Shots were heard late Sunday near Kabore’s home after soldiers staged mutinies at several barracks to demand the sacking of the country’s military top brass and more resources for the battle against Islamist insurgents.
Residents also reported, they saw a helicopter above the the president’s home in the capital Ouagadougou.
It followed gunfire earlier Sunday at several army bases, prompting fears of yet another coup in a volatile West African country prone to military takeovers.
But the government quickly denied rumours of a putsch, and a list of demands presented by the rebellious troops made no mention of trying to oust Kabore, while emphasising the need for a better anti-jihadist strategy.
“We want adequate resources for the battle” against Islamist extremists, a soldier from the Sangoule Lamizana base in Ouagadougou said in a voice recording received by AFP.
The disaffected soldiers also wanted top generals to be “replaced”, better care for wounded troops and more support for the families of soldiers killed in battle, the spokesman for the mutinous troops added in the anonymous recording.
The quartet was arrested with combined 2,885 pellets of cannabis.
They include one Angelique Niyonsenga, 37, apprehended in Kabiza Village, Rugeshi Cell, Mukamira Sector of Nyabihu District with 995 pellets of cannabis.
The trio of Janvier Habiyambere, 43, (200 pellets), Gaspard Mugenga, 27, (700 pellets) and Alexis Habumugisha, 31, (990 pellets) were intercepted in Gatimba Village, Bugaragara Cell, Shyorongi Sector in Rulindo District.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that Niyonsenga was arrested following a rip-off from a local resident.
“Police received information at about 4pm from a resident in Rugeshi about, Niyonsenga who was suspected to be trafficking drugs under the clothes she was wearing. Police swiftly conducted an operation and found the suspect at a bus station in Kabiza Village where he was waiting a vehicle. She was searched and found with 995 pellets of cannabis that she had wrapped around her waist and covered it with her clothes,” said CIP Karekezi.
Niyonsenga claimed that the narcotics belong to one she identified as Samuel Nsabiyumva. The alleged owner, Niyonsenga said, was supposed to pay her Rwf10,000 after delivering the narcotics to a client in Nyanza taxi-Park in Nyanza District.
Meanwhile, the three other suspected drug dealers intercepted in Shyorongi with 1,890 pellets of cannabis they headed to Kigali from Rubavu District in public vehicles, according to the District Police Commander for Rulindo, CIP Pacifique Gakwisi Semahame.
“They were arrested separately at a checkpoint, in three different buses. Janvier Habiyambere was arrested at 8am with 200 rolls of cannabis; Gaspard Mugenga arrested at 4pm with 700 rolls while Alexis Habumugisha, who had 990 pellets was arrested at about 5pm,” CIP Semahame said.
At least nine suspected drug traffickers have been intercepted at Police checkpoints in Shyorongi since the beginning of this week, en route to Kigali from either Rubavu or Rusizi district.
This comes on heels of intensified operations targeting mainly those who traffic narcotic drugs and psychological substances into the country and local suppliers as means to break chains of supply.
Cannabis is listed as a very severe drug in Rwanda with a sentence ranging between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.
The motorcycle, which was stolen recently from one Janvier Maniragaba, 37, was recovered from a suspected thief identified as Ildephonse Hitayezu, 43, who was also arrested.
It is the second stolen motorcycle to be recovered by RNP this week following another one which was recovered on January 20, in Nyagatare District where another suspected motorcycle thief was also arrested.
The Eastern region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamduni Twizeyimana said that Police swiftly started investigations after the victim reported the alleged theft of his motorcycle.
“On Friday evening, Maniragaba parked and locked his motorcycle outside a bar in Kabukuba where he had gone for shelter as it was raining. When he came out after it stopped raining, Maniragaba could not find his motorcycle and he suspected Hitayezu, who was at the veranda near where the motorcycle was parked, to be the prime suspect,” CIP Twizeyimana said.
He added: “Luckily enough, the motorcycle is fitted with the GPS. It was located and the recovered in unoccupied house, previously used by Hitayezu, who was also located and arrested.”
The Eastern region spokesperson emphasized the impact of technology in fighting crimes including easy tracing of stolen motos and bringing to justice those involved.
He further advised people to refrain from such criminal practices and seek productive businesses.
Hitayezu was handed over to RIB at Rilima station for further legal process.
Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
Muhoozi, the first born son of Uganda’s President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni arrived at Kigali International Airport on Saturday morning. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by, among Brig Gen Willy Rwagasana, the Commandant of Republican Guard and the Spokesperson of Rwanda Defence Force, Col Ronald Rwivanga.
Lt Gen Muhoozi,47, met with Kagame to deliver a message from his counterpart of Uganda.
Upon arrival in Rwanda, Lt Gen Kainerugaba was received by among others, Brig Gen Willy Rwagasana, the Commandant of Republican Guard and the Spokesperson of Rwanda Defence Force, Col Ronald Rwivanga.
Information about his visit went viral on Friday where it was reported that Lt Gen Muhoozi, the first born son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected in Kigali for discussions with President Paul Kagame aimed mending bilateral ties.
Recently, Lt Gen Muhoozi shared a message via his Twitter handle that people fighting President Kagame are fighting his family.
“This is my uncle, Afande Paul Kagame. Those who fight him are fighting my family. They should all be careful,” he tweeted.
On 17th January 2022, Kagame has received Uganda’s Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare who delivered a message from his counterpart, Museveni.
Political analysts have considered the milestone as a step further towards restoring relations to normal.
During his visit on 21st January 2022, Nyusi was received by the Mozambican government officials including the Governor of Cabo Delgado, Mr. Valige Taliabo Atuando; the Administrator of Palma Dictrict, Mr. João Buchil; the Permanent Secretary of Palma Mr. Zefa Alberto, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bernardino Raphael; Brig Gen Rui Jorge Mandofa, the Task Force Commander in Palma as well as the representatives of Rwanda Security Forces.
He met the Mozambican forces (FADM) and representatives of Rwanda Security Forces in Palma town and Afungi. Nyusi thanked the forces for the good work done in fighting terrorists and urged them to continue intensifying military operations wherever they are.
He praised the joint forces for their level of cooperation and collaboration in fighting the terrorists and urged them to maintain this spirit moving forward in order to completely defeat the terrorists.
Rwanda started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique on 9th July 2021, to fight rebel groups linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The group sometimes calls themselves al-Shabaab, although they do not have known links with the Somali al-Shabaab.
The situation started worsening in October 2017 when armed extremists linked ISIL launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.
Since then, Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been battling the extremists while many civilians were displaced by the fighting.
The joint operations between Rwandan and Mozambican troops yielded big where different regions including Palma, Awasse, Mocímboa Da Praia, Quionga, Tete, Maputo, Nhica Do Rovuma, Quelimane, Chinda and Mumu were seized from rebels.
As at 5th September 2021, Rwandan and Mozambican troops who were joined by the military mission of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) had captured almost all areas of Cabo Delgado Province where the remaining work was predominantly about launching offensives to quell enemy pockets from their hideouts and help displaced citizens to return to their homes.
Rwanda initially sent 1000 troops to Cabo Delgado honoring the request of Mozambique to support efforts to quell terrorist groups.
The troops had increased to nearly 2000 by the end of the year 2021.
The motorcycle belonging to one Patrick Mushimiyimana, 30, was stolen on Wednesday, January 19, in Bugaragara Village, Gacundezi Cell also in Nyagatare.
The Eastern Region Police Spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamduni Twizeyimana said that the victim reported the alleged theft of his motorcycle, on Wednesday, after he could not find it where he had parked it.
“Mushimiyimana had parked his motorcycle outside the restaurant, where he was. When he came out, he could not find his motorcycle, and he reported to the Police,” CIP Twizeyimana said.
He added: “During investigations, some residents reported that they saw Kubwimana, who is also a suspected thief, leaving the area with the said motorcycle. Kubwimana, with the help of residents, was located and arrested with the stolen motorcycle.”
CIP Twizeyimana thanked residents, who shared information leading to the arrest of the suspect and recovery of the motorcycle.
Kubwimana was handed over to RIB at Rwimiyaga station for further legal process.
Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
More than 160 guests from 40 member states of the Association of African Air Forces (AAAF) are expected to convene in Kigali to discuss “Strategic Airlift” on the African continent.
According to a communique by Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, the purpose of the symposium is to create a forum for Air Chiefs from across the African continent to come together to address regional and continental issues, enhance relationship and increase cooperation among African Air Forces.
The main function of the Association of African Air forces is to assemble and advocate for partnerships between Air forces on the continent.
The AACS operates with the support of the United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces in Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA). The annual African Air Chief Symposium enables the networking and liaison between Air forces in achieving the objectives of the Association.
Since its establishment in 2015, the Association of African Air Forces has been very instrumental in providing a forum for members to multilaterally discuss common security challenges.
If you are looking for a place to relax alone, read a book while sipping on a cup of coffee sight on a magnificent landscape, you should probably check out Inzora rooftop café.
This quiet place is located in Kacyiru inside Ikirezi bookstore. It is a perfect place for bookworms. Their menu includes vegetarian meals and gluten free options which are affordable. They offer Takeout, Seating, Free Wi-Fi and Outdoor Seating.
{{GATE 10}}
On a first date, things can get a little bit awkward. It is better to go to a luxurious place where you will both have lots to talk about like GATE 10. The latter is full of interesting details that start up conversations. Located in Kimihurura, the place has an amazing interior design packed with significant meaning and other traditional features. If you love history, it is a plus. Besides, the menu is mainly Rwandan and very affordable.
{{SARAY SPA}}
Massage, waxing, facial? SARAY SPA is a good option. In this luxurious Spa, you can pamper yourself after a busy week in Kigali. Located in Kigali Marriot Hotel, the staff is friendly and professional. The treatments are wonderful accompanied by relaxing music. It is somewhat pricey but worth every penny.
{{BRACHETTO}}
For lovers of wine, check out BRACHETTO. Located in Kacyiru, Brachetto is a modern Italian Restaurant which uses fresh, quality products combined with a touch of creativity. An incredibly diverse wine list from Italy, France and South Africa. Brachetto is a good place to go out with your friends on Saturday night but you should keep in mind that brachetto is not easy on the wallet.
{{INEMA ART CENTER}}
If you are looking to have a free and fun creative weekend, INEMA ART CENTER is the place to go. Located in Kacyiru, the facility is filled with creative things to do like painting, gallery visiting and also a yoga class and dance performance, you should also stay for the happy hour. It is a place to go with your friends, girlfriend or spouse where you can do spontaneous activities together.
{{SPIDERMAN GAME CENTER}}
For an affordable fun place to take your Kids this weekend, you should take a trip to Masaka at the SPIDERMAN GAME CENTER and yes it is a thing! Kids are very into Spiderman these days. Spiderman game center will surely make your kids happy and as they say, ‘Happy Parents Happy Kids’.
{{KIGALI GOLF RESORT AND VILLAS}}
If you love golf or would like to start playing, start this weekend at KIGALI GOLF RESORT AND VILLAS. Kigali Golf Course in Nyarutarama is a beautiful 18-hole Gary Player Design Course. It is a great way to spend your weekend with some physical action. It is ecologically responsible for environmentalists and affordable with subscription options.
The weekend is starting. Make a budget, hit up your friends, go out and have fun within available means. Weekends in Kigali should be enjoyed to the fullest.
With ongoing vaccination efforts in Rwanda and across the world, there is optimism for the situation to normalize.
Before 2020, Rubavu district was considered Rwanda’s tourism and entertainment hub where people from different age brackets would turn up over the weekend for leisure on the shores of Lake Kivu, hydrothermal spring in Nyamyumba among other sceneries.
As the entertainment activities are now put to halt, the area is currently abuzz with whispering birds, the vroom of lawnmowers and water waves.
However, the situation did not discourage investors with optimism that COVID-19 will once be defeated to resume activities without disruptions.
It is against this backdrop that some investors are building hotels among other recreational facilities at the shores of Lake Kivu expected to give boost to tourism activities in Rubavu district once completed.
Some of hospitality establishments under construction in Rubavu town include a three storey building, nearby Kivu Serena Hotel and Rubavu district offices.
The name of the facility has not yet been disclosed but IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that the hotel nearing completion belongs to the family of Pastor Bizimungu, the former President of Rwanda.
Bizimungu led Rwanda from July 1994 until he resigned in 2000. Following his release from jail in 2007, never appeared in the political sphere but dedicated much of his time on businesses.
The project’s model shows that the building belongs to Séraphine Utamuliza, the wife of Pastor Bizimungu but the latter is said the be the focal person following up the project.
Construction activities began in 2018 while the first phase is expected to be completed in March 2022.
IGIHE has learnt that the latter will be among luxurious hospitality establishments in Rubavu district with 80 rooms becoming the first with such capacity in the town.
Located in approximately 200 meters from Lake Kivu shores, the hotel will also have a spacious multipurpose hall and a rooftop swimming pool.
It is said that the hotel’s completion stalled due to COVID-19 related restrictions that occasioned the delay in supply of some construction materials. If everything goes well, the two phases are to be completed this year.
The Mayor of Rubavu district, Ildephonse Kambogo has told IGIHE that such infrastructures developed at the shores of Lake Kivu are meant to lure more tourists to visit the area.
“There are different hotels under construction. We are lucky that Rubavu is a district with high agricultural yields and favorite touristic destination for neighbors and other foreigners. It is especially evidenced over the weekend where people come to the lake’s shores for relaxation,” he said.
Tourism is a main contributor to Rwanda’s economy.
The year 2019 was the best ever for Rwanda’s tourism sector with US$500 million in revenues. In the same year, visitors increased to 1.6 million while tourism contributed 3% to Rwanda’s GDP and created many more jobs.
As COVID-19 emerged in 2020, the tourism was among most hit hard sectors where revenues dropped to about US$121 million while revenues from MICE shrank to US$4 million. However, the year 2021 gives optimism for the situation to return to normal.
From January until November 2021, Rwanda earned US$134 million from tourism, translating into 19% growth compared to last year.
In November 2021, arrivals at the airport also increased by 36% in 2021 compared to last year. MICE also increased by 50% this year.
Restaurants and hotels have not been left behind economic recovery where they also registered 62% and 32% in economic growth respectively.
