In his End of Year Message to security organs, the Head of State urged them to renew their pledge to the Rwandan flag, and to continue to work diligently to fully deserve the trust placed in them by the people and allies.
“As we begin a new year, I urge you to strive to preserve the values we stand for and to uphold the resolute spirit that defines us as Rwandans and as a people,” President Kagame said.
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“On behalf of the Government, People of Rwanda, and on my own behalf, I wish the officers and other ranks of the RDF, as well as all members of other Security Organs and your families, a Happy Holiday Season and a Productive New Year.
I also wish to convey to you my appreciation for your
dedication and commitment in fulfilling your various missions of defending and protecting the People of Rwanda in the year 2021, a period which was characterized by a wide range of challenges at home and abroad.
Despite those challenges, which include the Covid-19 pandemic, you continue to meet and even exceed the expectations with unwavering diligence, selflessness and professionalism. Our nation is proud of you.
I take this opportunity to express specific appreciation to those serving abroad, both through bilateral arrangements or in peacekeeping missions. Being far from your loved ones, especially during the festive season, is a special way of expressing your commitment to sacrifice for peace and stability on our continent and beyond. The whole nation is grateful for your service.
As we begin a new year, I urge you to strive to preserve the values we stand for and to uphold the resolute spirit that defines us as Rwandans and as a people.
I want you to renew your pledge to the Rwandan flag, and to continue to work diligently to fully deserve the trust placed in you by our people and by our allies.
Once again, a very happy New Year 2022 to you and your families.”
He was received at Mueda Airstrip by Brig Gen Vidigal the acting Mozambique Armed Forces (FADM) Army Commander who briefed the President on security situation in Cabo Delgado and Niassa provinces.
He also interacted with representatives of the forces from Mozambique, Rwanda and SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).
Nyusi thanked all countries represented for the good work done in fighting terrorists and requested them to continue intensifying military operations in the districts of Macomia, Mocimboa da Praia, Nangade Mueda and Ibo island.
He thanked his counterpart of Rwanda and all Rwandans to have accepted to send their sons in operations against terrorists and added that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Among others, Nyusi voiced appreciation to SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) which was represented by Bostwana special forces; for the operations conducted in the district they covered. He also commended South Africa, Tanzania and Lesotho Forces for their support to provide water, food and reconstruction of shelters to the people in districts they operate in. He called for more vigilance in Macomia district where insurgents continue to cause insecurity.
The Head of State requested for the Mozambican forces to learn through the experience of the forces that came to support them because the partners will not remain forever in Mozambique.
Nyusi concluded by wishing the forces, a happy new year.
The ceremony held on Wednesday 29th December 2021, was also attended by the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije and other dignitaries from Egypt who partnered with Rwanda for implementation of the project.
In 2018, the Ministry of Health in partnership with Sir Magdi Habib Yacoub, a former cardiothoracic surgeon in the United Kingdom launched discussions paving the way for establishment of the heart centre in Rwanda.
Magdi is a renowned Egyptian who founded two heart care centres including Aswan Heart Centre and Magdi Yacoub Heart Centre.
Discussions with Rwanda led to the establishment of The Heart Care and Research Foundation-Rwanda in 2018.
After laying the foundation stone, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame thanked partners for their contribution that made possible the exciting milestone to establish the centre in Rwanda.
“I want to take this opportunity, to warmly thank the Heart Care and Research Foundation, for this ambitious and vital enterprise. I also want to thank Professor Magdi, for the relentless efforts, that started with a journey three years ago, and have led to today’s celebration, despite challenges and unavoidable delays, related to the pandemic,” she said.
Mrs. Jeannette Kagame also expressed her appreciation to the Government and people of the Arab Republic of Egypt for their dedication to this project; particularly the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister Sameh Shoukry for his involvement which evidenced a true sign of the friendship between both countries.
She underscored that the end of the year is often an opportunity for many to look back at what have been accomplished and determine new resolutions to improve the lives.
“So ending the year with the start of a construction project, of the necessity and scale of MY Heart Centre, is truly befitting. It is a perfect bridge into the healthy future we want to embrace as a people; a future where the fatality of Non-Communicable Diseases, such as heart conditions, and unequal access to quality healthcare, are no longer unbeatable threats,” Mrs. Jeannette Kagame said.
She further highlighted that My Heart Centre “will address heart disease, a health crisis which often kills in silence. The steps we are taking today are opening newer and brighter horizons”.
My Heart Centre is a cardiovascular care and research facility, which will also serve as a training and research hub for young nurses, doctors and scientists from the region to adhere to international standards.
It will be constructed in three phases on 4.4 hectares. The first phase is expected to be completed within 18 months at a cost of US$20 million.
The artistic impression of the heart centre was designed by a firm based in the United Kingdom dubbed Fluxarchitects.
The dose was previously administered to fully vaccinated recipients after six months.
The State Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Tharcisse Mpunga has told IGIHE that the third dose might strengthen immunity amidst the high rise of new COVID-19 cases.
“The decision was taken following fast spread of the virus among vaccinated people,” he said.
“Receiving the booster dose will increase immunity against Omicron,” Dr. Mpunga added.
Research shows that the third booster dose may strengthen immunity against Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Dr. Mpunga has also revealed that the immunity of people who received the first dose of AstaZeneca dose is very low.
“It has been observed AstraZenena offers low immunity against Omicron compared to other variants of COVID-19. That is why we are administering Pfizer and Moderna booster doses,” he noted.
Dr. Mpunga has encouraged all Rwandans who meet requirements to get a booster shot at nearest health center.
Rwanda continues to scale up vaccination efforts where 130,155 have so far received the third dose of COIVD-19 vaccine as at 28th December 2021.
Among others; a total of 7,629,877 people have received the first dose while 5, 435,180 are fully vaccinated.
The alleged bribe was meant to influence the officer to illegally release his motorcycle, according to the Western region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi.
Niyobuhungiro’s motorcycle had been impounded in the ongoing investigations over the theft of goats in Kamembe.
“Residents reported to the leadership of the taxi-moto cooperative in Rusizi that the motorcycle, RE 611L was seen transporting stolen goats,” said CIP Karekezi.
He added: “In the morning of Monday, while riding his motorcycle in Kamembe sector, Niyobuhungiro saw security personnel of their cooperative following him, he just abandoned his motorcycle and run away.
The security personnel impounded the moto and took it to Kamembe Police station. Niyobuhungiro instead decided to go to the Police station where he tried to seduce the officer on duty with the bribe of Frw5, 000 to release his motorcycle, but he was taken into custody for the alleged criminal act.”
CIP Karekezi warned against such criminal practices, which leads to imprisonment and to serve many years in prison for the “avoidable act.”
The suspect was handed over to RIB at Kamembe station for further investigation and legal process
Under article 4 of law n° 54/2018 of 13/08/2018 on fighting against corruption, any person who solicits, accepts or receives, by any means, an illegal benefit for himself/ herself or another person or accepts a promise in order to render or omit a service under his or her mandate or uses his or her position to render or omit a service, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of more than five years but not more than seven years with a fine of three to five times the value of the illegal benefit offered, solicited or received.
Penalties provided under this article also apply to a person, who offers or promises to offer a benefit, by any means, an illegal benefit for him/ herself or another person to have a service rendered or omitted.
New positive cases have been on steady rise after the country confirmed the emergence of a new variant of COVID-19 dubbed Omicron.
The 2083 were detected among 22,797 sample tests taken on 29th December 2021. They are an addition to more 128,404 tests conducted in one week.
The statement released last night shows that 22 patients have been admitted bringing the total number of people admitted at treatment centers to 76 in seven days while five are critically ill.
The country has also reported zero COVID-19 deaths while the death toll in seven days remained four.
Overall, a total of 1348 have succumbed to the virus since the pandemic emerged in Rwanda last year in March.
Among others; over 7.6 million people have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine while 5,467,913 have been fully vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 5th March 2021.
Minister Sameh has come to Rwanda for an official visit. As he met with Dr. Biruta, the two Ministers exchanged on issues of common interest and committed to further strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
The discussions were also attended by the ambassador of Egypt to Rwanda, Rania Mahmoud Mohamed EL Banna.
Sameh comes to Rwanda following the recent visit of the Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, Lt Gen Mohamed Farid towards the end May 2021.
At the time, Lt.Gen Mohamed Farid and his delegation held bilateral discussions with the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen J Bosco Kazura at RDF Headquarters, Kimihurura.
Discussions were centered on enhancing the existing cooperation. He also paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Defence, Maj General Albert Murasira.
Rwanda and Egypt have been working on ways to strengthen bilateral ties and further mutual interests in economy and trade, as well as defence and security.
Rwanda has been sending some students to Egypt for military courses.
Both countries recently signed agreements paving the way for the construction of a cardio therapy facility to be built at Masaka, Kicukiro district. The facility will carry out the major functions of medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease and electrophysiology.
The ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the construction of this facility was held on Wednesday 29th December 2021.
The convicts, all men were convicted of Genocide related crimes and had either completed their sentences or were acquitted.
According to a statement released on December 27, 2021, Niger’s Interior Ministry ordered them to leave the country within seven days.
The ex-convicts are Protais Zigiranyirazo, Francois Nzuwonemeye, Innocent Sagahutu, Alphonse Nteziryayo, Tharcisse Muvunyi, André Ntagerura, Anatole Nsengiyumva and Prosper Mugiraneza.
They are widely considered among the masterminds of the genocide.
After the conclusion of their cases, they remained in Arusha, Tanzania where the UN court was based.
Their expulsion by Niamey came after an inquiry by the Rwandan government to the UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT) seeking clarification about circumstances under which the eight were transferred to the West African country of Niger.
While addressing a UN Security Council meeting in New York in early December, Valentine Rugwabiza, Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said that her country had not been informed by either the MICT or the host nation about the transfer of the genocidaires in question.
She pointed out that there was evidence that some of these individuals, after their acquittal by the former ICTR, have been engaging in subversive activities that contributed to the insecurity and instability of the Great Lakes Region for the past few decades.
The eight men had for long been stuck in Arusha, the former seat of the ICTR, after many countries had refused to take them in, including those hosting their families.
Previously, Rwanda said they may come back home to Rwanda if they so wish.
The support was extended to beneficiaries during ‘Police Month’ organized annually to mark its anniversary.
The 2021 Police Month held under the theme “21 years of partnership in policing towards sustainable safety and better livelihood for the community,” was concluded on Tuesday 28th December 2021 where RNP handed over different projects to the disadvantaged beneficiaries across the country.
The projects include 30 houses for the disadvantaged families, 4,578 households lit with solar power system while 11 cooperatives in fishing, beekeeping, piggery and poultry were also given financial support.
RNP in partnership with City of Kigali also awarded a pick-up vehicle to Bumbogo Sector of Gasabo District for its outstanding efforts to raise awareness to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Others include 1,600 families across the country that were given medical insurance, 13 modern cattle spray races were also constructed in Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Kayonza; and four families in Gishari, Rwamagana District were given heifers.
In the Western Province, the official closing of the Police Month held in Rubavu was presided over by Governor Francois Habitegeko, who was accompanied by the Deputy IGP in charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza.
At least six cooperatives in fishing, hog farming and poultry in Rubavu were given a financial support of over Frw40 million. The cooperatives were formed by former smugglers and those who were formerly engaged in other illegal activities.
A total of 1379 households were also powered with solar energy in the Western region where seven families were also given houses.
Governor Habitegeko lauded the impact of Police Month in further transforming lives and crime prevention in the region.
“We continue to see the impact community policing and this is one of the many activities that the Police engages in to ensure progressive and crime-free communities,” said Governor Habitegeko.
He appealed to residents to fight against cross border crimes and work with Police and other security organs against any sort of insecurity.
DIGP Ujeneza said that the outreach activities strengthen beneficiaries’ efforts to improve the well-being of Rwandans as well as fighting criminality.
“Rwandans and beneficiaries in particular, are our first partners. This is an example that you can stop whatever illegal activities you are doing and engage in developmental acts. As beneficiaries, continue to mobilize others to refrain from criminal acts like smuggling and drug dealing,” DIGP Ujeneza said.
In City of Kigali, Mayor Pudence Rubingisa, while handing over the vehicle, said that the conclusion of the Police Month should not be perceived as the end of the fight against the pandemic and lawlessness.
Present was also DIGP in charge of Operations, Felix Namuhoranye.
“The Police Month brought innovative ideaa against Covid-19, fighting and preventing crimes while supporting community development. We thank our Police for these progressive foundations, which we should carry on even as Police Month comes to an end,” Mayor Rubingisa said.
Meanwhile, in the Northern Province, Governor Dancilla Nyirarugero, while addressing residents of Burera District, thanked RNP for the initiative and called upon citizens for joining their efforts in fighting criminal acts.
“The Police Month has offered basic necessities like shelter, medical insurance and strengthened cooperatives in this district, like in other parts of the country. These impact on socio-economic development and it is also a challenge of what you as the residents should be doing to fight whatever that can destroy such development activities,” Nyirarugero told the residents.
Five beekeeping cooperatives in the Nothern Province were given 150 beehives, including 40 in Burera District alone. 732 households were also lit with solar power system in the province.
In the Eastern Province, Governor CG Emmanuel K. Gasana said that the Police Month and the RNP community development engagements in such period of the pandemic, define the country’s governance system that focuses mainly on the wellbeing of the citizens.
RNP powered 1, 458 households with solar energy in the Eastern Province and 1000 residents given healthcare insurance.
“These outreach activities are invaluable… they strengthen the community policing initiatives and other networks the institution set to support the government development programmes. Such home-grown solutions are the foundation and national pillars to sustainable human security,” said CG Gasana.
In the Southern Province, the event was held in Muhanga District where Governor Alice Kayitesi handed over different projects and urged the residents to partner with the police and other security organs to ensure community safety.
“The partnership between the Police and people in the Southern Province continue to transform lives and today were witnessing another milestone towards sustainable security and development,” said Governor Kayitesi.
The man who worked as a cowherd was found dead in the morning of Monday 27th December 2021.
The mayor of Nyanza district, Erasme Ntazinda has told IGIHE that the young was found dead in apparent suicide.
“He committed suicide last night. We are assuming that he committed suicide because residents found pesticides inside the room where his body was laid. However, investigation is underway,” he said on Monday.
Ntazinda revealed that Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested a man who stayed with the deceased for interrogation.
