Kibeho Primary Court has said that there are enough evidences pinning the suspect on suspected crimes including sexual favours and nepotism.
Nsengiyumva, 44, was arrested on 18th February 2022. It is said that he engaged in relations with a woman aged 30 who had submitted a divorce request at Kibeho Primary Court on 19th September 2021 to terminate marriage contract with her husband aged 28.
It is alleged that the Court’s President helped the woman seeking divorce and engaged in relationships until the woman visited him and spent some days together at his home.
It is said that these interactions affected the court’s ruling that was in favour of the woman.
The crime of offering or soliciting sexual favours attract a sentence between seven and ten years with a fine between Rwf2million and Rwf3 million.
Any person in charge of providing service to people who makes a decision based on favoritism, friendship, hatred, acquaintances or nepotism to any person who seeks a service, commits an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to a sentence between five and seven years and a fine between Rwf1 million and Rwf2 million.
He will represent Rwanda’s interests in Chad with residence in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.
The ceremony took place at the presidential palace in N’Djamena on Monday 7th March 2022. Amb. Kamanzi and Gen Mahamat held talks revolving around strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation between both countries.
Rwanda’s envoy also extended greetings from President Paul Kagame to his counterpart of Chad.
Rwanda and Chad enjoy existing diplomatic cooperation. Rwanda’s interests in Chad were previously assumed by its embassy in Congo Brazaville.
The Office of the Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda has told IGIHE that the majority of 85 Rwandans that lived in Ukraine were students and others employed partially to pursue studies.
These include 19 students pursuing Medicine courses, 16 studied Aerospace Engineering while others pursued studies in technology and economics among others.
The war continues to escalate in Sámi, Kharkiv, Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine.
At the onset of the war, Rwanda is among countries that rushed to support 85 nationals stuck in Ukraine through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Rwanda’s embassies in Berlin, Moscow and Warsaw.
Rwanda’s ambassador to Poland, Prof. Anastase Shyaka has revealed that some embassy’s officials spent a week waiting for Rwandans crossing from Ukraine to support them.
Prof. Shyaka went on to explain that there has been collaboration between different authorities and Rwandans living in Ukraine and others living in those countries including Poland.
“We made possible efforts to work together to support students living here and Rwandans in Ukraine, get updates on their situation and speak to parents in Rwanda. We kept in touch with them for successful collaboration. Rwandans in Ukraine also helped each other and exchanged information,” he told One Nation Radio.
The President of Rwandan Diaspora in Ukraine, Fred Mupenzi , (who fled to Belgium), said that they were mainly helped to cross the border.
“The other support was the discount on RwandAir tickets. We are thankful that they helped us a lot even though our desires cannot be satisfied at once,” he noted.
Prof. Shyaka also commended Rwandans for their perseverance amidst experienced hurdles while trying to cross Ukraine’s border.
“They told us how they survived bullets as they left Kharkiv, how they boarded trains and how they kept soldiering on despite experienced struggles […] no one walked alone,” he said.
“The way they endured difficult situations is commendable. They used to foot tens of kilometers, but remained strong despite the fact that they were not accustomed to doing it. They teamed up and helped each other along the way,” Prof. Shyaka added.
He revealed that more than 70 Rwandans have fled Ukraine to countries including Poland and Hungary.
“Current figures show that more than 70 Rwandans managed to cross the border. But it is apparent that the children were hit hard despite some individuals who seem to be strong,” he said.
“One of them is sick and admitted at a hospital. I saw the person who is still strong. Doctors told me that they will continue to take care of the patient but he will not be discharged before a number of weeks or months,” he said.
Prof. Shyaka said that there are Rwandans and other foreigners living in Sámi, in the north-east of Ukraine near the border with Russia where the fighting is intense. He explained that the area is far distant in 1000 kilometers away from the European Union border.
“Discussions are ongoing to seek how they can be evacuated from the war zone. We would like to assure parents that we are here for them. We are also parents concerned about their children’s situation. We continue to seek how to evacuate them,” he noted.
The Government of Poland recently announced that it will host refugees from Ukraine temporary for two weeks before moving to their motherlands or third countries.
Prof. Shyaka said that it is a challenging situation because people will no longer have rights to stay in Poland after 15 days.
Speaking to IGIHE recently, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Alain Mukuralinda said that collaboration with parents is ongoing so that the children can be helped to return home or move to third countries after 15 days.
“Parents and relatives should be aware that people reaching Poland will not stay there. They need to start thinking how they will leave the country and seek assistance in case they fail,” he said.
[{{Related story: Rwanda sheds light on support extended to nationals stuck in Ukraine}}->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-sheds-light-on-support-extended-to-rwandans-stuck-in-ukraine]
Ngendambazi was arrested Sunday, March 6, at about 2pm in Majanja Village, Kabukuba Cell, Juru Sector with assorted electricity equipment, including a prop and a fombox used to support pylons.
The Eastern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamduni Twizeyimana, said that Ngendambazi is allegedly part of the group that vandalize power lines in the area.
He added that he was reported by the company connecting electricity and other power infrastructure in the area.
“An employee of Kala Telecom Company Limited, which is distributing electricity in the zone saw two people, who were carrying parts of pylons stolen from one of the vandalized power lines, and called the Police. Ngendambazi was arrested red-handed but his accomplice managed to flee,” SP Twizeyimana said.
SP Twizeyimana warned individuals, who vandalize public infrastructure, affect public service, leads the government into losses to rehabilitate the destroyed infrastructure.
Ngendambazi was handed over to RIB at Rilima station for further investigation while the search for his accomplice is still underway.
According to article 182 of the law relating to offences and penalties in general in Rwanda, “any person, who maliciously demolishes or damages in any way, in whole or in part of construction, building, bridge, dams, water pipes and their routes, railway rails or any other means of communication or electric power infrastructure, wells or any other constructions, which do not belong to him/her, commits an offence.”
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three (3) years and not more than five (5) years with a fine of not less than Rwf3 million and not more than Rwf5 million
In article 166, any person convicted for theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than two years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf2 million, community service in a period of six months or only one of these penalties.
However, in article 167, the penalty doubles if the crime was committed at night or by more than one person.
Members of the general public have expressed concerns that Burundi has not yet permitted Rwandans to cross while passengers crossing through Gatuna, Cyanika and the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are required to present passports or Laissez-Passez yet they would only present a simplified travel document known as ‘jetton’ valid for a day, before borders closure.
The reopening of land borders is part of resolutions of the cabinet meeting held on Friday 4th March 2022, chaired by President Paul Kagame.
The resolution read that the land borders would be opened effective from Monday 7th March 2022. However, there have been some issues at different border points that irked passengers on the first day.
The border with Burundi seemed not opened while passengers crossing on the side of DRC have been asked to present Visa instead of the usual ‘jetton’.
On the side of Uganda, passengers are being asked to present negative COVID-19 PCR test results yet they had opted for Rapid Test.
Speaking to RBA, the Minister of Local Government, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi explained that the majority of reasons behind these issues do not concern Rwanda.
“Even though Rwanda decided to reopen borders, the implementation is done in consideration of other measures taken by other countries concerned with the development,” he said.
“We allow Rwandans to cross into other countries for various reasons, be it businesses or visits among others. A passenger crossing Rwanda’s land border, is requested to be fully vaccinated having received three doses or two for those who have not reached time to get the booster shot. Besides, he/she must possess travel documents. Some passengers are required to present passport, national identification card or jetton,” Minister Gatabazi added.
He explained that the decision to allow passengers to cross borders with a jetton at borders between Rwanda and DRC needs to be discussed between both countries.
Minister Gatabazi has however revealed that Rwanda has already expressed its views in favour of passengers with a jetton.
He disclosed that the COVID-19 PCR test results are compulsory on Ugandan side that Rwanda is only requesting Rapid Test.
Minister Gatabazi said that Uganda is requesting passengers crossing through Gatuna and Cyanika borders to present PCR test results for those living far from the border while citizens living nearby these borders are required to be at least two vaccine dose recipients and present Rapid Test results.
IGIHE journalist visited the border with Burundi on Monday morning but passengers had not yet started crossing awaiting clearance on the side of Burundi.
On the side of Rwanda, there have been enough preparations to serve passengers in adherence to ongoing COVID-19 preventive measures.
Citizens found at the border awaiting travel clearance have told IGIHE that it the reopening was long overdue.
Juvénal Nzabukana said that he used to cross to Burundi for various reasons before the onset of COVID-19.
“I had a business of selling bed sheets in Bujumbura before COVID-19. The pandemic emerged by the time I had come to Rwanda to visit relatives. I stayed in Rwanda because borders were later closed. I have come here so that I can cross to Burundi among first passengers because the country accommodates relatives. I am currently hard up because my business halted but I intend to cross immediately and resume my business soon as we are given go ahead,” he said.
As IGIHE visited the border with Burundi on Monday, citizens from Ngoma sector neighbouring with Burundi had been cleared on Rwandan side and received a jetton but Burundian immigration officials asked them to keep waiting.
“I received a jetton on Rwandan side. Arriving on the side of Burundi, Policemen asked me to come back that they have not yet received an order to allow incoming passengers. We are still waiting for the reopening of the border,” Nsengimana Yussuf said.
Minister Gatabazi has explained that Burundian side is waiting for Government’s decision on the matter.
The deceased was nicknamed Jado. He was found dead in the morning on Monday 7th March 2022 in front of a building she was assigned to protect in Gikarani village, Nengo cell of Gisenyi sector.
The executive secretary of Gisenyi sector, Jean Bosco Tuyishime has said that two suspects accused of complicity in the death have been arrested.
“It is suspected that the death might be related to the fight with a man identified as Callixte Musabyimana who is receiving medical attention because he was injured,” he said.
Tuyishime has urged residents to live in harmony, avoid disputes, strive for a shared development and own measures aimed at tightening security.
IGIHE has learnt that two people have been arrested in connection with the death.
Umaro arrived in Rwanda in the morning of Monday 7th March for three-day working visit. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, he was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta before his reception at Urugwiro Village.
After hosting Umaru, the two Heads of State sat down for a tête-â-tête before holding bilateral talks with officials from both delegations. They also witnessed the signing of agreements focused on strengthening key areas of cooperation between the two countries.
The memoranda of understanding were signed in the fields of economic and trade cooperation, education, tourism, business events and conservation.
The agreements have been signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and his counterpart of Guinea-Bissau, Suzi Barbosa.
President Kagame has said that the African Free Continental Trade Area (AfCTA) offers huge opportunities for countries to engage with one another constructively even though there are transnational threats that affect ‘us all’.
“Joining forces and learning from one another can only make us much stronger,” he observed.
Kagame thanked his counterpart of Guinea-Bissau for coming to Rwanda and promised a reciprocal visit soon.
President Umaro said that both countries are close to one another where he only traveled six hours to reach Kigali.
He said that both countries can exchange experience in various aspects where Guinea-Bissau can learn from Rwanda’s best practices in the education sector.
Umaro also invited President Kagame to visit his country.
The machines were handed over to beneficiaries recently after completing one-year training at Muhisimbi Voice of Conservation, an organization committed to take care of teen mothers and their children so that they can overcome the stigma associated with teen motherhood.
Some of beneficiaries have welcomed the donation considering it a backup serving as a big foundation for their progress.
“I gave birth when I was aged 16. Days later, the foster old woman died. Since then, I led bitter life in loneliness that I had negative mindsets and considered my existence useless. The donation is for us equivalent to a hoe and land that will pave the way for improved livelihoods of teen mothers and their children,” Jaqueline Mukeshimana said.
Another beneficiary identified as Immaculée Dusabimana has said that received machines are promising to transform their livelihoods and position them as entrepreneurs, other than pejorative nicknames they used to receive.
“We were acquainted with sewing techniques that we are able to offer better services. We have the necessary skills to be exhibited at the labour market to prove our competencies. This will improve our reputation to be perceived as entrepreneurs in the society unlike pejorative nicknames we used to bear as sex workers,” she noted.
The Head of Muhisimbi Voice of Conservation, Emmanuel Harelimana has said that the support is meant to help them mix easily with the community and overcome grief and poverty associated with teen motherhood.
“These teenagers experience hard life that caught our attention to intervene. We helped them acquire sewing skills and provided them with sewing machines. They will be able to engage in a lucrative business to practice what they learnt while generating income,” he said.
Musanze district vice mayor for social affairs, Axelle Kamanzi has thanked partners who continue to walk with the district to uplift living standards of teen mothers.
“We advise teen mothers not to sink into sorrow but remain strong and strive for a prosperous future. They still have chance to resume studies to change own and children’s lives while others finding it difficult can attend vocational training programs. It is also our pledge to stay closer to them along the development journey to transform their livelihoods,” he said.
A total of 104 impregnated teens below the age of 18 were registered in Musanze district between July 2021 and January 2022.
The traffic officer had caught Habumugisha driving a Daihatsu vehicle, registration number RAB 136D, which had an expired automobile inspection certificate.
The Frw2,000 bribe was, therefore, Habumugisha’s attempt to prevent further fines for the traffic offence.
Driving a vehicle with no or expired automobile inspection certificate attracts a penalty of Frw25,000.
“The arrest of Habumugisha was part of the ongoing Rwanda National Police (RNP) operations against motorists, who violate traffic rules and regulations leading to accidents and loss of lives. Some people drive or ride while drunk and other intentional offences, which put lives at risk and which will not be tolerated,” Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Western Region Police spokesperson, said.
He warned against attempts to bribe Police officers.
“What was a traffic offence punishable with a fine is now a criminal act, which should have been prevented in the first place by ensuring that the vehicle has a valid inspection certificate but also paying the traffic fines when caught,” SP Karekezi advised.
Under article 4 of law n° 54/2018 of 13/08/2018 on fighting against corruption, any person who solicits, accepts or receives, by any means, an illegal benefit for himself/ herself or another person or accepts a promise in order to render or omit a service under his or her mandate or uses his or her position to render or omit a service, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of more than five years but not more than seven years with a fine of three to five times the value of the illegal benefit offered, solicited or received.
Penalties provided under this article also apply to a person, who offers or promises to offer a benefit, by any means, an illegal benefit for him/ herself or another person to have a service rendered or omitted.
