The police said so far 133 bodies have been exhumed since the discovery of the mass graves on a piece of land at Shakahola forest in late April.
The police investigators who resumed the search for more mass graves on Tuesday said most of the victims were children who were told by a self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge to starve themselves in order to “meet Jesus.”
The police raided Nthenge’s property in mid-April after receiving a tip-off from members of the public where they found emaciated people. The victims were starving after being informed this was part of the way to go and “meet Jesus.”
Kithure Kindiki, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, said on Tuesday that the exhumation process will be carried out carefully to protect the dignity and privacy of the families of the deceased persons.
He said the search and rescue efforts are ongoing with 65 persons having been rescued from the thickets so far, including two who were evacuated Tuesday morning by the police investigators.
Kenyan President William Ruto who has described the incident as terrorism announced on Friday the formation of a commission of inquiry into the mass deaths.
Al-Burhan made the remarks on Tuesday during phone conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Azali Assoumani, president of the Union of the Comoros and chair of the African Union(AU), Sudan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“Al-Burhan expressed the Sudanese government’s openness to any initiative that would help relieve the Sudanese people of the atrocities committed by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF),” it said.
According to the statement, Assoumani underlined the importance of maintaining stability in Sudan and supporting the ongoing talks in the Saudi city of Jeddah to stop the fighting and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Assoumani was quoted as saying that he would send a special envoy to Jeddah to help reach an agreement to end the conflict and restore stability in Sudan.
While expressing his concern over the increasing number of fatalities and injuries in the conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary RSF, Erdogan offered to host peace talks, his office said in a statement.
Türkiye is “ready to host the talks if they decide to start comprehensive negotiations,” the statement quoted Erdogan as saying. Ankara will continue its contact with the United Nations to ensure that the urgent humanitarian needs of the Sudanese people are met, Erdogan added.
Erdogan also discussed with Al-Burhan the evacuation and safety of Turkish citizens in Sudan, the statement said.
Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF in the capital city of Khartoum and other areas since April 15, with the two sides accusing each other of initiating the conflict.
According to UN statistics, thousands of Sudanese citizens have been displaced or forced to seek refuge in safe areas in Sudan and neighboring countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia and Chad.
So far, the deadly clashes have left at least 550 people dead and 4,926 others wounded, according to the Sudanese health ministry.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Gerald Mpayimana, the Commissioner for Traffic and Road Safety department, more than 400 motorcycles have been impounded over the past one month, the majority in City of Kigali.
“We have witnessed a rise in cases of taxi-moto operators, who modify or conceal their number plates so as to avoid being detected either by Police officers, speed enforcement cameras or by the public when in any traffic violations or unlawful acts.
Since the beginning of April, we have impounded over 400 motorcycles in City of Kigali with stealth or altered number plates,” ACP Mpayimana said.
Some of the motorcyclists use wires to flip up number plates to prevent being picked by speed enforcement cameras.
Others alter or modified them, with others scrubbing them to make them invisible.
“Some of the motorcyclists had accumulated traffic fines due to over speeding or having no insurance and hiding plate numbers was a way to avoid being detected. Others use such motorcycles in illegal acts like drug trafficking, smuggling, transporting stolen items and snatching people’s valuables,” ACP Mpayimana said.
When they hide plate numbers, he observed, motorcyclists feel that they can wander in their illegal practices without anyone identifying them.
“These are continuous operations against motorists, who hide plate numbers. If your plate numbers are invisible, you are advised to go to Rwanda Revenue Authority to get new ones.”
Article 276 of the law determining offences and penalties in general states that any person, who in any manner, forges or alters documents by forged signature or fingerprint, falsifying documents or signatures or impersonation, forging agreements, its provisions, obligations, or discharged obligations, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years but not more than seven years and a fine of not less than Frw3 million and not more than Frw5 million or only one of these penalties.
He was speaking at a commemoration event to honour victims of Genocide against the Tutsi organized by Rwandans living in Poland.
The event held in Warsaw on Monday 8th May 2023, was also attended by officials from the country members of the diplomatic corps and friends of Rwanda.
In his message, Amb. Shyaka extended solace to all survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi and commended gathered mourners for their solidarity to join Rwandans during the commemoration event to honour slain victims.
After stopping the Genocide that lasted for 100 days, RPF Inkotanyi under the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame has promoted unity and reconciliation and built a prosperous nation from ashes.
“29 years have passed since the Genocide against the Tutsi. In spite of this tragic history, Rwandans have managed to turn the page and move forward from grieving, towards a united and prosperous nation,” stated Amb. Shyaka.
“Today, 70% of the total population of Rwanda is comprised of a youthful generation born after 1994. Almost all of these young compatriots living here in Poland are in this category. They are a privileged and proud generation. They make us confident in a bright future,” he added.
Risen from ashes in 1994, Amb. Shyaka underscored, Rwanda is among the top three United Nations (UN) peace contributing countries globally, one of the safest countries in Africa, fast growing economy, ranked among the best countries to do business among others.
He reminded participants that Genocide against the Tutsi was a product of bad politics noting that Rwanda’s transformation is a product of good politics engendered by a visionary and transformational leadership of President Kagame and the policy of post-genocide government to embrace National Unity and Reconciliation despite the scars left by the Genocide.
“It wasn’t easy but it was imperative. It necessitated leadership and resilience. Rwandans were ready for both. And we still are,” he noted.
Commenting on the essence of remembrance; Amb. Shyaka highlighted it is a profound duty to keep the eternal flame of loved ones glowing for the next generations and preserve memory for the meaning of ‘Never Again’.
“As people, we Unite to restore our dignity and take our destiny in our hands as one people, built on Ndi Umunyarwanda [I am Rwandan] to deconstruct the root causes of Genocide. We Renew to ensure prosperity and security for our country, our people and our future generations,” he noted.
“Rwanda’s commitment to remembrance is imperative. Our determination for Unity is unshakeable and our resolve for Renewal and Dignity- AGACIRO- is unstoppable,” added Amb. Shyaka.
As he said, Rwanda has about a 1000 arrest and indictments warrants issued against perpetrators of the Genocide against the Tutsi, where majority of the fugitives are still at large in capitals in Europe, Africa and America.
Amb. Shyaka commended countries that have taken bold steps to bring Genocide fugitives to justice and urged others to follow the suit.
Polish Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Pawel Jablonski said his country also experienced crimes against humanity and expressed solidarity with Rwandans as they commemorate Genocide against the Tutsi for the 29th time.
“We experienced this in our past and we know very well what it means to be the victim of genocide, what it means to rebuild a nation and still the process of reconciliation is ongoing because there is no true reconciliation without compensation and forgiveness,” he said.
“In solidarity with the people of Rwanda, we express gratitude to all those that work relentlessly to ensure that such Genocide never happens again,” added Jablonski.
Also present was Father Stanislaw, a priest recognized as social pact protector (Umurinzi w’Igihango).
Amb. Shyaka commended him for having protected hundreds of people in his parish of Ruhango District during Genocide against the Tutsi and described him as the best ambassador of humanism.
In recent days, strong rainstorms have hit many places in Rwanda, causing heavy casualties and property losses, Xi noted in a message.
On behalf of the Chinese government and people, he mourned the dead and extended sincere sympathies to the bereaved families, the injured and the affected people.
The President also voiced confidence that Rwanda will surely overcome the difficulties and rebuild the homeland.
Weather related disasters that hit Rwanda earlier last week have displaced more than 9,000 people in different provinces of the country while about 5,598 families were displaced and are hosted at different sites.
At least 131 people were killed and 94 others injured when flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains hit Western, Northern and Southern provinces of Rwanda on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Among others; more than 5,550 houses, 14 roads and more than 50 schools were destroyed and the disasters also destroyed crops, water and power infrastructures.
Last week, the Minister of Infrastructure Ernest Nsabimana said the government needs about 110 billion Rwandan francs (about 98.3 million U.S. dollars) to rebuild infrastructure damaged by the disasters in the country.
The government has appealed to residents living in high risk zones to relocate to safe areas.
He was arrested last month in Bujumbura, on the eve of his 51st birthday.
Witnesses have told AFP that Bunyoni appeared in court clad in green prison uniforms and handcuffed. The court extended his pre-trial detention at Ngozi Prison in the north of the country.
Bunyoni, a former police chief and minister of internal security, was replaced by Gervais Ndirakobuca after President Evariste Ndayishimiye took office.
Ndayishimiye had warned of a “coup” plot against him, and Bunyoni was seen as the head of a group of military leaders known as “the generals” who wielded political power in Burundi.
Bunyoni’s charges include undermining the internal security of the state, undermining the proper functioning of the national economy, illegal enrichment, illegal possession of weapons, and insulting the president.
1. The cabinet expressed condolences and sympathy to families who lost loved ones, those injured, and people that had to relocate from their homes due to landslide and floods.
2. The cabinet approved an emergency response plan aimed at reinforcing efforts to provide urgent relief to affected communities and instructed concerned institutions to implement the plan without delay.
3. The cabinet urges communities in flood-affected areas to exercise caution and be extra vigilant as more rains may be expected in the coming days. Citizens are requested to follow instructions provided by local authorities including maintaining hygiene and sanitation standards in order to prevent potential disease outbreaks.
4. The cabinet appreciated messages of condolences and solidarity from Rwandans, friends, and partner states, as well as gestures of support from citizens and various partners.
5. The cabinet approved the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Policy.
{{6. The cabinet approved the following draft laws: }}
-* Draft law approving ratification of the Credit Agreement between the Instituto Credito Oficial and the Republic of Rwanda, relating to the credit for Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Phase II.
-* Draft law approving a ratification of the Financing Agreement between the Republic of Rwanda and the International Development Association, relating to the credit for the Stunting Prevention and reduction Project.
-* Draft law approving a ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Rwanda and the International Development Association acting as Administrator of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Scaling Up Nutrition and the Early Learning Multi-Donor Trust Fund, relating to the Stunting Prevention and Reduction project.
-* Draft law approving a ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Benin for Double Taxation Avoidance.
-* Draft law approving a ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Rwanda and the Czech Republic Double Taxation Avoidance.
“The secretary-general reiterates the need for parties to protect and respect humanitarian workers and facilities, including hospitals,” Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for Guterres, said in a statement.
“Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected in order to save lives,” he added.
In the statement, Haq noted that the looting of the WFP compound was the latest violation of humanitarian facilities since the start of the crisis in Sudan, which is in its fourth week.
Most, if not all, UN agencies and its humanitarian partners have been impacted by large-scale looting, said Haq.
They agreed to encourage parents to work together to achieve development aspirations where they donated goats to women’s groups through “TUREMERANE BIRASHOBOKA” project and motivated children to go to school through donations of essential kits including notebooks, sanitary pads and supporting them to run income-generating activities through rabbits raising among others.
They also encouraged both parents to secure time to interact with children, and educate them on reproductive health through ‘Menya wirinde na kirazira’ program.
AWDO urges the youth to understand these lessons to usher themselves into a better future to build a prosperous Rwanda.
The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) recently announced that 13,000 girls aged below 19 were impregnated in Rwanda from July to December 2022.
Such alarming figures prompted AWDO to conduct a probe on causes of unwanted pregnancies to intervene in finding a solution and develop proactive responses.
Some of issues reported to be exacerbating the situation, include lack of means to buy sanitary pads which might push children to be seduced by those catering for their cost, lacking information on reproductive health and family disputes.
After realizing lack of means to buy sanitary pads, AWDO started training girls to sew reusable sanitary pads called ‘MAHUMBEZI’.
MAHUMBEZI can be washed and dried or ironed and kept in clean places. It can be used for at least three years.
Statistics from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) indicate that Rwanda’s population is estimated at 13 million of whom 51.5% (6,695,000) are females.
However, not everyone has means to afford the cost for the sanitary pad with a cost estimated between Rwf1000 and 1200.
In collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which funded the project, AWDO recently donated reusable pads to 150 girls from Saint Elizabeth School in Nyamiyaga of Kamonyi District, Southern Province.
During the event held on 4th May 2023, each beneficiary received a bag made by AWDO containing ten reusable pads.
Theodette Muteteshe, the Chairperson of AWDO said that producing reusable pads is among promising solutions to address issues facing girls.
“It becomes a burden for some mothers with three girls to access sanitary pads for her and children. We thought of MAHUMBEZI as a durable solution for people with inadequate means,” she said.
The sanitary pads can last for three years when maintained properly. The pads given to schoolchildren were estimated at a cost of Rwf4,540,050 under a project worth Rwf15, 133,500.
They were donated to girls after talks delivered to over 500 young boys and girls on reproductive health during which children with correct answers walked away with gifts. MAHUMBEZI pads are expected to be given to 500 girls.
The gesture was done to help girls learn without disruptions even during their periods.
“In collaboration with UNESCO and potential partners, we plan to extend the sensitization to other districts, donate MAHUMBEZI pads to girls and provide training to sew them where it is possible. We will also continue to conduct advocacy to extend the support to more girls as beneficiaries have told us that they came in handy,” added Muteteshe.
Valentine Nishimwe, a senior two student welcomed the donation noting that she will no longer use pieces of clothes during her period.
“My mother had advised to use pieces of clothes because she would not afford the cost of standard pads every month. I am grateful for the donation,” she noted.
He colleague from senior 1, Sylvie Umukundwa highlighted that reusable pads will help them maintain hygiene and continue studies in comfort.
G.S Saint Elizabeth Nyamiyaga already has girls’ safe room built by another partner.
The Head Teacher of the school, Philbert Turabayo said that girls’ performance have been outperforming boys since the inauguration of the room.
Dr. Ben Alexandre Mpozembizi, National project officer at UNESCO said that they are working with AWDO through ‘Our Right, Our Lives, Our Future’ (O3) project to educate children on reproductive health.
He explained that, though the project that aims to fight gender-based violence, unexpected pregnancies and HIV/AIDS; they want to sensitize parents on taking the lead to educate children on reproductive health.
MTN Rwanda’s Quarter one financial results surpassed medium-term guidance despite the continued challenging macroeconomic environment where inflation rose to 19.3% in comparison to March 2022.
The company’s service revenue grew by 14.9% to Rwf 58.4 billion and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) closed at Rwf 27.0 billion, representing a 9.4% increase. The Company’s key revenue streams, data and mobile money grew by 22.2% and 43.3%, respectively, while voice services slightly declined by 1.0%.
Mark Nkurunziza, MTN Rwanda’s Chief Finance Officer, commented on the results saying, “The financial performance for the quarter ending 31 March 2023 reflects a consistently strong year on year growth. In the first quarter, our Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) EBITDA, grew by 9.4% to deliver an EBITDA margin of 45.5%, which was down 2.2pp YoY.
This can be attributed to the increased cost of sales related to interconnect expenses and wholesale data cost of sales driven by an increased uptake of 4G services from the wholesale service provider. We expect an improvement in EBITDA margins in the forthcoming quarters with the implementation of our the expense efficiency program (EEP) and the launch of our own 4G network.”
He added that the Mobile Money business delivered a solid performance with a double-digit revenue growth of 43.3%, which was attributed to a growth in both Mobile Money services, as well as Xtratime, the telecom’s airtime lending service.
Mobile Money revenues recorded a significant growth in Merchant payments and remittance products, whilst advanced services have grown to contribute 22.5% to total Mobile Money revenues, up from 14% in Q1, 2022.
Among others, active Mobile Money subscribers grew 17.2% YoY, driven by increased total subscriber growth as well as a continued focus on customer value management activities.
Remarking on the quarterly results Mapula Bodibe, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer, said that the telecom is happy to present quarter one, 2023 financial performance results which recorded solid top line revenue performance and subscriber growth.
“We are pleased with our results, which demonstrate our ability to execute our strategic priorities and deliver sustainable long-term growth for our business. Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, we believe that our strategic intent to deliver leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress, and builds on our belief that Everyone Deserves the Benefit of a Modern Connected life, is aligned to Rwanda’s 2022 Broadband policy which we expect to unlock the next phase of growth as we continue to deliver on our Ambition 2025 strategy. We remain committed to creating shared value and will continue to drive innovation across our business, to bring value for our customers, shareholders and stakeholders,” she noted.
“In line with our commitment to prioritise shared value, MTN Rwanda continues to drive ESG initiatives in our market and place ESG issues at the core of how we operate. In March 2023, we joined the Kicukiro district community for the monthly ‘Umuganda’ and launched our Green Ambassadors initiative, a drive to encourage young people to take care of their environment and contributed Rwf 50million to support the construction of a community garden for the sector under our Green Rwanda project. Furthermore, we supported young mothers in the community with sewing machines, as a way of empowering young women to sustain their livelihoods,” added Modibe.
Looking ahead, she said, MTN Rwanda remains committed to delivering consistent network quality service customers and solid returns to investors.
“Our operating focus for the coming quarter envisions the launch of our 4G network across the country. Moreover, our planned capital expenditure towards increased network coverage affirms our commitment to consistently improve the quality of service and deliver a network customer experience second to none.
Our Fintech business will continue its focus to deepen financial inclusion in Rwanda with the expected rollout of additional advanced services including banktech and Insuretech solutions in the forthcoming quarters,” stated Modibe.
She also expressed deep appreciation to customers, investors and all stakeholders for their unwavering support and continued commitment to the growth of the organization.
“Your trust and confidence in us have been vital to our success. Beyond our operational and financial performance, 2023 marks an important milestone for MTN Rwandacell Plc as we mark 25 years of existence in Rwanda. We look forward to celebrating our rich history and legacy in the country through various initiatives whilst we continue to execute on our Ambition 2025 strategy and deliver on our strategy to Lead Digital Solutions to drive Rwanda’s progress,” commented Modibe.
The quarter one, 2023 financial performance is a representation of a consolidated view of MTN Rwanda and its subsidiary company, Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd (MMRL).
The company disclosed its full Quarter one, 2023 results through the Rwanda Stock Exchange and is expected to have a Results call on 8th May 2022.
