Notably, CG Dan Munyuza, the former Police Chief, has been appointed as Rwanda’s ambassador to Egypt. Additionally, Ange Kagame, daughter of President Paul Kagame, has been named the Deputy Executive Director of the Strategy and Policy Council at the Office of the Presidency (OTP).
CG Dan Munyuza, who served as the Inspector General of Rwanda National Police until four months ago, will now take on the vital responsibility of representing Rwanda in Egypt.
In addition to these two key appointments, the cabinet meeting resolved on other diplomatic postings as well. Maj Gen Charles Karamba will now serve as Rwanda’s ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union.
Michel Sebera has been named ambassador to the Republic of Guinea, marking a historic moment as Rwanda establishes a dedicated ambassadorship to the country. Previously, Rwanda’s interests in Guinea were overseen by the country’s ambassador to Nigeria. Michel Sebera’s experience as Minister Counsellor in Rwanda’s Embassy in the Netherlands will undoubtedly prove invaluable in this new role.
Besides, Shakila Umutoni Kazimbaya, who previously served as the Director General of Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will take on the role of Rwanda’s ambassador to Morocco.
It’s important to note that these appointments come as replacements for various individuals who have completed their tours of duty in their respective positions.
For instance, Maj Gen Karamba’s posting to Ethiopia follows the conclusion of his tour as Rwanda’s ambassador to Tanzania. Additionally, Shakila Umutoni Kazimbaya replaces the former ambassador to Morocco, Zaina Nyiramatama.
Other nominations saw the former Secretary General of Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), Francois Ngarambe, appointed the Chairman of Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honor (CHENO).
The development was confirmed through a statement released by IFAD on 31st July 2023.
“I am pleased to announce that after a very robust recruitment process, including an external panel review, I have appointed Ms Gérardine Mukeshimana, a national of Rwanda, as Vice-President,” said IFAD President Alvaro Lario, in the statement.
According to the statement, Dr. Mukeshimana will come on board (in IFAD) on August 28, 2023.
Dr. Mukeshimana served as the Minister for Agriculture and Animal Resources in Rwanda for the previous eight years from 2014 until March 2023. She was replaced by Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri.
Under her leadership, the agricultural sector was transformed into one of the best performing on the continent and farmers experienced a dramatic improvement of their livelihoods, according to the statement.
During her tenure, the statement added, Mukeshimana engaged with rural youth, attracted private sector interest in agri-business in Rwanda, and pioneered the use of climate funds for the agricultural sector.
Dr. Mukeshimana possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and Horticulture from the University of Rwanda, a Master’s Degree and a doctorate in Plant breeding and Genetics- Crop and Soil Sciences from Michigan State University (USA).
He brings to IFAD extensive knowledge and networks in the agricultural development domain, including with other multilateral development banks and climate funds, as well as her strong technical experience from her work and research at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the Michigan State University.
{{About IFAD}}
IFAD is an international financial institution and specialised United Nations agency based in Rome, Italy, the UN’s food and agriculture hub. Since 1978, the fund said it has provided $23.2 billion in grants and low-interest loans.
It has 177 Member States composed of developing, middle and high-income countries from all regions of the world who are dedicated to eradicating poverty in rural areas.
IFAD works to address poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries.
It funds and sponsors initiatives that are intended to improve land and water management, develop rural infrastructure, educate farmers in more efficient technologies, build up resilience against climate change, enhance market accessibility, among others.
Revoo Company, a renowned name in the world of Chinese motorcycle manufacturers, has introduced these groundbreaking vehicles to the Rwandan market through its subsidiary based in Kigali.
This innovative approach has positioned Revoo as a standout exhibitor at the event, with its scooters presenting a fresh and practical solution to urban mobility by enabling hassle-free recharging anywhere through a standard plug.
One of the primary advantages of these electric scooters lies in their economic aspect. With just a Rwf100 charge using Cashpower, users can cover a distance of 10 km.
A fully charged scooter can travel up to 60 km before needing another recharge, offering an impressive range for various commuting needs. The inclusion of a portable charger further enhances the flexibility, making recharging on the go an easy task.
Gloria Ingabire, Sales Manager at Revoo has highlighted the significant savings potential with these scooters.
“You can spend up to Rwf200,000 per month on motorcycle taxi rides. On the other hand, using our scooters would allow you to make substantial savings over a year while covering just as many kilometers,” she explained.
Revoo offers three models of these revolutionary scooters, with prices ranging from Rwf990,000 to Rwf1.3 million, catering to various user preferences and budgets. Additionally, the company ensures customer satisfaction by providing repair services in case of any technical issues.
By introducing these electric scooters to the Rwandan market, Revoo takes a crucial step in transforming the country’s urban mobility landscape.
These sustainable, practical, and cost-effective vehicles are perfectly aligned with the needs of modern urban life. As the world embraces environmentally conscious solutions, Revoo’s rechargeable scooters offer a promising contribution towards a greener and more efficient future for urban transportation in Rwanda.
In a statement released yesterday, RIB disclosed that Twizerimana and his three work partners were taken into custody by RIB for their suspected involvement in using children in pornographic videos and sharing them on social media platforms, particularly YouTube.
It further reads that the four individuals are currently being held at RIB’s stations located in Kacyiru, Kimironko, Kimihurura, and Remera as their files are being processed to be sent to the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) for further legal action.
RIB has warned the general public against child pornography and other activities that put children into bad behaviour which waste their future.
The 2018 law relating to the protection of the child stipulated that a person who, by any means records a pornographic picture or voice of a child commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment term of not less than five (5) years and not more than seven (7) years and a fine of not less than seven million Rwandan francs (Rwf7 million) and not more than ten million Rwandan francs (Rwf 10 million) as per Article 35 of the law.
Minister Ugirashebuja made the call on Monday 31st July 2023 after attending the ceremony to sign a grant agreement of €19.5 million (approximately Rwf25 billion) between the European Union and Rwanda to strengthen the justice sector and propel reconciliation and human rights efforts in the country.
With over 1,100 extradition requests sent by Rwanda’s Prosecution to 33 countries globally, some nations have shown a willingness to cooperate, while others remain hesitant, according to Dr. Ugirashebuja.
He expressed confidence in the ongoing discussions and believes Rwandan justice has demonstrated its capacity to effectively try these criminals.
The majority (approximately 90%) of the fugitives are hiding in various African countries, while around a hundred are located in Europe, particularly in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Denmark and other European nations.
Belén Calvo Uyarra, European Union Ambassador to Rwanda emphasized the need for the 27 member states to intensify their efforts in prosecuting those accused of participating in the Genocide against the Tutsi.
She also expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts between Rwanda, Europe, and the United Nations to ensure that all accused individuals face justice.
“The key driver behind Rwanda’s progress has been the unwavering political will and commitment to championing gender equality and empowering women,” said Silas Ngayaboshya, director general of Gender Promotion and Women Empowerment at the Rwandan Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion.
Highlighting the nation’s efforts in promoting gender equality, Ngayaboshya told Xinhua in a recent interview that the country’s constitution specifically mandates that at least 30 percent of seats in various government institutions be occupied by women, which makes it one of the countries in the world with the highest representation of women in state agencies.
“To ensure the effective implementation of these provisions, Rwanda has enacted laws aligned with the constitution’s guidelines and established grassroots structures that facilitate women’s participation in national development,” he said.
Several institutions in Rwanda have been created to support gender equality efforts, including the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, the National Women’s Council, the Gender Monitoring Office and the Rwanda Women Parliamentary Forum. Gender considerations have also been integrated into various policies initiated by different ministries, ensuring that sectors like agriculture, farming and education address gender-specific needs and challenges.
Nevertheless, Rwanda faces challenges in addressing deeply entrenched negative social norms related to gender, which require substantial efforts and investments for transformative change, Ngayaboshya said.
“Women’s economic empowerment remains a priority, as it can lead to greater gender equality and overall socioeconomic development,” he said.
He stated that gender-based violence (GBV) remains a significant obstacle, and Rwanda has taken a comprehensive approach to address this issue through prevention and response measures.
“Community-based structures and forums are utilized to build a safe and resilient family environment. The country has also established Isange One Stop Centers in hospitals, offering holistic support to GBV survivors,” Ngayaboshya said.
According to him, despite the progress made, there is still much to do in creating a more inclusive society regarding gender equality in Rwanda.
He explained that the continuous focus and dedication displayed by Rwanda are essential to sustain and build upon the achievements already made, making gender equality and women’s empowerment central to the nation’s progress and development.
“Rwanda’s awareness-raising efforts have yielded positive results, as both men and women recognize that gender equality benefits the entire society. While proud of the current position, Rwanda remains committed to further accelerating progress and fostering a society that accommodates everyone without perpetuating inequalities,” Ngayaboshya said.
The AU Commission chief made the condemnation during an emergency meeting held on the situation in Niger by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the AU said late Sunday.
Condemning the latest coup in Niger, Faki said the situation goes far beyond the framework of Niger alone as it would have regional ramifications.
“The senseless nature of this coup, its flagrant violation of the principles of the AU and the serious and real threats it poses to the stability of the states of the region, mean that it must be resolutely fought,” Faki said. “This coup, like all the unconstitutional changes by means of which the military installs itself in power, must completely cease.”
Faki warned that failure to cease coups in Africa would be the best incentive for the multiplication of such harmful unconstitutional changes across the continent.
Before the AUC chief, Botswana also condemned the coup in Niger.
“The government of Botswana, in line with the Malabo Declaration on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa, joins other Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders and the rest of the world in strongly condemning the unconstitutional subversion of democracy in the Republic of Niger and calls for the immediate release of the constitutionally elected president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum,” said Botswana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release Saturday, urging all who are displeased with the situation to engage in peaceful negotiations in order to restore constitutional order in Niger.
On Sunday, the ECOWAS, which groups 15 countries, agreed to impose sanctions on Niger’s military leaders involved in the recent coup.
The regional bloc said in a statement that the military junta in Niger must cede power in a week and immediately release and reinstate the country’s elected president Mohamed Bazoum, or the ECOWAS will take all necessary measures, including the use of force, to restore constitutional order in Niger.
Rwanda became a member of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) in December 2017, committing to uphold the standards of EOIR and Automatic Exchange of Information on financial accounts (AEOI).
The upcoming Mock assessment holds significant importance for Rwanda, as it offers an opportunity to evaluate the progress made towards enhancing the country’s tax transparency standards. This becomes especially pertinent following the recent amendments to several laws, aimed at aligning with the Global Forum’s international transparency requirements.
Tax compliance plays a critical role in the efforts of the Kigali International Financial Centre to establish itself as a fully compliant jurisdiction that attracts international investment and cross-border transactions in Africa. Collaborating closely with key stakeholders, the Kigali International Financial Centre is actively working towards establishing a legal and regulatory framework for Rwanda to meet the Global Forum’s international transparency requirements.
Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, expressed the significance of this mock assessment, presenting Rwanda with an opportunity to demonstrate the progress achieved in enhancing tax transparency standards following the recent legal reforms undertaken by the country were intended to broaden the tax base, improve tax compliance, and foster transparency in line with the Global Forum’s requirements.
Bizimana Ruganintwali Pascal, Commissioner General of Rwanda Revenue Authority, reminisced on the role of tax transparency and exchange of information in curbing illicit financial flows in African countries.
He underscored that Rwanda is taking decisive actions to safeguard its tax base, including ensuring accessibility to tax information on cross-border transactions, strengthening domestic tax-raising capacities, and reducing tax evasion and avoidance through base erosion and profit shifting schemes. These measures aim to boost Rwanda’s domestic resource mobilization efforts.
{{About Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC)}}
The Kigali International Financial Centre serves as a financial hub that facilitates international investment and cross-border transactions in Africa. By providing an attractive destination for investors with a legal and regulatory framework fully compliant with international best practices, KIFC positions Rwanda as a preferred financial jurisdiction for investments in Africa.
{{About Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes}}
The Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes comprises 168 member countries and is the leading international body working towards implementing global transparency and exchange of information standards worldwide. Since the G20’s declaration of the end of banking secrecy in 2009, the international community has achieved considerable success in combatting offshore tax evasion. Through the Global Forum, countries have implemented robust standards, resulting in an unprecedented level of transparency in tax matters.
Bringing together more than 600 Rwandans, distinguished guests including the Lord Mayor and local officials of Coventry, and numerous friends of Rwanda from across the UK, the event aimed to commemorate the historic milestone and promote unity among the Rwandan diaspora.
The festivities commenced with a gripping Liberation Day Cup football match featuring the London Rwandan Community’s team, Intwari FC, competing against the hosts, the West Midlands Rwandan Community represented by Ntugasaze FC. In an exhilarating showdown, the London community emerged victorious with a 3-2 win, earning them the prestigious Liberation Cup trophy.
The High Commissioner, Johnston Busingye praised both teams, emphasizing that “the real winner is the Rwandan community.” Encouraged by the enthusiastic response, the Community pledged to establish this football match as an annual liberation tradition, fostering even stronger bonds among Rwandan communities in the UK.
The evening reception treated the audience to a captivating array of performances, including inspirational speeches, traditional dance routines, poetic recitals by talented youth, and delectable Rwandan cuisine, which added a touch of cultural richness to the celebration.
In his address, High Commissioner Johnston Busingye reminded everyone present of the sacrifices made by the nation’s heroes and heroines in the struggle for liberation. He urged the Rwandan community to continually honor their legacy by remaining steadfast in their commitment to the cause of liberation. Emphasizing the significance of unity, he underscored its pivotal role in Rwanda’s past and future, as the country had paid a heavy price for past divisions.
Expressing gratitude for the vital role played by Rwandan communities abroad in the ongoing liberation journey, the High Commissioner called upon them to take up their responsibilities with unwavering determination. He encouraged them to invest in Rwanda, take on leadership roles in their communities, actively involve the youth, and embody the cherished values that define Rwanda’s spirit.
The Kwibohora29 celebration in Coventry served not only as a time for rejoicing and reflection but also as a symbol of the resilient Rwandan community’s dedication to progress, unity, and the pursuit of liberation. With the establishment of the annual Liberation Football Cup, the community in the UK has set a powerful precedent for fostering togetherness and cultural pride among Rwandans abroad, and it promises to be a cherished tradition for generations to come.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged the province to write a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.
He said that it is imperative to apply the new development philosophy, forge a new pattern of development and promote common prosperity across the board and throughout economic and social development.
He urged more efforts to advance the transformation of the model, driving force, areas and quality of development to break new ground in the country’s high-quality development.
During the Sichuan tour, Xi visited places including Guangyuan and Deyang cities from July 25 to 27.
On Tuesday afternoon, he went to Guangyuan and visited the site of a section of an ancient road system known as “Shudao.”
Xi walked along the ancient road and took a close look at the ancient cypress forest that has been well preserved.
Xi stressed the importance of building institutional frameworks and their implementation as well as inspiring the people’s motivation, initiative and creativity to consolidate and expand the achievements in ecological conservation.
On Wednesday afternoon, Xi visited the new building of the Sanxingdui Museum in Deyang. Sanxingdui Ruins are the remnants of an ancient capital and represent the ancient Shu civilization.
After touring the exhibition halls, Xi went to the venue for relic preservation and repair, where he carefully observed the procedures, details, and latest techniques. Xi also talked with the staff on site.
He stressed more state support for the preservation and repair of cultural relics, describing the work as a long-term task.
Xi also called for promoting craftsmanship and perseverance to yield more achievements in this regard.
On Thursday morning, Xi was briefed by the Sichuan provincial Party committee and government about their work, and recognized their efforts in various respects.
He urged Sichuan to make more progress in sci-tech innovation, the building of a modern industrial system, rural revitalization and the consolidation of ecological shields along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and the Yellow River.
Opening up new areas of development with sci-tech innovation is an urgent requirement for high-quality development, Xi said, calling on Sichuan to give full play to its strengths and make efforts on both sci-tech innovation and the application of scientific and technological achievements.
He asked the province to resolve problems concerning a number of core technologies in key fields and to become an innovation hub in western China.
Relying on its unique advantages in manufacturing, Sichuan should actively contribute to the safety of the country’s industrial and supply chains, and dock itself with the new industrial layout in China’s eastern coastal areas in a high-quality manner, Xi said.
Stressing the deep integration of the digital economy and the real economy, Xi called on the province to build a modernized industrial system with Sichuan characteristics and strengths.
He urged Sichuan to put rural revitalization in a prominent position and further take on the responsibilities of stabilizing the production and ensuring the supply of major agricultural products such as grain, hogs and oilseed crops.
Xi stressed that Sichuan should enhance ecological conservation, move faster to build a national park-based nature reserve system, and actively advocate eco-friendly and low-carbon ways of work and life.
Xi urged Sichuan to keep skies blue, waters clear, and lands pollution-free by higher standards, improve the compensation system for ecological conservation, and elevate the modernization of ecological environment governance.
Xi pointed out that as Sichuan is a place with frequent natural disasters, it is necessary to strengthen the building of emergency response forces.
July and August mark the time the Yangtze River basin enters its main flood season, Xi said, calling for efforts to make preparations for flood control and disaster relief and minimize casualties and property losses to the greatest extent.
Xi also urged Sichuan to comprehensively check the hidden dangers of workplace safety, and resolutely prevent and contain the occurrence of major workplace safety accidents.
On the education campaign launched by the CPC, Xi urged Party organizations at all levels to fully carry out the CPC Central Committee’s plans and make practical progress as the first round of the campaign will conclude in less than two months.
On Saturday, Xi visited Hanzhong in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province on his way back to Beijing. During his visit to the municipal museum, Xi emphasized making good use of museums. He also called for efforts to expand the influence of Chinese culture.
“I was in Hanzhong in 2008 after the devastating Wenchuan earthquake to oversee the relief work. Hanzhong has always been in my heart over the years,” Xi told local residents who gathered around him when he was leaving the museum. Xi said he was delighted to see huge changes of the city since then.
In Hanzhong, Xi also visited a wetland park, where he stressed the important responsibility and great significance of protecting the wetland resources in the area along the Hanjiang River and its tributaries.
He urged efforts to improve the overall protection and systematic restoration of the wetland ecosystem.
Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour.
