In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Dr. Karimunda outlined his objectives, focusing on advancing the development of the legal field in the region and across Africa. He also emphasized the significance of expanding the institution’s infrastructure.
Dr. Karimunda underscored the central role of law in all aspects of a country’s life. He emphasized ILPD’s role in efficiently contributing to the training of professionals across various sectors, stating, “The law applies universally, and both government and private sectors adhere to it. Those responsible for upholding justice, such as the judiciary, the police, the attorney’s office, and the justice system, are instrumental in this process.”
Rwanda was recently ranked as the top country in Africa and 41st globally in terms of the rule of law in the 2023 annual report on the rule of law by the International Institute for the Rule of Law, World Justice Project Index. Dr. Karimunda credited this success to ILPD, recognizing the institution’s pivotal role in producing professionals who enforce the law.
Dr. Karimunda expressed his commitment to continuing the program aimed at enhancing the capabilities of legal practitioners, not only in Rwanda but throughout Africa. He emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and progress in achieving this goal.
Among other initiatives, Dr. Karimunda highlighted ILPD’s vision of making a lasting contribution to legal education in Africa. He acknowledged the positive impact of the institution on foreign students who benefit from the program and subsequently return to their home countries to make valuable contributions.
Dr. Karimunda also discussed plans for expanding ILPD’s infrastructure, including the construction of a conference hall and additional dormitories to accommodate both Rwandan and foreign students. He stressed the need for spacious facilities to meet the growing demand for legal education and professional development.
In terms of accommodation, he expressed the intention to increase capacity to ensure that all students have access to suitable living arrangements, reducing the need for students to reside in surrounding communities or inadequate housing.
Dr. Karimunda also emphasized the importance of developing recreational infrastructure, such as playgrounds, recognizing that ILPD’s primary audience is young people who would benefit from such amenities.
Dr. Aimé Muyoboke Karimunda, a former Supreme Court Judge, is now the fifth person to hold the role of ILPD Rector.
He officially assumed his role as Rector in October 2023.
Murungi, a highly accomplished individual recently appointed by the cabinet, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this important position.
With a Master’s Degree in International Law from the University of Quebec in Canada and prior experience as an employee of the Ministry of Justice, he is well-prepared to take on the leadership of this vital institution. His commitment to upholding human rights principles with diligence and integrity was evident as he took the oath of office.
During his inauguration speech, Dr. Ntezilyayo underscored the pivotal role of the National Commission for Human Rights in safeguarding and advancing human rights within the nation. He emphasized, “The Human Rights Commission is entrusted with the overarching responsibility of promoting and safeguarding human rights. It plays a critical role in ensuring the respect of human rights.”
Murungi expressed her unwavering dedication to advancing human rights and stressed that it is the Commission’s responsibility to advocate for the protection of human rights and address any deficiencies in this regard. He further stated, “I am committed to ensuring that the level of respect for human rights in the country continues to progress. All these are within the purview of the Commission, and I will steadfastly follow this path.”
Rwanda has frequently faced criticism from international organizations, including Human Rights Watch, over alleged human rights violations. Murungi acknowledged these concerns and affirmed the Commission’s role in providing a comprehensive assessment of the human rights situation in the country. He pledged to diligently compile reports that provide an accurate depiction of the human rights landscape in Rwanda, dispelling any misperceptions held by the international community.
She pointed out, “When it comes to these international organizations, the Commission holds a unique perspective. In that context, we have the ability to offer a truly authentic account of the human rights situation. This is our shared responsibility, and we will continue to fulfill it.”
Murungi assumes the position formerly held by Marie Claire Mukasine, who has been appointed as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Japan. Mukasine’s predecessor, Ernest Rwamucyo, has been designated to represent Rwanda at the United Nations. With this change in leadership, the National Commission for Human Rights is well-positioned to carry on its vital mission of promoting and safeguarding human rights in Rwanda, collaborating closely with other justice system institutions to ensure the protection of human rights for all Rwandans.
This development was announced on Monday 6th November 2023, by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, during a recent meeting that brought together 18 investors from the City of Dubai, represented by Dubai Chamber, and the Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF).
The meeting aimed to explore opportunities for further enhancing business collaborations between both countries.
Dubai Chamber, led by its President and CEO, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, has been actively working to strengthen business relations with Rwanda as part of its New Horizons initiative.
This initiative seeks to boost Dubai’s foreign trade value to AED 2 trillion by 2026, aligning with the emirate’s five-year foreign trade plan. The trade mission to Rwanda is a testament to Dubai’s commitment to expanding its presence in the East African region.
Rwanda is emerging as a strategic springboard for exploring business opportunities in East Africa. The country has made impressive economic strides in recent years, focusing on innovation and technology-driven sectors.
Initiatives like Kigali Innovation City and Smart Africa are promoting digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The progress in the ICT sector, in particular, has been notable.
{{Bilateral trade between Dubai and Rwanda}}
Bilateral trade between Dubai and Rwanda has been flourishing. In the past year, Dubai’s non-oil exports to Rwanda reached a value of US$ 143.8 million, while imports from Rwanda exceeded US$ 514.5 million. Key exports from Dubai to Rwanda include machinery, electronics, vehicles, man-made filaments, plastics, and iron and steel.
Meanwhile, Dubai’s main imports from Rwanda consist of precious stones and metals, fruits and nuts, coffee, tea, spices, oil seeds, and dairy products.
{{Dubai Chamber’s Commitment to the Region}}
Dubai Chamber, with approximately 19,000 African businesses under its umbrella, including 26 from Rwanda, has recognized the potential of Rwanda as a favorable investment destination. The unique aspects of Rwanda that have caught the attention of Dubai Chamber include its stability, diverse business opportunities, investment-friendly policies, and the emphasis on technological development and infrastructure.
{{Plans for Future Collaboration}}
The collaboration between Dubai Chamber and PSF aims to further increase the volume of goods exchanged between the two regions. Key areas of focus include construction materials, technology, and other equipment. Dubai Chamber is also considering investing in international business projects amounting to $543 billion by 2026, which would significantly benefit the Rwandan economy.
{{Rwanda as a Gateway to Africa}}
Rwanda’s strategic location within Africa, combined with its progressive business environment, makes it a prime gateway for Dubai to expand its presence in the continent. With approximately 25 ports in various parts of Africa, including Rwanda, Dubai is well-positioned to engage in stable trade relations.
The meeting between Dubai Chamber and PSF marks a crucial step in strengthening the spirit of friendly collaboration between Dubai and Rwanda. The shared commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and investment opportunities is a testament to the growing ties between the two regions.
As Dubai continues to explore new horizons and invest in international business projects, Rwanda’s role as a valuable partner in East Africa becomes even more evident.
The future holds exciting prospects for both sides, with the potential for increased trade and mutual success.
For those traveling from the bustling City of Kigali, a three-hour journey leads to Karongi town. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a medley of attractions, including the Congo-Nile Divide, the outskirts of Lake Kivu, the Gas Methane Plant, Rwabugiri Farms, Nyungwe Park, Gisovu Tea Plantations, Muciro Green Forest, Ndaba Rock, and the Tree of Goddess of Women.
Karongi is a bustling town adorned with contemporary hotels that grace its streets. Residents are engaged in a wide array of occupations, which encompass commercial fishing. The local schools are brimming with students from all walks of life, and the weekends see an influx of tourists in substantial numbers.
On the outskirts of Karongi, you’ll find a unique accommodation option – the Mantis Kivu Queen Uburanga boat hotel built. This establishment offers a novel experience where you can sleep in Karongi and then easily move on to Rusizi or Rubavu.
Over the past 15 years, Karongi has seen significant development, with numerous infrastructure improvements such as roads, schools, and hotels. Local leaders proudly mention the construction of 14 luxurious hotels, most of which have sprung up in the last decade and a half. It’s not just the hotels; they come with complementary infrastructure like roads, electricity, water supply, clinics, and schools.
The development isn’t limited to infrastructure alone; it encompasses the hospitality sector as well. Karongi hosts a range of hospitality establishments, including Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Moriah Hill Resort, Kivu Lodge Hotel, Bethany Hotel, Golf Eden Rock Hotel, Delta Resort Hotel, Rwiza Village Resort, Home Saint Jean, and more. Almost all of these facilities are strategically located near the picturesque Lake Kivu and its captivating islands.
Among these establishments is the remarkable Château Le Marara, which has brought a touch of European elegance to Karongi, reshaping the city’s landscape. With tourism as a driving force, the livelihoods of most residents revolve around hospitality and hotel services.
The Delta Resort Hotel, a three-star facility situated on the edge of Lake Kivu, offers accommodation services for those seeking relaxation or a one-night stay, along with various other amenities.
Rukundo Gad, the hotel’s manager, emphasizes the profound impact of these hotels on the local community, saying, “By fostering a symbiotic relationship with the local community, our hotels prioritize hiring from the immediate vicinity. When I consider this region, it becomes evident that our core mission revolves around hosting people, and our hotels thrive on the vibrant pulse of the populous area they call home.”
The vision is to transform Karongi into a sought-after tourist destination, a prospect that excites the locals as it promises development and improved livelihoods.
Jean Marie Ntabanganyimana conveys the sentiment that, “It fosters our communal growth, ensuring a sustained availability of employment opportunities. The presence of modern hotel developments holds significant value for our local community.”
Placidie Munyeshaka echoes the sentiment, highlighting the new opportunities for women, who previously felt left behind, but now have the chance to learn new skills and find employment in the burgeoning hospitality sector.
Dominique Ingabire, the Principal of the Integrated Polytechnic Regional College (IPRC) Karongi, underscores the significance of hotel management education.
He emphasizes that it not only provides students with internships but also opens doors to immediate employment opportunities, stating, “Since we teach about hotels and this town with tourism and many hotels, depending on our relationship with the existing hotels, those who need staff can see them or students who are still studying part-time courses, we welcome them to come, learn to cook, and then get a job cooking for these hotels.”
He underscores that it not only facilitates student internships but also opens doors to immediate employment opportunities. He explains, “Given that we educate students about hotels in a town driven by tourism and numerous hotels, our collaboration with these establishments allows those in need of staff to consider our students. Even those students currently pursuing part-time courses can take advantage of this opportunity to learn culinary skills and subsequently secure positions as chefs in these hotels.”
Reponse Ntirandekura, a first-year student studying horticulture production at IPRC Karongi, sees the impact on local agriculture. He notes that their knowledge benefits the community as they introduce new crops and practices, ultimately contributing to the thriving agriculture sector in Karongi.
The Governor of Western Province, Dushimimana Lambert, emphasizes their ongoing efforts to attract investors through Kivu Belt project to establish state-of-the-art hotels in Karongi. These establishments have the potential to significantly reshape the town’s landscape.
Karongi is positioned as one of Rwanda’s secondary cities, and it is projected that its population will experience substantial growth, expected to reach between 250,000 and 650,000 in the near future.
Karongi, in essence, stands as more than just a picturesque town; it serves as a testament to Rwanda’s unwavering dedication to sustainable development. This commitment ensures that both the environment and the local community reap the benefits of the thriving tourism industry.
Rwanda FPU-4 of 180 officers, commanded by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Methode Munyaneza, will be deployed in Bangassou under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Angelique Uwamariya will also head a female-dominated Rwanda FPU-3 contingent of 160 officers, to Juba under the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
They will replace the same number deployed in November last year for a one-year tour-of-duty.
During the pre-deployment briefing, IGP Namuhoranye reminded them of their duty as peacekeepers to ensure the safety of civilians.
“Continue to raise the Rwandan flag high, and that goes with professionalism, discipline and always being ready to serve in any situation. The least you can do is to maintain the flag where it is,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
He added that you can not be professional when you’re indisciplined, drunk or not in the right place at the right time doing the right thing.
“Our units are defined by their cohesion… collectiveness and high level of commitment; don’t change that.
People under your protection should always feel safe. Residents of South Sudan and Central African Republic, should go about their errands feeling safe,” the Police Chief told the officers.
Their arrival in the mission area, he emphasized, should add value to peacekeeping. “Go with pride, contribute to international peace and security and come back with the same morale and pride after a successful tour-of-duty.”
He urged them to work as a team, respect their superiors, work with and support the local people, work with local security organs and other peacekeepers.
IGP Namuhoranye also reminded them to ensure hygiene and effective logistics management.
The first batch of 40 officers heading to South Sudan will depart tomorrow, November 7, with others expected to leave later this month.
Meanwhile, the contingent heading to CAR to leave on November 9.
Rwanda maintains four Police contingents in CAR and other two in South Sudan.
As announced by Rwanda’s Presidency on X account formerly Twitter, Kagame and Blinken also discussed the need for de-escalation of hostilities and a political resolution to the conflict which has lasted for decades.
“President Kagame reiterated Rwanda’s firm support for the ongoing regional processes to bring peace and stability to DR Congo and the region,” reads part of the post.
In 2022, the on-and-off relations between Kigali and Kinshasa deteriorated due to the resurgence of M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo.
The rebel group blamed Kinshasa for violating previous peace agreements. In response, the Congolese government accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, which Rwanda denied.
Rwanda also accused DR Congo of cooperating with the FDLR, a blacklisted terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The FDLR launched cross-border attacks on Rwanda, which Kigali believed were backed by the Congolese armed forces (FARDC). Despite mediation efforts by Kenya and Angola in the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, the situation remains tense.
In recent months, there have been multiple incidents, including DR Congo’s warplanes violating Rwanda’s airspace and rocket-shelling causing civilian injuries in northwestern Rwanda. The FDLR, based in DR Congo, has been launching attacks on Rwandan territory for over two decades, potentially emboldened by Kinshasa’s support.
On November 4, the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held an extraordinary summit to discuss various issues, including deploying military forces to eastern DR Congo.
In November 2022, the Luanda summit addressed the security crisis in eastern DR Congo and ordered the FDLR to immediately disarm and undergo “unconditional repatriation.”
Rwanda expresses deep concern about the ongoing collaboration and arming of FDLR and indigenous armed groups by the Kinshasa government.
The current record holder for this prestigious title, as recognized by Guinness World Records, is Maria Branyas Morera, a Spanish woman born in 1907.
Remarkably, at the age of 123, Sebugabo proudly declares himself as the last surviving member of his generation in his native region, while still retaining his hearing and vision.
Sebugabo’s recollections transport us to a bygone era, including memories of the construction of Cyanika church in 1935, which involved a tragic incident where a man fell to his demise. His reminiscences also extend to the time of King Yuhi V Musinga’s reign, who ruled from 1896 to 1931.
A father to twelve children from three different marriages, Sebugabo is unsure about the precise number of his descendants.
Currently, his granddaughter, Laurène Kantanga, aged 60, provides him with care and is supported by a monthly allowance of Rwf12,000.
Both Sebugabo and Kantanga express their heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for this invaluable financial assistance.
A neighbor, François Musabyimana, fondly recalls Sebugabo’s tales about the colonial era and even believes that the centenarian could be over 130 years old.
Figures released in 2022 revealed a significant increase in life expectancy in Rwanda, rising from 51 years in 2002 to an impressive 69.6 years in 2022.
This year marks the 14th edition of the event, scheduled to be held in Amsterdam from November 8 to November 10, 2023.
Rwanda’s representation in previous editions of this international exhibition has been a collaboration between its Embassy in the Netherlands and various Rwandan flower-growing and selling enterprises, including Bella Flowers, Oxfam Rwanda, Duhamic-Adri, as well as farmers and flower retailers from various districts within the country.
The horticulture sector has proven to be highly lucrative in Rwanda, with earnings surpassing $6,853,000 over the past five years.
In the fiscal year 2021/22, horticulture made a substantial contribution to Rwanda’s revenue, accumulating a significant $42,862,494, with flowers alone accounting for $6,854,822.
However, it is important to note that flower exports experienced a 13.32% decline compared to the previous year, primarily due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
This year’s edition of the exhibition will see the participation of flower-growing and selling companies from 25 different countries, with buyers coming from more than 115 nations.
Notably, in the previous exhibition held from November 9 to November 11, 2022, Bella Flowers showcased an impressive array of over 12 rose varieties that the company cultivates and markets.
The event offers a valuable opportunity for Rwandan farmers and flower traders to connect with international investors and gain insights into the investment prospects in Rwanda, thus strengthening their global presence.
This announcement followed a survey conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in all 24 provinces of the country, aimed at gathering information about those who have been forced to leave their residences.
The survey revealed that the majority of those who have been displaced originate from the Eastern part of the country, and the primary reasons for their displacement are conflicts and insecurity.
UN data indicates that in North Kivu province alone, nearly one million people have been displaced this year as a result of clashes between government forces and the M23 group.
The UN has issued a warning to the DRC, cautioning that it could potentially become the country with the highest number of displaced people in the world.
According to media reports, the event unfolded around 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) when the suspect drove his car onto the airport’s apron, the usual parking area for aircraft. The man discharged his weapon into the air and threw incendiary bottles from his vehicle. It remained unclear whether he possessed explosives.
Later, authorities clarified that he stopped his vehicle beneath a commercial flight, which was in the process of preparing for takeoff. All passengers aboard that flight were safely evacuated. Local reports indicate that he parked beneath a Turkish Airlines plane.
“The child appears to be unharmed,” confirmed authorities on X (formerly Twitter). This incident resulted in the disruption of multiple flights at the airport, although operations have since resumed, albeit with significant delays.
Numerous passengers awaiting their flights at the airport were accommodated in hotels. According to Hamburg police spokeswoman Sandra Levgruen, the man’s actions stemmed from disagreements with the authorities regarding custody arrangements and his desire to travel to Turkey with his child.
Following the incident, authorities explained that the man was experiencing an “exceptional psychological situation” due to custody disputes with his ex-wife. He had taken their daughter following an argument, prompting the child’s mother to contact emergency services and report a suspected child abduction.
This was not the first time the man, a Turkish citizen, faced accusations of kidnapping his daughter. Last year, he was under investigation for taking the child to Turkey without permission. Subsequently, the mother brought the child back to Germany.
After the hostage situation concluded, Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher expressed his wishes for the well-being of the mother, child, and their family, following this harrowing experience, on X.
The airport announced its commitment to swiftly restore operations. On the scheduled Sunday, a total of 286 flights carrying approximately 34,500 passengers had been planned.
