Nine of the suspected thieves were arrested in Ngamba Sector. They are Thadee Sindikubwabo, 42, Eugene Mugarura, 25, Francois Yamfashije, 24, Francois Gisigari, 39, Jean Pierre Matabaro, 33, Jonas Siborurema, 27, Oscar Niyogisubizo, 18, Alphonse Ntamugabumwe, 40 and Jean Nepomscene Iradukunda, 18.
Other 18 suspects were arrested in Runda sector following credible information provided by local leaders and residents.
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, the suspects were arrested in partnership with other security organs due to information provided by residents.
“This is part of the operations targeting rings that were ambushing people in wee hours, assault them before stealing their valuables. The gang was attacking people with traditional weapons such as machetes. They were also ambushing people at bus stops in wee hours,” said SP Kanamugire.
He added: “Among those arrested in Runda sector is one identified as Jean Bosco Musabyimana, who was found in the bush where he had set an ambush near the bus stop, armed with a knife.
Another suspect, Joseph Musabyimana was also found in possession of seven pellets of cannabis.”
He lauded the community policing spirit, which facilitated the arrest of the suspects.
“These are continuous operations, we call upon the public to continue sharing information on other members of the rings.”
The suspects were handed over to RIB 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, a community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
In article 167, however, the penalty for theft doubles if the act was carried out at night or by more than one person.
Article 121 of the same law states that any person who, willfully, injures, beats or commits any serious violence against another person, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three (3) years and not more than five (5) years and a fine of not less than Rwf500, 000 and not more than Rwf1 million.
The statement released last night shows that 89 people have caught the virus out of 13289 sample tests while the positivity rate stands at 0.7%.
The majority of new cases were found in Burera: 15, Gicumbi: 13, Rubavu: 12, Rulindo:8 and Gisagara: 8.
Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) has revealed that mass testing conducted in Kigali City targeting bars and churches over the weekend confirmed zero positive case out of more than 1200 sample tests.
The decrease in positive cases follows mass vaccination campaign where 90% of the population has been vaccinated in in Kigali City.
A total of 1,680,361 people have been fully vaccinated while 2,131,766 received the first dose of COVID-19 since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 5th March 2021.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The minister, who inaugurated the India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, said India is all set to play an increasingly central role in global affairs, trade and business with its democratic values, extremely capable talent pool, technological prowess and growing appetite for learning and leadership.
Goyal noted that the India Pavilion will showcase a modern, robust India — high on technology, while simultaneously exhibiting the beauty of Indian art, culture and cuisine.
“We are on the way to reaching and surpassing US$ 400 billion exports per year target and a GDP growth that will take us to become a US$ 5 trillion economy, and beyond. The next 25 years are set to symbolise India’s golden growth phase,” Goyal said.
He invited the global community to be part of this resurgent ‘New India’ journey.
The minister said India’s GDP growth in the first quarter of FY22 at a record 20.1 per cent against the contraction of 24.4 per cent in the same quarter of FY21 not only signals a strong revival but also the potential for an economic rebound in a big way and growth at a rapid pace.
“We have a huge advantage in our young populace and with the help of the New Education Policy (NEP), and its focus on skill development, the productivity levels in the country are set to rise substantially to support the growth objectives,” he said.
While India-UAE trade has also been impacted by COVID-19 pandemic, it was valued close to USD 60 billion in 2019-20 with UAE being India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination after the US with an export value of approximately USD 29 billion in 2019-20.
UAE is also the 8th largest investor in India, having invested US$ 11 billion between April 2000 and March 2021.
“Over the years, UAE and India have built a strong relationship that goes beyond economic, cultural and political spheres.
UAE has given opportunity to thousands of Indians to build their lives in the country, and Indians on their part have exhibited their expertise and contributed to the collective growth of the nation through several areas, including education, technology and entrepreneurship.
Expo 2020 Dubai is set to galvanise this further,” Goyal said.
UNA has reported that the two sides discussed bilateral relations between Qatar and Rwanda as well as ways to support and enhance them in various fields of cooperation, especially in the economy, trade, and investment.
They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest.
The discussions were held in the attendance of a number of Qatari Ministers alongside the members of the official delegation accompanying Kagame.
Qatar enjoys vibrant relations with Rwanda.
In April 2019; the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani came to Rwanda for two-day working visit.
At the time, both heads of states also visited Akagera National Park which is home to the big five animals.
During his stay in Rwanda, President Kagame and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the Emir of Qatar witnessed the signing ceremony of four agreements meant to promote various development sectors between both countries.
These include 4 agreements in sectors of culture, sports, tourism and business events and aviation travel and logistics.
They were added to existing ones signed in Doha, Qatar when President Kagame visited the country at the end of 2018. These were related to air service transport services, promoting and protecting joint investment and cooperation in trade and technical areas among others.
In May 2017, Rwanda and Qatar signed agreements in diplomatic cooperation. Qatar Airways aircraft conduct flights from Doha to Kigali among other destinations including Dubai.
On 26th May 2015, both countries signed cooperation agreements to fight against drug abuse on the sidelines of Qatar International Anti-Drug Forum held in Doha.
Among others, Qatar’s interests in Rwanda include a 60% stake in Bugesera International Airport, currently under construction and a 49% stake in RwandAir.
QIA’s portfolio companies are also supporting the Rwandan government’s efforts to make the central African country a global tourism destination.
On Wednesday 14th July 2021, Qatar inaugurated a new embassy building located in Kimihurura, Kigali City.
The embassy’s former office was located at the opposite side of Kigali Marriot Hotel in Nyarugenge district.
At the time, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta said that the launch of the new embassy is another milestone to deepen bilateral relations further.
The money was recovered from two prime suspects on Friday, October 1, who were also arrested. The suspects are Abdul Nshamihigo, 38, and Hamad Iyakaremye, 37.
In the morning of September 30, the duo allegedly connived and broke into the car of one Bravo Patrick Ndayishimiye, where it was parked in the city centre, and stole the money.
RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that the suspected thieves were identified through footages captured by the nearby CCTV camera.
Nshamihigo said narrated that in the morning of September 30, he parked the car he was driving in the city centre, which the victim also parked shortly after.
“I noticed the way Ndayishimiye was closing his car and checking every door, I suspected that he had something valuable inside.
I called my friend Iyakaremye, who had a master key, he came, we opened the car and found an envelope, which contained a lot of money. After counting, we found it was Frw3 million and we shared it equally,” Nshamihigo said.
Iyakaremye also admitted that he was called by his friend Nshamihigo to bring the master key.
“We first checked the whereabouts of the owner of the car before opening it and stealing the money,” Iyakaremye said.
Iyakaremye and Nshamihigo said that they met in Nyarugenge prison, where they were serving varied sentences on related crimes.
Iyakaremye had been convicted for theft and sentenced to four years while Nshamihigo had been sentenced to 28 months in prison.
They were both released recently on presidential clemency.
The victim, Ndayishimiye thanked the Police for recovering all his money.
CP Kabera said that the swift recovery was informed by the victim’s quick reporting.
“When Ndayishimiye realized that his money had been stolen, he immediately reported to the police. With the help of CCTV camera in the area, Police identified Nshamihigo, who was the first to be arrested. Nshamihigo provided further information on his accomplice, who was also located and arrested. At the time, they still had all the money as shared,” CP Kabera said.
The suspects were handed over to RIB for further investigation.
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, a community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
In article 167, the penalty for theft doubles if the act was carried out at night, by more than one person or recidivism.
They were arrested in separate operations conducted on Thursday and Friday as they sneaked the polythene bags into Rwanda from the neighbouring Uganda.
The suspects are identified as Alphonse Munyaneza, 21, and Odette Nyiransengimana, 48.
Munyaneza was arrested in Isangano village, Rugari cell, Mimuri sector with 20,000 pieces of plastic bags.
Nyiransengimana was arrested in Kinunga village, Mishenyi cell, Rwempasha sector with 1,800 pieces.
The Eastern region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamduni Twizeyimana said that the suspects were arrested in partnership with other security organs.
“Nyiransengimana was the first to be arrested in Rwempasha sector with 1,800 pieces of polythene bags. She said that she got the plastic bags from a Ugandan national at Muyanja stream. For Munyaneza, he was arrested at the borderline trying to sneak the polythene bags into Rwanda from Uganda,” said CIP Twizeyimana.
He warned against trafficking and selling plastic bags as well as using them for packaging.
The suspects were handed over to RIB for further legal process.
Manufacturing, use, importation or sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items are prohibited under article 3 of law N° 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 relating to the prohibition of manufacturing, importation, use, and sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items in Rwanda.
In article 10, any person, who imports plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to the dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items, and to an administrative fine equivalent to ten times the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.
In article 11, a wholesaler of plastic carry bags and single use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf700, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
In article 12, a retailer of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf300, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags. plastic items is liable to the dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items, and to an administrative fine equivalent to ten times the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.
Kagame was speaking at the 14th World Policy Conference in Abu Dhabi, the capital of United Arab Emirates on 1st October 2021.
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.
Kagame is among participants of the conference scheduled from 1st to 3rd October 2021.
As he delivered remarks, the President reminisced on unprecedented effects brought by COVID-19 pandemic which exposed weaknesses in both the national and global systems ‘that have been there all along’.
He highlighted that these weaknesses includes insufficiencies in both public health and governance.
Kagame said that the crisis has also revealed economic and power imbalances within the international community where African countries have been lagging behind in vaccine supplies while rich countries hoard vaccines.
Despite encountered obstacles and inequitable vaccine distribution, the President observed that there is a progress whereby access to vaccines has begun to increase, both through donations and purchase of vaccine doses.
He pointed out an example of Rwanda where the country has administered more than 2 million doses with 90% of residents of cities, especially Kigali, having received a dose.
“We see also cooperating with various commercial and development partners to launch an ambitious program to manufacture vaccines and other pharmaceuticals for the African market, beginning next year. So, even though things could have been better, we do appreciate the good cooperation that has been there,” he said.
Apart from cooperation in vaccine manufacturing, Kagame said that another area of good partnerships that can produce results is in the fight against insecurity, terrorism and extremist ideologies including genocide ideology.
He pointed out an example of Rwanda’s engagement in peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions in Africa.
“Islamist insurgents are now on the run in northern Mozambique in the province of Cabo Delgado, because of a good program of cooperation between Rwanda’s Defence Forces, and those of Mozambique and the region,” he said.
“Similarly, our commitment to the Central African Republic, which is both bilateral and multilateral, through the United Nations, aims to create the space for the country to chart its own path to political reconciliation, peacefully,” added Kagame.
The President highlighted that the next step is to consolidate the gains and focus on providing services and guaranteeing rights for citizens.
“These are just two examples that might link to some of the themes under discussion at this event,” he noted.
{{Full speech}}
{{World Policy Conference | Remarks by President Kagame | Abu Dhabi, 1 October 2021}}
• Dr. Thierry de Montbrial, Founder and Chairman of the World Policy Conference
• Excellencies
• Honourable Ministers and Senior Government Officials
• Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
I am happy to be back to the World Policy Conference, and I wish to thank Thierry de Montbrial for the invitation to join you here in Abu Dhabi.
The past two years have been particularly consequential.
The Covid pandemic is unprecedented, but it has exposed weaknesses, in both the national and global systems, that have been there all along.
This includes insufficiencies in both public health and governance.
The crisis has also revealed, quite starkly, the economic and power imbalances within the international community.
While major powers work to contain and constrain each other, Africa is at the receiving end, in all senses.
That means, of course, that when vaccine supplies are scarce, Africa is last in line to get doses.
Africa is also, almost as an afterthought, attacked for all sorts of things, in the name of so many things including democracy, human rights, as if these concepts or values are totally foreign to Africa.
You could say that one function of Africa in international relations, is to serve as a foil for the importance of universal values, precisely because so many states outside of Africa continue to fall short themselves.
The unspoken assumption is that only rich countries and their political elites have interests.
Poor countries should allow their interests to be looked after by others.
The rights and well-being of ordinary people are completely forgotten.
We cannot talk about a theoretical democracy that is not built on what the actual citizens of that place desire for themselves, their families, and their societies.
That’s the confusion, in some cases, for example, of contemporary liberal democracy with its singular emphasis on individual freedoms, identities, and desires, even at the expense of the common good.
This is not to say that there are no serious shortcomings in Africa, like elsewhere there is a lot to address in Africa. That is not the point at all.
But the double standards and hypocrisy that consistently applied to Africa, show that something else is going on.
However, where the main global players have stuck to certain principles, things can and do work.
We seem to be turning a corner on the pandemic, despite obstacles.
For example, COVAX was supposed to be a solution to assist low-income countries to get access to vaccines and therapies.
But Covax could not compete with wealthy countries for supply, and we saw examples of hoarding. In actual fact, the rich countries are the ones who were offering vaccine doses through COVAX.
To add insult to injury, we now see some travel restrictions based on where people were vaccinated, even though the vaccines themselves are exactly the same. So we have now an issue of where you’re vaccinated, something else that’s about to come or is slowly coming is; what type of vaccine.
Despite this, there is progress.
Access to vaccines has begun to increase, both through donations and doses we purchase for ourselves.
In Rwanda, we have administered more than 2 million doses, and 90% of residents of cities, especially the capital, Kigali, have received a dose.
We see also cooperating with various commercial and development partners to launch an ambitious program to manufacture vaccines and other pharmaceuticals for the African market, beginning next year.
So, even though things could have been better, we do appreciate the good cooperation that has been there.
Another area where good partnerships can produce results is in the fight against insecurity, terrorism, extremist ideologies, including genocide ideology.
There are cross-border challenges that require close cooperation.
Rwanda’s engagement in peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions in Africa falls under this rubric.
Islamist insurgents are now on the run in northern Mozambique in the province of Cabo Delgado, because of a good program of cooperation between Rwanda’s Defence Forces, and those of Mozambique and the region.
Similarly, our commitment to the Central African Republic, which is both bilateral and multilateral, through the United Nations, aims to create the space for the country to chart its own path to political reconciliation, peacefully.
The next step is to consolidate the gains and focus on providing services and guaranteeing rights for citizens.
These are just two examples that might link to some of the themes under discussion at this event.
Once again, I thank the World Policy Conference for this wonderful evening and opportunity. And thank you all for your kind attention and interest.
I look forward to our discussions to take place immediately.
The four institutions phased out include; the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG), National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC), National Itorero Commission (NIC) and the Fund for Support and Assistance to the Neediest Survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi (FARG).
The law repealing these institutions has been enacted following the creation of the new Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE).
Some members of parliament have expressed worries that duties previously carried out by the dissolved institutions might not be assumed effectively by the new ministry in charge.
They urged the new ministry to work hard to consolidate gains achieved in unity and reconciliation, preventing Genocide as well as improving the welfare of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean-Damascène Bizimana assured parliamentarians that the new ministry will make all possible efforts to deliver on expectation and achieve envisaged goals in unity and reconciliation.
He explained that the ministry will have departments with duties that were previously carried out by phased out institutions.
Recently on Tuesday 21st September 2021, the cabinet meeting approved the draft laws repealing the four institutions.
At the time, the cabinet also approved the Prime Minister’s Draft Order which determines the mission, functions and organizational structure of MINUBUMWE.
All the functions that were performed by each of the institutions mentioned above will be under the responsibility of the new ministry, which will set policy and as well as implement programs.
The ministry will have the capacity to fully discharge all of its responsibilities in collaboration with the partners and beneficiaries of each of the former institutions whose responsibilities will be absorbed by MINUBUMWE.
The new ministry is built on four key pillars namely: National Unity and Citizenship Education; Research and Policy Development; Memory and Genocide Prevention; and Community Resilience.
The statement released last night shows that 178 people have caught the virus out of 12168 sample tests, two recovered while 12 are critically ill.
A total of 1,677,682 people have been fully vaccinated while 2,127,543 received the first dose of COVID-19 since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 5th March 2021.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
RNP has revealed that the suspects were arrested with different improvised explosive devices (IEDs) materials that include; wires, nails, phones, explosives and videos for radicalization.
They were arrested at different times in Kigali City, Rusizi and Nyabihu districts.
The suspects have said that they were assigned to shatter different buildings including Kigali City Tower, Downtown and others in Nyabugogo.
According to RNP, investigation has proved that arrested suspects work with a terrorist group known as Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) linked to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
ADF operates in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) IN North Kivu.
“We appreciate people who worked with security organs in sharing and corroborating information in order to prevent these attacks. Rwanda National Police with other security organs will continue to prevent and fight against terrorism and ensure public security and safety,” RNP has tweeted.
{{Terror suspects speak out}}
Ismael Niyonshuti and Hassan Mbaraga are among members of the terror group, who were arrested. They narrated on how they joined the terror group with intention to destabilize Rwanda.
They disclosed that they were recruited by their colleagues and trained by a Kenyan national, who was part of the IS-linked terrorists in Cabo Delgado, where they were subdued by the joint Rwanda and Mozambique forces.
“I was arrested on August 31, a week after I got connected to the Kenya national, who was coming from Mozambique. He is the one who was training us on how to use explosives to target specific buildings in revenge for Rwanda’s intervention in Cabo Delgado,” said Niyonshuti.
He added: “The mission was to carry out an attack on KCT (Kigali City Tour) with explosives through an electronics shop operating on the ground floor, and a petrol station in Nyabugogo.”
On his part, Mbaraga revealed that he was recruited by Niyonshuti and that they had planned to detonate explosives in Kigali and other parts of the country.
RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that Rwanda police worked with other security organs to dismantle the terror cell, which was planning to carry terror attacks mainly in City of Kigali.
As he said, all the suspects were arrested in September.
CP Kabera thanked Rwandans who provided tip off that led to the arrest of terror suspects and advised the general public against putting their lives at risk dragging themselves into terrorism.
RIB Spokesperson, Dr. Thierry B. Murangira has said that the 13 terror suspects face seven charges namely; conspiracy to commit a crime, being part of of terror group, engaging in acts of terrorism, treason and mobilizing people to conduct terrorist attacks, illegal use of explosives or using toxic substances in public places, shattering buildings, establishing or joining terrorist group.
Upon conviction, terror suspects will be charged under law No. 46/2018 of 13/08/2018 on counter-terrorism where the accused crimes attract the sentence between seven and 25 years.
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