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}} }
Ensuring your financial transactions run smoothly is essential, and China provides convenient solutions for foreigners.
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Downloading the mobile banking app of the corresponding bank further enhances one’s banking experience.
When it comes to mobile payments, the world of possibilities opens up with WeChat or Alipay apps.
By following simple instructions and inputting foreign or Chinese mobile phone numbers, users can enjoy the flexibility of binding their app with international bank cards.
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It is recommended that users who have bound international bank cards to the Apps consider their specific use cases before using mobile payment.
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.
Whether at commercial bank branches, money changers, or self-service currency exchange machines at entry ports, acquiring RMB is a straightforward process.
Alternatively, international bank cards can be used at ATMs to withdraw RMB cash.
{ {{Seamless transportation}} }
China’s vast and efficient transportation network makes moving around the country a breeze.
Train travel offers a convenient experience, with various ticket purchase options.
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To ensure safe and orderly passenger transport, China’s railway operator implements real-name ticketing according to relevant regulations.
Foreign travelers must complete identity verification before purchasing tickets.
For air travel, booking tickets online through the airline’s official app, WeChat mini program, or other platforms is the norm. Payment can be made through digital platforms, and ticket changes or refunds are conveniently handled through the airline’s regulations.
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Exploring China’s cities becomes effortless with metro passes, bus cards, and the convenience of ride-hailing services accessible through Alipay or WeChat.
Car leasing, whether at international airports or through dedicated apps, provides flexibility for those wanting to venture off the beaten path.
{ {{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 }} }
For those who entered China with a visa and find themselves in need of an extension, the process is designed to be straightforward.
Equipped with valid passports or international travel documents, a completed Foreigner Visa Application Form, and a recent bareheaded color ID photo against a white background, expatriates can explore extending their stay.
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{{Residence permit}}
For those seeking a more prolonged stay within China’s borders, the residence permit process is the key.
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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 }} }
Ensuring the well-being of those contributing to the Chinese workforce, social insurance is a crucial aspect of work-related services.
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Special provisions and exemptions exist for countries with social security agreements, making the system globally inclusive.
{ {{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.
The statement was made by the AU’s Peace and Security Council in a communique issued Saturday that followed its recent meeting, which dwelt upon the current situation in the conflict-hit eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Reiterating its deep concern over the scourge of conflicts across different parts of Africa, the council said these conflict and insecurity situations are obstructing the socio-economic development of the continent.
Against this backdrop, the council underscored the 55-member continental organization’s strong commitment to realizing its 50-year continental development blueprint, Agenda 2063, with particular emphasis on its flagship peace and security aspirations, including silencing the guns in Africa by 2030.
It further stressed the need to realize African leaders’ recent pledge to achieve the goal of a conflict-free continent, to make peace a reality for all of Africa’s citizens and not to bequeath the burden of conflicts to future generations.
Addressing the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the AU last month, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed similar concern over peace and security challenges in Africa.
Faki specifically highlighted recurrent conflict situations, unconstitutional changes of governments and political and institutional instability as factors jeopardizing the continent’s stability, peace and development.
He noted concerning security challenges in the Horn of Africa, which threaten the sovereignty, integrity, security, and fundamental interests of all countries in the region, saying that the Great Lakes Region of Africa is particularly affected by a worsening security crisis, while the Sahel region is facing a security vacuum following the withdrawal of the United Nations mission from the region.
During a press conference on March 11, 2024, as part of his four-day working visit to Rwanda, Jean-François Ricard, the Head of French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecution Office disclosed that Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana, the wife of the former Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana, residing illegally in France, cannot be prosecuted or extradited to Rwanda for crimes attributed to her, as they occurred before the genocide.
Ricard emphasized the complex administrative situation she faces, stating that, under French administrative law, she cannot benefit from refugee status, which was denied to her. However, like others in a similar predicament, she cannot be expelled from French territory.
He explained, “We have a complicated case because, as I mentioned, we are only competent for events postdating the genocide directly from the genocide. We, French judges are not competent for events preceding the genocide, for example, those who may have prepared it.”
Agathe Kanziga was involved in the inner circle of the “zero network” that orchestrated the Genocide against the Tutsi. Despite this, France claims there is no evidence to press charges against her. Ricard stated that the prosecutor’s office would initiate a new investigation to delve deeper into the Kanziga case and present it before the court.
“I can tell you that the prosecution I am heading, on my instructions, asked the investigating judges to follow this case, and new investigations will be carried out to verify everything we could do. Every possible effort will be made. It is a clear commitment that we took,” he underscored.
Ricard refrained from commenting on why Agathe Kanziga cannot obtain asylum or be extradited to Rwanda. However, the French ambassador to Rwanda, Antoine Anfré, revealed in late 2023 that the entire Habyarimana family had been transferred to France on the orders of then-French President François Mitterrand.
“Effectively, Agatha has no status in France; it is by the decision of the president of the republic at the time, François Mitterrand, that she was evacuated, in the very beginning with members of her family. She lives in a Parisian suburb, Les Couronnes, she has no status. At one point, she is neither regularizable nor expellable,” Ambassador Anfré stated.
He added, “Currently, there is no judicial procedure against Agathe Habyarimana, mainly because there is no concrete evidence, real evidence that would involve Agatha, despite all we know or imagine. It’s the very principle of the law. I often share your feeling of regret because I frequently face situations where one is convinced of someone’s guilt without having the means to prove it. It’s a sad reality, but that’s how the law works. I think we should not dwell on these cases because otherwise, we risk leaning towards a justice guided by emotion rather than by law.”
Discussions between French prosecutor Jean-François Ricard, Rwandan Prosecutor General Havugiyaremye Aimable, and ICTR prosecutor Serge Brammertz have resulted in an agreement to continue sharing evidence on cases of various individuals suspected of genocide crimes. This aims to increase the number of prosecutions and ensure cases with sufficient evidence.
France asserts that it is making every effort to bring to justice anyone suspected of committing Genocide against the Tutsi residing on its territory.
To date, the Rwandan prosecutor’s office has issued 1,149 arrest warrants against genocide suspects in different countries.
The services sector played a pivotal role, expanding by 11%, constituting 44% of the total GDP. Notable contributions came from information and communication activities, air transport, as well as hotels and restaurants, which saw improvements of 39%, 29%, and 18%, respectively.
Yusuf Murangwa, NISR Director General, highlighted the significant role of increased calling and internet usage as primary drivers for the growth in information and communication activities.
The industry and agriculture sectors also saw positive growth, with increases of 10% and 2%, contributing 22% and 27% to the GDP, respectively.
Manufacturing recorded notable progress with an 11% increase, driven by advancements in food processing, textiles, clothing, leather goods, chemicals, rubber, plastic products, and wood, paper, and printing.
Agricultural performance was led by a 7% rise in livestock and livestock products. However, export crop production, particularly in tea and coffee, experienced a 4% decline, attributed to adverse climate conditions.
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Uzziel Ndagijimana, acknowledged the challenges in the agricultural sector due to adverse climate conditions, emphasizing the government’s commitment to invest more resources to boost tea production, introduce new varieties, and ensure competitive market prices.
Despite exceeding the initial government projection of 6.2%, concerns were raised about the growing depreciation of the Rwandan franc against major foreign currencies.
Minister Ndagijimana linked this trend to Rwanda’s external trade imbalance, exacerbated by last year’s droughts and floods, resulting in reduced food production and increased food imports.
The Rwandan Franc recently depreciated by 0.2% against the US Dollar, closing at Frw 1,285.3 from Frw 1,282.4 the previous week, with a year-to-date depreciation of 1.7%.
As Rwanda’s Presidency posted on X, the leaders focused on addressing the root causes of the conflict, emphasizing the importance of the Luanda and Nairobi processes for regional peace and stability.
Lourenço, mediating between Rwanda and DR Congo, previously hosted Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi on February 27 to address the same crisis.
The meeting responds to calls from various governments and international organizations urging a return to negotiations to prevent the crisis from escalating into a regional conflict.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the Congolese government has been criticized for prioritizing military operations over peace processes.
Tshisekedi accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels, as claim which Kigali denies.
Meanwhile, Rwanda points fingers at the Congolese armed forces for integrating the FDLR, a UN-sanctioned militia linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
In a recent meeting in Addis Ababa on February 16, regional leaders, led by Lourenço, resolved to revive the stagnant Luanda process, acknowledging the escalating conflict’s potential regional impact.
Kagame emphasized that addressing the FDLR’s integration into the Congolese army is crucial for a lasting solution. Rwanda also expressed concerns about the deployment of the SADC regional force in DR Congo.
The FDLR, formed in 2000 with Congolese political and military support, poses a threat to both DR Congo and Rwanda.
Despite a Congolese army order in November 2023 to cease contact with the FDLR, the group remained integrated, causing tension between the two nations.
The FDLR has not only jeopardized DR Congo’s security but has also launched attacks on Rwanda for over two decades.
The volatile eastern DR Congo, home to more than 130 armed groups, continues to be a hotspot of violence despite multiple intervention attempts spanning nearly 30 years.
They include a resolution on the government work report, a revised Organic Law of the State Council, a resolution on the work report of the NPC Standing Committee, a resolution on the work report of the Supreme People’s Court and a resolution on the work report of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate.
Lawmakers also approved the 2024 plan for national economic and social development along with the central budget for 2024.
Presiding over the closing meeting on March 11, 2024, Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, highlighted the successful nature of the meetings, with deputies consolidating their understanding.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) amidst the ongoing implementation of tasks outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).
Zhao emphasized the importance of implementing the tasks set by the NPC session and striving to realize this year’s economic and social development goals.
Additionally, he stressed the need for implementation of people-centered philosophy of development, developing whole-process people’s democracy, and respecting the wishes of the people.
Zhao also called for continuous efforts to build China into a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts through pursuing Chinese modernization.
President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attended the meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
The second session of the 14th NPC, which concluded today, commenced on Tuesday, March 4, 2024.
