On Sunday, April 17, a cohort of 80 officers, who are part of RWAFPU-1 contingent of 240 officers, left Kigali International Airport for the one year tour-of-duty. The rotation will be conducted in three phases.
The batch left with the contingent commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prudence Ngendahimana. Rwanda FPU-1 operates in Malakal, Upper Nile State.
This is the seventh rotation of RWAFPU-1 since its maiden deployment in 2015.
Rwanda FPU-1 has the major responsibility to ensure the security of South Sudanese, who fled the violent conflicts and currently in the Protection of Civilian (PoC) camp in Malakal.
Other duties include patrols, escort duties as well as supporting the UN Police capacity development in South Sudan.
Prior to the deployment, the officers were on Saturday, April 16, briefed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza, who urged them to be defined by team work, respect, discipline and professionalism.
Another batch of 80 officers also returned home later in the evening under the command of Superintendent of Police (SP) Prosper Nshimiyimana after successfully completing their tour-of-duty.
RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, who presided over the rotation on behalf of the RNP leadership, thanked the officers who returned home for their resilience, professionalism and being good ambassadors.
“The leadership of RNP and your country welcomes you back home and thanks you for your commitment and sacrifice, and representing your country ably,” CP Kabera said.
During the event, religious leaders explained the importance of religious harmony based on each scripture and shared their feelings while practicing harmony in their life. The WARP Office is a platform to promote religious harmony by having comparative discourse on their scriptures and promoting understanding of each other’s differences led by religious leaders around the world. The WARP Office has begun in 2014 currently being held monthly in 129 countries participated by Religious leaders of over 30 groups including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism.
Amid persisting conflicts and disputes among religions around the world, according to HWPL, most religious texts share the value of peace, justice, human dignity, respect, and harmony.
The following is a presentation by religious leaders on questions related to harmony in the WARP Office.
{{Q. Is there a record in your scripture about the importance of harmony (peace)?}}
{ {{Kyow Wang Marma / Wat sanpakha, Meditation and Buddhism}} }
There is a record in Buddhist scripture about the importance of harmony and unison. Buddhism search for Harmony between Self and Others, not confrontation whenever there is a compromise, there will be conflict. We must work on developing harmony among people. Peaceful fraternal relations are very important within the different communities, ethnicities, racial groups, and religions of a society.
Buddhism is a gospel of peace and non-violence. The practice of non-violence is life-affirming which contributes to human unity, progress, and peace. Non-violence teaches one to live in harmony with others and with oneself. It requires adherence to adherence to high standards of truth and self-control.
Therefore, the teaching of Buddhism is based on compassion, non-violence, and understanding of self and offers a moral code for all people irrespective of their gender, caste, religion, or region.
{{Q. What difficulties did you face when interacting and harmonizing with people of other religions?}}
{ {{Manfred NAMASO KINA / Pastor of Evangelistic Revival Ministry}} }
One of the main difficulties faced when interacting and harmonizing with people of other religions is that of ideology. Often, there is this tendency of the superiority of religion. Each follower of a given religion has the impression that his or her religion is superior to that of the other.
I have witnessed scenarios wherein ecumenical services members of other religions leave the service ground because they don’t want to associate with the host religion. These are situations that can spark conflict if not well handled.
However, in the gospel of John chapter 13 verses 34 and 35, Jesus instructs us to love everyone, irrespective of their religion. In John chapter 4 beginning from verse 6, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at the well asked her to give Him some water to drink. And her response was that the Jews and Samaritans have nothing in common. Jesus proved to her that being a Jew, He can still have communion with the Samaritans. Hence in God, what is more, required is true worship.
Irakiza Pierre, Pastor of Apostolic Faith Mission Church of Burundi (AFM) said: “On the basis of recognizing religious diversity and differences, all religions should enhance mutual understanding and empathy through dialogue, shoulder the common responsibility of upholding peace and justice through cooperation, and foster intra- and inter-religious harmony and harmony between the religious community and the larger society.”
HWPL, an international peace organization registered under the UN ECOSOC and the UN DGC, has been implementing initiatives including WARP Offices, Religious Youth Peace Camp, and Open Dialogue with Religious Leaders across the globe to serve as the platform for facilitating harmony among varying religious groups. In particular, the number of online WARP Office meetings has increased because of the pandemic. HWPL will publish the results of this comparison as an academic journal and provide literature for experts studying religion.
The girl who was an agent selling airtime was murdered by gangs as she returned from work around 8:40 p.m. in 200 meters from her parents’ home.
The incident occurred in Cyimpindu Cell of Kilimbi Sector.
It is said that the hooligans robbed one bag she carried on the back, another small one held in hand that contained two phones and stabbed her on the throat.
The executive secretary of Cyimpundu Cell, Cécile Mukakayumba has said that they dumped her body alongside the path following the incident.
As parents of the deceased accompanied her mother-in-law who had visited them, they saw a lot of blood on the footpath raising suspicion that it could be an animal killed there until they lit a torch and found it was their daughter.
They alerted local leaders and security officials who rushed the girl to a nearby health center but were informed that she had died upon arrival.
The body was taken to Kibogora Hospital for autopsy and returned home for burial on 15th April 2022.
The Acting Executive Secretary of Kilimbi Sector, Odette Mukamugema has told IGIHE that there are eight people arrested over suspected conspiracy in the death of Nyampinga.
“We have extended our condolences to the bereaved family and requested residents to always report people seen roaming because they are often the ones behind theft. We have also encouraged them to provide tip off to leaders on whoever suspected to be connected to the death,” she noted.
The girl had been also ambushed two years ago by gangs who stole her phone worth Rwf110,000.
The eight suspects are detained at Kanjongo RIB Post.
The Head of State made the revelation as he joined Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness for ‘Think Jamaica 2022’, a public dialogue discussing various topics including the future of Africa-Caribbean partnerships.
Speaking to participants of the event, Kagame said that there is deep connection between Africa and the Caribbean countries.
“The Caribbean and Africa have a lot in common, beginning with people. There is that deep connection that the geographical distance can’t eliminate. So the first thing we have to do is create that environment and possibility for people to travel [for instance] from Caribbean to Rwanda and East Africa or other parts of Africa and vice versa,” he noted.
The Head of State observed that this can be achieved through fixing visa related issues.
“We have to deal with visa issues and make sure we create waivers so that we really encourage this connection knowing that we have interest in one another, we can benefit one another. There is a lot we can do, whether it is trade [and more] different things. But we have to be very practical with the right things first, which is first even to carry the message to people and say why not connect as close as we can. I think these are the practical things we have to do,” he noted.
Commenting on what he thinks about involving the youth in leadership positions, Kagame stressed that governments need to set policies ensuring that everyone feels represented while the youth have to make an effort to qualify for responsibilities.
“Young people should be ready to learn and take responsibilities. This one is not going to be handed to you. But rather you make an effort to make sure that you feel that sense of learning and responsibility which therefore should propel your to that higher level where you take these responsibilities,” he said.
“So, governments and government policies should be also making it easy and sensitive to the fact that everyone needs to be, feel they are participating or represented. That is why, let us say in government, there is need to have people of all ages starting with young people so that they grow with that sort of situation where they learn, take responsibility and knowing that there are others coming behind following in their footsteps. Policies must be sensitive to that, leaders must be and the connection should be complete,” added Kagame.
Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness said that Rwanda is good example with regards to its home grown solutions to build long-lasting development despite endured dark past.
“Rwanda is a perfect example of a country that has overcome challenges and struggles and they have done so remaining united. If you say what the lessons are, it will be first about resolving conflicts, a process of reconciliation. There will be divisions in every society, conflicts and difficult issues but the process to bring everyone together in the society to resolve conflict and get the society singularly focused on development, is a lesson for all countries,” he said.
President Kagame and Prime Minister Andrew Holness also held a tête-a-tête meeting and presided over the signing of bilateral agreements in the field of Political Consultations and in the field of tourism development and cooperation before addressing members of the press.
The Head of State who has been in Jamaica since Wednesday 13th April concluded State Visit on Good Friday to the country by participating in a public, government to government dialogue between the leaders of Rwanda and Jamaica.
He continued his tour of the Caribbean countries to Barbados where he was received at the Grantley Adams International Airport by Jerome Xavier Walcott, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados for an Official Visit.
The medal award ceremony took place on 15th April 2020 at the office of President, Palais dela Renaissance, in Bangui capital city and was attended by different CAR government officials and the Chief of General Staff of Central African Republic Armed Forces, Gen Zephélin Mamadou. The event was also attended by the Head of Rwanda Diplomatic mission in CAR, Olivier Kayumba.
The medals decorated are categorized in four types. The contingent commander was decorated with “Grade de commandeur”. The senior Officers were decorated with “Grade de Officiers”, the Junior Officers were decorated with “Grade de Chevalier”. The other ranks were decorated with “Grade de Etoile du Mérite Militaire”.
The President of CAR, Prof. Archange Touadéra applauded the services of Rwandan peacekeepers to the people of Central African Republic during critical period.
“Rwandan peacekeepers have been vital in supporting efforts for restoration of peace and security to the people of CAR,” he said.
The Contingent Commander Col Augustin MIGABO thanked the President of CAR for acknowledging the Rwabatt8 achievement in 12 months on duty.
“The medal decoration today is a sign of discipline, resilience and professionalism shown by the Rwabatt8 during twelve months on tour of duty and good cooperation to the people of Central African Republic and entire MINUSCA leadership,” he said.
The President’s Official Visit will begin with a courtesy call on the Most Honourable Dame Sandra Prunella Mason, before holding closed door discussions with Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley at Ilaro Court.
President Kagame and Prime Minister Mottley will then be joined by members of both delegations for bilateral discussions.
During his visit, President Kagame will accompany Prime Minister Mottley in meeting with Bajan Cricket idols and legends including Sir Wes Hall, Sir Gary Sobers and others.
Kagame and Prime Minister Mottley will also hold a Joint Press Conference, briefing media on efforts being made to further strengthen relations between Rwanda and Barbados.
Prime Minister Mottley alongside Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw will then host President Kagame to an official lunch before a visit to the National Botanical Gardens where the Principals will participate in a tree planting ceremony before delivering brief remarks.
The MoUs have been signed during a ceremony held in Kigali on Friday 15th April 2022.
Rwanda’s delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta while Angola’s delegation was led by the Minister of Eternal Relations, Amb. Antonio Tete.
The agreements have been signed in the areas of Double Taxation Avoidance, Extradition, Legal Assistance; Transfer of Convicted Persons; Agriculture and Livestock Development, on Local Administration and cooperation in the field of Health.
Others were signed on Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; and an MoU between National School of Administration and Public Policies (ENAPP) and Rwanda Management Institute (RMI).
Both parties have exchanged on achieved milestone in different areas of cooperation including justice, agriculture, health and assess feasibility to forge new avenues to expand cooperation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Biruta said that the parties will work together to ensure both countries’ people benefit from signed agreements.
He also revealed that the exemption of visa for Rwandans visiting Angola is among advantages citizens will pull from the agreements.
Minister Biruta further stated that Rwandans can visit Angola for business reasons and benefit from signed agreements on avoidance of double taxation.
Angolan Minister of External relations, Amb. Tete Antonio explained that today’s move sets framework for existing relations between both countries.
He underscored that the signing of agreements is a great milestone for both countries and encouraged technical team to work hard and develop a shared agenda for the creation of innovations, follow up of signed agreements and implementation.
Dr. Biruta said that both countries will continue to hold discussions and agree on other areas of cooperation rooted on high-level political will.
The ceremony which took place recently on 12th April 2022 brought together seven companies including Rwanda Mountain Tea Ltd, Petrocom Ltd, SP Ltd, SP Aviation Ltd, Integrated Infrastructures Company (IIC) Ltd, Prime Insurance (General) and Prime Life Insurance.
Bonaventure Niyibizi who represented the the Board of Directors of the Group Companies said that it was a good moment for the management, staff and their friends to honour Genocide victims.
“We cannot dissociate our work with the country’s vision. We are Rwandans concerned with issues of our country. We should know our history to prevent reoccurrence and become more responsible citizens playing a role in shaping the nation’s future,” he said.
“The majority of our staff is the youth. They are strong and a have a long journey of life ahead. So, they have a major role to play for us to create the right path leading to our country’s bright future,” added Niyibizi.
Some of employees from these companies revealed that they learnt a lot about history of Genocide against Tutsi reminding them of their role to strive for national unity.
The Commercial Director at Prime Insurance, Regis Uramutse Ndahimana said that visiting Kigali Genocide Memorial is much needed as it holds great history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Considering the fact that Prime Life Insurance was created after the Genocide, Uramutse underscored that its employees, majority of whom being the youth, have to learn from the tragic history to prevent reoccurrence.
“It is an important lesson, 28 years after Rwanda overcome the dark past of Genocide against Tutsi. This is a place where we get an opportunity to interact with our beloved ones, honour them and learn from our country’s bitter history to prevent reoccurrence,” he noted.
The seven companies organize annual events to commemorate Genocide against Tutsi, pay tribute to victims that were killed on the basis of their identity and remind the youth to take leading steps to strive for peace as the foundation for Rwanda’s future.
Three months after its inauguration, the lottery has attracted a lot of attention prompting the management to increase its weekly jackpot to Rwf5 million from the initial Rwf1 million.
Inzozi Lotto has two games.
The first is{{ Quick Lotto }} where one will be asked to choose one number within 35 (0 to 34) and precise the stake amount. The system draws a number and if you match it, you win 15 times tax exclusive of your stake.
For instance, if your stake is Rwf2000, you will get Rwf30,000. The lotto takes place every 10 minutes with recommended stake amount ranging from Rwf300 and Rwf10,000.
The second game is {{JackPot Lotto}} where the player selects a series of six numbers within a pool of 49 numbers that start from 1 to 49, to make it one combination.
In Jackpot Lotto, tickets cost Rwf500 and each ticket has six digits.
Players can either pick out the numbers themselves or have the system generate random numbers for them.
To play Inzozi Jackpot Lotto, you need to pick six numbers (from 1 to 49) to make a line on your ticket.
Every Sunday at 7pm on RTV the winning combination plus one bonus number is unveiled.
The Deputy Managing Director of Carousel Ltd which manages Inzozi Lotto, Thierry, Nshuti has said that Rwandans have understood the benefit of this lotto.
“It is clear that this lotto was not launched for selfish interests but is meant to support the Government and citizens. We want to see benefits extended to participating Rwandans and promote sports as well. They must go hand in hand because the project is advantageous to the country,” he noted.
Once revenues are ready for distribution, Nshuti explained that different sports associations might be consulted for the funds to serve the right purpose.
Inzozi Lotto has agents in different parts of the country, majority of whom being in Kigali, Musanze and Rubavu. The number is expected to increase to cover all parts of the country.
Interested individuals can play through the support of agents, visit the website www.inzozilotto.rw or dial *240# using mobile to participate.
