Police arrested the group, which had converged at the house of one Jean D’amour Mutangana, 25, at about 11pm. Mutangana is among those arrested.
The party had been organized to celebrate the birth of one Odo Nizeyimana alias Khalfan, 29, (also arrested) by his friends.
“We were arrested at about ten minutes after the start of the curfew (11pm), although we were at the time winding up for everyone to go back home,” said Nizeyimana.
“It is the first time that I have been arrested and I feel ashamed for my wrongdoing to violate the government directives,” he added.
Vanessa Umurisa, another violator, who was arrested with the group, said that at the time when Police arrived, some of them were in the house and others outside where they were engaged in various social activities.
RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said the violators disregarded the national Covid-19 directives.
“We are aware that there are people who disregard Covid-19 directives, especially in these last few days when the directives were reviewed. These people were holding a party at home without informing local leaders, they had not tested for Covid-19 but they also violated the curfew since they were caught at the time when everyone is supposed to be home,” CP Kabera said.
“Such inappropriate behaviours can fuel the spread of Covid-19, and derail the national efforts to prevent the pandemic, but be warned that Police in partnership with local leaders and public, will know these violations and you will be arrested,” he warned.
The violators were tested for Covid-19 at own cost and handed administrative fines, accordingly.
The spokeperson further warned against spreading false information especially on social media platforms on guidelines for one to reopen a bar.
“Bars are expected to resume with an authorization issued by a competent institution and hours of service are clear. We remind bar operators to follow the guidelines and their host customers in compliance with the issued protocols. Less than that, you will be penalised.”
The President made the revelation on Saturday 25th September 2021 speaking to members of the press alongside his counterpart of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi on the second day of his visit to the country.
He said that Rwanda intervened to restore peace in Mozambique as an African country committed to promote solidarity in finding solutions for difficult problems.
“Africans are capable, and by working well together, we can find solutions to even our most difficult problems. Nothing should stop us from ensuring the stability, progress and well-being of the people of Africa,” he said.
“This is why Rwanda did not hesitate, when we were asked to join our armed forces together with Mozambican forces, to bring security back to this region. Together, our joint forces have succeeded in pushing back the insurgents,” added Kagame.
The president emphasized that the presence of Rwandan troops in Mozambique is not by accident that they were invited to join Mozambicans to solve a problem.
He expressed optimism that the situation will get back to normal for good through ongoing joint efforts.
President Nyusi also commended Rwandan troops for their contribution to restore peace in Cabo Delgado noting that efforts to return displaced citizens are underway.
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 have started yielding where different regions including Palma, Awasse, Mocímboa Da Praia, Quionga, Tete, , Maputo, Nhica Do Rovuma, Quelimane, Chinda and Mumu have been 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.
The remaining work is predominantly about launching offensives to quell enemy pockets from their hideouts and resettling displaced citizens.
Before concluding his working visit, Kagame and Nyusi have also attended the Armed Forces Day ceremony at Pemba Municipal Stadium.
The Government of Rwanda targets to increase urbanization rate from 18% to 35% in 2024 to support economic growth.
While Kigali hosts about half of the urban population in Rwanda, a Housing Market Study for Kigali (2012-22) estimates that total housing needs (2012-22) reach 458,256 units, of which 344,068 are to be constructed.
The demand for affordable housing has not been thoroughly researched countrywide yet studies are in preparation where it is estimated to double the total need in Kigali.
This stresses the need to bridge the gap between housing demand and supply for people in low and middle-income segments and high end users.
It also challenges city planners, developers, and banks to seek new approaches to encourage investors to fund housing projects.
Despite existing constraints in housing finance, lending conditions have improved through the introduction of longer credit terms slightly reducing interest rates, a larger and more accessible variety in terms of down-payment options among others.
Ecobank is among other banks that have not been left behind tackling financial issues restraining people with a quest to invest in housing.
With various loan products to support people’s ambitions to grow their finances, the lender added mortgage loan to existing products to keep walking together with clients in their businesses.
Ecobank’s Mortgage Loan finances the borrower’s residential house purchase or renovation.
Every aspect of this loan has been designed to help clients realize their dreams to own homes.
IGIHE has caught up with Olivier Mpenzi, the Head of Personal & Direct Banking at Ecobank Rwanda Plc to speak more about the product promising to turn clients’ dreams into reality.
{{Excerpts:}}
{{In which context Ecobank introduced the mortgage loan? }}
When you buy a home or refinance your mortgages, it’s a big financial decision. By introducing the mortgage loan product, we wanted salaried and self-employed customers to own a house and this will help them to make large purchases.
{{What are key features? }}
{ {{Below are features of the mortgage loan facility:}} }
{{1. Outright Property Purchase}}
This variant of the product provides financing for salary account holders to buy completed properties for residential purposes. It helps our customers achieve their dreams of becoming homeowners.
{{2. Equity Release}}
This is the opportunity for homeowners to have a portion of the value of their properties released to them as cash in other to meet other financial needs.
{{3. Renovation}}
This provides homeowners the opportunity to have access to substantial cash with which they can renovate and upgrade their homes to their required taste; thereby increase the value of the property and the collateral coverage on the loan.
{{4. Estate development}}
This provides opportunity for customers to acquire properties within Estate. The property may also be semi-finished or where payment may be made based on agreed milestone. This also include where individuals come together for the purpose of creating a private Estate.
What are the unique benefits the borrower receives with Ecobank mortgage loan?
Affordable interest rate, annual management fees has been waved, dedicated relationship manager and other added services like, digital tools for customers to be transacting at any time, our goal is to help our customers to stay closely connected from anywhere in the world.
{{Which documents required applying for Ecobank mortgage loan?}}
A mortgage loan is one of offered loan products. When applying for a mortgage, one has to be an existing client channeling his/her salary to Ecobank. Once your salary domiciliation letter is provided to us other administrative documents are very easy to get.
{{How much is the monthly payment?}}
There are many factors taken into consideration while determining mortgage loan payment but we cannot exceed 50% of monthly salary as the maximum repayment capacity.
It also aligns with the regulations the Central Bank’s regulations whereby total monthly payments and other consumer financing does not exceed 50% of the net disposable income.
{{Do you require an inspection to qualify for this mortgage loan?}}
A home is a big investment. The bank will require a valuation report before they decide to finance or to service that loan. Because it’s very important to know about the conditions of the house you’re about to purchase if is in good condition or not in order to mitigate the risk. A valuer will look at the structure of the house and confirm that there are no major issues with the house. Once we have a better picture of the house’s condition, we proceed with the next step.
{{Are there pre-payment penalties with this loan?}}
At Ecobank, we don’t charge any fees for early repayment. Our purpose is not to penalize our clients. As long as you have that capacity to pay loan before, you will liquidate it without penalties.
Besides, you can complete transactions using our online service (Ecobank Online) without necessity for physical presence at the bank’s offices. This is how Ecobank is taking the lead to digitize even more complex processes by tapping into the advantage of digital technology.
{{What is your message to existing and potential clients?}}
First of all, a decision to have or purchase your dream home is one of the most important decisions you can make in your lifetime. I will strongly recommend everyone who doesn’t have a house to think about it and Ecobank will help you to achieve your dream.
Moreover, I encourage them to take advantage of our best loan products for retails meeting their banking needs like Personal Loans, Car Loan, Residential Mortgage Loans, Renovation or Land Purchase and Equity Release.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed via Twitter handle that they discussed ‘Common Agenda, COVID-19 and recovery’.
Minister Biruta has been in New York, United States of America (USA) to attend the 76th United Nations General Assembly.
On the sidelines of the event, he also met with counterparts from different countries including Jamaica, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and the United Arab Emirates where they discussed on issues of mutual interests.
Kagame made the revelation on Friday 24th 2021 during the ceremony to name 24 baby gorillas held virtually to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
The President highlighted that the success of gorilla conservation in Rwanda shows the good that can be achieved through community participation and the right partnerships.
“I wish to thank all collaborators, in Rwanda and around the world, for sustaining this excellent work over the years. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way we celebrate Kwita Izina. But I am happy to see many partners and friends joining us today virtually to continue this tradition,” he said.
Kagame said that the pandemic has affected tourism where the country registered a drop in the number of visitors but assured that the important work of conservation continued.
“This includes the Tourism Revenue Sharing Program, which continues to finance valuable projects benefiting the communities around our parks. As visitors return, they will have remarkable experiences that match their high expectations,” he assured.
The President further stated that the country is testing and vaccinating as many people as possible to ensure that Rwandans and visitors stay healthy.
“Our aim is to ensure that Rwanda remains safe and inviting destination,” he noted.
The ceremony held for the 17th time attracted celebrities including players of Paris Saint Germain namely; Neymar Jr, Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria, Marquinhos and Sergio Ramos who named three baby gorillas (Ingeri, Nshongore and Mudasumbwa).
Bukayo Saka playing for Arsenal was also among namers participating in the ceremony.
The Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony reflects centuries-old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends. For three decades before the first official gorilla naming ceremony, park rangers and researchers named Rwanda’s mountain gorilla babies to monitor each gorilla in their family and habitat.
In 2005, Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in what has become a global celebration of nature. By giving a name to these majestic animals, they are given the value they undoubtedly deserve.
The ceremony is also an opportunity to thank the communities that live around the gorilla habitat, Volcanoes National Park, research partners, vets and the dedicated conservationists, rangers and trackers who protect the gorillas daily.
Since 2005, a total of Rwf6.5 billion have been pumped into 780 projects in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure, education, provision of decent shelters for vulnerable residents, building health centers, promoting livestock farming, beekeeping and crafts among others.
Despite unprecedented effects occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic, Rwf700 million were invested in 30 projects in the areas of infrastructure and agriculture this year.
Rwanda’s tourism sector earned US$121 million in 2020 down from US$498 of 2019.
Over the last sixteen years, more than 300 mountain gorillas have been named.
Today, Kwita Izina forms part of an ambitious strategy to preserve Rwanda’s natural heritage and further expand the role of tourism in the country’s transformation. As a result of the naming ceremony, Rwandans from all walks of life understand the intrinsic value of gorillas and their contribution to the country’s development.
As of today, 18% of the target population of 7.8 million (representing 60% of Rwandan population) is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Commenting on the development; the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije said that the number of vaccine recipients is a great milestone noting that the journey continues.
“The Government of Rwanda is doing the best we can to acquire the needed vaccines and we are grateful to different stakeholders who continue to contribute to the distribution of vaccines to our people. We aim to reach 30% of the target population by the end of this year,” he revealed.
So far; Rwanda has received 3,658,310 doses of COVID-19 vaccines through a variety of platforms including COVAX facility, African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT), bilateral agreements and Government direct purchases in partnership with the World Bank.
According to the Ministry of Health, Government efforts including vaccination activities have reduced the COVID-19 positivity rates from over 10% in July and August 2021 ‘to the currently manageable rate of less that 3% in September’.
The agreement was signed between Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza and Dr. Thwala Nhlanhla, the Vice Chancellor and Provost for African Leadership University, at the RNP General Headquarters in Kacyiru.
The MoU focuses mainly on conducting, development and validation of training programmes, capacity building for RNP trainers and exchange of lecturers and trainers.
Other areas include organizing seminars, workshops and symposia, delivery of Lectures of Opportunity, exchange of information and materials related to training and research and conducting joint research.
RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that the agreement with ALU, which has a campus in Rwanda, is a boost especially to the force’s academic programmes.
“This is a joint partnership in the running of leadership and management programmes, joint research, development of training programmes in leadership and management that respond to identified challenges, exchange of materials that benefit RNP and its training schools, but also tapping expertise in relevant trainings fields as well as trainings of opportunity, holding seminars, workshops and symposia, all which are beneficial to the RNP academic programmes,” CP Kabera said.
The National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District and Police Training School (PTS) Gishari in Rwamagana District are at the centre of delivering the RNP academic and career training programmes.
The NPC specializes in academic programmes at undergraduate and post-graduate levels as well as professional and specialized courses. Undergraduate programmes are in the areas of computer Science and Information security, Forensic Science, Professional Police Studies (PPS) and Law.
At the post-graduate level, NPC offers a Master’s degree programme in Peace Studies and Conflicts Transformation.
On the other hand, PTS conducts Cadet and Basic Police courses wings, Peace Support pre-deployment training and hosts Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC) as well as police Logistics School. It also conducts other specialized courses in areas of criminal investigation, gender-based violence and road traffic, refresher courses among others.
The quartet of Desire Ishimwe, Elie Ndacyayisenga, David Nikwigize and Theoneste Manirakiza was on Friday, September 24, paraded to the media at Kigali Metropolitan headquarters in Remera, Gasabo District.
One of the would-be victims, Abouba Niyonsenga, narrated how he was approached by the ring.
“Somehow, they got to know that I needed a driver’s license. So, they found me in Kayonza District three months ago and told me that they are Police officers and had handcuffs. They told me that they can help me acquire the driving permit and that I would pay them when they bring it,” Niyonsenga explained.
He added: “One of them, Desire Ishimwe, later called me to meet him in Kigali where he showed me 50 driver’s licenses including mine, which I suspected were forged. He asked me Rwf350, 000 but I refused to pay him because of my suspicions.
I told him that I will pay after authenticating that it is genuine, the idea which he refused. This prompted me to go to the traffic department and shared the information on this fraudulent group.”
Elie Ndacyayisenga, one of the arrested , said that he connived with his colleagues to falsify driver’s licences to make money.
“We needed money for rent, so we orchestrated to deal to forge driver’s licenses and to target people that need them,” said Ndacyayisenga.
RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that the suspects were arrested in Police operations following information provided by the public.
“The suspects were impersonating Police officers and forging various documents including driver’s licences which they were selling to the people. They were traced, arrested and here they are for the public to see them and also send a warning message to anyone involved in such criminal practices,” CP Kabera said.
CP Kabera urged the public to follow due process to acquire a driver’s license and report anyone approaching them for money in order to help them get the permit.
“The public should be vigilant and avoid shortcuts which put them in position of being deceived and fleeced by such fraudsters. Every service is assigned to a competent institution which they should visit instead of taking such criminal shortcuts.”
They were handed over to RIB for further legal process.
Article 276 of the law determining offences and penalties in general states that, any person who, in any manner, forges or alters documents by forged signature or fingerprint, falsifying documents or signatures or impersonation, forging agreements, its provisions, obligations, or discharged obligations, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five (5) years but not more than seven (7) years and a fine of not less than Rwf3 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.
In article 174; any person who, by deception, obtains another person’s property, whole or part of his/her finance by use of false names or qualifications, or who offers positive promises or who threatens of future misfortunes, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than two (2) years and not more than three (3) years, and a fine of not less than Rwf3 million and not more than Rwf5 million.
In article 279, of the same law states that any person who without tittle usurps public, civil or military functions or poses the acts of one these functions or falsely attributes to himself/herself the quality of a public official commits an offence.
Upon conviction, the offender faces between two and three years in prison, and a fine of not more than Rwf300,000 but not more than Rwf500, 000.
The iron sheets are meant to roof toilets for the identified disadvantaged families. This falls under the RNP sanitation and hygiene programme.
The Governor of Southern Province, Alice Kayitesi presided over the handover of the roofing iron sheets on Thursday, September, 23, in an event that was held in compliance with the national Covid-19 prevention guidelines.
Present was also the Southern Regional Police Commander (RPC), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Claude Tembo and local leaders.
Governor Kayitesi urged the beneficiaries to use the iron sheets for the intended purpose to improve home and community hygiene.
“We commend our Police for this human security initiative to improve the welfare and particularly the hygiene of the people because poor hygiene can also be a security concern if not given due attention. Loof your toilets and put there doors to prevent related diseases,” Governor Kayitesi told the beneficiaries.
She urged them to work hard, form cooperatives and send children to school.
ACP Tembo told the residents that sanitation and hygiene equally provide a foundation for good health and security.
“Rwanda National Police has provided these roofing iron sheets to promote hygiene and good health. Without hygiene, you are insecure,” ACP Tembo said.
He urged the them to continue to partner with the Police in fighting and preventing crimes through information sharing on wrongdoers or unlawful acts.
“Kivu sector is close to Nyungwe forest and criminals might try to use it to cause insecurity. When you see or suspect anyone, be quick to report them to security organs,” the RPC told the residents.
Charles Mbarubukeye, a 54-year local resident and one of the beneficiaries, thanked RNP for being people-centred to improve their wellbeing.
“We were using unroofed toilets and this was a health issue to us. It was also hard to use the toilet when it is raining,” said Mbarubukeye.
“We know our role to collaborate with security organs through sharing information to report criminals. Ensuring security is also our responsibility,” he added.
Kagame voiced the appreciation on Friday 24th September 2021 as he began two-day working visit to Mozambique.
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 have started yielding where different regions including Palma, Awasse, Mocímboa Da Praia, Quionga, Tete, , Maputo, Nhica Do Rovuma, Quelimane, Chinda and Mumu have been seized from rebels.
Upon arrival in Mozambique today, President Kagame met with Rwandan joint forces working with Mozambican Defence Armed Forces to help restore peace and stability in Cabo Delgado Province.
Kagame was accompanied by his counterpart of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi as he visited the troops at the Naval Base located in Pemba.
He commended them for the hard work done to retake Cabo Delgado which was previously under the control of insurgents.
“I want to start by thanking my brother and friend, President Nyusi and his delegation for inviting us to this city and to thank you Rwandan and Mozambican soldiers and Police for all the hard work you have done to liberate Cabo Delgado. The rebels better know that we won’t sit back and let them return and threaten the lives of the people in Cabo Delgado,” said Kagame.
He thanked Nyusi for inviting him and ‘making the time to speak to our soldiers so that they can leave this place safer than they found it’.
President Nyusi thanked his counterpart of Rwanda for the visit and accepting to send soldiers ‘who came to work with other soldiers to protect our country’.
“Thank you for the cooperation between our soldiers. The Rwandan soldiers have shown immense respect to our citizens. They are loved and respected. Our soldiers are forever indebted to you and we look forward to continuing rebuilding the lives of our citizens for the better,” he noted.
Currently, rebels have lost almost all strongholds. The remaining work is predominantly about launching offensives to quell enemy pockets from their hideouts and help displaced citizens to return to their homes.
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.
