The Police Chief pointed out that Rwandans expect service excellence, professional character and discipline from their Police force, and that draws a line towards sustainable security and development.
He said that the force will continue to improve the well-being of officers through various welfare schemes, but warned against engaging in all sorts of malpractices, especially corruption, injustice and drunkenness.
CG Namuhoranye also called for teamwork, work with the people and to be part of community development activities.
Michel said that the additional 50-billion-euro support package for Ukraine was from within the EU budget.
“This locks in steadfast, long-term, predictable funding for Ukraine,” Michel said, adding that “EU is taking leadership and responsibility in support for Ukraine.”
For weeks, EU officials have been trying to reach a compromise with Hungary to get an agreement on the four-year package for Ukraine which EU leaders failed to agree at a summit in mid-December.
The special EU summit on Thursday was scheduled to discuss the midterm revision of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework, assistance to Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, Michel said in an invitation letter to members of the European Council ahead of the summit.
AfDB Secretary-General Vincent Nmehielle told journalists in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that the Asian nation has financed infrastructure projects through bilateral agreements with African countries as well as via multilateral development financial institutions.
“Overall, I expect the infrastructure projects to be able to open up economies in a way that enables the country to perform, if it is a road or bridge it makes movement of goods easier and this is a driver for growth,” he said during a media briefing on progress achieved in preparations for the 59th Annual Meeting of the AfDB that is scheduled to take place in Nairobi on May 27-31.
The meeting is expected to host about 4,000 delegates representing finance ministers from African countries, senior AfDB officials, development partners as well as the private sector.
Nmehielle added that finance from China has complemented funding from other foreign donors as well as domestic resources in reducing Africa’s infrastructure development gap that is estimated at 170 billion U.S. dollars annually.
China and AfDB jointly developed the Africa Growing Together Fund to finance development projects in Africa.
This solemn ceremony marks the celebration of the National Heroes Day in Rwanda. The Prime Minister highlighted that this annual event is an opportunity to honor the country’s heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
“Today at the National Heroes Mausoleum, Prime Minister Dr. Ngirente laid a wreath, during the 30th National Heroes Day Ceremony, paying tribute to Rwandan Heroes who have displayed exceptional patriotism and sacrifice for the Country,” the Prime Minister’s Office has posted on X.
This day serves as an opportunity for Rwanda to reflect on its heroes. The theme for this year, “Our Heroism, Our Dignity,” reminds Rwandans of the dignity they derive from distinguishing themselves through acts of bravery and dedication.
The theme aims to perpetuate the memory of these heroes and inspire current and future generations to follow their example of courage and sacrifice for the common good.
President Kagame also welcomed a delegation from the United States Black Caucus, a group of African-American legislators, led by Steven Horsford, representing Nevada’s 4th congressional district. The development was announced by the Rwandan presidency through X.
The Urugwiro Village reported that they held productive discussions focusing on the potential partnership between the Congressional Black Caucus and Rwanda.
President Kagame is scheduled to participate in ‘Rwanda Day’ in Washington D.C. from February 2 to 3, 2024.
Themed “Rwanda: A Legacy of Inclusiveness within and beyond Our Borders,” Rwanda Day 2024 discusses the country’s socioeconomic transformation in the last 30 years, with a special focus on the contribution of the Rwandan community living abroad to the nation’s development gains.
Through Rwanda Day, participants will have the opportunity to engage with President Kagame, discuss topics of national significance and exchange on how to further drive Rwanda’s development.
Since its inception in 2010, Rwanda Day has brought together close to 40,000 Rwandans and Friends of Rwanda living in various parts of the World.
Rwanda Day has been held in Chicago, Paris, Boston, London, Toronto, Atlanta, Dallas, Amsterdam, San Francisco, Ghent, Bonn, and now in Washington, D.C.
President Kagame last visited the US in September 2023 when he attended the United Nations General Assembly.
The day serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength embedded in the country’s history, particularly during the Liberation Struggle that ended in 1994.
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Rwandan National Heroes are classified into three distinct categories, each representing a unique level of sacrifice and significance. These categories, Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi, pay tribute to individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping the destiny of Rwanda.
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At the pinnacle of heroism lies the Imanzi category, reserved for those who demonstrated outstanding achievements characterized by supreme sacrifice. Maj. Gen. Fred Gisa Rwigema stands tall in this category, symbolizing the epitome of bravery and dedication.
The Unknown Soldier, an enigmatic figure, represents all the fallen soldiers who gave their lives during the Liberation Struggle. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at the National Heroes’ Mausoleum in Remera, serves as a solemn tribute to those whose remains could not be identified.
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In the second category, Imena, we find heroes who stand shoulder to shoulder with those in Imanzi, recognized for their extraordinary acts that echo with supreme sacrifice, high importance, and exemplary service. King Mutara Rudahigwa III, Michel Rwagasana, Agatha Uwiringiyimana, Felicite Niyitegeka, and the courageous students of Nyange Secondary School are all celebrated for their remarkable contributions to Rwanda.
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The third category, Ingenzi, pays homage to individuals whose exceptional ideas and achievements, characterized by supreme sacrifice and great importance, have left an indelible mark on the nation. These heroes stand as beacons of inspiration for their outstanding contributions to the well-being of the country.
As Rwanda commemorates National Heroes Day on February 1, it is a time not only to reflect on the sacrifices made by these extraordinary individuals but also to draw inspiration from their unwavering commitment to the nation.
The categories of Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi provide a framework for understanding and appreciating the diverse acts of heroism that have shaped Rwanda’s rich history. Through this commemoration, the nation continues to honor the legacy of its heroes, ensuring that their stories inspire generations to come.
The supplies included hand sanitizers, surgical lights, operating stools, a high-frequency electric knife, disposable oral appliance packs, and disposable sterile surgical scrubs.
Upon receiving the donation at Masaka Hospital, Director General Jean Damascene Hanyurwimfura expressed gratitude to the government of China and the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda for supporting the hospital.
“Now, we have 15 medical workers from China who will be here for the whole year,” he said, adding that the supplies “will facilitate their daily tasks and contribute to improving community outcomes.”
The supplies, especially surgical lights and others, will play a crucial role in the hospital’s surgical operations, Hanyurwimfura said.
“Last year, the medical team provided us with operating room beds, which addressed a previous lack of medical supplies and improved our surgical operations,” he said. “The Hernia Week campaign, during which doctors operated on patients, was made possible because we had the necessary medical supplies for surgical operations.”
China started to dispatch medical teams to Rwanda in 1982, and there have been hundreds of medical staff working in Rwanda since then.
According to the agency’s statement on January 31, the projected rainfall will range from 50 to 250 mm, significantly exceeding the usual figures.
While the initial days of February are anticipated to witness rainfall in line with long-term averages in various regions, the latter part of the month is expected to bring substantially higher precipitation. The persistence of El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean is identified as the primary factor contributing to this unusual weather pattern.
Certain regions, including Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Karongi, Rutsiro, and the western areas of Ngororero and Huye Districts, are preparing for the heaviest downpours, with expected rainfall ranging between 200 and 250 mm. Other areas, such as the rest of Ngororero and Huye Districts, western Gisagara, eastern Kirehe, Rubavu, Nyanza, Ruhango, Muhanga, and western Kamonyi, are likely to experience rainfall between 150 and 200 mm.
The Northern Province, excluding the southeastern Rulindo District, should brace for 100 to 150 mm of rain. Eastern Kamonyi, the remaining parts of Kirehe, Kigali City, the Eastern Province (excluding southeastern Bugesera), and the central corridor from Kayonza to Nyagatare are forecasted to receive between 50 and 100 mm of rain.
In terms of wind, the country is expected to experience moderate to strong winds, ranging from 6m/s to 8m/s, with some areas in Kigali City, Rwamagana, Ngoma, Nyaruguru, Gakenke, Gicumbi, and Burera Districts expecting slightly milder winds of 4 to 6 m/s.
Temperature predictions indicate that the highest temperatures, ranging from 26°C to 28°C, will be recorded in Kigali City, Bugesera, Rwamagana, Ngoma, the eastern and central parts of Gatsibo and Nyagatare Districts, eastern Kamonyi, Ruhango, Nyanza, Gisagara, and the southern regions of Rusizi District.
Conversely, cooler maximum temperatures of 18°C to 20°C are expected in the northern reaches of Nyabihu and the Volcanoes National Park in Musanze Districts, falling below the usual maximum temperature range.
The chilling events unfolded at 4 o’clock in the night when a passenger hired the deceased, Eric Dushimimana. Upon reaching Mburamazi road, another passenger joined, forming a sinister collaboration. As they reached a secluded street, the assailants attacked, stabbing Dushimimana immediately.
Despite a valiant struggle, the victim couldn’t hold on. His desperate cries for help echoed in the night, but the criminals overpowered him, stealing his phone and motorcycle documents. Villagers, alerted by the screams, rushed to the scene only to find Dushimimana’s lifeless body. The killers fled, pushing the stolen motorcycle.
Not long after, one of the criminals was apprehended in the village of Mibilizi, Kagamizi cell, Gashonga Sector. The suspect was caught with the deceased’s motorcycle logbook and bloodied clothes and provided information that led to the arrest of his colleague.
The Executive Secretary of Nyakarenzo Sector, Jean Pierre Ntawizera confirmed that the two suspects are now in custody at the RIB Station in Nyakarenzo.
Expressing his concern, Ntawizera urged people to refrain from seeking unearned wealth and emphasized the need for motorcyclists to exercise caution, particularly regarding passengers and avoiding forested areas during the night.
The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by those who traverse isolated roads, calling for increased vigilance and community awareness.
Arthur Asiimwe, the Deputy Head of Mission at Rwanda’s Embassy in Washington DC, shared insights on the planned activities during this year’s Rwanda Day in a recent interview with Ally Soudy On Air. He highlighted the enthusiasm, with over 7,000 people having already registered, underscoring the eagerness of Rwandans living abroad to reconnect with their Head of State.
On February 2, 2024, in the afternoon, a Business Forum will unite 400 to 500 traders from Rwanda and the diaspora with American counterparts.
The forum aims to explore investment opportunities in Rwanda and how these can be further developed. A panel discussion is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., followed by individual reflections on work experiences.
The main event unfolds on Saturday, February 3, 2024, with a series of talks preceding the Head of State’s address. Discussions will cover sovereignty, security, economic and social issues, as well as opportunities in sports. Participants will have the chance to engage in a Q&A session with the Head of State, followed by socializing and entertainment.
Asiimwe urged attendees to arrive early, as pre-event activities include the Made in Rwanda exhibition featuring around 20 companies. Various government agencies, including RSSB and immigration agencies among others, will offer services on-site, ensuring attendees can address their concerns without the need to travel to Rwanda.
The event will also feature a Career Corner, where companies will provide advice to individuals seeking employment. Thirteen participating companies will discuss opportunities in Rwanda, guiding attendees on where to focus their efforts in terms of knowledge and skills.
To cater to parents, a children’s room will be available, alleviating concerns about childcare during the event. Rwanda Day, which began in 2010 in Brussels, has become a tradition, with previous gatherings in cities such as Chicago, Paris, Boston, London, Toronto, Atlanta, Dallas, Amsterdam, San Francisco, Ghent, and Bonn, the most recent one being held in 2019 in Germany.
