“This is the first time that money recovered from criminals will be returned to Nigeria (from Britain) since an agreement was signed in 2016 to recover and return the proceeds of bribery or corruption in a responsible and transparent way,” Britain’s Foreign Office said in a statement in Lagos.
It said the money stolen by James Ibori, governor of southern oil-rich Delta state between 1999 and 2007, was retrieved by British law enforcement agencies.
The funds will go towards “vital infrastructure and building works,” it said.
Home Office Minister Baroness Williams described the deal as “a significant moment in our fight against illicit finance wherever it is found.”
Ibori was jailed in April 2012 for fraud amounting to nearly £50 million (at the time $78.6 million / 62 million euros) following a drawn-out extradition procedure and his evasion of arrest and prosecution in Nigeria.
The one-time cashier at a chain of British DIY stores used public funds to buy luxury homes, top-of-the-range cars and a private jet.
He served four years of a 13-year jail term, which anti-corruption campaigners hailed as a rare victory in the fight against international graft.
Millions of dollars stolen by former military ruler Sani Abacha have also been repatriated to Nigeria from Switzerland and other countries.
Abacha died in June 1998 after reputedly looting some five billion dollars.
Rubavu is mapped as one of the main trafficking corridors.
The narcotics were disposed of on Tuesday, March 9, in a public exercise held in Nyakiliba Sector, Gikombe Cell in Nyabibuye Village.
Also destroyed are assorted illicit and substandard products, including Simba, Baresa and Blue Sky gin, which were seized from smugglers during the same period.
The destruction exercise was witnessed by the Mayor of Rubavu, Gilbert Habyarimana, Chief Prosecutor for Rubavu, Ngororero and Nyabihu, Janvier Munyaneza, Police and investigators, among others.
According to the District Police Commander (DPC) for Rubavu, Superintendent of Police (SP) Jean Bosco Karega, the destroyed narcotics were seized from more than 170 drug dealers, who were arrested in the same period.
He added that the traffickers were mainly arrested along the porous borders of Rubavu, Busasamana and Gisenyi sectors and in Gisenyi town.
The DPC echoed the fruits of strong partnership with the local people to identify and arrest drug dealers operating in their communities or using the areas as trafficking routes from the DR Congo.
’’Your participation in fighting against drug dealers and the effects of narcotic drugs is always valued and recognized,” the DPC said.
He went on to warn everyone involved in such criminal practices to divert their money into other legal ventures to improve their welfare instead of poisoning other people for their selfish ends.
The Mayor of Rubavu, Gilbert Habyarimana commended Rwanda National Police and other security organs for the fruitful operations.
He urged the residents to reinforce these operations in the fight against the drugs and to break all chains of dealers, by reporting suspected dealers.
“Police and other security organs have registered tremendous success in anti-drug operations. It is equally your responsibility as residents and Rwandans to report traffickers using your communities as routes or dealers operating in your communities to protect your families and children in particular, who are the majority victims,” Mayor Habyarimana said.
He, however, warned those residents, who work with drug dealers to harbour them or using their homes as stores.
Chief Prosecutor Munyaneza reminded residents the repurcussions of dealing in drugs or facilitating drug dealers.
Article 3 of the Ministerial order nº 001/moh/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorisation classifies Cannabis in the category of “very severe narcotics.”
Article 263 0f Law No 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general states that any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she faces between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.
The ruling was read today on Wednesday 10th March 2021 in presence of the suspect who immediately appealed against the decision.
Rusesabagina faces nine counts linked to terrorism, and he is co-accused with other 20 individuals who were allegedly involved in terror attacks that took place between 2018 and 2019 and claimed nine lives.
He is accused along with Nsabimana Callixte ‘Sankara’, Nsengimana Herman and 18 other suspects facing terrorism charges.
Appearing before the court in the previous hearing, Rusesabagina claimed that he was abducted and requested his release.
Rusesabagina said that he spent four days with hands and legs tied up adding that he had no legal representation when he was summoned by the prosecution.
He requested for release as awaiting trial in depth.
Among others, Rusesabagina objected that Rwanda Investigation Bureau cooperated with Bishop Constantin Niyomwungere to bring him to Kigali illegally. The prosecution however explained that he was not kidnapped but rather tricked by his friend along the way from Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates to Kigali.
During the previous hearing, Bishop Niyomwungere Constantin gave testimonies narrating how he tricked Rusesabagina until they arrived in Rwanda where the suspect was arrested. Niyomwungere said he was shocked by killings committed by Rusesabagina’s armed group FLN which took lives of people in the surroundings of Nyungwe in Nyaruguru district and destroyed properties.
After analyzing Rusesabagina’s request, the court considered that he was not kidnapped but tricked.
The court also read that Rusesabagina was informed before interrogation on 31st August 2020 and decided to respond without defense lawyer.
The court also considered the severity of accused crimes and said, it doesn’t Rusesabagina to be released.
“The fact that Rusesabagina is detained waiting for trial in depth, doesn’t abuse his rights. The court ruled that the appeal against remand is unfounded,” read the court.
Rusesabagina’s lawyer, Rudakemwa Félix immediately appealed against the ruling. “We want trial proceedings halted until things become clear,” he said.
The donations were handed over to beneficiaries on Monday 8th March 2021 as Rwanda joined the rest of the World to celebrate the International Women’s Day.
The day was observed under the global theme “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world,” while in Rwanda, the theme was “Women at the forefront in the Covid-19 World.”
In Bugesera district, the day was observed at village level whereby the district donated 43 large water reservoirs to women from different sectors for their outstanding contribution to fighting malnutrition.
Beneficiaries were chosen by colleagues.
The coordinator of National Womens’ Council (NWC) in Bugesera district, Kamanzi Anastasie has told IGIHE that women received water reservoirs to facilitate the provision of water that can also be used to water their backyard kitchen gardens.
“Each of selected women received a water tank selected in the community for outstanding efforts to fight malnutrition,” she said.
Apart from water reservoirs, Kamanzi said, impregnated teens also received goats.
“These goats were bought from contributions of women in the district to support impregnated girls and selected vulnerable women at village level to foster their economic growth,” she revealed.
Kamanzi said, women were at the occasion reminded that they are capable of achieving great things and urged them to work hard and uplift fellows from vulnerable backgrounds.
“Giving does not require one to own big wealth. It is however, a path to seeking home grown solutions to support and educate each other. Women have been empowered that we should not hold back achieved progress. We must be active in all functions be it livestock farming, agriculture and leadership,” she noted.
Impregnated teens were also sensitized on their rights and scale up efforts to strive for their progress instead of sticking to experienced difficulties.
Idamange is accused of crimes including incitement public disorder, assaulting and causing injuries intentionally, denigrating Genocide evidences, and issuing bounced cheque.
Appearing in court recently, the woman denied all charges.
During the previous hearing, Idamange said that she was illegally detained and asked the court to analyze the case and order her release. Idamange claimed, she was never summoned before her arrest.
The Prosecution rejected Idamange’s objections explaining that they had a warrant for her arrest which happened in presence of local leaders.
The Prosecution said, Idamange was brought to court to face justice for alleged crimes committed through talks aired on a YouTube channel.
She was accused of using the platform to incite public disorder and encouraging citizens to organize riots.
Reading the ruling yesterday, the court explained that the decision was based on evidences provided during the previous hearing and legal provisions and Idamange’s video in which she is heard pronouncing words pinning her for suspected crimes.
The judge said that extracts of the video shows Idamange calling upon all citizens to organize riots at Presidency Office to revendicate against the Government of Rwanda, asserting that President Paul Kagame died, that the country is led by a ghost.
The court read that she is suspected of serious crimes which he would continue using social media platforms when released and remanded her for 30 days.
Idamange, 42, was arrested on 15th February 2021 few days after featuring in series of talk shows aired on YouTube where she called on people to wage riots at Presidency Office.
Idamange appeared in court for first time on 4th March 2021 for hearing on remand or release on bail.
Rusesabagina faces nine counts linked to terrorism, and he is co-accused with other 20 individuals who were allegedly involved in terror attacks that took place between 2018 and 2019 and claimed nine lives.
Vaccinated population range from the age bracket of 60 and above as well as inmates with chronic diseases.
These inmates expressed delight for receiving the vaccine noting that it is a gesture that the country takes care of them.
“I am overwhelmed with joy for the gesture as I heard that we are among people to be vaccinated. It reflects how President of the Republic loves us so much,” said Mucanda Vital Kivumbi, a 73-year old inmate.
As Kivumbi explained, he was always worried that he might catch Coronavirus due to congested population in prisons but was comforted when selected among first groups of people to be vaccinated.
Nirere Béatrice, 67, said he felt better after receiving the vaccine and thanked the Government for being far sighted to include inmates among first groups.
“Being vaccinated among first groups is something of great importance that induces smile. This gesture evidences how the Government plans for all people including inmates,” she noted.
RCS Commissioner General, CGP George Rwigamba has said that vaccinating inmates is among best ways to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in prisons.
“The vaccine is of great relevance because it is not easy to maintain social distancing in prisons. The vaccination will relive worries of catching new infections. We voice our appreciation to the Government that planned for inclusive distribution of vaccines,” he explained.
It is expected that over 12,000 inmates from different prisons will be vaccinated first while others will follow the suit later.
Rwanda kicked off countrywide vaccination program on 5th February 2021 after receiving 240,000 AstraZeneca and 102 960 Pfizer-BioNTech doses distributed through COVAX as well as 50,000 AstraZeneca doses donated by India last week.
So far, over 208,000 doses have been administered.
The statement released last night shows that two more people have succumbed to the pandemic bringing the death toll to 270. The deceased are two men aged 64 and 70 from Kigali city.
Among others, 11,371 people including motorcyclists, cyclists, District Administration Security Support Organ (DASSO) and inmates were vaccinated yesterday bringing the total number to 220,048 since the countrywide vaccination program kicked off on Friday last week.
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 19779 people have been tested positive out of 1,043,645 sample tests of whom 18033 have recovered, 1476 are active cases while 270 have succumbed to the virus.
One of WASAC staff expressed delight for the surprise: “I woke up early and received an email from the Chief Executive Officer wishing us Happy Women’s Day. I was so touched with the message. Thereafter, we got surprises again as we received wreaths of flowers around 10am. Every woman received a flower and told that it is a gift from the CEO.”
Another WASAC staff from Nyamirambo branch said: “The surprise is the first of its kind since WASAC was established in 2015. It is a small gesture symbolizing great things to us.”
The CEO of WASAC, Eng. Alfred Dusenge Byigero has been assuming the position for two months and half. He is currently in working visit abroad.
Some of WASAC staff have revealed that such gestures are part of great motivations that make employees feel at home and become productive given the provided conducive working environment.
Alfred Dusenge Byigero replaced Aimé Muzola as the CEO of WASAC. He has before served as the Deputy Director General of RURA between 2012 and 2017. He also headed Energy Company in Mauritius.
The Public Relations Officer at WASAC, Iraguha Dani Richard has told IGIHE that the gesture was warmly welcomed.
“Few leaders spend their money for such gestures aimed at promoting social cohesion among employees. The gesture has proven that the head of the institutions knows gaps to be bridged,” he said.
WASAC has 1500 employees working at its headquarters, 20 branches and 25 water treatment plants countrywide.
The pre-deployment briefing of the hybrid Formed Police Unit-One (FPU-1) contingent was held at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kacyiru.
The contingent commanded by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Faustin Kalimba, will replaced the same number in Malakal, Upper Nile State where they will be largely charged with protection of civilians in internally displaced camps, UN personnel, security of key installations and humanitarian assistance, among others.
IGP Munyuza urged the officers to use their experience and the high level of training acquired to execute their peacekeeping mandate effectively.
He further reminded them that they will work with other peacekeepers from different countries and they will have to exercise respect of diversity.
“Learning will be continuous throughout your tour-of-duty, use your experience to build on what your predecessors achieved, cooperative with other peacekeepers in the mission area and respect the people under your protection as well as their culture,” IGP Munyuza emphasized.
He urged them to keep up the good conduct and protect the image set by previous contingents adding that ” you are representing your country, be at the best of your performance.”
“Your country and Rwanda National Police in particular, have full trust in you, resilience and sacrifice are key. Remember, your conduct and professionalism will depict the image and values of Rwandans, ensure your performance is exceptionally good and maintain the same spirit to the end of your mission,” said IGP Munyuza.
The Police Chief reminded them that Rwandan peacekeepers are defined by their professionalism, discipline, teamwork, integrity, values and alertness, and urged them to keep the momentum to “maintain and protect the image and reputation.”
He emphasized that respecting each other and their superiors in particular, discipline, hard work, teamwork, dignity and respect for diversity are strong guiding values and principles which will help them towards mission excellence.
IGP Munyuza appealed to the officers to maintain the spirit of supporting others and to engage in human security activities with the local people they are mandated to serve.
“Participating in human security activities is our culture as Rwandans, you should not only conduct peacekeeping duties just to maintain peace and security. It goes beyond that as our tradition to work towards the overall wellbeing of the people,” IGP Munyuza said
As the World is still faced with the pandemic of COVID-19, the Police Chief reminded them to always observe all health guidelines including wearing face masks, avoiding shaking hands, washing hands and practicing social distancing, among others.
This will be the sixth rotation of FPU-1 hybrid since the first one was deployed in South Sudan in 2015.
It is also one of the three Rwandan FPU contingents currently deployed in South Sudan.
Currently, RNP maintains over 1000 police peacekeepers in various UN missions, including six contingents serving in UNMISS and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
Having graduated two cohorts already, with a third gearing up to join the Alumni community, Tourism Inc is excited to launch its recruitment of the next group of dynamic young entrepreneurs to join this innovative training program.
Inadequate skills, access to financing, and lack of role models are key challenges that prevent youth from starting and growing a business in Tourism and Hospitality in Rwanda and beyond. In response, Tourism Inc plans to select 25 young entrepreneurs in the fourth cohort to receive the right mix of skills-building, financing, and guidance to grow the next generation of leaders in this sector.
Commenting on the development, Sandra Gatete, Co-founder of City Buddiz and a graduate of the program said that Tourism Inc has been supportive in taking her business to the next level, allowing her team to launch, and manage products with thorough guidance.
“They have trained us to be innovative problem solvers, and with that we have been able to stay in business by launching new services that can still operate regardless of this pandemic. Being part of Tourism Inc has enabled me to collaborate and share ideas with other female entrepreneurs with strong business attitudes, and it has revived my hope that Rwanda’s Tourism industry will survive this pandemic and come back even stronger,” she noted.
Beyond capacity-building and access to finance, the high-performing entrepreneurs in this cohort will also receive seed funding grants to further build their ventures. The program will nurture Rwanda’s innovative Tourism and Hospitality businesses, and inspire them, to embrace entrepreneurship as a viable career path.
“ESP’s Tourism Inc program is uniquely designed to develop the next generation of business leaders in Rwanda’s Tourism and Hospitality sector; and we’re already seeing a positive impact in our Alumni community. We are very excited about the continued collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation to empower young people, especially women, through entrepreneurship,” said Charity Kabango, Co-founder and Director at Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESP).
“To thrive in a post-pandemic world, the Tourism and Hospitality sector will need the creativity of young people. The Foundation is committed to this ongoing partnership with ESPartners to develop and hone the innovators that will expand the prosperity and opportunity available in this sector,” said Rica Rwigamba, Country Head at the Mastercard Foundation.
ESP is accepting applications now for the fourth cohort of this program. Applicants who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
-* Must be a start-up (or have start-up idea) in the Tourism and Hospitality sector (or supplier to the sector).
-* Must be a young person (18-35 years old).
-* Must be based in Rwanda.
-* Must have a commitment to complete the 6-month program.
-* Women entrepreneurs are highly encouraged to apply.
ESP will be hosting online information sessions to provide interested Tourism and Hospitality entrepreneurs with further details on the program and on how to apply.
{{For more information: }}
Visit the ESPartners website: espartners.co or Contact ESPartners Rwanda by email: thincubation@espartners.co
{{About Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners}}
Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESP) aims to enable innovative, scalable, and profitable enterprises to build prosperity. Our mission is “to foster entrepreneurial solutions for prosperity.” ESP enables people, firms, institutions, and nations to articulate and implement solutions to their economic challenges.
ESP’s approach is to provide Intelligent Capital™—the right combination of insights and capital—to address critical societal issues. We provide consulting and strategy advisory services to diverse clients, including governments, businesses, and development partners in Africa. We support innovative models and provide leadership training and entrepreneurial boot camps. With offices in Abidjan and Kigali, ESP has been in operation since 2011.
For more information, visit www.espartners.co and follow ESP at @es_partners on Twitter.
{{About the Mastercard Foundation }}
The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and management.
For more information on the Foundation, please visit: www.mastercardfdn.org
{{For media inquiries, please contact:}}
{{Isidore Iradukunda}}
ESP Program Manager
iiradukunda@espartners.co
+250 788 406 076
{{Nicolas Emane}}
Partner Program Communication, Mastercard Foundation
