The unique service offers passengers the convenience of dropping off their luggage at the airline’s offices located at Hôtel des Mille Collines before heading to board their flights at Kigali International Airport, situated on the outskirts of Kanombe, about 5 kilometers from the city center.
Brussels Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dorothea Von Boxberg attended the reopening of the city check-in section.
“We are very proud that we can offer this very good service again, which is to drop off luggage and check-in at the city office in the morning and spend the day not worrying about your luggage, then go to the airport and ensure the luggage is there,” the CEO stated.
To fulfill the airline’s commitment to offering convenience to its customers Ms.Von, Boxberg also announced that the airline would begin daily flights from Kigali starting in June.
“To further enhance convenience, we’re increasing service to daily flights from Kigali starting in June,” Von Boxberg announced.
Brussels Airlines Country Manager Audrey Natukunda explained that the check-in service was halted after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in line with the government measures introduced to curb the spread of the virus.
“We, as Brussels Airlines, care for our staff and passengers. We needed to comply with the regulations to keep the distance and stay healthy,” Natukunda explained.
Following the reopening of the service, passengers will receive an email inviting them to check in luggage at Hôtel des Mille Collines before their flight.
Charles Habonimana, the Managing Director of Rwanda Airports Company (RAC), lauded the service, saying it is particularly convenient for passengers who use motorbikes to beat traffic to the airport, as they do not need to struggle with their luggage. He encouraged other airlines to introduce similar services to increase customer satisfaction.
Versmessen Bert, the Ambassador of Belgium to Rwanda, welcomed the resumption of the check-in service at the city center, terming it timely as the tourism sector continues to experience remarkable growth since the pandemic.
A report released by the Rwanda Development Board last month shows that the tourism sector recorded $650 million (RWF 832 billion) in revenues last year, representing a 35 percent growth in revenue compared to 2022. The tourism sector is projected to fully recover from the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, having made a significant rebound in 2023.
According to a survey by the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, the tourism sector achieved 88 percent of pre-pandemic levels last year. Total export revenues from tourism, encompassing passenger transport, reached approximately $1.6 trillion in 2023, nearly 95 per cent of the $1.7 trillion recorded in 2019.
Projections suggest a continuation of this positive trend, with estimates indicating a 2 per cent growth in international tourist arrivals above 2019 levels.
Rwandan forces are helping Mozambique’s army fight militants who launched an armed uprising in 2017. The insurgency began with the group expressing discontent over the lack of economic benefits from natural gas in the region, allegations of government corruption and marginalization of local communities.
Speaking during a presidential panel comprising Presidents Paul Kagame and William Ruto of Kenya at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali on Friday, Nyusi affirmed that Rwanda’s solidarity had helped Mozambique neutralise terror threats in the country.
“There have been quite a number of efforts, together with my brother, His Excellency Paul Kagame. We discussed issues related to security. We have put so many aspects in the northern part of the country where we are looking at exploring mineral resources such as hydrocarbons. It’s true we have gone through terrorism occurrences in 2021. We encountered so many challenges, and we put in place micro-projects in those areas which were supposed to start.
“In terms of national security, thanks to the support of my brother from Rwanda we have been able to contain the threat situation. I thank the people of Rwanda for showing solidarity,” President Nyusi stated.
Terming the current situation as stable, the President dismissed claims that the terror threats pose risk to private sector investments in the country.
“The current situation is stable. It’s just a minor part of the North which is under threat. But investments have never been stopped. It means that the level of risk in Mozambique is nonexistent,” he explained.
“In terms of investments in Mozambique in sectors such as power, infrastructure, energy, we are building ports. We have three ports so far that can have major shipping lines to do the work. There are so many people who have visited Mozambique they can witness.”
President Nyusi also noted that dialogue with the ‘enemies’ had helped de-escalate the security situation in Mozambique.
“Thanks to dialogue, I personally had the opportunity to go to the forest to dialogue with the enemies because I knew what was happening and what they wanted. So we were able to discuss and agree on some points. So the situation is quite better now,” he added.
Rwanda deployed its security forces to Mozambique in 2021 after the insurgency escalated with the militia employing violent tactics, including attacks on civilians and security forces and destruction of property. Mozambique has also received military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 2021. However, SADC forces started withdrawing last month as its mandate ends in July.
Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) announced this week that new troops of the are preparing to deploy to Cabo Delgado in the gas-rich Northern Province.
The soldiers on Tuesday received a briefing on the new mission during a meeting with senior officials, including the Rwanda Defence Forces Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi and Commissioner Vincent B. Sano, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations.
The RDF Army Chief of Staff conveyed a message from President Paul Kagame, who also doubles up as the Commander-in-Chief of RDF, reminding the troops to maintain discipline and commitment to the crucial mission.
Nyakarundi emphasized that the forces currently deployed in the region were performing admirably and urged the troops to uphold the standards.
“This deployment underscores the strong bilateral relations between the Republic of Rwanda and Mozambique,” RDF said in a statement.
Early this month, RDF announced that joint Rwanda and Mozambique forces had made gains in neutralizing the militia insurgency in the country.
RDF revealed on May 5, 2024, that the joint security team had managed to smoke out and kill a majority of the Al-Shabaab terrorists hiding in Odinepa, Nasua, Mitaka, and Manika forests during a one-week operation that started on April 26.
Only a few insurgents are reported to have escaped the military onslaught during the one-week operation.
MP Donatille Mukabalisa expresses that during her tenure, both as a speaker and parliamentarian, she takes pride in the achievements of the Rwandan Government, which have been accomplished with contributions from everyone.
In an interview with IGIHE recently, she discussed various topics, including her views on the Parliament’s responsibilities in representing the citizens, the preparations for elections within the Liberal Party (PL), which she leads, and other diverse subjects.
{{IGIHE: How are the preparations for the elections within PL going?}}
{{Donatille Mukabalisa:}} As you know, in July 2024, there will be Presidential and Parliamentary elections, and we in the Liberal Party (PL) are well prepared. Whenever there are elections, the first thing a political party thinks about is how to present its agenda to Rwandans to gain their votes.
The key preparation involves creating a political agenda that outlines what we intend to deliver.
We have carefully prepared our agenda, the Liberal Party’s (PL) principles, and our plans for Rwandans from 2024 to 2029 during this five-year term. This is based on the pillars of the economy, social welfare, and good governance.
Every political party has the responsibility to lead Rwandans toward sustainable development, ensuring their welfare, safety, and a country that experiences rapid and lasting progress.
All of this is grounded in the vision we have collectively set as Rwandans, whether you belong to a political party or not.
We have all contributed to the Vision 2050, and there are other sustainable development goals we must achieve as a country and globally, such as Vision 2063. These foundations are what we will present to Rwandans to secure their votes, enabling us to contribute to the goals we have set as a nation.
{{We have seen that you have chosen to support Paul Kagame. As a significant party in Rwanda, don’t you think you should present your own candidate instead of supporting another party’s candidate?}}
It is not only in Rwanda that a political party supports a candidate from another party.
The Liberal Party granted its members the freedom to choose. We asked them if they saw fit to present a candidate, and if so, who within the party would be suitable? They chose to support the candidate presented by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) Inkotanyi, Paul Kagame.
During the deliberations, each speaker highlighted the reasons why they felt we should support the RPF Inkotanyi candidate, emphasizing the achievements and positive direction he has brought to the country.
When considering a Head of State, you ask what Rwandans need. But you must also conduct a broader analysis, asking what Rwanda as a country needs and who has the capability to meet those needs.
Given the critical challenges we faced after President Paul Kagame stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi and liberated our country from all possible evils, looking at our progress and vision, it is clear that there is no reason to change a winning team.
From the worst possible state, we have reached a place where even the world marvels at our progress. What seemed like a dead country has resurrected, with people rebuilding and showing great resilience, all thanks to good leadership.
We believe this good leadership should continue to guide us to reach and even surpass our goals, establishing a strong foundation and pillars while collaborating with him in all aspects.
{{In 2010, you had a candidate in the Presidential election. Did the unsatisfactory results lead you to support Paul Kagame this time?}}
You must consider the state of the country, the region, and the world at large because the world has become like a village. You must look at the interests of the country and Rwandans.
Considering all these factors, we concluded that the right candidate to support is Paul Kagame. However, this does not prevent us from preparing to present our own candidate in the future.
{{Do you think President Kagame’s successor could come from the Liberal Party?}}
We will assess that in due time, as it requires thorough preparation. When the time comes, you will know.
Before the Genocide against the Tutsi, the Liberal Party was very active, but now many people wonder what you do that would attract someone without a political affiliation to join the PL. What would you say to them?
The Liberal Party was founded on July 14, 1991. This July, we will be celebrating 33 years. It started during a very challenging and politically difficult time, with significant strength and noble goals.
The party fought for individual freedom, which was not available to Rwandans, for justice, and for development.
Living in a country that denies people their rights, where there is no justice, and where people cannot freely pursue activities that can lead to their development is unacceptable.
A country with severe exclusion and oppression of some Rwandans cannot progress if it is divided.
Fighting for these causes during such challenging times was not easy. We persisted, but Habyarimana’s regime saw the power of the Liberal Party and split it, creating a faction called PL Power based on ethnicity, while the rest of us continued with the original mission.
Understandably, many PL members were victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, but those who survived drew strength from within to rebuild the party’s political foundation, focusing on unifying Rwandans, which had been shattered.
We had the framework and the place to work from, which enabled us to continue building our strength to collaborate with other Rwandans in rebuilding the country, advancing it, and fostering a sense of unity. We are proud of the role we played in achieving this progress.
{{You have led the parliament for 11 years; when you look back, which achievements do you appreciate that have changed the lives of the citizens?}}
When we talk about the Assembly, it’s not about an individual looking at themselves alone, speaking as a leader or viewing it as just the Parliament because it involves collaboration with colleagues.
The Parliament has different organs, including the General Assembly as the main body, the Chairpersons’ Council, and various committee works where we all work together.
Regarding its responsibilities of enacting laws and overseeing government activities, we do all this collectively.
We are proud of all we have achieved as a country because we have fulfilled our duties as the Parliament while working with other institutions.
When we talk about enacting laws, they are established to ensure that the policies that have been set can be implemented, and laws are made to address specific issues.
When we oversee the government’s activities, we are looking at things like the past seven-year program, the 2050 vision, and ensuring that the goals Rwandans need to achieve are met appropriately, bringing visible changes in the lives of Rwandans.
I can say that we are proud of what we have achieved because we played our part in our duties as the Parliament across all levels. We cannot claim it was just us alone; we all worked together.
{{We sometimes see laws being enacted and then amended shortly after; how does this happen, and why aren’t enduring laws passed from the beginning?}}
We are a developing country; when laws are enacted, we do not stop there. After some time, we go back and review our oversight duty to monitor the implementation of those laws to see if they are solving the issues they were created to address.
We review how they are being implemented, often after about three years. When we review their implementation, we sometimes find that they are not being implemented correctly or are not solving the issues they were created to address, making it necessary to amend them.
We are a country that wants to progress quickly, and like when you build a house, there comes a point where you notice things that need to be improved even though the plan was initially well-drawn. You may need to make adjustments to make it better.
When building a country, you reach a point where you review and ask if what you are doing is solving the problems that led to the laws being enacted. That is where amendments come in.
There is nothing wrong with amending; the problem would be to leave something that is not working well unaddressed because you are not amending it.
The event featured distinguished guests, including Attorney General Damien Vandermeersch, lawyer Michèle Hirsch, journalist Colette Braeckman, and Brigitte Safari, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi who shared her testimony.
During her presentation, journalist Colette Braeckman reflected on Belgium’s failure in Rwanda, stating, “We, the journalists who were in Rwanda before the Genocide, reported that Tutsis were being threatened with death, inciting hatred against them.”
She added, “When I arrived in Belgium from Kigali, I was invited to a meeting organized by Catholic church followers. Arriving there, one person wrote on the blackboard that the RPF should stop the war so we can stop killing. I thought I was dreaming, wondering if I was really in Belgium. This showed me that some in Belgium had an extermination plan shared with those in Rwanda at that time, shortly before the Genocide against the Tutsi.”
Braeckman also recounted her eyewitness account of French soldiers aiding the Interahamwe militias and the former Rwandan government forces (Ex-FAR) in committing atrocities, including massacres, with the support of French authorities, even transporting them to Zaire.
She said, “The French soldiers would pose for photos with some of the civilian refugees to show that they were helping people in difficulties. The saddest thing is that as journalists, our job is to report news, but there are others who have other plans, and you find that decisions have been made. You speak up, but no one listens. However, we have to write to preserve history.”
Another revelation from Braeckman was the pressure on journalists to falsely accuse the RPF of shooting down former President Habyarimana’s plane.
Attorney General Damien Vandermeersch emphasized the professional responsibility to hear from both sides and search for the truth of the crimes committed. He said, “I have met many accused of murder and participation in the Genocide against the Tutsi, and there are also those who should not have been accused, such as former ministers, university professors, religious leaders, and others.”
He continued, “This led us to hear many people say there was a massacre, a war, or a conflict with other names. No, there is no other name for the Genocide against the Tutsis because they hunted people based on their identity, found them in their hiding places, and killed them.”
Lawyer Michèle Hirsch, who has 29 years of experience defending the compensation of the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, highlighted the serious violence women endured. She shared her personal history of the Genocide against the Jews, where family members were killed, and how her experience in Rwanda deeply affected her.
Hirsch noted that when she started her work, she found that survivors often spoke more about their families than themselves, reflecting the difficulty of confronting their trauma, though many are now beginning to share their personal stories with the justice system.
In an interview with IGIHE, Arnaud Hamann, the President of the “Conference du Jeune Barreau de Bruxelles,” stated that the event was organized to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
He said, “Considering the period after the history of the world war, this Genocide is the one in which a large number of people were killed in a short period of time and with great brutality. So we invited one of the survivors, Safari Brigitte, to share testimonies, Journalist Colette Braeckman who followed the history of Rwanda to share her experience, and lawyers including Attorney General Damien Vandermeersch and Lawyer Michèle Hirsch.”
Hamann emphasized the importance of keeping audio and video recordings of the discussions to ensure that the accounts are not just left on paper, providing tools for future legal professionals and judges.
A recent survey by Transparency International Rwanda (TI-Rwanda) found that only 34.5 per cent of respondents were aware of property expropriation rights, with just 1.4 per cent saying they were fully aware of their rights.
Additionally, 29.0 per cent said they were not sure, 29.1 per cent were unaware, and 0.8% said they were totally unaware of their rights in cases where the government claims privately owned property for the benefit of the public.
A total of 1,050 respondents participated in the survey conducted across the five provinces of Rwanda, where the government has claimed privately owned land for the construction of feeder roads, as well as education and health infrastructure projects. 52.90 per cent of the respondents were male while 47.10 were female.
TI-Rwanda conducted an assessment on the issues of expropriation targeting government programs with support from the German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
At least two projects in each of the 15 districts across Western, Eastern, Southern, Northern and Kigali Provinces were selected among three key areas (feeder roads, health and education) for examination.
TI-Rwanda also examined the level of citizen’s participation in the selection of infrastructure projects and compliance with Law NO 32-2015 of 11-06-2015 relating to expropriation in the public interest. The law stipulates that any compensation must be made prior to the project implementation.
“Investors consulted me and assured me that they would not take my land that is why I was not on the list of people who were supposed to be compensated. Later, I was surprised to see their workers with machines destroying my compound and taking my land. They even called the engineer of Gasabo district saying that they will not compensate me because they said that I should claim before the starting of the project. I cannot say that we, citizens have the right on neither our property nor on the expropriation of our properties affected by infrastructure-related projects,” one of the respondents was quoted as saying.
On community awareness of selected infrastructure projects in their village, 39.4 per cent of the respondents said they were aware, 1.9 per cent said they were totally aware, and 18.2 per cent said they were not sure. Additionally, 30.5 per cent of respondents said they were unaware, 0.9 per cent said they were totally unaware, and 9.1 per cent said they didn’t know.
“We were not informed about this project, but we are thankful for benefiting medical services because it is our advantage to see that works related to the construction of Shagasha health centre were complete,” another resident was quoted as saying.
The survey also revealed that 80.7 per cent of the feeder roads were reported by the citizens to have negatively affected community properties during the implementation of projects in the districts selected for the study.
“Houses have been destroyed by the construction of the new roads, and some houses are hanging and may be destructed due to them being on steeped roads,” a respondent from Kamonyi lamented.
A section of residents of Nyabihu complained that their houses were damaged by landslides due to roads missing water drainage. The residents also decried lack of compensation for their damaged property.
The report recommends the adoption of improved notice procedures by authorities at the district level and increased transparency and accountability. It suggests provision of all relevant information to the citizens who will be directly affected and avoiding the implementation of projects without written prior agreement from the beneficiaries.
The report has also made several recommendations to Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (Loda), Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) and Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN).
The recommendations include the authorities to enhance independence and activities of the Institute of Real Property Valuers in Rwanda (IRPV) and provide necessary support in setting and updating annual land prices; Improve feasibility studies on expropriation projects, including an assessment of socio-economic impacts on the affected population; Initiate a livelihood strategy for citizens whose properties are affected by the implementation of infrastructure projects; and Clarify and follow project timelines, improve, and streamline the payment procedures by allocating sufficient project budgets before the project starts.
Kagame made the remarks during the second day of the Africa CEO Forum while responding to a question regarding the perceived level of risk or instability attributed to the continent, including factors such as political instability, economic volatility, security concerns, and social challenges.
“The risk profile for Africa is deliberately exaggerated to benefit those who, anyway, dictate how things go. And this fits well with topics we discussed here, whether Africa is on the table or the menu. I think many times it’s both because even when some people are at the table, they think they have raised their level and they don’t realize that at some point, whenever somebody decides that they be eaten up on the menu, that will happen,” President Kagame stated during a panel discussion comprising President William Ruto of Kenya and Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique.
President Kagame said the risk profile has stifled investments in the continent and called for a united voice to tackle challenges affecting the continent.
“We don’t need to keep rating each other, but we just have to focus and deal with the problems at hand. Every one of us, whether the heads of state, audience, or business leaders, know there are problems we have to tackle in our continent,” President Kagame stated.
He blamed the challenges facing the continent on poor leadership.
“There is poverty that shouldn’t be here after so many decades. If we look at ourselves in comparison with other parts of the world, there are certain African countries and regions that were better off than other countries in other continents say 50 years ago.
“Now what has happened in our continent, there has been stagnation or reversal of gains we ought to have made, and these countries are hundreds of times better than us. What is lacking is leadership. Unity around purpose. There is taking the opportunity before us and translating it into the aspirations, the needs people are capable of. This requires leadership, governance, accountability, and assessing and challenging ourselves and holding ourselves accountable,” he added.
On partnerships with other foreign nations, Kagame insisted that the collaborations must offer a sense of mutual benefit.
Giving an example of win-win deals entered with several partners Kagame said, “Those who want to do something, we sit and discuss. There is what we want, there is what they want. We talk about how each of us benefits from what is under transaction. It’s fair for them, it’s fair to us. We have done different deals in sports and different areas. We have partnerships with PSG, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal. When we did that, we made sure that they benefit and we benefit.
President Ruto, on his part, echoed Kagame’s sentiments, saying leadership and making the right unpopular decisions will play a significant role in transforming the continent.
“Leadership starts from where you are. I quite agree with what Kagame has said. It boils down to leadership. China 30-35 years ago was not where it is today. Today China is the second largest economy in the world. It’s because of leadership and decision-making. Leading is about making the right decisions.”
President Ruto also lauded President Kagame for the introduction of visa-free travel policy for all Africans, saying, “We can get the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) moving and make it a reality, so that our business people can move across this continent.”
The two-day CEO forum, which kicked off on Thursday, brought together more than 2,000 business leaders from 75 countries.
The forum challenged attendees to take decisive action for Africa’s future amidst global economic uncertainties.
The Associates Appreciation Week showcases the hotels’ commitment to fostering a culture of gratitude and recognition within the workplace. Each day of the week featured various activities and initiatives designed to express gratitude and acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the associates.
“As we kick off Associate Appreciation Week, we want to thank you for making Marriott International a great place to work. We are so proud of you and all you do to live our core values, which shape our people-first culture. Marriott is an industry leader with an expansive global portfolio of nearly 8,900 properties in 141 countries and territories and 203 million Marriott Bonvoy members—and counting. The work you do uplifts your fellow associates, enables exceptional experiences for our guests, delivers value to our owners, and benefits the communities we serve,” said Tony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International Inc.
The week was filled with fun and entertainment, where associates socialized through games, dance, competitions, and shared food and drinks. Highlights of the Associates Appreciation Week (AAW) included several themed days.
They began with Take Care Day on Day 1, where the week kicked off by celebrating the achievements and contributions of the associates. The Executive Committee and Heads of Departments took the opportunity to recognize individual and team accomplishments, highlighting the dedication and hard work that drive the hotel’s success. Lunchtime for both hotels featured additional live stations, supported by the Executive Committee, creating a festive and appreciative atmosphere.
On Day 2, Spirit to Serve and Fun Day embodied Marriott International’s “Serve 360” initiative. Associates participated in a volunteer blood donation activity, contributing to a noble cause and making a meaningful impact beyond the workplace. The day also included team-building games and competitions, along with themed dress-up days, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and fun among the associates.
Day 3 was Culture Day, a celebration of diversity and inclusion. Associates showcased their culture through various mediums such as traditional attire and cuisine, recognizing that diversity is not only a source of strength but also a cornerstone of innovation and creativity. This day allowed associates to share and appreciate the rich cultural heritage within the workplace.
The final days, Day 4 and Day 5, were marked by Winners Day and the Associates Party. These days featured unforgettable celebrations filled with laughter, camaraderie, and well-deserved recognitions. The events took place at the Intare/Urugano conference hall, providing a fitting conclusion to a week dedicated to honoring and appreciating the invaluable contributions of the associates.
{{Day 1}}
{{Day 2}}
{{Day 3}}
{{Day 4 and Day 5, were marked by Winners Day and the Associates Party}}
[Click this link to view more pictures of the celebration->https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Lea3glh-b6-lgZUbRuaK4SsoM9g96NJe]
Oda Gasinzigwa ,NEC Chairperson, stated that significant efforts have been made to enhance election preparations, including the consolidation of the elections, revision of the election law, and creation of a Presidential decree regulating the elections.
She highlighted that after updating the law and the voter list, it was found that nearly two million young people will be voting for the first time.
Currently, the total number of voters stands at 9.5 million, with over 53,000 Rwandans living abroad. The process of correcting the voter list is still ongoing.
This is a combined election where Rwandans will vote for the President and 54 Deputies from political parties or independent candidates, with additional Deputies coming from special categories.
{{The number of independent candidates has increased}}
The NEC has announced that there has been an increase in the number of independent candidates as it has now received nominations for the position of President of the Republic and candidates for the position of 41 MPs.
They are currently seeking signatures where their applications will be accepted from May 17, 2024 to May 30, 2024, to be considered eligible.
Candidates are requested to abide by the rules and regulations and avoid any disqualification.
{{Requirements for the person who wants to be a candidate }}
Legal Commissioner Judith Mbabazi outlined the legal requirements for the various positions.
She pointed out that for the position of the Head of the Nation, he is required to have Rwandan nationality by origin, to have no other nationality, to be morally sound, and not to be deprived of his civil and political rights by the courts.
The aspirant is required to be at least 35 years of age, he must be in Rwanda at the time of his candidacy and for MPs, he is required to be 21 years of age and have citizenship.
{{Polling stations }}
The NEC states that more than 17,000 polling stations have been prepared across the country because it is hoped that at least 500 people will vote in each station.
Another thing that goes with the polling room is the equipment that will be included, which is two boxes in each room.
{{Reviewing the Voters List is ongoing}}
While the National Electoral Commission states that 9.5 million people have already registered to vote, it states that the process of correcting the voter list using technology is ongoing.
This system is designed to help people check if they are on the voter list, move based on their location and make general corrections by dialing *169#.
In terms of technology, observers have also started applying to monitor the elections and now it has been made easier so that applicants are allowed without having to come to Rwanda, but everything is done online.
{{Dissolution of the House of Representatives}}
The Constitution stipulates when the House of Representatives can be dissolved for electoral reasons, but due to changes that led to combined elections, the statutory period was ignored as their term expired last year.
The NEC states that during the transitional period, the law shows that the members of parliament who are present at the end of their term, continue to lead until the assembly is dissolved for electoral reasons.
Due to the fact that the elections were combined this year, the dissolution of the assembly will depend on the term of the President of the Republic when it ends.
{{Important dates for elections}}
NEC announces that from May 17 to May 30, 2024, it will be receiving candidates’ applications. Their confirmation will be announced on June 14, 2024, and on June 22 – July 13, 2024 campaign activities will begin.
It is planned that on June 29, 2024 the list of voters will be published, on July 14 there will be elections for Rwandans living abroad and on July 15, 2024, there will be elections inside the country.
On July 16, 2024, elections are scheduled for 24 women deputies, two representing youth and one deputy representing people with disabilities.
It is planned that by July 20, 2024, the provisional results of the elections will be announced, while the results of the elections should be announced by July 27.
This was highlighted on May 16, 2024, during a press briefing held by the Commission regarding the preparations for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for July 2024.
When asked by journalists about concerns that electoral commissions in various African countries lack independence, Oda Gasinzigwa asserted that the National Electoral Commission of Rwanda is independent and that all its activities are based on legal principles.
She said, “The National Electoral Commission is independent because it operates within the law and is not dictated by anyone else. Our responsibilities include providing equal rights and receiving feedback, but we do so within the framework of legal provisions.”
The Executive Secretary of NEC, Munyaneza Charles, emphasized that the Commission’s independence is evident in their daily operations, but this does not mean it operates in isolation.
He stated, “The Commission is independent but not isolated. We are independent but collaborate with others because we are a government institution, and our independence is demonstrated in what we do.”
NEC announced that from May 17 to May 30, 2024, candidate submissions will be accepted, with the final approved list of candidates to be announced on June 14, 2024. The campaigning period will run from June 22 to July 13, 2024.
It is also scheduled that on June 29, 2024, the final voters’ list will be published, with elections for Rwandans living abroad to be held on July 14, 2024, and domestic elections on July 15, 2024.
The organization notes that this number is steadily increasing as laws criminalizing same-sex relationships become stricter in various countries. In 2022, the number of people who sought asylum in Europe was 9,500.
Kimahli Powell, the Executive Director of Rainbow Railroad, stated that out of the 15,000 individuals who requested asylum in 2023, about 1,500 were from Uganda.
Ella Anthony from Nigeria is one of those who chose to flee due to her sexual orientation. She left Nigeria after being forced into marriage, only to face abuse from her husband once she arrived at his home. This led her to return to her family, who then threatened to imprison her because of her same-sex relationships.
Since Nigeria criminalized same-sex relationships, it has become extremely difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals who face severe persecution, sometimes even death. This situation prompted Ella Anthony and her partner, Doris Ezuruike Chinonso, to seek asylum abroad.
After suffering abuse from her brothers, Anthony attempted suicide. She later paid smugglers to help her and her partner cross into Libya.
Upon arriving in Libya, they paid traffickers to transport them to Italy, where they were granted asylum.
Anthony explains that while life in Italy is not perfect, it is significantly better than in her home country, where being in a same-sex relationship could lead to imprisonment or death.
Current data shows that in 2016, Poland received three asylum seekers from the LGBTQ+ community. Between 2015-2017, Finland received around 500, and Italy received approximately 80 between 2012-2017.
