she sometimes wins tender to supply ten tonnes of avocadoes but informed by the national carrier, RwandAir that its capacity is limited carrying five tonnes.
Besides, Ingabire disclosed that her products are more likely to get damaged before exportation because there are not enough cold rooms.
President Paul Kagame said that the issue was discussed for long that it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Clare Akamanzi, the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) said that she is aware of the issue where RwandAir could not find a cargo aircraft.
“I have learnt that the aircraft has been obtained through Qatar Airways,” noted Akamanzi.
Qatar Airways is under process to acquire 49% shares in RwandAir.
The Government of Rwanda is expending much effort to solve the issue of cold rooms but the ground to be developed for related facilities was handed over to vaccine manufacturers as a priority.
Some of resolutions of the meeting include fast-tracking the construction of a leather factory which will particularly produce shoes.
The meeting also resolved on building Rwandans’ capacity to be standby and confront existing and possible future challenges with a view to promote home grown solutions.
Another resolution of the meeting is about increasing investment that creates more jobs drawing emphasis on local production, promoting the quality and use of local products and expanding their presence to foreign markets.
The congress agreed on completely addressing lingering challenges in service delivery particularly among hotels and adopting measures to oversee implementation countrywide.
Among others, the meeting resolved to increase infrastructures particularly in the education and health sectors, and draw much attention to areas in the vicinity of Rwanda’s borders so that residents can get all services closer to their doorsteps inside the country.
It was also resolved to address issues affecting family’s wellbeing including domestic conflicts, carelessness on parenting duty, malnutrition leading to stunting and various diseases, poor hygiene, school dropouts among children, drug abuse and related consequences.
The meeting resolved to mobilize the youth and Rwandans at large to prevent and fight sexual transmitted diseases and teen pregnancies.
Another resolution is about completely eradicating gender based violence and human trafficking and bring offenders to justice.
As the farmers testified, they had had low produce compared to expended efforts and investment. As a result, farmers would not get enough for households’ consumption and remained under the line of poverty.
Conservation agriculture is defined as a farming system that promotes minimum soil disturbance, maintenance of a permanent soil cover, and diversification of plant species.
The system also involves crops rotation and appropriate intercropping in a way that prevents soil degradation.
Farmers say that the system has helped them to produce nearly a double compared to yields they used to harvest before.
With increased yields, farmers’ livelihoods have improved that they are able to meet household needs, became food sufficient and make surplus for the market.
Zirida Nyirahabimana, one of the farmers has said that conservation agriculture generates huge returns and reduces the quantity of fertilizers.
“Before adopting the new system, I used to harvest only 70 kilograms of beans which have increased to 110. The produce contributed to our economic growth and improved wellbeing. I have subscribed to Mutuelle de Santé, provided school fees for two students owing to conservation agriculture,” she said.
Another farmer identified as Beatha Nyirantezimana has disclosed that the farming system has been very beneficial as they no longer struggle to get seeds.
“The produce from my garden has increased from 400 to 750 kilograms. I have been using part of the produce for home consumption and reserve the rest to get seeds. Besides, the quantity of fertilizers I would use apply has reduced by almost a half,” she noted.
Eustache Harerimana, the Board Chairman of Peace and Development Network (PDN), an organization which closely works with these farmers in capacity building programs has said that the time has come for farmers to be equipped with best practices to conserve soil that has been exploited for long.
“It is apparent that the soil was under use for long where it has deteriorated and resulted into low yields. We help farmers to preserve the soil to be more productive,” he stated.
John Twiringiyumukiza, a technical advisor at Tearfund and Canadian Foodgrains Bank in central Africa has reiterated commitment to continue mobilizing farmers to stick to conservation agriculture because it has proved to be beneficial to the environment and lead to increased produce.
“We want to reach hit than 60,000 farmers practicing conservation agriculture in the next five years. It will be of critical relevance towards increased yields and environment preservation,” he said.
The Executive Director of Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Andy Harrington who is on a visit to Rwanda has stated that they will continue to work with organizations reinforcing farmers to embrace conservation agriculture and the government to make the program a success.
He also promised maintained collaboration with farmers to promote the farming system which is promising to mitigate climate change effects without soil degradation and contribute to farmers’ improved wellbeing.
The accident happened on Monday 2nd May 2022 in Rushagara Village, Rubona Cell of Nyamyumba Sector nearby a place where an international port is under construction.
It is said that the accident took place as the truck moved backward as it was being offloaded.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Acting Executive Secretary of Nyamyumba Sector, Niyomugabo has confirmed the accident.
“The truck was transporting sand to the construction site of a new port around 9:00 a.m. It was parked at a steep part of the road yet it carried heavy loads which triggered the incident. The truck overturned and fell on a resident’s house. The house’s owner was injured along with two daughters and the driver. They have been taken to Gisenyi Hospital,” he said.
Similar accidents claimed two lives and injured 30 in the districts of Gatsibo and Kamonyi in the last two months.
