The Spokesperson of Burundian President, Evelyne Butoyi, who did not disclose details of the message, has said that the visit is part of normalization of bilateral ties between the two countries.
Recently on 10th January 2022, President Paul Kagame received a delegation led by Burundi’s Minister in charge of EAC Affairs, Youth, Culture and Sports, Amb. Ezéchiel Nibigira with a message from his counterpart Évariste Ndayishimiye.
At the time, Rwanda’s Presidency revealed that these leaders held discussions on strengthening bilateral relations.
The visit adds up to commendable steps that both countries have been making to restore relations that deteriorated since 2015.
In 2015, a group of Burundian soldiers attempted to overthrow the then President Pierre Nkurunziza but the plan was nullified. Since then, Burundi accused Rwanda of accommodating suspects behind the failed coup plot. Rwanda has however been insisting that the individuals are considered as refugees who must be protected against deportation by international laws.
The political mishap later halted cooperation and free movements between both countries.
Despite misunderstandings that have characterized both countries, both countries are promising to bring the situation back to normal for mutual benefits.
There has been commendable progress to bring the situation back to normal since Ndayishimiye was installed in 2020.
Towards the end of August 2020, both countries’ heads of military intelligence met at Nemba One stop border post to discuss issues of security along their common border.
The discussions were held under the auspices of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM), a regional military framework under the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and was aimed at finding solutions on security incidents along the common border that have strained the relations between the two countries.
The Heads of both the Rwandan and Burundian delegation said the meeting was a good opportunity for exchange on the existing security problems and finding solutions and will contribute to bring trust between the two countries.
In October 2020, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Dr. Vincent Biruta met with his Burundian counterpart Amb. Albert Shingiro and his delegation at at Nemba where they expressed willingness on restoring bilateral ties.
Last year in October 2021, Governors from Rwanda and Burundi held discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation between both countries.
During the same year, Burundi handed over to Rwanda, 11 combatants of the National Liberation Front (FLN) apprehended on its land.
Through the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM), Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) also handed over 19 combatants of RED-Tabara to Burundi. RED-Tabara is an armed group hostile to the Burundian government.
The Tourism and Hospitality industry was and continues to be a priority sector in Rwanda’s development agenda. Yet, the economic effects of COVID-19 have deeply affected the sector. It is against this backdrop, that Tourism Inc. continues to support the future champions of the sector. It is more important than ever to invest in these youth-led businesses to ensure they have the tools needed to develop their businesses and thrive in a post-COVID world.
The program seeks to create an engaging environment for participating entrepreneurs and ensures they receive a suite of practical support to turn their innovative tourism start-ups into sector champions in Rwanda. This support includes training on a range of key business skills, coaching to enable practical application of these learnings into their businesses, and practical resources including workspace and access to financing.
It is this wrap-around offering that has earned Tourism Inc. a reputation as a top incubation program that harnesses ideas and instills competencies that result in market success for its participants. Presently, Tourism Inc. has graduated 109 businesses and 67% of them are led by female owners. Tourism Inc. is currently in its fifth edition of the cohort and will soon be recruiting its sixth edition.
For its sixth cohort, 25 young entrepreneurs will be selected to join the Tourism Inc. program. They will receive six months of the right mix of technical skills, financing, and mentorship to help them grow their businesses.
The participants will also benefit from free co-working space and prototype incentives aimed at supporting the launch/growth of participating businesses. At the end of the program, the top five entrepreneurs will receive seed funding to help further expand their ventures.
ESP is now accepting applications for the sixth cohort of this exciting program.
{{Applicants who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:}}
● Must be a start-up (have a minimum viable product or be in business for less than five years) in the Tourism and Hospitality value chain (i.e., including suppliers to the sector)
● Must be a young person (18-35 years old)
● Must be based in Rwanda
● Must have a commitment to engage in activities and complete the program
● Women entrepreneurs are highly encouraged to apply
ESP will host online information sessions to provide interested potential participants with further details on the program and on how to apply.
For further information, interested individuals can visit the ESPartners website: [{{espartners.co}} ->https://espartners.co/] or Contact ESPartners Rwanda by email at thincubation@espartners.co
Application link: https://bit.ly/TOURISMINC6
{{About Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners}}
Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESP) aims to enable innovative, scalable, and profitable enterprises to build prosperity. Our mission is “to foster entrepreneurial solutions for prosperity.” ESP enables people, firms, institutions, and nations to articulate and implement solutions to their economic challenges.
ESP’s approach is to provide Intelligent Capital™—the right combination of insights and capital—to address critical societal issues. We provide consulting and strategic advisory services to diverse clients, including governments, businesses, and development partners in Africa. We support innovative models and provide leadership training and entrepreneurial boot camps. With offices in Abidjan and Kigali, ESP has been in operation since 2011.
{{About Mastercard Foundation}}
The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and management.
Lt Gen Muhoozi who is the first born son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni visited the memorial in the morning of Tuesday 15th March 2022.
He arrived in Rwanda on Monday 14th March 2022. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, Lt Gen Muhoozi was received by Chargé d’Affaires at Uganda’s Embassy in Kigali, Anne Katusiime; the Commandant of Republican Guard, Brigadier General Willy Rwagasana and the Spokesperson of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Col Ronald Rwivanga.
On Monday evening, he was hosted by President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro for discussions on bilateral relations.
Lt Gen Muhoozi has come to Rwanda for the second time as part of efforts to mend ties between the two neighboring countries.
He was last in Rwanda on 22nd January 2022 for talks with President Kagame.
Rwanda, Uganda relations worsened since 2017.
In March 2019, the Government of Rwanda officially advised citizens not to travel to Uganda for their security following testimonies of over 1000 Rwandans tortured and deported from Uganda.
Gatuna border was also closed in 2019 following Rwanda’s concerns over Uganda’s support to dissidents intending to threaten its security and series of arrests of Rwandans incarcerated illegally in the country.
Political analysts say that recent discussions with President Kagame have bore fruits leading to a step further towards restoring relations to normal.
Following the visit, Rwanda announced that Gatuna border connecting the country to Uganda would reopen effective from 31st January 2022 following the country’s willingness to address issues raised by Rwanda.
The move was followed by the reopening of all land borders on 7th March 2022.
Passengers crossing to Uganda are required to present different travel documents including Passport and Laissez – Passer.
The country has also requested passengers living far from the borders to present negative COVID-19 PCR Test Results. However, residents nearby the borders with Uganda are allowed to present Rapid Test.
Gen Kazura and accompanying delegation arrived in France on Monday for an official visit from 14th to 17th March 2022.
Gen Burkhard has via Twitter handle revealed that he hosted his Rwandan counterpart on Monday 14th March 2022 for discussions on different issues including security.
“yesterday, I held talks with my counterpart of Rwanda, Gen Kazura. We discussed on security situation in Central and Southern Africa as well as cooperation between Rwanda and French Armies,” he said.
Gen Kazura was accompanied by three senior military officials from RDF on the visit.
These include Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa, the Head of International Military Cooperation ; Brig Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, RDF Head of Military Intelligence and Col Jean Chrysostome Ngendahimana, RDF Chief J3 (in Charge of Operation and Training).
According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, bilateral discussions between Gen Kazura and his counterpart of France are centered around opportunities to revive and strengthen Defence Cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Also discussed were regional and global security dynamics.
The event was organized to celebrate efforts made by women in every sector of society including leadership, governments, civil society, private sector, entrepreneurs, trade unions, artists, academia and social influencers.
According to Ange Kalisa in charge of gender in the community of Rwandans living in Texas, the challenges that women face begin from their youthful innocence into adulthood and resilience becomes tender “But this is why we are here today to champion our cause and make our voices heard, we are here to take charge and lead! We want to be equal and have a say in our own lives. We are strong, we are smart, and we are talented.”
The celebration served as a platform to reflect on the contribution of women in social transformation and to discuss on how to push further urgent action and accountability while overcoming the challenges.
The event featured panel discussions for an engaging environment and expounded on various issues affecting the society, particularly women.
The panelists shared experiences on various topics including youth engagement through pandemic and beyond, the opportunities for women in science and technology, business among others.
Anysie Uwimana an expert in health care expounded on problems women face both at home and in their communities, these include oppression and submission in families, which lead to a dysfunctional family, judgement and criticism.
Uwimana called on audience to take action adding, “We have to speak up against oppression in our own homes; we have to discourage cultures that puts girls and women. We have to act against disparities in our home through actions and we have to have family meetings to address what is bothering family members through communication. Adding that women need to have openness and agree to seek a help through counseling, therapies.
Yvonne Umugwaneza, a licensed Masters Social Worker commented on growing cases of depressions among youth as a result of communication skills gap.
“Our children spend nine hours on social media, that’s where they learn communication. Number one, they lack interpersonal communication because they hardly talk to people they are always with their gadgets. Number two, they lack intercultural communication because they do not learn from their culture or at least the culture of their communities. They feel misunderstood but it’s actually that they are not equipped with the proper tools to understand the communication surrounding them.”
Drawing an example from her personal experience as someone who grew up in Belgium without the love of her country, Sandrine Maziyateke, the director of the Rwanda Community Abroad in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation called for parents to take their children to visit Rwanda, to learn the culture and discover so many wonderful things happening there. Adding this will definitely break the barrier of lack of identity.
“How are we engaging our youth to get to discover their identity? Their country of origin, “When they see their country and the opportunities around them they will love it.” She added that if children love social media, parents could use it “to engage them and get to know where they come from, to visit Rwanda.”
Sue Meeks, a business owner challenged women to discover their talents and embrace opportunities around them against all odds.
“Your journey is different from your mother’s, your sister’s, is different from your friends. You are on different stages; no one knows what is best for you except you. “Navigate bad advices to transcend into something positive. […] Look to your left, look to your right what relationships do you have that you can leverage what can you do now with what you’ve got even though it is so small”
Talking about gender based violence, Prof. Boatama Mosupyoe Associate Dean of Resource and Program Management at California State University Sacramento, raised concerns affecting women including sex trafficking where women are taken from one place to the other with an understanding that they are going for better opportunities but when they reach to those places they are subjected to sexual abuse.”
Because of language barriers, he added, they fail to seek legal help in the new country.
Prof. Boatama depicted Rwanda as good example of women empowerment across the world “when I teach my students and ask them which country has the most women in parliament […] they take me to Europe and I bring them back to Rwanda…”
Ambassador of Rwanda in the United States of America Mathilde Mukantabana said that Rwanda removed structural barriers that women used to face. She challenged the audience to take part in breaking social norms that are still one of the major challenges.
“In Rwanda, we have removed all barriers that women used to face. Women have been included in different sectors even in Government and economic empowerment. We only need to change one thing: is social norms. Kids learn on the laps of their parents, the way you treat women is the same way your sons will treat them.”
Amb. Mathilde reminded Rwandan diaspora to heed of the growing influence of diaspora groups across the world.
“We do not have to wait for someone to organize us when we are already organized, we should take charge and lead the way and also partner with others as we cross boundaries of race, color and have human solidarity that will help us to promote our cause,” she said.
Speaking about youth and self-identity, Amb. Mathilde called on parents to take their children to Rwanda to learn the culture of their country. She also proposed a cultural training in the communities as an alternative to enable young people to learn language, patriotism, social relations, sports, dancing, songs, etc. “This is even something you can organize in your host communities, in your homes, it’ strong possible.”
The colorful event that featured performances by Rwandan artists like Intore Masamba, The Ben and Dallas-based traditional dancers and fashion show attracted not only Rwandans but also friends of Rwanda.
Around 250 people attended the event with over 2500 following it online.
Rwanda considers its citizens living abroad as a relevant and integral constituency of the country and recognizes the vital role they play in its political and socio-economic development.
According to Sandrine Maziyateke, USRCA global remittances to Rwanda totaled to $ 274 million in 2020. 37 % went to family and household support, 24 % to education (tuition) while16 % was for construction of houses.
On the sidelines of the event, leaders of United States Rwanda Community abroad (USRCA) met a day before in a retreat to discuss how to further their contribution to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation, maintaining a healthy, united community & strengthening ties with the US.
Mr. Yehoyada Mbangukira, president of USRCA reminded community leaders to revisit and reflect on USRCA vision for a better performance. “This is why we have been entrusted with leading our communities”.
Amb. Mathilde Mukantabana, with reference to African Union’s agenda 2063, tasked the leaders of USRCA to set sound strategies to position themselves and make their voice heard globally while connecting with their country to capitalize on their potential.
Twenty female Police officers, on Monday, March 14, started a week-long training on preventing the recruitment and use of children as soldiers, at the Regional Centre of Excellence on Gender-Based Violence and Child Abuse in Kacyiru.
The training, the second of its kind, is conducted by Rwanda National Police (RNP) in partnership with the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security.
The Dallaire Institute, whose African Centre of Excellence is based in Rwanda, works to end the recruitment and use of children as soldiers globally.
Gen (rtd) Romeo Dallaire is a Canadian, who commanded the UN peacekeeping force that was deployed in Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
It is part of the partnership between RNP and Dallaire Institute signed in 2019 in preventing the recruitment and use of children as soldiers around the world.
The basic training course looks at the impacts of conflict on children, detention and handover of children, and security sector actors and children in conflict.
While opening the course, Commissioner for Training and Development, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Safari Uwimana, said that RNP as a law enforcement institution, prioritizes among others, protection of children against any form of violence and abuse.
“Protection of children against any form of violence and abuse is a responsibility that should be upheld by all, an obligation that Rwanda as a country and RNP as an institution gives due attention,” ACP Uwimana said.
“As a major troop and police contributing country to the United Nations peace operations, Rwanda’s peacekeeping apparatus embodies the values of UN peacekeeping, including respect for Human Rights, ensuring protection of civilians and rights of children not to be recruited and used as soldiers. This is a major component within the overall Human Rights spectrum,” he added.
He added that the course will continue to build a solid foundation for training of RNP officers on this critical and very relevant domain.
On her part, Francisca Mujawase, the Acting Director at the Dallaire Institute for Peace and Security – African Center of Excellence, said that course was organized to enhance knowledge and skills that should support women in peacekeeping to increase readiness to respond to the issue of child soldiers.
“The rationale for this training is very pertinent because child soldier is a global concern and Rwanda is a leading advocacy in efforts to end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict situation,” Mujawase said.
She added: “Child Soldiers is a global issue and we believe that the prevention approach starts with the security sector actors. This training aims at enhancing knowledge and skills on how they can interact better and also make sure that children are protected in case they meet them… Children to be seen as the victims not perpetrators.
The 10th PSCSC intake is attended by Police officers from eight African countries, namely; Kenya, Namibia, Malawi, Tanzania, South Sudan, Somalia, Zambia and Rwanda, the host.
Rwandan students include those from RNP, RIB and RCS.
On their first day of the tour, which is part of the one-year course, the Police students visited the Ministry of Internal Security, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Kigali Special Economic Zone, Volkswagen Rwanda, Mara Phone and Mango C&D Product Rwanda Ltd.
While briefing the students at the Ministry of Internal Security, the Permanent Secretary (PS) Benjamin Sesonga, explained on how the ministry was set up and its main responsibilities.
The PS gave them an overview of the Ministry, which was established in July 1994, then as the Ministry of Interior and Territorial Development, later renamed the Ministry of Interior, Territorial Development, Rehabilitation and Reintegration until September 2016, when it was repealed and the Ministry of Justice took over its responsibilities related to internal security.
The ministry was re-established in November 2019, repealed again in June 2020 with its responsibilities taken but to the Ministry of Justice but re-established in December 2021 to coordinate RNP and RCS.
Sesonga pointed out that the Rwanda Internal Security Policy serves as a guideline and strategy for the country to ensure proper management of security and safety of people and their property.
“The policy provides coordination and collaboration mechanisms to ensure sustainable security countrywide,” PS Sesonga said.
At RDB and other companies visited, the Police students were enlightened on investment and development in Rwanda.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Rafiki Mujiji, the NPC Commandant, said that the study tour aims at increasing the knowledge of students in governance, professionalism and administration aspects prior to the award of a ‘Past Staff Course’ (PSC) title, and a master’s programme in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation.
“Once students complete theory classes, they now go to the ground to analyse and see how what they have learnt is applied. This tour will, therefore, enable them to learn how theories on the nexus between peace, security and development are practically translated into practice,” said CP Mujiji.
He added that the study tour will allow students to recognize governance, socio-economic development and justice as pillars of national security.
It is expected that during their study tour, the Police students will also visit other ministries, parastatals, security entities, local administration, community development and welfare projects, and various cultural institutions.
Lt Gen Muhoozi arrived in Rwanda on Monday 14th March 2022. As he arrived in Rwanda, he was received by Chargé d’Affaires at Uganda’s Embassy in Kigali, Anne Katusiime ; the Commandant of Republican Guard, Brigadier General Willy Rwagasana and the Spokesperson of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Col Ronald Rwivanga.
He is coming to Rwanda for the second time after the recent visit aimed at creating new avenues for normalized ties between Rwanda and Uganda.
Gatuna border had been closed in 2019 following Rwanda’s concerns over Uganda’s support to dissidents intending to threaten its security and series of arrests of Rwandans incarcerated illegally in the country.
At the time, Rwanda advised citizens not to travel to Uganda for their security following testimonies of over 1000 Rwandans tortured and deported from Uganda.
The decision has had negative impact to citizens’ of both neighboring countries.
Apart from worsened relations, the value of trade between both countries dropped from US$250 million in 2018 to US$10 million.
Talks between Lt Gen Muhoozi and President Kagame on 22nd January 2022 are believed to have bore fruits leading to a step further towards restoring relations to normal.
Following the visit to Rwanda of Lt Gen Muhoozi, on 22nd January 2022, the Government of Rwanda announced that Gatuna border connecting the country to Uganda would reopen effective from 31st January 2022 following the country’s willingness to address issues raised by Rwanda.
The move was followed by the reopening of all land borders on 7th March 2022.
Passengers crossing to Uganda are required to present different travel documents including Passport and Laissez – Passer.
The country has also requested passengers living far from the borders to present negative COVID-19 PCR Test Results. However, residents nearby the borders with Uganda are allowed to present Rapid Test.
Charles made the revelation on Monday 14th March 2022 at the celebration of the Commonwealth Day.
As the world works to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, he said, it is more important than ever that the countries of the Commonwealth ‘come together in this Jubilee year’.
“As a family of some 2.6 billion people from fifty-four nations across six continents, the Commonwealth represents a rich diversity of traditions, experience and talents which can help to build a more equal, sustainable and prosperous future.
With this shared sense of common purpose, and in view of recent, enforced postponements, my wife and I are delighted to be attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, in June,” Charles said.
The Prince of Wales has been an active supporter of the Commonwealth for over fifty years. Together with The Duchess of Cornwall, His Royal Highness shows his support through official visits, military links, charitable activities and other special events such as the opening of the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in New Delhi, India; in 2014 Glasgow, Scotland and in 2018 on the Gold Coast, Australia.
The Prince has attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on five previous occasions – Edinburgh in 1997, Uganda in 2007, Sri Lanka in 2013 (where The Prince represented Her Majesty The Queen), Malta in 2015 and in the U.K in 2018. During the 2018 CHOGM in the UK, Commonwealth leaders formally announced that The Prince of Wales would succeed The Queen as Head of the Commonwealth.
Since 1969, The Prince has visited forty-six Commonwealth countries, many of them on several occasions. The Duchess of Cornwall has accompanied The Prince on many of his visits to Commonwealth countries and Her Royal Highness has visited twenty-four Commonwealth countries.
As he arrived in Rwanda, Lt Gen Muhoozi has been received by Chargé d’Affaires at Uganda’s Embassy in Kigali, Anne Katusiime; the Commandant of Republican Guard, Brigadier General Willy Rwagasana and the Spokesperson of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Col Ronald Rwivanga.
He is coming to Rwanda for the second time after the recent visit aimed at creating new avenues for normalized ties between Rwanda and Uganda.
Gatuna border had been closed in 2019 following Rwanda’s concerns over Uganda’s support to dissidents intending to threaten its security and series of arrests of Rwandans incarcerated illegally in the country.
At the time, Rwanda advised citizens not to travel to Uganda for their security following testimonies of over 1000 Rwandans tortured and deported from Uganda.
The decision has had negative impact to citizens’ of both neighboring countries.
Apart from worsened relations, the value of trade between both countries dropped from US$250 million in 2018 to US$10 million.
Talks between Lt Gen Muhoozi and President Kagame on 22nd January 2022 are believed to have bore fruits leading to a step further towards restoring relations to normal.
Before the visit of Lt Gen Muhoozi, Rwanda and Uganda had tried to mend relations through the mediation of DRC and Angola but ended up in vain.
Lt Gen Muhoozi recently revealed that he planned to return to Kigali in the following days to resolve pending issues affecting relations between Rwanda and Uganda.
“After a long discussion with my uncle, President Kagame, this morning we have agreed that I return to Kigali in the coming days to sort out all outstanding issues between Uganda and Rwanda,” he tweeted towards the end of February 2022.
Following the visit to Rwanda of Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations and Commander of Land Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) on 22nd January 2022, the Government of Rwanda announced that Gatuna border connecting the country to Uganda will reopen effective from 31st January 2022 following the country’s willingness to address issues raised by Rwanda.
The move was followed by the reopening of all land borders on 7th March 2022.
Passengers crossing to Uganda are required to present different travel documents including Passport and Laissez – Passer.
The country has also requested passengers living far from the borders to present negative COVID-19 PCR Test Results. However, residents nearby the borders with Uganda are allowed to present Rapid Test.
