The development is part of new appointments by MTN Group in different countries including Uganda and Cameroon.
The statement released by MTN Group shows that the new reforms are meant to cement its commitment on delivery of its Ambition 2025 strategy which is about building leading digital platforms that enable Africa’s progress across the telecom, fintech, infrastructure, API and content and messaging ecosystem.
MTN Rwanda CEO Mitwa Ng’ambi has been named CEO of MTN Cameroon, replacing Stephen Blewett, who is leaving the Group.
Ng’ambi oversaw the listing of MTN Rwanda as well as the establishment of its fintech subsidiary. She was instrumental in strengthening the business’s stakeholder engagement and has also worked in MTN’s Benin and Zambian operations.
The new CEO of MTN Rwanda, Mapula Bodibe has been working as MTN South Africa Chief Consumer Officer. She brings more than 15 years’ experience with MTN, including in Uganda.
Bodibe has a strong background in commercial strategy, consumer marketing, customer strategy, brand management and communications, product management and customer analytics.
Among others, Sylvia Mulinge becomes MTN Uganda CEO, joining from Safaricom, where she served as Chief Consumer Business Officer for the Group. A seasoned executive, she brings with her a passion for transforming customers’ lives using technology.
Mulinge replaces Wim Vanhelleputte, who will take on the new MTN Group role of Operations Executive: Markets. In this position, he will leverage his experience in furthering financial inclusion and strengthening MTN’s position as a market leader.
Vanhelleputte is a former MTN Côte d’Ivoire CEO and has extensive operational experience across Africa.
New appointments will go into effect on 1st September 2022.
MTN has also announced the creation of a new senior MTN Group post; that of Operations Executive for Liberia, Guinea-Conakry, Guinea-Bissau, and Congo-Brazzaville effective 1 August 2022, reporting to the Senior Vice President: Markets, Ebenezer Asante -Twum.
MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita has said taht he looks forward to working with new CEOs to deliver on its strategy.
“My thanks to Stephen for his valuable contribution to the MTN Group over the years and wish him well as he journeys to new opportunities outside of the African continent. I welcome Sylvia to the Y’ello family and look forward to working with her, as well as with Mitwa, Mapula and Wim in their new roles, as we continue to execute on our Ambition 2025 strategy,” he said.
The #CanaChallenge campaign, that commenced in December 2021 on social media, invites individuals and organizations to voluntarily contribute to “Light up a Rwandan family”. Thereafter, contributions are utilized to purchase and install home solar system for families in Ubudehe Category 1.
Access to off-grid electricity contributes to the country’s sustainable development agenda that targets 100 per cent of households’ access coverage to electricity by the year 2024. As of October 2021, the connectivity rate stood at 67.1 per cent of Rwandan households consisting of 48.6 per cent connected to the national grid and 18.5 per cent to off grid systems, mainly solar energy.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Alain Numa, MTN Rwanda’s Acting Head of Corporate Affairs said: “We are honoured to contribute to brightening the lives of 700 families in Nyamiyaga Sector. Access to electricity, much like food and water, is a necessity and it plays a vital role in the development of a community. Students will be able to read past evening hours and parents can carry out chores that require electricity. In essence, their days do not have to end when the sun goes down. Moreover, by using solar power, they are propelling the use of green energy, protecting their environment for future generations.”
Thus far, a total of 16,494 homes have access to electricity via renewable means from the mobilization of funds by the public which includes individuals, Rwanda Diaspora, Friends of Rwanda, and various private and public institutions. BRD targets to light up 24,000 homes by July.
‘’We are extremely grateful to MTN Rwanda, for the generous support to the Cana Challenge Initiative which has enabled us to connect an additional 700 households in Gicumbi. So far, we have been able to connect a total of 16,494 households to electricity country wide and our objective is to increase this number as we continue to receive contributions from different partners. We are committed to supporting the Government of Rwanda to achieve Universal access to electricity,’’ Said Denis Rugamba, the Manager Renewable Energy Fund under the Special Project Unit.
MTN Rwanda continues to champion green energy adoption through various initiatives in its MTN Project Zero, which has so far seen to the trading in of 15% of their fleet for hybrid electric vehicles and installation of solar panels that generate just under 5% of its main Data Center electricity needs. Both initiatives are set to expand in capacity to ensure the achievement of greater green efficiencies and low carbon emissions.
{{ About MTN Rwandacell }}
MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, we have continuously invested in expanding and modernising our network and are the country’s No 1 network. MTN Rwanda offers various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers with MTN Irekure. The company is also the front runner in mobile financial services in Rwanda with Mobile Money, MoMoPay and MoKash Loans and Savings.
{{About Development Bank of Rwanda}}
Since 1967, the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) Plc. Has been the leading provider of long-term investment loans to projects in the priority sectors of the Rwandan economy including Digital Economy, Exports & Manufacturing, Education, Renewable Energy, Affordable Housing, and Special Projects.
The man with vision impairment emanating from effects of wars he fought in DRC is among repatriates who arrived in Rwanda in 2018.
Upon arrival, Ndagijimana hailing from Gisagara District was taken to Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre where he spent six months undergoing civic education training before joining his family.
Speaking to IGIHE, Ndagijimana reminisced his ordeal where he fought many battles in DRC forests for 20 years.
“I was seriously injured in Kabaro as we clashed with state army. The wound spread to my face and subsequently led to vision impairment. My health deteriorated since then,” he noted.
After surviving bullets with injuries, Ndagijimana stayed in forests where he endured bitter life before deciding to return to his mother land.
“I was warmly welcomed in Rwanda. At Mutobo, I received different kinds of support, be it foods, clothes, basic equipment. They are an addition to favourable environment. As we were discharged, I was given Rwf200,000 to start new life,” he said.
Arriving home, life didn’t go easy on him as someone living with disability.
He later received more support from the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on funding of the Government of Japan to cope with effects of COVID 19.
Ndagijimana used the money to venture into agriculture and bought a farmland to help him move out of poverty. He later married a wife with whom they have sired one child.
“I married a wife with whom we lived in parents’ house but I had hope to move to my own house as promised by Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission,” he said.
His house worth Rwf20 million has been completed and is among decent houses built in Gisagara District.
After getting married, Ndagijimana draw much emphasis on agricultural activities to achieve desired progress and feed his family.
RDRC provided more financial support which he bought another farmland.
Ndagijimana also bought small livestock including chickens. Today, his household can meet all basic needs and find food easily.
Ndagijimana is among four ex-combatants living with disabilities who received decent shelters.
Normally, repatriates are accommodated at Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre for six months undergoing civic education training. The centre trains male ex-combatants while women and girls are taken to Nyarushishi Transit Camp in Rusizi District awaiting reintegration into the society.
After being discharged, they also receive support serving as the foundation for development.
The support is an addition to a program introduced to facilitate smooth reintegration of repatriated young males and females.
Under this program, they are equipped with skills in vocational subjects including sewing, welding, mechanics, hairdressing, nail trimming and knitting among others.
Beneficiaries trained at different times have told IGIHE that received skills will be helpful to pursue their dreams.
Dancille Dushimirimana from Sumbure Village, Kanazi Cell of Nyamata Sector in Bugesera District has said that she wants to create jobs and share acquired skills with members of the community to achieve progress.
“I have pulled many benefits because I had to start from scratch. After graduating, I didn’t get capital to start my business but I am currently working at a factory. I intend to start my own business soon as I get enough funds to do so,” said Dushimirimana.
The beneficiary further revealed that she plans to upgrade her skills and train others.
Chance Uwimana from Huye District is among beneficiaries who underwent sewing trainings.
Uwimana explained that the training has started changing her life as she can cater for basic needs without reliance on someone else.
“Pursuing vocational courses has been helpful to me during COVID-19 pandemic and will help me to shape my future,” she said.
Of 805 people repatriated in 2018, 246 have undertaken courses in different vocational subjects.
After graduation, the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Government of Japan provide them with basic equipment including sewing machines and flat iron among others to start businesses.
The tension rose from DRC’s allegations accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group in clashes with Congolese Army (FARDC).
Meanwhile, Rwanda accuses Congo of collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist outfit comprised of remnant masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
It also blames DRC for having shelled Rwandan territory at different times in collaboration with FDLR. The projectiles injured civilians and destroyed houses.
As he made a presentation to the UN Security Council on security issues in DRC; Bintou Keita, the Head of UN’s Stabilization Mission in DRC (MONUSCO), explained that the issues arise from the resurgence of M23 where they might stall achieved strides in restoring security in the country and the region.
She urged DRC and Rwanda ‘to seize the upcoming summit to be hosted by President João Lourenço of Angola in Luanda’ as an opportunity to mend tensions through dialogue.
Meanwhile, Bintou stressed the need for both countries to work with the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanisms (EJVM) to monitor border incidents and make informed decisions.
She did not however reveal timelines for anticipated talks between both countries.
Different envoys who attended the meeting also recommended dialogues to calm the situation.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Claver Gatete pointed out that the resurgence of M23 has overshadowed the presence of more than 130 armed groups in eastern DRC, including FDLR.
He drew attention to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s false allegations — especially that Rwanda backs M23 ‑ and stressed he rejected the propaganda narrative that countries of the region want to “Balkanize” the east of Congo.
More than 40,000 tickets were sold or reserved within eight hours on the first day of public sale, and all free visits on Wednesdays in July were fully booked.
The HKPM, a new cultural landmark of Hong Kong, not only adds to cultural atmosphere in the city, but also provides a new site for local residents and visitors to learn about the development of Chinese civilization and culture.
“This is a great gift from the motherland to Hong Kong,” said Louis Ng, director of the HKPM.
More than 900 pieces of treasures from the collection of the Palace Museum in Beijing will be put on display at the opening exhibitions.
From paintings and bronze wares to embroideries and ancient architectures, the exhibits span the 5,000-year history of Chinese civilization, covering all categories of the collection of the Palace Museum, including 166 pieces of first-class cultural relics of the country.
This will be the largest and highest-level cultural heritage exhibitions of the Palace Museum outside of the mainland since its establishment in 1925.
Preparatory work for the exhibitions began in 2018, with the Palace Museum fielding a team of leading experts and scholars, in collaboration with the curatorial team of the HKPM.
“It is a great thing to display the pieces of cultural relics in Hong Kong, which reflects the central government’s support to the development of Hong Kong’s cultural undertakings,” said Ng, adding that the exhibits from the Palace Museum will present a cultural feast to Hong Kong residents by telling them about the motherland’s long history and splendid culture.
The HKPM embodies the excellence of traditional Chinese culture, as can be seen from the design and construction of the building. The museum building is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. The exterior walls are inlaid with 3,999 pieces of curved glazed tiles.
The museum adopts the distinctive “Central Axis” concept, and traditional Chinese cultural elements such as red doors decorated with golden doornails are also presented.
“Promoting traditional Chinese culture is one of our important tasks,” said Betty Fung, chief executive officer of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, adding that it is also the original aspiration and mission of the establishment of the HKPM.
She said the HKPM will actively push ahead with the publicity of the motherland’s culture and history after its opening, enhancing Hong Kong residents’ cultural confidence in the country, especially among youths.
“When I was a child, I really wished that I could visit the magnificent palaces in Beijing,” said Muk Ka-chun, a teacher at Pui Kiu Middle School in Hong Kong, adding that he looks forward to appreciating the cultural relics from Beijing’s Palace Museum.
He believes that a visit to the HKPM will enable Hong Kong youths to learn more about the time-honored history and rich civilization of the motherland, cultivate their cultural identity and confidence, and lay the foundation for them to become disseminators, inheritors and promoters of traditional Chinese culture.
“I hope that I can bring my students to the museum once it opens,” Muk said.
Thirteen pieces of artifacts from the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, will also be exhibited in the HKPM after it opens. Ng believes that this reflects the rationale behind the establishment of the HKPM, which is not only to inherit and promote traditional Chinese culture, but also to promote cultural exchanges between the East and the West.
Fung said that the HKPM will actively enhance cooperation with international museums, telling the world the stories of China, including the stories of Hong Kong.
This Law provides for preventive mechanisms and penalties for money laundering, financing of terrorism and financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
{{What is Money Laundering?}}
Money laundering is an economic crime that can be committed by any person by doing one of the following acts:
a) the conversion, transfer or handling of property or funds whose perpetrator knows or is likely to know that such property or funds is the proceeds of crime or it derives from an act of participation in such crime;
b) the concealment, disguise of the true nature, origin, location, movement, disposition, donation, disguise of the beneficial owner of the property or funds or the person having rights on it, knowing or likely to know that such a property or funds is proceeds of crime or from an act of participation in such crime;
c) acquisition, possession or use of property or funds the author knows or is likely to know, at the time of reception, that such a property or funds is derived from proceeds of crime or from an act of participation in such crime;
d) participation in, association with or conspiracy to commit, attempt to commit, aiding, inciting, abetting, facilitating or counselling the commission of any of the acts specified under items a, b and c.
Money laundering is committed even if the original acts leading to the acquisition, disposition or transfer of the property or funds to be laundered or the protection of the author, are carried out on the territory of a third State.
Perpetrator of money laundering gets involved in such illegal acts knowing that or is likely to know that the concerned property or fund is the proceed of crime or is delivered from an act of participation in such crime.
{{Penalties for Money laundering}}
Money laundering s a felony offense that is punishable by imprisonment and fine. A person who carries out money laundering act, or who is involved in an association aiming at committing one of the acts of money laundering, upon conviction is punished to an imprisonment for a term of not less than seven (7) years but not more than ten (10) years and a fine of Rwandan francs of three (3) to five (5) times the amount of money laundered. In case of recidivism, these penalties are doubled.
{{What is financing of terrorism?}}
Financing of terrorism is defined as follows:
a) an act committed by a natural or legal person who by any means provides, collects or manages any property or funds whether from legitimate or illegitimate source, directly or indirectly, or attempts to do so, with the intention that they should be used or in the knowledge that they are to be used in whole or in part to carry out a terrorist act; or by a terrorist or by a terrorist organization;
b) offering advice, financing of teaching or training in order to acquire skills and knowledge knowing that they may be used, or intended to be used for terrorism act and the financing of travelling of individuals who travel to States other than their States or their States of residence for the purpose of the perpetration, planning or preparation of, or participation in terrorist acts, or the providing or receiving of terrorist training.
The offense of financing of terrorism can be committed by any person whether natural or legal person through different ways such as collecting or providing resources and materials to terrorist or terrorist group or for terrorism activities; offering advice and training with the intention of facilitating terrorism activities.
{{Penalties for the financing of terrorism}}
A person who is convicted of the offense of terrorism financing or who is involved in an association aiming at committing one of the acts of financing terrorism is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than twenty (20) years but not more than twenty-five (25) years and a fine of Rwandan francs of three (3) to five (5) times the amount of money given. In case of recidivism, these penalties are doubled
{{What is financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction?}}
There is an offense of financing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction if one of the following acts is carried out:
a) providing property or funds for the manufacture, production, possession, acquisition, stockpiling, development, transportation, sale, supply, transfer, import, export, transhipment or use of nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, biological weapons and such other materials, as may be prescribed, which are related to such weapons;
b) providing technical training, property or funds, financial service, advice, service, brokering or assistance related to any of the activities specified under item a.
{{Penalties for financing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction}}
A person who is convicted of financing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction offense is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than fifteen (15) years but not more than twenty (20) years and a fine of Rwandan francs of five (5) to ten (10) times the amount of money given. In case of recidivism, these penalties are doubled.
It should be noted that a person who facilitates another person to benefit from laundered property or funds of a terrorist or of someone who may be a terrorist, by concealing, shifting from one place to another, transferring to other people the property or funds commits an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than ten (10) years but not more than fifteen (15) years.
Furthermore, if a person is convicted of money laundering, terrorism financing or financing of proliferation crimes, a part from imprisonment and fine she/he is liable to, the court also orders the confiscation of property or funds emanating from the offence, including revenues and other advantages which were drawn from it.
{{Penalties against a legal entity convicted of money laundering, financing of terrorism or financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction}}
Money laundering, financing terrorism and financing proliferation of weapons of mass destructions are offenses that can be committed by natural or legal persons.
A legal entity that carries out money laundering, financing of terrorism or financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destructions acts through their representatives or members, commits an offence. Upon conviction, that legal entity is liable to a fine of Rwandan francs of ten (10) to twenty (20) times the amount of money laundered or given, without prejudice to the liability for complicity of its representatives.
The Court’s decision stating the penalties is published in newspapers and through any other means used by the media.
{{Request to People}}
Money laundering, financing terrorism and financing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are very serious economic crimes that not only hinder the individual development and economic development of countries but also affect their security and safety.
The general public should be aware of the bad effects of those crimes and be active partners in the fight against them.
People should be of integrity and never get involved in criminal activities and not allow others to use them in hiding proceeds of crimes or for terrorism activities.
{{This is message is provided by FIC, a public Agency with the mandate of preventing and fighting against money laundering, financing of terrorism and financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. }}
Since its return to the motherland in 1997, Hong Kong has progressed and prospered alongside the rest of the country, with Hong Kong compatriots and people in the mainland standing in solidarity and advancing together.
{{Helping HK to tackle challenges}}
Recalling the turmoil of 2019, Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, a member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said that he could not imagine what Hong Kong would be like without the help of the country.
A series of vital steps taken by the central authorities have enabled Hong Kong to achieve a major transition from chaos to order, and usher in a new chapter of good governance.
These measures included the enactment of the national security law in Hong Kong, the improvement of Hong Kong’s electoral system, and the implementation of the “patriots administering Hong Kong” principle.
The enforcement of the national security law in Hong Kong has brought stability back to society, and the improved electoral system has enabled those who truly care about Hong Kong to contribute to its development, Fok said.
For example, since the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong, funds raised through initial public offerings in Hong Kong have exceeded 650 billion Hong Kong dollars (82.81 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of over 30 percent compared with the same period before the law was enforced. The average daily turnover of Hong Kong stocks has jumped almost 60 percent from the 12-month period preceding the law’s enforcement, reaching 150 billion Hong Kong dollars (19.11 billion U.S. dollars).
In the past 25 years, Hong Kong has faced many challenges, including the Asian financial crisis, the SARS epidemic, the international financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Whenever Hong Kong encounters difficulties, the motherland stands ready to offer its utmost support.
Deeming the country’s support as Hong Kong’s greatest strength in solving various problems, the incoming sixth-term chief executive of the HKSAR John Lee said that Hong Kong could not have overcome challenges and achieved progress without the backing of the motherland.
{{Backing HK to boost development}}
A growing number of young people from Hong Kong are turning to the mainland for entrepreneurial prospects, as the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has brought about new opportunities.
Mark Mak Hin-yu is among such young Hong Kong entrepreneurs. He is the co-founder of a Hong Kong-headquartered company that specializes in developing robotic products. They have transferred part of their operations, including hardware assembly and technical testing, to the mainland.
One of the most open regions that boast the strongest economic vitality in China, the Greater Bay Area plays a critical role in driving the country’s economic development with its distinctive geographical advantages and strengths in innovation and cooperation.
The Chinese enterprises in Hong Kong have taken the lead in participating in joint construction of the Belt and Road, spurring the flow of production factors including talent, capital, goods, technology, information in Hong Kong, improving its industrial structure and boosting its economic prosperity, said Yim Kong, managing director of China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited.
With the support of the motherland, Hong Kong has consolidated its status as an international financial center over the past 25 years. Among all listed firms in Hong Kong, more than half are from the mainland, contributing about 80 percent of market capitalization. Hong Kong has become the world’s largest offshore renminbi (RMB) business center, handling more than 70 percent of global offshore RMB payments.
Hong Kong has maintained stability and prosperity, HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam said, adding that it has strengthened its status as an international financial, shipping and trade center and seen vigorous development in innovation and technology, as well as in culture and arts.
“The practice of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle in Hong Kong over the past 25 years has proved successful,” she said.
{{Encouraging HK to embrace opportunities}}
Expressing her gratitude to the central government, a Hong Kong girl made a handwritten thank-you note in Chinese.
She expressed her feeling in a simple way with the words — “Thanks to the motherland for developing vaccines to protect us. My whole family has been vaccinated and has received COVID-19 prevention kits in time.”
During the fifth wave of COVID-19 infections in Hong Kong earlier this year, the central government extended speedy support for Hong Kong’s fight against the virus. It helped build temporary hospitals in the shortest possible time, dispatched teams of medical experts, offered a large quantity of anti-epidemic supplies, and ensured the supply of daily necessities.
Over the past few years, a series of policies have been introduced to make life more convenient for Hong Kong people living and working in the mainland. Since September 2018, eligible people from Hong Kong have been able to apply for residence permits, which grant them access to the rights to work, social security and housing provident fund, as well as public services including education, healthcare, cultural and sports services.
Notably, the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) supports Hong Kong in developing itself into an international center for innovation and technology, a center in the Asia-Pacific region for international legal and dispute resolution services, a regional center for intellectual property trade, and a center for cultural and art exchanges with other countries.
The incoming HKSAR chief executive Lee said that Hong Kong, while forging ahead, should give full play to its own advantages, enhance its international competitiveness, and better integrate into the country’s overall development.
Julienne Oyler, CEO of Inkomoko welcomed the selected entrepreneurs and congratulated these 25 businesses upon the beginning of the next step of their business development journey.
“We are excited for this continued partnership with the Bank of Kigali to support the growth of entrepreneurs from Rwanda. At Inkomoko, we pledge to continuously support entrepreneurs to discover their potential and grow their innovative business ideas that will provide our community with much needed digital solutions,” said Oyler.
The selected 25 businesses were founded by entrepreneurs from Rwanda’s fast-growing sectors, namely manufacturing, agribusiness, fashion, and hospitality & tourism.
“Congratulations to everyone who made the final list of this year’s BK Urumuri Initiative. We are devoted to keep supporting SME businesses mostly youth-led enterprises. This partnership with Inkomoko presents an opportunity to learn and grow businesses with the aim of helping the young generation unlock their full potential,” Said Darius Mukunzi, Head of SME Banking at Bank of Kigali.
The BK Urumuri Initiative has fostered the growth of 130 entrepreneurs in the past five editions. Previous Urumuri participants include Imagine We Rwanda, Uzi Collections, Weya Clothing, Slices & Cakes, House of Tayo, Moshions, and many more of Rwanda’s best-known SME brands.
{{About Inkomoko}}
Inkomoko has served the needs of Rwandan businesses since 2012, providing business training, consulting, and access to affordable finance through its partner, AEC Rwanda Trustee Company Ltd. With more than 130 staff in 8 offices across Rwanda, Inkomoko’s business accelerator has helped more than 19,000 MSMEs in Rwanda to run their operations more efficiently. On average, entrepreneurs in Inkomoko’s accelerator increase their annual revenues by 80%.
{{About Bank of Kigali}}
Bank of Kigali is the largest commercial bank in Rwanda by total assets, Global Credit Ratings affirmed. Bank of Kigali’s long-term and short-term national scale ratings of AA-(RW) and A1+(RW) respectively with a stable outlook. The Bank has won several back-to-back international and regional banking awards, including from EuroMoney, The Banker, Global Finance Magazine, and EMEA Finance. It has been named “Best Bank in Rwanda.”
Since Rwandan troops were deployed to fight terrorists from Ahlu al-Sunnah wal-Jamaah in the country in July 2021, they have been handing over captured areas to Mozambican forces.
As Rwandan troops captured terrorists’ strongholds in areas including Palma and Mocimboa da Praia, they fled to the region controlled by Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces.
It has been quite some time since terrorists have resurged and plotted more attacks in the area.
On 23rd June 2022, the rebels conducted an attack to an area known as Nkoe which was followed by another one in Nanjaba of Macomia.
On 22nd June, Tanzanian soldier died in terrorists’ attack in Nangade District.
Realizing that terrorists fled to Macomia, Rwandan troops entered agreement with SADC forces for collaboration to root them out.
On 30th March, Rwandan troops arrived in Macomia District to chase out rebels
{{The fight takes new shape}}
Following the deployment, rebels fled to Nampula Province that had never faced insecurity since 2017 when terrorist activities escalated in the country.
Early 2022, terrorists developed new tricks and reorganized in Nampula from where they conducted more attacks in Cabo Delgado.
For instance, the terrorists plotted 14 attacks in Meluco District of Cabo Delgado Province in January which escalated in May.
They continued to escalate in June in southern parts of Cabo Delgado including Quissange, Ancuabe, Chiure and Mecufi as well as Nampula border.
In February this year, Rwanda and Mozambican troops launched offensives in the areas of Nhica do Rovuma and Pundanhar where some terrorists were killed while others fled to Nangade.
Realizing the two areas were liberated from rebels, Rwanda security forces handed them over to Mozambicans and continued their operations in Macomia where terrorists had a new stronghold.
As rebels learnt that Rwandan forces were deployed in Macomia, which would prevent them from infiltrating into Siri I and Siri II (areas with presence of dense forests offering protection), they plotted hit and run attacks to regions under control of Mozambican army.
They recently attacked government’s army in Maparanganha and set residents’ vehicle on fire.
It is suspected that terrorists’ leaders stay in Macomia.
As Rwandan troops arrived in Macomia, they seized Chai area where more than five villages are currently safeguarded and rescued more than 3000 residents from terrorists in forests.
On 13th May, they were handed over to Mozambique and returned home.
Rwandan forces established a base in the area where they continue to conduct offensives to restore security in the area.
This week, the forces ambushed terrorists, killed three of them while others fled.
{{Rotation of forces might be delayed}}
IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that the rotation of forces deployed in Cabo Delgado might be pushed back due to the resurgence.
It has been almost a year since Rwandan troops were deployed to Cabo Delgado in July 2021.
The fact that terrorists are currently infiltrating through areas left under control of Mozambicans might delay the rotation of forces because Rwandan forces deployed last year are more familiar with the terrain even though new troops are making preparations to replace their colleagues.
IGIHE has learnt that some commanders of the new troops to be deployed have arrived in Cabo Delgado.
These include Brig Gen Frank Mutembe who will replace the current The Task Force Battle Group Commander, Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi.
Sources reveal that the replacement of troops from Mozambique was expected to take place from July to August.
It might however be pushed back for the forces on ground to clear some enemy pockets.
On the other hand, residents in some areas previously held by terrorists including Mocímboa da Praia and Palma town are safe.
As of today, over 10,000 displaced citizens have returned to their homes in Mocímboa da Praia.
