He was received by the Task Force Battle Group (TF BG) Comd, Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi who briefed him on the current security situation in Chai – Macomia District.
In his remarks, the Governor of Cabo Delgado commended the work done by the Joint Forces in fighting Al Shabaab in Cabo Delgado. He said that it was now clear that the security situation has normalised in the province.
He further said that the population would soon fully return to their homes.
Rwandan security forces have been deployed to Cabo Delgado’s Macomia district since 30th March 2022, to carry out joint operations with SADC/SAMIM and FADM for some time after having held joint meetings in Mocímboa da Praia and in Pemba.
The security of Macomia is the responsibility of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).
Kibaki breathed the last on 22nd April at the age of 90. The state funeral service took place on Friday, one day before his burial at his ancestral home in Othaya of Nyeri County on Saturday 30th April 2022.
Premier Ngirente attended the ceremony to pay last respects to Kibaki along with various heads of States and governments.
Emilio Stanley Mwai Kibaki was born on 15th November 1931.
He is survived by four children: Judy Wanjiku, Jimmy Kibaki, David Kagi and Tony Githinji.
President Kibaki was the only surviving former president after the second president Daniel Moi died in 2020.
His career started in the lecture halls of Makerere University and later in KANU as the executive officer.
The journey took him to the Treasury as the country’s second Finance minister after Mr James Gichuru, a job which thrust him into the international limelight.
Some key projects he initiated during his time at the Treasury include Mumias and Nzoia sugar mills, Webuye Pan Paper , construction of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret-Malaba highway.
Kibaki had a bachelor’s degree in economics and boasted a political career spanning two eras — the Jomo Kenyatta and Moi administrations. He took power as third President at the age of 71.
His experience as the Finance minister for 12 years and VP for 10 years sharpened and prepared him for the presidency.
The bank loan acquired during the construction of Dove Hotel belonging to ADEPR is among heavy burdens the church is dealing with.
The loan is equivalent to Rwf3 billion as the church’s Executive Secretary, Herman Budigiri disclosed during a press briefing on Friday 29th April 2022.
He explained that the church initially paid the interest rate that the outstanding balance currently stands at Rwf2 billion.
Despite the fact the hotel is operational, the management says that the debt is huge enough and cannot be paid in a short time span.
Budigiri has said that the church has had more debts including more than Rwf600 million in land tax arrears paid gradually where the unsettled amount is Rwf58 million.
Other debts include delayed payments of other bank loans due to effects of COVID-19 which left churches closed for quite some time.
“We are delighted for having negotiated with banks last year to agree on how the payments will be cleared. We are currently paying well even though the effects of COVID-19 have affected the church’s resources,” he said.
Pastor Isaïe Ndayizeye heading ADEPR, has said that the church is making possible efforts to avoid debts and put much emphasis on clearing the outstanding.
They are Theophile Ndayishimiye and Narcisse Murengera, who were arrested separately at their respective shops in Inyamibwa Village, Bibare Cell, Kimironko Sector in Gasabo District with assorted quantities of the banned oils and creams.
Ndayishimiye was taken into custody after police found 127 pieces of skin bleaching products in his shop. Equally, the arrest of Murengera came after 120 pieces of assorted skin whitening cosmetics were recovered in his shop.
It is the second time that Murengera has been arrested for the same crime. He was arrested in January this year for selling the harmful cosmetics and completed his sentence, recently.
The two suspects have been handed over to RIB at Kimironko station.
There are 1,342 listed cream and oil brands with hydroquinone and mercury, which are prohibited in Rwanda.
Article 266 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general, states that any person, who produces, sells, or prescribes harmful products; cosmetics or body hygiene substance or any other products derived from plants, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she 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 Rwf3 million and not more than Rwf5 million or one of these penalties.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that enforcement of the law against skin whitening creams and oils is a continuous process, and warned traders against this unlawful business.
“Many people have been arrested, and operations are still going on in different parts of the country targeting shops and people suspected to be trafficking them into the country,” CP Kabera said.
He added: “We are aware that these outlawed products are trafficked into the country and transported to their customers in small quantities, but they should also be aware that the people in areas where they operate are the eyes and ears of the Police; they report these unlawful acts.”
At Buckingham Palace, Amb. Busingye delivered to the Queen a message of warm greetings and best wishes from President Paul Kagame, reaffirmed the strong relationship and partnership between Rwanda and UK and discussed the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled in June 2022 in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
After presenting credentials, Amb. Busingye was hosted to a reception which was attended by Ambassadors, the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, friends of Rwanda and Rwandan Community Leaders from across the UK.
Speaking at the event, Amb. Busingye said that ‘it was a privilege to have a wide-ranging conversation with Her Majesty the Queen’. Of particular interest, he said, was the upcoming CHOGM2022 summit.
Amb. Busingye revealed that preparations are on track noting that Rwanda looks forward to seeing many guests in Kigali where they can expect a warm welcome.
He presented credentials after recent partnership where Rwanda accepted to accommodate asylum seekers staying in UK illegally.
Amb. Busingye underscored that the Migration and Economic Development Partnership ‘will prioritise the dignity and safety of migrants, whilst investing in Rwanda’s economic development– creating professional and personal opportunities for both migrants and Rwandans alike’.
He revealed that Rwanda already hosts refugees from the region, the continent and from other nations such as Afghanistan where the intervention when people are in distress ‘defines who we are as a country and as a people’.
Amb. Busingye also took participants of the event through a ground-breaking Visit Rwanda partnership with Arsenal Football Club.
“We want as many people as possible to holiday, stay or do business in Rwanda. Most of all we want everyone who comes to Rwanda to never forget their experience,” he noted.
The envoy also reiterated commitment to work with fellow diplomats during his tour of duty and to strengthening the bonds between respective countries.
It is the birthplace of Félicien Kabuga, a mastermind of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi charged with seven counts including five related to genocide; genocide, complicity in genocide, director and public incitement to commit genocide, attempt to commit genocide and conspiracy to commit genocide.
Other charges are persecution and extermination, both as crimes against humanity.
Arrested on 16th May 2020, Kabuga is known as the Chief Financier of Genocide against Tutsi. He was a wealthy businessman and core member of the Akazu (a small powerful circle of ideologues that masterminded the Genocide). He was also the founding president of the board of shareholders of hate radio RTLM, which incited killings.
Kabuga is detained in La Haye, the Netherlands but his trial has not yet started in substance.
Born in 1935, Kabuga was a renowned businessman who made big fortunes since his adolescence in Mugina. It is said that he was involved in the business of drugs for livestock treatment, leather, coffee and second hand clothes.
He was an intimate friend of the family of former President Juvénal Habyarimana who led the government which prepared and executed the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Their close friendship deepened further as they became co-fathers in law.
The two daughters of Kabuga were married to sons of Juvénal Habyarimana.
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At Mugina small village hill where Kabuga grew up, stands a multi-storey building built by Kabuga in collaboration with his brother, Nsanzumuhire as sources revealed.
Apart from the one storey building and extensions built for Kabuga’s parents and other relatives, there is a detached house in which Kabuga lived with his family.
His relatives include Martin Katabarwa said to be a very close relative having roots from one grandfather. He has said that Habyarimana used to visit Kabuga with whom they shared drink at the place.
“It did not happen very often but he used to come here. They would exchange ideas seated in that bungalow,” he said.
Katabarwa revealed that Habyarimana often visited Kabuga in evening hours and shared drinks.
“They used to hold private talks. Other people would be isolated from their discussions,” he said.
The House is built in Nyange Village, Gatenga Cell of Mukarange Sector. It is said that the house was built in 1970 but is currently unoccupied. It is a large house with 12 rooms with bathrooms and toilets inside.
The sitting room of the house is decorated with different paintings but the ceiling has deteriorated.
The bungalow in which Kabuga and Habyarimana used to share ‘a glass of beer’ is in the garden adjacent to the main building.
The garden is currently planted with maize. Next to the building, one can see the kitchen and house for domestic servants.
The committee unveiled on 28th April 2022 is not new as it existed since 2015 at every court’s level but had no specific guidelines determining its functioning.
These committees were established as part of efforts to reinforce courts’ efforts in fighting corruption.
Previously, the committee would be elected by colleagues at court level unlike the recent reforms where there will be permanent workers in charge with specific responsibilities.
The President of the Supreme Court, Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo has said that corruption is part of crimes that negatively affect peace, security, sustainable development, democracy, human rights and prompts citizens to loose trust for leaders.
“It also deprives victims and accused suspects of their basic rights like access to fair trial,” he said.
“These effects of corruption talked about briefly, pushed the Government of Rwanda to take measures to fight the vice in general. Besides, the judicial system has not been left behind along the journey given that thwarting corruption in the judiciary needs special attention, “added Dr. Ntezilyayo.
In light of these efforts, Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo revealed that strict measures have been put in place. These include the adoption of technology in judiciary’s services which helped to close loopholes through reducing physical interactions between accused suspects, plaintiffs and judges and facilitated the process of following up updates on court cases.
Dr. Ntezilyayo also explained that an annual week dedicated for the fight against corruption is set to be established with a view to regularly remind each other on the adverse consequences of corruption and pro-active measures.
Among others, he said that the judiciary plans to unveil the Inspectorate of Courts which will oversee courts’ activities and promote ethical practices among courts’ employees.
The Chief Ombudsman, Madeleine Nirere has commended the judiciary for establishing the committee highlighting that Rwandans expect a lot from them to streamline service delivery and accountability.
The Executive Director of Transparency International Rwanda, Apollinaire Mupiganyi said that other sectors should follow the suit.
“This initiative has touched me because it shows the commitment of the judiciary to prevent and stamp out corruption in our country,” he said.
Mupiganyi stressed that these committees need to determine special processes to gather information on corruption and protect sources among others.
The latest report by Transparency Rwanda on the prevalence of corruption among judges indicates that it stood at 8.3% in 2019, 6.6% in 2020 and 6.4% in 2021.
The agreement was signed on Thursday 28th April 2022 between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta and UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan who is on a visit to Rwanda along with accompanying delegation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINAFFET) has revealed that Minister Biruta and Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan also held discussions on boosting economic cooperation.
The Government of Rwanda recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The MoU was signed in Dubai in the morning of Wednesday 2nd February 2022 as Rwanda participated in Dubai Expo 2020.
Rwanda and UAE enjoy existing relations and cooperation in different areas including education.
In September last year, President Kagame visited Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE where he participated in the 2021 World Policy Conference (WPC).
The conference is organized by Swiss foundation known as ‘WPC Foundation’. This international conference acts as a forum for discussion and reflection about the global economy and international relations.
On the second day of his visit, Kagame met with Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Board of the Emirates Identity Authority for discussions on bilateral cooperation.
At the time, the President also met with Khedaim Abdulla Saeed Faris Al-Darei, the Co-founder, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al Dahra Holding LLC to discuss various investment opportunities.
Al Dahra Holding LLC is a company involved in the processing of agricultural produce.
Rwanda is among 192 countries that participated in Dubai Expo from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022. The country showcased its touristic attractions, development journey and made sales of Made in Rwanda products including agricultural produce.
The first cohort of beneficiaries are high school students aged between 16 and 20.
Skills to be provided under the 8 weeks program include networking, self-awareness, self-confidence, critical thinking, pitching and public speaking, self-management and teamwork among others.
According to Ambassador of Israel to Rwanda, Dr. Ron Adam, the initiative stemmed from the fact that while performing well in class is a good and important thing, students need other soft skills to help them unlock their potentials to the fullest.
“There are plenty of young people here who have potentials and good ideas, but can’t confidently express themselves and pitch their ideas to prospects. As a result, their ideas do not materialize, and this is a loss to them and the community at large. Birashoboka Mentorship Hub comes to provide these kind of skills to young people, and with time we expect to see a difference,” he said.
This was also echoed by Tristan Murenzi, Founder and Chairperson of Rwanda We Want.
He said: “We hope that Birashoboka Mentorship Program will impact the lives of young Rwandans because they have a great potential, they just need a push to exploit it and Birashoboka will do that.”
The initiative is being run in collaboration with Resonate Workshops, Bridge2Rwanda, Igire Rwanda Organization and iDebate Rwanda.
Meanwhile, students who are part of the first cohort have expressed optimism, saying they hope to gain a lot from the program.
“Usually I am a shy person, and I rarely speak in front of people. I hope that this program will boost my self-esteem and equip me with public speaking skills that will help me both at school and in the life after school,” said Dylan Nizeyimana, a senior four student at Groupe Scolaire Rugando.
“Networking always gives me hard time. I find myself only talking to those in my circle. From this program, I expect to learn networking skills that will help me to easily connect with people and eventually learn from them one or two things,” Jolly Nyirahategekimana, a 17-year old senior five student at the same school explained.
Also present at the event held on 28th April 2022, was Prof. Nshuti Manasseh, the State Minister in charge of East African Community (EAC) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINAFFET); the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Clare Akamanzi and the Senior Economic Advisor to the President of the Republic, Francis Gatare.
Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan who is on a visit to Rwanda was also received by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta with whom they held talks and signed cooperation agreements.
MINAFFET has revealed that Minister Biruta and Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan discussed on boosting economic cooperation between the two countries and signed an Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation.
Rwanda is among 192 countries that participated in Dubai Expo from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022. The country showcased its touristic attractions, development journey and made sales of Made in Rwanda products including agricultural produce.
On 28th April, Kagame also held talks with Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso, the Minister of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public-Private Partnership of the Republic of Congo and Minister of Women Promotion and Women’s Integration to Development, Ines Nefer Ingani.
The delegation which has been Rwanda since 25th April 2022 presented a brief overview of their mission to President Kagame with whom they discussed the implementation of signed bilateral agreements during the recent visit of Kagame to Congo Brazzaville from 11th to13th April 2022.
They were signed in the sectors of economic partnership, mining, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) handcrafts, culture and arts among others.
At the time, both parties agreed to establish a joint committee to oversee their implementation.
Rwanda and Congo enjoy relations and cooperation in the areas of diplomacy and politics. In August 2016, Rwanda opened embassy in the country which also oversees its interests in the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC).
Minister Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso and Ines Nefer Ingani arrived in Kigali on 25th April 2022. On the next day, they visited Kigali Genocide Memorial where Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso left a message in the visitor’s book commending President Kagame for having reunited Rwandans to live in harmony after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Denis Christel was also received by the CEO of RDB, Clare Akamanzi and held discussions focusing on promoting investment between both countries.
They agreed to set up a platform bringing together traders from Rwanda and Congo Brazzaville.
Among others, Denis Christel held talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta; Minister of Trade and Industry, Béata Habyarimana and the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana.
The delegation from Congo also visited Kigali Special Economic Zone in Masoro where they toured factories including Volkswagen and Crystal Ventures.
