Kagame hosted her counterpart to the State Banquet last evening at Kigali Convention Center.
Suluhu arrived in Rwanda on Monday morning around 9a.m for her maiden visit since she became Tanzania’s President in March this year following the demise of Dr. John Pombe Magufuli.
On the first day of her visit to Rwanda, Suluhu held talks with Kagame revolving around strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation.
Both heads of state also witnessed the signing of four cooperation agreements in the areas of information and communication technology, immigration, education and regulation of medical products.
In the afternoon, Suluhu visited Kigali Genocide Memorial where she paid tribute to over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi laid there.
On the second day, Suluhu and Kagame are expected to visit Kigali Special Economic Zone located in Masoro which created over 13,000 jobs.
She paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Defence of Rwanda, Maj Gen Albert Murasira at RDF Headquarters, Kimihurura and held discussions on how to strengthen the bilateral defence cooperation between Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
“I am in Kigali on the invitation of the Minister of Defence to once again explore ways that we can strengthen the relationship between our two countries. What we have come to do today is to among other things share information regarding the challenges that our two countries face; including threats to do with terrorism within our countries, within our region and the continent of Africa,” Muchinguri Kashiri said in an interview after meeting with Maj Gen Murasira.
She emphasised that Rwanda and Zimbabwe have a long standing relationship which goes as far as 1997 during which a Memorandum of Understanding was signed and remains in existence.
Suluhu’s visit to the memorial is part of two-day state visit which she began today.
After observing a moment of silence, Suluhu laid wreaths to the mass grave where Genocide victims are laid to rest at the memorial located in Gisozi sector, Gasabo district of Kigali City.
Before visiting the memorial, Suluhu was hosted by her counterpart of Rwanda, Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro where she condoled with Rwandans who lost relatives during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
On the second day of her visit, Suluhu will visit Kigali Special economic Zone which is home to 120 companies with activities ranging from manufacturing, agro-processing and education among others.
“Rwanda and Tanzania share more than just a border. Our strong historical ties and common aspiration to deliver prosperity to our people have always been central to our cooperation,” Kagame told a joint press briefing with his visiting Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan in Kigali, shortly after they witnessed the signing of four cooperation agreements in the areas of information and communication technology, immigration, education and regulation of medical products.
The signing of the agreements gives new impetus to key infrastructure and investment projects of mutual benefit, particularly the standard gauge railway line, milk production and improved port logistics, said Kagame.
There is a lot more the two countries can learn from each other in the spirit of strengthening trade ties, ensuring prosperity and development of the economies and peoples, said Hassan, adding that the signing of the agreements would pave the way for this.
She also highlighted the need for cooperation in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and in full operation of the one-stop border post at Rusumo, a town on Rwanda-Tanzania border.
Rwanda and Tanzania in 2018 agreed on joint construction of a standard gauge railway from Isaka in northwestern Tanzania to Kigali to facilitate logistics movement between the two countries.
Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure Claver Gatete in July presented a bill to the parliament that provides a framework for the country’s implementation, management and maintenance of the standard gauge railway project, saying the country plans to commence the construction as soon as the railway line reaches Isaka.
President Suluhu arrived in Kigali today around 9.am.
She was later hosted at Village Urugwiro for a tête-à-tête with her counterpart of Rwanda.
Suluhu has been accompanied by a delegation comprised of senior officials including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of ICT, Minister of Infrastructure, Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister of Investment and members of the private sector in Tanzania among others.
Her visit to Rwanda has been considered a great opportunity to improve trade between both countries and address existing barriers.
Fatuma Ndangiza who once represented Rwanda to Tanzania has said that the visit of Suluhu reflects existing cordial relations between the two neighboring countries.
“The visit will also provide ground for discussions to find a solution for barriers hindering smooth mobility and trade,” she noted.
Rwanda and Tanzania enjoy cordial relations and cooperation in the areas of politics, infrastructure, economy and security.
Rwandans transit goods through Dar es Salaam port in Tanzania and export to the country as well.
Rwanda continues to attract investors with incentives making business environment favorable.
Some of Tanzanian investors have revealed that the visit of Suluhu might open new gates for business ecosystem.
Dittfurth Patrick Joseph, the Managing Director of Oilcom Rwanda Ltd which owns fuel depots worth US$10 million of investment said that investing in Rwanda presents huge opportunities.
“We are glad to run business in Rwanda because the latter is among countries providing conducive business environment where investors stand equal chance so long as all rules and regulations are respected without tax evasion or other malpractices,” he revealed.
Ernest Jumbe Mangu, the High Commissioner of Tanzania Tanzania in Kigali has also stressed that the visit of Suluhu is beneficial to both country’s citizens.
“The visit is of great relevance considering the fact that both Rwanda and Tanzania are neighboring countries. Therefore, strengthening bilateral ties is paramount to promote trade,” he said.
Suluhu comes to Rwanda following her visit to other regional countries including Burundi and Uganda.
Suluhu was sworn-in as new Tanzania President in 2021 following the death of Dr. John Pombe Magufuli. She was serving as Tanzania’s vice president prior to her new position.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport around 9a.m, Suluhu has been welcomed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Today at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame will receive President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan, for her first visit to Rwanda. The first day of her two-day State Visit, will begin with a tête-à-tête between the two Heads of State, followed by bilateral talks.
The Heads of State will then address members of the press and witness the signing of several bilateral agreements.
In the evening, President Kagame will host President Suluhu Hassan and her delegation for a State Banquet at the Kigali Convention Centre.
On Tuesday, 3 August 2021, President Kagame and President Suluhu Hassan will visit several companies in various sectors including the Special Economic Zone which is home to 120 companies with activities ranging from manufacturing, agro-processing and education among others. To date, the SEZ has generated 800 million USD in exports and created 13,000 jobs.
President Suluhu Hassan,61, assumed office in March this year.
The lockdown in Kigali City and eight districts considered major hotspots for new infections was imposed from 17th through 26th July 2021. It was later extended for five days to gather more information about status of the pandemic.
The cabinet meeting held on Friday chaired by President Paul Kagame took new COVID-19 containment measures lifting the lockdown in Kigali City and the eight districts including Burera, Rubavu, Gicumbi, Kamonyi, Musanze, Rutsiro, Rwamagana and Nyagatare. The decision took effect from Sunday 1st through 15th August 2021.
The cabinet meeting also allowed movements between Kigali City and other provinces and districts of the country except movements from and to selected sectors recently placed under lockdown. Movements are prohibited from 6p.m through 4a.m while all businesses must close by 5p.m.
Among others, public and private offices are allowed to reopen at 15% capacity while other employees must continue working from home.
Private businesses shall continue operations with essential staff at no more than 50% capacity, meetings and conferences are allowed not exceeding 30% of venue capacity, public transport should not exceed 50%, restaurants and cafés are allowed providing takeaway services only.
Civil and religious weddings are also allowed to a maximum of 10 people but all guests must present negative COVID-19 tests within 72 hours.
As new measures came into force on Sunday, residents of Kigali expressed delight for resumed operations and pledged to scale up efforts to adhere to national preventive directives.
Speaking to IGIHE; Innocent Barihuta, an employee working with Virunga Express revealed that the lockdown presented unusual times and thanked the Government for intervention to feed vulnerable residents hit hard.
“People depending on daily work do not earn income during lockdown but we were lucky that the Government provided food assistance. We are grateful from the bottom our hearts for the kind support to help us move on during such period of uncertainty,” he said.
Despite difficulties they went through, residents expressed optimism that things will go smoothly and bring the situation to normal gradually with strict compliance to COVID-19 preventive measures.
François Semanzi, a driver of buses heading to Eastern Province is among residents who shared lessons pulled from lockdown.
“All activities are on a standstill during lockdown yet savings are spent to feed children. You can easily understand how tough the situation is, when the lockdown is prolonged without enough reserves.”
He pledged to own measures and remind all passengers to remain compliant by keeping social distancing, wearing masks properly and sanitizing their hands.
Emeline Byukusenge lost a relative during the lockdown and could not attend his burial in Rwamagana. She had not visited her family until the lockdown was lifted.
“My grandmother died and was buried during lockdown. Lifting the lockdown allows me to visit my family but it also leaves a lesson to remain adherent to containment measures to avoid errant behaviors which could lead to halting movements and other activities,” she said.
Merchants whom we met in Kimironko market also committed to respect instituted measures to stay safe and continue their activities without disruptions.
“We have not yet started receiving clients as usual because some people might be hard up following days of lockdown. We are aware of surging COVID-19 cases and understand that it is our responsibility to own preventive measures. We are respecting all guidelines and 50% occupancy to avoid whatever that could undermine national efforts,” said Kankuyo Edisa, a vendor of fruits and vegetables.
Fabrice Ishimwe, a vendor of shoes in the same market also pledged to avoid complacency and remind his customers to respect health guidelines.
“We are delighted to see the lockdown lifted and convinced that it should not give loopholes for spread of the pandemic but rather concert efforts to tighten measures. That is why it is of utmost importance to remind every customer to wear a face mask properly, make payments digitally to avoid transmission of the virus. We can only defeat the pandemic if everyone acts responsibly,” he said.
Newly instituted measures will be reviewed after two weeks upon health assessment.
Citizens are reminded to continue adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures, keep social distancing, wear face mask properly, wash hands frequently and avoid unnecessary movements among others.
“Rwanda Biomedical Center informs the public that effective 9th August 2021, the price of a rapid diagnostic test for COVID-19 in private clinics shall not exceed Rwf5, 000. The list of accredited private clinics that can conduct COVID-19 tests will be communicated soon,” reads the statement released by RBC.
Many people have been opting for ‘Antigen Covid-19 rapid test’ but there were concerns that the cost is relatively high.
The reduction of COVID-19 rapid test is meant to increase the number of people going for medical check-ups.
Speaking to the media recently, Dr. Nsanzimana explained that Covid-19 test is likely to be integrated among packages of health services covered by Mutuelle de Santé but it has not yet been confirmed.
There are currently two primary types of COVID-19 tests. The first is the “Antigen Covid-19 rapid test” of which results are released between 15 and 30 minutes at a cost of Rwf10,000 while the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test which provides results after 24 hours costs Rwf 47, 200.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera made the call on Saturday, July 31, while appearing on Rwanda Television.
The Cabinet Meeting held on Friday, July 30, reviewed the national directives on preventing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The new directives took effect from Sunday, August 1.
The lockdown was lifted in City of Kigali and eight other districts of the country but movements are prohibited between 6pm and 4am. All businesses must close by 5pm, all social gatherings remain prohibited while public buses are only allowed to carry 50% of passenger capacity.
Although movements between City of Kigali and other parts of the country resumed, it is prohibited in the 50 sectors that were placed under localized lockdown, until August 10.
CP Kabera reminded the public that the pandemic is still around and advised unnecessary movements and to ensure maximum compliance with the directives.
“Although movements resumed from August 1, bear in mind that the pandemic is still here, be responsible and move only for essential services, do not take all members of the family and avoid visits; be responsive to prevent practices that can lead to getting infected or spreading the virus,” said CP Kabera.
“The directives, for example, specify that civil and religious weddings should not exceed 10 people, we expect this to be respected. However, people should not confuse this directive with traditional wedding, reception or bridal shower, which as it stands, are still prohibited,” he added.
CP Kabera further warned those who undermine the directives and attempt to disregard or challenge orders from those enforcing them.
“Some people have been found operating businesses beyond provided hours and others working behind closed doors during the time when everyone is supposed to be going home. There are also cases where public buses transport passengers above the recommended 50 percent maximum thinking that they will not be detected.
Other people do not wear face masks or wear them wrongly. There are businesses that have no hand washing facilities and others do not follow physical distancing. These attitudes will not be tolerated.”
He added that Police in partnership with other organs will continue to enforce the directives in all districts, sectors, on roads, bus stations and terminals. He urged drivers to follow and enforce the directives in their vehicles warning that failure to do so will result into penalties, once any violations are identified in public vehicles.
CP Kabera further cautioned drivers against movement during curfew hours, people, who hold religious gatherings either in homes or wilderness and reminded owners of restaurants to stick to offering take-away services only.
“The government directives to contain the spread of Covid-19 are very clear and the Police are ready for the enforcement and to provide any assistance where required and necessary,” CP Kabera reiterated.
At least 19 people were found in a house located in Nyirabwana Village, Kibagabaga Cell of Kimironko Sector, Gasabo District where one Charles Muzahura, 43, had invited friends to a house party.
Muzahura had invited his colleagues to the party to show them his fiancee.
On the same day, other six people, all employees of Afrimax, an online television channel, were arrested in the house located in Kacyiru, Gasabo District. They include the manager of Afrimax, Aimable Rwandarushya alias Nameless.
All the violators were showed to the media at Nyarugenge District Police Unit (DPU) in Rwezamenyo Sector, on Sunday, August 1.
RNP Deputy spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Africa Sendahangarwa Apollo said that during the operation in Kimironko, Police found 13 people gathered in the house dancing and drinking while six others were in the pool swimming.
While speaking to journalists, Muzahura, the party host, could only admit to the wrongdoing and asked for leniency.
On his part, Nameless said that the party had been organized to celebrate reaching one million followers on their YouTube channel. He added that they were 11 although five others managed to escape in the process.
CSP Africa warned against such errant behaviours and attitudes, which derail the national efforts against the Covid-19 pandemic.
“These people knew that what they were doing is prohibited but decided to go on with it, probably thinking that they will not be identified. These attitudes cannot be tolerated and we thank members of the public, who continue to report such risky gatherings in their neighbourhoods, which can be the source for further Covid-19 spread,” said CSP Africa.
He added: “Swimming pool, gym, spas, and parties, as advised by health institutions, are among areas where the virus can spread very fast. Our wish is for all people to adhere to the government directives and health measures to be safe from Covid-19 instead of being arrested and penalized.”
