The road connecting the sectors of Rukira and Murama of Ngoma district as well as Nasho of Kirehe district, Eastern Province is constructed by NPD Cotraco and expected to be completed in 15 months at a cost of Rwf3.5 billion.
The road is funded by Howard Graham Buffett in partnership with the Government of Rwanda.
Howard G. Buffett is an American businessman whose foundation has supported the development of a center pivot irrigation project in Nasho sector.
The Nasho Irrigation Scheme project is made of 63 center pivots irrigation system, irrigating 1,173 hectares belonging to 2,099 smallholder farmers.
Construction activities of the new tarmac road officially began on Thursday 29th July 2021 giving hope to positively impact residents’ lives.
“Mobility was almost no go for vehicles carrying agricultural produce during rainy season. As a result, buyers would buy our produce at giveaway price. With the new road under construction, we are optimistic for increased buyers at fair price,” revealed Steven Karemera, a resident of Kanzenze village, Buriba cell in Rukira.
Kayonza district vice mayor for economic development, Cyriaque Nyiridandi Mapambano has explained that the road is much needed to facilitate trade and mobility.
“This region is renowned for high productivity of bananas supplied to different parts of the country. The unpaved road was not favorable for trucks transporting produce to Kigali. That is why the tarmac road under construction is much needed,” he said.
Kagame made the revelation on Thursday 29th July 2021 at the ‘Global Education Summit’ discussing needed partnership to promote education globally.
It was also attended by other heads of state including Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
As he delivered remarks, Kagame called on all countries to concert efforts to achieve envisaged Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
“Globally, we still need to triple current spending in education to reach the Sustainable Development Goals target,” he said.
Kagame shared Rwanda’s efforts where the country is working hard to guarantee better quality of education.
“In Rwanda, we have worked hard to reach the 20% target of education expenditure [national budget], including an innovative national effort that built more than 22,500 classrooms in the last year,” he noted.
Kagame also highlighted that these classrooms will capacitate the education sector to drive Rwanda’s transformations.
“This serves as a good foundation to do more and indeed much more is required of all of us. For example, increasing spending efficiency alongside allocating higher amounts to education will ensure that all children are better prepared to lead more productive and fulfilled lives,” he affirmed.
These efforts will be aligned with investment allocated to higher learning institutions and universities to produce qualified graduates competent enough at the labour market.
“In addition, sustained investments in higher education are critical to nurture specialized knowledge and skills needed to grow our economies and accelerate development. Rwanda looks forward to continued work with the Global Partnership for Education and regional partners towards the best learning outcomes,” he stated.
Rwanda has been hugely investing in education. Apart from construction of over 22000 classrooms to cost over US$400 million, the country has been increasing teachers’ salary, books at secondary schools, revising school curricula, donating laptops to students from higher learning institutions and universities and enticing globally accredited universities to bring operations in Rwanda among others.
The statement released last night shows that 965 people have caught the virus out of 9875 sample tests, 23 recovered while 61 are critically ill.
The majority of new cases were found in Kigali: 108, Muhanga: 105, Huye: 61, Gicumbi: 59, Kayonza: 58, Musanze: 53 and Rulindo: 52.
A total of 448,195 people have received the second vaccine shot since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 5th March 2021 while 8627 received the first dose yesterday.
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 violators include two, who were visiting a Covid-19 positive person in Mukingo sector.
Others include 34 people, who were found in one house holding a birthday party for their colleague, 25 caught during curfew hours and 12 others, who were not wearing face mask.
The sectors of Busoro, Mukingo, Kibirizi and Kigoma of Nyanza District are among the 50 sectors in the country that were also put under lockdown until August 10, due to the high infection rate.
The mayor of Nyanza District, Erasme Ntazinda, who was part of the enforcement team, warned residents against complacency, which continue to fuel further spread of Covid-19 and related fatalities.
“As you know, 50 sectors were recently added to the City of Kigali and other eight other districts, in lockdown including four in this district. These are deliberate government efforts to contain the high rate of Covid-19 infections, which are mainly fueled by such behaviours and practices,” Mayor Ntazinda told the violators.
He wondered how people are still engaging in social gatherings such as birthday parties, unnecessary movements, visiting Covid-19 positive people and not wearing facemask at the time when deaths continue to rise.
About 26 people tested positive for Covid-19 in Nyanza District on Wednesday, July 28, according to the results released by the Ministry of Health.
The Southern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire thanked those who continue to observe the directives and support the enforcement efforts by reporting violators.
“All of you know well the ill-effects of Covid-19, including lives lost everyday. It is so sad that you can still behave in such reckless manner,” SP Kanamugire told the violators.
He warned of continued enforcement operations to penalize anyone, who disregard the directives and health guidelines.
All the violators were tested for Covid-19 at their own cost and handed administrative fines accordingly.
Towards the end of April 2021, Danish Immigration Minister Mattias Tesfaye visited Rwanda where he signed the MoU along with Prof. Nshuti Manasseh, the Minister of State in charge of East African Community.
At the time, Danish media reported that the country planned to finance the establishment of a camp in Rwanda and transfer its asylum seekers and refugees to Rwanda alluding to signed agreement.
Danish media also recounted that asylum seekers illegally staying in Denmark would be sent to Rwanda as they await confirmation of asylum status.
During a press conference held today to brief the media on various key local, regional and global issues; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta has said that Rwanda enjoys cordial relations with Denmark.
Minister Biruta explained that recently signed MoU regards cooperation on asylum and migration issues highlighting that it has no clauses to send refugees from Denmark to Rwanda.
He stressed that the cooperation on asylum and immigration issues involves the management of a refugee transit camp in Bugesera but dealing with refugees’ problem in a broader perspective.
“Signing such agreements signifies that we are ready to discuss the issue but have no clauses of hosting asylum seekers illegally staying in Denmark,” he said.
Dr. Biruta further stated that agreements are entered into in adherence to international norms and provisions for human rights.
He said that refugees assisted under such circumstances need to be protected and helped to sort out their problem taking into consideration their dignity and rights.
“Any contribution to address refugees’ problems is in light of that context. It is about international norms, their dignity and rights,” he noted.
Denmark accommodates over 35,000 Syrian refugees who have been living in the country for the past ten years.
BK Capital has emerged 2021 Best Corporate Finance Advisory in Rwanda due to superior customer services.
BK Capital Ltd was officially inaugurated in 2019 becoming the fourth subsidiary of BK Group Plc. It offers Securities Brokerage Services, Investment Management and Corporate Finance Advisory Services.
Other subsidiaries include BKTechouse, BK Insurance and Bank of Kigali Plc.
The CEO of BK Capital, Carine Umutoni has said that the award reflects the firm’s commitment to offer best financial advisory services to individuals, local and global companies.
“We are committed to continue growing our clients’ finances, subsequently by positioning ourselves as an investment gateway with a client-centric approach, outstanding solutions and advisory services,” she said.
BK Capital has been the lead transaction advisor for the two major listings on Rwanda Stock Exchange including Cimerwa Plc in August 2020 and MTN Rwandacell PLC in May 2021.
Clients benefit from the firm’s in-house market research, which contributes to informed decision-making.
The recognition follows the recent achievement in mid-July where Bank of Kigali emerged the Best Bank in Rwanda in the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2021 due to efforts expended to deliver world-class services to its clients amidst challenging situation brought by COVID-19 pandemic.
CFI magazine is a print journal and online resource reporting on business, economics and finance. Headquartered in London, it brings coverage and analysis of the drivers behind change.
It combines the views of leading multilateral and national organizations with thought leadership from some of the world’s top minds and ensures that readers better understand the forces influencing and reshaping the global economy.
The magazine provides news, analysis and commentary on markets worldwide.
He made the revelation today during a press conference hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta to brief the media on various key local, regional and global issues.
As he made a presentation on activities carried out by Rwandan troops in Mozambique, Col Rwivanga explained that they are currently deployed in the northwest of the country in the counties of Palma, Afungi, Mueda and Awasse.
He revealed that Rwandan soldiers conducted combat operations on 24th July 2021 where they killed four rebels in Awasse and seized their guns.
“We conducted several operations between 24th and 28th July in Awasse- Macimboa and Mueda- Awasse located in Cabo Delgado where our soldiers are deployed. On 24th [July]; we killed four rebels in Awasse and seized weapons including RPG, SMG, Machine Gun and pharmaceuticals. We mounted an ambush the same day and killed more two insurgents,” he said.
The two killed rebels were riding a motorbike with number plate from Tanzania.
They were found with a laptop, and documents written in Kiswahili while their guns were also seized.
On 26th July, RDF killed five rebels and seized eight weapons. On 28th July, rebels raided RDF barracks in Awasse but were repelled as Col Rwivanga explained.
“We repelled the attack and killed one of them. As we brought back our injured soldier to Awasse, we encountered an ambush mounted by rebels and killed two of them. This is what we have done so far,” he noted.
Col Rwivanga has revealed that RDF troops have taken control of several regions where it has conducted operations since deployment to Mozambique.
“We repelled and killed enemies whenever we encountered them. Only one soldier was injured and is receiving medical attention. We have taken control of Awasse and seized all places where we conducted operations,” he said.
Col Rwivanga said the mission to Mozambique is not time-specific highlighting that it will depend on how long it will take to normalize the situation.
“We shall return after accomplishing our mission,” he affirmed.
On 9th July 2021, Rwanda started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique to fight terrorism and insecurity.
The situation started worsening in October 2017 when armed extremists linked the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.
Since then, Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been battling the extremists but many civilians were 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.
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The ceremony which took place on Wednesday 28th July 2021 was presided over by the Deputy Force commander, Major General Main Ullah Chowdhury who appreciated Rwandan peacekeepers contribution to maintaining peace and security in South Sudan.
“We recognise the Rwandan battalion for the noble service to the people of South Sudan. Rwandan troops have demonstrated capability to adapt to the changing nature of operations. I also emphasize the role of female peacekeepers which is commendable,’’ said Maj Gen Chowdhury.
Rwanbatt-1 started its tour of duty on 13 August 2020. They conducted numerous operations on daily basis that involve: security patrols and protection of civilians including rescue operations; protection of national and international humanitarian actors, conducted various CIMIC activities in support of the local population.
Rwanbatt-1 Ag Commanding Officer, Maj Aimé Uwimana thanked the leadership of UNMISS, the Government of South Sudan and other stakeholders for their support and cooperation.
The three new envoys hosted at Village Urugwiro yesterday will represent their respective countries with residence in Kigali.
Antoine Anfré comes to Rwanda six years after the ambassadorial post has been vacant.
The last French envoy to Rwanda, Michel Flesch, left Kigali in September 2015. Since then; French interests were managed by a chargé d’affaires, an official acting as head of diplomatic mission during the absence of a substantive ambassador.
The appointment is considered a great milestone to revitalize both countries relations that had deteriorated due to the country’s reluctance to admit its role during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
On 27th May 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron made a historic visit to Rwanda.
As he arrived in Rwanda for two-day state visit; Macron visited Kigali Genocide Memorial where he paid tribute to over 250,000 victims laid there and later delivered a speech during which he admitted his country’s role in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi and reiterated commitment to bring Genocide fugitives to face justice.
“Standing here today, with humility and respect, by your side, I have come to recognize our responsibilities,” said Macron.
He said that France had a duty to admit the “suffering it inflicted on the Rwandan people by too long valuing silence over the examination of the truth.”
Macron said that only those who had survived the horrors “can perhaps forgive; give us the gift of forgiveness”.
The visit was seen as a good step towards the normalisation of relations between the two countries.
Anfré, 58, is a diplomat familiar with Africa.
He held different diplomatic roles where he served as the first secretary of the French Embassy in Uganda, then as editor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in charge of Rwanda, Burundi, Zaire (current DR Congo) and Tanzania in the 1990s.
He also served as Embassy Counsellor in London from 2011 to 2014, and as ambassador of France to Niger in 2015 among others.
Jérémie Blin has been serving as Chargé d’Affaires since 2019 prior to the appointment of Anfré.
Speaking to the media after presenting credentials, Ambassador Anfré said that both countries are entering a new era of cordial relations following the release of Duclert report and Macron’s visit to Rwanda.
“We are here to enhance cooperation with Rwanda in the areas of culture, trade and economy. We have already held discussions and made resolutions awaiting implementation,” he revealed.
Anfré reiterated commitment to build from existing foundation to promote bilateral relations rooted on mutual respect.
“Rwanda needs development partners but France also needs new partners in Africa,” he noted.
The visit of Macron to Rwanda was considered a step further to turn a new page for both countries relations.
The new era saw both countries renewing partnership that birthed cooperation in development projects where Rwanda secured Euro 60 million financing through French Agency for Development (AFD) to support the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines as well as social protection initiatives.
French also financed Rwanda’s expansion of electricity with Euro 80 million and more 5.8 million to promote vocational education and training courses.
Else, French Cultural Center has been reopened in Rwanda while other projects are in the pipeline.
Among others, Rwanda and Nigeria have maintained bilateral ties since 1962.
Both countries have cooperation in three main areas including security, air transport and technical cooperation.
The new envoy accredited to Rwanda, Aishatu Aliyu Musa reiterated commitment to continue fostering bilateral relations for mutual interests and draw attention to joint investment.
“I hope to draw much attention to prioritizing investment between the two countries to see members of Rwandan business community travelling to Nigeria and vice versa. It is my goal to make it better.”
Ambassador Omar Daair representing the United Kingdom has revealed that he held discussions with Kagame on different topics including bilateral cooperation in climate change mitigation and education among others.
Amb. Omar explained that both countries have agreements in many areas and share common understanding on regional security and climate change among others.
The alleged mismanagement attracted public attention early this week where a story run by one of local media houses accused the committee of misusing Rwf16 billion allocated to the project.
Speaking to IGIHE, the spokesperson of RIB, Dr. Thierry B. Murangira has confirmed that investigation is underway.
“The case is being investigated but we have not yet identified substance of crimes,” he said.
RIB launches investigation following a communiqué released by Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) as the sponsor of the project refuting funds mismanagement accusations and illegal offering of tenders during construction process.
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