He was received by the Contingent Commander, Col Augustin Migabo who briefed him on Rwabatt8 operations and the challenges faced since they deployed to CAR on 17th April 2021.
Amb. Jean Pierre La Croix congratulated Rwandan peacekeepers for their role in restoring peace and security in CAR despite the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are all impressed and very grateful for the outstanding performance of Rwabatt8, and entire Rwandan peace keepers who have a good record of conduct and discipline in peacekeeping operations,” he said.
Amb. Jean Pierre further encouraged Rwabatt8 to remain resolute in the enforcement of the MINUSCA mandate.
After interacting with troops, Amb. Jean Pierre also planted a tree as a symbol of peace and support to environment conservation initiatives.
He was accompanied by the Former MINUSCA Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Mr Mankeur Ndiaye, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Mrs Lizbeth Cullitty and MINUSCA Deputy Force Commander Maj Gen Paulo Emmanuel Maiia PEREIRA among others.
Kagame delivered the remarks as he attended the 27th National Prayer Breakfast hosted by Rwanda Leaders Fellowship, bringing together religious leaders, members of public and private sector for prayer and thanks giving.
The President said that Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on everyone around the world highlighting that he knew Rwanda would surmount the situation with what the nation went through.
“What we have gone through has left us resilient. Those who survived came out even stronger than they were. If you gave our country a personality, it would be David. David confronted giants who wanted him dead and he knocked them over. You can see the similarities with our country,” he said.
“God does not fail us, he gives us gifts and we are the ones who fail. As Rwanda, we should not fail ourselves,” Kagame added.
The Head of State revealed that confidence is paramount in whatever people do highlighting that Rwandans have what it takes to do the right thing and lead by example.
“We also have to have confidence in ourselves. What don’t we have as Rwandans, or Africans, I sometimes wonder, Africans how can we always be the bad example, the example of what is wrong, or does not work. Where do things fail?” he wondered.
“You cannot lead unless you lead by example. For leaders, humility is essential for many reasons. We have to be the example that people can emulate,” Kagame advised.
The President said, there are no attacks Rwanda has not faced, and stressed the need to pull a lesson from such experience.
“What has Rwanda not seen or experienced? There are no attacks we have not faced, sometimes from the whole world. We should draw strength and lessons from it, that enable us to move even faster towards our goals,” he said.
The Head of State underscored that the country forges strong leadership through endured hard times.
“We went through difficult times and lost a large number of people. There should be no loopholes to go easy on what led us to the loss to prevent reoccurrence. That is where leadership is forged. Leadership is forged in hardships, in addressing challenges that need to be solved,” he said.
Kagame observed that the country’s success should be partly attributed to individual efforts and the rest to God.
“When you think again and ask how did an individual succeed where others did not. 50% can be attributed to the individual but the other 50% is from God,” he noted.
Kagame said that there are many other reasons to thank God taking an example of the battlefield where some people survive yet others with same bravery lost lives.
“You go to war, you fight battles, and others who are as brave as you do not make it out. They die on the battlefield. You ask yourself why did I survive. How come I was able to survive the battlefield? You can’t find an answer because you are not the one who gives yourself the gift of life. What allows you to come back is that mystery of God. You can say you were lucky, but the reality is: it is thanks to God,” he affirmed.
This latest amount brings the total U.S. donation of COVID-19 vaccines to Rwanda to 5,295,630 doses. Through this gift, the United States continues to partner with the Government of Rwanda to protect the health of the Rwandan people. The vaccine doses arrived at Kigali International Airport on the evening of February 24, 2022.
“The U.S. donation of more than 5 million doses, including nearly 1 million doses that arrived tonight, demonstrates the priority the United States places on ending this pandemic, and the importance of our partnership with Rwanda to improve health,” said U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Deb MacLean. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of these vaccines to protect yourself, your family, and your community.”
Since the start of the pandemic, the United States committed nearly Rwf30 billion to combat COVID-19 in Rwanda. This includes donations of vaccine doses, personal protective equipment, COVID tests, ventilators, vehicles, and handwashing stations, as well as substantial financial and technical support.
The United States pledged to donate at least 1.1 billion doses of COVID-19 doses globally by 2023.
Through collaboration with COVAX, WHO, UNICEF and partner countries, U.S. leadership has reiterated commitment to continue fighting against COVID-19 to make sure vaccines are delivered where they are needed most to end the pandemic.
Fanny Nyinawintore, 21, Joshua Munyeragwe, 34, and Damascene Ngendahimana, 31, were caught red-handed with 1kg of Wolfram, which they had excavated in the concession owned by Wolfram Mining and Processing Company (WMPC) Limited.
The Eastern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamduni Twizeyimana said that the suspects were arrested due to a tip off by local residents.
“Residents in Nkondo reported a group of people, who were conducting illegal mining activities in the concession owned by WMPC Ltd. Police swiftly responded to the information and the trio was arrested red-handed excavating minerals. They had already excavated 1kg of minerals,” SP Twizeyimana said.
SP Twizeyimana thanked the residents for reporting illegal mining acts. He urged the public to continue sharing information on anyone involved in unlawful mineral practices which sometimes result into loss of lives.
The suspects and exhibits were handed over to RIB at Rwinkwavu station for further legal process.
Article 54 of the law N° 58/2018 of 13/08/2018 on mining and quarry operations, states that; any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Frw5 million or only one of these penalties.
The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a license.
The graduation ceremony of the 9th intake took place on Friday 25th February 2022 at Kigali Serena Hotel.
Despite unprecedented effects brought by COVID-19 pandemic which emerged in March 2020, three months after the intake had started pursuing studies; students did not lose footing until their hard work paid off.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of Davis College, Niyibigira Richard commended the courage exhibited by graduates amidst the challenging times.
“I am delighted for graduates’ milestone particularly exhibited courage to keep soldiering on and pursuing courses during difficult times of COVID-19,” he said.
Dianne Dusaidi, the Program Manager at Mastercard Foundation and guest of honour at the ceremony commended graduates for their competitive spirit and urged them to make good use of acquired knowledge to confront challenges facing the community.
Graduates also expressed delight for the achieved milestone and pledged contribution to build society and the nation at large.
“It was a long tiresome journey but we praise the Lord that we have finally made it today. I am ready to utilize acquired knowledge to the maximum to play a critical role to the development of the nation,” said Beriteto Liliose, the Valedictorian of Class 2021
Davis College also awarded graduates with outstanding performance including Uwera Divine, Ishimwe Benitha and Uwimpuhwe Elysée.
On Thursday 24th February 2022, Russia attacked Ukraine following long-time conflict between the two countries related to Ukraine’s decision to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The invasion has left a number of citizens displaced while others fled to neighbouring countries.
Ukraine accommodates many foreigners including Rwandans who have been living in Ukraine for various reasons particularly pursuing studies.
Some of the Rwandans who spoke to IGIHE said that the situation is extremely challenging where most of them are staying at home hoping for the best.
Kevine Ishimwe, a Rwandan who is currently studying at Kyiv Polytechinic Institute has disclosed that said dwellers of Kyiv, the capital city are currently staying indoors for their security.
“We are hearing bombs exploding outside, mostly in the evening. They use helicopters to propel projectiles in different areas. Attackers raided airports on the first day and bombarded neighbouring districts not far from our residence the next night,” she said.
Ishimwe also revealed that many Rwandans are seeking refuge in Poland but she cannot easily reach the border which is far distant from Kyiv City.
“Trains are not operating but citizens living near the border have already crossed. We have to find a way to reach the border but it is not easy at all,” she said.
Ishimwe said everyone in her surroundings is scared that no one dares to go outside
“At the outset of the crisis, all many Africans residing here started preparing for the worst. We stayed indoors but currently Ukrainians are more panicked than we are,” she observed.
The number of Rwandans living in Ukraine is not yet confirmed but Ishimwe said that she knows 80 whom they are connected via a WatsApp group.
Another Rwandan living in Ukraine, who spoke to us on condition of anonymity, has revealed that he was able to cross to Poland on Thursday.
“I am currently living in a hotel awaiting help from the Government of Rwanda. I left Ukraine as the situation worsened. We were hiding in house when attackers started propelling shells but I am lucky to have managed to flee,” he said.
The Government of Rwanda is currently planning to evacuate Rwandans through Poland. However, it remains a challenge for those living far from the border with Poland due to banned travels.
On Thursday 24th, Russian President Putin announced the launch of invasion to Ukraine sending a warning that countries intending to support Ukraine will face dangers.
The first day of the attacks mainly targeted the Ukrainian military bases afterRussian soldiers crossed through Chernihiv, Luhansk and Kharkiv borders.
It is reported that Russian soldiers have already entered the capital city of Ukraine, Kyiv. However, the Ukrainian Minister of Defense urged citizens not to panic and stay indoors.
Russia has announced that it is ready for negotiations on conditions that Ukraine surrenders and abandons plans to join NATO.
Nshimyumuremyi who was appointed in December 2020 was arrested on Friday 25th February 2022. He was arrested along with co-accused Mugisha Alexis Emile in Kigali City.
IGIHE has learnt that the duo is accused of receiving US$15,000 (over Rwf15 million) out of US$200,000 they had solicited from an investor. The solicited amount is equivalent to 3% of the tender worth Rwf8 billion won by these investors.
The two suspects are detained at Kimihurura and Kicukiro RIB Post.
Their arrest follows the detention of three more leaders over the same crime three weeks ago. These include Karake Afrique an employee in the Supreme Court; Nsengimana Silas heading Kibeho Primary Court and Turikumwenimana Applollinaire, the executive secretary of Rubavu cell.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Spokesperson of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Dr. Murangira B. Thierry has warned people against such vice.
He said that people dragging themselves into such crimes should always be mindful that the judiciary is standby. Dr. Murangira also advised the general public against corruption noting that whoever tends to do so will face justice for the imprescriptible crime.
Nshimiyimana was appointed by the cabinet meeting on 15th December 2020 and assumed office on 29th December 2020.
The camp is under the protection of Rwandan Police peacekeepers.
At least 2880 exercise books and pens as well as 1150 pieces of sanitary towels were donated to support over 1400 vulnerable pupils of Good Foundation primary school in Malakal POC.
The event also included the handover of organic gardens to women in the POC, which were constructed by the Rwandan peacekeepers as well as training the women on how to construct the kitchen garden, nutritious vegetables to plant and how to prepare a nutritious meal.
The donation is a contribution for each of the 240 officers of the Rwanda FPU-1 contingent.
Rwandan women peacekeepers also engaged girls on hygiene, child and early marriage, unwanted pregnancy as well as the importance of education for their better future.
Early or forced marriage is a common practice in South Sudan.
Rwanda FPU-1 contingent commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Faustin Kalimba, while addressing hundreds of students, parents and POC leaders during the handover of the donations, called for unity and supporting each other in times of need.
He embarked on ill-effects of drug abuse, one of the challenges affecting the young people in Malakal and South Sudan in general.
“Regardless of the challenges you are going through, you should have hope in education. Parents, endeavour to encourage and support your children to go to school, protect girls from forced marriage, which is a human rights violation and prevents them from having a better future,” CSP Kalimba said.
He thanked them for their support in peacekeeping duties adding that the donation is a Rwandan gesture to encourage the children to go to school, ensure hygiene especially for girls, effective land use for a healthy diet.
The briefing session held on 24th February 2022 and led by the Head IMC, Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa featured presentations by the chief of personnel(J1) Defence Intelligence (DI) and Chief of Operations and Training (J3) Departments.
The briefing was followed by a Field Tour to the Western and Northern Provinces.
The course covered a period of 11 months. The newly trained group demonstrated skills at arms and tactical drills required to be integrated into the RDF.
The recruitment and training of new soldiers is part of a recurring process that is in line with RDF’s required operational readiness as provided by the strategic guidance of the Commander in Chief of the RDF, President Paul Kagame.
The ceremony held on 25th February 2022, was presided over by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Jean Bosco Kazura.
The CDS welcomed the graduands and urged them to observe RDF values and code of conduct. “You are joining a good family, that is RDF known for its core values including patriotism, discipline and commitment. Love and work for your country and protect your nation and its people. I urge you to always be the best in all tasks given to you” he said.
The CDS also reminded the graduands to get ready to maintain peace even beyond the nations border on the African continent and beyond.
The overall best student among females, Pte Umuhoza Yvette said that her success was due to dedication of her instructors. “I look forward to use what I learnt during the course to do my duties of defending my country and also continue improving my career.”
The new soldiers are now enrolled into the Force after close to one year period of basic military training.
