However, some holders use them to drive unauthorized vehicle categories, which is a serious traffic offence. Some of the drivers have been arrested or penalized for this violation.
One of them is Jean Baptiste Harerimana, who was arrested Saturday, January 21, in Gikondo, Kicukiro District driving a trailer.
Harerimana holds a Category B driver’s license, which only entitles him to drive a passenger vehicle.
“Harerimana had brought a trailer for mechanical inspection in Gikondo, where the mobile lane is stationed. Trailers or trucks are driven by people with valid category E driver’s license,” CP John Bosco Kabera, the RNP spokesperson said.
The trailer was also impounded.
The automobile inspection Centres, he said, record at least three similar cases everyday, and warned against such illegal acts.
“You have to be certified and must have passed a driving test and given a driver’s license category to drive a certain class of vehicle. These are processes undertaken to prevent or reduce accidents and fatalities that may arise out of unlawful use of driver’s permit,” CP Kabera said.
{{Driving License Categories}}
Definitive driving license categories differ by the vehicle capacity or class.
Categories range from A, A1, B, B1, C, D, D1, E, F and every category defines a vehicle that a holder is authorized to drive.
Presidential Decree regulating traffic Police and road traffic, provides that “no person shall drive on the public highway, a motor vehicle if her/she is not holding and carrying a driving license issued by the Rwanda National Police.
The driver must provide a driving license when asked by a qualified agent.
The statement was released on Thursday 19th January 2023, one day after DRC’s announcement that M23 refused to withdraw from captured zones and proposed sanctions against the rebel group and Rwanda accused of supporting it.
On Wednesday, Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula released a statement explaining that M23 had to retreat from occupied areas 15th January 2023 as per Luanda resolutions reached in November 2022.
The rebel group has already handed over its positions in Kibumba and Rumangabo to the East African Community Regional Forces but DRC seems not satisfied and continues to accuse Rwanda of being it.
DRC also demanded EAC, ICGLR and partners to fulfil their responsibilities and impose sanctions on Rwanda and leaders of M23 for breaching international laws and violating human rights in eastern Congo.
The statement concluded with an emphasis on recent speech by Tshisekedi at the United Nations Security Council on 20th November 2022 where he said that his country resolved to put an end to insecurity in eastern part of the country whatever the cost.
Reacting to the statement , Rwanda referred to it as a threat of war. The country has explained that iDRC’s statement is a selective reading of the Luanda Communiqué of 23 November 2022.
“The DRC statement avoids key decisions of the November summit, and concludes with what can only be seen as a threat of imminent attacks on Rwanda,” reads part of the statement.
As EAC continues to intervene in restoring peace in eastern DRC , some Congolese recently staged protests against regional troops safeguarding security in Goma.
Rwanda has said that the demonstrations constitute a plan by DR Congo to exit Luanda and Nairobi peace process.
“The staged demonstrations against the EAC Regional Force, in Goma and other parts of the DRC, constitute part of a plan by the DRC military and government to exit the Nairobi/Luanda peace processes. The goal of the demonstrations appears to be to cause the departure of the force, whereas the Luanda Communiqué calls for “Continued full deployment of the EAC Regional Force,” adds the statement.
The Luanda Communiqué comprises important decisions beyond the withdrawal of one Congolese armed group. This includes the “creation of conditions for the occupation of M23 currently controlled zones by the EAC Force, with the support of MONUSCO and the Ad-Hoc Verification Mechanism.”
The Luanda Communiqué also calls for the cessation of all political and military support to the genocidal militia FDLR and other illegal armed groups.
Rwanda has insisted that the DRC is violating this decision by continuing to provide weapons and fighting alongside several illegal armed groups in Eastern DRC.
“This also constitutes a clear violation of the Nairobi Process, which is aimed at disarmament and demobilization of these armed groups, and a threat to Rwanda’s security. In addition, the recruitment of foreign mercenaries by the DRC is a clear indication that the DRC is preparing for war, and not peace,” reads the statement.
Of particular concern to Rwanda is the complete disregard of the Luanda decision to “consider and resolve the issue of the return of refugees to their countries of origin”.
Rwanda continues to bear the burden of hosting over 75,000 Congolese refugees, with more arriving daily due to continued insecurity and persecution in eastern DRC.
The DRC government has not acknowledged the situation of these refugees and made no effort to facilitate their safe return to their homes in the DRC.
“The Government of DRC signed on to the ongoing Luanda and Nairobi processes as an implementing partner and should focus on full implementation. Attempts by the DRC to sabotage or abandon these regional agreements can only be seen as a choice to perpetuate conflict and insecurity. The Great Lakes Region cannot afford yet more failed peace initiatives – our citizens deserve better,” concludes the statement.
Last year, Congolese Army (FARDC) in collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) shelled rockets on Rwandan territory in Northern Province where they injured people and destroyed properties.
Among others, Congolese fighter jet violated Rwanda’s airspace two times since last year under what was considered as a serious provocation.
The warning follows the arrest of one Elias Niyonsaba, 44, a dealer in timber operating in Jali, Gasabo District, on Tuesday, January 17, who allegedly attempted to seduce Police officers with a bribe of Frw70000 after he was caught for tax evasion.
Niyonsaba was selling timber without issuing the mandatory EBM invoices so as to evade taxes, Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said.
“Police officers enforcing tax laws got information from people, who had bought timber from Niyonsaba but did not give them electronic billing invoices,” CP Kabera said.
Niyonsaba, however, tried to bribe the officers with Frw70,000 so as to prevent any further legal actions for tax evasion, but was arrested in the act and handed over to RIB.
CP Kabera cautioned the business community against tax evasion and bribery.
“Traders should follow the law, issue electronic billing invoice as required to avoid heavy penalties. Thinking that you will just get away with tax evasion by bribing authorities will only lead you into prison,” CP Kabera warned.
Article 4 of the law N° 54/2018 of 13/08/2018 on fighting against corruption states that any person who offers, solicits, accepts or receives, by any means, an illegal benefit for himself/ herself or another person or accepts a promise in order to render or omit a service under his or her mandate or uses his or her position to render or omit a service, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of more than five (5) years but not more than even (7) years with a fine of three (3) to five (5) times the value of the illegal benefit offered, solicited or received.
Article 81 of Law N° 026/2019 of 18/09/2019 regulating tax procedures states that, except for taxpayers registered for the value added tax, any person, who is required to issue an invoice generated by an electronic invoicing system recognized by the Tax administration but fails to do so is liable to an administrative fine of two (2) times the value of the transaction.
Any value addition tax unregistered person, who carries out a taxable transaction and delivers an electronic invoice with under-valued price or quantity of goods or services is liable to an administrative fine of two (2) times the value of the under-valued transaction.
In article 85, a person registered for the VAT, who sells goods or services without issuing an electronic invoice is liable to an administrative fine of ten (10) times the value of the evaded Value Added Tax.
In case of the fault is repeated, the defaulter is liable to an administrative fine of twenty (20) times the value of the evaded Value Added Tax.
Bids for the bond will be received from 16th to 18th January 2023. BNR has urged interested investors to complete bond application forms and submit them not later than 18th January 2023 at 16h:00.
According to the Central Bank, all bids must be submitted to the National Bank of Rwanda through any of the licensed commercial banks or Capital Market intermediaries while successful bidders will get their results through email from 18/01/2023 at 5:00 p.m.
The interest rate will be confirmed on 18th January after reviewing all investors’ bids.
After raising the funds, it is expected that investors will be paid back not later than December 2042.
M23 was given the deadline of Sunday 15th January 2023 to have retreated from areas captured during a fighting with Congolese Army (FARDC).
Radio Okapi has reported that M23 combatants were seen on the same day withdrawing from their positions to respect the Luanda resolutions.
On Monday 16th January 2023, residents of Kiwanja also confirmed that they witnessed the rebels’ withdrawal.
Luanda summit demanded M23 to withdraw to its previous positions before the fighting in Sabyinyo and Chanzu to be allowed to engage in negotiations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Lawyers of Asylum Aid which is among charities that had filed a lawsuit demanding cancellation of the deportation policy has announced that it claimed for a go ahead to appeal against the ruling noting that the court made a wrong decision.
“We’re extremely disappointed by the High Court’s decision. It’s very hard to see how it can be fair for the Home Office to decide to send hundreds – if not thousands – of asylum seekers to Rwanda without any of them having a right to argue that it’s not a safe place.
We’re asking for permission to appeal so that we can continue to fight for fair processes and fair outcomes for people who come here seeking protection,” said Alison Pickup, the Director of Asylum Aid.
The organization which provides legal aid services to asylum seekers says that it is concerned with the security of individuals to be deported.
In April 2022, Rwanda and the United Kingdom (UK) signed Migration and Economic Development partnership. The deal paves the way for deportation to Rwanda of migrants and asylum seekers staying in the UK illegally.
Under this program, migrants are set to benefit from secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons and higher education.
After signing the agreement, it was reported that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.
The UK made the decision to discourage people crossing to the country illegally and reduce the budget spent on them every year.
The deal was criticized by various organizations overseeing migrants’ interests and some British politicians.
Their first flight to Rwanda was expected on 14th June 2022 but was cancelled at last minute after an intervention from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
The UK is one of the European countries that have for long struggled with an increase in illegal migrants, mainly through the English Channel.
Figures from the UK show that 45,756 migrants crossed to the country in 2022 through the English Channel, a higher number compared to 28,526 registered in 2021. This number represents an increase by 17,000.
These illegal migrants come from various countries in Africa, Asia and Europe.
The UK spends at least 5.5 million pounds a year on migrants where they stay in hotels while their claims are being processed.
The latest report from Rwanda’s Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) shows that 2798 Congolese have fled to Rwanda from 13th November 2022 to 13th January 2023.
This means, the country receives at least 100 Congolese refugees everyday fleeing violence and insecurity.
On Friday 13th January 2023, Rwanda welcomed 106 refugees from the same country.
Despite the situation, 131 refugees have returned home since November with deep fear that the situation might worsen and seek refuge again.
Salathiel Nduhuye Gatuku, a breadwinner in a family of nine recently told IGIHE that he fled to Rwanda in 2012 coming from Kalehe.
As he said, they were being witch hunted by soldiers of FARDC and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to kill them.
He shares the sorrow with Furaha Dusabimana also hailing from Kalehe. “I was brought up in refuge instead of enjoying rights in my home country. I still wonder the crime Tutsis committed to be persecuted and killed of torture in the country. The situation is worrying,” she said.
DRC registers over 130 armed groups where the majority of them are based in eastern part of the country.
These include the FDLR, a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
As the fighting between FARDC and M23 resumed, DRC formed a coalition with FDLR and started blaming Rwanda for insecurity in the country accusing the neighbouring country of backing M23.
However, Rwanda has repeatedly denied the allegations and urged DR Congo to solve internal problems without dragging it into its mess.
The FARDC-FDLR coalition also shelled rockets on Rwanda’s territory at different times which destroyed properties and injured people last year.
Apart from the provocations, DRC politicians have been propagating hate speeches that continue to fuel violence against Rwandophones who face rights abuse.
Instead of paying attention to the root cause of insecurity, DRC continues to accuse Rwanda of being behind insecurity in the country and politicizing refugees over self-interests.
The country has been claiming that Kinyarwanda-speaking communities are Rwandans who must return home ignoring facts of their ancestral roots where they lived in Congo for many years.
The United Nations recently warned of possible genocide against Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in DRC over the country’s continuous propagation of hate speeches and violence against the ethnic group.
Rwandophones who make up 5% of Congolese population mainly live in Northern and Southern Kivu Province.
The violence against them and insecurity that mired eastern Congo, saw some group of Congolese refugees fleeing to Rwanda where they have been living for more than 20 years.
As President Felix Tshisekedi came to power in 2019, they hoped for the end of refugee life nightmare experienced.
However, the hope has been lost after three years where the refugees are warning about the extermination of their relatives who stayed in DRC.
The fear for escalating genocide against Tutsi communities prompted over 19,000 refugees from Kiziba camp to stage protests on Wednesday, December 19, 2022, demanding the international community to put pressure on DRC to stop the killings.
These Congolese refugees protested after their colleagues from the camps of Kigeme, Mugomba, and Mahama mounted demonstrations demanding the Congolese Government to stop killing their relatives and help them return to their homeland.
instead of responding to their concerns, DRC has taken a stand [to advocate for and sanitize FDLR ->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/congolese-refugees-raise-alarm-over-escalating-violence-arising-from] yet the international community has labeled it as a terrorist group.
Rwanda hosts more than 70,000 Congolese refugees, including those who arrived for the first time in 1996.
However, the figures dropped from US$3.7 billion of 2021 considered to be the highest investments registered in Rwanda in one year.
In 2020, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) had registered US$1.3 billion that was a decrease by 47.1% from US$2.46 of the previous year.
The economic recovery efforts are reinforced through attracting new investments in various sectors including technology, manufacturing, mining, real estate and health among others.
The latest figures from RDB show that the country registered US$1.6 billion worth of investments from January to December 2022.
The construction of Gaz Methane extraction plant in Karongi District at a tune of US$530 is among more than 103 projects registered under the Manufacture and Build to Recover Program last year.
Other registered investments include ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) to develop and manage Bugesera Industrial Park; KOKO Networks, a project aimed at developing the world’s first nation-wide renewable cooking fuel utility.
The US$25 million project is expected to help Rwanda achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2030, in order to solve the deforestation, carbon emissions and indoor air pollution deaths caused by the use of charcoal and wood for cooking, which is still prevalent in Rwandan homes today.
Among others, Rwanda registered a new investment from Kasada, a hospitality company which acquired the Umubano Hotel located in Kacyiru, Kigali, Rwanda.
Kasada is the leading independent investment platform dedicated to hospitality investments in Sub- Saharan Africa.
The new acquisition will see Kasada investing US$30 million to upgrade Umubano to a five-star hotel.
Doğuş Group from Turkey also entered Rwanda’s market where it is set to develop three luxury hotels.
In the same year, Bloomberg Media also announced plans to set up studio in Kigali to expand its TV presence in Africa.
In November 2022, RDB says that the country had registered US$425.5 million in tourism revenues.
Of the revenues, US$19.7 million were from sales of Gorilla Trekking Permits.
The Head of State was delivering remarks at the 28th National Prayer Breakfast on Sunday 15th January 2023.
The annual National Prayer Breakfast is organized by Rwanda Leaders Fellowship and brings together government officials, the private sector and members of civil society, to thank God for Rwanda’s achievements over the past year and to launch a new initiative.
In his speech, the Head of State thanked participants and organizers for being part of the much needed event to share breakfast and pray for the country, and shed light on its essence.
He said that praying involves many things. Among them, he highlighted that it reminds people of who they are as humans.
“This prayer must be associated with what you believe what you want to be and the purpose of life,” said Kagame.
“Prayer is not just an end in itself. This means, what we want to achieve through our actions, beliefs and differences but we also have what unites us. This means, there are cultures, behaviors, and mindsets that should define us,” he added.
Kagame has however stressed that people will always question what a person is doing and stressed the need to carry one’s burden with a certain objective.
“People will say, Kagame, is Rwanda’s leader but is he doing the right thing? That must be always there. [..] There will be questions raised; there will be judgment in people’s mind that that person is not fit. He tells us this, but does the opposite or does what he says align with people’s vision?” he disclosed.
“[..] We must carry the burden of responsibility, of where we can carry people with us toward a certain end, objective. And actually it is everybody’s responsibility, in your own way, level. You want to try to do that, you want to try to be leader moving from a certain point to another point that serves the purpose.”
The Head of State observed that such burden must be there and questions but highlighted that leaders must be there to find solutions or answers to those questions being raised.
“So the prayer, thanking, praying, is towards that point saying this is where we want to be as people. The rest is just about organizations helping us to get there,” he noted.
Kagame also underscored that everyone has unique strength but highlighted that people have to work collectively if they are to move where they want to be.
“We are one country and must have the other burden of responsibility. Everyone has own share to be able to move where we want to be as fast as we can. […] This has to be consistent and we need to avoid complacency to put things in the right direction,” he stated.
The President also stressed the need for people to strive for harmony irrespective of their geographical limits. He concluded his remarks urging Rwandans to identify their priorities, strive for development, carry their own burden and leave a good legacy.
The Executive Secretary of NEC, Charles Munyaneza has told IGIHE that Prof. Mbanda was not sick for long as he had gone to work two days ago.
He explained that Prof. Mbanda visited his farm on Friday and went to the hospital where he breathed the last on his return.
Prof. Mbanda was named the Chairman of NEC in 2012 for five-year term that was renewed. He replaced Prof. Chrysologue Karangwa at the time.
He has been also serving as the Chancellor of Kigali Independent University (ULK).
Prof. Mbanda held different positions where he once served as an Expert for Eco-development and Community-Base Projects, in charge of Planning and Monitoring between 1990-1995 and Consultant for Regional Rehabilitation and Development Plan (1998-99) at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
He also spent long time in the education sector as he served as the Dean of Faculty of Agriculture at the National University of Rwanda between 1995-1998, National Expert for Strategic Planning, in charge of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Sector 2000-2003 and Rector of the Higher Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry from 2003 to 2007.
He later worked as a consultant with different institutions including the ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), Rwanda Local Development Support Fund (RLDSF) and Genocide Survivors Fund (FARG) among others.
In 2006, Prof. Mbanda was the Chairman of Kigali City Council. He holds a PhD in Biology obtained from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. Prof. Mbanda also graduated as Tropical Agriculture Engineer at the same university.
