Ricard arrived in Rwanda on March 10, 2024, for a four-day visit, during which he held various meetings with the Chief Prosecutor of Rwanda and officials from the IRMCT to discuss investigating evidence related to the complicity of France in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis.
On this 12th of March 2024, he visited the Murambi Genocide Memorial located in Nyamagabe District.
This memorial was established on the grounds where bodies of Tutsi victims were initially buried in mass graves but later exhumed, and it now holds the remains of over 50,000 Tutsi victims killed in 1994.
Among the atrocities documented are the actions of French soldiers who arrived at Murambi between July 21, 1994, and August 21, 1994.
These soldiers encountered Tutsi refugees who sought shelter there, but instead of protecting them, over 50,000 were massacred, and their bodies disposed of in mass graves.
French soldiers used the classrooms of a nearby school to hold Tutsi women and girls they had abducted, turning them into sex slaves, as evidenced by the materials found on site.
Chief Prosecutor Jean-François Ricard sought to further explore the historical context of the Tutsi Genocide and its execution but was confronted with the sight of the classrooms where French soldiers raped women
He also visited a volleyball court where French soldiers played Volleyball and the ball falling on human heads.
This memorial bears witness to the genocide in a visceral and tangible way, allowing visitors to witness the extent of the horror.
Ricard expressed his inability to comprehend the scale of the atrocities witnessed, estimating that over 50,000 Tutsis were massacred at this site alone, making it difficult for him to provide a detailed account to the media due to the overwhelming nature of what he saw.
However, in a brief interview with French students who visited the Murambi Genocide Memorial, he emphasized the need for acknowledging the truth and ensuring accountability for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis, suggesting that justice must be served to those who participated in the genocide.
In a message left in the memorial’s guestbook, he wrote, “For the first time, I came to Murambi to witness firsthand the profound suffering inflicted during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda, but the horror is beyond comprehension.”
“I wish to emphasize the importance of ensuring justice for the victims of this genocide so that we may prevent such atrocities from happening again, as we strive to promote a culture of reconciliation.”
The testimony provided by a survivor of sexual violence named Oliva corroborated the systemic rape and sexual abuse perpetrated by French soldiers at Murambi. She recounted how French soldiers stationed in the area would raise the French national flag at their base, and then systematically rape and abuse women and girls on a daily basis.
She stated, “French soldiers would wait at the gates. Every evening, they would come to the camps and take girls, sometimes in groups of ten would all rape one girl , . Every evening, we feared for our lives. It was like a ritual for them.”
The atrocities committed at the Murambi site were led by four senior military officers who commanded troops stationed there, including Col Didier Tauzin, the overall commander of Operation Turquoise in Gikongoro, Col Jacques Rosier, who was a subordinate of Col Didier Tauzin and led the troops in Murambi.
Lt Col Erik De Stabenrath also served under Col Rosier, along with Capt Marc Zwilling, who was the commander of the Murambi base.
The official announcement of the subsidy removal came on the morning of Tuesday, March 12, signaling a significant shift in the financial responsibility for public transportation.
The subsidy, which previously shouldered between 40% and 50% of the total transportation costs, will no longer cushion travelers.
RURA’s newly established tariffs surpass the previously applicable rates.
For instance, a trip from the city center to Nyamirambo, terminating at Kuryanyuma, is now priced at Rwf243. Similarly, a journey from the city center to a location known as ‘Kuryanyuma’ in Nyamirambo, via Nyabugogo, will cost Rwf307.
Several other routes have experienced price hikes as well. The fare from Nyabugogo to the city center has risen to Rwf205, from Kimironko to the city center at Rwf355, from the city center to Kacyiru at Rwf371, city center to Kinyinya at Rwf402, and from Kabuga to Kimironko at Rwf420.
Tariffs exhibit variability based on destinations. For instance, the fare from Nyabugogo to Gasanze is set at Rwf462, while a passenger heading from Nyabugogo to Kinyinya will need to pay Rwf342.
In addition to intra-city routes, new tariffs have been announced for inter-provincial trips. Notably, Nyabugogo-Base is priced at Rwf1593, Nyabugogo-Musanze at Rwf2811, Nyabugogo-Kayonza at Rwf2310, and Nyabugogo-Kiramuruzi at Rwf3070.
These revised tariffs are slated to come into effect on March 16, 2024. The government underscores that while these tariffs have recently been revised, they were initially established in 2020 but underwent temporary reduction due to a subsidy granted to travelers in response to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. Jimmy Gasore, the Minister of Infrastructure, provided rationale for the withdrawal of the government subsidy.
He highlighted ongoing reforms, including an increase in the number of public transport vehicles and the sector’s opening to anyone with the necessary qualifications.
Presently, 14 agencies are authorized to transport passengers in the City of Kigali, in addition to four others operating independently.
The one week study tour commenced on Monday, March 11, under the theme: “Fostering crime prevention through community policing structures.”
The ongoing academic programme is attended by 34 law enforcement officers from nine African countries, namely; Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Rwanda.
The one year course offers five main components; a Master’s in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation, operational and routine staff work, strategic leadership and management, international computer driving license, and peace support operations.
The Commandant of the NPC, Commissioner of Police (CP) Rafiki Mujiji, said that during the week-long study tour, students will visit different community policing structures in provinces to understand their contribution to crime prevention and security in general.
He said: “The students will interact with provincial, district and sector officials; law enforcement officers, community policing groups such as Community Policing Committees, Youth Volunteers in Crime Prevention, community night patrols, Agents of Change, anti-crime clubs in schools, among others.”
He added: “The aim of the study tour is to enable course participants to link the theories learnt in class with the practice in the field…to enhance their ability to understand national policies on crime prevention and reduction.”
The summit, which opened on Tuesday with a focus on harnessing private sector green investments, highlighted the need to mobilize such investments to address global financial challenges and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change in Africa, according to Claudine Uwera, Rwanda’s minister of state for the environment.
Uwera said it is important to integrate climate change adaptation strategies into broader national policies and planning processes, noting that the summit provides opportunities for collaboration and collective efforts to bridge the gap between climate financing needs and availability.
Delegates at the summit underscored the critical role of private sector green investments in the face of global financial challenges, identifying effective policies and programs that can be replicated and scaled up across multiple African countries to enhance adaptation and resilience efforts.
Speaking at the summit, Sahr Kpundeh, World Bank country manager for Rwanda, commended Rwanda’s efforts to enhance climate resilience amidst global financial challenges.
“We should focus more on exploring how green investments, particularly from the private sector, will play a key role in propelling sustainable climate commitments across Africa,” he said.
The summit, themed “Advancing Adaptation in Africa,” runs through Wednesday and aims to strengthen the capacity of institutions and the private sector to plan, design and implement investments for resilience to climate change. It brings together government officials, climate experts and industry leaders to discuss innovative approaches and best practices to support African countries’ transition toward greener and more resilient economies.
This appeal was articulated on Saturday, March 9, during the celebration of International Women’s Day by the Rwandan community in Belgium, known as DRB-Rugali, in collaboration with the Rwandan Embassy.
André Bucyana, the Chargé d’affaires at the Rwandan Embassy in Belgium, expressed gratitude towards President Paul Kagame for his relentless efforts in promoting women’s development in Rwanda and across Africa.
Acknowledging the leaders championing gender equality in the diaspora, Bucyana urged the Rwandan community in Belgium to embrace the advice given by President Kagame. He emphasized the pivotal role of women in the diaspora, urging them to be pillars in both administrative bodies and participatory activities.
Highlighting Rwanda’s achievements in women’s empowerment, Bucyana showcased the country’s legislative framework and institutional reforms that have positioned Rwanda at the forefront of nations with a significant number of women in parliamentary and decision-making roles.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “30 Years: Women in the Country’s Development,” resonated with the progress made in advancing women’s roles in Rwanda.
Bucyana emphasized President Kagame’s acknowledgment of women as the pillars of family and national development.
Encouraging Rwandans in Belgium to build on this foundation, Bucyana commended the efforts invested in girls’ education, especially in science, mathematics, technology (STEM) courses, and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The emphasis on education and the establishment of gender equality policies has accelerated Rwanda’s development, evident in various indicators.
Currently, women hold significant positions in decision-making bodies, with 61% in the Chamber of Deputies, 42% in the Government, 49.6% in the judiciary, and 40% in the Executive Committee of local authorities.
Bucyana extended gratitude to the women members of Bamutimawurugo ballet for their commitment and urged them to serve as role models in teaching Ikinyarwanda language and Rwandan culture to their families and young children.
President of the Belgian diaspora, Gilbert Dushimimana, joined in extending wishes for a happy Women’s Day, pledging the cooperation of their male counterparts in all national development programs.
The celebration featured performances by children from various ballets, including “Amaliza” and “Itetero.”
Olga Umugwaneza, the head of the Gender unit at DRB-Rugali, highlighted the event as an opportune moment to celebrate the power, resilience, and extraordinary achievements of women worldwide.
She emphasized the legacy carried by Rwandan women in Belgium, shaped by 30 years of struggle, resistance, and reconstruction.
Umugwaneza underlined the diaspora’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the preservation of Rwandan traditions and identity. She celebrated the strength of Rwandan women in the diaspora, transforming challenges into opportunities and dreams into realities.
Pledging to continue the struggle for gender equality, social justice, and human rights, Umugwaneza urged women to be agents of change in their communities, advocating against injustice and supporting sisters in need.
She emphasized the collective power of women to drive progress and change, committing to a future where every woman can fulfill her potential, regardless of background or circumstances.
In an interview with Top Congo, Minister Nzangi stated that while people focus on the conflict between the FARDC and the M23 rebel group, they should recognize the historical context of the wars that have occurred in the DRC.
He said, “It’s a war that started in 1996 and has not stopped. It continues to this day. It is also important to note that until now, in terms of historical context, the military and security forces have not been able to protect our territorial integrity.”
This leader demonstrated that the FARDC faces challenges due to the reasons for its establishment and the terms of the agreements between the DRC government and the previously rebellious groups, some of whom have become part of the national army.
“We are at a point where our military cannot just focus on security reasons. It’s not just the military, but all security agencies; entry and exit control, intelligence, especially in the eastern border, where people say they collaborate with us but work on the other side.”
Minister Nzangi mentioned that while the FARDC is fighting against the M23, considered an “external enemy,” on the other hand, it is fighting against another group that it once fought against. He aimed to highlight the complexity involved, beyond what people perceive.
He clarified that another challenge the FARDC faces is the persistence of conflict on the fifth front, which includes areas such as Shasha-Sake-Minova road, the Ngungu area, Mweso, Kishishe-Nyanzale, and Kibumba.
Nzangi stated that the FARDC collaborates with other forces including those from Burundi, the East African Community, Tanzania, Malawi, MONUSCO, and local militias, but emphasized that it should not continue to be embroiled in conflicts.
Regarding Rwanda, he noted that the DRC’s military possesses advanced weapons such as Sukhoi-25 and CH-4 drones but mentioned that they may not be able to match the capabilities of the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) due to its advanced weaponry.
“We have acquired CH-4 drones, which work very well today on Earth in terms of surveillance and combat, we also have Sukhoi which works very well, but Rwanda has managed to acquire anti-missile defense capabilities that can neutralize them.”
On March 8, 2024, Rusizi District Council asked Mayor Dr. Kibiriga for clarification regarding the content of his letter sent to members of the Ibuka committees inviting them to a meeting to confirm the dates for the commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Nyarushishi, Kamembe, and Mururu.
In the second paragraph of the correspondence, the Mayor wrote, “I write to you requesting to confirm the dates we set for remembering yours, the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.”
“This document of yours dated March 1, 2024 shows that it does not concern you, it continues to hurt all Rwandans, most especially the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. It is the leader who should set an example in strengthening the unity of Rwandans.”
The District Council noted that in Mayor Kibiriga’s letter dated March 6, he apologized, acknowledging errors in his communication and the use of inappropriate language.
The Council reminded the Mayor that this was not the first time he had made such mistakes.
The Council requested clarification from the Mayor, expressing concern about his reluctance to condemn inappropriate behavior during the commemoration period.
They highlighted his inconsistency with his letter and other public statements, which hinder efforts to uplift Rwandans who rely on his guidance and leadership.
She explained, “The reason could stem from their resistance to registering with us or obtaining the necessary permits to operate EBM. Traders may have concerns that are not necessarily related to the objectives of the Rwanda Revenue Authority.”
This move comes as the authority intensifies its efforts nationwide, reminding both traders and consumers about the use of EBM as a legal requirement and the consequences for non-compliance.
The initiative commenced on Monday, March 11, 2024, starting in Quartier Matheus, Kigali City.
Some traders have expressed concerns regarding technological challenges, citing instances where they attempt to request receipts that show the Purchase Code, which is a mandatory requirement, but the system does not generate it, creating a dilemma.
One trader told IGIHE, “I have encountered this issue multiple times, and my customer is taken away because the EBM failed to provide a clear explanation. We want them to understand the challenges we face, and they should support us accordingly.”
Regarding the implementation of EBM, there is a significant issue concerning people who are mandated by law to use it but do not possess it, while some who have it fail to use it for every sale, including those who issue receipts without indicating the amount transacted.
Since 2013, when RRA introduced the use of Electronic Billing Machines (EBM), registration was initially mandatory only for traders registered for Value Added Tax (TVA). However, this requirement extended to all traders from 2020.
The primary aim was to promote tax compliance, particularly by ensuring that when a trader issues an EBM receipt, the information automatically reaches the tax administration.
In 2013, the EBM was utilized by traders below, but now it is estimated that 94,000 traders are using this technology.
Emmy Mbera noted that since 2013, there have been notable achievements, but the journey continues.
She stated, “In reality, EBM has been introduced to rear-end traders, and TVA is applied to them as well. When they purchase various items, they pay the tax to the traders, and one clear evidence is that the tax collected reaches the government and contributes to its development.”
Due to the implementation of EBM, tax revenue from VAT increased from Rwf259.1 billion in 2013/14 to Rwf699.3 billion in 2022/2023, representing a growth rate of 170%.
This increase significantly impacted VAT revenue, which rose from Rwf120.2 billion in 2013/14 to Rwf538.3 billion in 2022/2023. Currently, VAT revenue constitutes about 34% of total revenue collected by RRA.
Covering crucial matters like residence registration, SIM card and bank card acquisition, permits, social insurance, mobile payment, transportation, and individual income tax, [the guide ->http://images.mofcom.gov.cn/wzs/202403/20240306153128529.pdf] is a comprehensive resource.
These guidelines are updated annually to stay current with relevant policies.
As per issued guide, immediate residence registration upon entry is crucial. Hotels can handle registration for guests, while others must register at the local police station within 24 hours, presenting necessary documents.
Foreigners with a visa intending to work and live in China must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry.
Extensions or changes require timely submissions.
Among others, adherence to Chinese laws on social media and pet ownership is vital and photography of military installations is strictly prohibited.
For emergencies, expatriates can contact local authorities: 110 for personal assault or property crimes, 119 for fires, and 120 for first aid. In case of passport loss, individuals are advised to report it promptly to the local police station.
{{Below is a comprehensive [guide->http://images.mofcom.gov.cn/wzs/202403/20240306153128529.pdf] to make your time in China as smooth as possible:}}
{{Daily life services}}
Navigating daily life services in China can be an exciting and seamless experience for foreign travelers. From staying connected with a local SIM card to handling finances with ease,
{ {{Buying local SIM Card}} }
Foreigners can acquire a local SIM card by visiting service offices of major telecom operators like China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Broadnet.
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{ {{Bank card}} }
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Users of AlipayHK, Wechatpay HK (HKSAR), mPay (Macao SAR), Kakao Pay (Republic of Korea), Touch’n Go eWallet (Malaysia), HiPay (Mongolia), Changi Pay (Singapore), OCBC (Singapore), Naver Pay (Republic of Korea), Toss Pay (Republic of Korea), and TrueMoney (Thailand) can make QR code payments through these e-wallets in the Chinese mainland.
{ {{Foreign currency exchange}} }
Exploring China is an adventure, and having Chinese Yuan (RMB) in hand can be of great help.
Foreign visitors can exchange foreign currencies for RMB cash in advance in their home countries or at relevant locations upon arrival in China. Each visitor is allowed to take up to RMB20,000 in cash in or out of the country.
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{ {{Seamless transportation}} }
China’s vast and efficient transportation network makes moving around the country a breeze.
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{ {{Booking accommodation }} }
Finding the perfect place to stay is a crucial aspect of any journey. Foreign travelers can conveniently reserve hotels through platforms like the Trip.com app or other means.
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{{Services for stay and residence in China}}
Navigating the realms of stay and residence in China, expatriates encounter a spectrum of services designed to facilitate their journey. Whether you’re extending your visa or obtaining a residence permit, the process is tailored to make your stay seamless.
{ {{Visa extension }} }
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{{Residence permit}}
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{{Relevant services for work in China}}
Embarking on your work journey in China involves more than just professional endeavors; it’s about navigating the relevant services that make your work-life experience seamless and enriching.
{ {{Work permit}} }
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{ {{Social insurance }} }
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{ {{Payment of individual income tax}} }
Navigating the intricacies of individual income tax is a fundamental part of the work experience in China.
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Embarking on a journey in China involves more than just the physical exploration of its landscapes; it involves understanding and navigating the administrative landscapes as well.
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The two institutions disclosed this at a press briefing on the sidelines of the ongoing 13th African Games in the Ghanaian capital of Accra.
Valerio de Divitiis, Global Sports Programs Coordinator for UNOCT, said the collaboration is in line with the vision of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which encourages member states to strengthen efforts to improve security around particularly vulnerable targets, including sporting events.
The official said the three main priorities of the program are fostering meaningful inclusion, empowering youth and women to prevent violent extremism through sports, and promoting gender-responsive approaches and gender mainstreaming through sports to prevent violent extremism.
He said the program would also tap into youth experiences and the perspectives of the youth on how sporting and cultural values should contribute to preventing violent extremism.
“The reason we are working in this field is that discrimination, marginalization, and structural inequalities, including gender inequality, are among the drivers of violent extremism,” the UNOCT official stated.
He also stressed the need for effective cultural cooperation because social cohesion and social development are key responses to peace and security needs and threats by terrorist organizations and violent extremist groups to the peaceful leadership of all societies.
Decius Chipande, Coordinator of the AU Sports Council, acknowledged sports as an effective tool for promoting global peace because it draws youths away from participating in acts of terrorism and violent extremism.
Chipande said that the AU Sports Council would implement the work plan developed with the UNOCT across Africa.
“We will ensure that we offer targeted and personalized interventions in the regional games,” he pledged.
Chipande said the implementation would enable policymakers and decision-makers at national levels to integrate sports and their values into policies to prevent violent extremism.
