In a statement, the police said the suspect, who was on the list of major drug trafficking suspects, was intercepted at the Grand Barriere border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while crossing into Rwanda on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
At the time of the arrest by officers from the Revenue Protection Unit (RPU) and Border Security Unit, the suspect was found in possession of 40 large bundles of cannabis.
The suspect is said to have created a secret compartment in his car to conceal the narcotics in an attempt to evade security checks.
“On Wednesday, September 25, at around 3:30 p.m., police officers, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a Congolese-registered vehicle at the Grand Barriere in Kivu village, Nengo cell, Gisenyi sector. The vehicle was transporting 40 large bundles of cannabis, and the driver, who is the suspected rightful owner of the narcotics, was arrested,” Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the police spokesperson for the Western Region, said.
The suspect was handed over to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau at Gisenyi station.
Investigations indicate that the suspect was on his way to Kigali when he was cornered by the police.
“We believe he was headed to Kigali to supply one of his clients. Operations are still underway to bring all members of this drug trafficking ring to justice,” SP Karekezi said.
SP Karekezi praised the impact of community policing in identifying and arresting drug dealers, as well as dismantling trafficking networks and local retailers.
Cannabis is classified as a severe narcotic in Rwanda, with penalties ranging from 20 years to life in prison.
In a statement, the technology company said the pioneering event will bring together some of the brightest minds in AI and technology to create solutions that address real-world challenges and drive meaningful impact in Rwanda.
The AI Connect Hackathon will unite 20 teams of AI developers, data scientists, and problem-solvers, challenging them to harness the power of artificial intelligence to create innovative solutions for public services, healthcare, education, customer service, agriculture, financial inclusion, education, and cybersecurity.
In under 48 hours, participants will work to build functional, AI-driven applications that address critical issues affecting Rwandan society.
“This hackathon goes beyond coding prototypes; it’s about unlocking the transformative power of AI to ignite real change where it’s needed most,” said Patrick Ndjientcheu, Irembo’s Chief Product and Engineering Officer.
“We are committed to leveraging AI’s boundless potential to address critical societal challenges, empower communities, and spark innovations that leave a lasting, meaningful impact on people’s lives.”
Throughout the three-day event, participants will leverage large language models (LLMs) and locally built technologies to develop practical AI solutions.
Teams will have the opportunity to access IremboPay APIs to integrate cutting-edge digital payment solutions into their projects. Pindo, a partner of the event, will also provide access to its latest speech-to-text and text-to-speech AI model for voice-enabled applications.
Irembo AI experts will guide participants, helping them refine their ideas and push the boundaries of what AI can achieve.
On the final day, teams will pitch their solutions to a panel of distinguished judges, with the top innovations receiving prestigious recognition.
The judging criteria for the AI Connect Hackathon will focus on four key areas:
First, impact—judges will assess the project’s long-term potential for growth and its ability to improve people’s lives. Second, creativity—the originality and innovation of the AI application will be evaluated. Third, technical implementation—the quality of the technology’s execution will be taken into account. Finally, presentation—the team’s final pitch will be judged on how compelling and clear it is.
{{Prizes
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The team that secures first place will receive RWF 5 million and VIP passes to the Global AI Summit on Africa in April 2025. The second-place team will be awarded RWF 2 million, while the third-place team will receive RWF 1 million.
In addition to cash prizes, the winning teams will gain invaluable exposure and recognition for their contributions in using AI for social good.
The event is co-organized with C4IR and supported by several other sponsors, including Pindo, GIZ, Andela, and QT Global Software. Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) will also offer internships to the winning teams, providing them with valuable hands-on experience and an opportunity to apply their solutions in real-world scenarios.
He made these remarks in an exclusive interview with IGIHE following his swearing-in on September 26, 2024.
Dr. Kalinda reflected on his experience since taking over from Dr. Iyamuremye Augustin in 2023.
He expressed his gratitude for the support he received, stating, “I joined the Senate midway through its term, but I was pleased to work with those I found there, as they helped me better understand the Senate’s operations, and together we achieved a lot.”
Dr. Kalinda outlined key achievements from the previous term, highlighting that the Senate upheld constitutional principles and successfully passed several important legislative measures.
These included the passage of one constitutional law, seven organic laws, and 18 ordinary laws. The Senate also held 43 standing committee meetings, produced 14 reports on government programs, and engaged in numerous discussions and inquiries.
Dr. Kalinda expressed his appreciation for the confidence placed in him once again by President Paul Kagame and emphasized the importance of collaboration across different levels of governance.
“In this new term, I am honored that the President of the Republic has entrusted me with this role again. My main focus will be fostering cooperation and coordination among institutions. We must listen to the concerns and aspirations of the people, as the Senate is here to help address key national issues,” he stated.
When discussing citizen engagement, Dr. Kalinda underscored the importance of using multiple approaches to gather public feedback. This includes direct community outreach and leveraging technology.
“There are multiple ways for the Senate to reach citizens. We can meet them in person, hear their concerns, and engage in discussions on how to resolve them. We also have technological means and can hold consultative meetings to seek further ideas from others,” he noted.
Additionally, he emphasized the Senate’s responsibility to conduct research on emerging issues to provide informed recommendations.
He called on his fellow Senators to place citizens at the forefront of their work and to foster a spirit of collaboration.
“What I ask from my fellow Senators as we begin this new term is to work together with mutual respect and understanding, always prioritizing the citizens’ interests above our own.”
The Rwandan Senate consists of 26 Senators, with women holding a majority for the first time at 53.9%. In contrast, the previous Senate had 35% female representation.
The Senate’s primary responsibilities include overseeing the constitutional principles, reviewing and passing laws, scrutinizing government activities, monitoring political organizations, and contributing to the national budget review.
Dr. Kalinda will lead the Senate alongside Vice Presidents Ambassador Solina Nyirahabimana, responsible for legislation and government oversight, and Alvera Mukabaramba, who was re-elected as Vice President in charge of finance and administration.
Of the newly sworn-in Senators, 20 have taken office, while six others are continuing their terms until next year.
These include Prof. Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu, Evode Uwizeyimana, Dr. André Twahirwa, and Epiphanie Kanziza, appointed by President Kagame in 2020, as well as Senators Alexis Mugisha and Clotilde Mukakarangwa, elected by the Forum of Political Organizations in 2020.
This came during a high-level meeting held on Wednesday under the theme “Investing in Tomorrow: The African Union Year of Education Catalyzing Progress for Africa and the World,” the AU said in a statement.
Addressing the meeting, Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat underscored the critical need to guarantee access to quality education for all Africans, with a particular focus on the marginalized and most vulnerable groups, mainly young girls and people with disabilities.
Noting that the education sector in Africa is often the most affected by instabilities caused by conflicts, Faki called for the protection of educational facilities and emphasized that education should serve as a beacon of hope and an engine of progress.
“Education empowers individuals, strengthens communities, builds nations, breaks the chains of poverty, and lays the foundation for a prosperous and equitable society. The African Union’s commitment to prioritizing education reflects our unwavering belief that knowledge provides the power to break barriers, challenge societal norms, and create a more equitable world,” the AU statement quoted Faki as saying.
Jakaya Kikwete, former Tanzanian president and board chair of the Global Partnership for Education, stressed that investing in education is an investment in securing a better future for Africa.
“Achieving the Africa we want hinges on our commitment to invest in young Africans. Too few governments are meeting the global benchmark of spending 15 to 20 percent of national budgets on education. Yet, the returns on education are immense — a 1 percent improvement in learning outcomes can translate to a 7.2 percent increase in annual economic growth,” Kikwete said, adding that an educated and skilled population could boost per capita income in Africa by 50 percent by 2050.
Claver Gatete, executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that education in Africa needs a revolution.
The high-level meeting, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, is a recognition of the AU theme of the year 2024: Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa.
The electronics, which also include television sets, radios, modem, flash disks, decoders, routers, electric cables and power banks, were seized in the last two years.
The public destruction was witnessed by officials from Rwanda National Police (RNP), Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) and Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).
The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said that the electronics were seized in operations conducted over the past two years, during the enforcement of the regulations governing used electronics and electronic equipment.
“During the enforcement of the regulation, it was observed that some electronics on the market were substandard, some dealers in second-hand electronics had no source of origin while other electronics had been stolen. Those that were stolen were returned to the rightful owners,” ACP Rutikanga said.
The regulation governs, among others, consumer electronics, office, IT and telecommunication equipment, refrigerator equipment, large and small household appliances, lighting fixtures and lamps, sports and leisure appliances, and toys.
It provides that for one to trade in used electrical and electronic equipment, they must apply for a license issued by RICA, which is valid for two year renewal.
Before buying, business operators are required to ensure that used electrical and electronic equipment meets the safety requirements of the standards IEC 60950-1; and to record the description of the equipment bought and sold.
The records should indicate the category, brand and model name, model number, serial number, information relating to International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and International Mobile Equipment Identity Software Version (IMEI-SV) per slot where applicable; any other distinguished marks or features, where applicable and equipment status description.
Before buying second-hand electronics, the business operator must first verify that the seller is the rightful owner of the equipment and record detailed particulars.
“We advise dealers in second-hand electronics and electronic equipment to follow the regulation to avoid buying and selling substandard and stolen items, which also leads to either imprisonment or heavy fines,” ACP Rutikanga said.
He warned that operations are continuous to impound all items that do not meet the required standards, and to penalize the violators.
This is the 19th group of evacuees from Libya and the first group since the agreement, signed in 2019, was extended last month.
The individuals originate from five countries and include 41 Sudanese, 36 Eritreans, 12 Somalis, 17 Ethiopians, and 13 South Sudanese.
They were received at Kigali International Airport by Philippe Habinshuti, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA); Belen Calvo Uyarra, Ambassador of the European Union to Rwanda; and Aissatou Dieng-Ndiaye, UNHCR Representative in Rwanda.
The UNHCR Rwanda representative, while lauding Rwanda as a safe haven, said the refugees and asylum seekers will be hosted at the Emergency Transit Mechanism Centre in Gashora, where they will await a durable solution, such as resettlement.
“Rwanda constitutes a safe place for them because they are coming from Libya, where they don’t receive any assistance and are insecure, also coming from detention centers, living through trauma and very difficult conditions,” she stated.
Last month, the Rwandan government, UNHCR, and the African Union Commission (AUC) reached an agreement to extend the refugee evacuation programme until December 31, 2025.
In a joint statement on August 22, 2024, Rwanda, the AU, and the UN refugee agency emphasized that the extension reaffirms their commitment to providing protection and seeking durable solutions for those evacuated, offering them a safe haven in Rwanda.
“The Government of Rwanda reaffirms its unwavering commitment to receive and protect these individuals, as well as others identified as particularly vulnerable and at risk,” the statement read in part.
The parties disclosed that the second addendum to the original Memorandum of Understanding, dated September 10, 2019, emphasizes a more transparent selection process for evacuees, ensuring equal opportunities for all potential candidates, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, age, or any other criteria beyond their vulnerability.
The first group of 66 evacuees arrived in Rwanda on September 26, 2019. Since then, over 2,400 have been received, with 1,835 resettled to third countries.
The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana flagged off the project on Thursday, September 26, at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kacyiru.
The launch of the project was the climax of a two-day training on ‘Gender Responsive Leadership’, which was attended by 56 law enforcement officers from nine African countries.
It was organized in partnership with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO).
Participating countries are Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Comoros, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Seychelles, and Rwanda, the host.
Minister Uwimana said empowering every badge recognises that women and men have different experiences and needs.
“This brings unique contributions in the work they do, and how they serve diverse communities in our region. By creating a more inclusive, equitable, and effective law enforcement system, we are improving our approach and delivery of justice,” Minister Uwimana said.
This collaboration, she said, is required to promote professional development and ensure that policing reflects the communities it serves.
She called for individual and collective commitment to a vision of gender equality in law enforcement where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness; and where every individual, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute.
“In Rwanda, we are proud of the participation of women in security and law enforcement, particularly in peacekeeping and peacebuilding. As we mark 20 in peacekeeping, Rwanda continues to be one of the top contributors of troops and police in the UN peacekeeping missions,”
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) CG Felix Namuhoranye called for full commitment of law enforcement institutions to “get the project right and successful.” He added that the RNP will be a good and active partner towards the successful execution of the gender equality project in law enforcement agencies.
Ms Ashita Mittal, UNODC regional representative observed that despite the evidence that gender equality offers a path to sustainable peace and conflict prevention, progress has been insufficient, and in some cases reversed.
Empowering Every Badge project, she said, will be a guiding tool for more women to join law enforcement, help reduce biases, enhance the overall community trust, and contribute to stronger capacity of women to assume leadership roles in peace and security agenda.
Africa Sendahangarwa Apollo, the Chief Executive Officer of EAPCCO and Head Interpol Regional Bureau, said that this project is the brain of the EAPCCO Chiefs of Police to have an understanding of how gender parity can be enhanced in all member countries.
The election for the Senate Bureau followed the swearing-in of 20 new Senators, including those recently elected from various categories and four appointed by the President of the Republic.
Dr. Kalinda’s candidacy was proposed by Senator Mureshyankwano Marie Rose, who praised his leadership skills and experience. Running unopposed, Kalinda secured 25 out of 26 votes.
In his acceptance remarks, Senator Kalinda expressed gratitude to President Kagame and his fellow Senators for their renewed trust, promising to remain faithful to the confidence placed in him.
Senator Solina Nyirahabimana was elected as Vice President in charge of legislation and government oversight, securing 22 out of 26 votes.
Meanwhile, Senator Alvera Mukabaramba was elected as Vice President in charge of administration and finance with 24 out of 26 votes, also running unopposed.
The newly sworn-in Senators include 12 elected through the country’s governance structures, two elected to represent higher education institutions, two from the political parties forum, and four appointed by the President.
The Senate of Rwanda consists of 26 Senators, with women making up the majority for the first time, comprising 53.9% of the Senate. Six Senators will conclude their terms in 2025.
President Paul Kagame, who officiated the swearing-in ceremony, said that the senators’ experience equips them for the responsibilities ahead.
He emphasized the Senate’s critical role in Rwanda’s development, urging Senators to prioritize accountability, solve citizens’ problems, and place the interests of all Rwandans at the forefront of their work.
The Head of State also assured the Senate of his support and collaboration to deliver on their duties.
{{Who is Dr. Kalinda?}}
Dr. François Xavier Kalinda joined the Senate in January 2023 and was immediately elected its President following the resignation of Dr. Iyamuremye.
Born in Kitabi Sector, Nyamagabe District, Dr. Kalinda previously worked as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Rwanda’s College of Arts and Social Sciences, where he was also a member of the academic senate.
After completing his undergraduate studies at the former National University of Rwanda in 1996, Dr. Kalinda earned a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property Rights from the University of Ottawa, Canada, in 1999. He went on to obtain a PhD in Business Law from the University of Strasbourg, France, in 2010.
From October 2015 to December 2022, he served as a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
Speaking on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, during a United Nations General Assembly panel in New York, Nduhungirehe emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to addressing hate speech, misinformation, and denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The panel, which focused on the impact of hate speech, was moderated by Alice Nderitu, the Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide.
Nduhungirehe underscored the importance of technological advancements while highlighting the challenges they present in controlling harmful content.
“Technology is good, but we are living in an era of fake news and alternative facts,” Nduhungirehe noted.
“It was challenging for us to combat hate speech and false narratives surrounding the Genocide against the Tutsi. Nowadays, any Rwandan abroad or any Genocide fugitive can open a YouTube channel and say whatever he/she wants,” he added.
Nduhungirehe pointed out that while technology has the power to unite people, it has also become the primary vehicle for the spread of genocide ideology, denial, and hate speech. Social media platforms, in particular, have given a vast audience to those who seek to distort history.
The Rwandan government, according to Nduhungirehe, is making efforts to forge collaboration with social media giants to curb this dangerous trend.
“We’ve been engaging with the owners of these platforms to take action, but we found out that it’s easier to address anti-vaccine misinformation or climate change skepticism than to act on those responsible for the deaths of over a million people so they can stop what is going on,” Nduhungirehe remarked.
“People are denying and minimizing the genocide [Genocide against the Tutsi] daily on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and X. We are still engaging them but it is still an issue that we are facing,” he added.
The minister also drew attention to the ongoing violence against Tutsis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where hate speech continues to incite attacks, often facilitated by social media.
This situation, he argued, highlights how little the world has learned from the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Alice Nderitu, the UN’s special adviser, echoed these concerns, recounting her recent visit to Rwanda. She recalled meeting Congolese refugees and expressed sorrow over the international community’s failure to learn from the lessons of history, as genocidal ideologies continue to claim new victims.
The football legend who played for major teams in Africa and Europe, spoke to IGIHE on the sidelines of the maiden SportsBiz Africa Forum, a Pan-African platform discussing the Nexus between Sports and Business as a steering tool towards Africa’s Development.
He expressed his heartfelt return to Rwanda after a period of two years. He last visited Kigali in 2022.
“First of all, I want to thank all Rwandans for the warm reception. Since I arrived here, I’ve had no issues; I feel as if I am at home,” he said.
Diouf reiterated his admiration of the strong similarity and relationship between Senegal and Rwanda saying that every time he comes to Rwanda, he notices positive changes due to the country’s robust and dynamic leadership that treats sport as a priority.
“When you look at the infrastructure here, they are similar to what our president, Macky Sall, has given us. These are friendly nations, and both presidents, President Kagame and Macky Sall, are friends. I know this because Macky Sall is a very close friend of mine,” he said.
“They are both leaders who value the youth. To be honest, I haven’t been away from here for long, but every time I come, I find something new has been achieved. This shows that you have a great leader, a leader you should trust, a leader you should follow, a leader who is recognized across Africa because everyone can see where you are coming from and where you are going. It is important to emphasize this,” he added.
Diouf pointed out that the youth have no excuse not to take advantage of the opportunities that the Rwandan government has provided, particularly with the existing sports infrastructure, which benefits not only Rwandans but also Africa as a whole.
“Everywhere I go, my mission is to bring joy to Africa. They always ask me about the 2002 World Cup match against France and Sweden, which shows I had great moments in football, and everything we do in life is meant to bring happiness to people,” said he.
Diouf, 43, gained widespread prominence during the 2002 World Cup when he captained the Senegal national team and played for famous clubs like Liverpool in England, among others.
