The MoU aims at strengthening institutional capacities to rehabilitate inmates into more responsible citizens contributing to national development upon release.
The MoU also incorporates clauses to exchange best practices whereby Zambia can learn from Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) model to introduce community based health insurance for prisoners.
The implementation guidelines of existing MoU were signed yesterday at RCS headquarters during a bilateral meeting between RCS and Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS).
It was signed by RCS Commissioner General, Juvénal Marizamunda and his counterpart of Zambia, Dr. Chisela Chiles during a meeting aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two institutions in the field of correctional services.
CG Marizamunda commended existing cooperation entrenched on friendship between President Paul Kagame and his counterpart of Zambia, Edgar Lungu.
“The existing MoU in the field of correctional services helped to strengthen relations and cooperation between Rwanda and Zambia particularly RCS and ZCS,” he said.
“It is aimed at sharing expertize and challenges with a view to improve inmates correctional system,” added CG Marizamunda.
Rwanda is among countries that have embraced technology to streamline the judicial sector’s efficiency known as Rwanda Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) helping inmates to follow up their court cases.
CG Marizamunda explained that they are ready to assist Zambia to initiate the technology that has proved efficiency.
On another note, Zambia as a country with advanced expertize in research to monitor inmates has also committed to train Rwanda’s prison warders.
CG Dr. Chisela Chileshe also reiterated his country’s readiness to strengthen existing cordial relations and enhance inmates rehabilitation.
Dr. Chisela Chileshe who visited the memorial yesterday evening was accompanied by the Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), CG Juvénal Marizamunda.
After touring different parts of the memorial, the delegation laid wreaths to mass graves and paid tribute to genocide victims.
The Commissioner General of Zambia, Dr. Chisela said that genocide was perpetrated with extreme cruelty and called on Rwandans and the international community to learn from such history to prevent reoccurrence of Genocide.
“I would like to convey a message that hatred we should not leave loopholes for hatred, and ethnic divisionism because they are destructive,” he said.
Dr. Chisela warned people denying and trivializing Genocide against Tutsi particularly perpetrators roaming freely in foreign countries that they should return to Rwanda to witness severity of their wrongful acts.
“They should neither deny nor trivialize Genocide against Tutsi. What happened in Rwanda reflects extreme cruelty. Genocide fugitives who killed neighbors and friends should return to witness their wrongful acts,” he said.
“Today, Rwanda is a peaceful and secured country abiding by laws. They can seek forgiveness if they return. And am sure that they can be forgiven or get justice. I stand against people denying Genocide against Tutsi after witnessing history at this memorial,” added Dr. Chisela.
He stressed need to draw special attention to inmates convicted of Genocide crimes to rehabilitate them into more responsible citizens upon release.
“Zambia and Rwanda Correctional Services are learning from each other. We have a heavy responsibilities to ensure that inmates are not only rehabilitated physically but also psychologically because a traumatized mind is very dangerous,” said Dr. Chisela.
“Thousands of inmates in Rwanda, are Genocide convicts who need a lot of attention. We will work together with RCS to ensure that we build capacity together and help our brothers in other areas of cooperation so that inmates are rehabilitated into responsible citizens upon reintegration into the society,” he said.
Dr. Chisela thanked Rwanda’s leadership led by President Paul Kagame for reuniting Rwandans and rebuilding the country that had been shaken during Genocide against Tutsi.
The Commissioner General of Zambia Correctional Service, Dr. Chisela Chileshe and his delegation are in Rwanda for seven-day visit to exchange best practice with counterparts from RCS.
The suspects arrested in Karambi Village of Ndarage Cell are identified as Jean Marie Vianney Dusabimana, 27, and Victor Sangwamariya, 25.
According to the Acting District Police Commander (Ag. DPC) for Rulindo, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Viateur Gakara Munyurase, the suspects were arrested in Muyanza trading Center where they were attempting to defraud a trader.
“Police received information from a trader in Muyanza center that Dusabimana paid her a counterfeit note of Frw5,000. We intervened and arrested the suspect at the scene,” said CIP Munyurase
The trader was the previous day paid by the same client (Dusabimana) with a fake currency note of Frw5,000 after buying goods worth Rwf1, 000. The trader gave Dusabimana Frw4,000 as balance.
“After he successfully defrauded the trader the previous day and got Rwf4, 000 real money, Dusabimana went back on April 25, and tried to buy goods with another fake bill of Rwf5, 000 but the trader was quick to recognize that the note was counterfeit after comparing it with the fake bill she had received the previous day,” the DPC said.
“Dusabimana, after his arrest, said that he got fake currency notes from Victor Sangwamariya, a hairdresser in Muyanza trading center, who was also located and apprehended.”
Sangwamariya, who also operates a stationary in the same area, disclosed that Dusabimana approached him and asked him to make photocopies of a genuine note of Rwf5,000, which the latter had.
It is the same photocopies, which Dusabimana cut in the size of Rwf5,000 bill that he was using to fleece the unwitting members of the public.
CIP Munyurase warned against such criminal behaviours, which pose ill effects on people’s businesses and the economy, and called for information sharing on anyone involved.
The suspects were handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) at Buyoga station for further investigation.
Article 269 of law No 68/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general, states that any person, who fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins or bank notes which are legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, notes issued by the Treasury with its stamp or brand, either banknotes or alike that have legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, or one who introduces or issues in Rwanda such effects or notes with knowledge that they are forged or falsified, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than seven years.
Minister Biruta held talks with his Belgian counterpart after meeting representatives of Civil Society Organizations operating in Belgium.
On 24th April 2021, he met with Belgian investors and discussed opportunities and incentives for those willing to invest in Rwanda.
The visit which started on 23rd April 2021 is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation particularly in the areas of economy.
In 2016, the then Rwanda’s Ambassador in Belgium, Olivier Nduhungirehe met with King Philippe Léopold Louis Marie and agreed on scaling up efforts to promote bilateral ties.
Belgium has at different times provided funding worth over Rwf 64 billion utilized to expand electricity.
In 2019, Belgium also committed to finance Rwanda with Rwf 121 billion to be until 2024 allocated to health sector, agriculture, enhance urbanization and public funds management.
Filippo Grandi has been in Rwanda for four-day working visit.
The Presidency Office has tweeted that Filippo Grandi was accompanied by UN Resident Coordinator, Fodé Ndiaye but didn’t reveal topics of discussions.
The Minister of Emergency Management (MINEMA) Solange Kayisire was also present.
Filippo Grandi met with President Kagame after visiting Gashora transit camp in Bugesera district accommodating refugees from Libya on 25th April 2021.
During his visit, commended Rwanda for taking good care of these refugees and particularly thanked President Kagame and Rwandans for welcoming them.
He also visited Nyamata Genocide Memorial where he paid tribute to victims laid there.
It was expected that Grandi will on Tuesday travel with Burundi refugees accommodated in Rwanda as they return home.
Filippo Grandi has been visiting regional countries to witness living conditions.
Grandi was in Rwanda for last visit in April 2018.
The statement released last night shows that the majority of new cases were found in Muhanga: 13, Kigali: 10, Nyamagabe: 9, Gicumbi: 8, Ngororero: 8 and Nyaruguru: 8.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 24 677 have been tested positive of whom 23 005 have recovered, 1342 are active cases while 330 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 349,702 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 5th March 2021.
The youth was taken through 11 rooms featuring exhibitions of liberation struggle.
Uwiringiyimana Jacqueline, enrolled in the Faculty of Law at the University of Kigali (UoK) has revealed that she learnt a lot from visiting the museum as she witnessed the bravery of RPA soldiers to liberate the country.
Uwiringiyimana said the history inspired her that she will unite with colleagues to desist people denying and trivializing the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
“We have received explanations that the youth played a big role in Genocide. So, we are considered the country’s strength to resist people trivializing and denying Genocide against Tutsi. I and my colleagues are ready stand against these propagandists fueling Genocide ideology,” she said.
“Patriotism comes first. Many of liberators were at the same age bracket of ours. They were still young but dedicated to selflessly serve the nation. This reminds us that we are indebted to serve the country with all efforts,” added Uwiringiyimana.
Nsabimana Jean Marie, one of Commissioners at PAM Rwanda who led the delegation said that the visit was aimed at helping the youth to learn history.
“The major purpose is to educate the youth on national liberation history particularly learning history of Genocide against Tutsi so that the youth can take the lead in resisting people trivializing and denying Genocide against Tutsi,” he said.
Nsabimana also requested PAM Rwanda members and the youth in general to consolidate gains.
“We encourage PAM Rwanda members to develop patriotism spirit, consolidate gains and stand against whoever intending to fuel ethnic discrimination or hold us back,” he noted.
Established on 8th August 2015, the Pan African Movement Rwanda is in charge of taking the lead in promoting the Pan Africanism ideology within the nation by translating it into tangible results in line with the national development Agenda. The major objective is to build a self-reliant and totally liberated Africa; “Africa without Complex”.
Kagame delivered the message today as he commissioned 721 new officers at Rwanda Military Academy – Gako, in Bugesera District.
Commissioned officers have been promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant.
After commissioning new officers, Kagame urged them to uphold high standards of discipline on duty with dedication to serve Rwandans and the country.
He said that the nation builds upon security to sustain development and highlighted that Rwanda’s capacity is used to defend sovereignty and deal with any threats.
“Transforming our nation towards continued development requires a professional, strong, and disciplined army. We build our capabilities to secure our country, protect our sovereignty, and build upon our security to sustain our development,” he said.
“We want to use our capacity not to attack any country but to defend ourselves against any threat to our security and sovereignty. Anyone who threatens our security will be dealt with and will pay a heavy price,” added Kagame.
The pass-out ceremony was also witnessed by RDF senior officers, Government officials and families of the new officers.
The first group of commissioned officers consists of 209 who combined military training and university studies in Social and Military Sciences, Medicine, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
The second includes 506 enrolled in one year program of whom 347 were in-service soldiers while 159 were civilians before joining the military training.
The third group is comprised of 6 officers who completed military training from partner-countries including Belgium, Kenya and Sri Lanka.
The Commandant of Rwanda Military Academy – Gako, Maj. Gen. Innocent Kabandana has said that it was an exhausting journey that some of them didn’t complete due to various reasons.
Commissioned officers have been promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant.
The ceremony was held in compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures.
The first group consists of 209 commissioned officers who combined military training and university studies in Social and Military Sciences, Medicine, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
The second includes 506 enrolled in one year program of whom 347 were in-service soldiers while 159 were civilians before joining the military training.
The third group is comprised of 6 officers who completed military training from partner-countries including Belgium, Kenya and Sri Lanka.
The Commandant of Rwanda Military Academy – Gako, Maj. Gen. Innocent Kabandana has said that it was an exhausting journey that some of them didn’t complete due to various reasons.
“The journey these students went through was not easy. 62 of recruits didn’t complete courses due to various reasons including indiscipline, physical, mental performance and sickness,” he said.
President Kagame has requested new officers to always remember that their main duty is to serve Rwandans that it is a heavy responsibility that should be given much relevance for RDF to continue rebuilding and contributing where necessary.
He commended the academy, for continuous efforts to equip recruits with required skills.
“Those who stand chance to study and get trained here should properly use acquired skills and help the school to grow further,” he said.
Filippo Grandi voiced the appreciation yesterday on 25th April 2021 as he visited Gashora Transit Camp located in Bugesera district, Eastern Province accommodating these refugees hailing from different countries including Somalia; Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Sudan.
Filippo Grandi was along with the Minister of Emergency Management (MINEMA), Marie Solange Kayisire. He was taken through different facilities of the camp including a clinic, accommodations, and crafts center.
After touring different parts, Grandi said that establishing the camp was an idea from President Paul Kagame so that refugees stranded in Libya can be accommodated ins afe places.
“I am delighted to be here at this center. It was created from the idea of President Paul Kagame at a time when the World saw through the media, damning videos showing mistreatment of refugees from detention centers in Libya,” he said.
“At the time, President Paul Kagame was chairing the African Union. During a speech held at the time, he said that Rwanda wants to provide assistance. I spoke to him and accepted that we can establish a facility where people from these centers can be accommodated and treated humanely as the process to seek host countries continues, “added Grandi.
He explained that the World has two centers receiving these refugees from Libya including one in Niger and Rwanda.
“These are countries which came to us and committed to share responsibility. In fact, I would like to extend my since gratitude to President Kagame and Rwandans for commitment to take the responsibilities. They are heavy responsibilities to accommodate hundreds people on your land especially during these difficult times [of Coronavirus pandemic]. We are working hard to address their problems,” noted Grandi.
He also expressed satisfaction with the support these refugees are receiving where they access health services including mental health.
“I have been extremely satisfied with the work of the Government of Rwanda, UNHCR and Civil Society for doing a great job. I have been delighted to talk to accommodates refugees including a family from Somalia as well as young men from Eritrea and Ethiopia,” said Grandi.
“They have really gone through difficulties. This center has saved their lives not because it is the home of their dream but giving them relief in terms of health support to lead better life. This includes taking care of people with mental health problems, wounded ones feeding them. I visited them in detention centers in Libya. They endured lots of difficulties, torture, abuse, slavery and rape. Receiving health support is of crucial relevance,” he added.
Some of refugees told Grandi that they receive emergent support to fill requirements to get host countries.
He told refugees that the relocation to other countries has delayed due to COVID-19 and reassured them to scale up efforts to relocate them in collaboration with host countries.
Minister Kayisire said they had an opportunity to discuss with Grandi on problems affecting livelihoods of refugees including the reduction of funds allocated to help them.
It is expected that Grandi will resume his visit to Burundi traveling refugees returning home.
Rwanda has so far received five batches of refugees and asylum seekers from Libya.
The last batch arrived in the night of 29th December 2020 joining refugees and asylum seekers Rwanda welcomed in the previous four batches comprised of 385 people.
Some of them have been already granted refugee status in foreign countries including 131 taken to Sweden, 23 granted refuge in Canada, 46 in Norway while 5 others were granted refuge in France.
Rwanda signed agreements to host refugees stranded in Libya on 10th September 2019 with the African Union (AU) and UNHCR.
Rwanda made the commitment to host refugees from Libya in 2017 following revelations that thousands of people from across Africa were stranded in the country after their failure to reach Europe and subjected to slavery.
Rwanda committed to receiving 500 refugees at head first of whom a group of 66 African refugees and asylum-seekers from Libya arrived in Rwanda at the end of September 2019 in the first batch aboard the airplane of Buraq Air.
All batches were all accommodated at Gashora transit camp in Bugesera district which previously hosted thousands of Burundian refugees since 2015 before they were relocated to other sites.
