Rwanda’s Parliament has via Twitter handle revealed Dr. Iyaruremye that resigned over sickness related reasons.
“Earlier today, Senate President Dr Augustin Iyamuremye submitted his resignation as the President of the Senate, and as a Senator, due to health reasons. Tomorrow, December 9th, a special plenary sitting will convene to declare the Office of the President of the Senate vacant,” reads the tweet.
His resignation letter dated 8th December 2022 was addressed to senators, other government officials and President of the Republic.
He expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic for the trust bestowed upon him and senators for having elected and supported him to fulfill his ‘demanding duties’.
Dr. Iyamuremye assumed office as Senate president in October 2019 following his appointment by President Paul Kagame.
Prior to the appointment, he served as the Chairperson of Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum since 2015.
Dr. Iyamuremye holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine.
He held various positions in different public institutions including the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour from 2012 to 2015 and senator between 2004 and 2011.
Dr. Iyamuremye also headed the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2000, the Ministry of Information from 1998 to 1999 and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources between 1994 and 1998.
Among others, he served as senior intelligence officer in the Office of Prime Minister from 1992 to 1994.
Dr. Iyamuremye headed Gitarama Prefecture from 1990 to 1992, served as the Director of Nyanza Milk Processing Plant from 1984 to 1990.
He was also a lecturer and researcher at the National University of Rwanda from 1977 to 1984.
After the transitional period (1994-2003), the first legislature of the Senate commenced in 2003 and ended in 2011. The Second Senate concluded its mandate on October 10, 2019 bringing eight-year tenure to an end.
The Senate of Rwanda has 26 members. Twelve senators are elected by the specific councils in accordance with the administrative entities in the City of Kigali and the four provinces.
Of these, one is picked from the City of Kigali, two from Northern Province, while the rest of the three provinces (West, East, and South) elect three senators each. Eight senators are appointed by the President of the Republic. Four senators are designated by the Forum of Political organizations.
One senator is elected among lecturers and researchers of Public Universities and higher learning institutions. Both the elected and appointed senators serve a term, renewable once.
Dubbed the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), the trade fair runs from 5th to 8 December 2022.
Kageruka who delivered remarks virtually on the second day of the exhibition, invited them to visit national parks and other nature reserves. She also took them through Rwanda’s efforts to up-skill employees of the hospitality to enrich visitors’ experience and make their stay a memorable.
Rwandan companies also participated in the trade fair in which they were given floor to bring on board services offered to tourists with a view to encourage representatives of international companies to send tourists to Rwanda.
It also served as platform to create new connections paving the way for future collaboration.
Speaking to IGIHE, Kageruka said that they held a meeting with tour companies from different countries working closely with Rwandan companies.
As she said, many of them needed updates on the country’s efforts to promote high-end tourism.
Kageruka underscored that it was an opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s tourism offerings and how the country can help their tourists planning visits to Rwanda.
Participants from Rwanda who attended the trade fair include Manzi Kayihura, the Managing Director of Thousand Hills Africa; Roberto Viviani, Business Manager at Wilderness Safari; Simon Bruce Miller from Uberluxe Safaris and Reginal Hakizimana, Managing Director of Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris.
Others include Denis Lefebvre representing Palace Tours, Françoise Ihirwe Tunga from Volcanoes Safari; Danny Nizeye Business Development Manager at Akagera Aviation and Robert Gakimbiri, Customer Services Manager at Primate Safaris.
The figures were disclosed in Paris, the capital of France on 5th December 2022 at the launch of a business forum aimed at promoting Rwanda as an investment destination.
The forum which ran from 5th to 6th December 2022, was organized by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) through its investment promotion division in collaboration with Rwanda’s embassy in France and the country’s Private Sector Federation (MEDEF).
The forum was an opportunity for Rwanda to interact with French companies and other members of the private sector based in France.
France is among European countries with growing investments in Africa, particularly in Rwanda after the normalization of ties between the two countries.
RDB indicated that Rwanda registered French investments worth US$197,503 164 (over Rwf200 billion) between 2011 and 2021.
Some of these investments were registered in the areas of real estate, technology and telecommunication, tourism and the financial sector among others.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura has told IGIHE that the forum is expected to increase the number of French investors in Rwanda.
“It will create job opportunities for Rwandans and lure French companies to invest in Rwanda. French investors spoke highly of Rwanda and took colleagues through Rwanda’s conducive business environment. Besides, they will serve as good ambassadors helping us to attract more investors in Rwanda,” he said.
Amb. Nkulikiyimfura further disclosed that these investors were taken through investment opportunities in various sectors in Rwanda including infrastructure.
French investors have been considering Rwanda as a potential investment destination owing to cordial relations between the two countries strengthened by the visit of French President, Emmanuel Macron to Kigali in May 2021.
It was the first visit of a French President to Rwanda over the past ten years. The visit left various agreements signed between both countries.
Stéphane Lelux, the CEO of TACTIS Innopolis, a tech company which has a subsidiary in Rwanda, said that the forum that brought together French and Rwandan investors is of critical significance, given that it was held 18 months after the visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Rwanda.
As he said, eliminating double taxation to facilitate traders from Rwanda and France would be much welcomed and expressed optimism that it will be considered in the near future.
Rwanda has been registering French investments including ‘Girinzu’, a real estate project aimed at building affordable homes in Gahanga Sector of Kicukiro District.
The latter is a French investment by Chevrillon Group and Stéphane Monceaux in association with Rwandan Jacqueline Wibabara.
Girinzu seeks to build at least 200 housing units every year to bridge affordable housing gap in Kigali.
Among others, Duval Great Lakes Ltd, a subsidiary of French company dubbed Groupe Duval is developing a multibillion environmental-friendly complex known as ‘Inzovu mall’ at premises that used to house the Ministry of Justice and Supreme Court in Kimihurura, near Kigali Convention Centre.
The complex mall will be home to ‘Odalys City Business Apart Hotel’ with 140 service apartment rooms, conference rooms, offices, entertainment and exhibition areas.
It will also have Cinema rooms, markets, shops, bars and restaurants, Forex Bureaus, natural areas, children areas, playgrounds, pharmacies, clinics and others.
Once completed, the mall will be a complementary project besides Kigali Convention Centre.
The study conducted through the annual Rwanda Bribery Index released today, shows that bribes were mainly offered to secure utility services, jobs in the private sector, land titles and construction permits among others.
The survey which was first conducted in 2010 establishes and reports experiences and perceptions of Rwandans regarding bribery in the country.
It also indicated that 97% of individuals declining to offer solicited bribes end up receiving services for free. This means, only 3% are denied services over declining to offer bribes.
Their discussions were held on Sunday 4th December 2022 as Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta has confirmed.
They were held amidst deteriorated relations between Rwanda and DRC over reciprocal accusations.
Rwanda accuses DRC of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to destabilize its security while the country accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group in clashes with Congolese Army (FARDC).
DR Congo officials have been claiming that their country was invaded by Rwanda through M23.
In a message posted on his Twitter handle, Blinken said that he had productive conversation with President Kagame to underscore the need for peace and security in eastern DRC.
He further said that ‘The United States urges Rwanda to honor commitments made in Luanda, including ending Rwanda’s support to M23’.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied the accusations of supporting M23 and urged DR Congo not to externalize its problems.
The rebel group resumed fighting accusing DRC of failure to implement peace accords signed in 2013.
In a message posted on Twitter, Minister Biruta underscored that President Kagame had good discussions with Blinken ‘but differences in understanding of the issue remain’.
He also said that ‘the wrong and misguided approach of the international community continues to exacerbate the problem’.
“A lasting solution requires the responsibility to be placed where it belongs,” said Dr. Biruta.
Minister pointed out the dysfunction of the DRC government and its institutions, and the support to FDLR as the first issue.
Minister Biruta also highlighted that ‘External interference and dictates in regional and continental efforts that serve to shield DRC from accountability and emboldens them to be unresponsive to commitments made through ongoing processes’ is among other issues holding back efforts to find a solution.
“M23 should not be equated to Rwanda. It is not Rwanda’s problem to solve. The security concerns of Rwanda need to be addressed, and where others may not feel obliged to, Rwanda is and will continue to do so,” he noted.
The figures were released on Monday 5th December 2022 at the launch of Mining Week in Rwanda.
Held for the fifth time, the ceremony which coincided with the celebration of Mining Day at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, was graced by different officials including Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente and the CEO of RMB, Amb. Yamina Karitanyi among others.
The week will offer mining industry members not only a space for rich panel discussions, but for sharing the industry’s best practices, and refresher courses through training, and opportunities for new partnerships.
Amb. Karitanyi said that the week was organized to bring together sector players to discuss best practices and make it more meaningful to national economy.
She highlighted that the output of Rwanda’s minerals including cassiterite, coltan, tungsten and gold continues to increase.
Amb. Karitanyi disclosed that the country currently registers 158 mining companies noting that the sector presents many investment opportunities be it in minerals extraction and value addition.
In 2020, Amb. Karitanyi said, Rwanda generated US$733 million from minerals’ exports up from US$373 of 2017.
In 2021, revenues dropped to US$516 million owing to reduced prices on the international market. According to Amb. Karitanyi, the year 2022 is promising in consideration of the US$585 generated in the first nine months.
She attributed the increase in revenues to Rwanda’s initiative to establish plants adding value to minerals before exportation.
These include gold and cassiterite refineries. Amb. Karitanyi also revealed that the country mulls opening a coltan processing plant in the near future.
The mining sector in Rwanda currently employs 46,000 people with a target to increase the number to more than 100,000 by 2024.
Premier Ngirente said that Rwanda’s mining potential is yet to be fully exploited and reiterated the country’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to develop the mining sector ‘to sustainably deliver good results’.
Rwanda and Poland enjoy existing cooperation in education and trade. Last year, Rwanda opened an embassy in Warsaw. As part of existing cooperation, the Government of Poland supports the ‘School of Blind Children’ in Kibeho, Nyaruguru District and an estimated 1,800 Rwandan students have been enrolled in Polish universities up to date.
Polish investment in Rwanda includes LuNar Smelter. a state-of-the art tin processing plant.
Minister Biruta has welcomed his counterpart to Rwanda and reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to strengthen cooperation.
“I welcome Minister Pawel Jabloński to Rwanda. This high-level visit from a Polish delegation is a strong signal of our countries’ growing bilateral relations. Rwanda looks forward to working closely with Poland to accelerate our cooperation in strategic areas of common interest,” he said.
During this visit, three additional agreements in the fields of investments, higher education and defence will be signed.
According to a joint statement, Minister Pawel also announced the opening of an embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda but did not disclose the date.
“Our expectations from this visit have been already exceeded. We have held talks on many areas of cooperation which is developing fast. The opening of the polish embassy in Kigali will add more impetus to this process,” he stated.
Minister Pawel has been accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Finance, and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Technology, other government officials, academia and the private sector.
During their stay in Rwanda, the Polish delegation will meet with the Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente, as well as officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Health, Defence, ICT and Innovation, and Infrastructure as well as Rwanda Development Board and the University of Rwanda.
The Rwanda-Poland Business Forum will also be launched. Among others, the Polish delegation will visit Rwandan companies and meet with representatives of the private sector.
A statement released by RNP on Sunday shows that the suspects are identified as Ndagijimana Patrick and Ndagijimana Yves.
They are suspected of killing Idris Mujyambere, 49, in the night of 18th May 2022 in Kicukiro District.
“Jointly with other security organs, we have arrested Ndagijimana Patrick and Ndagijimana Yves who are suspected of using a gun [pistol] to kill Mujyambere Idrissa, 49, on the night of 18th May 2022, in Masaka Sector, Kicukiro District and Kayitare Jean Pierre, 45, on 13th November 2022,” reads the statement in part.
Police announced that Mujyambere who was a money-changer in the City of Kigali was killed at his residence while Kayitare who was a driver in the City of Kigali was killed after being lured to Ndagijima Patrick’s residence located in Nyarugenge District, Rwezamenyo sector where a vehicle he was driving was stolen.
RNP Spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera has said that investigations are ongoing.
IGIHE has learnt from Kayitare’s neighbors that killers took his body to Rugarama graveyard where they paid Rwf200,000 to security guards to allow them bury the deceased.
It is said that the murderers were seen by a resident who passed by the cemetery around 12h:00 midnight and alerted local leaders.
One of witnesses said that security organs went to the scene in the next morning and confirmed that the Kayitare was killed before burial. The car he was driving was also stolen.
Intentional murder attracts life imprisonment as per article 107 of Rwanda’s penal code.
On 2nd December 1971, the UAE was declared an independent, sovereign and federal state. It comprises seven emirates namely: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah.
In Rwanda, the celebration of the annual event took place at the UAE Ambassador’s Residence in Nyarutarama in the evening of Friday 2nd December 2022 with a dinner that brought together diplomats accredited to Rwanda and government officials among other guests.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta also graced the event as the guest of honor.
Speaking at the event, the UAE Ambassador to Rwanda, Hazza AlQahtani reminisced on the federation’s journey rich in monumental events and achievements, building on the foundation that was first laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the fellow founding fathers.
As he said, the UAE has followed the principle of promoting security, peace and sustainable development in various parts of the region and the world since its foundation on December 2nd 1971.
Through his vision, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, guided the UAE towards the adoption of a successful and active foreign policy based on balance, moderation, and non-interference in internal affairs of other countries, in acknowledgement of the role and responsibility the UAE holds at regional and international levels.
AlQahtani further stated that the current President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ‘follows in his footsteps, leading our nation in its journey towards the future’.
{{Principles of the 50}}
In 2021, the UAE announced the “Principles of the 50″. These are ten principles that act as guidelines for all institutions in the UAE since the country began a new phase of growth and development over the next 50 years.
The “Principles of the 50” document sets the strategic roadmap for the UAE’s new era of economic, political, developmental, and social growth to strengthen the union, build a sustainable economy, and harness all possible resources to create a more prosperous society.
Among others, the UAE adopted economic strategies that stimulate economic diversification away from oil, and the country is working to build an economy based on knowledge and diversity, reinforced by scientific and technological progress.
The UAE has launched a package of strategic projects and initiatives within the “Projects of the 50”, which aim to establish an advanced stage of internal and external growth. The projects provide impetus for investment in digital and circular economies, as well as sectors based on artificial intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
{{Partnerships}}
Besides, the UAE has begun to conclude comprehensive economic partnership agreements with strategic partners, as part of a long-term strategy in its path of economic diversification and the development of strong international partnerships through trade, industry and investment. Three agreements have been concluded with India, Indonesia and Israel, and expected to be signed with a number of other countries.
The federation believes that the future of regional security depends on strong multilateral partnerships and a common commitment to achieving stability and prosperity through peaceful political and economic means.
“The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements will continue to pave the way for more opportunities for the people of the region and open the way for the vital economic development of the Middle East, accelerating and enhancing trade across nations and increasing the ease of doing business throughout the region, and in other markets such as Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America,” said AlQahtani.
He affirmed that the UAE will continue to pursue a foreign policy aimed at building on the common interests among the countries of the region in promoting peace, stability, prosperity and the well-being of peoples.
As AlQahtani stated, the UAE’s relations with all countries are characterized by continuity, moderation, diplomacy and wisdom, despite the changes on the global political, security, economic and health scene, and ‘this is harnessed to find common ground to find solutions to regional and international challenges and conflicts’.
“As home to more than 200 nationalities from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, the UAE is deeply committed to safeguarding human rights and building upon its steady progress in this field. Over the years, the UAE has enacted a series of laws and regulations that enshrine certain fundamental rights, providing for the fair treatment of all its citizens and residents, especially women, children, workers, and persons of determination, as stipulated in the UAE Constitution,” he said.
AlQahtani highlighted that there has been an increasing appreciation worldwide of his nation’s future agenda and fundamental values, thanks to initiatives such as EXPO 2020 Dubai, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Abraham Accords, and the UAE Papal visit, amongst many others.
“Our foreign humanitarian aid is not tied to religion, race, color, or culture. Political disagreement with any country should not justify failing to provide relief to that country in cases of disasters, emergencies, and crises,” he said.
{{Vibrant Relations with Rwanda}}
The United Arab Emirates and Rwanda enjoy excellent bilateral relations.
Both countries have cooperation in various sectors, such as Education, Hospitality, Trade and Investment and aviation.
Generally, trade and investment remain as key pillars for Rwanda and the UAE cooperation.
The UAE is currently Rwanda’s leading trade partner with close to 900 million US$ in total trade as of 2020. In 2020, trade with UAE accounted for almost 20% of Rwanda’s trade globally.
Trade has grown ten-fold between 2010 and 2020 and almost three-fold from 2018 to 2020. Out of Rwanda’s total exports worth US$1.2 billion in 2020, the UAE accounted for 61%.
AlQahtani underscored that this trade partnership is expected to further be boosted by the recently signed MoU between the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Rwanda Private Sector Federation on Enhancing Investment and Business Opportunity between the UAE and Rwanda.
As far as investment is concerned, AlQahtani disclosed, several UAE companies which have registered their businesses with RDB with investment commitments valued at 185.4 million US$.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dr. Vincent Biruta congratulated the UAE on the 51st celebration of Union Day and encouraged investors to continue tapping into available business opportunities.
He also commended UAE for walking with Rwanda along its economic journey.
“In relation to trade between both countries, UAE has significantly contributed to Rwanda’s economy journey, being the number one trading partner with close to 750 million in total trade as of 2021. This cooperation was further enhanced with the signing in 2020 of the supply of goods partnership agreement between NAEB [the National Agricultural Export Development Board] and Carrefour Supermarket, which has led to exports to the United Arab Emirates of fresh avocadoes and passion fruits among other horticultural products,” noted Minister Biruta.
“In line with this, I wish to encourage that more opportunities in this area be explored, especially that RwandAir recently acquired the first dedicated cargo aircraft which will serve as an import-export link to the UAE and other destinations,” he added.
Dr. Biruta also reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to strategically work with UAE to realize common aspirations for the interest of both countries’ people.
Prince Kid who organized the contest for long through his company, Rwanda Inspiration Backup, was facing charges including soliciting or offering sexual favours, and harassment connected to sexual relations.
The court ruled on the release of Prince Kid,34, saying that the Prosecution did not present compelling evidences pinning him to alleged crimes.
Prince Kid has been incarcerated in Nyarugenge Prison located in Mageragere since 16th May 2022.
