The decision to implement this rental assistance program comes in response to recent devastating landslides and floods that resulted in the loss of 131 lives and the destruction of numerous houses, schools, roads, and other vital infrastructure in Rwanda’s Western, Northern, and Southern provinces.
As part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens, an assessment conducted by Kigali City has revealed that 5,812 families currently reside in high-risk zones, with 2,332 of them occupying rented accommodations.
Kigali City Mayor Pudence Rubingisa has expressed the city’s dedication to identifying and encouraging more families living in vulnerable areas to relocate.
“For those who have rented properties in high-risk zones, we are providing one month’s rental payment to support their relocation to safer locations. Additionally, we are offering three months’ rental payment to house owners to save their lives,” he noted.
Among others, Rubingisa explained that city authorities are actively conducting regular assessments to identify residents living in areas with rising ground surface.
In such cases, relocation plans will be put in place if it is determined that buildings do not adhere to proper structural guidelines or if people are situated near water drainage channels or marshlands, posing potential threats.
Currently, 361 families have already been relocated through this ongoing campaign.
In a recent press conference held on April 17th, 2023, Dr. Merard Mpabwanamaguru, Kigali City’s Vice Mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, revealed that approximately 27,000 families reside in disaster-prone areas across 35 sectors.
Kigali City officials have issued reminders to residents, urging them not to dispose of garbage in water drainage channels to prevent environmental damage and the destruction of essential infrastructure.
Rwanda’s Presidency, has revealed that both leaders discussed the security situation in the Horn of Africa as well as the advancement of bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest with a focus on trade.
The meeting followed the 1st Joint Ministerial Commission meeting between Djibouti and Rwanda that took place on the same day.
Earlier on Wednesday, Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and his Rwandan counterpart, Dr. Vincent Biruta witnessed the signing of bilateral agreements on agriculture, tourism and diplomatic training.
The move followed other agreements signed in 2017, during President Kagame’s state visit to Djibouti.
Speaking at the joint commission, Mahmoudi said that Djibouti and Rwanda share the vision of sustaining for peace and security in their respective regions.
Djibouti offered Rwanda a 20-hectare piece of land at the port of Djibouti in 2013, which the latter plans to develop and operate as a strategic base for its imports and exports on the plot.
In reciprocity, Djibouti was also offered a plot in the Special Economic Zone in Kigali.
In just a few years, Rwanda has become a global tourism hotspot. It is home to the majestic mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park and Big 5 in Akagera National Park. Though the pandemic hit travel hard, the country’s efforts to promote itself as a destination have allowed it to regain the appeal it enjoyed in 2019 and to build on that momentum this year. In 2022, it welcomed more than a million visitors from abroad and brought in almost half a billion dollars in tourism revenues, a figure it is looking to take up to 800 million dollars by 2025.
The creative element of the partnership between Rwanda and the club was symbolised through a special evening of events during the Paris Saint-Germain-Olympique Lyonnais match on 2 April. The “Rwanda Heritage Game” brought Rwandan artists Christopher Muneza and Weya Viatora to the SO/Bar for an outstanding pre-match performance attended by former PSG legend Luis Fernandez.
Commenting on the development, Michaella Rugwizangoga, RDB’s Chief Tourism Officer, said: “There is more to the partnership between Visit Rwanda and Paris Saint-Germain than just promoting Rwanda as a destination. It aims to create synergies in culture, fashion, the arts, and football development, which is very important to us. Paris Saint-Germain provides us with an amazing platform to present the very best of Rwanda to millions of fans around the world. We are delighted to be able continue our partnership and to do even more things together.”
Cynthia Marcou, Sponsorship Director Paris Saint-Germain, added: “In working with Visit Rwanda, Paris Saint-Germain has taken sponsorship to the next level in terms of standards and synergy. Together we have developed extremely creative activations in which our players and ambassadors regularly take part. Such events enhance the image of Rwanda, a forward-looking country, and raise the profile of Rwandan tourism, allowing it to position itself as a global leader.”
Since 2019, the strong ties between Paris Saint-Germain and Visit Rwanda have been brought to life through some outstanding initiatives in a whole host of areas.
Team players such as Sergio Ramos, Keylor Navas, Julian Draxler and Thilo Kehrer and legendary former players of the calibre of Youri Djorkaeff, Rai, Ludovic Giuly and Juan Pablo Sorin have discovered for themselves the treasures that Rwanda has to offer visitors, thanks to the unforgettable trips they have made to the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Since the beginning of the partnership, Visit Rwanda has enjoyed a highly visible presence at the Pare des Princes on matchdays, with its logo also appearing on the men’s team’s training and warm-up kits. Rouge et Bleu fans have also been savouring the finest tea and coffee Rwanda has to offer, served exclusively at the stadium.
The PSG Academy Rwanda opened its doors in the city of Huye in 2020, offering 100%-PSG training sessions to more than 100 children, some of them beneficiaries of the club’s Foundation. Last year, the academy won the PSG Academy World Cup in the boys’ U-13 category where Rwanda was taking part in the annual competition for the first time.
{{About Paris Saint-Germain}}
Paris Saint-Germain was founded in 1970 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020. Since its takeover by OSI in 2011, Paris Saint-Germain has gone on to become one of the world’s top football clubs and sports brands. The club has won 29 trophies in the last 11 years and 47 since its foundation, making it the most successful in France.
It has attracted many great players over the years, including Ronaldinho, Beckham and lbrahimovic, and latterly Messi, Neymar Jr and Mbappe, three of the best players in the world today. The club’s international popularity knows no bounds.
In the last ten years, its community of social media followers has grown from zero to more than 190 million and is now one of the largest in football. A forward-thinking club, Paris Saint Germain added an eSports team to its men’s football, women’s football, handball, and judo teams in 2016. Committed to giving something back to the community, the club has significantly increased funding for its Foundation with the aim of developing far reaching programmes for disadvantaged young people.
{{About Visit Rwanda}}
Visit Rwanda is the tourism-focused arm of the Rwanda Development Board, a government body responsible for fast-tracking Rwanda’s economic development by enabling private sector growth. Visit Rwanda works with local conservation, tourism, and development partners to generate tourism products that benefit inbound tourists, local communities, and wildlife ecosystems.
This message was conveyed on Tuesday evening, during the celebration of the 73rd anniversary of Europe Day, which was attended by members of the diplomatic corps to Rwanda, representatives from civil society, and members of the private sector.
Europe Day is a day of reflection on the Schuman Declaration, which was proposed by Robert Schuman, the former French Minister of Foreign Affairs, who advocated for the establishment of the EU.
In his remarks, Amb. Uyarra recalled the disasters that claimed the lives of 131 people and destroyed over 5,000 houses and infrastructures, including schools, roads, power, and water treatment plants.
She offered condolences to the affected families and reiterated the EU’s commitment to provide support to the affected people.
Amb. Uyarra stated that Europe Day is an opportunity to celebrate the solidarity of Europeans, which has been guided by the Schuman Declaration since 1950, to deliver long-lasting peace and prosperity on the continent and beyond.
She also highlighted the cooperation between the EU and Rwanda in various areas, including climate change, environment preservation, peace and security, and fighting against terrorism.
The EU recently agreed to fund the intervention of Rwandan troops in Mozambique to quell terrorists.
Among others, Amb. Uyarra expressed optimism that European investors will continue to contribute to Rwanda’s development, and the first-ever forum bringing together investors from Europe and Rwanda will be held in Kigali in the near future.
She also assured the Rwandan government of the EU’s commitment to help develop the mining sector and continue supporting Rwanda in different programs that aim to bring transformations in various areas, including education, social protection, job creation, agriculture, economy, justice, and unity and reconciliation.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta, commended the EU for its vibrant cooperation with Rwanda, which continues to expand, and for the achievements recorded by the EU, which give hope that the problems facing the world can be addressed.
In recent days, strong rainstorms have hit many places in Rwanda, causing heavy casualties and property losses, Xi noted in a message.
On behalf of the Chinese government and people, he mourned the dead and extended sincere sympathies to the bereaved families, the injured and the affected people.
The President also voiced confidence that Rwanda will surely overcome the difficulties and rebuild the homeland.
Weather related disasters that hit Rwanda earlier last week have displaced more than 9,000 people in different provinces of the country while about 5,598 families were displaced and are hosted at different sites.
At least 131 people were killed and 94 others injured when flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains hit Western, Northern and Southern provinces of Rwanda on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Among others; more than 5,550 houses, 14 roads and more than 50 schools were destroyed and the disasters also destroyed crops, water and power infrastructures.
Last week, the Minister of Infrastructure Ernest Nsabimana said the government needs about 110 billion Rwandan francs (about 98.3 million U.S. dollars) to rebuild infrastructure damaged by the disasters in the country.
The government has appealed to residents living in high risk zones to relocate to safe areas.
He made the disclosure during an interview with France24 amidst ongoing tensions between Rwanda and DRC that followed the resurgence of M23 in a fighting against Congolese Army (FARDC) towards the end of 2021.
Despite the ceasefire and request for M23 to withdraw from previously captured areas in eastern DRC, tensions continued to escalate between Rwanda and DRC.
Congo accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, a claim that the country has repeatedly denied but rather accuse Congo of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to threaten national security.
FDLR is a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Lourenço has disclosed that ongoing efforts are promising that the tensions won’t result into a war.
“I believe this this will not happen. We will make possible efforts to avoid that confrontation between the two countries. We know that M23 till today, are upholding the ceasefire. The next step which unfortunately has not yet been taken, depends not only on M23 but also DRC is concerned. The next step according to the Luanda roadmap is the cantonment of M23 forces,” he said.
Lourenço emphasized that M23 combatants are Congolese where their problem will be solved being on the country’s territory.
He stated Angola will send troops to protect M23 forces in cantonment pending reintegration into the Congolese society.
“Angola was due to send a military contingent in order to provide security in cantonment areas as soon as conditions are put in place in this cantonment zone. We have a prepared contingent in order to be deployed in a few days and provide security elements,” noted Lourenço.
Despite the statement, M23 rebels recently announced that they won’t accept to be brought into cantonment, shall DRC reject negotiations to discuss how their claims will be addressed.
Meanwhile, DRC says that it wants to reintegrate them but doesn’t consider talks with the rebel group.
Lourenço was also asked whether DRC fulfills its obligations to restore peace in eastern part of the country.
“The Congolese authorities are upholding the commitment. Obviously, we would like to see the timing of providing the conditions for cantonment should be shortened as much as possible.
That is not happening but we have to be confident that from now onwards, things will be done as planned. We have been in contact with Congolese authorities, President Tshisekedi has been coming to Luanda frequently for discussions on the issue of M23,” he said.
DRC has at different times accused Rwanda of backing M23 and sending troops for reinforcement even though it lacked evidences.
As a mediator, Lorenco said that has there are no issues with Rwanda regarding the situation but commended the country for assistance to engage in negotiations with M23.
“We don’t have any reason for complain with regards to Rwanda after the Addis Abeba summit. President Kagame, at my request, put Angola in contact with the leadership of M23 as we had some difficulties in contacting the rebel group’s elements.
President Paul Kagame was the person who facilitated that contact. Few days later, the M23 leadership came to Luanda. We have to be fair in recognizing that somebody who has taken steps like this is willing. There is no complaint at all,” he added.
Towards the end of last week, a regional summit on problems in DRC was convened in Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. It was also attended by Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General who stressed the need to stick to dialogues and already established mechanisms to restore peace in Congo.
There are worries that the fighting might erupt again if DRC continues to reject negotiations with M23.
The decision was made shortly after Rubavu District was hit by disasters that claimed the lives of 26 residents earlier this week.
IGIHE has learnt that, Kambogo has been accused of dereliction of duties in providing emergency assistance to residents affected by the disasters.
Rwanda’s deputy government spokesperson, Alain Mukuralinda, told reporters on Thursday that 130 deaths have been recorded since flooding began on Tuesday evening.
“There are 77 injuries, with 36 of those individuals currently in the hospital. We also have five people missing,” he said.
Over 5,100 homes have been destroyed and another 2,500 damaged, with residents in need of relocation and shelter.
Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente visited the affected areas in western Rwanda on Thursday, and said search efforts were still underway to recover missing people, adding that the death toll could rise.
The Chairperson of Rubavu District advisory council, Dr. Kabano Habimana Ignace has told IGIHE that disaster management is not the sole reason for the dismissal of Kambogo.
He emphasized that the decision was the result of a series of failures on Kambogo’s part that had been assessed over several days.
Dr. Kabano cited failure to coordinate relevant stakeholders to work together, failure to implement recommendations from his superiors and relentless in responding to citizens’ concerns among other reasons that triggered his removal from duties.
“This issue of disasters is part of a series of faults. One mistake cannot trigger such a decision because the council reaches such a resolution after days of assessment,” noted Dr. Kabano.
The extra-ordinary meeting of the district’s advisory council that fired Kambogo was held on Friday 5th May 2023.
Assessing damages occasioned by disasters in the district was part of the meeting’s agenda.
It is expected that the vice mayor in charge of economic development will take over as acting mayor pending the replacement of Kambogo.
Dr. Kabano disclosed that efforts are underway to support disaster-hot residents where shelters are being constructed through community work.
Kambogo had been elected mayor of Rubavu District in November 2021 with 256 votes.
The Head of State made the disclosure on Friday 5th May 2023 at the at Marlborough House, the Commonwealth Secretariat Headquarters, where he joined King Charles III as well as leaders from across the Commonwealth and Secretary General, Patricia Scotland for the Commonwealth Leaders Meeting.
Kagame who is currently assuming his role as the Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth since 2022, welcomed the leaders of the two newest Commonwealth countries (Togo and Gabon) and paid tribute to the new Commonwealth Head.
“We appreciate the King’s lifelong devotion to Commonwealth affairs, just as we remember the role of her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in giving the modern Commonwealth its shape and spirit,” he said.
Kagame further stressed the need to empower young people who account for 60 percent of Commonwealth population.
“Our aim is to work together within the Commonwealth to enhance the potential of our young people. There is more work to do to ensure the Commonwealth becomes more relevant and responsive to our people’s needs. This is especially fitting, as 2023 is the Commonwealth Year of Youth,” noted the President.
The meeting was held ahead of the coronation of King Charles III slated for Saturday 6th May 2023.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal sovereign states.
Its combined population is 2.5 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under. The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights.
Commonwealth’s work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt, and inequality.
As the Deputy Government Spokesperson told the media on Thursday , the disasters that hit Western, Northern and Southern Provinces also left 77 people injured of whom 36 are hospitalized. The government has pledged to cover the medical expenses of the victims.
The deaths were registered in the districts of Rubavu (26), Rutsiro (27), Karongi (16), Ngororero (23), Nyabihu (18), Musanze (5), Gakenke (2), Nyamagabe (2), Burera (8), and Gicumbi (3).
Each grieving family will also receive financial assistance of Rwf100,000 per deceased person.
Among others; the disasters destroyed over 5100 houses and ravaged 17 roads.
Out of the 5,174 houses that were destroyed; 3,371 are from Rubavu district.
It is reported that more 2,510 houses were severely damaged and may collapse soon.
So far, 1,541 evacuated individuals have been at 11 designated safe areas equipped with beddings and tents. Others have been accommodated by religious institutions, schools, or kind-hearted neighbors.
Apart from residential properties, the disasters also affected several infrastructures, including eight national highways, nine roads at district level, 26 bridges, six water treatment plants, and some medical facilities such as the Shyira Hospital, five health centers, and two health posts.
Rwanda Meteorology Agency (Meteo Rwanda) recently released data forecasting a heavy rainfall in May 2023.
According to the agency’s weather forecasts, rainfall is expected to range from 50 to 200 millimeters, which is well above the usual average recorded during this time of year.
This increase in precipitation is anticipated to impact various sectors across the country.
According to a recent report by the ministry in charge of emergency management, more than 60 people were killed by disasters in the country between Jan. 1 and April 20.
Statistics also show that Rwanda loses approximately Rwf200 billion each year due to natural disasters.
The figures released on Wednesday 3rd May 2023 show that the minerals were traded between January and March 2023.
The RMB report shows that the minerals that contributed the most to the revenue were cassiterite, coltan, wolfram, gold, and other minerals.
In January, cassiterite production was 316,093 kilograms worth US$ 5,436,480, and this increased to 363,701 kilograms worth US$ 5,903,483 in March. Coltan also demonstrated a substantial increase in export revenues, reaching 213,065 kilograms worth US$ 11,415,082 in March, up from 124,514 kilograms worth US$ 5,911,646 in January.
Wolfram, which is also known as tungsten, generated 129,407 kilograms worth US$ 1,723,665 in January and increased to 231,844 kilograms worth US$ 3,261,757 in March.
Besides, gold generated the highest revenue, with 1,465 kilograms worth US$ 90,519,870 in March, compared to 870 kilograms worth USD 53,234,196.20 in January. Other minerals also contributed to the revenue, with 827,041 kilograms worth USD 2,211,749 in March.
The report shows that from January to March 2023, Rwanda exported a total of 5,925,199 kilograms of minerals, with a total value of US$ 247,480,699.40.
The revenues generated from the export of minerals are expected to contribute significantly to the country’s economic development.
