This was during the ongoing inspection by local authorities in City of Kigali and Police to assess how various services are delivered in compliance with the directives.
The closed restaurants and bars are among the eight hospitality establishments operating in Amashyirahamwe building, which were penalized for undermining the health and safety directives against the pandemic.
Those closed and fined hospitality establishments are Resto Bar Chez Jeanine, where many people were found drinking and watching football; Bar-Resto Chez Justin; Bar-Restaurant Chez Nyirahabimana Felecitha; and Bar chez Thamari Nyirabaruta.
“What is unfortunate is that the owners of the affected restaurants and bars were first warned, but when the inspection team came back later, they found nothing had changed; bars were open and many people gathered inside drinking,” said Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for City of Kigali.
This was the second time that Bar-Restaurant Chez Nyirahabimana Felecitha has been closed and owner penalized for disregarding the guidelines.
Each of the closed bars and restaurants was also fined Rwf150, 000 as stipulated in the City of Kigali directives.
CIP Twajamahoro warned that the inspection is continuous and anyone caught disregarding the COVID-19 prevention directives will be penalized accordingly.
The parliamentarian made the appeal on Monday 7th December 2020 as the parliament reviewed the amendment UK Trading Law.
He was insisting on the request of his colleague, Andrew Mitchell.
Polak affirmed that his country kept a deaf ear to Rwanda’s request to bring to book suspects of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi roaming in the UK.
He explained that his country relented on willingness to do so, which is contrary to other countries that have deported fugitives to Rwanda or tried them.
“Five suspects for role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi live freely in the UK and receive full benefits. Yet the United States of America, Canada, France, Belgium, Sweden and other countries have extradited suspects to face justice in the Rwanda justice system where the death penalty was abolished over 10 years ago,” said Polak.
He said that it is shocking that UK failed to do the same, thus calling the UK for urgent action before the next CHOGM to take place in Rwanda.
“I call upon the Government to weigh in this matter before the next CHOGM that will be held in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda next year,” said Polak.
The five genocide fugitives living in the UK are; Célestin Mutabaruka, Vincent Bajinya nicknamed Vincent Brown, Célestin Ugirashebuja, Charles Munyaneza and Emmanuel Nteziryayo.
As he commented to the arrest of Paul Rusesabagina, Andrew Mitchell criticized The Guardian (a British daily newspaper) which reported that Rwanda seeks to intimidate Rusesabagina but rather asked to draw emphasis on how genocide fugitives can be brought to book.
“Before leaving this topic, your newspaper should support the arrest of five Rwandans accused of role in Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda still roaming freely in UK living on benefits of British nationals for over ten years,” he said.
Mitchell explained that British legal system didn’t draw attention on the case despite Rwanda’s efforts to bring to book these fugitives which remained futile.
In 2018, Rwanda’s ambassador in the UK, Jo Lomas said that the investigation department in his country had started preliminary investigations to the suspects.
He made the revelation after holding talks with Rwanda’s Justice Minister, Busingye Johnston. At the time, Lomas revealed that his Government is closely following the case waiting for the Prosecution’s decision.
At the time, Minister Busingye said that no progress had been made despite Rwanda’s request to deport these suspects.
He revealed that the most important thing is to bring the fugitives to face justice where they can be convicted or acquitted.
Speaking to IGIHE, the CEO of Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) Francis Gatare confirmed the presence and revealed that further processes will be determined by ongoing research.
“Lithium has been found in different parts. We continue to carry out research to identify areas with enough minerals to start extraction in a productive way,” he said.
“It has been traced in several places that extraction can start. The presence is confirmed in Muhanga district, Ngororero in the areas of Gatumba as well as Rwamagana and Bugesera districts in Eastern Province. The remaining step is to determine the types, quantity and quality,” added Gatare.
He explained that Lithium minerals have a great value considering international market demand.
“Lithium minerals have a high value at the international market nowadays, considering countries’ visions and growing need for the use of batteries in cars or electricity generation,” noted Gatare.
“The extraction and processing should be assessed rigorously to avoid loss of value yet the world strongly needs it,” added Gatare.
As he said, the country is looking for partner investors to start productive and beneficial extraction as expected.
“It needs investment but there are concerned institutions. Research comes first, and then follows extraction knowing better where it will be processed. We are looking for partner investors with such knowledge and capacity so that a processing plant will be available by the time we get extraction licensing,” revealed Gatare.
He advised the public that not to engage in extraction of such minerals until licensing, and measures guiding Lithium extraction processes are implemented.
Apart from Lithium, research is underway to establish the presence of ‘Uranium’ especially used in the production of nuclear energy.
Rwanda recently entered agreements with Russia on cooperation in the construction of the Centre of Nuclear Science and Technology on the territory of Rwanda as well as the establishment of nuclear power plant in Rwanda.
The agreements indicate that nuclear energy will be mainly used for peaceful in different areas including nuclear medicine, research reactor laboratory complex, and multipurpose radiation especially in agriculture, education, radiobiology, and material science.
Gatare said that there is still a long way to go Rwanda for Rwanda to extract ‘Uranium’ which might be found in existing minerals licensed for extraction.
“Minerals found in Rwanda like Cassiterite, Colta and Wolframite mostly propagate Uranium and thorium radiations. It is a reality that Uranium and thorium minerals are present. However, there has been no research to identify sites with enough volumes,” he said.
Rwanda expects to earn Rwf 500 billion from trading of minerals.
Lithium is an element valuable for the production of glass, aluminum products, and batteries.
In total, about 65 percent of lithium produced goes toward battery production, but other industries also consume the metal. For example, 18 percent of lithium is used in ceramics and glass, while 5 percent goes to lubricating greases.
According to the US Geological Survey, lithium consumption for batteries has increased significantly in recent years due to the use of rechargeable lithium batteries in the growing market for portable electronic devices, as well as in electric tools, electric vehicles and grid storage applications.
Lithium batteries are proving to be an effective and affordable alternative to traditional batteries, and also in new battery applications. More than 50% of lithium mined is used in batteries.
This use has recently increased rapidly spurring an increase in lithium mining to provide the lithium for batteries.
The mineral is mixed with other light metals such as aluminum and magnesium to form strong, light-weight alloys (an alloy is a mixture of metals).
Some lithium, in the form of lithium carbonate or lithium citrate, is used as medicine to treat gout (an inflammation of joints) and to treat serious mental illness.
Australia, Chile, China, Argentine, Zimbabwe and Portugal are ranked top Lithium producers.
The meeting held at Village Urugwiro was attended by AU Reforms Advisory team including the Chairperson of African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat.
Others members of the team include Dr. Donald Kaberuka , the board chair of Global Fund; Acha Leke, economic expert from Cameroon; Strive Masiyiwa, entrepreneur from Zimbabwe; Dr. Carlos Lopes from Guinea Bisau; Cristina Duarte, former Minister of Finance, Cabo Verde; Mariam Mahamat Nour former Tchad Minister of Economy and international Cooperation ; Dr Vera Songwe from Cameroon; Amina J. Mohammed from Nigeria and Tito Mboweni, South Africa’s Finance Minister.
Achieving self-financing is one of reforms being implemented. Self-financing the African Union (AU) is one of the urgent and necessary institutional reforms, critical for the realisation of the AU vision for inclusive and sustainable development as laid out in its Agenda 2063.
In July 2016, African Heads of State and Government took a historic decision and adopted a 0.2% levy to ensure that all member states pay their yearly contributions to the AU, fully and in time. The decision directs all AU member states to implement a 0.2% levy on eligible imports into the continent to finance the AU and bring about sustainable, predictable, equitable and accountable financing.
In the same year, the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government also decided to endow the Peace Fund with $400m in Member State contributions to be drawn from the 0.2% levy instituted to finance the overall African Union budget. The full endowment level was expected to be reached in 2021. So far $200 contributions have been raised.
Other reforms to be implemented include gender balance effective from the next elections of African Union Commission leadership scheduled in January 2021. If Faki Mahamat is re-elected, he will be deputized by a woman.
Despite restrictions linked to COVID-19, the African Union (AU) has started the process to elect a new AU Commission (AUC) in January 2021. In line with the AU reform process that began in 2016 under the supervision of President Paul Kagame, the new AUC will have fewer commissioners and will be elected through a new merit-based system.
The recent research published by the University of Rwanda (UR) and Business Professionals Network (BPN Rwanda) indicated that only 18% of Small and Medium Enterprises embraced technology in their operations.
As she participated in discussions on ‘Harnessing digital transformation for SMEs Challenges and Opportunities’ organized by MTN Rwanda, Minister Soraya emphasized the need to mobilize SMEs to tap into opportunities technology is posed to offer.
“There are still worrying figures. The recent research the University of Rwanda and BPN Rwanda reported that only 18% of SMEs have embraced digital transformation. The COVID-19 pandemic which awakened people to embrace technology didn’t largely impact Small and Medium Enterprises. There is a need to establish why they don’t embrace technology,” she said.
“These figures evidence how Small and Medium Enterprises are reluctant to embrace technology. It is a market for our tech-firms and a task for the Government to conduct mobilizations bringing knowledge and other necessities in the use of technology among these enterprises,” added Soraya.
These virtual discussions were also attended by MTN Rwanda CEO, Mitwa Kaemba Ng’ambi, the Chairman of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), Stephen Ruzibiza among other representatives of business institutions.
Technology is among key pillars that could lead to business growth especially during COVID-19 pandemic where it enables direct engagement with customers.
They discussed areas of common interests and ways to increase multilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Dr Biruta said that the MoU is expected to boost cooperation and pave the way for further agreements between institutions from both countries.
“We have signed basic Memorandum of Understanding enabling cooperation between both countries. It is a broad MoU introducing more agreements in different areas,” he said.
He explained that discussions revolved around seeking how to engage different institutions into cooperation in the areas of climate change resilience, mining and education.
In the area of environment preservation, Dr Biruta revealed that both countries plan to cooperate on helping factories to find alternatives for plastic bags, mining and vocational education.
Kai Sauer is expected to meet with other officials from different institutions including Rwanda Development Board (RDB), mining sector and environment management authority.
Since 2017 until 2019, trade between Rwanda and Finland increased by 21% from US$12.8 million to US$12.8 million.
The statement released last night shows that new cases were found in Kigali: 24, Rubavu: 10, Bugesera: 6, Kirehe: 3, Rusizi: 2 and Rwamagana: 1.
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 case on 14th March 2020.
So far 6237 people have been infected out of 650,688 sample tests of which 5715 have recovered, 471 are active cases while death toll stands at 51.
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 incident took place last night when three of the four assailants equipped with traditional arms run away.
The Executive Secretary of Munyiginya sector, Richard Niyomwungeri has told IGIHE that the armed thieves stormed the bank around 00:40
“We have been alerted around midnight that gangs with knives attacked the Sacco. It is said that one attacked the security guard as others broke glasses of the building attempting to open. They immediately run away as the security guard shot dead the assailant,” he said.
Niyomwungeri explained that the security did the shooting for self-defense as the gang wanted to stab him.
Police spokesperson in Eastern Province, CIP Hamduni Twizeyimana has told IGIHE that the security guard first warned the gang with a shot into the air before gunning him/her down with three bullets.
“The guard explains that he had changed stance after thieves stole a computer at the bank recently. When last night thieves came, they inspected his former stance, missed him and started breaking glasses to break through. Some thieves run away as the guard fired into the air and gunned one down with three bullets,” he said.
CIP Twizeyimana appealed on residents to report suspects threatening security on time.
Mudathiru is part of 32 people accused of working with terror groups including P5 and FLN.
During the previous hearing, the prosecution requested the court to consider provided evidences pinning the suspects to give them heaviest punishments granted by laws.
The Military prosecution separately requested punishments for each charge and overall, sought life sentence for all suspects on ground of involvement in coordinated activities.
The suspects are segmented into two groups mainly the group comprising of 25 led by Rtd Major Mudathiru Habib (a former RDF soldier) facing charges including formation and being part of an irregular armed group or joining it, conspiracy against the established Government or the President of the Republic, maintaining relations with a foreign government with the intent to wage a war and formation of or joining a criminal group.
They were captured last year in terrorism activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), as part of an intensified campaign by the Congolese military against militia groups operating in the country. The 25 suspects were extradited to on 18th June 2019. Another suspect connected to the case is Pte a Jean Bosco Ruhinda who escaped to DRC forests. He is tried in absentia because he has not yet been captured.
Another group connected to the case includes Corporal Viateurv, Corporal Jean Bosco Dusabimana and Private Champagnat Igitego led by Pte Dieudonné Muhire.
They are accused along with two civilians Pacifique Muhire and Richard Nzafashwanimana.
The group is accused of escaping the military, conspiracy against the Government or intending to overthrowing it by means of war or other powers, formation of a criminal group and subsequently seducing new recruits, and taking part of terror group’s activities.
The 31 co-accused were yesterday present in court except Private Ruhinda tried in absentia.
As they appeared at Military High Court for the final hearing of the case that opened last year, Mudathiru told the court he was part of soldiers raiding Rwanda on 1st October 1990 during the liberation war. Mudathiru was at the rank of Sergeant got from Uganda’s military he had joined in 1981.
Mudathiru later held different positions including appointment as a military instructor until 2005 when he was promoted to the rank of major.
In 2009, Mudathiru was arrested for issuing unguaranteed cheque but later won the case.
He returned to work, reintegrated in National Police and retired in 2013 when Mudathiru requested authorization to join his family in Uganda. That’s when RNC lured him until he joined and arrested.
{{Admitting three of five charges }}
Mudathiru admitted three charges namely’ joining illegal armed group, bad intentions against the Government and maintaining relations with a foreign government with the intent to wage a war.
He however denied charges pinning him to the foundation of the armed group and terror activities.
“I admit the three charges only and apologize for that,” said Mudathiru.
He admitted to have facilitated trainings but denied involvement in recruitment processes.
Mudathiru expressed gratefulness to Rwanda for the support he received since arrest including treatment for wounds inflicted in DRC forests, diabetes and blood pressure.
Among others, he thanked the court for granting them freedom of expression during different hearings, apologized to the President of the Republic and all Rwandans.
Considering humane treatment in Rwanda despite his accusations, Mudathiru expressed remorse for his acts.
“I admit what happened and apologize to the country. Rwanda is our parent. Honorable judge, have mercy on me as you make rulings. I am apologizing from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
Mudathiru requested lessened penalties committing to respect the laws after pardon and return to normal life.
Ildephonse Rusigariye also sought forgiveness expressing commitment to be a good and exemplary citizen in the community. He explained that he was seduced for a job but ended up finding himself in a terror group.
Jean de Dieu Ndirahira, a Burundian held for involvement in activities intended to destabilize Rwanda’s security appreciated kind treatment in Rwanda and requested the court to consider his innocence citing that he was abducted in Burundi’s market by Kinyarwanda speaking people.
A Ugandan, Desideriyo Fred who is among arrested terror suspects said he willingly reported himself to DRC security before they were handed to Rwanda.
The Defense Lawyer of the suspects, Rwagasore requested the court to acquit his clients proposing an alternative of keeping them in a camp as they await reintegration to normal life.
The Presiding Judge, Lt Col Bernard Rugamba Hategekimana declared end of the hearing and announced ruling schedule on 15th January 2021.
Judge Lt Col Rugamba has been attending to the case along with two colleagues namely; Major Charles Sumanyi and Maj Narcisse Cyubahiro Nsengiyumva.
Staff Sergeant Sylvain Mutabaruka was the secretary while prosecutors include Major Dennis and Captain Rugamba Jacques.
The bank got the recognition during the 5th Service Excellence Awards 2020 that took place on December 4, at Park Inn by Radisson Kigali.
The excellence awards were organized by East African Youth Development Agency and Kalisimbi Events.
During the ceremony, Access Bank Rwanda emerged among other institutions awarded in various categories.
Olivier Gakuba, the Bank’s Head of Strategic Business Units said the award reflects the bank’s trust among customers.
“Being awarded best bank of the year reflects customers’ trust to the bank and gives us courage to constantly improve service delivery,” he said.
Gakuba attributed to the award to skilled and dedicated employees taking care of all customers.
The award comes few days after the bank introduced “Ikaze Agency Banking” to decentralize its services.
As the agency banking was launched, Gakuba explained that it will help the bank to meet customers’ demands with improved services without necessity for physical presence at the bank’s branches or ATM machines.
It will not only improve services but also provides job opportunities to many Rwandans.
Access Bank is also committed to leverage technology to facilitate customers’ transactions as they withdraw, deposit and transfer money.
