The Civil Defense source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the casualties are the result of Israeli raids on southern Lebanese sites, including Zahrani River, Srifa, Qabrikha, Babliyeh, Kfar Dounine, Borj Rahal, and the municipality of Deir Qanoun.
Civil Defense teams and the Lebanese Red Cross worked to transfer the bodies of the dead and wounded to hospitals in Sidon, Tyre, and Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, while rescue teams were still working to remove the rubble in search of missing persons.
Since Sunday afternoon, violent clashes took place between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces that infiltrated several border towns in southern Lebanon, according to Hezbollah and Lebanese security sources.
“The fiercest clashes, in which heavy and medium machine guns, artillery shells, and rockets were used, were taking place on the outskirts of the villages of Rab El Thalathine, al-Taybeh, Houla, Mays al-Jabal, Aita al-Shaab, Rmeish, Jabal Sadana, Birkat Al-Naqqar and Kfarchouba,” the security sources said.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah said in separate statements that its fighters targeted several Israeli sites with rockets and drones, including the Filon base, headquarters of the 210th Division in northern Israel, the Samson base west of Lake Tiberias, Beria Air Defense and Missile Base, and the city of Haifa.
The group said it also targeted Israeli army gatherings on the outskirts of several Lebanese villages with artillery shells and missiles.
Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been launching intensive airstrikes on Lebanon in a sharp escalation with Hezbollah. It has also conducted what it said was a “limited, targeted” ground operation against Hezbollah positions near the Lebanese border.
Since Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been exchanging fire across the Lebanon-Israel border amid fears of a broader conflict as the war between Hamas and Israel continues in the Gaza Strip.
Prominent African leaders have come together in this landmark step, as the initiative is set to transform the continent’s leadership landscape by meeting the diverse needs of leaders across Africa.
The ASG aims to address the continent’s pressing governance challenges by equipping emerging leaders with the mindsets, skills and knowledge required for effective leadership in Africa’s future. The initiative brings together visionaries committed to creating a sustainable governance model rooted in African realities.
{{A collective leadership vision}}
The ASG initiative is founded by H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia (both co-founders of the ASG Foundation) in consultation with other African leaders, academicians, and philanthropists dedicated to improving governance across the continent.
ASG is supported by the Mastercard Foundation as part of its Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young Africans, 70 percent of whom are women, to access dignified and fulfilling work opportunities by 2030.
ASG will be led by esteemed independent governing board members, chaired by Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and former Minister of Finance and Economy of Senegal, and including Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank, Hajer Gueldich, Professor at the University of Carthage, Kishore Mahbubani, former Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, and Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board.
The ASG Foundation has appointed Professor Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a distinguished scholar and academic, to be the inaugural President of ASG. The collective vision of ASG’s leadership is to create an institution that offers world-class education in governance and public policy while promoting home-grown solutions to Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Speaking on the launch, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn commented: “The time is ripe for an institution rooted in Africa’s needs and aspirations. The African School of Governance will be a hub for nurturing purpose-driven leaders equipped to tackle the continent’s greatest challenges and opportunities, combining Africa’s uniqueness with international best practices. This is not just an educational institution, but a movement towards sustainable African leadership.”
{{Tackling Africa’s development and governance challenges}}
Africa’s rapid economic growth, increasing global influence, and evolving governance structures present unprecedented opportunities and challenges. From post-pandemic recovery to climate adaptation, the continent’s policymakers face complex and urgent issues that require skilled leadership.
ASG aims to meet this critical need, by developing current and future leaders who can address these challenges through a shift in leadership mindsets, governance, and sustainable development to drive long-term, meaningful change across the continent.
{{Academic excellence and tailored programs}}
ASG will offer a comprehensive suite of academic programs designed to meet governance, leadership, and policy deficit across Africa. These include the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) programs, which are tailored to mid-career professionals and senior executives, respectively.
ASG will also provide specialized Executive Courses aimed at enhancing specific leadership skills for professionals. Additionally, the Young Leaders Program (YLP) and Senior Leadership Fellowship (SLF) will cater for high-potential undergraduates and seasoned professionals nearing the end of their careers, ensuring that ASG supports leadership development at every stage.
ASG’s curriculum will be distinguished by integrating African historical, political, and socio-economic contexts. By grounding students in African realities, the institution will equip diverse leaders to navigate the continent’s complex governance challenges while drawing from global best practices.
{{Innovative research and policy engagement}}
In addition to its educational offerings, ASG will play a critical role in advancing governance through its dedicated research centres. These include the Centre for Home-Grown Innovations in Policy and Governance, the Centre for African History and Leadership, the Centre for Trade and Regional Integration, and the Centre for Technology and Effective Delivery.
These research hubs will focus on generating evidence-based solutions tailored to African governance challenges, helping policymakers design and implement effective policies and strategies.
ASG’s commitment to policy engagement is equally robust, with plans to actively engage with governments, civil society, and private-sector stakeholders. Through policy labs, incubators, and collaborative partnerships, ASG will translate its research into actionable policy solutions that promote good governance and sustainable development across the continent.
{{Leadership and governance structure}}
As the inaugural President of ASG, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, a globally recognised leader in public policy and governance, will steer the institution towards its ambitious goals.
Professor Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has held senior positions in the United Nations system for 17 years and taught at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, and The Fletcher School at Tufts University.
He is also the author of several books, including the critically acclaimed Emerging Africa: How the Global Economy’s ‘Last Frontier’ Can Prosper and Matter.
Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the IFC and Chair of ASG’s Board, said, “We are excited to welcome Kingsley Moghalu as President of the African School of Governance. His sterling track record of leadership in international and national policymaking institutions, academia, and his thought leadership influence, will help make ASG a transformative graduate school and develop a new generation of purpose-driven leaders with the skills and mindsets to help Africa address the challenges of the 21st Century.”
Professor Moghalu will be responsible for steering and shaping ASG’s academic vision, delivering learning programs that reflect the complex governance challenges facing Africa today. Under the guidance of the Governing Board, he will focus on recruiting top-tier African faculty, fostering academic excellence, and positioning ASG as a hub for intellectual and policy innovation.
“The establishment of ASG is a powerful expression of a clear vision on the part of the founding leaders,” Prof. Moghalu said in response to his appointment. “I share this vision of a transformed Africa driven by competent leadership and governance, and I am honoured to have been tasked with leading ASG’s critical contribution to making that vision a reality.”
{{Strategic partnerships}}
ASG is supported by the ASG Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation, that exists to help mobilize funding and manage its endowments, as well as give strategic guidance to the institution and support related initiatives for the development of African leaders.
The establishment of ASG is supported by strong strategic partnerships with other world-class institutions, including the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, and the Mastercard Foundation.
{{A Pan-African initiative with global reach}}
Headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda, ASG is set to become a Pan-African institution with a global influence. Its mission is to build leadership capacity that transcends borders, ensuring that African voices are not only heard but lead the charge in global governance discussions.
ASG’s partnership with institutions such as the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore further reinforces its commitment to providing a world-class education that draws from both African and international expertise.
This announcement marks a significant milestone in Africa’s governance journey. Through the collective efforts of its founders and partners, the institution will help to nurture the leaders that Africa needs to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
According to WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, this achievement marks a major milestone in Marburg virus care, as these patients would likely have succumbed to the disease in previous outbreaks.
“We believe this is the first time patients with Marburg virus have been extubated in Africa. These patients would have died in previous outbreaks. I commend Rwanda’s health system for its preparedness and life-saving interventions,” Tedros said, citing a recent incident where two patients successfully recovered.
The WHO boss was speaking at a joint presser with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health held on October 20, 2024, attended by various partners and stakeholders in the health sector. He recognized Rwanda’s ability to contain the deadly virus, a feat achieved through strategic measures and effective health interventions.
“We’re pleased to see that there have been no new cases in the past six days. And we hope that remains the case,” said Tedros, highlighting the aptitude to provide critical care for Marburg patients.
The country has not seen any new cases in the past six days thereby reducing the number of active cases to three with 43 recoveries. Out of the 4715 tests conducted so far, the Ministry of Health has recorded 62 confirmed cases, 44 recoveries, 15 deaths (predominantly health service providers) and a fatality rate of 24.2%.
Tedros also lauded Rwanda’s long-term investments in healthcare, which have strengthened its capacity to manage such crises. He emphasized that the country’s health infrastructure now allows it to offer critical care that is deployed both in routine medical situations and in emergencies.
He acknowledged the international collaboration in Rwanda’s fight against Marburg. Rwanda has initiated trials for vaccines and therapeutics and these efforts, according to Tedros, demonstrate the country’s forward-thinking approach to pandemic preparedness and the country’s hard work towards reaching WHO’s maturity level 3 in its regulatory framework.
He expressed satisfaction with the available technological advancements in tracking and controlling the outbreak, noting that the National Command Center’s use of real-time information systems was crucial in coordinating the response.
“We believe these strategic investments will address the equity problems we faced during COVID-19,” he said.
Even though the WHO chief warned that vigilance must continue until the outbreak is officially declared over, he urged countries not to impose travel or trade restrictions on Rwanda, as they are unnecessary and could harm the country’s economy.
“We ask those countries which have imposed travel restrictions to reverse them,” he said, ensuring that Rwanda’s leadership in this outbreak response is recognized and supported by the global community.
The WHO’s praise for Rwanda’s achievements reinforces the country’s growing reputation as a leader in healthcare innovation and emergency response on the African continent.
Rwanda’s Minister of Health Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, echoed WHO’s recognition of the country’s progress, highlighting the significant milestone as a clear sign of the outbreak being brought under control.
“We’ve had zero infections and zero deaths consecutively for six days, which is a continuous improvement. This has been as a result of rigorous testing, contact tracing, and treatment strategies,” he said, expressing optimism that Rwanda could be soon be declared Marburg free.
“A critical aspect of Rwanda’s success has been its high level of care for patients, including life-saving interventions. The case fatality rate that stands at 24 is a reflection of the dedication of healthcare workers,” the Minister noted, underscoring the teamwork involved in saving lives.
In addition to critical care, Rwanda has taken proactive steps to vaccinate over 1,000 frontline healthcare workers and contacts of Marburg patients. This has provided an additional layer of protection and reassurance for those at the forefront of the fight against the virus.
The WHO standards and regulations stipulate that in case of an outbreak such as this, once there are no more patients in the treatment Centre and no new cases emerge, a country can be declared virus free after a period of 42 days.
The Rwandan government continues to work together with various partners to ensure that no cases are missed, and measures remain in place until the outbreak is fully contained.
The embassy will reopen its doors to the public starting Monday, October 21, 2024, for all services that had been suspended, including American citizen services and visa interviews.
“Starting Monday, October 21, 2024, the U.S. Embassy will reopen to the public for all in-person services, including assistance for American citizens and visa services and interviews,” the embassy said in a notice published on its official website.
The embassy had earlier stated that the decision to suspend all in-person services at its offices following the announcement of the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda on September 27, 2024, was made out of an abundance of caution as the government assessed the severity of the MVD outbreak.
During the period, embassy staff were authorized to work remotely.
The reopening of the embassy to the public comes after Rwanda’s Health Minister, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, termed the country’s progress in managing the Marburg virus outbreak as positive. He attributed the trend to heightened contact tracing and ongoing vaccination trials.
Speaking during a recent press conference, the minister said Rwanda hopes to report no new cases or deaths for several days. No new cases have been reported for about a week now.
“We believe that this ring vaccination [for the close contacts of confirmed cases] has played a big role. And also, we believe that the intensive work being done on the ground is helping to capture all the cases and their contacts,” Dr. Nsanzimana told members of the press on October 17, 2024.
“So briefly, I just wanted to share this good news that the trend is positive, and that we’re going to hopefully soon—or as soon as possible—have zero cases for several days and zero deaths for several days,” he said.
According to the minister, since the outbreak, all new confirmed cases have been within the hospital cluster in Kigali and their contacts, all of whom are under isolation and treatment. There is no evidence of community transmission in Rwanda.
Rwanda has so far confirmed 62 cases, 15 deaths, and 44 recoveries. Cumulative tests stand at more than 4,700.
The Marburg virus, which causes hemorrhagic fever, spreads from person to person through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals. It can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces or materials, such as bedding and clothing. This transmission can occur through broken skin or mucous membranes, such as those found in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected individuals, practicing good hygiene, wearing protective clothing when caring for someone infected or working in a high-risk environment, and avoiding contact with infected animals, especially fruit bats and non-human primates. Humans are also advised to avoid touching or consuming bushmeat.
He referred to the drone launch from Lebanon, aimed at his private residence in the northern town of Caesarea earlier in the day.
The drone eventually hit another house in the town, with no casualties, and the prime minister’s office noted that Netanyahu and his wife were not in their private home at the time of the attack.
“This will not deter me and Israel from continuing the war of revival against our enemies to ensure our security for generations,” Netanyahu added in the statement.
“I tell the Iranians and their partners in the axis of evil that anyone who harms the citizens of Israel will pay a heavy price for it. We will continue to eliminate your terrorists, bring back our abductees from Gaza, and return the northern residents to their homes,” the prime minister stated.
Netanyahu concluded, “We will achieve all the war goals we have set and change the security reality in our region for generations.”
Karongozi sheds light on the unique aspects of the case, including the controversial witnesses for the defense and their surprising claims, as well as the challenges faced in ensuring that the truth about the events of 1994 is fully revealed.
This interview offers a critical perspective on justice, the complexities of such trials, and the lasting impact on survivors.
{{IGIHE}}: {{Who is Eugène Rwamucyo?}}
{{Karongozi}}: Eugène Rwamucyo is a Rwandan who hails from Musanze district. He studied Occupational Health Sciences and was one of the Directors at the University of Rwanda Health Center in Huye district.
He is accused of planning and execution of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Butare. As someone who wielded significant influence, he is currently on trial and as usual is still presumed innocent. As representatives of the affected, we are striving to ensure the truth comes to light.
{{IGIHE}}: {{There have been many trials, what is unique about this one?}}
{{Karongozi}}: The first unique aspect about this case is that the defendant claims, in his view, that there should not have been so many political parties and even goes as far as bringing in witnesses whose testimony aligns with his narrative.
Among these witnesses are people like Ndindiriyimana, the former Commander of the Gendarmerie, Habyarimana Emmanuel, former Minister of Defense, Jean Marie Vianney Ndagijimana, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Jean Kambanda, the Prime Minister during the interim government, among others.
These individuals still hold on to ideologies that contributed to the Genocide against the Tutsi, and as we go through the trial, it becomes evident that holding onto such beliefs is inappropriate, especially when they led to the Genocide.
Additionally, there are international witnesses like Charles Onana, who was supposed to appear but later expressed uncertainty about attending. There are also people like Stephan Smith, a journalist for ‘Le Monde,’ and Hervé Deguine, among others, whose testimony contrasts with what is known about the Genocide against the Tutsi.
These witnesses seem to be defending Rwamucyo’s stance. While he acknowledges some atrocities, he denies having committed Genocide.
{{IGIHE: Why do the witnesses focus heavily on events in Butare?}}
{{Karongozi}}: You know that the Genocide in Butare started after Theodole Sindikubwabo’s speech on April 19, 1994, but even before this massacres were being planned and some going on unnoticed.
Rwamucyo is accused of participating in meetings organized by members of the Coalition for the Defense of the Republic (CDR), where plans for the killings were made.
The Genocide in Butare was executed in a shocking manner, with roadblocks set up everywhere, bulldozers and caterpillars brought from Kigali, prisoners forced to bury the dead, and mass graves filled with victims from various locations such as Matyazo, Ngoma Parish, the university buildings, Hotel Faucon, and the Butare Prefecture.
Even hospitals weren’t spared; patients were taken out and killed, their bodies dumped in pits. The genocide was conducted swiftly and in an organized manner.
There were security meetings at the Prefecture level, attended by figures like Higaniro, who was sentenced in Belgium, and various local officials, military officers, and police. These meetings determined who would be killed.
Rwamucyo is accused of being responsible for the disposal of bodies, but they buried some people before they had fully decomposed. The brutality was evident in how they quickly moved around, leaving no place untouched.
{{IGIHE: How are the plaintiffs seeking reparations handling the case?}}
{{Karongozi}}: In any trial, plaintiffs’ rights are respected, and this is no exception. We’ve seen individuals speaking with knowledge of the country and providing insights into how things were.
We’ve heard from people like Herene Dumant, a historian, and Damien Vandermeersch, who started the Butare trials in Belgium. Jean François Dupaquier, a renowned journalist, also testified. These people have a reputation for telling the truth about the Genocide against the Tutsi.
We also saw people from Médecins Sans Frontières, like Rony Zakaria, who was helping people in hospitals but had to flee after witnessing the massacre of the patients.
Other individuals continue to tell the truth, and as lawyers, we fight for that truth because we have become accustomed to these trials, even though each one has its unique aspects.
We are still expecting more survivors to testify, as they are the foundation of our history in these trials. Their experiences and what they heard or witnessed are deeply respected in court. While Rwamucyo’s representatives may question them, it is not as harsh as in Arusha, where witnesses were sometimes mistreated.
Here, the trial respects both sides, and we believe that the truth will continue to emerge.bWe have two more weeks left, and our schedule aims to conclude by the end of October.
{{IGIHE: A witness claimed that they went to kill with Rwamucyo, but Rwamucyo denies knowing them. What does this mean?}}
{{Karongozi}}: It appears to be a strategy, as he claims not to know almost everyone, although it’s understandable that after 30 years, one might forget certain people. However, it seems improbable that one would forget everyone.
These are individuals he worked with, such as drivers and secretaries, people he encountered regularly, so denying knowledge of them is difficult to comprehend.
Another example that puzzled us was when he claimed not to know the nearby multipurpose building. There are moments where you can tell he is exaggerating, but it is his right to remain silent.
{{IGIHE: What has surprised you the most in this trial?}}
{{Karongozi}}: It’s the way witnesses for the defense seem to mock us. Jean Kambanda, for instance, claimed that it was the RPF (Rwandan Patriotic Front) that killed people in Butare, referencing Robert Kajuga.
Others echoed similar statements, including Rwamucyo, who denies that the killings were planned.
Some also argue that the killings were fueled by anger following the shooting down of Habyarimana’s plane. But how could this anger travel over 100 kilometers to Butare, where Tutsis were then killed?
Was this anger hidden for over 10 days, only to erupt later? It clearly contradicts the claim that the Genocide wasn’t planned.
We have shown evidence dating back to 1990, even from Dr. Abel Dushimimana, who was arrested as a spy despite being a Hutu. When asked why he was arrested, he said he didn’t know, but that it might have been because of his appearance, suggesting that Rwamucyo looked more like a Tutsi than he did.
Do you remember in 1990 when older people like Kamugunga and Gakuba were killed, and students like Munyeshuri and Modeste Mungwarareba, who led the Seminary, along with Father Musoni, were imprisoned?
They fired shots in the night of October 4-5, 1990, claiming that the RPF had reached Kigali. The next day, over 8,000 people were arrested. All of this had been planned.
{{IGIHE: After handling many cases like this, how do you, as a Rwandan lawyer, approach them?}}
{{Karongozi}}: I’ve developed a practice of visiting the locations where the accused are alleged to have committed their crimes before the trial starts. Even though I spent many years in Butare, I go there to speak with the people we are defending, as many cannot come to court here.
I visit various sites to understand the current situation, especially where new buildings have been constructed, so I can be informed. I also gather information myself—not by conducting investigations but by listening to survivors to ensure I have enough knowledge for the case.
It’s an ongoing battle, and with my colleague Gisagara, we have the advantage of understanding Kinyarwanda, so when people use terms like ‘kora’ (work) or ‘kubohora’ (liberate), we understand the meaning fully.
{{karirima@igihe.com
{}}}
According to a statement from the Angolan President’s office, the leaders discussed the security situation in eastern DRC and potential solutions under the Luanda process.
“In particular, the Head of State addressed with the two counterparts the latest developments within the scope of the ongoing efforts within the framework of the Luanda Process, as well as the next steps aimed at achieving a lasting solution to the crisis affecting the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” the statement reads.
This discussion follows a meeting held in Luanda on October 12, 2024, where ministerial delegations from the involved countries worked on efforts to restore peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader region.
Rwanda and Angola delegates supported the plan to dismantle the FDLR group, while the DRC delegates put forward the proposal for Rwanda to lift defensive measures.
Angola was tasked with preparing a detailed report on the dismantling of the FDLR by October 26, 2024. This report will be reviewed by intelligence experts during a meeting on October 30, 2024.
The same meeting also saw the appointment of Patricie Uwase, the former Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, as the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Cooperation Initiative (RCI).
Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju served as Minister of Sports from November 2019 until August 2024, when a new government was formed. She was succeeded by Nyirishema Richard.
Munyangaju holds a Master’s Degree in Project Management from Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands.
Her career spans senior management roles at SONARWA Life Insurance and COOPEDU.
She has 18 years of experience in business and investment, particularly in financial markets and stock exchange management.
Patricie Uwase, now CEO of RCI, served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure from February 2022 until June 2024, when she was succeeded by Olivier Kabera.
Prior to that, she held the position of Permanent Secretary in the same ministry. Uwase holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California.
Additionally, the Cabinet appointed Ulrich Kayinamura as CEO of the Agaciro Development Fund, succeeding Mutesi Rusagara, who was named Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
Kayinamura previously served as Head of Investments at BK Capital and has over 15 years of experience in investment management.
His leadership roles span organizations such as Southbridge Group, BPR Bank, and the Business Development Fund (BDF). Kayinamura holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
Dr. Mugenzi replaces Jean Claude Musabyimana, who served as Minister of Local Government since November 2022 and was reappointed in August 2024.
Before this appointment, Dr. Mugenzi was the Director General of the Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA). With over 15 years of teaching experience at the University of Rwanda, he is an expert in agricultural business management.
Dr. Mugenzi has also served as an advisor, researcher, and project management specialist.
Dr. Mugenzi holds a PhD in Agribusiness Management from Egerton University, Kenya, and a Master’s degree in Business Management, Economics, and Consumer Studies from Wageningen University, Netherlands.
Dr. Mark Bagabe Cyubahiro, the newly appointed Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, takes over from Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri.
Prior to this role, Dr. Bagabe was the Director General of the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition, and Consumer Protection Authority.
He has also led other key government agencies, including the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB).
Dr. Bagabe brings extensive experience in leadership, international agricultural development, and quality management.
His contributions to agricultural research, technology, and the establishment of quality standards across Africa have been significant.
He holds a PhD in Plant Health and a Master’s degree in Crop Protection Technology from the University of Reading, United Kingdom.
The presidential decree, published in the Official Gazette on October 18, 2024, announced the pardons, which affected inmates at various facilities, including the Nyarugenge Rehabilitation Center.
Bamporiki, whose sentence was increased on January 23, 2023, had been serving a five-year prison term and faced a fine of 30 million Rwandan Francs after being convicted of accepting a bribe and abusing his office.
CG (Rtd) Gasana Emmanuel had been sentenced to three years and six months in prison and fined 36 million Rwandan Francs for abuse of office.
The clemency comes with conditions that must be strictly adhered to. Those granted a pardon are required to report to their local Prosecutor’s Office and notify the relevant local authorities, including their village, cell, sector, and district, within 15 days of the decree’s publication.
Additionally, they must visit the Prosecutor’s Office once a month and request permission from the Minister of Justice to travel abroad.
These conditions remain in effect until the individual has completed the remainder of their sentence.
Failure to comply with these requirements or receiving a new conviction could result in the revocation of the clemency.
Beyond the pardons, some inmates also received reduced sentences. For instance, PC Tuyishime Moise benefited from a partial remission of his imprisonment, reducing his sentence from 25 years to 10 years.