On December 20, more than 44 million people in the DRC registered to vote for the president, members of parliament, and provincial leaders. A total of 26 candidates vied for the position of Head of State, with 25,832 members of parliament and 44,110 provincial leaders, along with 31,234 regional leaders, also in contention.
Tshisekedi reassured his supporters that nothing detrimental would occur under his leadership, pledging, “I will never stop loving them, and I will give my life for you.” Distinguishing himself from other candidates, he cautioned the people against listening to promises that lack substance, emphasizing the need to scrutinize the track record of those in power.
Notably, President Paul Kagame was repeatedly referenced in Tshisekedi’s statements, with a clear warning to the citizens to consider Rwanda as an adversary and to maintain a distance. Tshisekedi emphatically declared that any association with Rwanda is now out of the question. He revealed that, upon assuming office, he initially collaborated with Rwanda to address violence and insecurity in Eastern Congo, aiming for the mutual development of both countries. However, he claimed that Rwanda betrayed this collaboration.
Tshisekedi asserted that he will no longer engage in dialogue with Rwanda and President Kagame. In the earlier days of his presidency, the relationship between Tshisekedi and Rwanda was seemingly flawless, marked by joint efforts to combat the FDLR terrorist group in Eastern Congo. However, he now insists on severing ties with Rwanda, despite past camaraderie.
The current strained relationship stands in stark contrast to previous displays of support, such as President Kagame’s attendance at Tshisekedi’s father’s funeral, where he was warmly welcomed in Kinshasa.
Previously, when President Kagame visited Goma to aid those affected by the Nyiragongo volcano eruption, Tshisekedi expressed gratitude to his “brother” for the support.
The rift is further underscored by the stark shift from describing Kagame as a ‘brother and trusted partner’ to outright rejection of any future collaboration. President Kagame’s attempts to explain the root of problems in the East of the DRC appear to have fallen on deaf ears, as Tshisekedi’s character has markedly changed over time.
The RWAFPU3-6 of 160 officers under the command of Senior Superintendent of Police SSP Angelique Uwamariya replaced RWAFPU3-5, which returned home later in the afternoon after a successful one-year peacekeeping duty in South Sudan.
Commissioner of Police (CP) William Kayitare, the Commissioner for Peace Support Operations, presided over the rotation at Kigali International Airport, on behalf of the RNP leadership.
He welcomed the officers back home and thanked them for a successful tour-of-duty.
“The country welcomes you back home and commends your sacrifice for the people of South Sudan.
Professionalism in peacekeeping goes beyond just physical security of those under your protection; it is also a pride to your country,” CP Kayitare told the replaced officers on arrival at Kigali International Airport.
Beyond just physical security of civilians, the contingent also engaged in human security initiatives related to health, hygiene and constructed a Police station well equipped with furniture and other items, among others.
The weeklong conference that was held at NIRDA Huye Research Centre in Huye District brought together experts, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across the world. It ended on Friday 17 November 2023.
Experts, researchers, policy makers, architects, engineers, and carpenters convened, engaging in practical workshops to enhance their understanding of modern bamboo construction techniques.
Participants acquired hands-on skills in Bamboo joinery and bamboo mechanical properties, Bamboo wall and bamboo durability as well as Bamboo beams and bamboo roofs as well as working with laminated bamboo among others.
Participants also discussed what could be the best techniques and requirements to promote bamboo and use it in the construction sector.
Speaking on behalf of NIRDA during the conference on Thursday, Telesphore Mugwiza, Division Manager for Applied Research and Development, underscored the need to advocate for bamboo adoption in Rwanda’s construction industry, citing its potential to create sustainable, locally sourced structures.
He said that NIRDA advocates for the incorporation of various bamboo species in the country, emphasizing knowledge sharing and skill development to boost bamboo usage in construction.
“The focus was put on practical workshops and presentations to equip local actors with the skills and insights needed to embrace bamboo as a key player in the construction industry,” said Mugwiza,
“Over the past days, the focus was put on practical workshops and presentations to equip local actors with the skills and insights needed to embrace bamboo as a key player in the construction industry,” said Mugwiza.
The conference, themed “A Step towards Sustainable Green Architecture,” saw collaboration between NIRDA, Belgian Development Agency (Enabel) in Rwanda, and Racines de France.
Richard Niwenshuti, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, commended NIRDA and Enabel for organizing such an important international conference on bamboo for construction stressing that it was an opportunity for local actors to learn from global experts.
He said that research revealed that bamboo can be a good source for construction materials which are sustainable, affordable and environment friendly.
“Bamboo’s status as a renewable material and carbon sink makes it a true green gold,” he said.
“It offers sustainable alternatives to conventional construction materials like wood, cement, concrete, steel, and fiberglass. As a local and renewable resource, bamboo has the power to significantly reduce the ecological footprint of our buildings, a crucial step for an industry known for its environmental impact,” he added.
The official added that by embracing bamboo, Rwanda aligns itself with ambitious development, climate, and environmental goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals, Reducing deforestation and forest degradation targets (REDD+), Paris Agreement commitments, and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
In 2022, Enabel, NIRDA, and Racine de France established the Center of Excellence for Bamboo at NIRDA’s Research Centre in Huye district focusing on transforming construction methods and reducing environmental impact.
“This center holds the promise of transformative change, leveraging technology and innovation around bamboo to provide an alternative to traditional construction methods,” said Niwenshuti.
Niwenshuti added that the government of Rwanda has identified three key categories for bamboo development: oriented strand board, plywood, and medium density fiberboard (MDF).
“Collaboration between research institutions, public entities, academia, and industry players is essential to advance the variety of bamboo species suitable for construction,” highlighted Niwenshuti.
Niwenshuti stressed the importance of quality control, standards in bamboo processing, and collaboration among research institutions, public entities, academia, and industry players.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that bamboo products meet the necessary standards, fostering a sustainable and reliable industry,” said Niwenshuti.
Laurent Preud’homme, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Belgium to Rwanda, praised Enabel’s support in developing various Made in Rwanda construction materials.
“It offers sustainable alternatives to conventional construction materials like wood, cement, concrete, steel, and fiberglass,” emphasized Preud’homme.
Participants lauded the conference for providing practical skills and insights into bamboo’s versatile applications in the construction sector.
“With a grasp of its properties, we can engineer secure structures resistant to strong winds and earthquakes, and when sourced locally, bamboo can also contribute to a sustainable, local economy for rural communities,” emphasized Pierre Boucher, a Structural Engineer from France specialized in Timber and Bamboo.
“Bamboo’s strength, rapid growth, and numerous environmental benefits make it an ideal building material, allowing us to diminish the environmental impact of the construction industry and sequester CO2,” explained Pierre Boucher.
The trio is alleged to be part of the racket of drug traffickers, largely from Tanzania, through porous borders, according to Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region.
SP Twizeyimana said: “On Friday, November 17, Police got information about a man that had sneaked quantities of cannabis into Rwanda from Tanzania through a porous border point in Kirehe district.
The same individual, who was being trailed, transported the narcotics from Kirehe, on Saturday, November 18, to a house in Cyimbazi village, Ntunga cell in Mwulire sector, Rwamagana district.”
He added that the three suspects, including the man who delivered the narcotics, the woman and her son were arrested red-handed at the house in Rwamagana.
The house belongs to the same arrested woman and her son, the alleged rightful owner of the narcotics.
They were all handed over to RIB at Kigabiro station for further investigations.
“There are other members of the same ring, who are still at large. They include motorcyclists, who were allegedly working for the woman and her son to deliver narcotics the their clients,” said SP Twizeyimana.
“We thank residents, who provided vital information that led to the arrest of some members of the ring. We urge the public to maintain the community policing spirit to break chains of drug supply.”
This article delves into the features of Ikizamini.com, how it offers an affordable and up to date solution for individuals aspiring to obtain their provisional driving licenses in Rwanda.
{{Diverse range of lessons in Kinyarwanda and English}}
One of the aspects of Ikizamini.com is its commitment to inclusivity. Acknowledging Rwanda’s linguistic diversity, the platform offers lessons in both Kinyarwanda and English ensuring that learners can comfortably engage with the material using their language. This bilingual approach enhances the learning experience making it accessible to an audience while promoting a comprehensive understanding of the content.
{{Flexibility at your fingertips}}
In this digital era flexibility holds great importance. Ikizamini.com acknowledges this. Offers learners the flexibility to access lessons at their convenience regardless of location. Whether you choose to study on your home computer or on your smartphone while commuting, Ikizamini.com enables you to learn at a pace that suits you. The user-friendly interface ensures an experience allowing learners to easily navigate through lessons and exercises.
{{Progressive lessons and assessments}}
Ikizamini.com goes beyond traditional learning methods. Lessons are broken down into “study cards” that allow the user to understand the content easily in a gamified way. After each lesson, users are presented with exercises of over 1000 questions designed to test their understanding and progress. This hands-on approach not only reinforces the acquired knowledge but also helps users identify areas that may need additional focus. It’s an interactive learning experience that ensures mastery of the material.
{{User friendly interface}}
Navigating through the Ikizamini platform is a breeze. The user-friendly interface is designed to be intuitive, making the learning process smooth and enjoyable. From the moment you sign up to tracking your progress, Ikizamini.com ensures that the technology enhances, rather than hinders, your educational journey. You can sign up using your phone or your computer and study anywhere anytime.
{{Affordable education for all}}
Education should be accessible to everyone. Ikizamini.com recognizes this by offering affordable lessons, making quality provisional license education within reach for a wide audience. This commitment to affordability aligns with the belief that financial constraints should not hinder anyone from acquiring essential life skills. The prices range from just Rwf4000 (14 days) to Rwf20 000 (3 months) depending on the period of time you intend to take lessons.
In conclusion, Ikizamini.com stands as a beacon of innovation and accessibility in the world of provisional license education. Whether you’re a first-time driver or looking to refresh your knowledge, Ikizamini provides a comprehensive, up-to-date, and affordable learning experience. Visit www.ikizamini.com today, sign up, and embark on your journey toward becoming a responsible and skilled driver with Ikizamini.com by your side.
In collaboration with stakeholders in the coffee value chain through Rwanda Ikawa Nziza Cyane (INC), TechnoServe has embarked on a two-year initiative spanning various sectors and involving different coffee factories.
Elijah Townsend, Technoserve Regional Program Director, emphasized the organization’s efforts to provide knowledge aligned with quality standardization, ensuring the continued prominence of Rwandan coffee.
According to figures from the Rwanda Coffee Industry Corporation (RCIC), the country has gained a reputation for coffee exports. Statistics reveal that Rwanda exported 22,000 tons of coffee in 2022, generating $100 million (over Rwf100 billion).
TechnoServe has presented regulations aimed at supporting coffee processing firms in Rwanda to maintain quality standards. The organization is urging collective efforts to ensure the success of these initiatives.
Bernard Uwitije, the Managing Director of Trapro Coffee Washing Stations in Nyamagabe, expressed appreciation for the benefits derived from TechnoServe’s initiative. However, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including difficulties in reaching international standards and inadequate profits for farmers compared to market values.
The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) reported that Rwanda exported 18,621 tons of coffee, generating $92.3 million in the first ten months of 2023. This marked a 37.1% increase in exported volume and a 43.3% increase in value compared to previous figures.
Francis Twagirayesu, Quality Assurance & Regulatory Division Manager at NAEB, outlined the challenges in adding value to Rwandan coffee. He stressed the importance of attracting partners and investors to enhance the monetary value of exported coffee, ensuring that it carries the “Made in Rwanda” label with high-quality standards.
Coffee, constituting 15% of Rwanda’s exports, has created employment opportunities for over 2 million people. The country aims to export 30,000 tons of coffee valued at $140 million, with a strategic focus on expanding market presence in Asia and the Middle East.
This law delineates cybercrimes and prescribes corresponding penalties. Individuals found guilty of such offenses may face imprisonment for a specified period as outlined in the law.
For example, under Article 24, engaging in unauthorized activities such as altering, hindering, or interfering with the functioning of a computer, computer system, or computer network—including the unauthorized introduction or transmission of malicious code—constitutes an offense.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than two (2) years and not more than five (5) years and a fine of not less than one million Rwandan francs (Rwf1,000,000) and not more than two million Rwandan francs (Rwf2,000,000). If the computer data belongs to a security state organ, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five (5) years and not more than seven (7) years and a fine of not less than three million Rwandan francs (Rwf3,000,000) and not more than five million Rwandan francs (Rwf5,000,000).
If the computer or computer system data is stored in critical national information infrastructure, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than ten (10) years and not more than fifteen (15) years and a fine of not less than ten million Rwandan francs (Rwf10,000,000) and not more than thirty million Rwandan francs (Rwf30,000,000).
{{Alignment with International Standards}}
The legislation aligns Rwanda with global data protection standards, a crucial development for a nation aspiring to thrive in the contemporary digital economy. This move facilitates services such as e-commerce, international financial transactions, and various online services, positioning Rwanda as a player in the global digital arena.
{{Objectives of the Law}}
The primary objectives of this law are manifold, aiming to empower citizens, foster secure data flows domestically and internationally, provide regulatory certainty for businesses, attract prospective investors, and create an environment conducive to the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Moreover, it propels Rwanda toward becoming a technology-enabled and data-driven economy.
With the advancement of technological innovation and cross-border digital trade, adequate personal data protection legislation is essential to fully harness the benefits of the global digital economy while safeguarding the privacy of individuals.
Non-compliance with data protection legislation, in Rwanda and internationally, could impede Rwanda- based organizations from participating in cross-border business as well as detract foreign direct investment from companies looking to take advantage of Rwanda’s enabling business environment and rising reputation as a proof-of-concept hub in the ICT sector.
{{Implementation and Compliance}}
The law mandates a 2-year journey to compliance, allowing individuals and institutions to establish the necessary processes for handling personal data securely and responsibly. In accordance with global best practices, the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) has been designated as the supervisory authority responsible for enforcing the law.
{{Applicability of the Law}}
The law applies to individuals and institutions established or residing in Rwanda that process the personal data of individuals in Rwanda, irrespective of citizenship. Additionally, it extends its jurisdiction to individuals and institutions established or residing outside of Rwanda but processing the personal data of individuals within Rwanda.
Rwanda’s commitment to data protection is not just a legal imperative but a strategic move to foster innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness.
In an interview with France 24 and RFI on November 16, 2023, Tshisekedi asserted that engaging in war was the optimal choice for his country, citing the international community’s refusal to impose sanctions on Rwanda.
Tshisekedi alleges that Rwanda is providing support to the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC, a claim vehemently denied by the Rwandan government. In contrast, Rwanda asserts that DR Congo is collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group comprising individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Mukuralinda commented that Tshisekedi’s declarations, coupled with claims of possessing ample war equipment, convey a clear message about his intentions.
Mukuralinda highlighted Tshisekedi’s acknowledgment of mercenaries, active drones, and his readiness to defend his country before, during, or after elections.
These statements, according to Mukuralinda, signal a need for Rwandan troops to be on high alert.
Tshisekedi mentioned having 1000 mercenaries and support from Wazalendo, a militia group involved in the ongoing conflict between DR Congo and the M23 rebel group.
Wazalendo is a coalition of armed groups, including FDLR, fighting alongside Congolese soldiers against M23. Mukuralinda emphasized that Rwanda cannot afford to remain passive in the face of these actions and statements and must remain vigilant.
He clarified Rwanda’s stance, stating, “Whether a war happens or not, Rwanda is on standby. It is prepared for a peaceful process, prioritizing dialogue and regional intervention to assist DR Congo in resolving the issues.” Mukuralinda added, “Rwanda will never be complacent and will always protect its security and border sovereignty.”
In light of Tshisekedi’s remarks, Rwanda underscores its primary concern for peace rather than war, emphasizing its commitment to proactive measures for regional stability and conflict resolution.
However, the UK government maintained its stance that Rwanda is a safe country, emphasizing that asylum seekers would be treated decently upon deportation. Yolande Makolo told The Sun that the Supreme Court’s politically charged judgment on the Migration and Economic Development Partnership (MEDP) was insulting to Rwanda. She disclosed that the ruling was based on inaccurate evidence provided by UNHCR.
“If you just read the UNHCR’s evidence, you would be forgiven for thinking that they believe Rwanda was dangerous for refugees,” noted Makolo. “Judges based their decision on inaccurate evidence submitted from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR]. Yet, the UNHCR continues to partner with us to evacuate asylum seekers from terrible situations in Libya,” she added.
One day after the UK Supreme Court’s ruling, Rwanda received the 15th batch of asylum seekers from Libya. These 169 new arrivals joined more than 1700 others relocated from Libya, and another 130,000 refugees who are currently cared for in Rwanda. As of today, Rwanda hosts 134,519 refugees, with the majority (62.20%) from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 37.24% from Burundi, and 0.56% from other countries.
Makolo highlighted that the UNHCR has commended Rwanda’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers as ‘exemplary.’ She questioned the apparent hypocrisy, stating, “So, why the hypocrisy? Campaigners have demonized Rwanda just because they don’t like the policy.”
For Rwandans, Makolo expressed difficulty in understanding and accepting the attacks on the country for caring for asylum seekers and migrants, especially when the claims are deemed false and misleading. Under the MEDP, anyone coming to Rwanda will be offered a path to residence and a chance to build a life, irrespective of the validity of their asylum claims.
“Some question our motives. To be clear, we’re doing this because we believe migrants don’t need to make dangerous journeys to Europe to succeed. We want to offer them a home in Africa and build decent prospects here,” said Makolo.
She further said that those who want to criticise the MEDP ‘can go ahead’ but warned them against attacking Rwanda and using lies to do so, because Rwanda deserves better as a country offering safety, opportunity and a home to those most in need.
Rwanda and the UK remain committed to working together for a revised policy to address barriers that could affect the MEDP.
Twenty-six candidates for the presidential elections have been registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), including President Felix Tshisekedi who is competing for his reelection.
In a press release published Saturday night in Kinshasa, CENI President Denis Kadima called on candidates to respect the laws and good electoral practices during this campaign which will last for a month.
“The CENI calls on candidates for responsibility and tolerance during the 30 days of the electoral campaign. This is the time for each candidate to bond with their voters, to prepare and organize the voting and counting operations by their witnesses,” he stressed.
President Felix Tshisekedi decided to launch his campaign Sunday in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, where thousands of his supporters gather in the city’s martyrs’ stadium.
Moise Katumbi, former governor of the Katanga province who is also the head of an opposition coalition and main opponent of Tshisekedi, chose the city of Kisangani, located in the northeast of the country, to start his campaign on the same day.
