1. The cabinet expressed condolences and sympathy to families who lost loved ones, those injured, and people that had to relocate from their homes due to landslide and floods.
2. The cabinet approved an emergency response plan aimed at reinforcing efforts to provide urgent relief to affected communities and instructed concerned institutions to implement the plan without delay.
3. The cabinet urges communities in flood-affected areas to exercise caution and be extra vigilant as more rains may be expected in the coming days. Citizens are requested to follow instructions provided by local authorities including maintaining hygiene and sanitation standards in order to prevent potential disease outbreaks.
4. The cabinet appreciated messages of condolences and solidarity from Rwandans, friends, and partner states, as well as gestures of support from citizens and various partners.
5. The cabinet approved the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Policy.
{{6. The cabinet approved the following draft laws: }}
-* Draft law approving ratification of the Credit Agreement between the Instituto Credito Oficial and the Republic of Rwanda, relating to the credit for Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Phase II.
-* Draft law approving a ratification of the Financing Agreement between the Republic of Rwanda and the International Development Association, relating to the credit for the Stunting Prevention and reduction Project.
-* Draft law approving a ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Rwanda and the International Development Association acting as Administrator of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Scaling Up Nutrition and the Early Learning Multi-Donor Trust Fund, relating to the Stunting Prevention and Reduction project.
-* Draft law approving a ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Benin for Double Taxation Avoidance.
-* Draft law approving a ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Rwanda and the Czech Republic Double Taxation Avoidance.
“The secretary-general reiterates the need for parties to protect and respect humanitarian workers and facilities, including hospitals,” Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for Guterres, said in a statement.
“Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected in order to save lives,” he added.
In the statement, Haq noted that the looting of the WFP compound was the latest violation of humanitarian facilities since the start of the crisis in Sudan, which is in its fourth week.
Most, if not all, UN agencies and its humanitarian partners have been impacted by large-scale looting, said Haq.
Museveni in a statement directed the State House Comptroller to give 5 million Ugandan shillings (about 1,338 U.S. dollars) to each of the families who lost loved ones and 1 million shillings to those who were injured in the three districts in the Kigezi region, and Ntoroko district Tuesday and Wednesday.
At least 23 people were killed and 16 others injured after torrential rains triggered landslides swept through several villages in Kisoro, Rubanda, Rukiga, and Ntoroko, according to the president.
“Those losses of life reemphasize the need to observe the environmental requirements strictly,” said Museveni. “There should be no buildings or gardens 50 meters from river banks, 200 meters from the Lakeshore and no building on hills with a gradient greater than 30 degrees.”
Environmentalists blame the rampant landslides and floods on the felling of trees as people look for land to cultivate in the East African country.
“Forests hold the soil and prevent landslides. The roots of the trees hold the soil. The forests near the river banks and Lakeshores filter the water going into the rivers or lakes, so that they do not silt,” said Museveni.
Uganda last month issued a disaster alert, warning that several parts of the country will face floods, landslides, mudslides, hailstorms, and lightning as the first rain season starts.
According to the Ministry for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, parts of eastern, central, western regions and the Lake Victoria basin would experience near-normal to above-normal forms of rainfall up to May.
Heavy rainfall is likely to lead to the destruction of farmland, crops and a surge of water-related diseases such as typhoid, cholera, dysentery and malaria.
They agreed to encourage parents to work together to achieve development aspirations where they donated goats to women’s groups through “TUREMERANE BIRASHOBOKA” project and motivated children to go to school through donations of essential kits including notebooks, sanitary pads and supporting them to run income-generating activities through rabbits raising among others.
They also encouraged both parents to secure time to interact with children, and educate them on reproductive health through ‘Menya wirinde na kirazira’ program.
AWDO urges the youth to understand these lessons to usher themselves into a better future to build a prosperous Rwanda.
The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) recently announced that 13,000 girls aged below 19 were impregnated in Rwanda from July to December 2022.
Such alarming figures prompted AWDO to conduct a probe on causes of unwanted pregnancies to intervene in finding a solution and develop proactive responses.
Some of issues reported to be exacerbating the situation, include lack of means to buy sanitary pads which might push children to be seduced by those catering for their cost, lacking information on reproductive health and family disputes.
After realizing lack of means to buy sanitary pads, AWDO started training girls to sew reusable sanitary pads called ‘MAHUMBEZI’.
MAHUMBEZI can be washed and dried or ironed and kept in clean places. It can be used for at least three years.
Statistics from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) indicate that Rwanda’s population is estimated at 13 million of whom 51.5% (6,695,000) are females.
However, not everyone has means to afford the cost for the sanitary pad with a cost estimated between Rwf1000 and 1200.
In collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which funded the project, AWDO recently donated reusable pads to 150 girls from Saint Elizabeth School in Nyamiyaga of Kamonyi District, Southern Province.
During the event held on 4th May 2023, each beneficiary received a bag made by AWDO containing ten reusable pads.
Theodette Muteteshe, the Chairperson of AWDO said that producing reusable pads is among promising solutions to address issues facing girls.
“It becomes a burden for some mothers with three girls to access sanitary pads for her and children. We thought of MAHUMBEZI as a durable solution for people with inadequate means,” she said.
The sanitary pads can last for three years when maintained properly. The pads given to schoolchildren were estimated at a cost of Rwf4,540,050 under a project worth Rwf15, 133,500.
They were donated to girls after talks delivered to over 500 young boys and girls on reproductive health during which children with correct answers walked away with gifts. MAHUMBEZI pads are expected to be given to 500 girls.
The gesture was done to help girls learn without disruptions even during their periods.
“In collaboration with UNESCO and potential partners, we plan to extend the sensitization to other districts, donate MAHUMBEZI pads to girls and provide training to sew them where it is possible. We will also continue to conduct advocacy to extend the support to more girls as beneficiaries have told us that they came in handy,” added Muteteshe.
Valentine Nishimwe, a senior two student welcomed the donation noting that she will no longer use pieces of clothes during her period.
“My mother had advised to use pieces of clothes because she would not afford the cost of standard pads every month. I am grateful for the donation,” she noted.
He colleague from senior 1, Sylvie Umukundwa highlighted that reusable pads will help them maintain hygiene and continue studies in comfort.
G.S Saint Elizabeth Nyamiyaga already has girls’ safe room built by another partner.
The Head Teacher of the school, Philbert Turabayo said that girls’ performance have been outperforming boys since the inauguration of the room.
Dr. Ben Alexandre Mpozembizi, National project officer at UNESCO said that they are working with AWDO through ‘Our Right, Our Lives, Our Future’ (O3) project to educate children on reproductive health.
He explained that, though the project that aims to fight gender-based violence, unexpected pregnancies and HIV/AIDS; they want to sensitize parents on taking the lead to educate children on reproductive health.
MTN Rwanda’s Quarter one financial results surpassed medium-term guidance despite the continued challenging macroeconomic environment where inflation rose to 19.3% in comparison to March 2022.
The company’s service revenue grew by 14.9% to Rwf 58.4 billion and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) closed at Rwf 27.0 billion, representing a 9.4% increase. The Company’s key revenue streams, data and mobile money grew by 22.2% and 43.3%, respectively, while voice services slightly declined by 1.0%.
Mark Nkurunziza, MTN Rwanda’s Chief Finance Officer, commented on the results saying, “The financial performance for the quarter ending 31 March 2023 reflects a consistently strong year on year growth. In the first quarter, our Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) EBITDA, grew by 9.4% to deliver an EBITDA margin of 45.5%, which was down 2.2pp YoY.
This can be attributed to the increased cost of sales related to interconnect expenses and wholesale data cost of sales driven by an increased uptake of 4G services from the wholesale service provider. We expect an improvement in EBITDA margins in the forthcoming quarters with the implementation of our the expense efficiency program (EEP) and the launch of our own 4G network.”
He added that the Mobile Money business delivered a solid performance with a double-digit revenue growth of 43.3%, which was attributed to a growth in both Mobile Money services, as well as Xtratime, the telecom’s airtime lending service.
Mobile Money revenues recorded a significant growth in Merchant payments and remittance products, whilst advanced services have grown to contribute 22.5% to total Mobile Money revenues, up from 14% in Q1, 2022.
Among others, active Mobile Money subscribers grew 17.2% YoY, driven by increased total subscriber growth as well as a continued focus on customer value management activities.
Remarking on the quarterly results Mapula Bodibe, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer, said that the telecom is happy to present quarter one, 2023 financial performance results which recorded solid top line revenue performance and subscriber growth.
“We are pleased with our results, which demonstrate our ability to execute our strategic priorities and deliver sustainable long-term growth for our business. Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, we believe that our strategic intent to deliver leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress, and builds on our belief that Everyone Deserves the Benefit of a Modern Connected life, is aligned to Rwanda’s 2022 Broadband policy which we expect to unlock the next phase of growth as we continue to deliver on our Ambition 2025 strategy. We remain committed to creating shared value and will continue to drive innovation across our business, to bring value for our customers, shareholders and stakeholders,” she noted.
“In line with our commitment to prioritise shared value, MTN Rwanda continues to drive ESG initiatives in our market and place ESG issues at the core of how we operate. In March 2023, we joined the Kicukiro district community for the monthly ‘Umuganda’ and launched our Green Ambassadors initiative, a drive to encourage young people to take care of their environment and contributed Rwf 50million to support the construction of a community garden for the sector under our Green Rwanda project. Furthermore, we supported young mothers in the community with sewing machines, as a way of empowering young women to sustain their livelihoods,” added Modibe.
Looking ahead, she said, MTN Rwanda remains committed to delivering consistent network quality service customers and solid returns to investors.
“Our operating focus for the coming quarter envisions the launch of our 4G network across the country. Moreover, our planned capital expenditure towards increased network coverage affirms our commitment to consistently improve the quality of service and deliver a network customer experience second to none.
Our Fintech business will continue its focus to deepen financial inclusion in Rwanda with the expected rollout of additional advanced services including banktech and Insuretech solutions in the forthcoming quarters,” stated Modibe.
She also expressed deep appreciation to customers, investors and all stakeholders for their unwavering support and continued commitment to the growth of the organization.
“Your trust and confidence in us have been vital to our success. Beyond our operational and financial performance, 2023 marks an important milestone for MTN Rwandacell Plc as we mark 25 years of existence in Rwanda. We look forward to celebrating our rich history and legacy in the country through various initiatives whilst we continue to execute on our Ambition 2025 strategy and deliver on our strategy to Lead Digital Solutions to drive Rwanda’s progress,” commented Modibe.
The quarter one, 2023 financial performance is a representation of a consolidated view of MTN Rwanda and its subsidiary company, Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd (MMRL).
The company disclosed its full Quarter one, 2023 results through the Rwanda Stock Exchange and is expected to have a Results call on 8th May 2022.
He made the disclosure during an interview with France24 amidst ongoing tensions between Rwanda and DRC that followed the resurgence of M23 in a fighting against Congolese Army (FARDC) towards the end of 2021.
Despite the ceasefire and request for M23 to withdraw from previously captured areas in eastern DRC, tensions continued to escalate between Rwanda and DRC.
Congo accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, a claim that the country has repeatedly denied but rather accuse Congo of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to threaten national security.
FDLR is a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Lourenço has disclosed that ongoing efforts are promising that the tensions won’t result into a war.
“I believe this this will not happen. We will make possible efforts to avoid that confrontation between the two countries. We know that M23 till today, are upholding the ceasefire. The next step which unfortunately has not yet been taken, depends not only on M23 but also DRC is concerned. The next step according to the Luanda roadmap is the cantonment of M23 forces,” he said.
Lourenço emphasized that M23 combatants are Congolese where their problem will be solved being on the country’s territory.
He stated Angola will send troops to protect M23 forces in cantonment pending reintegration into the Congolese society.
“Angola was due to send a military contingent in order to provide security in cantonment areas as soon as conditions are put in place in this cantonment zone. We have a prepared contingent in order to be deployed in a few days and provide security elements,” noted Lourenço.
Despite the statement, M23 rebels recently announced that they won’t accept to be brought into cantonment, shall DRC reject negotiations to discuss how their claims will be addressed.
Meanwhile, DRC says that it wants to reintegrate them but doesn’t consider talks with the rebel group.
Lourenço was also asked whether DRC fulfills its obligations to restore peace in eastern part of the country.
“The Congolese authorities are upholding the commitment. Obviously, we would like to see the timing of providing the conditions for cantonment should be shortened as much as possible.
That is not happening but we have to be confident that from now onwards, things will be done as planned. We have been in contact with Congolese authorities, President Tshisekedi has been coming to Luanda frequently for discussions on the issue of M23,” he said.
DRC has at different times accused Rwanda of backing M23 and sending troops for reinforcement even though it lacked evidences.
As a mediator, Lorenco said that has there are no issues with Rwanda regarding the situation but commended the country for assistance to engage in negotiations with M23.
“We don’t have any reason for complain with regards to Rwanda after the Addis Abeba summit. President Kagame, at my request, put Angola in contact with the leadership of M23 as we had some difficulties in contacting the rebel group’s elements.
President Paul Kagame was the person who facilitated that contact. Few days later, the M23 leadership came to Luanda. We have to be fair in recognizing that somebody who has taken steps like this is willing. There is no complaint at all,” he added.
Towards the end of last week, a regional summit on problems in DRC was convened in Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. It was also attended by Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General who stressed the need to stick to dialogues and already established mechanisms to restore peace in Congo.
There are worries that the fighting might erupt again if DRC continues to reject negotiations with M23.
The Spokesperson of Rwanda National Police (RNP) Traffic and Road Safety Department, SSP Irere René has told IGIHE that the accident involved a Minubus moving from Rubengera to Mubuga Sector.
“It is true that a Toyota Minubus carrying passengers from Rubengera to Mubuga was involved in an accident when a driver skidded off the road, hit crash resistance barriers. The car derailed and stopped after covering a distance between 20 and 25 meters,” he said.
SSP Irere told IGIHE by press time that five have been confirmed dead while more passengers were injured.
IGIHE has learnt that the Minubus was carrying people who had been attending a wedding ceremony in Rubengera.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Chief of General Staff who was received by the RSF Joint Task Force commander Maj Gen Eugene Nkubito on Sunday 7th May 2023, praised the RSF for their good work. He noted that the current security situation is at a satisfactory level.
Rwanda started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique on 9th July 2021, to fight terrorist groups, honoring the request of Mozambique. The troops had increased to nearly 2000 by the end of the year 2021.
As he received oaths of new officials including the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana and Minister of State in the same ministry, Dr. Ivan Butera towards the end of last year, President Paul Kagame said that Rwanda increased troops deployed to Mozambique in connection with their new mandate.
“We have nearly 2500 troops including soldiers and Police personnel in Mozambique, working with Mozambican forces. Even yesterday, we deployed more troops. We did it because many problems have been solved in collaboration with Mozambicans since our initial deployment,” he said.
The troops have also got a new mandate to pursue terrorists and dislodge them from their hideouts.
The situation in the country had worsened since October 2017 when armed extremists launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado Province of Mozambique.
Mozambique Defence Armed Forces battled the extremists but many civilians were killed and displaced by the fighting.
Before Rwandan troops’ intervention, terrorists had killed 3000 civilians while more than 800,000 were displaced. The insecurity had also put to halt all development projects in the area controlled by insurgents.
The joint operations between Rwandan and Mozambican troops yielded big where different regions were seized from rebels.
Rwanda and Mozambique have been enjoying vibrant relations for many years.
Both countries have cooperation agreements in different areas including security, trade and investment among others.
The protesters called for Tokyo’s apology over its militarist past, opposed South Korea-Japan military cooperation, and demanded withdrawal of Japan’s plan to discharge radioactive wastewater.
A group of activists from the Solidarity for Peace and Reunification of Korea (SPARK) gathered near the South Korean presidential office in central Seoul, where Kishida held talks with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol.
“Japan should apologize for its illegal colonial rule and withdraw the Fukushima contaminated water discharge plan,” the protesters chanted.
“The (South) Korean and Japanese governments continue to say, ‘Let’s move into the future with the historical issues covered up and unresolved. A righteous solution to the historical issues will be needed to move toward the future of genuine peace,” Moon Ga-on, a college student, told Xinhua while attending the rally.
South Korea unveiled a proposal in March to compensate South Korean victims of Japan’s forced wartime labor through a government-backed foundation financed by private-sector donations, which triggered strong backlash at home.
Forced labor victims and sex slavery victims, who were forced by the Imperial Japan into sex servitude for military brothels during World War II, have demanded that the Japanese government sincerely apologize for its wartime atrocities.
Kishida told a joint press conference with Yoon that his cabinet will continue to inherit the positions of previous cabinets as a whole in terms of historical perception, saying his heart ached over people who suffered hard and sad things.
His remarks could be difficult to soothe the victims as most of the previous Japanese cabinets failed to acknowledge its responsibility and make a sincere apology for the wartime brutalities.
Kishida’s remarks that his heart ached were an expression of his personal and direct feelings for the people, indicating that it was not an official apology of the Japanese government.
With regard to Japan’s plan to discharge tritium-laced wastewater from its crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific this year, Oh Mi-jung, one of SPARK activists, told Xinhua that it will pollute the marine environment and threaten the lives and safety of people all over the world.
“Japan is a country that was devastated by atomic bombs in 1945 … The plan to dump the radioactive contaminated water into the Pacific approved by the Japanese government, which is fully aware of nuclear and radioactive damages, will endanger the lives and safety of people around the world,” the activist noted.
Ahead of Kishida’s trip to Seoul, about 5,000 protesters held a candlelight rally in Seoul on Saturday night, opposing the Japanese prime minister’s visit without an apology for historical issues.
They also called on Japan to abandon the tritium-laced water discharge plan, urging the South Korean government to stop its diplomacy obedient to Japan and the United States.
