Airtel Rwanda, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, and Tigo Rwanda Ltd, a subsidiary of Millicom, have announced a partnership to pilot interoperability between their two mobile money transfer service platforms.
This collaboration will allow Airtel Money and Tigo Cash subscribers to send and receive money directly into their mobile wallets without use of vouchers.
Tano Oware, Acting Chief Executive Officer for Airtel Rwanda said; “As facilitators at the forefront for mobile-commerce in Rwanda, Airtel is pleased to join hands with Tigo to provide our customers with an interoperability option that would allow them access to transact easily using our mobile money transfer services.
This further brings to light our determination to ensure that we achieve Rwanda’s agenda of cashless economy.”
Interoperability in Rwanda’s mobile money sector is aimed at fostering financial inclusion thus increasing the velocity on money in our financial ecosystem.
Adding to the development; Tongai Maramba, Chief Executive Officer, Tigo Rwanda, expressed: “Getting access to financial services via the mobile phone can make a massive difference to people’s lives. I am delighted that we have delivered Interoperability with Airtel.
With this, we underline our commitment to drive financial inclusion and join forces with The Government of Rwanda in the journey towards reduced reliance on cash. On lighter note, I am excited that I will finally be able to send money to Mr. Tano’s Airtel Money account without resorting to cash.”
Commenting on the partnership between the two telcos, Gregory Reeve, General Manager for Tigo MFS added “with this advancement, Rwanda becomes the second market in Africa to launch interoperability after Tanzania. Connecting systems together is a key driver of financial inclusion and access for the people in Rwanda and Millicom is committed to this cause.”
Airtel Money Africa Director Mr. Chidi Okpala added; “This initiative is another demonstration of Bharti Airtel’s commitment to deepen financial inclusion and facilitate cashless ecosystems across Africa. We championed interoperability in Tanzania and have now done so in Rwanda, with two more countries to go before year end.”
Mr. Okpala specially commended the National Bank of Rwanda for its unflinching support for this initiative and commitment towards ensuring the long term success of mobile money services in the country.
In the past few years, there has been great adoption of mobile money services as this has been a mode of accepting merchant payments, sending and receiving money, utility bill payments and pay TV.
To put this in context, in December 2010, only 1.7 million bank accounts and mobile wallets existed out of a population of 9 million people. Today there are over 5.7 million mobile subscribers in the country.
Mobile Money has had a transformative impact on the lives of millions of people who previously had limited or no access to financial services.
Once the customer receives money into their wallet, they will be able to use other mobile financial services such as P2P, bill payment, merchant payments or cash outs while also helping the government to advance important public policy objectives on financial inclusion.
The two companies will continue to work together on international money transfer services to include more countries such as Congo.
The Government of Rwanda today welcomed the decision by the Spanish Supreme Court to dismiss 40 indictments of Rwandan officials, upholding the January 2015 ruling of Spain’s National Court.
Rwanda’s Minister of Justice Johnston Busingye said:
“The Spanish Supreme Court has done the right thing. There was never any basis for the indictments in the first place, it was a blatant abuse of universal jurisdiction.
For years, forty Rwandan individuals have endured sustained persecution at the hands of an investigating judge whose radical motives and actions have now been definitively overturned and halted by the highest court in Spain.
It’s gratifying that we can finally move on from this regrettable episode. Rwandans will continue to build an enduring relationship of trust, friendship and collaboration with the Spanish people and the country’s institutions.”
The cases were filed in 2008 by Judge Andreu Merelles, using the principle of universal jurisdiction and have always been considered politically motivated. In its decision, the Supreme Court halted investigations by the judge in Spain. This amounts to recognition of Rwanda’s primary jurisdiction over the matter.
The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda filed in the Supreme Court an application against the Government of Rwanda seeking several declaratory orders. It alleged that the State had failed to stop the process of amending the Constitution which had started with members of the public submitting petitions to Parliament calling for the amendment of article 101 of the Constitution to enable the incumbent President of the Republic to seek another term of leading the Country.
Among others, Green Party sought declarations that Article 101 of the Constitution is unamendable, that article 193 which deals with the required procedures for the amendment of the Constitution does not open the door for the amendment of article 101, in particular the part that states that no person may hold of the office of President for more than two terms.
The party argued that the only amendment of article 101 possible under article 193 was on the duration of the term of office, not the number of terms. Green Party also argued that allowing the referendum aimed at amending article 101 of Constitution would undermine democracy.
In its judgment delivered today, 8 October, 2015, the Supreme Court’s bench of nine judges led by the Chief Justice, held that there was nothing in the Constitution that prohibited the amendment of article 101. Although Article 193 provides a complex procedure for amending Article 101, it does not prohibit amendment of any of its parts, meaning that if that procedure is properly followed both the duration of presidential term and the numbers of terms are amenable to amendment.
Further, the Court held that amending article 101 through the procedure provided for by article 193 including super majorities in Parliament and a referendum would not undermine democracy. On the contrary denying citizens the right to determine how they are governed following procedures laid down in the Constitution would be undemocratic.
The Court questioned the wisdom of a people binding themselves and future generations in perpetuity without the flexibility to bring the law or the constitution in line with changed beliefs and circumstances. The application was therefore dismissed.
Police in the Southern Province are holding the Director of Huye-based Kabutare Hospital, Dr Saleh Niyonzima, and the hospital accountant over allegations of embezzlement.
The arrests follow an audit exercise that was carried out in the hospital in September which revealed missing funds, according to sources.
Inspector of Police Eulade Gakwaya, the acting spokesperson of Police in the Southern Province, confirmed the arrests, saying the duo was apprehended on September 30 and was being held at Ngoma Police Station in Huye District.
“They were arrested in connection with embezzlement of hospital funds,” he said.
“Police compiled a dossier and submitted it to the prosecution but investigations are still ongoing,” he said.
The law provides that Police make a dossier within five days after the arrest of a suspect and pass it on to the Prosecution for further action.
Gakwaya said the amount of money thought to have been embezzled will be established after the investigations.
The duo met prosecution officials on Monday, he added.
Meanwhile, Police are still hunting for the hospital administrator, another suspect in the case.
The arrest comes days after the hospital on September 28, announced that it needed Rwf80 million to pay workers August salary.
Dr Niyonzima told journalists then that the salary delays were due to Health Insurance Scheme (Mutuelle de Santé) arrears.
He explained that the hospital had used Rwf29 million from government to buy medicine in July but when it sent receipts to Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), for refund, the latter delayed to disburse the money to the hospital.
He announced this after the Minister for Health, Dr Agnes Binagwaho visited the hospital, where she held a meeting with the hospital staff and the directors of health centres in Huye District.
Speaking at the meeting then, the minister said there is a need for concerted effort among local government entities to ensure timely payment of health insurance premiums.
It is understood the government usually provides funds to complement health insurance in covering health workers’ salaries in health facilities.
It is estimated that the health insurance scheme owe Kabutare Hospital up to Rwf300 million in arrears.
Jay Z and Beyoncé are now renting a 20,000 square foot house in the Los Angeles area.
According to TMZ, the couple is reportedly shelling out approximately $150,000 per month for the stunning 20,000-square-foot mansion. They signed a one-year lease, according to the celebrity gossip site.
The property owned by a British billionaire includes a 20,000 square foot house, a complex featuring an indoor Olympic-sized swimming pool and an outdoor pool with a waterfall.
Not so long ago, I&M Bank had to emotionally bid farewell to one of its longest serving Managing Directors Mr. Anand Sanjeev. But all was not lost, as the multinational Bank ushered in yet another highly experienced Banker Mr. Robin Bairstow (in Picture) as its new MD. As the English adage goes: “Experience is the best teacher” the Bank looks to the future with enthusiasm as it welcomes Bairstow to its helm. He joins the bank with a 24 year professional banking career and has served in South Africa, Zambia, Uganda, Singapore, Indonesia and his previous job was with another international bank in Kenya where he had served for 15 solid years. He has indeed juggled well his banking profession; serving in different positions—from marketing to retail banking and so on. IGIHE caught up with Mr. Robin C. Bairstow in his office right at the heart of Kigali City at the Bank’s head office and discussed a wide range of issues concerning I&M Bank and Rwanda’s financial market in general. Excerpts follow below.
{{IGIHE}}: At 52 years, I&M Bank is arguably the oldest bank in Rwanda and incidentally one of the top performing banks. How sounding have you found the Bank and strategically where do you want to take the bank going forward?
{{ROBIN}}: Truth is, I find a well structured bank. It has been doing well over the last 5 years under the stewardship of a good leader. Indeed, he left it in good shape. Our challenge is to sustain, consolidate and even upscale what was achieved.
Looking at key indicators of a healthy financial entity like capital adequacy, assets growth rate and non-performing loans (NPL), among others. All is well. For instance, the Central Bank wants all players to be below 5% on NPL, the industry average now stands at 5.9%. I&M bank’s is at 6.4%, and we are working hard to bring it down by at least 2% in the very near future.
I found a Bank with a well developed corporate banking structure and business. A burgeoning retail and SME banking unit perfect at tapping into the available Government opportunities like the BDF (Business Development Fund) and Hanga Umurimo Programs. There are still more opportunities to explore in terms of tapping into the fast growing SME sector, the huge unbanked Rwandan population using innovative digital platforms.
The Bank is very liquid. It enjoys an asset to deposit ratio of 51% which is good by any standards. It is well capitalized; whereas minimum capital adequacy ratio set by the Central Bank is 15%, I have found I&M Bank’s at 22%. The Bank is one of the top performing Banks in terms of Return on Equity (ROE), meaning we are very profitable in the market. We are number 3 in the market and we hope to maintain or even improve that position. Going forward, future investments will be prudently geared towards the right sectors. Sustaining this growth is going to be determined by making the right investments choices in a perfect financial market. Banking is more than slick pay-off lines and running fantastic adverts. It is more about reputation and integrity within the financial market. I&M Bank is fairing quite well on both fronts and I hope to maintain that. I find it extremely important to put much more emphasis on product development and innovation. We need to get the people’s perception right—we ought to be perceived as a stable and reliable partner.
{{IGIHE}}: You join a market where over 90 % of the businesses are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who are characteristically risky to lend to. Rwanda’s financial sector is extremely competitive. Despite of the credit risk associated with the SMEs all banks seem to rush to the bottom of the pyramid. But it will probably depend on style and belief. Do you think it is a wise idea to reposition I&M as an SME Bank or Corporate Bank?
{{ROBIN:}} I&M does not position itself distinctively either as an SME or Corporate bank, it serves both segments equally. Our conviction and belief is that it is a growing curve—SMEs once well nurtured can potentially grow into good corporates much as there could be many casualties along the way . I&M Bank funds many start-ups through special programs that are run jointly with the Government (among other stakeholders). The Guarantee Scheme provided by I&M Bank buffers the shocks and mitigates risks associated with the start-ups. The Bank has witnessed consistent growth in this area and on average more than 50 start-ups are funded a year. Dealing with start-ups under this arrangement has provided the bank with enormous lessons and experiences that provide a good basis for review and improvement.
For instance, we have learnt that start-ups need education. In responding to this need, the Bank is working with partners like European Investment Bank (EIB) among others to do Financial Skills trainings for entrepreneurs. A similar training will be conducted before end of this month (October).
{{IGIHE:}} Our long experience covering Rwanda’s financial sector has shown us that competition has pushed financial institutions to roll out a lot of innovative banking products and services to benefit their customers. However there is generally less uptake of such banking products and services. A case in point is the low uptake of online banking services and products. Banks have been blamed for weak marketing and less effective communication methods used to promote products and services. What is your take, looking at the portfolio performance of I&M Banking Products and Services?
{{ROBIN:}} Looking at the uptake levels of I&M Bank’s products and services, it is satisfactory but more could be done. To improve this, the bank aims to explore possible market linkages and synergies. The bank is capitalizing on reviewing its product and services, leveraging on the available digital payment and transaction systems like Point of Sale, Online Banking, Mobile Banking, mVISA etc to ensure minimal use of cash because it has proven more expensive. Note that, the more you explore alternative, cost-effective transaction options, the more you reduce the cost of delivery and the beneficiary at the end of the day is the customer.
{{IGIHE:}} It is evident that the recent innovations in the telecom industry like mobile money services have to a large extent affected the performance and relevance of the Bank’s online products and services. Subscribers (of telecoms) who are apparently Bank Account Holders have found them more convenient, reliable and cheaper. In your view, should this cause panic among banks?
{{ROBIN}}: Banks should not be concerned about the innovations in the telecoms because they have unlocked a number of opportunities for banks. Moreover, they are bringing many unbanked citzens in the equation that incidentally end up using banking services in one way or the other. In other words, telecoms have played a complimentary role. As banks, we may lose in one area but in aggregate terms the gains are much more. Banks are increasingly exploring synergies with telecoms to serve customers better. The rise of money transactions in telecoms has nothing to do with the slow down in growth of the banking sector—keep in mind that growth in GDP has a direct correlation with the growth of the financial sector. In Rwanda for instance, where the GDP is reportedly 6.5-7%% percent (highest in the region), it is apparent that the banking sector is growing in matching terms. Banking sector in Rwanda is growing extremely well, at about 20%. Just imagine, despite of the huge volumes of transactions by telecoms, they still hold their trust funds with the banks—which is still big business for us (banks). It is a complementary service other than a competitive service.
{{IGIHE:}} Going by the trends, smart companies have now strategically started repositioning themselves as regional business entities—also aiming at tapping into a larger and more lucrative EAC market with 130+million people. A number of regional and continental banks like I&M Bank have opened shop in Rwanda. Traders trading across the borders have not been much attracted by the banking services and products offered by regional and continental banks due to high transaction costs. In your view what is the problem? What specific innovations does I&M Bank plan to deploy to improve in this area?
{{ROBIN:}} I&M continues to establish its footprint in a chain of regional economies. It is putting up very strong performance in Kenya, we are Tanzania and now in Rwanda as well and the 50% acquisition of Bank One in Mauritius allows us access to funding opportunities. The cardinal aim of spreading our operations in the region is to tap into the growing trade flows across the region. If you analyse the banking transaction statistics within the EAC, it is evident that it is not yet a homogenous market and that affects (slows down) innovations in banking services. The EAC integration agenda is progressing and the financial sector will have to match the pace (of integration) and this opens up opportunities for players and consumers. I&M Bank in 2016 will be rolling out a new operating system which will be a catalyst in getting closer to being a fully networked bank. This will allow us to run products and services jointly as one I&M Bank Family across the network in the region. The Bank offers services across counters in Tanzania, Kenya and Mauritius (as Bank One) to its customers.
{{IGIHE:}} Rwanda’s financial sector is also still faced with a number of challenges, including legal and regulatory challenges, market structure related challenges etc. Through the Rwanda Bankers Association (RBA) and other pressure groups your concerns could be heard and solved. What is your take on the state of the organization of the financial sector in Rwanda? From your rich banking experience, what more do you think RBA or Chamber of Financial Institution could do to ensure effective policy and strategy advocacy?
{{ROBIN}}: As a lobby group, you have a much better voice to the regulator. Building a common understanding of prudential guidelines issued by the Central Bank is key and we work together to achieve that. There is need for regular, informed and well-structured engagements within the structures of the (financial) chamber and the association (RBA) to responsibly and realistically engage the regulator. The advantage we have is that it is a ‘listening’ regulator.
{{IGIHE: }} A while ago, there were plans of I&M Bank listing on Rwanda Security Exchange (RSE). Although this has been delayed due to reasons beyond the public’s know. What is the latest? Are there specific reasons that stalled the move?
{{ROBIN:}} The planned IPO is not a capital raising exercise for the Bank, it is one of the shareholders looking to exit their investment. This is an opportunity to further deepen the local bourse’s financial sector and at the same time a chance for local investors to gain a share of a well-established, performing local financial institution. The timetable is yet to be agreed and a formal advisor appointed. We certainly remain excited about the prospect.
{{IGIHE: }} Looking at the values, vision and mission of I&M Bank paints a picture that you’re customer-focused, customer-centred Bank. But it is easier said than done! What do you promise?
{{ROBIN:}} Customers are the core of our business. If you look at the profile our products and services over the last 5 years they have been growing quite well at over 20%. It implies we must be doing something quite correctly. We will continue to review our processes in offering products/services; underpinning convenience and reliability. A case in point is the ATM uptime—we get to look at the efficiency of the entire process to ensure a seamless service. Our banking halls will be like our seating rooms at our homes. Customers do not just come and wait in a queue to be served. We take advantage of that moment to talk to them and generate important feedback that helps us improve and serve them better. I do believe that the tradition of opening bank branches for purposes convenience is not dead yet. Our societies have not grown to a level where we do away with branches completely. It is possible but it is going to take a little longer before we realize a totally cashless economy. In the short to midterm, majority of citizens will still need that branch next to them to physically transact. Therefore, we shall combine both; investing in more bank branches across the country and up-scaling our digital banking platforms for maximum convenience and reliability.
{{IGIHE:}} In your parting short, what promises do you give I&M Bank Customers and Rwandans in general?
{{ROBIN:}} We will continue to innovate. We will continue to grow, particularly in areas where we traditionally are known to be strong. We have a major focus on SME and consumer banking. We will be rolling out more products—watch this space. We have a very exciting campaign coming up this October—focused heavily on home ownership. Our promise is to roll out products that not only meet customers’ needs but satisfaction as well.
As member of corporate society, we have areas we would like to continue extending our support, particularly in education and health. We shall continue to concentrate our efforts in certain areas where we can make a difference and positive impact in the society.
Rwanda’s leading security company has rebranded form Intersec Security to ISCO Intersec Security after an internal restage of its brand. Released under the thematic ‘A New Commitment, A New Promise, a New Vision’ ISCO Intersec Security will be rolling out its new identity across the country.
ISCO Intersec Security General Manager Vincent Gatete stated “We have remained as the leader in our field through the committed delivery of professional services through our employee base that is over 5,000 strong. However, times are changing. The economy is developing at a fast rate and so are our clients requirements for their growing businesses & institutions. This new identity is the reflection of a change that delivers a new commitment, a new promise and a new vision to our clients”
The company has invested in developing internal systems, its employees and adding value through innovative new services to keep up with the growing demands for today’s modern customer.
“We recognise that our people are key to the successful delivery of the new ISCO Intersec Security experience and have thus invested in identifying the best talent, developing their skill set and creating a conducive environment to grow them into effective leaders,” added Gatete.
Some of the other changes include streamlined and digitized systems to allow efficient and timely operational standards. For example, customers now only need to call one number, 3031, to deal with any queries from acquiring services to invoicing & billing queries and therefore enabling them to access and interact with the company in an easier and more efficient manner.
The company has also rolled out a restructured system that is taking employees through a vigorous training program that covers security systems, security management, disaster response, customer service and administrative skills.
ISCO Intersec Security has also expanded its services to include courier, logistics, transport & warehousing services.
Customers may now acquire 4G enabled security systems such as IP video surveillance cameras with ease as the company will provide a full package including connectivity, installation & maintenance at affordable rates. The service will be launched at the ultra modern 4G Square centre at Grand Pension Plaza, where ISCO Intersec Security will have a sales office and service centre. This unprecedented move by the security company is a bold declaration that ISCO Intersec Security is committed to fully adopting the needs of today’s digital customer.
A number of security specialists are also being trained to provide 360 degree security solutions that go past guarding services to include security consultancy right through to crisis management advisory.
A cash processing center is under construction to expand the company’s Cash-in-Transit (CIT) services to a full service cash solution including Cash sorting / Inspection / Packaging, ATM replenishment as well as vault solutions. This will be located at the site of the company’s new headquarters that will be ready at the end of 2015.
“Our new identity, brand platforms & strategy will appeal to the needs of our clients as we serve them better with a renewed focus on delivering improved services in both our physical and our fast growing digital and electronics business, whilst encompassing the new diversified sectors we have expanded to” concluded Gatete.
The government has moved to set up a regulatory framework for remotely piloted aircraft, popularly referred to as ‘drones,’ following investor interest to establish the world’s first drone airport (drone port) in the country beginning next year.
Last month, Norman Foster, a renowned British architect, expressed interest by his firm, Foster + Partners, alongside business partners to build the world’s first drone port in the country to facilitate transport of urgent medical supplies and electronic parts to remote parts of the region using drones.
In their proposal, the investors said, beginning next year, they intend to begin construction of three drone ports, which will take about four years to complete.
To facilitate the planned development, Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) is in the process of drafting regulations that will soon be submitted to Cabinet for approval and to be made operational by 2016.
The authority found it important to have the framework in place to guide further developments in the technology, which is fast becoming popular, as well as other aspects such as port construction.
RCAA public relations officer Tonny Barigye told The New Times that the overall aim was to ensure that the uptake of the technology was done in a secure, safe and efficient manner.
“As soon as the regulations are in force, Rwanda will be able to regulate any projects related to remotely piloted aircraft systems including and not limited to drone operations and all infrastructure required,” Barigye said.
The process involves consultations with stakeholders in the aviation industry and is also guided by the international civil aviation guidelines.
Foster’s firm is looking at a facility that will not only be used by Rwanda, but the region as well, with plans of expansion to the entire continent.
In remarks that accompanied his proposal and project implementation plan, the architect said, like mobile phones-dispensed landlines, cargo drones can get past geographical barriers such as mountains, lakes and rivers without much need for physical infrastructure.
“An ‘infrastructural leap’ is essential using drone technology and clean energy systems to surmount the challenges of the future,” Foster said.
The proposal works on estimates that a specialist drone can carry blood and life-saving supplies over 100 kilometres at minimal cost, providing an affordable alternative that can complement other modes of transport.
According to the proposal, Foster’s facility will have two parallel networks; one for medical and emergency supplies, and another for commercial purposes that will transport crucial larger payloads such as spare parts, electronics and e-Commerce.
Subsequent phases of the project could see about 40 drone ports across the continent, with Rwanda’s location considered ideal for easier expansion to neighbouring countries and the entire continent.
Beyond the actual facility, the drone port will create an eco-system around it that could develop into a commercial hub. It will also host a health clinic, a digital fabrication shop, a post and courier room, and an e-Commerce trading hub.
Foster said Rwanda’s challenging geographical landscape had made it an ideal testing ground and model for the drone port project.
He noted that much of the African continent had a gap between the population and infrastructure which at times complicated provision of basics such as medical supplies as well as commercial services.
“The shortage of terrestrial infrastructure has a direct impact on the ability to deliver life-giving supplies, indeed where something as basic as blood is not always available for timely treatment. We require immediate bold, radical solutions to address this issue,” Foster said.
“The drone port project is about doing ‘more with less’, capitalising on the recent advancements in drone technology.”
Francis Gatare, the chief executive of Rwanda Development Board, said Foster’s company has been in discussions with the government to establish the port.
At the moment, the technology is already in use in the country with a few drones functional.
Most of the operational drones presently are used for aerial view photography projects at public events and open spaces such as national parks.
Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi has called on prosecutors to be selfless and uphold the highest standards in their duties.
Murekezi, who was presiding over the swearing in for eight new prosecutors at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kimihurura, yesterday, said prosecutors should not conform to anything else that doesn’t represent national interests.
“The vows made represent your new and stronger ties with the nation. Rwandan prosecutors should be mindful not to be trapped into the interests of those using international laws for their own political interests—which in most cases are aimed at bringing contempt to African countries,” Murekezi said.
He added that when handling crimes that require cross-border cooperation and international stakeholders, such as genocide crimes, Rwandan prosecutors should stick to the interests of the nation and its dignity.
The new prosecutors include five women – one at the level of a chief prosecutor.
The seven new prosecutors are Stanislas Sibomana, Vestine Tuyisenge, Sifa Umuranga and Adrien Mukeshimana, who were sworn in to serve in Prosecution High Council.
Egide Dukuzumuremye, Julienne Uwamariya and Jeanne d’ Arc Murekeyisoni were deployed to intermediate level, while Francoise Mushimiyimana was sworn in as chief prosecutor.
Prosecutor-General Richard Muhumuza said more prosecutors represented additional resource, which would help the prosecution become more effective and improve their output.
“The new prosecutors bring in extra power and expertise, which will help us to deliver on the expectations of the public. We will continue to work together as a team and stick to national values and principles of justice as enshrined in the Constitution,” Muhumuza said.He added that having more women prosecutors sworn in compared to male counterparts is in line with gender equality.
“We strive for gender equality in all national sectors. There are 81 prosecutors countrywide, including 75 women (41.4 per cent),” Muhumuza said.Mushimiyimana, the new chief prosecutor, said they would partner with Police and other institutions to tackle emerging crimes, but, most importantly, economic crimes that hinder national development.
“We need to be mindful of the new crimes emerging in the country, for instance, human trafficking, child abuse, cyber crime and economic crimes,” Mushimiyimana said.
The Spanish Supreme Court has revoked arrest warrants against 40 current and former Rwandan officials issued by a Spanish judge in 2008 and ordered the case closed.
The revocation, announced yesterday, came after an NGO, Association Para la Defensa y Progresso de los Intereses Ciudadanos, lodged an appeal with the Supreme Court contesting a January 28 ruling by the Spanish High Court that revoked the warrants and ordered the case closed.
In its own ruling, the High Court had also dismissed charges against 11 accused and ordered that the case against the rest should close if no new evidence was adduced, observing that none looked likely.
The High Court had also ruled that the universal jurisdiction framework was not the right avenue given that neither the alleged offences were committed in Spain nor were the accused resident in the European country.
Now, like the earlier ruling by the High Court, the latest verdict, by the Supreme Court, does not only squash the arrest warrants but also orders that the case be closed.
‘Politically motivated’
The Minister for Justice, Johnston Busingye, confirmed the development last evening, adding that the latest ruling was taken on September 10, but took a while to write and sign off by the five justices that constituted the Supreme Court’s bench.
Busingye recalled that although Rwanda was not party to the case the government had always insisted that the case was politically motivated and not based on any proper or credible investigation.
The government’s confidence, he said, was anchored on the belief that the truth would eventually come out since the case was fictitious.
The indictment, he added, was in blatant abuse of the tenets of the principle of universal jurisdiction and any fair and independent court would reach a similar decision.
“We have always said that such a case requires proper and credible investigation. This particular investigation started by listing almost the entire leadership of the Rwanda Defence Forces on a charge sheet and then worked backwards to find offences with which to charge them,” Busingye, also the Attorney-General, said.
He explained that the ruling recognises Rwanda’s authority to handle sovereign matters.
“The 40 arrest warrants are revoked, case closed but, most importantly, the case signifies the recognition of the primacy of Rwanda’s jurisdiction to handle matters on its territory,” he said.
The ruling was delibered by Justices Candido Pumpido Touron, Miguel Colmenero Medendez de Luarca, Francisco Monterde Ferrer, Andres Palomo Del Arco and Ana Maria Ferrer Garcia.
Justice done
Legal experts say the revocation of the warrants and the closure of the case was justice done to the indicted Rwandan nationals and the country in general as the case had no basis.
Athanase Rutabingwa, a prominent lawyer and former president of the Rwanda Bar Association, said the ruling vindicated the government’s long-held position about the case.
“This reaffirms what we have always known, that there was nothing substantial in the indictment, it was an ‘empty’ document,” he told The New Times yesterday.
Asked about the implications of the verdict, Rutabingwa said the government now had an option and a right to seek legal redress for the damage the case brought to the reputation of the nation and the accused individuals.
Both the Rwanda Bar Association and the East Africa Law Society have previously criticized the indictment, describing it as an illegal effort.
The Gen Karake incident
In June, Lt Gen Emmanuel Karenzi Karake, the secretary-general of the National Intelligence and Security Service, was prevented by UK immigration officials from boarding a flight from London back home following an official visit, over the indictment.
One-and-a-half months later, he would be declared a free man by a UK court after the Spanish prosecutors said they had lost interest in pursuing his extradition to Spain.
The controversial indictment had been issued by Spanish judge Fernando Andreu Merelles charging the then senior figures in the former Rwanda Patriotic Army of genocide, terrorism and war crimes.
The indictment was quickly dismissed in many circles, including the US, while a 2009 investigation by United Nations experts found evidence that Merelles had been sponsored by two faith-based Spanish non-governmental organisations that had funded the DR Congo-based FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
