In his opening remarks, Col Chrisostome Ngendahimana, the RDF Chief J3 praised the initiative and reiterated the importance of sharing lessons learnt from peacekeeping operations.
“Experience acquired during our tour of duty in UN missions is very productive; during these two days of the workshop participants will benefit by sharing lessons learnt and best practices for the effective conduct of future peace support operations.
The RDF leadership appreciates our partners’ commitment. We look forward to continuing to work together”.
Mr. Palmer Philips, The Division Manager of Global Peace Operation Initiative (GPOI) from the United States Department of State, Bureau of political-military affairs appreciated the performance of RDF in peacekeeping operations.
“RDF is one of our good examples of African peacekeeping Partners in building rapid peacekeeping response capabilities especially in (Aviation, Engineering, and Medical). It is the first and only troop-contributing country in Sub-Saharan Africa to elevate and deploy a rapid deployment battalion from the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System,” he said.
The Peacekeeping Operations Lessons learnt Workshops have been fruitful over the past years amongst the RDF personnel and various other partners.
Early August this year, Tanzania’s President Suluhu, 61, came to Rwanda for two-day working visit.
He was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta upon arrival before meeting with her counterpart of Rwanda at Village Urugwiro where they held bilateral talks and witnessed the signing of four agreements in the areas of information and communication technology, immigration, education and regulation of medical products.
Suluhu who was in Rwanda for her maiden visit after assuming office in March 2021, also visited Kigali Genocide Memorial where she paid tribute to over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi laid there.
In the evening, Kagame hosted her counterpart to the State Banquet at Kigali Convention Center. On the last day of her stay in Rwanda, Suluhu and Kagamevisited Special Economic Zone.
Rwanda and Tanzania enjoy cordial relations and cooperation in the areas of politics, infrastructure, economy and security.
Tanzania is considered a major development partner where over 70% of Rwanda’s imports and exports are transited through.
{{What to know about Tanzania’s Independence }}
Tanzania Independence Day is celebrated on December 9 every year. 2021 marks the 60th year of the country’s independence from Britain, which governed Tanzania till 1961 under the name of Tanganyika.
Tanzania’s independence movement started in 1954 led by Julius Nyerere, who co-founded the “Tanganyika African National Union (TANU)”.
Nyerere was educated in Uganda and Scotland and began voicing his anti-colonial, Africanist political agenda as he returned to his country.
His ideology was inspired by the non-violent independence movement waged by Mahatma Gandhi in India and advocated for a similar resistance in Tanganyika.
Nyerere was instrumental in uniting several tribal factions over the region to launch a united front against the British.
Elected to the General Council in the national elections of 1958–59, Nyerere, known as teacher or ‘Mwalimu’ in Swahili because of his teaching career, became the first President of an independent Tanganyika in 1961.
The latter became a Republic the next year and merged with Zanzibar in 1964 after Sultan of Zanzibar was overthrown. This is when the name of the country changed to Tanzania.
Among others, Nyerere was also a socialist who laid down state-ownership policies for services and community ownership for farms.
When his plans failed to make Tanzania self-reliant, he became the first African leader to voluntarily resign from office. He remains a respected figure in the region because of his ethical principles.
The 4.37 kilometer water supply system and related infrastructures including two water kiosks, water tanks, and two valve chambers were inaugurated on Tuesday 7th December 2021 in Rega cell of Bigogwe sector.
The infrastructures were completed at a cost of US$ 81,788 provided by the Government of Japan through the Association Rwandaise pour le Développement Endogène (ARDE Kubaho), a non-governmental organization conducting advocacy for access to safe water.
The ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, Masahiro Imai who graced the event commended ARDE Kubaho for contribution to improved hygiene and sanitation among residents particularly through the inaugurated project.
Masahiro urged residents to take good care of infrastructures made available and use the water to improve their wellbeing.
The President of ARDE Kubaho, Paul Murenzi revealed that there are more rural areas struggling to access safe water and requested Japan to continue supporting the good cause.
He also advised residents against destroying the infrastructures to avoid difficulties they went through.
The funding was provided through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, GGP).
Under this program, Japan channels funds through non-governmental organizations and local leaders to implement designed projects beneficial to citizens.
For the past 23 years, the program has supported 101 projects in the areas of education, health, hygiene and sanitation as well as agriculture.
Amb. Masahiro said that relations between Rwanda and Japan have deepened roots given that both countries will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic cooperation in 2022.
He reiterated his country’s commitment to continue partnering with Rwanda to promote citizens’ wellbeing.
The development was announced by the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije on Wednesday 8th December 2021 via Twitter handle.
“Today, Rwanda achieves its Covid-19 vaccination target of covering 30% of the total population with 2 doses by the end of 2021. The objective is 70% by December 2022 (Latest!). This milestone is highly attributed to Leadership, Partnership, Coordination and Community engagement,” he revealed.
Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente recently told parliamentarians that Rwanda has so far administered COVID-19 vaccine doses to 6,065,691 (46%) of the total population including recipients of one dose.
Among others, he revealed that the country has received 12,900,760 COVID-19 vaccine doses since the inoculation program was rolled out countrywide in March 2021.
Premier Ngirente said that the number of COVID-19 vaccine recipients are expected to reach 9,063,245 next year, following the country’s commitment to start administering vaccines to people in the age bracket between 12 and 17.
“All these people will have been vaccinated by December 2022 but we might hit the number before in consideration of expended efforts,” he revealed.
In Kigali City alone, more than 869,000 dwellers (89.2%) aged 12 and above have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine while 1,032,499 have received the first dose.
The vaccination efforts in the remaining parts of the country have seen 2,755,727 (34%) people fully vaccinated while 62% have received the first dose of COVID-19.
Rwanda has been administering eight types of COVID-19 vaccines. As at 2nd December 2021, the country had received 12,900,760 doses that can be used to vaccinate 6,736,220 people excluding the booster dose.
Rwanda received the doses through COVAX, a global initiative aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of vaccines, direct purchases while others were donated by partner countries.
The incident took place in the night of 6th December 2021 in Nyamuremure village, Mahoko cell of Kanama sector.
It is said that neighbors heard the child crying and rushed for rescue but their efforts ended up in vain as they found him dead upon arrival.
The Executive Secretary of Kanama sector, Honoré Mugisha has revealed that the suspected woman is held in nearby detention facility.
“It is true that the woman suspected of killing own child is detained at Kanama RIB Post,” he said.
It is reported that the woman had attempted to kill the child several times where she would be arrested and released later.
Upon conviction, the suspect is liable to life imprisonment as per article 107 of the Law No 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining penalties for murder crimes.
His suspension was announced through a communiqué released by the Office of Prime Minister on Tuesday 7th December 2021.
The communiqué reads that Dr. Nsanzimana was suspended due to ‘matters of accountability under investigation’.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Spokesperson of RIB, Dr. Thierry B. Murangira has confirmed to that investigation has started but declined to comment on alleged crimes lest it tampers with evidences.
Dr. Nsanzimana was appointed to the position in July 2019 replacing Dr. Jeanne Condo.
It is said that Dr. Nsanzimana is probed over crimes related to the management of the institution’s resources.
RBC is the nation’s central health implementation agency established in 2011 through a merger of fourteen key health institutions.
It is comprised of 13 divisions mandated to improve the health of the Rwandan population by providing high quality, affordable and sustainable health care services.
RBC conducts scientific research, provides diagnostics services, and implements innovative health interventions to protect the nation against diseases and other health threats.
Figures show that RBC spends annual budget of up to Rwf15 billion including funds raised from donors and other international organizations.
These include USAID, Global Fund, Clinton Foundation, Enabel, World Bank and UNICEF among others.
The call was made during the launch of the Community Kitchen Garden Project implemented by the Rotaract Club of KIE where three kitchen gardens at Groupe Scolaire Kimisagara were built on 4th December 2021.
The Executive Administrator of Nyarugenge district Ngabonziza Emmy requested parents and community health workers to remain proactive instead of dealing with effects of malnutrition.
“We have heavy responsibility to consolidate gains and prevent malnutrition or stunting among children. That is why building kitchen gardens is given much attention to feed children with balanced diet. Prevention is better than cure,” he said.
The Community Kitchen Garden Project was sponsored by Rotaract Club of KIE in partnership with the Marriott Hotel Kigali, Africa Improved Foods, DP Singh Associates Ltd, The Zipliner, Galaxy Hotel and implemented in partnership with Kimisagara sector, Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing in Kimisagara, CMS Cor-Unum.
Rotaract Club of KIE is the oldest among four Rotaract clubs working with seven Rotary Clubs in Rwanda.
Rotary club is an organization purposed to bring together businesses and professionals to provide humanitarian services and providing support in addressing problems facing the world by combating illiteracy and poverty, contributing to the provision of safe water, handling disputes and fighting disease.
It is classified into three categories including Interact Club made of children in the age bracket between 12 and 18, Rotaract Club brings together members from the university and youth in the age between 18 to 30 while people aged beyond 30 are classified in the category of Rotary Club.
Speaking the during the project launch, the President of Rotaract Club of KIE, Félix Mihigo highlighted that the exercise aligns with their mission to combat malnutrition.
“Malnutrition is still an issue of concern. Any interventions designed to prevent it is of critical significance. That is why we have built community kitchen gardens to support the cause,” he said.
Mihigo explained that the main objective of the project is to build 13 kitchen gardens in 13 villages of Katabaro cell, provide seeds and gardening tools for sustainable management of the gardens.
The US Ambassador to Rwanda and member of the Rotary club of Kigali Virunga, Peter Vrooman, also graced the event and acquainted those who were present with various thematic areas of the Rotary international.
Apart from the Kitchen gardens constructed, the club has handed over vegetable seeds, gardening tools for management of kitchen gardens and one ton of enriched porridge flour to the CMS Cor-Unum health Centre to help the children below 5 years old with malnutrition in Kimisagara.
Malnutrition is an issue of concern that needs special attention to be eradicated as the country continues moving forward to implement different programs improving citizens’ wellbeing.
Alphonsine Gakuru, one of parents who participated in the in the event pledged to make possible efforts to improve dietary intake, prevent malnutrition and its effects.
Community health workers who were present during the event also tipped parents on best techniques to prepare balanced diet without spending much money.
During the event, Chelsea FC fans who lent a hand in construction of the gardens also subscribed 180 residents for community based health insurance commonly known as Mutuelle de Santé.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamduni Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said that Nshimyumuremyi was arrested by the security patrol as he crossed into Rwanda through an illegal border point.
“Police officers, who were on patrol in Rwempasha Sector, stopped Nshimyumuremyi, who was carrying a luggage of 20, 000 pieces of banned plastic bags,” CIP Twizeyimana said.
CIP Twizeyimana warned against illegal border crossing and selling of outlawed products in particular polythene bags, which were banned in Rwanda due to their ill-effects on the environment.
He further urged the public to report people, who traffic, sell and package goods in the outlawed polythene bags.
Nshimyumuremyi along with the plastic bags was handed over to RIB at Rwempasha station for further legal process.
Manufacturing, use, importation or sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items are prohibited under article 3 of law N° 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 relating to the prohibition of manufacturing, importation, use, and sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items in Rwanda.
In article 10, any person, who imports plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to the dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items, and to an administrative fine equivalent to ten times the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.
In article 11, a wholesaler of plastic carry bags and single use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf700, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
In article 12, a retailer of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf300, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
To ensure these good behaviours and practices among the children, Rwanda National Police (RNP) has started fire safety education programme for pupils to improve their safety knowledge and skills.
On Tuesday, December 7, the RNP Fire and Rescue Brigade (FRB) extended fire safety education to about 150 pupils of Path to Success International School (PTS) located in Kigarama Sector, Kicukiro District.
The outreach is part of the RNP programme to equip different institutions and groups of people in Rwanda with basic knowledge and skills against fire emergencies.
The Commanding officer for Fire and Rescue Brigade, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Paul Gatambira said that young children were trained on the causes of fire and the prevention mechanisms.
“Children are often curious and are inspired to manipulate separate materials and devices including those which can cause fire outbreak. It is, therefore, important to educate them on how to safely use these electric appliances such as cables, power plugs and sockets, wall switch and liquidified cooking gas,” ACP Gatambira said.
At the RNP General Headquarters in Kacyiru, the pupils were showed different firefighting equipment that RNP uses in emergency circumstances including the crane, fire trucks to rescue people trapped in buildings, underground and to extinguish the fire.
“Training children at such a young age is planning for the future of the country in all aspects of security. Such children will keep in mind what they learnt and will practice them but also teach their generation,” said ACP Gatambira.
This agreement will play an instrumental role in promoting bilateral trade and investment between both countries, by removing the burden of double taxation on investors from both countries
“This agreement marks an important milestone in our quest to position Rwanda as a financial hub. Rwanda is in process on increasing its DTAA network to attract investment to Rwanda and from Rwanda to the region and beyond,” Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning said.
“The signing of the agreement and its affiliated protocol will effectively reduce the tax burden of taxpayers investing in any either country and further facilitate bilateral economic and trade cooperation and personnel exchange. It will also make a good beginning of the countries’ future cooperation in different fields including improving the capability of tax administration, strengthening the prevention system of tax evasion and avoidance, safeguarding bilateral tax interests and the international tax order,” Rao Hongwei, the Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda said.
“Rwanda and China have a half a century long-standing relationship that extends across multiple disciplines. The DTAA signing today marks another important step towards further strengthening this relationship to better support the expansion of Chinese businesses through Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC),” Nick Barigye, CEO of Rwanda Finance Limited said.
Key factors that led Rwanda to conclude the DTAA with the Peoples Republic of China include but not limited to, large numbers of investors coming from China, the robust cross border trade, growing appetite for Rwandans to invest in China, sound tax system and good economic relationship between the two countries.
Currently, more than twelve (12) DTAAs have been signed and several others are under negotiation. The Government’s target is to conclude more DTAAs in FY2021/22 in a bid to widen the DTAA network and improve the ease of doing business in Rwanda.
The existing DTAAs already in place have shown a big impact in terms of boosting the inflow of investment and trade from treaty partners. There is a pattern in terms of investors origins and countries that Rwanda has already secured a DTAA with. For instance, there has been a rise in numbers of investors coming from Turkey, Qatar, UAE, Mauritius, Morocco, South Africa, and Singapore which already have DTTA agreement with Rwanda.
