According to Rwanda’s Presidency, the award bestowed to Sassou-Nguesso on July 21, is a recognition of his “exceptional leadership and dedication to building a more stable and prosperous Africa.
Sassou-Nguesso is in Rwanda for a three-day state visit that began on Friday 21st July 2023. Kagame decorated his counterpart during a State Banquet on the first day.
The National Order of Honour is awarded to a Rwandan or foreign Head of State or Head of Government, the head of an international organisation or a high-ranking official who has distinguished himself or herself by acts promoting the interests in political, economic, and social welfare at national or international level.
The awarding ceremony of National Orders is governed by the Presidential Order determining the nature, awarding and declaration of national orders.
Apart from Agaciro, other National Orders are: National Order of Friendship (Igihango), National Order of Performance (Indashyikirwa), National Order Of Culture (Indangamirwa) and National Order Of Bravery (Indengabaganizi).
The objective of the basket fund is to support rural districts by financing relevant local infrastructure projects in order to improve living conditions of the citizens. It will focus on improving access to basic public services, provide employment opportunities, improve resilience to climate change and have positive impact on women.
The eligible districts to benefit from the pro-poor basket fund include: Gisagara; Nyanza, Ngoma, Nyaruguru, Gatsibo, Nyamagabe, Ruhango, Kamonyi, Rulindo, Gakenke, Burera, Gicumbi, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, Ngororero and Nyamasheke.
Funding will focus on three pillars: improve regulatory and operational framework for Local Economic Development (LED) projects; fund inclusive LED projects in rural districts; and offer technical support and capacity building to local entities.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State in charge of National Treasury, Richard Tusabe disclosed that pro-poor basket fund comes to complement existing Government of Rwanda social economic development efforts under the ongoing National Strategy of Transformation.
“It will contribute to overall improved wellbeing of citizens in the respective districts through provision and access to services and employment opportunities,” he stated.
Commenting on the development; Ms. Birgit Pickel, Director-General for Africa at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) said: “We appreciate the existing partnership between two governments, specifically in the areas of good governance. The Basket Fund for Pro-Poor Development is a financing instrument that will help local government entities support the most vulnerable people, have a positive impact on women and contribute to Leaving No One Behind.”
M. Arthur Germond, AFD Country director in Rwanda, said that working together in Team Europe format is the most effective way to address the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
“Through the Pro-Poor Basket Fund, we will foster a strong partnership between with Rwanda to support rural districts, improve livelihoods, and make them more resilient,” he noted.
Key eligible projects to be funded under the new basket fund will include: Water Supply, Sanitation and Health Infrastructure; construction of primary, secondary, nursery and day care centres and provision of scholastic equipment; rehabilitation of health centres, maternity rooms and purchase of equipment; construction and rehabilitation of feeder and access roads to important social and economic infrastructure; and construction of agriculture infrastructure such as radical terraces; post-harvest facilities as well as markets.
Projects that will access the funding will be selected through the Public Planning and Budgeting cycle be in line with the strategic planning of the line ministry, comply with LODA environmental and social management framework; be gender sensitive, be selected based on prioritization at the district level and meet eexisting climate resilient infrastructure guidelines among others.
Upon arrival at the Kigali International Airport, he was received by his counterpart of Rwanda, Paul Kagame for an inspection of Guard of Honor before a closed door meeting between the two Heads of State at Urugwiro Village.
As he received his counterpart, President Kagame was flanked by officials including Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta; Minister in the Office of the President, Uwizeye Judith; Minister of Interior, Alfred Gasana and Minister of Trade and Industry, Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze.
Others include, the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Clare Akamanzi; Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Republic of Congo, Mutsindashyaka Théoneste; the Mayor of Kigali City, Rubingisa Pudence; Inspector General of Rwanda National Police, CG Felix Namuhoranye and Col Jean Paul Nyirubutama, Deputy Secretary General of National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).
N’Guesso was last in Rwanda in 2019 as he attended the 25th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
According to Rwanda’s Presidency, members of both delegations are also expected to join President Kagame and Sassou-Nguesso for bilateral discussion on deepening existing cooperation.
Following the bilateral talks, the Heads of State will witness the signing of an agreement of cooperation on accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
President Kagame and his visiting counterpart will also deliver statements before taking questions from the media.
During his stay in Rwanda, President Sassou-Nguesso will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where he will lay a wreath in honor of the over one million lives lost during the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.
Sassou-Nguesso will then be received by François-Xavier Kalinda, President of Senate and Donatille Mukabalisa, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, at the National Parliamentary building where he will deliver a special address to both Chambers of the Parliament of Rwanda.
Among others, President Kagame will host a State Banquet in honor of his visiting counterpart on the first day.
On Saturday, 22 July, Sassou-Nguesso will visit Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) for a presentation on RICA’s contributions to the advancement of agricultural practices in Rwanda and in Africa.
President Sassou-Nguesso’s visit to Rwanda follows President Kagame’s visit to the Republic of Congo in April 2022, during which a number of agreements on cooperation were signed in various sectors including economic cooperation, trade and cultural exchange.
The seminar on poverty alleviation was co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda and Africa-China Review, a Rwanda-based publication focusing on Africa-China cooperation. Moderated by Gerald Mbanda, a Rwandan researcher and publisher, the seminar attracted participants from China and African countries, who discussed China’s experience of poverty alleviation and its relevance for Africa.
China declared a “complete victory” in eradicating absolute poverty in 2021, meeting the poverty eradication target set out in the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule.
China’s achievement has inspired African countries that are striving for sustainable development, the experts said Wednesday at the seminar.
“I think it can work for Africa, China has provided inspiration for the African people because of what they have achieved,” said Adhere Cavence, a Kenya-based international researcher.
“I believe it is possible because there are enabling conditions including a very strong partnership between China and African countries … I think African countries can learn from the Chinese experience,” he said.
Zeno Mutimura, a Rwandan diplomat speaking as chief guest for the seminar, said Africa can build on China’s practices to reduce poverty in the continent such as ensuring “people-centered policies.”
He said Rwanda had lifted one million people out of poverty through practices similar to those of China which focused on people.
Mweusi Karake, a former official at the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, said China was able to integrate its successful poverty reduction practices with its own domestic realities in its poverty alleviation course. “Africa’s biggest problem has been the copy and paste of the Western countries system … don’t copy and paste, identify what is doable and do it.”
China’s success inspires countries seeking to accelerate development, said Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun. “It creates a new model for human progress and provides new options for developing countries to draw from to achieve independent development. It dispels the myths that only Westernization could lead to success.”
He said China and Africa can work together to prove to the world that after the victory against colonialism and foreign invasion, the battle against poverty and backward development can also be won.
“We can stand on our own feet and let our people make a better life,” he said.
Over the past 40 years, China has lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty, accounting for more than 75 percent of global poverty reduction in the same period.
This has never been seen in China’s history, Wang said, adding that in the process, China’s economy leapfrogged to 18 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022, becoming the main trading partner of over 140 countries and regions.
China has also established the largest education, healthcare and social security systems in the world, and narrowed the gap between the rich and the poor, creating a more equal society that does not leave anyone behind.
Xia Qingjie with Peking University said general principles from China’s economic miracle include a strong central government dedicated to the well-being of the vast majority of citizens and empowering people with education and healthcare, as well as well-functional market economies and successful state-owned enterprises.
The agreement sets forth visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports, while ordinary passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival without any fees. However, this agreement is not solely about facilitating people’s mobility; it represents a multifaceted ambition.
The primary objectives of this agreement are to promote the free movement of ordinary citizens and officials between Congo and Rwanda, foster strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, and establish mechanisms to strengthen diplomatic relations.
A significant aspect of this agreement is its precise regulations concerning the entry, transit, stay, and departure of citizens and officials from both nations. By carefully organizing individuals’ mobility between Congo and Rwanda, the agreement aims to ensure security and orderliness for citizens of both countries.
The ratification of this agreement by the country’s senate marks a substantial step forward in the relationship between Congo and Rwanda. Facilitating people’s movement also opens up opportunities for cultural, economic, and social exchanges, fostering greater mutual understanding and cooperation.
In the recently published Henley Passport Index, the Rwandan passport has made impressive progress, climbing ten places to reach the 76th position out of 103, on par with countries like Cuba, Kyrgyzstan, and Mozambique.
This advancement is a testament to Rwanda’s efforts to negotiate visa exemption agreements for its citizens. Presently, Rwandan passport holders can travel to a total of 63 destinations worldwide without a visa, including the Republic of Congo, thanks to this new agreement.
The development has been announced by the Republic of Congo’s Presidency via Twitter handle.
Rwanda and Brazzaville relations date back to August 1982. Since then, both countries have enjoyed cooperation in the areas of diplomacy, politics and trade among others.
President Kagame was last in Congo Brazzaville in April 2022 for a three-day working visit.
On the second day of the visit, Kagame and his counterpart proceeded to a tête-à-tête discussions and presided over the signing of bilateral agreements in sectors of economic partnership, mining, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) handcrafts, culture and arts.
At the time, both countries agreed on establishing a joint commission to oversee the implementation of signed agreements.
In November 2021, Rwanda and Brazzaville signed agreements in the areas of military cooperation, sustainable development, environmental preservation and trade promotion among others.
Among others; Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir has been operating flights to Congo Brazzaville since 2011.
The statement announcing the promotion was released on 20th July 2023.
He was appointed as Rwanda Police Chief on 20th February 2023 replacing Dany Munyuza who had held the position since 2018.
Prior to this position, CG Namuhoranye served as the Deputy IGP in charge of operations.
CG Namuhoranye served as the Commandant of the National Police College (NPC) from June 2011 to 2018. During this period, he oversaw the advanced policing education of hundreds of senior officers from Rwanda and the region at the Master’s level.
The NPC, located in Musanze, not only trains police and correctional officers from Rwanda but also welcomes participants from various African countries. Graduates from nations such as Botswana, Central African Republic, Kenya, Ethiopia, Namibia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe have successfully completed their education at this esteemed institution.
In addition to his role at the NPC, CG Namuhoranye has a distinguished history of service. He notably served as the UN Police Chief Training Officer for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and held several significant positions within the RNP, including Chief of Traffic Police and Roads Safety, Commissioner of Inspectorate of Services and Ethics, and Chief of Operations, Training, and Planning.
Beyond his professional achievements, CG Namuhoranye is recognized for his role as one of the RPA soldiers who contributed to liberating Rwanda and halting the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Namuhoranye’s career path saw him remain in military service, where he served in various capacities until his transfer to the Rwanda National Police.
Academically, CG Namuhoranye is well-educated, holding a Bachelor’s degree with Honors in International Relations from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, and a Masters Degree in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.
CG Namuhoranye is a graduate of the National Defense College – Karen (Kenya), the International College of Policing – Bramshill (UK), and the Canadian Royal Police College (Ottawa).
His impressive educational background undoubtedly complements his extensive experience in the field of law enforcement and policing.
Ndadaye was along with the delegation of Burundian senators that accompanied the First Lady of Burundi, Angelique Ndayishimiye who attended the Women Deliver Conference taking place in Kigali from 17th to 20th July 2023.
Ndadaye and her delegation were warmly received by Dr. Kalinda at his office on Wednesday.
Following their closed-door discussions, Ndadaye addressed members of the press, highlighting the significance of their talks in deepening and expanding bilateral relations.
She emphasized the importance of exchanging ideas between the two countries, stating, “We came here to pave the way for reinforced relations. This visit is a valuable opportunity to strengthen the bond between Rwanda and Burundi, as the Kinyarwanda proverb goes, ‘Ifuni ibagarira ubucuti ni akarenge’ [friendship is reinforced by reciprocal visits].”
Dr. Kalinda, Rwanda’s Senate President, expressed delight for welcoming his Burundian counterparts, underscoring the cordial relations between the two nations.
He stressed the commonalities shared by both countries, including their membership to regional organizations and the mutual challenges they face in the region.
“We have discussed how both parliaments can exchange visits to share ideas because we have much in common. We believe that we can contribute to efforts aimed at assisting the people of both countries at the parliamentary level. We have agreed to initiate this process and further strengthen our existing relations,” Dr. Kalinda noted.
He took the opportunity to extend an invitation to the Burundian colleagues to attend the East African Inter-Parliamentary Games scheduled for December 2023.
“I regret the suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative for which the African Union has been an early advocate. I urge parties to resolve any issues to resume the continued safe passage of grains and fertilizers from Ukraine and Russia to where it is needed, particularly in Africa,” Faki said in a tweet posted Tuesday evening.
Russia and Ukraine separately signed the Black Sea Grain Initiative with Türkiye and the United Nations in July 2022, which allowed Ukraine to export its grain and other agricultural products from its Black Sea ports.
The initiative, which was initially valid for 120 days, was extended in mid-November 2022 for another 120 days until March 18, 2023. Russia then agreed to extend the deal for only 60 days. On May 17, Russia agreed to extend the deal for another 60 days.
On Monday, Russia announced it has suspended its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, saying the part of the Black Sea Grain Initiative that concerns Russia has not been implemented. Russia, however, said it is prepared to immediately return to the deal as soon as the Russian part of the agreement is fulfilled.
This response comes in light of a statement released on July 19th by the Congolese Army (FARDC), signed by spokesperson Maj Gen Ekenge Bomusa Efoma Sylvain.
The FARDC claimed to be reacting to a statement allegedly made by the Rwandan government on July 18th, in which Rwanda supposedly announced its readiness to send troops from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to the DRC.
However, Rwanda’s government spokesperson, in a statement released on July 19th, refuted the existence of such statement.
The spokesperson for the Rwandan government stated that the claim by the FARDC is merely a pretext aimed at escalating hostilities and justifying an attack on Rwandan soil.
FARDC has through its statement vowed to fight against anyone seeking to destabilize the DRC, indicating its readiness to respond if the RDF and M23 plot an attack.
The DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim that Rwanda has consistently denied. Rwanda characterizes the clashes between the Congolese Army and M23 as an internal conflict and has advised the neighboring country to take responsibility for its internal problems instead of externalizing them.
Meanwhile, Rwanda accuses the FARDC of supporting, arming, and fighting alongside the genocidal militia group known as the FDLR.
It should be noted that the DRC has previously provoked Rwanda on multiple occasions and launched rocket attacks on Rwandan territory in collaboration with the FDLR terrorist group.
Congolese fighter jets have also trespassed into Rwanda’s airspace three times since 2022.
Rwanda has assured that its sovereignty will remain protected.
“As reiterated earlier, Rwanda will maintain mechanisms in place to guard against violations of our airspace and borders, and will counter any spill-over from the conflict in the Eastern DRC conflict,” adds the statement.
