Nyusi was speaking on Monday 12th July 2021 during a visit to military units in Sofala province, Mozambique.
His statement is considered a response to South Africa’s Minister of Defence, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula who recently criticized the deployment of Rwandan troops before SADC saying it was “regrettable” that the arrival of Rwandan troops “happened before SADC had deployed its strength.”
Ossufo Momade, the president of Renamo (main opposition party in Mozambique) also criticized the presence of Rwandan troops in Mozambique considering it illegal and accused Filipe Nyusi of having violated the Constitution by not taking this request from foreign forces to the Parliament.
“The President must respect the Constitution and take this matter to the Assembly of the Republic,” Ossufo Momade said on Monday.
“What we thought would happen was that SADC would come with its force from the 15th, but we were surprised when we realized that the Rwandan force arrived first, which worries Mozambicans,” he added.
Nyusi explained that SADC accepted the bilateral efforts of his Government to seek more support to tackle terrorism in Cabo Delgado and assured to ‘work with our brothers in Rwanda and SADC’.
“We are a sovereign country and SADC respects that,” he said.
The President reiterated that those who will lead the fight against rebel groups in Cabo Delgado are the Mozambicans, who know the terrain well.
Rwanda recently on 9th July 2021 started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP). The second batch left the country on Saturday afternoon to fight terrorism and insurgency in the Southern Africa nation.
Rwandan troops have already arrived in the Southern Africa country and are on standby to conduct operations to fight rebel groups linked the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The group sometimes calls themselves al-Shabaab, although they do not have known links with the Somali al-Shabaab.
The situation started worsening in October 2017 when armed extremists linked ISIL launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.
Since then, Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been battling the extremists.
Many civilians have been displaced by the fighting.
Following different attacks, the militants seized the port town of Mocimboa da Praia August 2020.
Over fifty people were beheaded by terrorists in the province in April 2020 and a similar number in November 2020.
Among others, the militants seized Palma on 24th March 2021, murdering dozens of civilians displacing more than 35,000 of the town’s 75,000 residents.
So far, intensified fight between rebels and Government soldiers for the past four years has claimed lives of 3000 civilians leaving over 800,000 displaced.
The incessant violence prompted the visit of Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi to Rwanda in April 2021 where he discussed the problem with his counterpart Paul Kagame.
The statement released by the Government of Rwanda ahead of sending troops to Mozambique reads that the deployment is a response to the request of the Government of Mozambique.
Towards the end of last week, President Nyusi welcomed Rwandan troops expressing optimism that they will work with his country’s youth.
The ceremony held virtually on Monday 12th July 2021 was also attended by some of diplomats accredited to the country, representatives from the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rwandans living in Belarus and friends of Rwanda.
Speaking at the ceremony; Rwanda’s ambassador to Russia, Lt Gen Frank Mushyo Kamanzi reflected on bravery that characterized the youth that took part in the liberation struggle led by President Paul Kagame and commended them for sacrifice which became a foundation for Rwanda’s transformational journey over the past 27 years.
He also echoed the message of President Kagame delivered on 4th July 2021 as Rwanda marked the Liberation anniversary where he reminded Rwandans that attained progress is a result of working together.
“Twenty-seven years ago, Rwandans joined hands to liberate our country. Ever since we have worked together every day to renew our society and make Rwanda the best it can be for each one of us. I want to thank you for this,” reads the message.
After stopping the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, RPA Inkotanyi soldiers installed non-divisive leadership promoting unity, reconciliation, and inclusive development among Rwandans under the championship of Kagame.
Rwanda experienced serious economic collapse but has today become a resilient country with impressive transformations in various aspects of life that it is seen as a role model for many countries.
Lt Gen Kamanzi has urged the youth forming bigger segment of Rwandans living in Russia and Belarus to consolidate gains and advance Rwanda’s development further.
Vsevolod Tkachenko, the Director of the Africa Department at Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended Rwanda’s resilience and efforts to promote unity and reconciliation over the past 27 years.
He reiterated his country’s commitment to support Rwanda’s development in different areas and commended existing bilateral relations since 1963.
The Vice President of Rwandan community in Russia and Belarus, Joseph Rutaganira encouraged the youth to emulate patriotism of RPA Inkotanyi soldiers who selflessly fought for the liberation of Rwanda and continue contributing to national development agenda.
Rwandan youth from different universities in Russia present during the event also voiced appreciation RPA soldiers for their sacrifice and pledged contribution to build the nation.
As she officially officiated the start of primary six national exams on Monday 12th July 2021; the Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya explained that the situation was unpredictable but commended public collaboration which led to smooth preparations.
“These learners would have sat for exams in November last year but there has been delays occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic. We were not sure if it would happen at this time due to emerging circumstances but we are happy for today’s blessing as students finally sit for national exams,” she said.
“Exams starting today will last three days. More students in ordinary level and upper secondary school finalists will begin exams on 20th July expected to last 10 days.We continue to make possible effort to ensure they don’t miss exams,” added Uwamariya.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. In a bid to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, the Government ordered the closure of all schools that saw all students returning home in March 2020.
Universities and higher learning institutions were allowed to reopen in September 2020 under strict COVID-19 control measures.
In October 2020, the Ministry of Education announced 2nd November as the reopening date for learners in primary 5 and 6 classes. Students from ordinary level, senior 5 and 6 also resumed studies the same day.
The second batch started the second term on 23rd November 2020. This includes learners in primary 4 classes, and secondary school students from senior 1, 2 and 4.
Following the crisis, national exams were also postponed to July 2021.
At least 452,053 are expected to sit for all national exams running from 12th to 30th July 2021.
Newly imported oxygen plants complement the country’s efforts to increase local production in response to the recent spike in coronavirus infections leading to hospitalization.
Rwanda received the new oxygen plants on Thursday 8th July 2021 becoming an addition to existing seven ones that had the capacity to produce 230 cylinders (50 liters each) per day and 7000 cylinders of oxygen per month.
Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) has via Twitter handle revealed that installation of new oxygen plants is underway but but did not indicate the number of imported plants.
More hospitals to receive newly imported oxygen plants include Kibungo, Nyagatare and Rwamagana among other hospitals across the country.
“In line with Rwanda’s effort to increase oxygen production and distribution in hospitals, the Ministry of Health and Rwanda Biomedical Center are procuring several oxygen plants where the first batch has been already installed at Nyarugenge Hospital. More plants are planned to be installed in different hospitals as soon as possible,” reads the tweet.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 48 244 people have been tested positive of whom 32 523 recovered, 15 161 are active cases, 64 are critically ill while 560 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 395,083 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation programme on 5th March 2021.
The statement released today shows that the two carriers have joined forces to offer RwandAir Dream Miles and Qatar Airways Privilege Club loyalty members access to each other’s destinations with the opportunity to ‘earn and burn’ points across their reciprocal route networks.
Under the new deal, RwandAir Dream Miles members will be able to fly to more than 140 Qatar Airways destinations using miles earned by flights bought through RwandAir.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club members will have the ability to earn miles on RwandAir’s flights, both within Africa and on long-haul routes, to destinations such as New York and London.
Commenting on the partnership; Yvonne Manzi Makolo, the CEO of RwandAir said that the national flight carrier ‘is incredibly proud to be the first Sub-Saharan African airline to enter into partnership with Qatar Airways Privilege Club’.
She explained that customer loyalty is of huge importance to RwandAir and Qatar Airways where both carriers strive to put the customer experience first and give recognition to their most frequent fliers.
“Now RwandAir Dream Miles customers will be able to earn and burn points to give them access to flights across Qatar Airways’ extensive route network, with the same reciprocal benefits to Qatar Airways Privilege Club members. We believe this initiative is a major step forward to greater cooperation between Africa’s most ambitious airline and one of the world’s most prestigious international carriers, and we look forward to further enhancing the benefits of our Dream Miles members,” noted Makolo.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker emphasized that the partnership with RwandAir opens up a world of possibilities for the customers of both airlines, allowing them to discover exciting destinations.
“Members of Privilege Club and Dream Miles can enjoy significant benefits including world class travel experiences on our strong complementary networks,” he said.
Since RwandAir launched its Dream Miles loyalty programme in 2011, it has grown in popularity and become a favourite of the airline’s frequent fliers.
The Dream Miles programme has four tiers of membership, with Emerald forming the entry level, entitling members to a free ticket using award miles, eligibility for a flight upgrade, as well as last minute cabin upgrades and up to 40kgs excess baggage using award miles.
In addition, Silver tier members, who have earned 25,000 ‘Tier Miles’ or taken 20 flights in a year, are entitled to an additional 10kg of checked-in baggage, can earn 25% bonus miles on all RwandAir flights and be given priority on the waitlist.
Gold tier members, who have earned 50,000 miles or taken 40 flights a year, enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 50% bonus miles on all RwandAir flights and 15kg extra checked baggage allowance.
They can also receive a free ticket and complimentary upgrade to the higher cabin using miles, as well as priority check-in, baggage tagging, Business Class lounge access and high priority on the waitlist.
RwandAir’s most highly-valued frequent flyers can benefit from Diamond tier status in reward for earning 100,000 miles or taking 60 flights a year.
Benefits include 100% bonus miles on all RwandAir flights, an additional 23kg of checked baggage and one free upgrade to Business Class per year when travelling in the Economy cabin.
Following two years of consecutive Diamond status, their tier will be automatically extended for a further two years.
{{About RwandAir}}
Operating from Kigali, RwandAir is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines and operates one of the youngest state-of-the-art fleets on the African continent. With a reputation for delivering a premium service to all its customers, RwandAir operates 12 aircraft with an average age of just under six years. The airline currently offers services to 25 destinations across 21 countries throughout Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
{{About Qatar Airways Privilege Club}}
Privilege Club launched in 2000 as the loyalty programme by Qatar Airways and features four tiers of membership – Burgundy, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, giving members a range of exclusive privileges and benefits that have been designed and tailored to make travelling even more rewarding.
Members can earn Qmiles when flying with Qatar Airways and with oneworld® airlines, and other airline partners, as well as with a number of financial and lifestyle partners. Qmiles can be redeemed towards a range of rewards including award flights, cabin upgrades, extra baggage, Hotel & Car Rewards and more.
The group sometimes calls themselves al-Shabaab, although they do not have known links with the Somali al-Shabaab.
The situation started worsening in October 2017 when armed extremists linked ISIL launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.
Since then, Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been battling the extremists.
Many civilians have been displaced by the fighting.
Following different attacks, the militants seized the port town of Mocimboa da Praia August 2020.
Over fifty people were beheaded by terrorists in the province in April 2020 and a similar number in November 2020.
Among others, the militants seized Palma on 24th March 2021, murdering dozens of civilians displacing more than 35,000 of the town’s 75,000 residents.
So far, intensified fight between rebels and Government soldiers for the past four years has claimed lives of 3000 civilians leaving over 800,000 displaced.
The incessant violence prompted the visit of Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi to Rwanda in April 2021 where he discussed the problem with his counterpart Paul Kagame.
The statement released by the Government of Rwanda ahead of sending troops to Mozambique reads that the deployment is a response to the request of the Government of Mozambique.
The joint force is expected to work closely with Mozambique Armed Defence Forces (FADM) and forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in designated sectors of responsibility to fight the terrorism group that has captured Mocimboa da Pria town for four months.
Among others, the Rwandan contingent will support efforts to restore Mozambican state authority by conducting combat and security operations, as well as stabilization and security-sector reform (SSR).
The deployment is based on the good bilateral relations between the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Mozambique, following the signing of several agreements between the two countries in 2018. It is also rooted on Rwanda’s commitment to the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine and the 2015 Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians.
{{The cost}}
It is reported that Rwanda sent 35 senior military officers to assess the situation in Mozambique following the visit of Filipe Nyusi to Rwanda.
After situational analysis and identifying areas of contribution, Rwanda decided to send 1000 joint forces and cater for related cost during their mission to the Southern Africa country.
Speaking to IGIHE recently; RDF Spokesperson, Col Ronald Rwivanga explained that the most important thing is to fight terrorism because the cost of insecurity is relatively higher than the cost of war to quell insecurity.
“Wars are costly but insecurity costs higher. We are convinced that countering insurgency in Mozambique will address security issues stemming from the situation that would spread to the entire Southern Africa region. It is better to consider the losses incurred by insecurity before putting an emphasis on the cost to restore peace,” he said.
Col Rwivanga has revealed that the mission is not time-specific.
“The duration of the fight will depend on emerging situation. The time to end the insurgency is not time-specific. We shall come back after accomplishing our well defined mission,” he affirmed.
{{Modelling self-reliance }}
Dr. Ismaël Buchana, a researcher and political analyst has said that Africa needs to develop self-reliance to address problems prevailing on the continent including insecurity which have existed for over 60 years.
Speaking to the media recently on the decision to reduce forces deployed in peace operations in Sahel, French President Emanuel Macron explained that it is not his country’s core business to protect security for African nations.
Dr. Buchana has explained that the statement should leave a major lesson to Africans.
“The time has come for Africa to start solving own problems across all areas without leaving behind security because it is not a must for foreign countries to protect Africa. We should understand that it is our responsibility to work hard for desired progress and build strong security systems to meet our aspirations,” he stressed.
“Africa has capabilities to protect security but it requires solidarity because security problems are transnational. That is why Africa had set ambitious target to silence the guns by 2020. The target was not fully attained but there has been a major progress in conflict management,” added Dr. Buchana.
According to the Global Terrorism Index published on 25th November 2020, the “centre of gravity” for the Islamic State group IS has moved away from the Middle East to Africa and to some extent South Asia, with total deaths by IS in sub-Saharan Africa up by 67% over last year.
The report also revealed that ‘the expansion of ISIS affiliates into sub-Saharan Africa led to a surge in terrorism in many countries in the region’.
Seven of the 10 countries with the largest increase in terrorism were in sub-Saharan Africa. These include Burkina Faso, Mozambique, DRC, Mali, Niger, Cameroon and Ethiopia. They are an addition to countries with persistent conflicts including Somalia, South Sudan, Central African Republic (CAR) and Chad among others.
The report points out that in 2019 “sub-Saharan Africa recorded the largest number of ISIS-related terrorism deaths at 982, or 41 per cent of the total”.
On the other hand, 20% of small arms worth US$1 billion traded globally are sold on African continent.
Dr. Buchana has explained that Rwanda’s efforts to restore peace in CAR and Mozambique should be emulated by other African countries.
“Rwanda is not the most powerful country on the continent in terms of economy and military power. By taking the front lead to intervene in peace restoration efforts, Rwanda is showing a good exemplar to other nations,” he noted.
RDF Spokesperson, Col Rwivanga has also emphasized that Rwanda’s contribution reflects that Africa has what it takes to solve own problems.
“This mission carries many lessons particularly striving for self-reliance as Africans. It demonstrates that Africans have the capacity to solve problems existing on the continent. The contribution by Africans to normalize the situation in Mozambique is of great value. The gesture should be considered to show what we can achieve in other areas including health sector where collaboration is paramount to address our problems,” he said.
Currently, Rwanda is the third largest UN troop-contributing country in the world with more than 6,000 military and police personnel to different peacekeeping missions.
He made the revelation on Saturday appearing in a talk show ‘Urubuga rw’Itangazamakuru’ translated as ‘media platform’ aired on Isango Star.
On 29th May 2021, Rwanda recorded 14 new cases and zero death. At the time, the country had registered 26,892 total infections and 352 COVID-19 related deaths since the pandemic emerged on 14th March 2020.
As new infections decreased, the country lifted some restrictions allowing wedding receptions and reopening of other activities.
On 7th June, Rwanda experienced a wave of new infections hitting 62 in one day and subsequently increased to 127 on 11th June and 622 on 21st June 2021.
Since then, new infections continued to rise on daily basis hitting over 500 and 900 cases.
Figures from the Ministry of Health released on Saturday show that 47 667 people have been tested positive since the pandemic emerged in Rwanda of whom 15 110 are active cases, 32 006 recovered while 551 succumbed to the virus.
Appearing in the talk show, Dr. Mpunga attributed the surge in new infections to complacency and the existence of Delta variant.
“We have approximately 15,000 COVID-19 patients of whom 90% are receiving treatment under the home-based care. A total of 350 patients are admitted at COVID-19 treatment centers including 180 who are on ventilators,” he said.
Dr. Mpunga warned the public against complacency considering the fact that the new Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads faster.
“It should be everyone’s responsibility to comply with instituted COVID-19 containment measures because the pandemic cannot be defeated if people don’t own the fight,” he stated.
The Spokesperson of Rwanda National Police (RNP), CP John Bosco Kabera also highlighted that the spike in new cases reflects public’s complacency against preventive directives.
He explained that over 100,000 people were caught violating preventive measures in the past ten days.
“These include people violating measures in many ways where some of them were not wearing face masks, didn’t respect social distancing and violated curfew hours,” he said.
“There are over 4000 people caught in hidden bars, over 2000 were caught holding parties at home. We also impounded 1000 vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles violating curfew hours,” added CP Kabera.
He warned people against violating preventive directives and urged them to support national efforts to defeat the pandemic.
The statement released last night also shows that 830 people have caught the virus while 869 recovered.
Kigali city continues to be the major hotspot where 445 of new cases were confirmed.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 47 667 have been tested positive of whom 32 006 recovered, 15110 are active cases, 63 are critically ill while 551 have succumbed to the virus.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The incident took place in Rwakaza village, Kibare cell of Mutenderi sector on Wednesday 7th July 2021.
It is said that the child’s body was first seen by a resident identified as Nizeyimana in the marshland separating Mutenderi and Jarama sectors who alerted security officials.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the child had spent the day in Sake Market with his father who went missing after the child’s was reported dead.
A man hunt was immediately launched against the father who was arrested in the evening of Friday 9th July 2021 in Iramiro village, Kigoma cell of Jarama sector.
The Executive Secretary of Jarama sector, Emmanuel Ndayambaje has said that the man was arrested by residents on patrol.
“We had information that a man from the neighboring Mutenderi sector escaped after killing own child. His picture was shared with us so we could identify him easily. We engaged security officials and patrol personnel until his arrest,” he revealed.
Ndayambaje explained that the suspect is detained at Jarama RIB Post for further investigations.
The statement released by the Government of Rwanda today reads that the deployment is a response to the request of the Government of Mozambique.
The Joint Force will work closely with Mozambique Armed Defence Forces (FADM) and forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in designated sectors of responsibility.
The Rwandan contingent will support efforts to restore Mozambican state authority by conducting combat and security operations, as well as stabilisation and security-sector reform (SSR).
“This deployment is based on the good bilateral relations between the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Mozambique, following the signing of several agreements between the two countries in 2018, and is grounded in Rwanda’s commitment to the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine and the 2015 Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians,” reads part of the statement.
{{Background}}
-* Beginning in October 2017, armed extremists linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.
-* The group sometimes calls themselves al-Shabaab, although they do not have known links with the Somali al-Shabaab.
-* Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been battling the extremists. Many civilians have been displaced by the fighting.
-* The militants have launched attacks, and in August 2020 seized the port town of Mocimboa da Praia.
-* Over fifty people were beheaded by terrorists in the province in April 2020 and a similar number in November 2020.
-* In September 2020, the ISIL insurgents captured Vamizi Island in the Indian Ocean.
-* On 24 March 2021, the militants seized Palma, murdering dozens of civilians displacing more than 35,000 of the town’s 75,000 residents.
