Bishop Ntivuguruzwa was appointed on Bishop on May 2, and installed on June 17, 2023.
During a Sunday announcement in the Vatican, Pope Francis declared that in the year 2024, Catholic Christians should focus on prayer, leading them to the Jubilee in 2025, set to be celebrated the following year.
The Pope urged prayers for Christian unity and emphasized the continuous supplication to God for peace in regions such as Ukraine, Israel, and Palestine, which are threatened by war. He emphasized that the vulnerable are particularly affected when peace is compromised.
On January 19, Pope Francis welcomed Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana, the Principal of Kabgayi Catholic University (ICK), who participated in the International Conference of Catholic Universities.
Rwandan Minister of Interior Alfred Gasana told public broadcaster, Rwanda Television, that the reforms seek to improve living conditions of prisoners at Rwanda Correctional Facilities (RCS) while helping address congestion issues.
“As part of these reforms, soon-to-be-released prisoners will be placed in designated centers, allowing them to receive family visits. Those sentenced to national service will fulfill their duties within their communities,” he said.
Gasana emphasized that these centers will offer courses aimed at transforming prisoners’ attitudes and equipping them with skills to reintegrate into society after completing their sentences.
The inaugural center has already opened in the capital Kigali, with a capacity of accommodating 2,800 people. Authorities have announced plans to establish additional centers in the future, with an increased overall capacity, according to him.
Statistics from RCS reveal a total of 89,034 inmates across the 13 correctional facilities in the country.
The past two years have been characterized by a series of strategies implemented by the government to decrease the prison population. One such measure involves an increased utilization of release on parole.
Release on parole entails the conditional release of a convict before their sentence expires, contingent upon a commitment to good behavior.
In 2022, a total of 2,617 inmates were granted release on parole and presidential pardon. This year, a notable number, 381 individuals, have already benefited from the same measure.
In Dar es Salaam, transport came to a standstill as the main road connecting the eastern suburbs to the commercial city of Dar es Salaam was flooded for hours. Several other ravines criss-crossing the commercial hub of over 5 million people were also flooded, cutting off communication.
Police cordoned off the Jangwani area after the Msimbazi River was over-flooded, halting operations of Dar es Salaam Rapid Transport, the commercial hub’s leading public transporter.
Flash floods submerged houses in some parts of the commercial hub and Albert Chalamila, the Dar es Salaam regional commissioner, urged residents in the valley and along riverbanks to relocate to higher grounds to avoid catastrophic consequences.
No casualties were reported by Sunday afternoon, the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) told Xinhua over the phone, adding that the TMA will continue monitoring the weather trends in the country and provide feedback when necessary.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Sunday directed relevant authorities to get prepared to fix damage caused by ongoing rains in different parts of the country. She said ministries responsible for water, energy, and works should get prepared to offer emergency services in areas affected by the rains, calling for more efforts to rehabilitate roads and bridges damaged by the torrential rains across the country.
The TMA on Saturday issued a high alert saying short periods of heavy rains were expected for five consecutive days in some parts of the country. It said in a statement that the rains were expected to cause flooding and damage property and infrastructure in Dar es Salaam, Coast, Tanga, Morogoro, Ruvuma, Njombe, Iringa, Mtwara, Lindi, Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Manyara regions, and Zanzibar.
The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, and sent a group of satellites into the planned orbits.
This launch marks the third flight mission of the Lijian-1 carrier rocket series.
The unprecedented move, led by the Lords International Agreements Committee (IAC), aims to scrutinize the proposed asylum scheme and ensure the safety of deported individuals.
The government agreed to a legally-binding treaty with Rwanda in December, addressing concerns raised by the Supreme Court about potential risks faced by asylum seekers deported to Rwanda.
However, the Lords IAC deemed the promised safeguards in the agreement “incomplete” and insisted that Parliament should not ratify the pact until the government can demonstrate Rwanda’s safety.
Labour former attorney general Lord Goldsmith, chair of the IAC, emphasized the need for additional legal and practical steps, stating, “Parliament should have the opportunity to scrutinize the treaty and its implementing measures in full before it makes a judgment about whether Rwanda is safe.”
The vote signals a challenging road ahead for the government’s Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, as the Lords assert their role in scrutinizing and advising on such crucial matters.
The debate surrounding the Rwanda Bill is set to continue in the House of Lords on January 29.
During the event, President Ndayishimiye engaged with over 500 Congolese youth and openly pledged his active support to Rwandan youth in their efforts to topple the current government.
Ndayishimiye asserted that while the population in the region lives decently, the core issue lies in what he perceives as “bad leaders.”
He expressed unwavering determination to persist in the struggle until Rwandans themselves apply pressure on their leaders.
Rwanda has through a statement indicated that President Ndayishimiye, serving as the African Union Champion for Youth, Peace, and Security, utilized a platform provided by the continental organization ‘to make baseless and incendiary allegations aimed at sowing division among Rwandans and destabilizing peace and security in the Great Lakes Region’.
The Rwandan government expressed deep concern over President Ndayishimiye’s actions, particularly given his role as an African Union representative. The statement emphasized that the Burundian leader’s attempt to incite young Rwandans to overthrow their government is not only troubling but also a clear violation of the principles outlined in the African Union Charter.
Directly addressing the issue, the statement from the Government of Rwanda highlighted the nation’s unwavering commitment to unity and development. It stressed that Rwandans, particularly the youth, have actively embraced the opportunity to contribute to the country’s progress, and any attempt to undermine these efforts is deeply concerning.
The government further underscored that Rwanda has no interest in creating conflicts with its neighbors, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to regional partnerships aimed at fostering stability and development. The response also called for responsible leadership and adherence to the principles of the African Union Charter, urging leaders to prioritize constructive dialogue over divisive rhetoric.
The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining regional stability, especially when inflammatory remarks are made by leaders on platforms meant for cooperation and unity.
Tensions between Rwanda and Burundi escalated at the end of 2023 following Ndayishimiye’s accusations that Rwanda supported the RED-Tabara rebel against his regime.
Rwanda staunchly denied these allegations, highlighting its lack of interest in disrupting Burundi’s security and reminding that they had extradited RED-Tabara fighters who had illegally entered the territory to the Burundian government.
Rwanda, recognized as a frontrunner in environmental preservation, demonstrated its dedication to sustainability through this agreement. The nation’s proactive stance underscores the global importance of addressing environmental challenges. In a reciprocal manner, Denmark, a world leader in environmental protection, brings its expertise to the collaboration.
Denmark boasts a remarkable record, with wind energy contributing to at least 40% of the country’s electricity consumption. The country has set ambitious targets, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
This commitment is achieved through strategic investments in renewable energy, conscientious energy policies, and advancements in sustainable transportation. Additionally, Denmark has championed a circular economy, minimizing waste by promoting recycling practices.
The collaboration between Rwanda and Denmark is a significant step for Rwanda, aligning with the environmental practices of a renowned country in the field. This partnership positions Rwanda to effectively address the impacts of climate change and bolster its environmental protection initiatives.
It is worth noting that this agreement builds upon an existing partnership between the two nations, encompassing various areas such as cooperation in handling refugee crises.
Denmark has been cooperative by deporting to Rwanda individuals accused of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who sought refuge in the country. Notable instances include Dushimiyimana Emmanuel in 2014 and Wenceslas Twagirayezu in 2018.
Humans, if not everything in nature, are unpredictable as we have heard. In a blink of an eye, a person can change from being kind to being the cruelest you’ve ever met. With that in the line, it is not that easy as it is said, to choose the right person to spend your whole life with.
Though that is true, the role of some points in assessing a life partner can’t be neglected. That’s why if you’re feeling the urge to find the right life partner, I can advise you to consider the following tips:
{{Weigh your similarities and differences}}
They say opposites attract each other, and that is undoubtedly true. However, it is better to make sure you have some few similarities, so that later in life, you can always find an easy way to connect. Differences should be there too. Just make sure you’re not polar opposites or doppelgangers in terms of characters and personality.
{{Looks are just a drop in the ocean}}
Yes, you are free to choose a partner whose physique attracts you more than anybody else’s. However, you should remember that looks are so deceiving. Go into depths, analyze the behaviors, preferences, and everything that a naked eye can’t see.
{{Listening and being open during arguments}}
They say “you can’t live with someone without having some random fights”. That being true, living together is not about being perfect. It is about understanding and patience. If a person can’t stay calm during a simple argument, imagine the time when there will be some serious family problems. Are you sure you will be able to handle them? Are you sure the whole family won’t be messed up in a blink of an eye?
{{Respect}}
There are many issues that respect can handle even when bare love can’t. In that line, it is always important to be with someone who respects your preferences, choices and personal space.
{{Do not rush}}
They say ‘anything worth doing is worth doing slowly’. Do not let society, age-related myths and the pace of someone else trick you into moving things faster. Take your time, observe, learn about mistakes, reflect and finally, choose.
Choosing a partner should be done slowly and properly, because after all, who would want to spend their life with a wrong person. These tips can really help, but the important thing to know is that it is not as easy as it sounds. Give it time, give it a thought, and live a long happy life.
In October 2023, BRD issued treasury bonds valued at Rwf30 billion. Shortly after, the bank reported that these bonds were oversubscribed at a rate of 110.59%, exceeding the target and resulting in earnings of Rwf33.17 billion.
A substantial portion of these funds is slated for development projects and sustainable investments. Recently, BRD announced its intention to allocate 50% of this amount (Rwf15 billion) to a program offering loans to entities in the public transport sector, enabling them to acquire buses.
BRD justifies this decision as part of its commitment to fostering sustainable and livable cities by supporting the private sector’s investment in efficient transportation, aligning with its mission to contribute to the country’s progress.
The bank intends to grant this loan to companies looking to purchase 200 buses recently introduced to Rwanda by the Government, facilitating easier access for interested entities.
Richard Tusabe, the Minister of State in charge of National Treasury at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, recently clarified that the government’s purchase of these vehicles does not signal a return to the transportation business. Instead, it addresses an existing problem, recognizing a gap in Kigali City and committing to resolving it.
Tusabe revealed that a study indicated a shortage of 305 buses, prompting the government to import 200 initially by January 2024 to assess further efforts needed to improve transportation in the city. To alleviate the burden on the private sector, the government opted to purchase and distribute the buses conveniently.
The loan agreement was initially signed by five transport companies, including RITCO, Remera Transport Cooperative, City Center Transport Cooperative, Nyabugogo Transport Cooperative, and Jali.
The loan is anticipated to carry a 12% annual interest rate, with a repayment period of five years.
According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, over 300 buses are required in the City of Kigali to address the growing number of people using the public transport system. BRD asserts its readiness to provide loans to cover 70% of the required buses.
The initial phase of the project, Isange Estate, concluded in 2022 with the construction of 15 houses, all of which were quickly occupied. The second phase includes an additional 18 houses, consisting of six standard houses and 12 apartments, thereby contributing to the diversification of the city’s residential offerings.
Families particularly appreciate the equipped playgrounds for their children, fostering a close-knit and intergenerational community.
David Benazeraf, CEO of Imara Properties, highlights the positive impact of the project on local property values and its significant contribution to the growth of Kigali. “By initiating this project in 2021, we transformed a village into a dynamic neighborhood, thereby enhancing the value of the surrounding land,” he states. He emphasizes the company’s commitment to providing quality housing, thereby contributing to Rwanda’s economic development.
Murabukirwa Vicky, heading the association of French commercial companies in Rwanda, also recognizes the significance of this project for the local economy, emphasizing the employment opportunities generated for many Rwandans.
The company has plans to construct housing units in the Gasabo and Kicukiro districts, with real estate projects in Kibagabaga and Kanombe, named Ituze. These residences, valued between 60 and 145 million Rwandan francs, will be constructed with environmental considerations and offer generous communal spaces.
Each building, featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, and parking, has a floor area ranging from 89 to 97 square meters, combining comfort and modernity.
This development is part of Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to improve housing and accelerate its urban development. The Rwandan government aims to build 150,000 homes by 2050, with the ambition of increasing the urbanization rate to 70%. For this purpose, 1,100 hectares across the country, including 890 in Kigali, are dedicated to social housing projects.
The city of Kigali, expected to host 3.8 million inhabitants by 2050, has a crucial need for 859,000 homes to accommodate this demographic growth.
