President Tshisekedi’s attempts to establish a communication channel with President Kagame have been hampered by his repeated and unfounded accusations against Rwanda, as well as his alliance with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
FDLR is a terrorist group responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
This has resulted in bellicose rhetoric and acts of provocation by Congolese officials intended to push Rwanda to its last entrenchment.
The situation is complicated by a long and tumultuous history of open conflicts and mutual accusations between the two countries.
Sarkozy, known for his political experience and negotiation skills, could prove useful in facilitating constructive dialogue between the two heads of state.
However, it should be noted that President Tshisekedi has a history of unreliability, having previously failed to follow through on his request for mediation from the Emir of Qatar, Mohamed Ben Tamim Al Thani.
The UK Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, recently visited Rwanda and joined the Dr. Ernest Nsabimana to lay the foundation stone for the construction of homes for migrants who will be deported by the UK.
This is a project worth 60 billion Rwandan francs, which includes the construction of 528 housing units in six months in Gahanga of Kicukiro District.
Different people have expressed concerns about the close collaboration between Rwanda and the UK on a sensitive issue of illegal migration.
Yolande Makolo, Spokesperson for the Government of Rwanda, recently highlighted the UK’s commitment to assisting Rwanda in bolstering its capacities to support migrants who wish to stay in the country and pursue their aspirations. According to her, the UK’s efforts are focused on enhancing Rwanda’s ability to care for these migrants while also investing in the country’s economic development.
In addition to offering support for the care of migrants, the UK will also allocate resources towards infrastructure development, service delivery improvements, education, and training programs for both Rwandans and immigrants.
At the onset, the United Kingdom pledged £140 million to support Rwanda’s efforts in preparing for and aiding migrants across various sectors.
Makolo stated that, if the precise quantity of migrants destined for Rwanda and their arrival date are determined, further financial means will be provided.
However, DRC President, Félix Tshisekedi, continues to denounce Rwanda as a threat to his country, accusing the UK of not pressuring Rwanda to stop aiding the M23 group despite that fact that these accusations are unfounded.
In an interview with the British newspaper The Times, Tshisekedi stated that the UK chooses to “turn a blind eye and remain silent” on the situation in his country. He also claimed that the UK values its agreement with Rwanda more than supporting peace and security in the DRC.
On the other hand, Braverman recently emphasized that some of the attacks against Rwanda are based on unfounded facts.
During Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Kinshasa, he informed Tshisekedi that he cannot support peace talks and impose sanctions against Rwanda at the same time.
Macron also noted that the situation in the DRC is complex, with over 130 armed groups present in the country, including the M23, which has initiated attacks to demand that the government uphold agreements reached between the two parties.
Tshisekedi criticized the UK for its differential treatment of Ukraine and the DRC in terms of managing conflict situations.
Last week, the British Minister for Development and Africa was in Goma, DRC, where he launched a project aimed at educating 60,000 children in the Kasaï province.
A discussion on security issues in eastern DRC also took place during this visit.
Currently, working mothers in Rwanda are entitled to a three-month leave, while fathers are allowed only four days. The bill provides for maternity leave, but without specifying its length, while proposing that the Order of the Minister in charge of labor determines the number of days for both maternity and paternity leave.
MP Frank Habineza, one of the lawmakers who proposed the amendment, noted that the current four-day paternity leave was too small, as fathers often spend most of it at the healthcare facility. Habineza argued that a month of paternity leave would allow fathers to take care of their partners and help them bond with their newborns.
MP Annoncée Manirarora, another proponent of the proposed amendment, emphasized the importance of a longer paternity leave for fathers whose partners may have complications during childbirth. She noted that, in such situations, the father is often the primary caregiver for both the mother and the newborn.
The Ministry of Public Service and Labor, however, maintains that fathers are entitled to five additional days in the event of complications, bringing the total to nine days.
Lawmakers, however, believe that nine days are still insufficient and argue that the law should specify longer paternity leave.
The Minister of Public Service and Labor, Fanfan Kayirangwa Rwanyindo, said that the current labor law in Rwanda does not clearly specify paternity leave. She proposed that paternity leave and maternity leave be determined by an order of the Minister in charge of labor.
While some MPs have expressed concern that such determinations should be made by the actual law and not an order, Minister Rwanyindo noted that the proposed amendment is an improvement towards increasing the number of days for both maternity and paternity leave.
In Africa, paternity leave policies vary widely depending on the country. Some countries, such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, have laws that provide for paternity leave ranging from one to two weeks.
Other countries, such as Somalia and Eritrea, do not have any paternity leave policies.
Globally, there is also significant variation in paternity leave policies. In countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Iceland, fathers are entitled to several months of paid paternity leave. In contrast, in countries such as the United States and Japan, there are no federal laws mandating paternity leave, although some companies may offer it as a benefit.
Atete Nancy Donatienne is one of the trio who grew up with a passion for jobs that are typically performed by men, including construction and driving.
Fortunately, she was given the opportunity to study civil engineering at the University of Rwanda (UR). After graduation in 2016, Atete looked for construction jobs to hone her skills and get familiar with the labor market. Today, she heads Espoir Construction Ltd, a company founded by three girls who studied civil engineering.
Atete explained that their inspiration for starting the company came while working together on projects for Reserve Forces. Upon completion, they decided to create a group with a shared vision and started working together. At the beginning, they were worried about the future of their project but defied the odds and developed confidence.
“We started serving one client who appreciated our services and recommended us to others,” Atete noted.
Espoir Construction Ltd now positions itself as a trusted company that handles various construction projects, including building residential houses and apartments, among others.
The company handles projects from the design process to the completion of the project and produces appealing designs tailored to suit clients’ needs while erecting robust, eco-friendly buildings.
Since the three girls started working together in 2021, the company has provided job opportunities to 300 during the execution of different projects across Kigali City.
Atete expressed optimism for their dreams to come true, noting that their success will inspire other girls to follow suit and join the construction sector.
She also hinted at some challenges faced, where some people tend to undermine the works of women and girls. Atete has however emphasized that executing one’s project with great perfection proves them wrong and attracts more clients.
If you are interested in their services, you can contact Espoir Construction Ltd at their office located on the third floor of the Diamond House building, before IPRC Kigali.
You can also reach out to them via provided phone numbers: 0782385874 or 0783092586.
Malaria is endemic in 93 countries across the world. In 2015, WHO adopted a strategy aimed at reducing global malaria incidence and mortality rates.
The strategy sets the target of reducing malaria cases by 40% by 2020, 75% by 2025, and 90% of global malaria incidence and deaths by 2030.
Speaking to IGIHE, Dr. Ngamije stated that the Global Malaria Control Programme is responsible for implementing these strategies.
He explained that this programme will coordinate partners involved in malaria control, as well as others who conduct advocacy to mobilize resources.
Partners include the Global Fund, the Presidential Malaria Initiative of the United States of America, European countries, researchers, and others.
Dr. Ngamije is a physician and public health specialist who served as Rwanda’s Minister of Health from February 2020 to November 28th, 2022, when he was replaced by Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana. Before this, he served as the Director for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases in WHO’s Country Office based in Kigali.
From 2007-2017, Dr. Ngamije spent ten years coordinating the mobilization of resources and implementation of projects funded by multilateral and bilateral partners of the Ministry of Health through a single project’s implementation unit. He has also served in various leadership positions throughout the entire Rwandan Health System since 1995.
During his time as Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ngamije led the development and successful implementation of the COVID-19 comprehensive response plan.
His appointment as the Director of the Global Malaria Control Programme is a significant step forward in the fight against malaria and recognition of the critical role that African leaders and experts play in achieving global health goals.
These three Rwandan companies mine the 3Ts (Tin, Tantalite and Tungsten) and are involved in the exploration of Lithium.
The merger officially took place at the end of May 2022, when after a period of two years of negotiation between the various shareholders and the Government of Rwanda agreement was reached to join forces to form the Metals Group.
The merger has cemented Trinity as a leading mining company and probably among the largest non-seasonal employers in Rwanda with approximately 5000 Rwandans employees of which more than 97% come from the local communities around our mining operations.
The merger builds upon the strengths of each of the three companies to achieve operational synergies such as increased production capacity, greater supply chain leverage, improve career growth opportunities for employees and stronger community and government relations.
“The aim is to build a modern and professional mining Company in Rwanda”, says Peter Geleta, CEO of Trinity Metals Group.
Trinity plans to invest US$30m in its existing tin and tungsten projects over the next two to three years with the focus on the construction of Process Facilities and opening up new mining areas on its mining concessions.
The Company is also fast progressing it’s Lithium exploration program at Ntunga.
The Company is considering possible listing opportunities in the medium term.
The official launch ceremony for the company will take place on 23rd March 2023 from 8:30am to 2pm at Nyakabingo Mine (Eurotrade International) located in Shyorongi Sector, Rulindo District, about 20Km drive from Kigali town (CBD).
Muhadjir Hakizimana opened the score for the RNP inside the first ten minutes of the opening football match played at Kigali Pele Stadium but PNB cancelled the lead in the 27th minute through Titi Hakizimana.
Striker Didier Mugisha and Bosco Kayitaba scored a goal each in the second period to seal the well deserved victory for the hosts.
Kayitaba, who came in for Mugisha put his name on the score sheet with his first touch when he utilized the corner kick to nod in the third goal.
The RNP football team coach, Vincent Mashami, said: “This was an entertaining match playing a good side from Burundi. It is the first time that Rwanda has hosted the EAPCCO Games and this was the opening game of the tournament, so this win was important for us and for the host country.”
In the volleyball game played at BK Arena, the RNP team also came out victorious winning three straight sets; 25-17 in the first period, 25-20 in the second period and 25-22 in the third period.
Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that both leaders discussed various areas of cooperation including trade and investment. Their discussions were also attended by ministers from both countries.
Kagame later attended a luncheon hosted in his honor.
Sheikh Thani is a friend of Rwanda and President Kagame. He has visited Rwanda several times and was in Rwanda in June 2022 to attend CHOGM as a guest of honor.
Meanwhile, Qatar nationals continue to increase investment in different areas in Rwanda.
Since the launch of the program, it has had a remarkable impact on digital inclusion and financial empowerment, with more than 14,000 loan bookings recorded.
According to BK, this is a testament to the positive impact of the program, which is designed to make smartphone ownership more accessible and affordable.
Of the 14,000 loan bookings, 87% of the customers were not previously customers of Bank of Kigali, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in reaching new and underserved segments of the market.
Besides, the Macye Macye program has helped to bridge the digital divide by providing affordable access to the internet, allowing customers to stay connected and access digital services that were previously out of reach.
The Macye Macye program was recently recognized with the prestigious GSMA Chairman Award, further highlighting its impact on digital inclusion and financial empowerment in Rwanda.
This award recognizes initiatives that leverage mobile technology to drive positive social and economic impact.
To sign up for the Macye Macye program, customers can dial 18212# or visit MTN branches to check their eligibility.
The requirements for the program include being on the MTN network for the past 12 months, being an active MTN customer on MoMo, Data, Voice & SMS, and having cleared Mokash’s (mobile money) loan.
Customers can pay for the device plan in daily, weekly, or monthly installments until the device is paid off. They can pay the installments over the full period of the term or pay off the device’s total price at any time through mobile money or a bank account (Only for Corporate Plans).
Being a Bank of Kigali customer is not a prerequisite for the program.
Braverman responded by urging the Labour Party to “get off Twitter” and visit Rwanda, where she recently made her first trip as Home Secretary.
She pointed out the recent success of the government’s deal with France to increase cross-Channel cooperation and measures to detain and remove illegal migrants.
Braverman also met with refugees who have successfully been resettled in Rwanda and saw the accommodations people will be using.
In contrast, Braverman criticized the Labour Party’s lack of action and stated, “What has the Labour Party done? Well, the shadow home secretary has been on Twitter. She is very good on Twitter.”
She then suggested that the Labour Party “get to Rwanda” to learn how to stop the boats, rather than solely relying on social media.
