These figures include over 7.2 million subscribers of MTN Rwanda and more than 4.4 million subscribers of Airtel Rwanda.
It’s important to note that these numbers represent the mobile phone ownership among a total population of 13,246,394 in Rwanda.
The data reveals that postpaid subscriptions increased from 168,243 in May 2023 to 169,697 SIM cards in June 2023. Additionally, prepaid subscriptions increased from 11,380,900 SIM cards in May 2023 to 11,545,285 SIM cards in June 2023.
The report states that as of June 2023, the Mobile Penetration Rate, which refers to the number of active SIM cards per the total projected population, has risen to 87.4% compared to 86.4% in May 2023.
In June 2022, the mobile penetration stood at 80.7%.
Regarding market shares as of June 2023, MTN Rwanda Ltd saw a decrease of 0.7 percentage points to 61.9%, while AIRTEL Rwanda Ltd experienced an increase of the same margin, reaching 38.1%. These figures reflect changes compared to the statistics from May 2023.
The increased mobile phone penetration in Rwanda has resulted in a higher usage of mobile devices for daily activities and cashless transactions.
In the fiscal year 2021/2022, the number of funds transfers through mobile payment channels increased by 58% from 196 million to 310 million transactions. The value of these transactions also rose by 41%, from Rwf4,707 billion to Rwf6,616 billion, as reported by the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) in November last year.
BNR further reported that transfers through mobile banking channels increased by 35% from 6 million to 8 million transactions. The value of these transactions rose significantly by 140% from Rwf917 billion to Rwf381 billion.
Besides, the number of mobile banking subscribers increased by 18% from 2,080,549 in June 2021 to 2,244,652, and Internet banking subscribers grew by 32% from 106,312 to 140,662 in June 2022. Active mobile payment subscribers also increased by 9% from 5,079,232 in June 2021 to 5,528,109 in June 2022.
In terms of the distribution of cashless transactions, transfers through mobile payment channels accounted for the largest share at 70%, followed by transfers via mobile banking at 26%. As for transaction value, transfer through mobile payment accounted for 51% of the total, followed by internet banking at 32%.
The attack by unknown assailants on the patrol from the MINUSCA mission occurred just a few kilometres from the town of Sam Ouandia.
The mission has immediately opened an investigation into the exact circumstances, said a statement issued by the UN Spokesperson for António Guterres on Tuesday.
“The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper and to the people and government of the Republic of Rwanda”, it continued.
The UN chief recalled that attacks targeting peacekeepers “may constitute war crimes under international law. He called on the Central African Republic authorities to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this attack and bring them to justice swiftly.”
MINUSCA was deployed in 2014 to help end intercommunal violence that erupted a year earlier when mainly Muslim militants ousted the then president, prompting reprisals from mostly Christian militias.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed the solidarity of the UN with the people and Government of CAR.
The members of the Security Council joined Mr. Guterres in condemning the attack and paid tribute “to all peacekeepers who risk their lives.”
They urged the Government to investigate the killing with the support of MINUSCA, “promote accountability for such acts by bringing perpetrators to justice and keep the relevant troop-contributing country informed of the progress consistent with Security Council resolutions 2518 (2020) and 2589 (2021).”
Ambassadors underlined that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. They stressed that being involved in planning, directing, sponsoring or conducting attacks against peacekeepers constitutes a basis for sanctions.
They stressed the importance of MINUSCA being able to fulfill its mandate and fully equip peacekeepers to carry out their duties in safety and security.
Council members reiterated their “strong support” for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and MINUSCA head, Valentine Rugwabiza, and for the mission to assist CAR authorities and all citizens there in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability, as mandated by the Security Council.
At the time of the incident, the peacekeepers were on patrol, providing a protective presence in the vicinity of Sam-Ouandja, located in the Haute Kotto Prefecture. In response to the attack, the peacekeepers engaged in defensive action, where they killed three attackers and captured one.
They had been deployed in the area on July 5th of this year, following a previous attack that resulted in the loss of civilian lives.
Valentine Rugwabiza, the head of the UN mission, strongly condemned the attack and assured that peacekeepers would maintain their presence in Sam-Ouandja. The mission is also working closely with local authorities to facilitate the deployment of national forces to the area.
MINUSCA has called upon the authorities in the Central African Republic (CAR) to make every possible effort to identify the attackers involved in the incident so they can be brought to justice.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, expressed profound condolences to the fallen peacekeeper’s family, colleagues, as well as the people and government of Rwanda.
The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) also mourned the loss of the Rwandan peacekeeper and reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing protection of civilians.
UN data indicates that in 2022 alone, a total of 32 troops and police officers from various UN peacekeeping missions lost their lives across the globe, including four in the Central African Republic.
From 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2019, a total of 198 men sought DNA paternity tests to determine the biological fatherhood of children.
These statistics highlight a nearly four-fold increase in demand for DNA paternity tests in Rwanda.
Typically, forensic laboratories employ DNA tests to determine the circumstances surrounding a crime or investigate family patterns. DNA tests can be conducted for the sake of justice or upon an individual’s request.
In addition to the RFL, other institutions such as the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), the army, the directorate of immigration and emigration, or the national identity agency can request DNA tests for specific reasons. The accuracy rate of DNA tests in ascertaining biological relationships is said to be 99.99%.
One of the reasons behind the surge in men seeking DNA test services is attributed to the mobilization efforts carried out by the RFL to raise awareness and encourage Rwandans to utilize their services, including DNA tests.
However, it is essential to note that DNA paternity tests can only be conducted with the consent of both the father and mother.
In Rwanda, an individual who wishes to undergo DNA testing without urgency is required to pay Rwf89,010, and the results are typically released within seven days. Consequently, the test for both the father and child to determine paternity costs Rwf178,020.
For those seeking expedited results within 24 hours, the cost rises to Rwf285,290, with Rwf142,645 allocated to the father’s test and the same amount for the child.
Despite the increasing demand for DNA paternity tests, concerns have been raised by children’s rights activists regarding the potential risks to the children involved, especially when negative results are disclosed.
Evariste Murwanashyaka, the head of programs at CLADHO (an umbrella organization of human rights organizations in Rwanda aimed at defending, protecting, and promoting human rights and social justice) and National Child Rights Observer, emphasizes the importance of considering children’s rights and avoiding any harm to their well-being.
In the event of negative results, he advises that decisions should be made with the best interests of the children in mind, ensuring they receive appropriate protection.
Murwanashyaka emphasizes the need to avoid humiliating children, and if divorce becomes the preferred option, it should be pursued through a legal process that minimizes any negative impact on the children.
He cautions against men who receive negative DNA paternity test results from divulging the information on social media, posting pictures of the child, disclosing it to society, or subjecting the child to oppression.
Similar concerns have been observed in countries like Uganda, where men who receive negative results have been known to abandon their responsibilities towards the child. The police in Uganda have warned against leaking the identification of the child, as it can potentially destabilize them.
On Monday, President Kagame received the order as he attended the 50th Independence anniversary celebration of the Bahamas, which was attended by leaders from various Caribbean countries.
The distinguished honor was bestowed upon him by the country’s Governor General, Sir Cornelius Smith, and Prime Minister Philip Davis.
In his gratitude, President Kagame expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister of the Bahamas for extending an invitation to attend the Golden Jubilee of Independence celebration. He lauded the Bahamas as a symbol of stability and prosperity in the region, serving as an exemplar for smaller island developing states worldwide.
During his visit, President Kagame emphasized the significance of nurturing the existing relations between the Bahamas and Rwanda, as well as fostering closer ties between the Caribbean and Africa.
He emphasized the undeniable common history shared by the two regions, unaffected by the vast ocean that separates them. President Kagame acknowledged that these strong bonds form a solid foundation for building robust and extensive cooperation to tackle the challenges faced by countries like theirs.
President Kagame humbly accepted the order as a testament to the growing friendship between their nations and expressed his deepest appreciation for the honor bestowed upon him. He acknowledged the value of this recognition in strengthening the bonds between Rwanda and the Bahamas.
The Bahamas, an archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea, spans a land area of 13,878 km² with a coastline of 3,542 km. To provide a sense of scale, this land area is roughly 112% of the size of Sydney.
Ranking as the 28th largest country in the Americas and 161st worldwide in terms of area, the Bahamas holds significant geographical importance.
On July 10th, 1973, after 300 years of being a colony, the Bahamas peacefully transitioned to nationhood by gaining independence. Since then, July 10th has been celebrated as a national holiday throughout the archipelago and in Bahamian foreign missions. Prior to gaining independence, the Bahamas served as a British colony and currently holds membership in the Commonwealth, of which Rwanda has been a member since 2009.
President Kagame’s visit to Caribbean countries followed his attendance at the 45th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held in Trinidad and Tobago, further solidifying Rwanda’s engagement with the Caribbean region.
Gen Makenga and his lieutenants are currently based in Rutshuru and Jomba forests in DRC.
The statement from Gen Makenga comes at a time when the Congolese Army (FARDC) is actively preparing for attacks against the rebel group.
According to sources, the FDLR terrorist group, collaborating with FARDC, has been deploying its combatants closer to M23 strongholds in areas designated for the deployment of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF).
Gen Makenga has through a video aired on Sabyinyo News YouTube channel on 6th July 2023 ,criticized the Congolese government’s proposal to disarm the M23 rebels and relocate their combatants into cantonments, considering it a deceptive move that overlooks crucial factors.
He cited the EAC Heads of State summit held in February of this year as an example, where specific resolutions concerning M23 and the government were issued but later disregarded by the DRC.
“Among these resolutions were ceasefire, the withdrawal of M23, and dialogues between the government and M23. In accordance with our respect and trust in the EAC heads of state, M23 complied with the resolutions on our side and now awaits dialogues to address the root causes of the conflict. The cantonment proposal does not concern us anyway,” Gen Makenga explained.
A soldier identified as Lt Col Alfred Musubao Muriro, belonging to M23, recently appeared in a video released by the Kivu Press Agency, briefing his soldiers to remain vigilant as FDLR fighters continue to encroach upon their base.
While acknowledging that war is not the optimal solution, Lt Col Muriro emphasized the necessity for the rebels to defend themselves by any means against potential attacks. He further expressed their ongoing appeal to the government to engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to existing problems, despite the government’s inclination towards war.
Meanwhile, the DRC government asserts its readiness to fight against the M23 rebel group with the goal of reclaiming all regions previously captured by the rebels.
Gen Makenga responded by stating that M23 will maintain a calm approach if the DRC chooses a peaceful process, but did not rule out the possibility of war if that is the path chosen by the DRC.
“M23 is here. When they finish their comedies, M23 will assume its responsibility. We desire peace and are peaceful. We will abide by their decision. If they desire peace, we will achieve it together. If they choose war, we will fight. That is our stance,” declared Gen Makenga.
The Head of State made the remarks on Wednesday 6th July 2023 as he addressed participants of the 45th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held in Trinidad and Tobago.
Kagame is among dignitaries invited to attend the meeting that coincided with the organization’s celebration of its 50th anniversary.
Other guests include US State Secretary, Anthony Blinken, Chinese Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Hua Chunying and others.
As he delivered remarks, Kagame stated that the meeting took place at a time when Haiti , as a member of the block, is faced with a security crisis which cannot be overlooked.
He went on to say that Rwanda’s history is a testament that nothing is beyond repair.
“Rwanda and Haiti enjoy long-standing ties of friendship. The history of my country shows that no matter how bad things are, nothing is beyond repair, and there is always a way forward,” said Kagame.
The President emphasized that it is always the onus of leaders to take the leading step in desired transformations.
“The turning point starts with the leaders in the country, and the wider region, at different levels, coming together to forge a new, unified path. When that process begins to occur, then external support can be part of the solution, instead of being part of the problem,” he noted.
Kagame reminisced on Haiti’s situation at a time when the country has been faced with insecurity that began when the country’s President Jovenel Moïse was shot dead on 7th July 2021.
As of today, the United Nations shows that a large part of the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince, is controlled by armed groups that killed over 2000 people while more than 1000 were kidnapped in 2022.
The security crisis was an addition to other problems the country had been experiencing including food crisis, epidemics and drug trafficking.
Following the meeting, President Kagame and the Prime Minister of Haiti, Dr. Ariel Henry held a closed-door meeting for discussions on potential solutions to address the security challenges impeding Haiti’s progress.
{{Need for closer collaboration}}
Apart from the Haiti security crisis, President Kagame stressed the need for collaboration between the Caribbean and African countries.
“The horrors of the Middle Passage, and the indignities of colonialism, join our peoples in a shared story of struggle, survival, resilience and, ultimately, renewal,” he stated.
“Many intellectuals and professionals from the Caribbean served in Africa in the years after independence, helping to build our new institutions,” added Kagame.
The President further called for concerted efforts to reinforce the cooperation between the Caribbean and Africa.
“We need to come together in real terms and focus on concrete initiatives which address the challenges that nations like ours face today. It is possible to do so,” he remarked.
“As smaller countries, we gather strength by working together in our regional organizations, integrating our economies, and sharing infrastructure costs,” added Kagame.
Citing an example of partnership between Rwanda, Guyana and Barbados where they have embarked on a program of mutual support for the local manufacturing of vaccines and medicines; Kagame highlighted that the cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean is possible.
The Head of State disclosed that the cooperation can involve enabling the free movement of people by removing obstacles to travel and exchange.
It is reported that Col Simba, 85, died on July 4, 2023, in Benin, where he had been residing since his early release by the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT).
Simba was a former soldier of the Rwanda Armed Forces (FAR) and was among the soldiers who assisted former President Juvénal Habyarimana in seizing power in 1973. He served as a security adviser in Gikongoro Prefecture and Butare during as the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi unfolded.
Simba was arrested in Senegal in 2001 and subsequently transferred to Arusha, Tanzania. He was handed a 25-year sentence by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) after being found guilty of leading various attacks orchestrated by Interahamwe to exterminate Tutsis in former Butare and Gikongoro prefectures, as well as committing crimes against humanity.
In 2019, Judge Theodor Meron, the former President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, granted Simba early release, which sparked controversy. Rwanda contested the decision, arguing that it had not been informed beforehand, as Simba had not completed his full prison term.
As Rwanda celebrated its 29th Liberation Day on 4th July 2023, Kagame called on the youth to actively contribute to the nation’s development and ensure that the hard-fought gains are not squandered.
In a tweet commemorating the occasion, President Kagame paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and dignity of every citizen in Rwanda. He acknowledged the immense sacrifices made by individuals who fought for the country’s liberation, with some paying the ultimate price.
Directly addressing the youth, Kagame stressed their responsibility in continuing the nation’s transformation. He urged them to pick up from where the country has been brought and play their part in preserving the fruits of the sacrifices made by the previous generation.
The Head of State underscored that the journey towards a prosperous and inclusive Rwanda requires unwavering commitment and resilience.
“The journey to transforming Rwanda requires us to stay the course, stand up for who and what we are, and sustain the resilience we need to build the nation all Rwandans deserve,” he stated.
The President’s remarks highlighted the significance of continuity and collective effort in securing a brighter future for the country. He encouraged the youth to actively shape Rwanda’s destiny and contribute to its growth and development.
During a televised session called “Ask The President,” Kagame elaborated on Rwanda’s journey to reconstruction, emphasizing the challenge of rebuilding a shattered nation and positioning it on the global map. He acknowledged that bringing the country back together and helping people understand their history and the challenges they face were among the most difficult aspects of the past 30 years.
Among others, Kagame recognized the importance of improving people’s livelihoods and emphasized the need for individuals to deliver a standard of living worth experiencing. While the government and institutions have a role to play as enablers and creators of a supportive environment, individuals themselves must take responsibility for their well-being.
Over the past three decades, Rwanda has made remarkable progress in various sectors, including economic development, healthcare, education, and social cohesion. President Kagame attributes this success to the resilience and determination of Rwandans.
As Rwanda looks to the future, President Kagame’s message serves as a reminder to the younger generation of their duty to honor the sacrifices of the past and actively contribute to the nation’s ongoing transformation. By building upon the progress achieved so far, Rwanda can continue its journey towards becoming a prosperous and inclusive nation.
RPA soldiers launched the Liberation Struggle on 1st October 1990. The four-year journey ended with the capture of Kigali City where the then government which perpetrated Genocide against Tutsi fled to former Zaïre, in the current Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As Rwanda celebrates the 29th Liberation Anniversary, we have listed below important dates that marked the journey to free the country from the regime characterized by ethnic divisionism and nepotism.
{{In 1990}}
{{On 1st October: }} On this date, RPA soldiers attacked Kagitumba border. The attack marked the beginning of the Liberation Struggle which lasted for four years after members of RPF Inkotanyi decided to free the country by means of war.
Initially, RPA soldiers were commanded by Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema but attacks were foiled by soldiers of the then regime of Habyarima on the support of mercenaries.
Some of top commanders were killed in the first 14 days of the struggle which left gaps in the leadership of RPA and affected soldiers’ morale.
President Paul Kagame who was at the rank of major at the time took over the leadership and introduced new tactics during the remaining days of the struggle.
{{On 2nd October: }} The commander of RPA soldiers, Gen Maj Gisa Fred Rwigema was shot dead in Nyabwishongwezi.
{{On 4th October: }} 300 French soldiers came to protect its citizens living in Rwanda while RPA forces from the 9th battalion captured Nyagatare town.
In the night of 4th leading to 5th October, the government of Habyarimana lied that Inkotanyi raided Kigali City and arrested over 10,000 Tutsis and many politicians.
{{On 5th October: }} 535 Belgian soldiers and others from Zaire came to Rwanda to support Habyarimana.
{{On 6th and 7th October: }} The 4th Battalion of RPA soldiers captured Gabiro.
{{On 8th October:}} Following the exchange of fire with RPA soldiers; the then government forces (FAR) killed 1,000 Tutsis from Hima tribe in Mutara.
{{From 11th to 13th October: }} Nearly 400 Tutsis were killed in Commune Kibilira.
{{On 23rd October:}} Major Bunyenyezi and Major Bayingana died in an ambush laid in Ryabega.
{{On 13th November:}} Habyarimana allowed opposition parties to operate. He also declared that people’s ethnicity should no longer be mentioned on identity cards even though it never materialized.
{{On 6th December:}} Kangura journal published the 10 commandments of Hutus, including eight inciting Hutus to be violent against Tutsis.
{{In 1991}}
{{On 3rd January:}} RPA changed tactics and launched attacks in Gatuna and Kaniga to block the supply of equipment to FAR.
{{On 7th January: }} A number of Rwandans were handed death sentence accused of spying for Inkotanyi.
{{On 23rd January: }} RPA captured Ruhengeri town and released inmates from Ruhengeri Prison.
From the last days of January towards March: Between 500 and 1000 Tutsis from the Abagogwe tribe were killed.
{{In 1992}}
{{In March: }} A group of Hutu extremists (CDR) that was at the centre of planning and execution of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was created. Around 300 Tutsis were also killed in Bugesera.
{{In May:}} RPA’s attack in some communes left over 350,000 people displaced.
{{In August: }} A large number of Tutsis were killed in Kibuye.
{{In November:}} Leon Mugesera delivered a hate speech in Kabaya where he incited Hutus to exterminate Tutsis, insisting that they will be returned to ‘their place of origin’ in Ethiopia through River Nyabarongo.
{{In 1993}}
{{On 8th February: }} RPA captured the largest part of the country and withdrew to alert the international community that Tutsis were being killed of torture.
{{On 8th March:}} An international report indicated the role of the then Presidency Office in the killings of Abagogwe in Gisenyi and Ruhengeri Prefectures.
{{On 7th April:}} The then government received the report and rejected its findings.
{{In August:}} Spread of hate speeches and inciting Rwandans to kill Tutsis through Radio RTLM.
{{On 4th August:}} As RPA and the then regime were asked to implement resolutions of Arusha Peace Accords; the government continued to train Interahamwe, Impuzamigambi and other groups to kill Tutsis.
{{On 28th October:}} The 3rd Battalion of RPA soldiers arrived in CND in Kigali, aligning with efforts to establish the interim government as per Arusha Accords.
{{In 1994}}
{{On 6th April: }} A regional meeting took place in Dar-es-Salaam. The plane which carried the then President Habyarimana was shot down on the same day around 8:30 p.m. as he returned to Kigali from the meeting.
{{7th April:}} Prime Minister Uwilingiyimana Agathe and 10 Belgian soldiers protecting her were killed. Other ministers and officials opposing the regime were killed.
Genocide began in Butare, Gitarama and Murambi in Byumba.
{{On 8th April:}} RPA soldiers decided to attack Kigali and stop Genocide against Tutsi.
{{On 14th April:}} Belgium ordered its troops to withdraw from Rwanda and UN troops deployed in the country. The last soldier left Rwanda not later than 20th April.
{{On 18th April:}} RPA shot at RTLM over spreading hatred among Rwandans.
{{On 19th April: }} The interim President Sindikubwabo delivered a speech at his birthplace in Butare inciting Hutus to stand up and kill Tutsis. Since then, anyone opposing the plan was also hunted to be killed.
{{On 21st April:}} RPA captured Byumba.
{{On 21st and 22nd April: }} UN Security Council ordered the reduction of its troops in Rwanda and left only 270 soldiers.
{{On 30th April: }} RPA was controlling the Rusumo border.
{{On 16th May:}} RPA blocked the road Gitarama-Kigali.
{{On 22nd May:}} RPA captured Kigali International Airport and Kanombe Military Camp.
{{On 29th May:}} RPA captured Nyanza town.
{{On 2nd June: }} RPA liberated Kabgayi.
{{On 13th June:}} RPA captured Gitarama town where the interim government had moved. It had fled to Gisenyi on 10th June.
On 21st June: As per the 929th resolution of the UN, the first French troops arrived at borders between Rwanda and Zaire under “Operation Turquoise”.
{{On 28th June:}} UN released a report indicating that Genocide against Tutsi was happening in Rwanda.
{{On 4th July:}} RPA liberated Kigali City after Butare on the previous day. Since then, the former government fled to Zaire.
{{On 14th July:}} RPA captured Ruhengeri.
{{On 17th July:}} RPA liberated Gisenyi.
{{On 19th July:}} The Government of Rwanda’s Unity was installed, marking the stop of Genocide against Tutsi.
