News about Burundi’s decision to close borders with Rwanda started circulating on the evening of Thursday 11th January 2023.
The Government of Rwanda has through a statement indicated that it learnt about the decision through the media and condemned the decision which hinders regional cooperation and integration.
“The Government of Rwanda has learned through media reports of the unilateral decision by the Government of Burundi to again close its borders with Rwanda,” reads part of the statement.
“This unfortunate decision will restrict the free movement of people and goods between the two countries, and violates the principles of regional cooperation and integration of the East African Community,” concludes the statement.
Rwanda-Burundi borders were last closed between 2015 and 2022.
Since then, both countries embarked on a new journey to normalize ties , even though Burundi insisted that it needs coup plot suspects who fled to Rwanda returned home.
However, Rwanda indicated that it would be against ratified international refugee convention.
Speaking at the opening of the Sober Club Competition at the University of Rwanda, a project aimed at supporting youth initiatives discouraging drug use, he disclosed that on November 11, 2023, a Friday, he spent over 14 hours hopping between bars and drinking with friends.
Formerly a parliamentarian, Dr. Mbonimana mentioned that he typically refrained from alcohol on working days but indulged on weekends, keeping it discreet. On the mentioned Friday, not being invited to a meeting of senior officials and deputies, he took the opportunity to drink excessively.
In the evening, around midnight, he and his friends contemplated heading home after a day of bar-hopping in Kigali.
Despite his friend’s suggestion to sleep off the alcohol where they were, Dr. Mbonimana, who possessed an service card, decided to drive home at 2 o’clock in the morning. This reckless decision could have proved fatal due to the difficult conditions of the dirt roads, even for a sober person.
His friend’s concerns materialized when Dr. Mbonimana’s car overturned, leaving him stranded in a trench. Some passing motorists ignored him, while others came to his aid and alerted the National Police. When the police arrived, he was disoriented and unable to use his service card, leading to an argument with the officers.
Subsequently, he was handcuffed, taken to Busanza Police Station, and later transferred to the Road Safety Department headquarters. ACP Gerard Mpayimana, the Commissioner for Traffic and Road Safety, informed him about a fine of Rwf150,000, but the investigation into the accident kept him detained for approximately eight hours. Videos and photos of the incident circulated on social media, prompting various leaders to comment on his behavior.
In response to the public scrutiny, Dr. Mbonimana decided to quit drinking. He wrote a resignation letter to fellow parliamentarians, which he submitted on November 14, 2023. Despite suggestions to embrace his last days of drinking, he pledged to President Kagame that he would never repeat such actions. Determined to turn his life around, he committed to sharing his story and highlighting the negative impact of alcohol.
Dr. Nzabonimana emphasized that his decision to quit drinking was solidified after a message addressed to him by President Kagame during ‘Unity Club Intwararumuri’ meeting, where he provided comfort and advice.
He now advocates for young people to avoid relying on alcohol as a solution to problems, urging them to focus on education, set goals, choose positive friendships, take care of their health, and work towards a better future.
The Democratic Alliance, in a statement on January 10, labeled the deployment as “reckless,” expressing concerns about the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) capability to effectively combat insurgency. The Democratic Alliance’s Kobus Marais, who is the Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, emphasized that the SANDF lacks the necessary capacity and prime mission equipment for anti-insurgency operations.
Marais called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to rescind the decision and recall the troops, citing potential risks to the lives of uniformed forces. The SADC mission, led by South Africa and supported by troops from Malawi and Tanzania, aims to counter the M23 rebels, whom the Congolese government views as a terrorist movement.
Military experts have raised concerns about the intervention brigade’s effectiveness, pointing out the need for proper air cover, transport, and air elements. The familiarity of the M23 rebels with the challenging terrain in eastern DR Congo poses additional risks. Marais noted that the withdrawal of the United Nations mission after more than 20 years in the region highlights the difficulties faced in hostile terrain.
Accusing President Ramaphosa of a political decision without considering the military’s technical capabilities, Marais criticized the African National Congress (ANC) for misplaced priorities. The SADC mission was initiated in May 2023 following accusations by President Felix Tshisekedi that the East African Community (EAC) mission was passive in addressing the rebels. The EAC mission withdrew its troops in December 2023, leading to criticism of Tshisekedi for undermining peaceful regional initiatives through political dialogue.
The announcement was made during a meeting on the program’s implementation in Karongi District on January 10, 2024. Officials and development partners from Karongi District attended the event.
This Cabinet-approved program, established in November 2022, seeks to expedite the process of lifting individuals out of poverty. The decision to revamp the system arose from concerns that the previous approach led some recipients to become dependent on continuous support, hindering their efforts to improve their lives independently.
Under this new program, citizens not only receive assistance but also actively engage in defining their role. They are required to sign a performance contract outlining how the aid will be efficiently utilized to propel them toward a brighter future.
One significant change is the collaboration between government institutions and non-governmental organizations. This partnership aims to prioritize vulnerable residents identified by the government, ensuring a more coordinated and impactful approach.
According to Nyinawagaga, the monitoring process has been strengthened to prevent the abuse of support. The government will assess factors such as children’s school attendance, potential conflicts at home, and help resolve disagreements within households.
Théophile Niragire, the Vice Mayor of Karongi District in charge of economic development, stated that while 36,000 households in the district require assistance, the program will initially focus on 9,184 households. The district engaged with these households individually to understand their specific needs for poverty alleviation.
Over 5,000 households expressed a desire for cattle, while more than 900 households identified their need for livestock. Additionally, 643 households highlighted their interest in vocational training, and 294 households specified a need for vocational training along with the related equipment.
Partnerships with non-profit organizations and faith-based organizations are being sought to support the initiative.
Nyinawagaga highlighted that nationally, 900,000 households require support, with the initial plan to assist 315,000 households. The program will be implemented across 30 districts in the country.
With an annual expenditure of Rwf67 billion on households’ poverty alleviation, Rwanda is set to invest over Rwf130 billion in two years to lift these households out of poverty. This figure excludes interest-free loans and guarantees provided to beneficiaries, as well as the contributions from development partners.
During end-of-year 2023 address, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye said that his country would close borders with Rwanda , accusing the neighbouring country of supporting RED Tabara rebel group .
Rwanda vehemently rejected the allegations as unfounded, given that the areas where RED Tabara maneuvered through to attack Burundi , are not connected to Rwanda.
IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that all borders with Rwanda were closed from 13:00 p.m. on Thursday 11th January 2024.
The decision was taken by Burundian government but has not yet released a statement explaining reasons for the closure.
Some Rwandans who tried to cross to Burundi have told IGIHE that they were immediately forced to return to Rwanda.
IGIHE has, for instance, learnt that Ruhwa border connecting Rwanda through Bugarama sector in Rusizi District to Burundi, has been closed at 13:15 p.m.
During these hours, 35 Rwandans who tried to cross were handed back.
The fate of Rwandans running businesses in Burundi remains amidst the closure.
Rwanda-Burundi borders were last closed between 2015 and 2022.
Since then, both countries embarked on a new journey to normalize ties , even though Burundi insisted that it needs coup plot suspects who fled to Rwanda returned home.
However, Rwanda indicated that it would be against ratified international refugee convention.
This highly anticipated annual exhibition attracts over 100 countries and commenced on January 10, concluding on January 14, 2024. With an expected attendance of more than 100,000 visitors, 12,000 tourism companies, and over 1,100 exhibitors, the fair serves as a global platform for promoting tourism initiatives.
Representatives from Rwanda, including the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), RwandAir (the national carrier), Wanderlux Safaris, Blue Monkey Tours, Palast Tours & Travels and Mist Rwanda Safaris, are showcasing the country’s offerings at the event.
Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Ambassador in the Netherlands, expressed his delight at Rwanda’s continued participation in the fair, emphasizing the significance of promoting the Visit Rwanda brand.
He stated, “Rwanda has participated in this fair for the 12th time, showcasing the Visit Rwanda brand and other attractions that residents of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg can explore.”
Highlighting the progress made in the tourism sector over the past 30 years since the Genocide against the Tutsi, Amb. Nduhungirehe underscored the importance of not just having appealing attractions but also effectively promoting them.
He credited the government’s efforts through RDB, citing the successful Visit Rwanda campaign that engaged major European football clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich to raise awareness about Rwanda.
Amb. Nduhungirehe noted the positive outcomes of these initiatives, with increased cooperation between Rwanda and major football teams since 2018, resulting in a significant rise in tourism revenue and heightened international interest in visiting Rwanda.
Ariella Kageruka, Head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB, expressed satisfaction with Rwanda’s participation in the exhibition, describing it as a valuable opportunity to showcase the nation’s rich tourism resources.
She emphasized the chance for tourism service providers to strengthen collaborations within the joint market of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg—a region that contributes significantly to Rwanda’s tourist influx.
The previous Vakantiebeurs fair attracted over 65,000 visitors in its five days, and organizers anticipate a strong return rate of at least 65% for the 2024 edition.
Rwanda’s presence at this international platform continues to play a pivotal role in attracting global attention to its diverse and captivating tourist destinations.
The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center launched the commercial rocket from waters off the coast of Haiyang, east China’s Shandong Province, at 1:30 p.m. (Beijing Time).
It was the first flight mission of the YL-1 commercial carrier rocket.
According to the revised law, the land tax has been scaled down from 0 to 80 Rwandan Francs per square meter, compared to the previous range of 0 to 300 Rwandan Francs per square meter. This translates to the highest tax rate not exceeding Rwf80 per square meter, a substantial reduction from the previous Rwf300. The tax rates exhibit a gradient, with higher rates in the City of Kigali gradually decreasing towards rural areas.
Under the new legislation, the tax on residential houses has been halved, transitioning from 1% to 0.5% of the house’s value. Moreover, the tax on both houses and land has been amalgamated into a unified tax structure, as highlighted by Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, in an interview with RBA.
Dr. Ndagijimana explained, “We unified the tax on the house and land, where previously, individuals paid 1% of the house’s value and a land tax ranging from zero to 300 depending on the location. Now, there is a single tax of 0.5% on the combined value of the house and land.”
He clarified that individuals with multiple houses can choose one for tax exemption, although the land associated with it will continue to be taxed.
In addition to these changes, the government has eliminated fees for various processes, including land transfers, land ownership certificates, and land registration certificates. Fees for building repair, renovation, fence construction, and building permits in rural areas have also been removed.
Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana underscored additional modifications, clarifying that fees for various supplementary documents, including birth and death certificates, have been abolished. Similarly, permits for activities such as burning charcoal, manufacturing bricks and tiles, and forest harvesting are no longer subject to charges. Despite these services being exempt from fees, applicants are still required to formally initiate requests for them.
The adjustments to land taxes and associated fees address longstanding controversies, with claims of excessive taxation prompting calls for reductions. The government’s move aims to create a more balanced and favorable taxation framework for property owners across the country.
During his conversation with parliamentarians, Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted the high volume of migration requests, attributing it to the nature of the healthcare profession, where individuals often find themselves working far from their homes based on clinic locations. He emphasized that a significant portion, around 70%, wish to move, seeking transfers to more convenient locations.
While acknowledging the challenges, he assured that efforts would be made to address the situation and return transfer requests as the workforce in the sector expands.
The minister explained, “We have a considerable number of applicants for relocation. Given the nature of our profession, individuals frequently work at a considerable distance from their residences, depending on health facilities’ locations.
Approximately 70% of our workforce wishes to relocate, requesting transfers from their current positions. Although we cannot fulfill all the requests simultaneously, we endeavor to accommodate them whenever possible to promote the well-being of the workers and their families.”
Dr. Nsanzimana reassured Parliament that as the workforce in the health sector grows, efforts will be made to meet the demand for transfers, benefiting the overall organization.
He added, “We will persist in our endeavors. Moreover, we are establishing training schools across the country, including in Rusizi and Nyagatare, allowing individuals to study near their homes and subsequently work in proximity to their residences.”
The proposed changes involve the relocation of various hospital services to different areas as part of a phased approach to facilitate the upcoming construction project.
Dr. Nsanzimana outlined the forthcoming developments, stating that the existing yellow storey building near the Musanze-Rubavu highway would be demolished to make way for the new hospital. The construction is expected to extend from the current location to the adjacent premises.
Addressing the committee, Dr. Nsanzimana emphasized the need for the relocation of certain services to facilitate the removal of existing structures, stating, “As we embark on the construction of the new Ruhengeri Hospital, certain services will be moved to other hospitals to facilitate the removal of buildings. Among them is the yellow-painted building along the road, which is slated for removal.”
Highlighting specific plans, the Minister stated, “Our strategy involves maintaining midwifery and pediatric services at the current location, while all other services will be relocated. Shyira Hospital has been identified as one of the relocation sites due to available space and existing shared services. This strategic move aims to minimize inconvenience for the local community by ensuring accessible healthcare services without the need for long journeys.”
The redevelopment project is scheduled to commence in June 2024, with an estimated cost of Rwf103 billion. The planned changes signify a significant step toward enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the region while strategically managing the transition of services during the construction period.
