The celebration was held at the Rescue Girls and Women Transformation Centre in Gitega/Nyarugenge Kigali, where the women receive capacity building and counseling from the Rescue Girls and Women Transformation Centre (REGIWO), and from which they have graduated.
The two hotels, the association, and a delegation from the City of Kigali National Women Council, represented by Marie Laetitia Mugabo, celebrated the special day together.
According to Nicole Ingabire Munyangabe, Cluster Director of Human Resources, Marriott International Inc. ‘values make our culture more vibrant!’
“One of our core values is called “Serve Our World,” and our spirit to serve culture strengthens communities and our business. Our sustainability and social impact goals guide our path to making a sustainable and positive impact wherever we do business,” she said.
It is in that regard that, in cooperation with the City of Kigali and National Women Council (NWC), Kigali Marriott and Four Points identified the REGIWO Centre, where the aim of the Centre is to train, teach, provide counseling, and empower girls and women with projects generating income for their self-economic development.
“After being informed by Kigali City through NWC about REGIWO Centre, and the empowerment the center does for women in general and especially for you as ‘Abishyize Hamwe,’ we definitely had to celebrate with you today and empower you, and we have no doubt that the sewing machines will contribute to your well-being, your family’s well-being, and your financial sustainability,” noted Ingabire.
On International Women’s Day, Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Kigali not only empowered the women with sewing machines but also donated bed sheets and sanitary items to Nyarugenge District, which will be distributed to vulnerable women in the community.
The deal signed in April 2022 paves the way for deportation to Rwanda of migrants and asylum seekers staying in the UK illegally.
The UK made the decision to discourage people crossing to the country illegally and reduce the budget spent on them every year.
It is said that Braverman will visit Rwanda towards the end of next week between 18th and 19th March and meet with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta.
Sources have been disclosing that Andrew Mitchell, UK Minister for International Development and Africa is also planning to visit Rwanda.
Braverman is visiting Rwanda at a time when the country is facing criticisms for the deal to deport migrants to Rwanda.
UK explains that Rwanda is a safe country where migrants and asylum seekers can enjoy a dignified life.
The assessment conducted by the United Kingdom indicated that the first batch of migrants might be deported to Rwanda in 2024.
Through the deal signed between Rwanda and UK in April last year, the latter will provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund invaluable opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons and higher education.
These asylum seekers from African countries and others outside the continent will be treated decently like Rwandans upon arrival. It is expected that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.
Last year, over 45,000 illegal migrants crossed into the UK. The number is expected to increase to 80,000 this year.
The event was held in the evening of Thursday 9th March 2023 at Kigali Marriot Hotel.
Dr. Ugirashebuja hosted over 300 participants from 40 countries to a dinner on the third day of the conference.
The meeting brought together researchers, experts and specialists in forensic evidence services who discussed how to take the sector to greater heights on the African continent.
Dr. Ugirashebuja hosted the guests to a dinner along with the Director General of Rwanda Forensic Laboratory (RFL), Lt Col Dr. Charles Karangwa; the Prosecutor General, Aimable Havugiyaremye and other officials.
He said that forensic evidences continue to play a great role in the delivery of quality justice and stressed the need to reinforce the sector.
Minister Ugirashebuja highlighted that such conferences are crucial as they provide a platform for participants to acquire knowledge relevant for the sector’s development.
During the meeting which took place in Kigali, the African Forensic Science Academy (AFSA) was launched in Rwanda.
Launched in Kigali on 7th March 2023, AFSA will serve as a professional representative body for forensic science practitioners in Africa.
It is expected to build the capacity of African countries in forensic services.
AFSA activities will be rolled out either in online or in-person format overtime.
It envisages training programmes in various formats, development of best-practice guidelines, webinars, workshops and much more.
The Acting President of AFSA, Dr. Antonel Olckers said that the academy is a testament that the time has come for Africa to develop home-grown solutions.
Similar conference will be held in Cameroon next year.
With the expansion, clients can follow up on or pick up their licenses and permits at the One Stop Centre. All licenses and permits required for business setup or import and export operations will be issued at the RDB One Stop Centre.
Since its inception in 2008, the One Stop Centre has been processing licenses and permits for investors during the business setup phase. Currently, the expanded One Stop Centre offers over 23 licensing services.
According to Clare Akamanzi, CEO of RDB, the expansion is a significant milestone in improving the ease of doing business in Rwanda.
“The One Stop Centre will reduce the time spent moving between institutions for licensing and enhance the investor experience. RDB encourages investors to take advantage of the services provided at the centre,” says Akamanzi.
{{Licensing and permit services offered at the RDB One Stop Centre include:}}
{{● Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Desk:}} Here, investors can get information on navigating the AfCFTA agreement and how to take advantage of the benefits it provides. They are also facilitated to apply and collect all licences and permits required for exporting products under the AfCFTA.
{{● Agriculture (Export) Licensing: }} At this desk, investors get information and are facilitated to apply for and collect licences and permits from the National Agricultural Exports Board (NAEB), including certificates of origin, certificates of quality, export operation licences, and other permits for opening industries.
{{● Aviation and Drone Permits:}} At this desk, investors get information and are facilitated to apply for and collect licences and permits to operate manned and unmanned aircrafts, such as UA registration, pilot certificates/licences, Unmanned Operator Certificates, activity permits, and de-registration certificates for unmanned aircrafts (drones).
{{● Building Permits:}} At this desk, investors get information on building regulations, housing projects, and the rules and guidelines to follow when building and renovating. They are also facilitated to apply and collect all necessary building permits, both in the City of Kigali and other districts.
{{● Capital Market Licensing:}} At this desk, investors get information and are facilitated to apply for and collect licences essential for the regulation of the financial industry and ensuring investor protection. These include, but not limited to licences for investment management, investment advisory service, set up investment funds, security exchange licence, commodity exchange trading licence, depositary licence, credit rating among others.
{{● Consumer Protection, Inspection and Registration Licensing:}} Here, investors get information and are facilitated to apply and collect import permits for items such as agricultural commodities, general purpose chemicals, and construction materials; and export permits and phytosanitary certificates for plants and animal products, as well as international veterinary health certificates.
{{● Customs Tax Exemption Services:}} At this desk, investors get information on Rwanda Revenue Authority’s customs services and facilitation to apply for and collect necessary licences, such as tax stamps, import and export permits and licences, among others.
{{● Domestic Taxes Services:}} Here, investors get information on Rwanda Revenue Authority’s domestic taxes services and facilitation to comply with all tax requirements and apply for tax exemptions.
{{● Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): }} Here, investors receive information and facilitation to apply for and collect the EIA certificate. EIA is used to prevent and mitigate adverse impacts, enhance positive impacts and assist the rational use of natural resources to maximise the benefit of socio-economic development projects and ensure sustainable development.
{{● Financial Center Services: }} Here, investors can interact with Rwanda Finance Limited (RFL), which works to develop and promote the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), with the aim of transforming Rwanda into an international financial destination for investors seeking opportunities across the African continent.
{{● Financial Services Licensing: }} Here, investors receive guidance and support on licensing and regulatory compliance, as well as information on the financial sector and legal and administrative requirements to operate in the sector.
{{● Food and Drugs Inspection, Registration and Licensing:}} At this desk, investors receive information and facilitation on how to apply for and collect licences and certification of various products and services related to the medical and food industries, premise licenses and registration certificates for all medical products, manufacturing licences and good manufacturing practice certificates, as well as import-export licences and approvals for advertisements related to medical products.
{{● Forestry Permits:}} At this desk, investors receive information and facilitation to apply and collect forest harvesting permits and forest exploration licences. These licences are critical for the forestry industry as they allow for the extraction and exportation of products, while ensuring sustainable harvesting.
{{● Immigration Business Permits:}} This desk offers information and facilitation to apply for and collect work permits and visas for registered investors, expatriates and their dependents.
{{● Incentives Management Services:}} At this desk, you will receive information on and facilitation to apply for incentives offered in Rwanda’s Investment Code, Manufacture and Building to Recover Program and other incentives offered to businesses.
{{● Investment Registration Services:}} This desk facilitates the registration of domestic, foreign, and joint venture investments in Rwanda and application and collection of the investment certificate. Visitors receive information on investment opportunities and Rwanda’s business environment. Together with Aftercare services, this desk guides investors on expansion plans, resolves investment-related issues, and addresses any concerns related to investment in Rwanda.
{{● Mining Licensing:}} At this desk, investors receive information on the mining sector laws and regulations and are facilitated to apply for and collect mining and quarry licences, and licences related to mineral exploration, trading, processing, and industrial quarry operations.
{{● Private Education Facility Licensing:}} This desk shares information on the accreditation process and requirements to set up a private institution for higher education, as well as facilitation to apply for and collect all required licences and authorizations.
{{● Private Health Facility Licensing:}} This desk shares information on the application and registration process to open and operate a private health facility, as well as facilitation to apply for and collect all required licences, permits and authorizations.
{{● Public Utilities Licensing:}} At this desk, investors get information on and facilitation to apply for and collect all licences, permits and authorizations issued by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), which include those required for transport services, ICT services, electricity, gas & petroleum, postal services and e-commerce, water and sanitation, e-waste, and nuclear and radiation protection.
{{● Standards Services:}} Here, investors receive information on standardisation, as mandated by the Rwanda Standards Board, as well as facilitation to apply for and collect all necessary certification for their businesses. Support may also include site visits for quality assurance and guidance on international standards, to ensure Rwandan exports are compliant and ready for international markets.
{{● Water Use Permits:}} At this desk, investors receive information on and facilitation to apply for and collect water use licences, for individuals and organisations that require the use of water for their activities. Rwanda Water Board is responsible for managing and regulating the use of water resources in a sustainable manner and this desk is equipped to provide all necessary information to ensure compliance.
{{● Public Notary Services:}} This office provides notary services required for land registration and requirements by businesses that are in the process of applying for licences, permits, authorizations, certificates and other services.
The One Stop Centre is located on the ground floor of the RDB Head Office, KN 5 Rd, KG 9 Ave, Gishushu. It operates from 9 am – 5 pm from Monday to Friday.
According to released figures, in February 2023, Food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 42.4 percent on annual basis and increased by 4.7 percent on monthly basis. ‘Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels’ increased by 7.1 percent on annual basis and increased by 0.9 percent on monthly basis. Transport increased by 12.1 percent on annual basis and decreased by 0.1 percent on monthly basis.
The data also show the “local products” increased by 21.9 percent on annual change and increased by 2.3 percent on monthly basis, while prices of the “imported products” increased by 17.5 percent on annual basis and increased by 0.4 percent on monthly basis.
The prices of the “fresh products” increased by 48.7 percent on annual change and increased by 7.3 percent on monthly basis.
The prices of the “energy” increased by 15.4 percent on annual change and increased by 1.2 percent on monthly basis.
The prices of the “general Index excluding fresh products and energy” increased by 14.4 percent on annual change and increased by 0.3 percent on monthly basis.
The testimonies were delivered by farmers grouped in Kopakaki-Dutegure Cooperative as Japan’s ambassador to Rwanda, Isao Fukushima visited them on 7th March 2023.
Japan supports five cooperatives including Kopakaki-Dutegure belonging to coffee farmers in Kibuye to enhance the quality of their produce. Kopakaki-Dutegure is based in Rubengera Sector of Karongi District.
The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) indicates that Japan is among top three destinations for Rwanda’s coffee whereby coffee exports to the country increase gradually.
In 2012, Japan through International Cooperation Agency (JICA) started working with farmers in the area of capacity building. In the following year, Rwandans started travelling to Japan to learn from best practices in coffee farming.
Amb. Isao Fukushima said that the country plans to continue marketing Rwanda’s coffee on the international market.
Eric Ruganintwari, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Division Manager at NAEB said that cooperation between Rwanda and Japan is an opportunity for Rwanda’s coffee farmers because the country’s coffee consumers have increased for the past ten years.
“Upon arrival in Rwanda, the ambassador himself visited joint projects being implemented in Rwanda through JICA. There is optimism for this program to make a great impact, benefit farmers and the country as well,” he said.
{{Farmers thankful }}
Nyirabantu Thérèse, a farmer owning 444 coffee trees told IGIHE that Japanese agronomists trained them on quantities of fertilizers to be applied in their plantations and mulching techniques.
“Before, we practiced rudimentary farming techniques. After receiving training, the produce has increased from four to six sacks,” she said.
The President of Kopakaki-Dutegure, Bonavanture Munyeshema explained that cooperation with Japan capacitated farmers to regenerate trees and increase the number of young people growing coffee.
The Mayor of Karongi District, Vestine Mukarutesi said that coffee farming has a great significance to economic growth and improved wellbeing of residents.
Through coffee, she said, farmers in the district subscribe for Community Based Health Insurance (Mutuelle de Santé), make contributions in Ejo Heza saving scheme, pay school fees and feed their families.
Mukarutesi encouraged farmers to adopt best practices to make coffee a sustainable source of income.
In the fiscal year 2021-2022, Rwanda exported 15 million kilograms of coffee that generated US$75.5 million.
-* { {{In September 2022, Tshisekedi affirmed that the postponement of elections was not possible
-* On 26th October 2022; Patrick Muyaya, DR Congo’s Minister of Communication announced that provocations could disrupt elections
-* In January 2023, Speaker of Parliament, Christophe Mboso said that elections would not be possible amidst ongoing fighting
-* On 27th February 2023, President Tshisekedi reminisced on postponement of polls}} }
{It is obvious that there are people who succeed in finding an excuse for their flaws but others fail at the onset. This is what the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been trying as part of a broad plan that existed for long to postpone elections until the country dragged Rwanda into its mess under the cover of an ongoing fighting with M23 rebel group yet the reality is self-evidencing.}
Congolese government has been making utterances that elections cannot be held amidst insecurity facing the country ignoring evidences proving that it was the country’s long-term plan to blame neighbours, particularly Rwanda for the postponement.
DR Congo started declaring the adjournment of presidential polls early, but surprisingly, the country did not outline plans to address those challenges.
This proves how the goal was to find justification ahead of time to be proactive on mixed reactions that would emerge from the country’s President, Felix Tshisekedi’s prolonged stay in office.
Since September 2021, before M23 resumed fighting, there were plans to revise electoral law to hold polls in two phases in case the presidential aspirant on top did not secure above 50% of votes.
At the time, Parliamentarian André Claudel Lubaya who once served as cabinet member said that there was high possibility for postponement of elections in case all requirements were not met by 15th September 2023.
He explained that elections would hardly be held without disruptions in case the country was not fully prepared.
As he assumed duties in February 2022, the Chairperson of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Denis Kadima was fast to declare that there are reasons pushing for adjournment of elections.
Kadima outlined three reasons that might lead to the postponement of elections.
Among them, he cited insecurity in some parts of the country, financial constraints and political unrest.
At the time, the fighting with M23 and relations with Rwanda were not part of these reasons.
On 28th July 2022, Kadima told Jeune Afrique that he made the statement ahead of time lest he would be held accountable in case the date could be changed without prior notice.
He was raising concerns that the commission was faced with financial constraints and needed US$624 million to buy equipment to be used during elections including 29,000 machines for voters’ registration.
“[If it happens], the government will be responsible for the delay of elections.”
Congo turned back on all these concerns but considered tricks to find an excuse for postponement of elections.
Initially, Tshisekedi would not comment on these statements because he was busy making a thorough planning.
During an interview with RFI and France 24 in September 2022, Tshisekedi affirmed that the postponement of elections was not possible that ‘there was nothing to worry about’ but later fell for contradictory statements.
{{Open declarations}}
Presidential polls in DRC are scheduled on 20th December 2023. The date was confirmed on 26th November 2022.
Before the confirmation, DRC government had already found an excuse to postpone elections.
On 26th October 2022; Patrick Muyaya, DR Congo’s Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson released a statement claiming that his country continues to face provocations from Rwanda, ‘which might disrupt elections’.
At the time, he sounded alarm to the international community noting that ‘peace and security in eastern DRC are paramount for smooth elections in 2023’.
Since then, intentions to adjourn elections were openly disclosed until the Speaker of Parliament, Christophe Mboso, held a visit to Belgium in January 2023 to demand support for a war against Rwanda.
Mboso elucidated that elections would not be possible in North Kivu Province when the fighting was going on.
DRC did not make efforts to address barriers hindering elections’ process but rather overlooked resolutions reached by regional heads of state to restore peace in eastern part of the country.
It continued to work with armed groups including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), Mai Mai and made reactions that intensified violence against Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.
FDLR is a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Besides, Tshisekedi travelled to Geneva, Switzerland to attend the fifty-second session United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council on 27th February 2023 that is normally attended by ambassadors, where he hinted at the postponement of polls.
He declared that elections are likely to be disrupted, if the fighting continues in eastern Congo, due to a large number of displaced citizens.
Tshisekedi and his government continuously ignored the truth and leaned on war as an excuse for postponement of elections.
He tried to put forward his reasons to convince the international community but efforts seem to be futile.
In front of Pope Francis, Tshisekedi blamed Rwanda for insecurity in his country again. He did the same during the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to the country but attracted no special attention.
Tshisekedi explained that voters’ registration may delay because citizens have fled the country, which is also deemed to affect timelines for elections.
It is worth noting that postponing elections has become a hot topic at a time when Tshisekedi is being reminded that his installation as President did not go through a transparent process.
President Macron recently told him that circumstances under which elections were held in 2018 are known.
There are more evidences that Tshisekedi did not win recent polls but was installed after agreements with his predecessor, Joseph Kabila.
The conference organized by the African Society of Forensic Medicine (ASFM) brought together over 400 participants from 40 countries. These include forensic experts, researchers and specialists.
Rwanda has hosted the 10th edition of the summit through Rwanda Forensic Laboratory (RFL).
{{Exhibitors}}
{{-Visit Rwanda}}
Rwanda has a stand at the exhibition to take participants through the ‘Visit Rwanda’ campaign introduced by Rwanda development Board (RDB) to lure foreigners to visit the country and explore available opportunities in the areas of tourism and investment.
Nicholas Tugume, Tourism Practitioner at RDB explained that they participated in the conference to bring to light Rwanda’s offerings in tourism and investment.
“Guests attending the meeting also need to explore our country’s attractions. We are here to help them without necessity to make movements. In most cases, they are guests who do not know where our offices are located. It is about decentralizing services to promote tourism,” he said.
{{- Inter Business Company Ltd}}
Inter Business Company Ltd is a medical equipment supply company specialized in the importation and distribution of medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, laboratory equipment, chemicals and re-agents in Rwanda.
It also supplies equipment to RFL. Jean Claude Habarugira, a Biomedical Equipment Technologist at Inter Business Company Ltd has said that they attended the exhibition to showcase offered services expected to be expanded to other countries.
He explained that the company works with leading manufacturers in the areas of medical supplies giving them a competitive edge to offer convenient services.
{{-QIAEN}}
Qiagen is a company based in Germany that supplies equipment used to conduct tests for forensic evidences.
QIAGEN N.V. runs operations in more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe.
It is a large company with total assets estimated at US$2,252 billion.
The company’s head of marketing, Laurent Moncomble explained that most of their activities take heed on DNA tests.
{{-AFSA}}
Launched in Kigali on 7th March 2023, African Forensic Science Academy (AFSA) will serve as a professional representative body for forensic science practitioners in Africa.
It is expected to build the capacity of African countries in forensic services.
AFSA activities will be rolled out either in online or in-person format overtime.
It envisages training programmes in various formats, development of best-practice guidelines, webinars, workshops and much more.
The Acting President of AFSA, Dr. Antonel Olckers said that the academy is a testament that the time has come for Africa to develop home-grown solutions.
{{ASFM}}
The African Society of Forensic Medicine (ASFM) is behind the organization of the conference bringing together leaders, experts, specialists and researchers in forensic evidence sector.
The management says that Rwanda was selected because of achieved milestone in the area of forensic evidence services in Rwanda, the region and beyond.
The Secretary General of ASFM, Oshunbayo Remilekun, said that the meeting was much needed to discuss how forensic evidence services in Africa can be taken to greater heights for quality justice to deepen roots.
{{-RFL}}
Rwanda Forensic Laboratory was launched in 2018. Since it was launched five years ago, RFL has greatly contributed to justice delivery with forensic evidence services.
After enacting the law establishing RFL in 2016, the institution started offering convenient services to the judiciary, members of the private sector and citizens in 2018.
It became an autonomous body in the same year and is currently run under the aegis of the Ministry of Justice.
The RFL has modern equipment as well as experts and specialists capacitating it to conduct forensic investigations used to boost justice delivery.
Today, RFL provides 12 services including forensic toxicology, drug and chemistry, and documents examination and fingerprint analysis, DNA forensics, ballistics, forensic pathology and digital forensics.
As at November last year, RFL was offered services to more than 20 African countries.
The Director General of RFL, Dr. Charles Karangwa recently told the media that the institution has so far released over 35,000 forensic evidences since 2018.
Rwanda is among other countries represented at the exhibition that runs from Tuesday 7th March to 9th March at Messe Berlin.
Rwanda is represented by Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda’s national airline, RwandAir, Akagera Aviation and the Tourism Chamber in Private Sector Federation (PSF) among others.
The Head of Tourism and Conservation Department at RDB, Ariella Kageruka has said that participating in the trade fair is of great significance as it presents an opportunity to increase Rwanda’s visibility.
The Rwanda Development Board is delighted to be back at the ITB Tourism Fair in Germany where we got an opportunity to engage with members of the private sector in the tourism sector,” she noted.
In collaboration with Rwanda’s embassy, Kageruka the exhibition was an opportune moment to interact with travel media and travel trade for B2B event and a cultural show of Rwanda.
“We look forward to continue engaging with our stakeholders to continue promoting the country’s destination and increase partnership with travel players from around the world, especially from Germany and the rest of Europe,” said Kageruka.
The Director General of the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism at the Private Sector Federation, Frank Gisha emphasized that the exhibition presents unique opportunities for Rwandans.
“This is an exciting year as we came with a large number of members totaling to 19. We normally work with RDB to coordinate such exhibition along with other key partners. Seven of our members met with travel companies and were glad for the experience. This year, they are discussing how tourism can be turned into a sustainable business. Most of our visitors are eager to visit Rwanda,” he revealed.
Habba Hadijah Kamwesiga representing RwandAir explained that participating in the exhibition served as a platform helping them to interact with partners and hear concerns of the airline’s clients.
RwandAir recently announced plans to commence flights to Paris in France.
Kamwesiga further stated that the airline has been serving clients in different destinations in Africa and Asia among others with plans to continue enriching their experience.
Jeanne Ndatirwa dwelling in Berlin who attended the exhibition said that she was impressed by Rwanda’s participation.
“Visit Rwanda has become popular and we are glad to be represented here. Most importantly, we were given enough space to showcase our country’s attractions,” she noted.
Apart from RDB, 19 more companies from Rwanda that participated in the trade fair include RwandAir, Africa Journeys, Amahoro Tours, Gerry Tours-Safaris, Wilderness Rwanda, International Tours and Travel, Primate Safaris, International Travel Agency, Destination Rwanda, Jambo Tours and Fine Safaris Afrika.
Mist Rwanda Safaris, Silver Bird Tours, Palast Tours & Travels, Heritage Safaris Ltd, Kingfisher Journeys, Akagera Management Company, Akagera Aviation and Intore Expeditions and Business Tours have also participated.
The trade fair is expected to attract exhibitors from over 60 countries across the world and 160,000 visitors.
AFSA was launched in Kigali on Tuesday 7th March 2023 at the official opening of the African Society of Forensic Medicine (ASFM) International Conference which brought together researchers and experts in the area of forensic services.
The academy was officially launched by the Minister of Justice and State Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja and the Head of AFSA during the ASFM International Conference held in Kigali.
The academy will serve as a professional representative body for forensic science practitioners in Africa.
It is expected to build the capacity of African countries in forensic services.
AFSA activities will be rolled out either in online or in-person format overtime. It envisages training programmes in various formats, development of best-practice guidelines, webinars, workshops and much more.
Minister Ugirashebuja said that the launch of the academy in Rwanda as the host country of the conference is a result of RFL’s achievements.
Since it was launched five years ago, RFL has greatly contributed to justice delivery with forensic evidence services.
Dr. Ugirashebuja emphasized that forensic evidence services are crucial in enhancing quality justice.
The Head of ASFM, Dr Uwom Okereke Eze explained that the academy was opened in Rwanda because of achieved milestone in forensic services.
He underscored that the academy will set pace for transformations with impact on the entire African continent.
Rwanda Forensic Laboratory offers services including forensic toxicology, drug and chemistry, and documents examination and fingerprint analysis, DNA forensics, ballistics, forensic pathology and digital forensics.
As at November last year, RFL was offering services to more than 20 African countries since it was established in 2018.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of RFL, Dr. Charles Karangwa said that AFSA will play an important role not only for Rwanda but also for the African continent as it will promote research and foster cooperation in forensic evidences.
The President of Supreme Court, Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo said that Rwanda will continue working closely with players in the sector to deliver justice to citizens.
He emphasized that Rwanda is pleased to host the academy and expects continued collaboration to provide needed contribution to the delivery of quality justice in Africa.
Dr. Ntezilyayo also reiterated the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to develop the AFSA to become more meaningful to different countries.
The academy will also intervene in conducting DNA tests, investigate disputed death circumstances, and deploy latest technology in forensic services among others.
