The deceased include three men aged 61, 79 and 83 respectively from Kigali city.
The statement released last night shows that some of new cases were found in Kigali:30, Kirehe: 17, Nyamasheke: 16 and Nyamagabe: 11 among others.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 18 986 people have been tested positive out of 1 012 451 sample tests of whom 17 322 have recovered, 1400 are active cases while 264 have succumbed to the pandemic.
The prevalence of new infections, recoveries and death toll stands at 4%, 91.2% and 1.4% respectively.
Among others, six people are critically ill.
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.
President from 2007 to 2012, he was found guilty of trying to illegally obtain information from a senior magistrate in 2014 about an ongoing investigation into his campaign finances.
The judge said Sarkozy did not need to serve time in jail. He could serve the sentence by wearing an electronic bracelet at home.
The 66-year-old is the first president to have been sentenced to jail in France’s modern history.
The Paris prosecutor had requested a two-year prison sentence and a two-year suspended sentence for Sarkozy and his co-defendants, his lawyer Thierry Herzog and former magistrate Gilbert Azibert.
Herzog and Azibert were found guilty and handed prison sentences.
After a lengthy investigation and legal entanglements, the trial began at the end of last year. The judge handed down Sarkozy’s sentence Monday afternoon in front of a full courtroom.
Dubbed the “wiretapping case,” it began in 2013 when investigators bugged phones belonging to Sarkozy and his lawyer Herzog, in the context of an inquiry against Sarkozy.
They discovered that the two men promised senior magistrate Gilbert Azibert a prestigious position in Monaco, in exchange for information about an ongoing inquiry into claims that Sarkozy had accepted illegal payments from L’Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt for his successful 2007 presidential campaign.
{{Political ambitions scuppered}}
Sarkozy had begun eyeing a political comeback for France’s 2022 presidential election with many from his party, Les Republicains, in support of his return.
Senator Pierre Charon had said it would be a “dream” to have the ex-president run again, and that he hoped Sarkozy would once more play an “important role.”
Sarkozy briefly left the political scene after his failed bid for re-election in 2012, and after his failure to win the conservative primaries in 2016. Though he never officially said he would run in 2022, pundits believed that with no clear leader on the right, Sarkozy had a chance of once again becoming the party’s candidate.
The conservatives’ 2017 presidential bid was derailed after their candidate, former Prime Minister Francois Fillon, was accused of misusing public funds.
The scandal gave way to Emmanuel Macron’s victory and Fillon was later sentenced to five years in prison and given a 10-year ban on running for office.
With the left still in tatters, pollsters are predicting a re-run of the 2017 contest between Macron and the far-right’s Marine Le Pen. Macron’s recent veer to the right suggests that he’s trying to neutralize his biggest opponents, the right and the far-right.
{{Further accusations against Sarkozy}}
Sarkozy faces other accusations. In just over two weeks’ time he will once again be on trial accused of violating campaign financing rules during his failed 2012 re-election bid, by working with a friendly public relations firm to hide the true cost of his campaign.
In a separate case, French prosecutors are looking into alleged illegal campaign funding from Libya. Libya’s former deceased leader Muammar Gaddafi allegedly provided Sarkozy’s 2007 campaign with millions of euros shipped to Paris in suitcases.
In 2011, former president Jacques Chirac was found guilty of misuse of public funds and given a two-year suspended prison sentence for the employment of fictitious officials when he was mayor of Paris in the early 1990s.
The last French head of state to be sentenced to jail was Marshal Philippe Pétain in 1945 — for treason after he collaborated with the Nazis.
The development is aligned with the firm’s commitment to continue rendering improved health services.
Joseph Ndagijimana, Zipline Rwanda General Manager has told IGIHE that the program will draw emphasis on patients with chronic diseases.
“We are planning to deploy drones to patients’ homes in real-time. There are patients with chronic diseases like Diabetis, or Cancer taking medicaments every day and are aware of prescribed drugs without need to consult the medical doctor every day. We are developing a program in collaboration with Partners in Health so that we can start deploying drones to deliver drugs to some of these patients with difficulties to pick medications at hospitals,” he said.
Ndagijimana explained that the program might start in the next two months.
“We have started applying for licensing from Civil Aviation Authority and expect to start delivery in the next two months,” he noted.
It is said the development is meant to reduce exhausting treks that patients would make to reach hospitals.
Ndagijimana has assured that Zipline continues to introduce more innovative programs to improve health services.
“We continue to draw emphasis on health sector to transform people’s lives which aligns with our mandate,” he revealed.
It is said that patients might pay for delivery cost or have the service integrated into health insurances for subsidized cost.
Zipline started operations in Rwanda in 2016. It has two distribution centers based in Kayonza district, Eastern Province and Muhanga district in Southern Province.
The 68, 7 kilometer road is extended from the place known as ‘Ku Giti cy’Inyoni’ through Kanyinya sector in Nyarugenge district, Shyorongi in Rulindo district to sectors of Gakenke district including Ruli.
The ordinary earth road has been recently ravaged by rain disasters that blocked movements. MININFRA has revealed via Twitter handle that minor renovations are set to begin soon while laying tarmac will start in June 2021.
“Starting next week, maintenance works for Nzove-Ruli-Gakenke road (remove potholes, address drainage issues, and apply murram) will kick off and completed before end March. Tarmac construction works will start before end June this year,” reads the message.
Somalia and DRC have been pushing to join EAC whereby the bloc is assessing their request to join existing country members including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan.
During the 21st EAC Heads of State summit held on 27th February 2021, the bloc tasked the Council of Ministers to fast track the assessment to identify if DRC meets admission requirements.
It is expected that new and existing members including Rwanda will benefit from the integration from different areas.
A political expert, Dr. Ismael Buchanan has told IGIHE that there are several benefits Rwanda can reap from DRC integration and vice versa. For instance, he pointed out enhanced foreign relations and security among others.
“You know that DRC has been engulfed by insecurity with the presence of rebel groups. It is possible that the collaboration of EAC country members can restore security in the region. Rwanda has several advantages to pull from DRC membership even though the latter also has a lot to learn from EAC,” he said.
“Usually, these countries have cooperation agreements in many ways. If there are standby forces to intervene in peace restoration without long processes, it is obvious that cooperation is key to putting an end to incessant wars,” added Buchanan.
Buchanan explained that these countries’ membership can reinforce efforts to defeat some of armed groups operating in DRC intending to destabilize Rwanda like FDLR and FLN among others.
“It doesn’t put completely eradicate these groups. It is apparent that political is necessary to eradicate an armed group like FDLR but integration can shake the group’s strength. Real cooperation between both countries can be fruitful to fight these groups if they are under one bloc,” he said.
{{Economic benefits }}
Teddy Kaberuka, an economic expert has told IGIHE that Rwanda will also benefit from economic development through facilitating free movement.
“You know well that EAC has ratified trade agreements exempting import duties. This means, custom duties for DRC imports will be exempted. Our exports to the country will also get boost because custom duties will have been exempted on both sides. In fact, it can promote trade between both countries and enable traders to reap bigger returns,” she said.
EAC is a regional intergovernmental organisation of 6 Partner States: the Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, the United Republic of Tanzania, and the Republic of Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The EAC is home to 177 million citizens, of which over 22% is urban population.
With a land area of 2.5 million square kilometres and a combined Gross Domestic Product of US$ 193 billion (EAC Statistics for 2019), its realisation bears great strategic and geopolitical significance and prospects for the renewed and reinvigorated EAC.
The work of the EAC is guided by its Treaty which established the Community. It was signed on 30 November 1999 and entered into force on 7 July 2000 following its ratification by the original three Partner States: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Rwanda and Burundi acceded to the EAC Treaty on 18 June 2007 and became full members of the community with effect from 1 July 2007. The Republic of South Sudan acceded to the treaty on 15th April 2016 and become a full member on 15th August 2016.
As one of the fastest growing regional economic blocs, the EAC is widening and deepening co-operation among the partner states in various key spheres for their mutual benefit. These spheres include political, economic and social.
They revealed this yesterday on Sunday 28th February 2021 during an event in which the investor constructing the plant, Hakan Karasoy donated six cows to residents in neighborhood.
The donation complements Gisagara district’s initiatives to distribute cows to vulnerable residents under Girinka Munyarwanda program.
“We have benefited a lot since the beginning of construction activities where our neighbors got jobs. I will get compost from received cow, fertilize my gardens and get milk for my children,” said Kubwimana Dative.
Ndimubandi Innocent revealed that he had never owned a cow that the donation anticipates improved livelihoods.
Apart from cow donations, the company also provided school kits including bags, notebooks and pens to 498 children in 2018.
The mayor of Gisagara district, Rutaburingoga Jérome also highlighted that the company supports the district to promote initiatives enhancing residents’ livelihoods.
“Residents have started witnessing transformations due to cooperation between investors and neighboring residents to the extent that this area is gradually developing into a town. They have so far built ten houses for vulnerable residents and donated school kits to vulnerable children. They are also going to build a library and plan to give us buildings that will be used as vocational training schools,” he said.
Figures show that 1500 people majority from Gisagara district got jobs at the construction of the peat power plant expected to be inaugurated this month.
Iradukunda Emanuel, 22, is one of residents employed at the plant hopeful to utilize income effectively to shape his future.
“I am among electricity technicians employed at the plant since 2019. I have already saved Rwf 500,000 and intend to run own income generating business towards the completion of this project,” he said recently.
The investor Hakan Karasoy has said that they are aware of difficulties experienced by vulnerable people which push them to use part of income to uplift their livelihoods.
“We understand that all activities done here are meant to uplift residents’ livelihoods. That is why we are supporting this cause. We feel the responsibility to provide our contribution to graduate them from poverty because we are aware that poor people live unhappily,” he noted.
The plant built by a private company, Quantum Power is located in Akanyaru Marshland in Mamba sector.
Construction activities started in May 2017.
The plant is expected to generate 40 megawatts in March and be able to supply 80 megawatts by June 2021.
In January 2020, the Minister of Infrastructure, Amb. Gatete Claver revealed that the plant will increase electricity across the country and subsequently reduce the cost.
Upon completion, the plant will aliment electricity to Rwabusoro in Nyanza district, Rilima in Bugesera district and Gahanga in Kigali city.
It is reported Mamba marshland has enough peat resources that can be used for 26 years.
The deceased whose neck was stabbed has been living with her daughter in Mbeho village, Nyanzoga cell.
The old woman was killed in the wee hours of 27th February 2021 on the way to her birth place in Kamegeri sector.
The executive secretary of Cyanika sector, Ndagijimana JMV has told IGIHE that the old woman was killed around 5am.
“We were alerted by her daughter with whom they lived together that Mukamusoni had waked at 4am going to her family at homeland. She was killed in Rusenyi village after walking for an hour,” he said.
She was killed at the intersection of Nyamagabe and Huye district.
Ndagijimana has revealed that Rwanda Investigation Bureau has started investigation to identify masterminds behind the killing.
He appealed on residents to collaboratively reinforce security and report suspected gangs.
Mukamusoni’s body was taken to Kacyiru Hospital for postmortem.
The Congolese registered vehicle plate number 9792AB22 was intercepted in Busasamana Sector with 465 pieces of local fabrics called kitenge, 25 rolls of electric cables and a box of wines.
The Police spokesperson for the Southern region, Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire said two people, who were aboard the vehicle, were also arrested.
They include the driver identified as Daniel Ukwigize, 44, and one Milliam Ndayiragije, 28, the suspected owner of the smuggled goods.
“Police officers, who were in their normal duties, stopped the vehicle for the routine checks and recovered the smuggled goods stashed under car seats,” SP Kanamugire said.
He added that the goods were smuggled into Rwanda from Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo through Rusizi. Both suspects hail from Rusizi District.
Ndayiragije, the owner of the smuggled goods, said that they were at the time headed to Ngororero District to supply traders who had placed orders.
All seized goods and the vehicles were handed over to the Rwanda National Police Anti-Smuggling Unit
{{Tax fraud}}
Under the East African Community Management Act, which is also applicable in Rwanda, seized smuggled goods under article 199, are auctioned.
In case a vehicle was used in fraud and smuggling, it is also impounded, auctioned and the driver slapped a fine of US$5000.
A taxpayer, who commits fraud, is subject to an administrative fine of one hundred percent (100%) of the evaded tax. With exception to that penalty, the Tax Administration refers the case to the Prosecution service if the taxpayer voluntarily evaded such tax, like through the use of false accounts, falsified documents or any other act punishable by law. In case of conviction, the taxpayer can be imprisoned for a period between six (6) months and two (2) years.”
The statement released last night shows that new cases were found in Kigali: 18, Huye:14, Rubavu: 5, Ruhango: 5, Ngororero: 4, Nyamagabe: 3, Muhanga:2, Nyanza:2 and Kirehe:2 while Burera, Kamonyi, Nyamasheke, Gisagara and Nyaruguru recorded one patient respectively.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 18 850 people have been tested positive out of 1 009 041 sample tests of whom 17313 have recovered, 1276 are active cases while 261 have succumbed to the virus.
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.
His body arrived at Kigali International Airport last night around 8pm. Upon arrival, Father Rugirangoga’s body was welcomed by relatives, clerics from Cyangugu Diocese and Bishop Hakizimana Célestin, the Bishop of Gikongoro Diocese who is also the Apostolic Administrator of Cyangugu Diocese.
Father Rugirangoga died on 7th January 2021 in the United States of America (USA) succumbing to COVID-19 related complications.
On 27th January, Christians and friends of Rwanda in USA organized a farewell Mass prayer held at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.
The Bishop of Cyangugu Diocese, Hakizimana Célestin recently told IGIHE that a farewell Mass will be held at Regina Pacis Parish shortly after Father Rugirangoga’s body arrives in Rwanda.
The farewell Mass is scheduled on 1st March 2021, a day before his burial to take place at Agasozi k’Ibanga ry’Amahoro (Hill of Secrete to Peace) located in Kamatita cell, Gihundwe sector, Rusizi district of Western Province.
The hill of 25 hectares is located in Nkanka Parish, Cyangugu Diocese.
Father Rugirangoga is renowned for delivering healing prayers, unity and reconciliation initiatives.
He was also renowned for psychiatric initiatives and healing prayers launched in Mushaka Parish that encouraged Genocide perpetrators to seek forgiveness and survivors to forgive offenders as a healing process from the wounds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In 2015, Father Rugirangoga was selected as Protector of Friendship Pact ‘Umurinzi w’Igihango’ for outstanding contribution promoting unity and reconciliation among Rwandans across the country.
In 2019, Father Rugirangoga wrote a book dubbed “Forgiveness Makes You Free” aimed at consolidating Rwandans unity and reconciliation efforts.
Father Ubald Rugiranoga was born on 26th April 1955 in former Rwabidege sector, Mwezi parish in Commune Karengera, Prefecture Cyangugu currently in Rusizi district.
He was ordained priest in 1984 at the age of 29. He used to organize different gospel crusades in which many people healed from different diseases.
