They are Assiel Kanyarutoki, 58, Jean Marie Vianney Hakuzimana, 32, Theophile Bimenyande, 20, Benjamin Ibangaryimana, 19, Theogene Mvuyekure, 40, Ramadhan Uwitonze, 19, Theoneste Niyonsenga, 24, Jean Nepo Ngendahayo, 27 and Eric Ahishakiye, 18.
They were caught red-handed with 3kgs of cassiterite and other 25kgs of unprocessed minerals, which they had excavated in the concession belonging to Luna Smerta company located in Karama Village, Rumuli Cell, Muhura Sector.
The Eastern region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamduni Twizeyimana said that the information about the group of illegal miners was shared by security guards at the concession.
“Police received information on Saturday at about 7pm, from security guards after they saw a group of people entering the concession. Police swiftly conducted an operation and arrested all the nine people at the scene while mining using traditional tools. They had 3kgs of cassiterite and a sack of unfiltered minerals weighing 25kgs” said CIP Twizeyimana.
CIP Twizeyimana warned against illegal mining activities and commended the guards, who shared information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
The suspects along with the exhibits were handed over to RIB at Muhura 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 Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf5 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.
Niyonsenga alias Cyuma Hassan gained popularity over talk shows aired on his channel dubbed Ishema TV.
Two days ago, the High Court handed him seven-year jail term and slapped him with Rwf5 million fine after he was found guilty of four charges including forgery, impersonation, and humiliating state officials.
The crimes were committed on 15th April 2020 when he declined to obey security officials that requested him to comply with COVID-19 preventive measures.
At the time, he was arrested and later acquitted by Gasabo Intermediary Court. The Prosecution appealed against the verdict whereafter, he was handed seven-year sentence by the High Court which also ordered his arrest. He was detained on 11th November 2021 one day after court delivered the verdict.
Following the ruling, international media started distorting reasons of his sentence through their publications. For instance, Al Jazeera have written that Niyonsenga has been sentenced over using his YouTube Channel to criticize the Government of Rwanda.
BBC has also reported that the public perceives Niyonsenga as a ‘hero’ and ‘enemy of the country’.
The story also reads that Niyonsenga is renowned as someone who spoke for the voiceless people.
In response to these reports, the Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo condemned biased media reports distorting the truth.
“This sensationalism is misleading. Niyonsenga was arrested for violating the COVID lockdown and convicted for practicing without the required permit, presenting forged press cards, assault, criminal obstruction of security officials and law enforcement when asked to return home,” she said.
His body was retrieved on Friday 12th November 2021 in Bwinyana village, Rusave cell of Murama sector.
It is said that the man was last seen alive on Thursday chatting with neighbors before he shared drinks with friends in a bar during evening hours.
The executive secretary of Murama sector, Pauline Mukarurangwa has told IGIHE that his body was seen in water under a bridge separating Kabarondo and Murama sectors.
“The deceased is a resident in Bwinyana village. We have not yet established cause of his death but it is suspected that he might have been killed by gangsters. He was sharing drink with colleagues the previous evening before his death. So far, five suspects who shared drinks with him have been arrested. It is apparent that murderers first beat him and tied his arms before dumping him in water,” said Mukarurangwa.
She appealed on residents to provide information on susceptible security threats earlier to counteract such crimes.
Mukarurangwa said that the five suspects are detained at Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) station in Rwinkwavu as investigation is underway.
Alexandre Hagenimana, 25, John Ndagijimana, 35, and Ignace Jean Claude Ngirimana, 30, were arrested on Thursday 11th November 2021 in Kirwa Village, Bungwe Cell, Bwira Sector.
They were allegedly cutting trees in the forest located in Kirwa village to make timber.
According to the Western region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the suspects were found with over 100 pieces of timber, which they made out of trees they cut in the protected forest.
“The environmental crimes were reported by local leaders after reports from residents,” CIP Karekezi said.
He added that Hagenimana cut the trees to saw timber for sell.
“Local leaders first seized over 100 pieces of timber from Hagenimana. He later fraudulently took the timber from the store where it was kept after he lied the security guard that authorities had given the timber back to him.
Hagenimana then sold the timber to Ndagijimana and they connived with Ngirimana to transport it to timber traders,” CIP Karekezi explained.
The trio was intercepted after loading the timber in a truck belonging to Ngirimana.
CIP Karekezi warned against destroying forests and called upon the public to always report such illegal acts of environmental degradation.
The suspects along with the timbers were handed over to RIB at Gatumba station for further legal process.
Article 44 of Law N°48/2018 of 13/08/2018 on environment prohibits the following acts in order to protect biodiversity: burning forests, national parks and reserved areas, burning swamps, grazing land, bushes, grass with the aim of agriculture or organising grazing land, killing, injuring and capturing animals of endangered species, destroying or damaging habitats, larvae, pupae or the young animals of the endangered species, causing death or burning protected plants, harvesting or destroying them, transporting or selling the remains of a whole or part of an animal and plants of endangered species, and cutting trees in forests or protected areas or in national parks.
In article 59; any person who causes death, destroys protected plants, harvests or damages them, commits an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three years and not more than five years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf3 million.
The decision is part of resolutions of the cabinet meeting held on Friday 12th November 2021 chaired by President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro.
Mpayimana, 51, vied for Presidency in 2017 where he emerged the second with 0. 73% votes.
In 2018, he submitted his candidature to National Electoral Commission (NEC) seeking to compete for a seat in parliament but his efforts were in vain.
In the same year, he announced that he was undergoing process to register his political party for people’s progress dubbed Parti du Progress du Peuple Rwandais (PPR).
Other appointees include Anita Kayirangwa, named the Executive Director of National Unity, Itorero and Citizenship Education at the same ministry while Mireille Batamuliza was appointed the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Family promotion.
As per statement released last night, bus operators must ensure that windows are open for proper ventilation and passengers maintain social distancing, movements are prohibited between midnight (12a.m) and 4a.m while businesses must close by 11p.m.
The cabinet meeting has also resolved that physical conferences and meetings will continue at 75% occupancy. All participants must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to the meeting.
Among others, all services at places of worship should not exceed 75% of maximum occupancy.
The new measures will take effect nationwide starting 15th November through 14th December 2021.
Citizens are reminded of the critical importance of complying with health measures including physical distancing, properly wearing face masks and hand hygiene.
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Undoubtedly, the future of work is heading towards a hybrid working culture. The in-office corridor chats, the desk to desk ‘quick catch-ups’ and informal customer conversations that the world used to rely on to maintain person-to-person connections now need to happen digitally. This means that businesses need a platform that leverages productivity and eliminates the cost of using the old PBX.
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Over the coming months, the KIFC, in collaboration with the GDFA, will develop new ways to allow banks to assess the greenness of the companies they support. The pilot programme will utilise the data banks already hold on the SMEs they finance, minimising the input required from the SMEs. Following a ‘data mining’ process, the data will be converted in to ‘climate metrics’ to reveal a green rating for the company based on their emissions.
The generation of green metrics will then become automated, providing banks with green SME rating tool which will help to drive future decision making of which companies to invest in, and enabling them to move towards the objective of providing green finance as part of their core product offering.
The development of these new tools also has the potential to bring benefits to the SMEs themselves who will be able to identify quick wins to reduce their emissions (through streamlined transportation, reduced energy consumption etc.). This will enable them to cut their running costs while also contributing to the country’s efforts to meet their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs) to reduce emissions.
The KIFC was chosen for the pilot program because of their commitment to driving green investment, and Rwanda’s globally recognised efforts in sustainability and environmental protection. Rwanda recently announced an ambitious plan to raise $11 billion in finance to help cut emissions, and for adaptation and mitigation projects.
“Rwanda is an ideal pilot country because it its commitment to both digitalisation and to using innovative finance to deliver on its national targets under the Paris agreement. Not to mention that Rwanda is a reginal training centre for carbon accounting. Hence, Rwanda is committed to bringing together green and digital both at strategic and practical level. That is why I am particularly pleased to GDFA and KIFC has agreed to form this partnership,” reads the statement released by GDFA following the agreement.
Nick Barigye, the Chief Executive Officer at KIFC expressed delight for the milestone.
“This tool could change the face of green investment in SMEs as banks will be able to see just how green their investments currently are and make decisions about future investments based on accurate data,” he said.
“Here at the KIFC, we are committed to making ourselves a leading centre for green investment. This will benefit our businesses, the Rwandan people, and have a positive impact across the continent and beyond. This project helps us make progress towards this objective. It shows yet again that trusted partners see that Rwanda works for investors, and it will only strengthen our claim that Rwanda is the best place in the world for green investment,” added Barigye.
The discussions were held on Wednesday 10th October 2021 as CHOI paid a courtesy call to Minister Biruta.
Minister CHOI has been in Rwanda for a three-day official visit from 9th to 11th November 2021.
During their discussions, Minister Biruta expressed Rwanda’s readiness to enhance cooperation with Korea in several sectors including public health, education, ICT and science technology.
CHOI also appreciated Rwanda’s efforts to establish a vaccine manufacturing plant in the country, which will expand vaccine supply capacity on the African continent.
He expressed optimism that the two countries will find ways to cooperate in this area as Korea is also working to become a global vaccine manufacturing hub.
During his stay in Rwanda, Minister CHOI also visited Kigali Genocide Memorial and paid tribute to victims of the Genocide against Tutsi.
Since 2011, Rwanda has been a priority partner in development cooperation for the Korean Government where the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is implementing a dozen of projects focusing on ICT, education and rural development.
In addition, Korea EXIM Bank is cooperating with Rwanda, through its Economic Development Cooperation Fund to develop the infrastructure of the University of Rwanda and expand Rwanda’s electricity infrastructure.
This high-level visit is expected to serve as a springboard for Korea and Rwanda to further consolidate the bilateral partnership ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations to be marked in 2023.
He made the appreciation on Thursday 11th November 2021 as he interacted with 25 women entrepreneurs from the Rwanda Muslim Community who were also taken through the UAE’s gender equality and women’s empowerment initiatives.
“I want to highlight that we recognize the great initiatives put in place by the Government of Rwanda in empowering women and fostering gender equality in all sectors. The results have been outstanding,” he said.
After the devastating effects of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda placed gender equality and women empowerment at the forefront to drive the country’s vision for development.
Rwandan women have seized available opportunities and made major strides in realizing their dreams and impacting their respective communities.
Today, Rwanda is a global leader in women participation in legislative decision-making positions with 61.3% female members of Parliament and also ranked 9th globally in closing gender gaps according to the Global Gender Gap Report, 2020.
In addition, 52% of the Cabinet members are women, among the Judges and clerks, women stand at 49.7% while in the local government leadership, women occupy 45.2 % as Members of District Councils.
Rwanda and the UAE enjoy cordial relations and share a common vision with regard to women empowerment.
As he interacted with women entrepreneurs during the event held at UAE Embassy in Kigali, Amb. Alqahtani reminisced on different programs initiated by the UAE Government in Rwanda where women empowerment is always taken into consideration.
“To name a few, the Embassy held a successful training in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board and the Ministry of Education, to Empower 100 Women Future Leaders in Hospitality and Tourism Excellence. The training was conducted by highly qualified trainers from the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management and was attended by young women working in Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality sector,” he noted.
Amb. Alqahtani also reflected on the inspirational words of the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed highlighting that a woman plays a critical role in the society.
“The woman is half of the society, any country which pursues development should not leave her in poverty or illiteracy. I am on the woman’s side,” he quoted.
He went on to explain that the UAE Constitution guarantees equal rights to all of its citizens, including women who have the same legal status, access to education, the right to practice and pursue different careers, the right to own as many as possible properties as men do among others.
The World Economic Forum’s 2020 Global Gender Gap Report revealed that the UAE is one of the region’s best performing countries having closed the overall gender gap by 66%. The report assessed women’s economic opportunity, education, health and political empowerment.
Among others, the World Bank’s 2020 Women, Business and the Law Report also named UAE as one of the world’s top ten economies exhibiting the most progress towards gender equality.
The UAE also ranked 35 out of 189 countries in women’s empowerment according to the 2019 Human Development Report commissioned by the UNDP.
In 2015, the UAE Gender Balance Council, a federal entity, was established to enhance gender balance in the public sector for women in the UAE and aims to help place the UAE among the top 25 countries for gender equality by 2021.
Later in 2017, the UAE Gender Balance Council in coordination with the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) introduced the Gender Balance Guide, a tool for both the public and private sectors with the aim to decrease gender inequality.
Other efforts include launch of the Arab Charter of Women’s Rights on October 8th 2019 in Abu Dhabi to serve as a guideline for all Arab League member states with an aim to inform legislation and ensure Arab women’s rights among others.
Regarding representation in government positions, the Emirati women in the UAE hold two-thirds of public sector jobs, with 30% in leadership roles and 15% in technical and academic roles. Women also make up 20% of the UAE’s diplomatic corps.
The UAE has a population of approximately 10 million.
Sheikh Salim Hitimana, the Mufti of Rwanda has commended the UAE for its initiatives to advance women empowerment that has been extended to Rwandans through Rwanda Muslim Community highlighting that it will be a critical towards fully overcoming barriers that hindered women’s involvement in different activities.
“There came a time when women Muslims were not actively engaged in businesses and other income generating activities due to social and cultural constraints. With the visionary leadership of Rwanda, women inclusion has been achieved gradually that we have many women running businesses and other activities to spur their economic growth,” he said.
“The current progress is commendable. We have optimism that with more great initiatives advancing women’s empowerment, we shall achieve women inclusion to the desired extent,” added Sheikh Salim Hitimana.
This is the second interactive discussion held by the UAE Ambassador, following the first meeting he held in November 2020 with entrepreneurs from the Private Sector Federation Chamber of Women.
