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Category: News
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New report accuses FARDC of collaboration with FDLR
FDLR is a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The report shows that insecurity remains a great concern in eastern DRC mainly in Ituri and northern Kivu that have been war-torn zones for 18 months.
It indicates that ADF continues to expand its activities in northern Kivu and attacks to civilians in the areas of Beni, Lubero and southern Ituri.
Apart from ADF, UN experts said that Mai Mai group also continues to destabilize citizens in Lubero.
From April 2022 to 5th November 2022, the report shows that ADF was involved in attacks that claimed lives of over 370 civilians.
In Ituri, CODECO armed group also continues to expand its bases, plot attacks to FARDC and civilians.
The report indicates that MONUSCO supported FARDC to fight M23 but ended to no avail. The failure saw other armed groups from Pinga joining the coalition to fight M23.
These include Nduma défense du Congo-Rénové (NDC-R) led by Guidon Mwisa Shimirai and Nyatura Abazungu, CMC/FDP led by Dominique Ndaruhutse alias “Domi” among others.
FDLR is also part of the armed groups where it was represented by Col Silencieux and Col Potifaro in a meeting held in Pinda. FARDC was represented by Col Salomon Tokolonga.
Leaders of these armed groups agreed on bringing together 600 fighters to support FARDC. It is reported that their fighters were deployed in Bambu, Rugari and Rumangabo in July.
Witnesses who attended the meeting told UN experts that FARDC provides weapons to these armed groups including FDLR noting that the support continues in October 2022 as the fighting with M23 resumed.
The report also indicated that hate speeches and violence against Kinyarwanda-speaking people increased. Such acts are said to have been fueled, mainly by politicians, government officials and security personnel.
The report also accused FARDC of collaboration with armed groups, illegal mining in collaboration with foreign companies operating in Northern Kivu Province.
It is released at a time when DRC continues to overlook the threat to regional security caused by FDLR. The country says that the terrorist group was largely defeated where ‘remnants are thieves stealing sweet potatoes for survival’.
However, FDLR recently said that it still exists and commended Congolese President Tshisekedi for his recent utterance who confirmed that he wants to help Rwandans topple their leadership.
FDLR welcomed the statement noting that it shares the same enemy with DRC.
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RDF hosts end of year dinner in honour of Defence Attachés accredited to Rwanda
Lt Gen Innocent Kabandana, was guest of honour, on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff.
The event organized by the Department of International Military Cooperation was attended by selected RDF Generals and senior officers, senior officials from RNP, NISS, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassies accredited to Rwanda.
Currently 26 countries have Defences Attachés accredited to Rwanda.
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Smart Africa, Enabel partner to boost tech-driven entrepreneurship through peer-learning exchange between Benin and Rwanda
The purpose of this peer-learning exchange and study tour is to share knowledge and best practices between Rwanda and Benin digital and entrepreneurial ecosystems. It also aims to build participants’ capacity and knowledge in entrepreneurship through a 2-day workshop and ultimately increase the performance of digital entrepreneurs.
The 35 delegates from Benin represent government officials involved in defining the environment of the digital economy in Benin, management unit and partners of the project, support structures for innovative entrepreneurship (SAEI) and Beninese startups and their counterparts from Rwanda (30) will take part.
This rather important event occurs at a time when the growing digital economy in Africa is opening up new opportunities for entrepreneurs and enabling creation of new business models, innovations and value in data-driven industries.
“Africa’s digital economy is making significant strides and digital entrepreneurship is taking shape. Building capacity for African entrepreneurs and sharing lessons between member states is a crucial step towards taking advantage of the immense opportunities this new type of the economy presents,” pointed out Mr. Lacina Koné DG/CEO of Smart Africa, commenting on this initiative.
“This mission to learn about best practices in the Rwandan innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem, which will end on 13 December 2022, includes a training session provided by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and a study trip during which the Beninese visitors will discover the Rwandan innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
It will allow Beninese innovative entrepreneurship support structures to strengthen their knowledge and skills around the support profession and to create a framework for meeting and exchanging with their Rwandan counterparts,” said Emmanuelle BOUITI, coordinator of the DigiBoost project implemented by Enabel in Benin.
{{About Smart Africa}}
Smart Africa is an alliance of 35 African countries, international organisations and global private sector players tasked with Africa’s digital agenda.
The alliance is empowered by a bold and innovative commitment by African Heads of State to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development on the continent and usher Africa into the knowledge economy through affordable access to broadband and the use of ICTs.
With a vision to create a single digital market in Africa by 2030, the Smart Africa Alliance brings together Heads of State who seek to accelerate the digitalization of the continent and create a common market.
Launched in 2013 by seven (7) African Heads of State, the Alliance now has 35 member countries, representing over 1.1 billion people and over 40 Private Sector members committed to the vision and the advancement of Africa.
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500 Police officers to be kicked out
This was revealed by the Deputy Inspector General (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza on Thursday this week as the Gerayo Amahoro campaign resumed heighten sensitization among motorists on road safety.
“Bribes to traffic police officers is offered by drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists […] normally individuals who offer or receive bribes receive similar punishments as per legal provisions,” she said.
DIGP Ujeneza said that RNP has a disciplinary committee that carries out investigations on alleged corruption cases and impose punishments.
“Any police officer caught in corruption case in seriously punished and dismissed. […] This year, we are set to sack many police officers. Some of them have been suspended awaiting government’s decision to definitively kick them out. They are about 500,” she noted.
DIGP Ujeneza disclosed that the majority of these 500 police officers were involved in bribery cases and drunkenness.
The recent report released by Transparency International Rwanda indicated that the Department of Traffic and Road Safety among most corrupt institutions.
She requested the general public not to perceive the National Police as an institution mired by corruption because there are others with good conduct.
DIGP Ujeneza highlighted the institution will continue to punish those breaking laws and recognize others with good conducts.
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Senate President Dr. Iyamuremye resigns
Rwanda’s Parliament has via Twitter handle revealed Dr. Iyaruremye that resigned over sickness related reasons.
“Earlier today, Senate President Dr Augustin Iyamuremye submitted his resignation as the President of the Senate, and as a Senator, due to health reasons. Tomorrow, December 9th, a special plenary sitting will convene to declare the Office of the President of the Senate vacant,” reads the tweet.
His resignation letter dated 8th December 2022 was addressed to senators, other government officials and President of the Republic.
He expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic for the trust bestowed upon him and senators for having elected and supported him to fulfill his ‘demanding duties’.
Dr. Iyamuremye assumed office as Senate president in October 2019 following his appointment by President Paul Kagame.
Prior to the appointment, he served as the Chairperson of Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum since 2015.
Dr. Iyamuremye holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine.
He held various positions in different public institutions including the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour from 2012 to 2015 and senator between 2004 and 2011.
Dr. Iyamuremye also headed the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2000, the Ministry of Information from 1998 to 1999 and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources between 1994 and 1998.
Among others, he served as senior intelligence officer in the Office of Prime Minister from 1992 to 1994.
Dr. Iyamuremye headed Gitarama Prefecture from 1990 to 1992, served as the Director of Nyanza Milk Processing Plant from 1984 to 1990.
He was also a lecturer and researcher at the National University of Rwanda from 1977 to 1984.
After the transitional period (1994-2003), the first legislature of the Senate commenced in 2003 and ended in 2011. The Second Senate concluded its mandate on October 10, 2019 bringing eight-year tenure to an end.
The Senate of Rwanda has 26 members. Twelve senators are elected by the specific councils in accordance with the administrative entities in the City of Kigali and the four provinces.
Of these, one is picked from the City of Kigali, two from Northern Province, while the rest of the three provinces (West, East, and South) elect three senators each. Eight senators are appointed by the President of the Republic. Four senators are designated by the Forum of Political organizations.
One senator is elected among lecturers and researchers of Public Universities and higher learning institutions. Both the elected and appointed senators serve a term, renewable once.
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Gerayo Amahoro road safety campaign resumes
The all-out continuous campaign seeks to drive change from road safety by law to road safety by choice and ultimately by culture.
It was stopped prematurely in 2020 after 39 weeks, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resumption of the campaign in different parts of the country was presided over by the RNP leadership, provincial Governors and district mayors, among others.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza, while addressing hundreds of taxi-moto operators and cyclists at Kigali stadium, said that despite the reduction in road accidents, many lives continue to be lost at the hands of reckless road users.
“Although accidents reduced this year compared to last year, many people still die on roads. Since the beginning of this year, 9,468 accidents occurred across the country resulting into 617 fatalities.
The majority 183 fatalities involved or were caused by cyclists while other 150 involved taxi-moto operators,” IGP Munyuza said.
The decrease in accidents, he said, was due to the installation of speed enforcement cameras, awareness campaigns as well as enforcement to penalize violators.
“People killed on roads are parents and even young people, whose lives are cut short by drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists who use the road recklessly. This is a serious concern that should be given attention by everyone using the road,” he added.
The Police Chief said that although the force emphasizes road safety education, errant violators will be penalized and consequently their driver’s license revoked, accordingly, to make roads safe for all.
He further warned against drink-driving, one of the major causes of road fatalities.
“No one is stopping you from drinking, but when you do, don’t drive or ride. Your life and that of other road users is invaluable. Do not be penalized for violating traffic rules and regulations, and putting your lives on the edge. Use the road responsibly, make safety a priority,” IGP Munyuza told Motorcyclists and cyclists.
Today, he said, it’s easy for the Police to identify someone, who is driving while drunk using a breathalyzer, but added that the force will soon introduce another device that can detect a person, who is driving under the influence of drugs.
IGP Munyuza also embarked on improvements within the traffic as well as licensing departments, including the decentralization of driving test services, online registration and booking for driving test and mechanical inspection, which is part of the government agenda to take services closer to the people and service delivery.
He added that driving test services will ultimately be extended to the district level as well as activating the automatic notification for those whose mechanical inspection certificate is about to expire.
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Rwanda showcases tourism offerings in Cannes
Dubbed the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), the trade fair runs from 5th to 8 December 2022.
Kageruka who delivered remarks virtually on the second day of the exhibition, invited them to visit national parks and other nature reserves. She also took them through Rwanda’s efforts to up-skill employees of the hospitality to enrich visitors’ experience and make their stay a memorable.
Rwandan companies also participated in the trade fair in which they were given floor to bring on board services offered to tourists with a view to encourage representatives of international companies to send tourists to Rwanda.
It also served as platform to create new connections paving the way for future collaboration.
Speaking to IGIHE, Kageruka said that they held a meeting with tour companies from different countries working closely with Rwandan companies.
As she said, many of them needed updates on the country’s efforts to promote high-end tourism.
Kageruka underscored that it was an opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s tourism offerings and how the country can help their tourists planning visits to Rwanda.
Participants from Rwanda who attended the trade fair include Manzi Kayihura, the Managing Director of Thousand Hills Africa; Roberto Viviani, Business Manager at Wilderness Safari; Simon Bruce Miller from Uberluxe Safaris and Reginal Hakizimana, Managing Director of Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris.
Others include Denis Lefebvre representing Palace Tours, Françoise Ihirwe Tunga from Volcanoes Safari; Danny Nizeye Business Development Manager at Akagera Aviation and Robert Gakimbiri, Customer Services Manager at Primate Safaris.
