The ambassadors received on Friday afternoon at Urugwiro Village include Kevin Colgan of the Republic of Ireland, Katarína Žuffa Leligdonová of the Slovak Republic and Andrii Pravednyk of Ukraine.
The Head of State also received letters of credence from new High Commissioners; Christopher Thornley of the Dominion of Canada, Isatu Aminata Bundu of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Jaspal Singh of the Republic of Singapore and Michael Ian Upton of New Zealand.
Among others; Kagame received credentials from new Ambassadors; Abdi Mahamoud Eybe of the Republic of Djibouti and Mónica de Greiff Lindo of the Republic of Colombia.
The new envoys are familiar with East Africa where they have been representing their countries. For instance, Kevin Colgan has been overseeing the interests of Ireland in Uganda while Katarína Žuffa Leligdonová and Andrii Pravednyk have represented their countries to Kenya.
The new envoy form Ireland will have residence in Kampala, the capital of Uganda while Slovakian Ukrainian ambassadors will oversee their countries’ interests in Rwanda with residence in Kenya.
Among others, Christopher Thornley of Canada will be based in Kenya along with Isatu Aminata Bundu of Sierra Leone, Jaspal Singh will have residence in Singapore, while Michael Ian Upton of New Zealand and Abdi Mohamoud Eybe of Djibouti will have residence in Ethiopia.
Monica de Greiff Lindo of Colombia will also represent his country with residence in Kenya.
The DRC registered vehicle, Land Cruiser with plate number 1578AE19, was intercepted on Thursday, April 21.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region said that two people connected to this drug trafficking have also been arrested.
They include the driver, also a Congolese citizen identified as Amuli- Lwamungu – Goinara, 33, who had been hired to sneak the narcotics into Rwanda, and one Manzi Moussa alias Sadi, 47, the alleged rightful owner and who was supposed to receive them in Rwanda.
“Lwamungu had concealed the 1000 pellets of cannabis in envelopes and hid them in his car boot, but the Police Border Security Unit had prior information on the planned drug trafficking. Lwamungu was arrested after crossing into Rwanda when they searched and recovered the narcotics in his vehicle,” SP Karekezi said.
“After his arrest, Lwamungu disclosed that he was given the narcotics by a woman in Goma, DRC but could not disclose the woman’s identities. He said that the woman told him to deliver cannabis to one Moussa Manzi alias Sadi,” he added.
Manzi is a suspected drug dealer operating in Gisenyi, who was also located and arrested in Kivumu Village, Nengo Cell, where he was at the time waiting for Lwamungu to deliver the narcotics.
SP Karekezi commended a resident, who shared information leading to the arrest of the suspect, adding that this partnership and ownership is playing a central role in breaking chains of drug supply.
The suspects are currently detained at Gisenyi station pending further investigations.
The Ministerial order nº 001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorization classifies cannabis in the category of “very severe narcotics.’’
Article 263 of law No 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general states that any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.
Upon conviction for “very severe narcotics,” the offender faces between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million.
On Friday, April 22, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in Charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza, started a two-day working visit in the Southern Province, where she will visit District Police Units (DPU) and address Police officers on various policing matters, including administration and logistics.
On her first day, DIGP Ujeneza visited and addressed Police officers operating in the DPUs of Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye and Nyamagabe.
She urged them to maintain discipline, moral values, stay committed to their policing duties, support and work in unison with the people.
“Our main responsibilities as Police officers is to ensure safety and security of residents of Rwanda, and that must be done professionally,” DIGP Ujeneza told Police officers.
She cautioned them against any form of misconduct such as corruption, drunkenness and violation of people’s rights, which tarnish the image of RNP and the country in general.
DIGP Ujeneza challenged them to work closely with the people, aim for quality services, to respond and solve people’s concerns in time.
On Saturday, April 23, DIGP Ujeneza will visit the DPUs of Nyaruguru, Gisagara, Muhanga and Kamonyi.
President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a presidential proclamation on Friday announcing the passing on of the retired President who also served as Kenya’s fourth Vice President.
Kibaki ended the late President Moi’s more than two decades rules in 2002 when he took over power as Kenya’s third President.
“We remember the values by which he lived, the ideals he embraced, his dignity and diligence, his candour and concern for the well-being of all Kenyans,” said President Kenyatta on Friday.
“His contributions as minister of finance and vice president saw Kenya’s economy grow steadily fueled by a commodities boom as well as fiscal and monetary policies that were the backbone of his economic philosophy.”
President Kibaki was the only surviving former president after the second president Daniel Moi died in 2020.
During the proclamation, President Kenyatta announced a period of national mourning in respect of Mr Kibaki who is credited for transforming the country following decades of KANU misrule.
“I order and direct that in the testimony of high esteem that all Kenyans held for Mwai Kibaki, the country will hold a period of national mourning until sunset on the day he will be buried. All flags will fly at half-mast during this period,” President Kenyatta said.
Kibaki is survived by four children: Judy Wanjiku, Jimmy Kibaki, David Kagi and Tony Githinji.
His career started in the lecture halls of Makerere University and later in KANU as the executive officer.
The journey took him to the Treasury as the country’s second Finance minister after Mr James Gichuru, a job which thrust him into the international limelight.
Some key projects he initiated during his time at the Treasury include Mumias and Nzoia sugar mills, Webuye Pan Paper , construction of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret-Malaba highway.
He also conceived the failed Kenya Fertiliser plant in Mombasa and Kenya Furfural in Eldoret.
Kibaki had a bachelor’s degree in economics and boasted a political career spanning two eras — the Jomo Kenyatta and Moi administrations. He took power as third President at the age of 71.
His experience as the Finance minister for 12 years and VP for 10 years sharpened and prepared him for the presidency.
The white paper is the first of its kind focusing on China’s youth. The document records achievements in the country’s youth development in the new era, and reflects the spirit of its youth.
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Lt Gen Muhoozi has come to Rwanda two times this year on a mission to mend ties between Uganda and Rwanda that had worsened since 2017.
Since he was involved in the process to restore relations to normal, Lt Gen Muhoozi has been warning Rwanda’s dissidents that they have no place in Uganda.
He also echoed similar message in February where he warned Kayumba against using his country to threaten Rwanda’s security.
His previous visit to Rwanda was on 22nd January 2022, a move that was followed by the reopening of Gatuna border.
Later on, Rwanda reopened all land borders on 7th March 2022.
During his second visit to Rwanda which lasted three days, Lt Gen Muhoozi met with President Paul Kagame who also gifted him cows before returning to Uganda.
At the time, the Presidency revealed via Twitter handle that discussions revolved around bilateral relations.
Gen Muhoozi who often uses his Twitter handle to express views on issues including relations with Rwanda has posted a message detailing topics of discussions with Kagame during his first visit.
“The first day I reconnected with my uncle 3 months ago, I promised him a number of things. First of all, as Commander Land Forces, UPDF, my army would never attack Rwanda. Secondly, no security official of Uganda who fights Rwanda would retain his job. More to follow…” he tweeted.
Lt Gen Muhoozi posted the message along his pictures with President Kagame on his first visit.
Rwanda had voiced concerns over Uganda’s collaboration with dissidents, abducting, torturing Rwandans and obstructing Rwanda’s trade interests.
Following the first visit of Lt Gen Muhoozi, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Alain Mukuralinda said that Rwanda had already raised concerns of dissidents with intentions to threaten Rwanda’s security operating in Uganda and highlighted that it is time to put into action what is needed most to bring the situation to normal following discussions, signed agreements, transmission of messages through envoys.
Rwanda Formed Police Unit-Two (RWAFPU-2) of 180 officers commanded by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Hodari Rwanyindo will be deployed this Friday to take over peacekeeping positions in Kaga Bandora while RWAFPU-1 of 140 officers headed by CSP Callixte Kalisa will replace the same number operating in CAR’s capital, Bangui, and will be saluted off next week.
It is the eighth rotation of RWAFPU-1, which was first deployed in the central African nation in 2014, and seventh rotation for RWAFPU-2.
DIGP Namuhoranye, while giving them the final message prior to their deployment, reminded them not to lose focus and to remain committed to what they were trained and deployed to do.
“The spirit and morale you are going with should define you throughout the mission. Whatever happens in the mission should not tilt you from your resilience and sacrifice,” DIGP Namuhoranye.
He said that Rwanda has gained experience in CAR, identified and fixed the gaps adding that any gaps that may arise will be a result of an individual character.
“Your personal commitment to serve has a national character and your tour-of-duty should define your international professional character as you were trained. That is what the Rwandan flag you are donning stands for…to serve with dignity and professionalism,” the Deputy Police Chief said.
He advised them to make a commitment to prove themselves right and professionally in all dimensions of their peacekeeping mandate.
“We have strong units with strong command. Know why you are being deployed and do what you are deployed to do; support each other, desist from anything that will tarnish your individual and national image.”
He, however, cautioned that indiscipline like any kind of abuse, loose talk, alcoholism and other bad and unprofessional practices, will not be tolerated.
“Your country sends you as ambassadors and people should feel safe with you. Always be where you are required to be in the right time and do what you are supposed to do.
The duties you are required to perform and how you execute them are all of equal value; they should send the same message of a professional Rwandan Police officer, who understands the drills and trusted,” DIGP Namuhoranye concluded.
Rwanda maintains three Police contingents in CAR. The third contingent–a Protection Support Unit (PSU)– undertakes special duties such as protection for VIPs, including the SRSG, his two deputies, the Prime Minister of CAR, President of the National Assembly, Minister of Justice and the Head of MINUSCA Police Component, among others.
FPUs specializes in public order management, protection of displaced persons, delivery of humanitarian assistance, escort duties and protection of UN facilities.
Marara was named Rwanda’s ambassador to Qatar by the cabinet meeting held on 9th April 2022 replacing François Nkulikiyimfura who was posted to France to assume similar functions.
Marara previously served as counsellor of the Rwandan High Commission in Canada since 2018.
He has also worked as an administrative assistant in different government ministries from 2009 to 2017 and for five years, he worked as the senior manager for PSI Rwanda (an international health organisation).
The 38-year old holds a Masters of Business Administration from Oklahoma University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism.
As he presented the report on the profile of the candidate, the chairperson of the committee on foreign affairs, cooperation and security, John Bonds Bideri expressed optimism that an evaluation on Marara’s competencies proved that he has what it takes to fulfil his duties smoothly.
“We realised his competencies, skills and experience shall allow him to fulfil his duties as the new ambassador,” Bideri said.
Rwanda and Qatar enjoy cooperation agreements in the areas of education, tourism, trade and security among others.
Under this program, the UK will provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund invaluable opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons, and higher education.
These asylum seekers from African countries and others outside the continent will be treated decently like Rwandans upon arrival. It is expected that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.
Unlike asylum seekers and refugees from Libya living in Gashora Transit Camp, the ones from UK will be housed in specially-selected accommodation facilities where they will wait for asylum claims to be processed.
Following agreements between both countries on 14th April 2022, different media houses and individuals majority of whom being from the western part of the world relentlessly criticized the deal for personal reasons.
Sources reveal that Hope House, in Gasabo District is one of buildings expected to accommodate these asylum seekers.
It is said that two more buildings will be built in coming years for the same purpose.
The Mirror media house recently ran a story indicating that the building known as ‘One Dollar Campaign Project’, normally accommodates orphans who survived the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The publication however distorted the truth explaining that beneficiaries were booted out from the building to make a way for refugees and asylum seekers.
The media house also wrote that some beneficiaries claimed that they have nowhere to stay after they were given a tight deadline to have left the building.
The Mirror’s article supports reactions of individuals from the UK and others from Europe expressing frustration over the country’s approach to resolve the issue of asylum seekers and refugees.
One of these people who opposed the decision is the leader of the Anglican church who strongly criticized the British government’s plan to put some asylum-seekers on one-way flights to Rwanda, saying “sub-contracting out our responsibilities” to refugees can’t stand up to God’s scrutiny.
According to the Washington Post, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby made the direct political intervention in his Easter Sunday sermon at Canterbury Cathedral in southeast England, saying there are “serious ethical questions about sending asylum-seekers overseas.”
He said “sub-contracting out our responsibilities, even to a country that seeks to do well, like Rwanda, is the opposite of the nature of God who himself took responsibility for our failures.”
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The major purpose of Hope House was to provide vulnerable orphans of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi with shelter during holidays and leave the building after graduation as they can apply for jobs and live without dependence.
This means, the facility was used as a transit for beneficiaries before starting to live on their own.
The building used to accommodate AERG students from secondary schools and universities. AERG (Association des Etudiants et Eleves Rescapes du Genocide) is a body that brings together genocide survivors studying in university and secondary schools.
The Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo recently reacted to the article run by The Mirror via Twitter handle saying that “the Genocide against the Tutsi ended 28 years ago & this hostel has been almost empty for the last 5 years, the last few remaining tenants are graduating & being facilitated to move to a new life.”
The Coordinator of AERG, Audace Mudaheranwa has told IGIHE that Genocide orphans have been accommodated in the building on rotational basis where few beneficiaries remain in the building.
“There are few beneficiaries who are also in the phase of making their way out. There are processes in place to help them move to a new life. We already had the program before the migration partnership,” he said.
Mudaheranwa revealed that the building has been previously accommodating only 22 individuals yet it has the capacity for 200 people.
“We had talked to the remaining few beneficiaries, showed how the building is large enough. They told us that they were ready to seek shelters elsewhere. They are mature people who can receive support the same way it is extended to university graduates,” he noted.
Genocide orphans in Hope House are preparing to leave because they are mature people aged 29 and above who need to live on their own.
“They were not forced to leave because of refugees. We engaged with beneficiaries who suggested that we should help them to move to a new life if possible and get support their survival outside. They said that they were ready to leave the building so that it can be used for income generating activities whereby revenues can be used to support them and others,” said Mudaheranwa.
Today, the management of Hope House is being discussed to seek how it can be used appropriately.
The five-storey building constructed between 2010 and 2014 has all necessary equipment including beds.
It is built on 2000 square meters. Two individuals will share one room with separate beds.
Asylum seekers to be hosted at the facility will be fed thrice a day.
Hope House also has a large room that can serve as a refectory and multipurpose hall where asylum seekers will turn up for social interactions.
The Head of State was speaking on Wednesday 20th April 2022 during fireside chat on the ‘Digital Revolution’ discussing its impact in Rwanda, Africa and on global development as a whole.
The event organized by the World Bank was also joined by the Chief Executive Officer of MasterCard, Michael Miebach; the President of World Bank Group, David R. Malpass and Leila Search, Senior Investment Officer for FinTech Investments at International Finance Corporation (IFC) among others.
Speaking at the event, Kagame said that broadband is essential to digital transformation.
“80% of Africa’s population has a mobile phone but not everyone has access to high speed internet on a smartphone. Yet, broadband is the key to unlocking digital transformation,” he noted.
“On our continent, the major challenge continues to be the insufficient reach of fiber optic cables in rural areas. This means that the majority of Africa’s population does not have access to high speed internet. These are key areas in dealing with the matter,” Kagame added.
The Head of State also shared Rwanda’s efforts where the country continues to invest in related infrastructures.
“In Rwanda, we have made significant investment in broadband infrastructure. We have been able to reach over 95% broadband coverage. If you look at our country health sector, for example, most of the facilities in Rwanda are connected to the internet,” he said.
The President revealed that the partnership with the World Bank has helped Rwanda to tackle barriers and commended its great support.
He underscored that universal access to broadband would eliminate barriers and inequalities in the use of internet particularly in rural areas.
The President also talked about the importance of cross-border payment systems where more efforts are put in place to enhance partnerships aimed at streamlining digital transformation particularly in Africa and the East African Region (EAC).
“It will evolve, there has been effort across the region, during the integration process of our region. EAC has come closer together in a sense that it becomes one big country that brings partner-states together,” he noted.
“It is looking at how we can even have monetary union, and under that, different harmonization activities and services will be undertaken to ease the movement and therefore the currencies within the payment system as it is,” Kagame added.
Commenting on mitigating the risks of new technologies, President Kagame said that ‘one has to be aware of the risks involved with these new technologies and take steps to make sure that risks are mitigated but at the same time harness the productivity and efficiencies and all the values entailed’.
