The performance was mainly driven agriculture, industry sector and services which contributed 25%, 21% and 47% respectively while the net direct taxes accounted for 7%.
Figures released on Thursday 16th March 2023, show that agriculture grew by 2%, industry by 5% while services grew by 12%.
Besides, hotel and restaurants grew by 87%, financial services grew by 10%, information and communication by 20%, education by 17%, transport by 22% while wholesale and retail services increased by 14%.
As per figures from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), Rwanda registered GDP growth by 7.9% in the first quarter of 2022, 7.5% in the second, 10% in the third and 7.3% in the fourth quarter.
The annual growth was estimated at 8.2% in 2022 compared to 2021.
Generally, the agricultural produce dropped by 1% while agricultural exports decreased by 4%.
In the industry sector, mining and quarry exploration registered 15% growth and 11% increase in manufacturing output.
The output of the food processing industry increased by 13 percent, the output of the clothing and footwear processing industry increased by 21 percent, and the output of the metal processing industry increased by 7 percent.
NISR has revealed that the output would have increased further but it was not possible owing to the decline in construction activities which decreased by 6 percent.
According to the Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the published figures are a general indicator of overall activities carried out during the year.
The Ikaze Bazaar exhibition will take place on March 26th, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Mundi Center- Rwandex. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience, with over 15 entrepreneurs showcasing their unique creations.
Exhibitors include some amazing groups such as Inkanda House, Talking Through Arts, Wase, Deaf Art Gallery, Tubiteho, Icyeza, among others, and representatives from the Rwanda Union of the Blind.
These talented artists and artisans will showcase a diverse range of exhibits from fashion designs to intricate art pieces.
The event isn’t just about showcasing amazing art; it’s also about promoting inclusivity and diversity.
During the celebration of the World social justice last month, the British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Omar Daair, [emphasized the event’s focus on promoting the rights of marginalized groups of people, including those with disabilities.->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/british-high-commissioner-calls-for-support-to-rwanda-s-journey-to-be-more]
The day will be filled with exciting entertainment, including performances by poets, musicians, and networking sessions. Children will also have a blast with fun activities such as face painting.
Individuals are encouraged to come out and support these incredible artists and artisans by purchasing their beautiful creations. By doing so, they will be supporting the works of art produced by groups of people living with disabilities, women, and young people.
The Ikaze Bazaar exhibition promises to be a cultural event filled with fun, creativity, and inclusivity.
The casket carrying his body was taken to the cemetery after a requiem mass celebrated at Regina Pacis Parish in Remera.
It was attended by his family, friends, senior RDF Military Officers and Generals among others.
The condolence message from President Paul Kagame and Commander in Chief (C-in-C) of RDF to the family of the late Gen Marcel Gatsinzi was read in Kinyarwanda by Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Albert Murasira. He said that it was an extremely sad moment for the family, RDF and the country.
He commended late Gen Gatsinzi for his commendable service and exemplary achievements while serving the country in different capacities.
Children of late Gen Gatsinzi attested that their father always encouraged them to be fond of the nation.
“He continued to encourage us to work for the country and contribute to its development. I voice my sincere appreciation to top military officers present here and President of the Republic. Despite the passing of our father, we are aware that we are in a large family. We shall follow his footsteps and assure that we won’t disappoint you,” said Daniel Gatsinzi.
“If he was able to stay with us at this moment, he would say ‘thank you and I love you’. We also thank you and love you from the bottom of our hearts,” added the son of late Gen Gatsinzi.
Gen (Rtd) Marcel Gatsinzi breathed the last on Monday 6th March 2023. He succumbed to natural at a hospital in Belgium where he was receiving treatment.
Gen Marcel Gatsinzi served in various leadership roles for the army and the country including serving as Rwanda’s Minister of Defence from 2002 to 2010, and as the Minister of Disaster Preparedness and Refugee Affairs from 2010 to 2013.
Gen Marcel Gatsinzi was born in Muhima, Nyarugenge District in 1948.
He attended Primary School at Sainte Famille and pursued secondary education at Saint André where he studied Latin and Science courses.
He later joined the military at the age of 20.
Gatsinzi spent two years undergoing military training at “Ecole Supérieure d’Officiers Militaires (ESM)” where he graduated with the rank of Lieutenant in 1970.
He served as an instructor, and attended different professional training in Belgium between 1971 and 1976 at “Institut Royale Supérieure de Défense”.
During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Gtsinzi was at the rank of Colonel and was the commander of Non-Commissioned Officers School in Ngoma Commune, current Huye District.
Following the shooting down of former President Juvénal Habyarimana’s airplane on 6th April 1994, Gen Gatsinzi was named Defence Chief Staff replacing Gen Maj Augustin Nsabimana who died with Habyarimana.
He assumed the duties for ten days before dismissal by the then interim government and was replaced by Col Augustin Bizimungu.
By the time RPA soldiers captured Kigali, Gatsinzi had the rank of Brigadier General and was living in Kigeme camp along with other soldiers.
He left the camp for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Rusizi.
Gatsinzi stayed in DRC for one month before returning to Rwanda where he joined RDF. Upon joining the army, he was given the rank of Colonel.
Gatsinzi served as the Deputy Army Chief of Staff, Commander of Military Police and Headed the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).
He held the rank of Major General at the time.
In 2004, Gatsinzi was promoted to General and became the first soldier to rise to to the rank.
He served as the Minister of Defence between 2022 and 2010.
In October 2013, Gen Gatsinzi was sent to retirement along with five other generals.
The 26-year old man was apprehended in Nyakabungo village, Gasanze cell of Nduba sector in Gasabo District with a motorcycle which was reported stolen earlier that day.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali said that the motorcycle TVS registration number RF 483C, was reported stolen earlier in the day at about 2p.m.
“The owner of the motorcycle had parked it outside the restaurant in Nyakabungo trading centre but could not find it when he came out. He immediately reported the alleged theft,” CIP Twajamahoro said.
He added: “The search for the motorcycle commenced immediately. Fortune enough, it had a GPS, it was tracked and the suspect intercepted with the motorcycle along Gasanze-Nduba road at about 10p.m.”
The suspect was handed over to RIB at Nduba station.
This came less than a week after another stolen motorcycle was recovered from the suspect thief, who was arrested in Gisozi sector also in Gasabo District.
“This is one of many examples of why it is important to install a GPS in your motorcycle,” said CIP Twajamahoro.
Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person convicted of 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 Frw1 million and not more than Frw2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
In article 167, the penalty for theft doubles, if the offender committed the crime through burglary, climbing or possession of keys other than the owner; the theft is carried out during the night or the theft is carried out by more than one person.
The Head of State was delivering remarks on Thursday 16th March 2023 at the 73rd Congress of the World’s Football Governing Body (FIFA) held at BK Arena.
Kagame thanked FIFA for having selected Rwanda as a host of the congress bringing together 211 member associations.
“This is a great honour because you could have chosen to go elsewhere,” he said.
Kagame stated that, through the leadership of Infantino, the World Cup presented opportunities for increased participation of African.
“I first got to know Gianni around eight years ago when he was campaigning to lead FIFA. I was convinced by his values and by his vision for the positive role that football can play in society. He was the leader FIFA needed at that moment and everything I have seen from that time until now assures me that he deserves to continue to lead this organization,” he said.
“Under the new FIFA World Cup format, the slots available for African teams will almost double, creating even more engagement and visibility on our continent. What is important is the plan to continue developing and anchoring football in Africa,” added Kagame.
The President maintained that the African Cup of Nationals is not a little tournament stressing that the difference between a successful player in Africa and Europe has nothing to do with talent.
“Often, the difference between a successful player in Africa and Europe is not talent. It is the lack of quality infrastructure, training and support,” he underscored.
Kagame stressed the need for collaboration between federations and associations to reach common objectives quickly and observed that today’s world needs sports that unites people.
“What the world needs is to see more of the positive spirit of sportsmanship in pour politics rather than bringing political divisions into sports. […] We need to keep bad politics out of sports,” he stated.
Kagame pointed out an example alluding to the way criticisms increased when Qatar was selected to host the World Cup 2022 until it ended successfully.
“As we saw last year, in the constant hypocritical criticisms at the World Cup; instead of asking why is it being held there, first ask why not?” he wondered.
“Unless we are talking about a kind of entitlement that only some of us on this globe deserve to enjoy. It is about keeping some people in their place but that kind of attitude should have been left far behind in history by now,” added Kagame.
The Head of State also said that athletes have rights to object to what personally affects them and their communities.
“They certainly do. Politics in sports reflects the problems that society faces. When fans throw bananas at African football players or taunt a female referee; that is because of a negative social environment that feeds those wrong behaviours.
We need to work together to ensure that the game is inclusive and respectful of everyone,” he stated.
On 2nd October 2010, Qatar was selected as a host for World Cup 2022.
On 5th May 2011, the former FIFA Vice President, Jack Warner made revelations that the process involved corruption.
It was reported that Qatar offered US$1.5 million bribe to the African Confederation Cup (CAF), which was led by Issa Hayatou at the time to vote for its Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid.
On 25th September 2013, The Guardian reported that many workers from Nepal faced mistreatment in the country under what was termed as a form of ‘slavery’.
On 18th November 2013, Amnesty International released a report pointing out problems of workers receiving peanuts yet they are employed in multibillion construction projects.
In 2014, The Observer reported that 400 migrants from Nepal died during contraction works in Qatar since it was selected to host the World Cup in 2010.
In February 2021, The Guardian reported that 6,500 migrants during construction of a stadium. Figures had been provided by embassies.
Qatar claimed that the figures were false because some of those people succumbed to natural cause with no connection to projects related to preparations for the World Cup 2022.
Sources confirming correct figures indicated that only 3 out of 37 employees hired to build a stadium died doing related works between 2014 and 2020.
As for other countries that hosted the World Cup, South Africa (2010), Brazil (2014) and Russia (2018) registered two, eight and 21 deaths respectively.
Apparently, the critics were disappointed to see Qatar hosting the World Cup given that such incidents are put in shoulders of construction companies in Europe instead of blaming the country.
Qatar said that 30,000 foreigners were hired during the construction of stadiums.
He was elected on Thursday 16th March 2023 during the 73rd FIFA Congress at BK Arena in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
Rwanda becomes the first African country to host a congress coinciding with elections of FIFA Congress.
The Swiss-Italian,53, has been leading FIFA since 2016. He was elected for the second term in 2019.
Following his unopposed re-election, Infantino thanked all supporters and pledged continued contribution to the development of football across the world.
“Let me simply thank all of you. Those who love me, you are many, and the few who hate me, I love you all. Being FIFA president is a big honour and privilege but also a huge responsibility,” he said.
“I’m truly humbled and touched by your support, and I simply promise you that I will continue serving FIFA, serving football all over the world, serving all 211 Member Associations of FIFA. Leadership is obviously about listening and learning, and I think I am learning every day,” added Infantino.
He urged member associations to count on his commitment and collaboration to develop football.
“Leadership is also about acting, and I’m certainly there to act so you can continue to trust on my commitment, and the only thing I am asking you is to continue working hard together to unite the world with football,” said Infantino.
Since 2016, Infantino made several reforms to restore the image of football that had been mired by corruption scandal for the past 20 years.
The scandal also led to the resignation of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter in 2015.
Among others, Infantino has helped the body to achieve financial self-sufficiency and increased the budget to support member associations.
Particularly, Infantino has announced FIFA’s projected income of US$11billion in this tenure, compared with US$7.5bn in the last four-year cycle between 2019 and 2022.
Infantino is also reputed for giving opportunity to countries with less advanced football by increasing teams expected to participate in the World Cup 2026 from 32 to 48.
The disclosure was made by Wang Di, the Director of the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China during a recent press conference.
He said that his country is ready to assist in solving conflicts in different countries including tensions between Rwanda and DRC.
Wang Di was responding to a question on the country’s mediation efforts to end tensions between countries in conflicts particularly on the African continent.
He said that his country will make possible efforts to restore trust between both countries in case one of concerned parties demands intervention.
“China is always ready to be a good and reliable mediator. For any issues around the world, China’s position is that we support dialogue and consultations. For all issues, we are ready to play a constructive role as soon as the conflicting parties demand intervention. China is ready to contribute to resolving those issues,” noted Wang Di.
He however explained that China cannot intervene in tensions between Rwanda and Congo without call for support.
Wang Di highlighted dialogue is the best option to solve clashes instead of military action.
Rwanda and DRC have been experiencing strained relations related to reciprocal accusations.
Congo accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebel groups during a fighting against Congolese Army (FARDC).
Rwanda has repeatedly rejected the claim and blamed the neighbouring country of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which harbours intentions to threaten its security.
To calm the tensions, dialogues have been initiated on the mediation of different countries including Angola, France and Qatar.
At least 240 decorated officers of Rwanda Formed Police Unit One (RWAFPU-1) are operating in Malakal, Upper Nile State under the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Other 184 officers include 180, who constitute RWAFPU-II and four Police Advisors deployed in Kaga Bandoro, Nana Gribizi province under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
The medal pinning ceremonies were presided over by the UN Police Commissioners; Christine Fossen of UNMISS and Commissioner of Police (CP) Christophe Bizimungu of MINUSCA.
The ceremonies were also attended by members of other Police, military and civilian contributing countries, government officials, the local police and the local communities.
The two FPUs were deployed to protect civilians, create conducive environment for humanitarian assistance, monitor and investigate human rights violations, support the implementation of the peace process as well as escort duties, among others.
Madam Fossen reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to peacekeeping particularly in South Sudan, and congratulated the decorated officers.
“Today, we recognize your hard work and sacrifice in the name of peace. You have been critical to the implementation of protection of civilians mandate and maintained day and night patrols in civilian sites,” Madam Fossen said.
She added: “You are a strong pillar of the police contingent visibility patrols in Malakal, contributed to reinforce law and order while preventing criminality in civilian sites and providing confidence building mechanism for them to return to their homes.”
The UNMISS Rwanda FPU-1 contingent commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prudence Nirere Ngendahimana thanked the people of Malakal for their cooperation in peacekeeping matters.
“We have had good relations with the people of Malakal and particularly those under our protection. We thank the UNMISS, the leadership South Sudan Police for their support and facilitating us in our service to humanity,” SSP Ngendahimana said.
Rwanda deployed the first contingent of FPU-1 to Malakal in 2015. The decorated officers constitute the 7th contingent, which was deployed in April last year.
In MINUSCA, the Head of Police component, CP Christophe Bizimungu thanked the decorated peacekeepers for their dedicated service to humanity.
“You have served selflessly; your dedication and sacrifice to peacekeeping provides safety to those displaced by conflicts,” CP Bizimungu said.
Their service, he said, is also a pride to their country Rwanda.
The RWAFPU-II contingent commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Hodali Rwanyindo thanked the MINUSCA leadership for the support to execute their mandate.
Rwanda FPU-2 supported the local people with assorted agriculture tools and seeds, especially those displaced by conflicts and currently under their protection in Razaret Protection of Civilian (PoC) camp.
They also provided free medical services to at least 380 internally displaced persons, and planted trees as part of the environmental protection campaign.
The Ubuntu Trophy, which recognizes the BAL player who has made an outstanding effort and impact in the community during the BAL season, was awarded to Jean-Jacques in recognition of his efforts with Club Rafiki (CR) in Rwanda throughout the 2022 BAL season.
Through his collaboration with CR, sources reveal, Nshobozwabyosenumukiza used the game of basketball to help children and young adults (U18) integrate into society and discover their potential through developmental basketball programming and competitions.
In recognition of his efforts, the BAL will donate US$5000 to Club Rafiki.
Nshobozwabyosenumukiza who was nominated as the Ubuntu Trophy finalist alongside Forces Armeés et Police Basketball’s (FAP) Essome Pierre and Petro de Luanda’s Lukeny Gerson, was selected as the winner by a BAL executive panel and fans on social media.
He is the second BAL player to receive the award, joining 2021 BAL Season Ubuntu Trophy winner Hichem Benayad-Cherif, who played for Groupement Sportif des Pétroliers in the inaugural BAL season.
The BAL Ubuntu Trophy, which will be given out annually, recognizes a player who participated in the BAL and who best represents the league through his efforts in the community.
“Ubuntu” derives from Nguni and Bantu languages and symbolizes essential human virtues, such as compassion, respect, and humanity.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday 15th March 2023. The sporting facility which previously carried the name of Kigali Stadium has been inaugurated after undergoing renovation.
The official inauguration was also characterized by a football match between veterans as part of events on agenda of the 73rd FIFA Congress held in Kigali.
Renovation works that began on 4th January 2023 include replacement of turf on the pitch and roof, renovation of the dressing room and spraying new paints on different sections among others.
The stadium was renamed as after the death of Brazilian football legend, Pele who died last year.
Speaking at the event, President Kagame thanked Gianni Infantino for being part of the event and providing the opportunity bringing together delegates at the launch of Kigali Pelé Stadium.
He said that the life of Pelé is an inspiration for many people with aspirations to do great things.
“Pelé brought the whole world together, a man from humble beginnings who rose to the level of excellence. That is an inspiration to many in the world with such backgrounds. That gives them hope that they can do things that bring them to the same level,” noted Kagame.
He said that the stadium is a facility where young women and men will come together to play and draw inspiration from Pelé.
Gianni Infantino said that the event was a great occasion that saw representatives from across the world convening in Kigali. The stadium is located in Nyamirambo.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento Pelé is Brazilian footballer whose extraordinary talent and unmatched achievements made him a global icon.
Widely considered the greatest footballer of all time, Pele is the only player to win the World Cup three times, having lifted the sport’s most prestigious trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
His celebrated career included 732 goals in 792 games for club and country.
Pelé died at the age of 82 on 29th December 2023 succumbing to natural cause.
