The ceremony took place at the parliamentary building in Kimihurura.
The Head of State saluted the commitment of new top government officials and expressed optimism that they have what it takes to take Rwanda’s health sector to greater heights in their respective capacities.
He also assured them of collaboration to diligently discharge their duties.
The two new ministers were appointed on 28th November 2022.
They are all familiar with Rwanda’s health sector which they have been serving. For instance, Dr. Nsanzimana has been serving as the Director General of Butare University Teaching Hospital (CHUB) for nine months. He also worked as the Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) since 2019 among other duties.
Dr. Nsanzimana holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Rwanda and PhD doctoral research studies in Epidemiology at University of Basel, Switzerland.
Meanwhile, Dr. Butera has been serving as the Deputy Executive Secretary in Human Resources for Health Secretariat in the Ministry of Health.
He worked in different hospitals including Kanombe Military Hospital.
Dr. Butera has a Bachelor of Medicine obtained from the University of Rwanda in 2014 and PhD in Medical Sciences from Liège University in Belgium acquired in 2019.
In 2017, he also obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Global Health Equity located in Burera District.
After welcoming new cabinet members, the Head of State updated officials attending the ceremony on the status of security in the region as well as Rwanda’s contribution to peace and security in partner countries through bilateral agreements or United Nations missions.
As he talked about the regional situation, President Kagame reminisced on DRC crisis where the country has been externalizing its internal problems and accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel during a fighting with Congolese Army (FARDC).
He also hinted at repetitive provocations from DRC. The President underscored that Rwanda is committed to living in peace with neighbours but insisted that disrupting Rwandans’ security will be costly.
BK Group Plc is the mother company of four subsidiaries including Bank of Kigali, BK General Insurance, BK TechHouse and BK Capital Ltd.
As per released figures, the lender recorded Rwf134.8 billion total operating income and Rwf43.5 billion after-tax profit in the first nine months.
As for the third quarter, the group registered Rwf15.2 billion after-tax profit.
Commenting on the performance, the CEO of BK Group Plc, Béata Habyarimana said: “BK Group Plc recorded strong results in Q3 and first nine months of 2022; reporting a net income of Rwf43.5 billion. We are happy to see improvement in asset quality despite a turbulent macroeconomic environment. We remain Rwanda’s leading financial group with over 30% market share on all key metrics teams remain committed to delivering great results and we are confident and optimistic that we will continue to meet shareholder’s expectations.”
{{Subsidiaries’ performance in the first nine months}}
{ {{Bank of Kigali Plc}} }
As at September 2022, the bank served 439,690 Retail customers and over 21,561 corporate clients, expanded the Agency Banking Network to 4,086 agents and processed over 1.8 million transactions worth Rwf357.0 billion.
The lender has 68 branches, 13 outlets, 9 mobivans; 97 ATMs and 3,197 POS terminals that accept most international cards including VISA and MasterCard.
Among others, retail clients’ balances and deposits reached Rwf309.3 billion as at September 30th, 2022 while business banking clients’ balances and deposits were Rwf818.0 billion as at September 30th, 2022.
BK Quick now has 125,112 registered customers and has disbursed over Rwf1.8 billion as at September 30th, 2022 while IKOFI wallet has registered over 1,853 agro-dealers/agents and over 264,082 registered farmers.
{ {{BK General Insurance}} }
As one of BK Group’s subsidiaries, BK Insurance registered a profit of Rwf2.1 billion in quarter three compared to Rwf1.8 billion registered in same period last year, representing 15% growth in profitability.
Gross Premium decreased from Rwf10.4 billion in the third quarter of 2021 to Rwf8.9 billion in 2022 reflecting a growth of 15%.
Underwriting profit grew from Rwf1.7 billion to Rwf1.9 billion year-on-year, which represents a 12% growth.
Total assets also increased by 9% y-o-y from Rwf21.7 billion to Rwf23.5 billion.
{ {{BK TecHouse}} }
As for the performance of BK TecHouse, sales revenue grew from Rwf735.7 million to Rwf867.2 million; representing an 18% increase while Net Operating Income reached Rwf1.1 billion; representing a 37% growth.
{ {{BK Capital Ltd}} }
The company’s total revenues for the period stood at Rwf677.0 million. Assets under management grew by 128.3% YTD to Rwf2.4 billion; mainly due to improving product awareness, investment returns and consistent customer service.
With RSE Market Share of 36.6%; the subsidiary sustained market share growth attributed to deepening client relationships and growth in related businesses.
The second annual summit took place from 28th to 29th November 2022 in Lomé, the capital of Togo.
It brought together leaders from the African financial industry, teachers, lecturers and economic experts for discussions to contribute to the continent’s economic recovery through the development of a competitive, innovative, inclusive, and sustainable financial industry.
The first ever AFIS Central Bank Governor Award recognizes the role of Governors in the development of the continent’s economies.
Governor Rwangombwa was also recognized in the areas of Monetary policy, discipline and proactive approaches in public debt management, bank consolidation and support for private equity.
Rwangombwa was appointed Central Bank Governor in 2013. Since then, Rwanda’s economy grew at a commendable pace with an annual growth of over 7%.
During his tenure, Rwanda promoted cashless transactions. For instance, latest figures from BNR indicate that the number of funds transfers through mobile payment channels in the fiscal year 2021/2022 increased by 58 percent from 196 million to 310 million transactions and the value increased by 41 from Rwf4,707 billion to Rwf6,616 billion.
Rwangombwa contributed to Rwanda’s economy through different duties assumed previously where he worked in Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) which he led since 2009.
At the time, Rwanda was implementing the First Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRSI) aimed at eradicating poverty. EDPRSI saw Rwanda reducing poverty by 12% from 2006 to 2011.
In 2015, two years after assuming duties as Governor, BNR received an award as the Central Bank of the Year in the Sub-Saharan Africa Region.
AFIS is organized by Jeune Afrique Media Group and Africa CEO Forum.
The Luanda summit followed the visit of Angolan President, João Lourenço to Kigali and Kinshasa where he met with his counterparts, Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of DRC.
As the mediator on tensions between Rwanda and DRC, Lourenço had been assigned to facilitate negotiations on the issue of armed groups in eastern DRC which usually take place Nairobi.
It was attended by Burundian President, Evariste Ndayishimiye; Tshisekedi of DRC; Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta who represented President Kagame and former Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta who currently serves as the East African Community (EAC) facilitator of peace talks in eastern DR Congo.
On Monday 28th November 2022, another meeting bringing together regional heads of state on Nairobi Process for the Restoration of Peace and Security in Eastern DR Congo was held in Kenya.
Normally, concerned parties in similar meetings draft recommendations to be discussed and endorsed after reaching consensus.
Rwanda’s biggest concern at the recent meeting in Luanda is the issue of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The group has been plotting attacks at different times to destabilize Rwanda.
From the standpoint of DRC, FDLR does neither exist nor poses threat to Rwanda.
Such statements have for the past few weeks dominated speeches propagated by DRC politicians including Tshisekedi himself.
They assert that FDLR kills Congolese, that it should be considered a threat to DRC not Rwanda.
By doing so, the politicians overlook attacks plotted on Rwandan territory and reported collaboration between Congolese Army (FARDC).
The recurrent meetings on insecurity in DRC are taking place at a time when the international community has noticed the strength of M23 rebel group which might add Goma town to other captured areas during the fight with Congolese Army (FARDC).
{{DRC allows M23 to remain on its land for the first time}}
During the mini-summit in Luanda last week, the fighting with M23 was among issues brought on table for discussions. Previously, DRC was proposing that M23 lays arms down and return to its origin (former cantonment in Uganda).
Apart from that, DRC rose alarms at different time that it was attacked by Rwanda through M23 rebel group and called fighters of M23 foreigners who must return home.
Ahead of the meeting, Tshisekedi held talks with Angolan President and convinced him that he sticks to the wrong side, that M23 rebels are apparently Congolese.
He also told him that it does not sound well to expel M23 fighters after accepting to cease fire.
During the meeting, DRC accepted that M23 would remain on its land once it respects a call for ceasefire.
It is a great milestone reached for the first time by DR Congo as a country which had ignored the reality sounding alarms that M23 rebels are Rwandans who must return to Rwanda.
This led to the resolution of setting a deadline of 25th November for M23 to cease hostilities.
It was also resolved that M23 had to respect the decision not later than 18:00 and return to its initial positions not beyond along the line Sabyinyo Volcano in the areas of Bigega, Bugusa, Nyabikona, Mbuzi, Rutsiro and Nkokwe on the side of DRC.
The heads of state agreed that the areas previously captured by M23 will be controlled by joint EAC forces.
As for Kenya, the country has so far deployed over 2000 soldiers in DRC. It was mandated maintain security in the areas of Bunagana, Rutshuru and Kiwanja after withdrawal of M23.
However, the plan to deploy a small number of troops in such a large area remains questioned.
Few hours before the deadline of 25th November expired, M23 released a conditional ceasefire statement.
Through the statement, the President of M23, Bertrand Bisimwa explained that the group is willing to cease fire as was the case on 1st April 2022 without involvement of DR Congo.
M23 also requested ‘a meeting with the mediator and the facilitator in order to discuss the matter of its concerns in a way to restore a lasting peace in our country’.
{{FDLR urged to lay down arms and return home}}
Rwanda considers FDLR as the root cause for insecurity in eastern DRC given that it is at the center of ethnic divisions propagated in the area.
This year, the terrorist group continued to destabilize Rwanda’s security where it shelled the country’s territory three times, injured citizens and destroyed their houses.
Luanda summit resolved that the group has to lay down arms not later than 30th November. This means, FDLR fighters have to return to Rwanda effective from 1st December.
The Government of Rwanda has been receiving FDLR combatants at different times where those who committed crimes face justice while others are reintegrated into their respective communities.
Other armed groups concerned with the decision include RED Tabara and ADF.
Dr. Nsanzimana who once served as the Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) has been working as the Director General of Butare University Teaching Hospital (CHUB) for the past nine months.
His new appointment was announced on Monday 28th November through a statement released by the Office of Prime Minister.
The communiqué further reads that Dr. Yvan Butera is the new State Minister in the Ministry of Health replacing Dr. Tharcisse Mpunga who was named Director General of the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK).
The duties were previously assumed by Dr. Theobald Hategekimana.
The communiqué further reads that Dr. Yvan Butera was appointed the State Minister in the Ministry of Health replacing Dr. Tharcisse Mpunga named Director General of the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK).
The role was previously assumed by Dr. Theobald Hategekimana.
Dr. Butera has been serving as the Deputy Executive Secretary in Human Resources for Health Secretariat in the Ministry of Health.
He worked in different hospitals including Kanombe Military Hospital.
Dr. Butera has a Bachelor of Medicine obtained from the University of Rwanda in 2014 and PhD in Medical Sciences from Liège University in Belgium acquired in 2019.
In 2017, he also obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Global Health Equity located in Burera District.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nsanzimana was named the Director General of RBC in 2019 replacing Dr. Condo Jeannine.
He holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Rwanda and PhD doctoral research studies in Epidemiology at University of Basel, Switzerland.
Kagame was delivering his remarks as he virtually joined Heads of State for the East African Community (EAC) led Nairobi Process for the Restoration of Peace and Security in Eastern DR Congo.
The meeting was physically attended by Evariste Ndayishimiye, the President of Burundi who also serves as the Chairperson of EAC, his counterpart of Kenya, William Ruto and the EAC facilitator of peace talks in eastern DRC, Uhuru Kenyatta.
The special envoy of ICGLR Chairman, Huang Xia also attended in-person.
Meanwhile, President Kagame, his counterpart of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi participated in the summit virtually.
As he addressed participants, Kagame thanked EAC leaders for their commitment to find a solution for challenging security and other situations in the region.
He highlighted that the problem of insecurity and instability in eastern DRC has a complicated and long history spanning for almost three decades but has festered and remained unsolved’.
The Head of State stated that this situation has occasioned negative impacts including the issue of hundreds of Congolese refugees who are unable to safely return homes, impeded trade and investment ‘with negative implication to the whole region’.
To this end, he pointed out the primary reason for the persistent crisis and proposed a solution.
“The primary reason for this persistent crisis is the failure to implement many agreements that have been reached at various levels & at different times in past years. I most sincerely believe that this time around, these efforts are going to bear good results,” said Kagame.
He underscored that the recent resurgence of ‘one armed group among many others’ has received a lot of attention globally noting that this situation comes on top of other unresolved security and political challenges.
Kagame further welcomed the region’s ‘swift response’ and mechanisms being established to save lives in eastern DRC, and address dangerous escalations that threaten neighbouring countries including Rwanda.
The President also proposed a solution to such problems.
“What is needed today, more than ever, is steady political will to implement the ongoing regional initiatives, particularly the East African Community-led Nairobi Peace Process and the African Union Mediation by President Lourenco of Angola,” said Kagame.
“This should seriously include addressing the root causes of insecurity once and for all, which will make a real difference in resolving the security concerns of DRC and neighbouring countries,” he added.
The President observed that the current framework established by regional leaders and the decision taken last week in Luanda, the capital of Angola constitute an opportunity to find a durable solution and reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to support these efforts.
“It is therefore in the interest of all of us, to stay the course and not let the situation be a perennial problem. On this, you can count on Rwanda’s full support toward a lasting and permanent solution,” he assured.
Today’s meeting follows another held on Wednesday last week in Luanda.
It was attended by Angolan President, Lourenço; the President of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi of DR Congo.
It was also attended by Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta and Uhuru Kenyatta.
The first resolution of the meeting was a call for M23 to ceasefire, halt attacks against Congolese Army (FARDC) and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in DRC (MONUSCO) effective from 25th November 2022 at 18h:00.
It was also decided that the rebel group has to withdraw from captured areas and return to previous positions in Sabyinyo Volcano.
Before the deadline, the President of M23, Bertrand Bisimwa released a statement agreeing on ceasefire.
He explained that the group is willing to cease fire as was the case on 1st April 2022 without involvement of DR Congo.
M23 also requested ‘a meeting with the mediator and the facilitator in order to discuss the matter of its concerns in a way to restore a lasting peace in our country’.
During past meetings in Luanda, M23 was not represented where resolutions were only supported by DR Congo.
The recent resolutions triggered mixed reactions as to how the Congolese Government would be assured of their implementation yet M23 was not represented in the meeting.
The ceremony took place at the academy located in Mundoli, Arusha City in northern Tanzania.
The Spokesperson of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga has confirmed to IGIHE that two Rwandans were among gradiuates from TMA.
Suluhu was presiding over similar ceremony for the third time after succeeding John Pombe Magufuli in March 2021.
Commissioned officers include 89 women and 651 men. Among those commissioned were 16 military officers from neighboring countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and Eswatini.
Rwanda and Tanzania enjoy defence cooperation agreement signed in 2021.
Last year, the former Chief of Defence Forces of Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF), General Venance Mabeyo came to Rwanda for an official visit aimed at strengthening cooperation between TPDF and RDF from 23rd to 26th August.
At the time, the TPDF Chief of Defence Forces and his delegation paid respect to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi at Kigali Genocide Memorial, visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum and RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama.
M23 released the statement on Friday 25th November 2022 before 18h:00, a deadline for ceasefire that had be set previously during a mini-summit held in Luanda, the capital of Angola on security situation in eastern DRC.
The meeting which took place on Wednesday this week was attended by Angolan President, Lourenço; the President of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi of DR Congo.
It was also attended by Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta and Uhuru Kenyatta.
The first resolution of the meeting was a call for M23 to ceasefire, halt attacks against Congolese Army (FARDC) and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in DRC (MONUSCO) effective from 25th November 2022 at 18h:00.
It was also decided that the rebel group has to withdraw from captured areas and return to previous positions in Sabyinyo Volcano.
Before the deadline, the President of M23, Bertrand Bisimwa released a statement agreeing on ceasefire.
He explained that the group is willing to cease fire as was the case on 1st April 2022 without involvement of DR Congo.
Later on 10th April 2022 in Entebbe, Uganda, the statement adds, both parties agreed on the cessation of hostilities but was never respected by DRC Government coalition of FARDC, FDLR, Nyatura, ACPLS, CODECO and Mai Mai.
“Yet again, the M23 accepted the ceasefire as recommended by the Heads of State, however, request DRC Government to respect the ceasefire. Otherwise, the M23 reserves the full right to defend itself and to protect the civilian populations against any violations of the agreed ceasefire,” reads the statement.
M23 has also requested ‘a meeting with the mediator and the facilitator in order to discuss the matter of its concerns in a way to restore a lasting peace in our country’.
During past meetings in Luanda, M23 was not represented where resolutions were only supported by DR Congo.
The recent resolutions triggered mixed reactions as to how the Congolese Government would be assured of their implementation yet M23 was not represented in the meeting.
Besides, M23 resumed fighting after DRC failed to implement peace accords signed in Nairobi in 2013.
Speaking to France24 on Thursday, the Congolese Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya said: “You know that M23 is represented by Rwanda from the onset of attacks. Let’s talk about things as they are. We are optimistic that the resolutions taken this time around with their timeframes will be implemented to restore peace on the entire national territory.”
In response to that, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Alain Mukuralinda told France24 that it would be far from the reality if DRC and its spokesperson believe that Rwanda was representing M23.
Mukuralinda further stated that the resolutions of Luanda make up a continual failure of Congo in restoring peace in eastern part of the country.
“Resolutions reached in Nairobi, Luanda and Burundi are the same. This resolution has demonstrated a great failure and total incapacity of Congolese Government in restoring security in eastern part of the country, and lack of political will to implement the aforementioned resolutions,” he said.
“Rwanda is neither a representative nor a spokesperson of M23. This kind of additions has always seen the implementation of resolutions failing because they are mixing up things,” added Mukuralinda.
DR Congo boycotted negotiations with M23 calling it a terrorist group but later changed its stand and agreed that it would engage in talks if the rebel group withdraws from captured areas.
This has been hampering the peace process to restore calm in the area. M23 has been also denouncing Genocide under preparation in DRC on collaboration between DRC and its allies highlighting that it won’t stand idly and watch killings committed against Congolese.
The rebel group maintains that it is willing to participate in all negotiations to restore peace in eastern DRC.
Despite the agreement to cease hostilities, M23 recently announced that it cannot withdraw from held positions.
The 37th General Assembly was chaired by the Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Albert Murasira and attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Jean Bosco Kazura; as well as service chiefs and heads of security organs; and selected list of members.
According to the approved Business Plan for the year 2023, ZCSS targets to increase its Gross Income to 85 billion from 69 billion and its Net Profit to 25.9 billion from 20 billion.
Zigama CSS Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. James Ndahiro said that ZCSS is currently concluding 5 years strategic plan whereby they registered a number of achievements including providing shelter to a big number of members as well as providing services using digital platforms. The general assembly was also an opportunity to receive suggestions from members for the next 5 years strategic plan, he said.
“In the last 5 years we managed to provide products and services for our members, and those services have been largely provided using digital platforms. I think that is a remarkable achievement given that our membership now is able to utilise digital services and we package our products now digitally to all levels of our membership. As we continue into the future, most of our products and services will be digital and we are calling our members to keep in line,” he said.
ZIGAMA CSS is a financial cooperative with membership drawn mainly from Security Organs namely Rwanda Defence Force, Rwanda National police, Rwanda Correctional Services, National Intelligence and Security Service and Rwanda Investigation Bureau.
He made the revelation on Thursday 24th November 2022 during an interview with France24, one day following peace talks in Angola bringing together regional heads of state aimed at finding a solution for security crisis in eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where a fight between Congolese Army (FARDC) and M23 is ongoing.
Some of the meeting’s resolutions include a request for M23 to withdraw from held positions or be quelled by the joint regional troops.
It was also resolved that all armed groups including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which has been working with FARDC in the fighting with M23, must lay down arms and return to countries of origin.
The resolutions have however triggered mixed reactions as to how the Congolese Government would be assured of their implementation yet M23 was not represented in the meeting.
Speaking to France24 on Thursday, the Congolese Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya said: “You know that M23 is represented by Rwanda from the onset of attacks. Let’s talk about things as they are. We are optimistic that the resolutions taken this time around with their timeframes will be implemented to restore peace on the entire national territory.”
Mukuralinda has said that it would be far from the reality if DRC and its spokesperson believe that Rwanda was representing M23.
He explained that Rwanda attends the meeting as a country committed to upholding its security.
Mukuralinda further stated that the resolutions of Luanda make up a continual failure of Congo in restoring peace in eastern part of the country.
“Resolutions reached in Nairobi, Luanda and Burundi are the same. This resolution has demonstrated a great failure and total incapacity of Congolese Government in restoring security in eastern part of the country, and lack of political will to implement the aforementioned resolutions,” he said.
“Rwanda is neither a representative nor a spokesperson of M23. This kind of additions has always seen the implementation of resolutions failing because they are mixing up things,” added Mukuralinda.
He said that resolutions of the meeting have to be implemented by all concerned parties.
“M23 and other groups have to respect yesterday’s resolutions. A roadmap was given where the group will be subjected to further decisions for failure to do so. Rwanda is not the spokesperson of M23. It is concerned about its security,” stated Mukuralinda.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson has underlined that security problems in eastern DRC cannot be resolved in case some of armed groups present in the country are overlooked.
“Today, the problem is known. It is time to fight all armed groups at once not drawing attention on two or three groups only. When an individual or government focuses on the area and excludes others, it shows lack of willingness to solve an existing problem. This situation has lingered on for more than 20 years,” he said.
M23 announced that it won’t withdraw from captured areas because it was not considered during the meeting.
