The agency’s statement reads that precipitations between 10th and 20th February are expected to be above normal rainfall in different parts of the country.
Meteo Rwanda has revealed that it will continue to pour down heavily above average precipitation usually experienced in the second half of February in Rwanda.
“The rainfall is expected to be between 50 and 200 mm within ten days while the average rainfall in the same period ranges between 10 and 70 mm,” reads part of the statement.
The weatherman has disclosed that the rainfall is particularly expected to be above normal in different parts of Western Province, Southern Province and Kigali City as well as the districts of Rulindo, Ngoma and Rwamagana.
Average rainfall has been predicted in Gatsibo, Kayonza and Nyagatare districts compared to other parts of the country.
Meteo Rwanda has revealed that above normal rainfall was reported in Eastern Province as well as some parts of Southern and Northern Province between 1st and 10th February compared to other parts of the country.
Among others, the weatherman has also disclosed that rainfall reduced in many parts of Southern Pprovince, southern part of Eastern Province, Musanze and Nyagatare districts during the same period.
{{Disasters}}
Meteo Rwanda has revealed that the soil has been accumulating much water due to recent heavy rains noting that it might cause flooding and landslides in the parts of the country forecasted with above normal rainfall.
The weatherman has advised relevant authorities, residents in the aforementioned areas and Rwandans in general to take proactive measures to prevent disasters.
Farmers have been also reminded to preserve agricultural yields and efficiently utilize collected water to finalize preparations for the agriculture season 2022B.
The pact was signed in Kigali on Monday, February 14, between Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza and his counterpart of CAR, Director General Zokoue Bienvenu.
Gen. Zokoue and his delegation are in Rwanda since Sunday for a week-long bilateral visit.
The memorandum of understanding, which was part of the bilateral meeting held at the RNP General Headquarters in Kacyiru, provides mutual assistance in fighting transnational organized crime and terrorism, smuggling and trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic substances as well as their precursors, fighting against currency counterfeiting and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
Other areas of partnership include enhancing professional competence, best practices sharing, intelligence sharing in areas of interest; conducting joint or simultaneous operations; fighting cyber criminality, human trafficking, organ trafficking, document fraud; and other areas of cooperation that the parties may identify.
The bilateral meeting was also attended by the Deputy IGP in charge of Operations, Felix Namuhoranye and DIGP in charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza.
IGP Munyuza thanked Gen Bienvenu and his delegation for honouring the RNP invitation to visit Rwanda, which he said that it has provided an opportunity for the two friendly Police institutions to discuss and strengthen cross-border cooperation against security threats.
“Rwanda National Police is proud to be working with brothers and sisters from Central African Republic Police to provide peace and security to the citizens of Central African Republic.
The existing ties between our two countries have gone beyond the usual bilateral cooperation to real friendship and brotherhood. I trust our cooperation will deliver joint actions for us to tackle increasing security challenges in our countries and African continent at large,” IGP Munyuza said.
Rwanda and Central African Republic, he added, have been reliable partners in ensuring safety and security of the people of CAR since 2013, when the Central African country experienced violence.
Rwanda National Police was the first country to deploy a Formed Police Unit (FPU) contingent under the UN Multi-dimensional Integrated mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in September 2014.
Currently, Rwanda maintains close to 500 Police peacekeepers under MINUSCA, including three contingents: a Protection Support Unit (PSU) of 140 officers, FPU contingent of 140 officers and another FPU of 180 officers.
Rwanda PSU is charged with the protection of 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.
“I am happy that Rwandan Forces deployed in Central African Republic have very good working relations with Central African Republic security and law enforcement agencies. This close collaboration should continue and be strengthened further,” IGP Munyuza said.
To effectively confront the organized security challenges that are transnational in nature, like terrorism, drug trafficking, cyber and financial crimes among other crime, IGP Munyuza said that it requires law enforcement agencies to work closely together to train law enforcement officers and to equip them with necessary knowledge and skills to be able to combat those crimes.
“We should coordinate and regularly share information and intelligence on criminals bent on destabilizing peace in our countries and the continent.
It is the policy of our country to share expertise and experience that RNP has with our brothers in Africa and beyond. This is in the spirit of working together with friendly African countries to strengthen peace and security on our continent,” IGP Munyuza reiterated.
On his part, General Zokoue said that CAR has gone through a great crisis and that the national police, which is part of the institutions of defence forces, participated extensively in operations for restoration of order and territorial reconquest in CAR.
“During this crisis, the Rwandan special forces and the Rwandan Police helped us a lot in the recovery and operational defence of our national territory,” Director General Zokoue said.
“I want to reassure you that we are ready to benefit from your long experience… and implementation of substances contained in this memorandum, which will allow considerable momentum between our two institutions,” he added.
Director General Zokoue is also expected to visit different RNP facilities, including training schools.
The Indian with expertise in Herbal Medicine arrived in Kigali on Friday 11th February 2022 to assess the feasibility of his activities in the country.
The man who is also the founder of Life Care Phyto Labs-India (LCPR) which produces herbal medicines entered cooperation agreements with different dealers including Bold Regain International operating in Rwanda. The latter supplies nutraceuticals to different countries across the world.
Speaking to IGIHE, Dr. Rajendran revealed that he came to Rwanda to explore investment opportunities that might see him producing the nutraceuticals locally.
“I am here to provide technical assistance. We can create a linkage for the entire African continent through setting up a hub for our nutraceuticals. That is our goal because they are used by many people all over the world,” he said.
“Orders can be placed from our huge market in India but we plan to bring them here in Rwanda by setting up facilities for local production. We cave capacity do so,” Dr. Rajendran added.
He explained that using the herbal medicines is more helpful to human’s health than using pills and other medications to treat or strengthen immunity.
“Using the nutraceuticals are beneficial to human’s health because they have no side effects. They different from other drugs in terms of application. Besides, they rich in nutrients helping to strengthen body’s immunity,” Dr. Rajendran noted.
He disclosed that there are several considerations luring him to Rwanda as a country promising to be a gateway for his business in Africa. These, he said, include security assurance, Rwandans humanity as well as the fact that the country promotes gender equality and women empowerment.
Jacqueline Iryamwiza, the Country Director of Bold Regains International Rwanda has said that hosting Dr. Ranjenderm is of great significance to ongoing partnership.
She revealed that the anticipated local production would ease their operations and gradually change mindsets of a large number of Rwandans who have not yet understood the importance of herbal medicines.
During his stay, Dr. Rajendran is also expected to visit different regulatory institutions including Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) and National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA).
{{Who is Dr. Rajendran?}}
Dr. A. Rajendran has an illustrious research career spanning 30 years in herbal research. He did his Doctorate in science and humanities at Anna University, Chennai. Dr. Rajendran has an outstanding experience in Phytotechnology Innovation, Cultivation, Extraction, processing and value addition of herbal medicines, nutraceuticals, Cosmeceuticals and bio agro products.
He has own patent in Aloe vera cold processing technology through the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) in New Delhi. Dr. Rajendran has been carrying on Research and Development activities in various herbal formulations and has developed several formulations of Medicines, Cosmetic and Nutraceuticals.
On 2015, he launched a company that produces herbal medicines dubbed ‘Life Care Phyto Labs’.
Nicolas Rwaka, the director of research in Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honor (CHENO) reminded the youth to uphold heroism in whatever they do.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Morocco, Zaina Nyiramatama thanked Rwanda’s visionary leadership that promotes the culture of heroism which continues to play a critical role in national development.
He also urged the youth to stand against behaviours that can tarnish Rwanda’s reputation.
Participants of the event who shared ideas, commended Rwandans’ heroism and stressed the need for regular talks reminding them on values that should be embraced.
The ceremony was also characterized by performances including poem recital and songs praising heroes.
The majority of Rwandans living in Morocco is comprised of students studying n the country through existing partnership with Rwanda.
Rwanda’s embassy in Morocco was opened in 2020. It oversees Rwanda’s interests in other countries including Tunisia, Guinea and Mauritania.
The National Heroes’ Day is celebrated on 1st February every year.
This year’s ceremony was held under the theme ‘ Our Heroism, Our Dignity’.
According to the law establishing the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honor “a hero is any person who pursues objectives he/she undertakes to obtain a special achievement for the public interest and with high proven integrity, sacrifice and noble courage in his/her acts and who avoids being a coward in his/her actions in very trying situations.”
{{Rwandan heroes are classified into three categories namely:}}
{{Imanzi:}} The unknown soldier and Major General Fred Gisa Rwigema.
{{Imena:}} Mutara III Rudahigwa, Rwagasana Michel, Agathe Uwiringiyimana, Niyitegeka Félicité and Nyange students.
{{Ingenzi:}} No hero was classified in this category.
Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that President Kagame met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Majlis at the Amiri Diwan for a productive discussion on bilateral relations and the ongoing successful areas of cooperation between the two countries.
The Head of State was last in Qatar in October 2021. At the time, he met with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss ongoing areas of bilateral cooperation.
The two sides discussed bilateral relations between Qatar and Rwanda as well as ways to support and enhance them in various fields of cooperation, especially in the economy, trade, and investment.
They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest.
The discussions were held in the attendance of a number of Qatari Ministers alongside the members of the official delegation accompanying Kagame.
Qatar enjoys vibrant relations with Rwanda.
In April 2019; the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani came to Rwanda for two-day working visit.
At the time, both heads of states also visited Akagera National Park which is home to the big five animals.
During his stay in Rwanda, President Kagame and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the Emir of Qatar witnessed the signing ceremony of four agreements meant to promote various development sectors between both countries.
These include 4 agreements in sectors of culture, sports, tourism and business events and aviation travel and logistics.
They were added to existing ones signed in Doha, Qatar when President Kagame visited the country at the end of 2018. These were related to air service transport services, promoting and protecting joint investment and cooperation in trade and technical areas among others.
In May 2017, Rwanda and Qatar signed agreements in diplomatic cooperation. Qatar Airways aircraft conduct flights from Doha to Kigali among other destinations including Dubai.
On 26th May 2015, both countries signed cooperation agreements to fight against drug abuse on the sidelines of Qatar International Anti-Drug Forum held in Doha.
Among others, Qatar’s interests in Rwanda include a 60% stake in Bugesera International Airport, currently under construction and a 49% stake in RwandAir.
QIA’s portfolio companies are also supporting the Rwandan government’s efforts to make the central African country a global tourism destination.
On Wednesday 14th July 2021, Qatar inaugurated a new embassy building located in Kimihurura, Kigali City.
The embassy’s former office was located at the opposite side of Kigali Marriot Hotel in Nyarugenge district.
At the time, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta said that the launch of the new embassy is another milestone to deepen bilateral relations further.
The terrorists fled the new positions towards Muidube District inside the SAMIM designated sectors of responsibility.
In most recent operations against the insurgents, 17 civilians were rescued from insurgents on-the-run. Among the rescued were women and children while two terrorists were captured and two insurgents armed with light weapons were killed in the ambush.
The Task Force Battle Group Commander, Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi visited the Mozambican troops in Nhica do Ruvuma and Rwanda security forces in Pundanhar and congratulated them for the work done.
He informed them that the Ansar sunna Wa Jammah (ASWJ) terrorists were seriously weakened by the joint forces actions but cautioned them to remain vigilant at all times.
Rwanda started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique on 9th July 2021, to fight rebel groups linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The group sometimes calls themselves al-Shabaab, although they do not have known links with the Somali al-Shabaab.
The situation started worsening in October 2017 when armed extremists linked ISIL launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.
Since then, Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been battling the extremists while many civilians were displaced by the fighting.
The joint operations between Rwandan and Mozambican troops yielded big where different regions including Palma, Awasse, Mocímboa Da Praia, Quionga, Tete, Maputo, Nhica Do Rovuma, Quelimane, Chinda and Mumu were seized from rebels.
As at 5th September 2021, Rwandan and Mozambican troops who were joined by the military mission of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) had captured almost all areas of Cabo Delgado Province where the remaining work was predominantly about launching offensives to quell enemy pockets from their hideouts and help displaced citizens to return to their homes.
Rwanda initially sent 1000 troops to Cabo Delgado honoring the request of Mozambique to support efforts to quell terrorist groups.
The troops had increased to nearly 2000 by the end of the year 2021.
IGP Munyuza was received at SIF unit headquarters in Kimironko, Gasabo District, by the Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bertin Mutezintare.
While addressing the officers, IGP Munyuza said that the responsibilities of Special Intervention Force must be elaborated in action by every officer attached to the unit and to beware of their impact to the national security and development.
The Police Chief reminded the officers to continue training and to always be ready and equipped with the required skills to confront any security threats.
“Training must be continuous to move with the evolving security environment so as to remain ahead to effectively counter the emerging security challenges like terrorism. As the security environment continue to evolve, you must also dominantly keep improving your skills to overcome any kind of threat to security and the wellbeing of the people,” IGP Munyuza emphasized.
He reminded the officers to avoid any form of malpractice such as corruption due to its ill-effects to the national economic development and security.
“Put the national interests over personal interest, be defined by discipline, resilience and patience. Avoid any malpractice in particular corruption, which affect the image of the force and the country in general, and hinders the national security and economic development. This is why RNP adopted a zero tolerance doctrine against graft as a frontline law enforcement institution,” IGP Munyuza explained.
He further urged them to work and support the people, respect the rule of law and to avoid negligence or any other behavior that can tarnish the RNP image.
Before starting the match that saw APRFC beating Gicumbi with 2-0 at Gicumbi stadium on Sunday 13th February 2022, a minute of silence was observed in honour of late Lt Gen Musemakweli who died one year ago.
He served as the Chairman of APR FC from 2013 until January 2021.
After defeating Gicumbi, APRFC maintained the leading position with 37 points followed by Kiyovu Sports with 32 points.
The teams were facing off for the 16th day of the league’s first division.
The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) had announced that late Lt Gen Musemakweli would be honoured at the match, particularly reflecting on his contribution to the progress of football in Rwanda.
The federation also revealed via Twitter handle that it stands in solidarity with the APRFC family during the commemoration of Lt Gen Musemakweli.
Lt Gen Jacques Musemakweli breathed the last on 11th February 2021 at Kanombe Military Hospital where he was getting medical attention.
He was among RPA soldiers that liberated the country and stopped the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Lt Gen Musemakweli held different senior positions in RDF leadership including; commander of Republican Guards, Army Chief of Staff and Reserve Force Chief of Staff.
On 12th January 2018, President Paul Kagame and the Commander in Chief of RDF promoted Jacques Musemakweli from the rank of Major General to Lieutenant General.
Among others, Lt Gen Jacques Musemakweli once served as the commander of the Republican Guards prior to his appointment as Army Chief of Staff in 2016.
At the time, he was at the rank of Major General. In April 2019, Lt Gen Musemakweli was appointed the Commander of Reserve Forces prior to 3rd February 2019 when he became RDF Inspector General.
He served as the Chairman of APR FC from 2013 until January 2021 after taking post from Maj Gen Alex Kagame who was leaving for studies in China.
Lt Gen Musemakweli was recently replaced by Maj Gen Mubaraka Muganga to the position in January 2021.
He was serving as RDF Inspector General prior to his demise.
It is said that the girl hailing from Nyakarera cell of Ruhango sector was killed in the night of 9th February 2022. Her body was seen in the morning of Friday 11th February by an old man foraging grasses for his livestock.
The executive secretary of Murunda sector, Alida Icyizihiza has confirmed the death and arrest of the two security guards.
“We learnt about Nirere’s death in the morning of Friday on tip off from a resident and alerted Rwanda Investigation Bureau. Two suspects are detained at Gihango RIB Post while the body has been taken to Murunda Hospital for postmortem,” he said.
The six early-career women scientists in the developing world have been rewarded for demonstrating research excellence in the area of climate action and the environment.
The prize recognizes that these scientists have often overcome great challenges to achieve what they have.
According to foundation, the prize also acknowledges the scientists’ commitment to leading and mentoring young scientists, and to improving lives and livelihoods in their communities and regions. One prize is awarded to a scientist in each of OWSD’s four regions, plus one additional prize in any region. In 2022, two additional prizes were given exceptionally.
These regions include Africa, Latin America and Caribbean, Asia and Pacific as well as Arab Countries.
Dr. Myriam Mujawamariya is a lecturer in the department of Biology at the University of Rwanda.
Dr. Mujawamariya is helping Rwanda to prepare for climate change by studying how various types of indigenous trees respond to different climate scenarios. Erosion is a major environmental concern in Rwanda, and many efforts are being put into landscape restoration and ecosystem-based adaptation. However, greater knowledge is needed about how trees will respond to higher temperatures and other climatic changes, as well as which trees can best support ecosystem services such as soil stabilization, climate regulation, biodiversity, and bioenergy.
Dr. Mujawamariya tested the physiological responses of 20 native species grown at three sites along an elevation gradient, to simulate different climate change scenarios, using [the unique Rwanda Tropical Elevation Experiment, Rwanda TREE project->https://www.rwandatree.com/]. The project will contribute to understanding of how climate change will influence tropical forest cover, carbon sequestration and biodiversity not only in Rwanda, but in all of Africa’s Western Rift Valley region and beyond.
She Mujawamariya received her bachelor’s degree in biology at the former National University of Rwanda in 2007, and a master’s degree in plant sciences, specializing in natural resources management, from Wageningen University in the Netherlands in 2012. She received her PhD in natural sciences, specializing in environmental science, from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden in 2021. She began working at the University of Rwanda in 2007 as a Tutorial Assistant, and then Assistant Lecturer since 2013; in 2021, she was promoted to Lecturer.
Dr. Mujawamariya is a member of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation and is a Research Associate at the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management (CoEB).
She has won numerous grants for her work, including the Belgian ARES grant, and grants from the Rwanda National Council of Science and Technology, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). She has participated in many community outreach activities through the University of Rwanda and CoEB to raise awareness for biodiversity conservation, including educating school children about environmental protection.
Other awardees include Abeer Ahmed Qaed Ahmed, of Al-Saeed University; in microbiology (Arab region – Yemen); Heyddy Calderon, of the Instituto de Geología y Geofísica; in hydrology (Latin America & the Caribbean – Nicaragua); Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury, of the University of Dhaka; in aquatic ecology (Asia and the Pacific – Bangladesh); Flor de Mayo González Miranda, of San Carlos University; in environmental engineering (Latin America & the Caribbean – Guatemala) and Ashani Savinda Ranathunga of the University of Moratuwa; in geotechnical engineering (Asia and the Pacific – Sri Lanka).
The OWSD President Jennifer Thomson has said that ‘what 2022 winners are doing is absolutely outstanding’ highlighting that climate change ‘is the most pressing challenge of our time, and these women are finding innovative and effective ways to address it in their local contexts. We hope this award is the first of many for them’.
Each award winner will receive a prize of US$ $5,000. They will have the opportunity to be recognized and participate in several high-profile conferences and events. The first of these will be the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), where they will take part in a panel discussion during the Minority and Women Scientists and Engineers breakfast, February 19.
They will also take part in the International Conference on Gender Action and Climate Change at Istanbul Aydın University (IAU) in Turkey, March 24, and in the EuroScience Open Forum in Leiden, the Netherlands, July 13-16 2022.
Past OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award winners have been received by their country’s presidents and celebrated by local, national and international media. They have received other prestigious awards and fellowships including the L’OREAL-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowships and the British Council Award.
