AFD is the implementing agency of different development-oriented interventions that France is engaged with globally.
Speaking after a private meeting with Minister Uwera, Mr. Rioux pointed out that the cooperation between both countries is on course to being rejuvenated that AFD will continue to support interventions in the financial sector which they have for the past 25 years.
“France wishes to not only support Rwanda but also get inspired by Rwanda’s development from a lot of innovations in the country as well as efficiency of public service,” Mr. Rioux said.
Minister Uwera said that both Rwanda and France look to mutually benefit development cooperation.
“We look forward to increased partnerships particularly through development cooperation and French private sector engagement which would contribute to realization of Rwanda’s vision,” Minister Uwera said.
France was a potential sponsor of Rwanda before the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The partnership relented later over the role played by the country during the genocide and being reluctant to apologize for its involvement.
Both countries relations were revived in 2017 when Emmanuel Macron was elected France president.
Yesterday, AFD also signed with Bank of Kigali, a financing agreement of $ 20 million and one Technical Assistance Agreement to encourage the financing of Small and Medium Enterprises in Rwanda which, among others, fall under the ICT and Energy sector.
Mr. Rioux was expected to meet different government officials, mainly in agriculture, education and infrastructure sectors, to discuss possible areas of cooperation and projects that need financing
Constructed under the joint Rwanda – South Korea “Enhancing ICT Innovation Capacity in Rwanda” project, the new state of the art ICT Innovation Center is located in Kicukiro, Kigali.
It has equipment designed to provide high quality training to individuals seeking to enhance their skills in multimedia and mobile applications development.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the RDB Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi said: “The Government of Rwanda is actively driving the ICT industry through various initiatives, such as the Kigali Innovation City project and the Smart Rwanda Masterplan.
However, capacity building and skilled human resource development programs have been in short supply in the sector. This ICT Innovation Center established by KOICA and RDB is expected to bridge the gaps in capacity building and contribute to the development of the ICT sector.”
The KOICA Vice President for Projects and Regional Coordination in Africa, Middle East and South America, Baek Sook Hee said they hope that Rwandan youths will be able to transform their ideas into innovative ICT products through services from the ICT Innovation Center that have the potential to vitalize the African economy beyond Rwanda.
“KOICA will continue to support the economic development of Rwanda by focusing on job creation and business development in the ICT sector in alignment with the Government of Rwanda’s strategies and policies,” she said.
Nsabimana went to a mobile money agent apparently to deposit money on his mobile account, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said.
“He took the mobile money agent’s phone pretending to insert in his account where the money would be wired. He knew the agent’s sending PIN so he sent the money himself and after he told the victim that he had changed his mind and no longer wanted to go ahead with the service,” CIP Twizeyimana added.
He explained that Nsabimana immediately took a motorcycle towards Gishari, but the victim, out of suspicion, checked her phone only to find that Rwf 135, 000 had been stolen from her mobile account. He immediately called the Police, the motorcycle was traced and intercepted in Gishari where the suspect was arrested.
CIP Twizeyimana called for vigilance against such fraudulent individuals.
“People should beware that we have such criminals, who also include those with counterfeit money and in most cases targeting telecom banking agents, so they ahould watch out and always be quick to share information whenever they suspect one to be engaged in such criminal tendencies,” he said.
As he officially inaugurated the meeting, the Prime Minister insisted on the importance of this meeting as a platform for local and international experts to dialogue on how the quality of standards and competitiveness of higher education should be enhanced and maintained to respond to the needs of the community in terms of social and economic development.
He explained that this year’s theme carries an underlying message that the East African region needs to transform Higher education and adapt to a new era of technological advancement and appreciated the fact that this theme is linked to the Global 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR).
In order for East African universities to deliver to the optimum quality of digital and ICT expectations, Premier Ngirente said, institutions must implement academic programs that allow them to develop students who can think and reinvent themselves within the changing world they will graduate into.
He stressed the need to ensure that pupils who complete their primary schools are well equipped with relevant basic numeracy skills while those who complete their secondary schools have a minimum proficiency in Mathematics regardless their ambitions to prepare them for any field of study in Higher learning.
To ensure quality education, the Prime Minister called upon the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) to elaborate clear accreditation requirements that public and private universities must fulfill before they start to operate.
“No university should be accredited on the basis of fulfilling merely the minimum requirements as it can undermine the quality of our education” he noted.
He also applauded the Inter-University Council for East Africa for facilitating the establishment of the East African Centre for Mathematical Research that has among other objectives to promote and coordinate research and Postgraduate Training in Pure and Applied Mathematics in the East African Region.
Dr. Christophe Bazivamo, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors lauded IUCEA efforts in facilitating research.
He explained that EAC member states concerted efforts in building citizens’ capacity in which Universities and Higher Institutions play a key role.
The Vice Chairperson of IUCEA, Prof Joy Kwesiga said that the World Higher Learning Institutions and Universities continue to embrace technology as the World moves towards digital revolution.
The Minister made revealed the statistics yesterday as he graced the inauguration of community mediators’ office in Ngarama sector of Gatsibo district built by residents to improve and fast track service delivery.
The facility worth Rwf 18 million was constructed within 8 months through community work, donating roofing sheets among other equipment bought from residents’ contributions.
Minister Busingye hailed residents for the good work highlighting the facility was the first community mediators’ office built by residents.
He explained that community mediators greatly support the judiciary in resolving disputes and handling cases that would be transferred to courts.
“Currently, community mediators solve 70% of cases that would be handled by courts. We voice our appreciation to them for such great work,” he said.
Busingye requested community mediators to keep on integrity in solving disputes.
“You know that your job requires commitment and integrity. We request you to stand firm to solve community disputes effectively,” he said.
The President of community mediators in Ngarama sector, Jervais Murisa said the new decent office will improve service delivery.
“With the new decent office building, we won’t be exposed under hot Sun or rain among other challenges including hiring offices. We assure residents of continued mediation services and conveniently solving disputes,” he said.
The plot of land was provided by the Government while the rest of equipment necessary for the completion of the building were catered by residents who raised funds starting with Rwf 1000 each.
Ngaramo sector has 42 community mediators.
Gatsibo district counts 581 community mediators including 327 females and 254 males who last year solved 1337 out of 1349 cases.
Community mediators at country level handled 49 528 court cases equivalent to 97, 3% in 2017/2018.
But going into their final Group A match against Peru in São Paulo on Saturday, Tite’s side does not have the six points that had been expected from the team.
After securing a comfortable 3-0 win against Bolivia in the opening match, they managed no better than a goalless draw against Venezuela in their next, prompting fans to jeer the players as they left the field.
Left back Filipe Luis, who has played his part in ensuring that the eight-time champions have yet to concede, has promised that the team will give everything against Peru.
“Obviously it doesn’t help when the fans are against us, chanting ‘ole’ for our opponent. In the end, that doesn’t help anybody. We need to keep fighting and keep giving our best to try to change things,” the Atlético Madrid star said.
Like the hosts Peru have four points from their two opening matches and are already guaranteed a place in the knock-out stages as they will – at worst – qualify as one of the top two third-placed teams.
In Group B Argentina find themselves in an even more difficult situation as they go into their final match in Porto Alegre on Sunday against the reigning Asian champions Qatar, who are one of two invited teams at the showpiece event of South American football.
A defeat against Colombia in their first match and a draw against Paraguay in their second leaves La Albiceleste bottom of their group and needing a win against Qatar if they want to stay in the race for a record-equalling 15th title.
They needed to come from behind to secure a point against Paraguay (courtesy of a Lionel Messi penalty in the second half) and could easily have lost had Derlis Gonzalez scored for Paraguay from the spot kick with the score 1-1.
Colombia is already assured of topping the group and thereby avoiding Brazil in the quarter- and semi-finals.
Argentina, on the other hand, will – baring a miracle that would see Brazil lose to Peru and Venezuela beating Bolivia – face the hosts either in the first round of the knock-out phase or the round of the last-four.
Either way, that, coupled with the way they have played, does not instill confidence in those hoping that Messi, who has won just about everything personally and with his club, but nothing with the national senior team finally secures some silverware.
Football fans throughout Africa wanting to find out whether he finally breaks the duck need only to tune in to StarTimes, as the leading digital-TV operator in Africa has secured the broadcasting rights to the prestigious Copa América.
Brazil v Peru and Argentina v Qatar – as well as all other matches – will be broadcast live and exclusively on the StarTimes football channels.
Today, Inkomoko Entrepreneur Development joined the Government of Rwanda, UNHCR and other stakeholders to salute the courage and resilience of more than 150,000 refugees currently living in Rwanda.
In support of MINEMA’s and UNHCR’s joint strategy for the economic inclusion of refugees, Inkomoko has also supported 4500 refugees who have chosen to start and grow businesses for self-reliance.
Inkomoko offers refugee entrepreneurs training and financial tools needed to start and grow businesses, improve their personal financial sustainability, regain dignity, and become self-reliant. After completing the Inkomoko program, 92% of these businesses are still operational.
“Prior to joining Inkomoko, I was struggling with losses. In the program, I learnt how to save and reinvest in my business, the process and advantages of paying taxes.
The eye opener was to think about expanding my business and understanding market opportunities. In short, I acquired business management skills and best ways to sustain my business,” said Emima Nyiramasine, a refugee entrepreneur in Gihembe Camp.
The Rwandan government’s policies allow refugees to register a business with RDB, open a bank account, and pay taxes. Refugees in Inkomoko’s program have paid more than 73M RwF in taxes to date.
“These policies encourage refugees to contribute to Rwanda’s growth, so we are helping them make their own living, as well as contribute to their host community. It benefits everyone,” said Olive Ashimwe, Inkomoko’s Director of MicroBusiness Solutions.
Inkomoko’s refugee entrepreneurs have also created more than 2600 jobs, of which 90% were filled by Rwandans in the host community. This year, Inkomoko has seen even more mutually beneficial business linkages between Rwandan entrepreneurs and refugees by offering integrated training, expos, and networking events in partnership with the local districts.
“Since I joined the Inkomoko program, I’ve seen a great improvement in my family business and livelihood at large. My gratitude goes to the Government of Rwanda that is giving to refugees, like me and my husband, opportunities work and do business in Rwanda. We are living a dignified life,” said Esperance Musanigare, a refugee entrepreneur in Kigeme Camp.
“Walking alongside these refugees on their journey of entrepreneurship demonstrates our belief that anyone can make a difference and be self-reliant, no matter what their background is,” said Lydia Irambona, Inkomoko’s Regional Director of Refugee Affairs.
Rwanda’s World Refugee Day celebrations in Kigeme camp, one of the six refugee camps in Rwanda that Inkomoko works in, will commence with a marriage ceremony for registered couples in the camp, exhibition of items made by refugees and host community members, and testimonies from refugees and the host members about living and working in community together.
Dignitaries, including the Mayor of Nyamagabe, Governor of the Southern Province, UN Resident Coordinator, and UNHCR Deputy Representative, are to join the Honorable Minister of the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management as the Guest of Honor.
{{About Inkomoko Entrepreneur Development }}
Inkomoko, a local consulting firm, was founded on the belief that entrepreneurs will transform their country by driving economic growth in their communities and bringing to market relevant solutions to solve the community’s most pressing problems. Refugee entrepreneurs are no exception.
Inkomoko provides relevant and practical skills and resources to help entrepreneurs grow their business. We do this through a comprehensive program of one-on-one consulting, business training, and direct access to affordable financing. This year, Inkomoko’s refugee program has been funded by the US State Department through the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migrants (PRM) and the Mastercard Center for Economic Inclusion.
Inkomoko’s ultimate goal is see businesses create jobs and improve in their communities. Inkomoko is the Rwandan affiliate of African Entrepreneur Collective.
The disease was reported recently at New Explorers Girls Academy (NEGA), a high school in Gashora sector of Bugesera District and Rambura Girls School in Nyabihu District.
The disease was first reported a month ago at Rambura Girls School where it weakened the knees, inflicted pain and incapacitated the victim to walk.
The Minister of Education (MINEDUC), Eugene Mutimura has via twitter account explained that the examination carried out by MINISANTE experts indicated that the disease relates to consciousness and individuals’ behaviors and can spread to a group of people simultaneously.
Mass hysteria is “the rapid spread of illness signs and symptoms affecting members of a cohesive group, originating from a nervous system disturbance involving excitation, loss, or alteration of function, whereby physical complaints that are exhibited unconsciously have no corresponding organic aetiology.”
Minister Mutimura said: “We assure parents and Rwandans in general that we take control of students’ wellbeing across the country in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and relevant parties. Students continue their courses uninterruptedly.”
When the disease was reported in Nyabihu, the Director of Shyira Hospital, Dr. Maj. Emmanuel Kayitare told IGIHE that the disease was identified on 25th May 2019.
He said some them recovered after taking tranquilizers.
In the calm of her shared hospital room, Jemimah Nyirabimana sits relaxed as she holds her twin babies against her bare chest. Jemimah’s twins were born premature, weighing less than two kilogrammes at birth.
She gently pats one of her babies on the back, looking around the room where she rests with other mothers cuddling their babies.
A few weeks ago, when her twins were born too early, Jemimah was terrified that they would not survive.
“They were both so small…”
Premature babies are more likely to have chronic health issues, some of which may require hospital care. They are prone to infections, health issues like asthma, feeding problems, and even Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. As they grow, these children are more likely to be chronically malnourished, which can lead to stunted growth.
{{Kangaroo Care}}
Jemimah’s babies are sleeping peacefully. “The doctors taught us to hold our babies like this,” she says, gesturing gently at the tiny bundles wrapped tightly to her chest. “When they feel the mother’s skin and warmth, they sleep better.”
This “Kangaroo Care” technique also helps premature infants gain weight and grow. It promotes bonding between parents and their babies due to decreased stress and crying.
In fact, the Kangaroo Care room at Gahini Hospital is nearly silent. Although three other mothers occupy the room with Jemimah, none of their children are crying. The room is clean and comfortable, the atmosphere is serene. The mothers chat quietly, occasionally giggling at a private joke.
{{Mentorship from abroad}}
Gahini Hospital was not always a haven for mothers with risky pregnancies. Doctors and nurses in Rwanda often lack the training and equipment they need if something goes wrong during pregnancy or childbirth.
“When I had my first child here in 2011, the hospital was small,” she says. “I was nervous about being a first-time mother, but the doctors were not confident when caring for us.”
Jemimah gave birth again in 2015, but this child did not survive.
For every 1,000 babies born in Rwanda, 50 of them will not live to see their fifth birthday. Over 40 percent of these deaths occur within the first month of life – the neonatal period.
UNICEF’s clinical mentorship programme is helping reduce these deaths by providing Rwandan doctors and nurses with more knowledge and equipment to save lives.
In partnership with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and Rwanda Paediatric Association, UNICEF brings pediatric specialists from the United Kingdom to spend six months mentoring Rwandan health care providers.
These mentors work alongside Rwandan nurses every day, advising on individual cases and teaching weekly modules on caring for premature infants.
With funding from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and support from the Japan Committee for UNICEF, Gahini Hospital also has new medical equipment. The doctors and nurses are trained to use this equipment and apply new knowledge in a crisis.
“Look around!” Jemimah says. “Now the hospital has enough beds for mothers. Before there were only two; we had to share, so we could not even spend time with our babies.”
While Jemimah speaks, a nurse attends to her babies, adjusting their tiny knitted hats more securely on their heads.
Jemimah’s eyes shine when she talks about her babies. “Our babies are growing well now; thanks to the new advice the doctors give us.”
One suspect only identified as Joseph was arrested recently in Nyagatare, Rwemasha Sector, Retare Cell, Mashaka Village with 164 pellets of Mayirungi.
Meanwhile, another suspected trafficker of khat is still in hiding after he abandoned his bicycle and a bag of Mayirungi on Tuesday in Kirehe, Kigarama Sector, Kigarama Cell in Humura Village.
“Mayirungi is treated like cannabis and other narcotics… it is a narcotic drug and dealers face the same law that punishes anyone carrying out acts related to the use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances,” Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said.
Majority of Mayirungi traffickers are arrested in Nyagatare and Kirehe districts being trafficked either from Uganda or Tanzania, respectively.
The crime carries a sentence ranging from seven years to life imprisonment as stipulated under article 263 of the new penal code.
Side effects
Mayirungi remains one of the less talked about psychotropic substances composed of leaves of a wild plant, and considered harmful to users. It was classified as narcotic drug with psychological dependence, in 1980 by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Medical experts say the use of khat cause many side effects including mood changes, excessive talkativeness, hyperactivity, aggressiveness, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, manic behaviour, paranoia, and psychoses. Insomnia or trouble sleeping, loss of energy (malaise), and lack of concentration usually follow.
It contains two mild stimulants; cathinone and cathine, and is associated with increased risk for a variety of medical complications, including dental disease and mouth cancers, heart problems, liver disease, sleep problems and reduced appetite.
