His resignation was approved during senators’ plenary sitting on Friday 9th December 2022.
The senators who approved his decision by 25 votes also declared the office of the Senate President vacant.
On December 8, 2022, Dr. Iyamuremye addressed a letter to the President of the Republic and the Senators informing them of his resignation citing health reasons.
The letter reads that his current health state requires him to take time off to continue his treatment without compromising his duties.
The Organic Law determining the functioning of the Senate, in its articles 20, 82, 83, 84 and 85, provides for the resignation of the President of Senate and a Senator.
Dr. Iyamuremye’s position will remain vacant for the next 30 days pending the election of the next occupant.
However, Espérance Nyirasafari, the Senate Vice-President in charge of Legislation and Government Oversight who also presided over the plenary sitting, will take over during the transition.
Dr. Iyamuremye was among senators appointed by the President of the Republic.The same process will be applied to name his successor.
Meanwhile, elections will be mandatory to select the new Senate President.
{{Dr. Iyamurenye expresses gratitude }}
Dr. Iyamurenye thanked his colleagues at the Senate Bureau for accepting his resignation.
He told the Senators that he had been suffering from a non-contagious disease and other ailments for quite some time.
“Rwandans say that he who needs to get well from an illness brags about it, but there is always discretion,” he said.
“As a politician, I will not hide from you that I have been suffering from a non-contagious disease for a while and related problems,” added Dr. Iyamuremye.
Dr. Iyamurenye said that the doctors at King Faisal Hospital and Kanombe Hospital took care of him and continue to treat him.
“You elected me to take the Senate to greater heights not to assume duties while in bed and unable to climb these stairs,” he noted.
Dr. Iyamurenye thanked the President of the Republic for the trust he has given him in various responsibilities and thanked the senators who have been working with him until today.
Senator Nyirasafari thanked him for his contribution to the development of the Senate.
{{Colleagues’ appreciation}}
Senator Umuhire Adrie praised Dr. Iyamurenye for the way he worked closely with others and his advises to colleagues.
Senator Umuhire said that Dr. Iyamurenye’s reason for sickness was clear, whished him quick recovery.
Senator Alvera Mukabaramba also thanked him as a close colleague in the administration of the Senate Bureau.
“I thank him for the experience he has shown in leading all the committees of the Senate. We wish you quick recovery, and may God help you,” she said.
Senator Juvenal Nkusi extolled Dr. Iyamurenye’s decision, saying it was in the interest of the country and the institution he was leading.
“He is a man who knows how to make decisions and knows the right time to take them. He is also patriotic,” he affirmed.
Senator Lambert Dushimimana said: “He led us well combining his parenting skills and expertise. I think that his fatherly advice and experience have helped us a lot in our duties. We will continue to follow his advice.”
Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), made the remarks ahead of the second part of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) held from Dec. 7 to 19 in Montreal, Canada.
The CBD Secretariat said in a statement that COP15 in Montreal is expected to adopt a new global biodiversity framework with ambitious goals and specific action targets to achieve transformational change by the middle of the century.
The second phase of COP15 follows the first part held last year in Kunming, the capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, with the continued theme of “Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth.”
Mrema noted that as chair of COP15, China has made enormous efforts to consult counterparts globally, organizing various multilateral events and bilateral discussions to secure an ambitious post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
[{{Click here to watch related video}}->https://english.news.cn/20221207/0c4e802cdfcc4cb18709c7780f8ff5c4/c.html]
FDLR is a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The report shows that insecurity remains a great concern in eastern DRC mainly in Ituri and northern Kivu that have been war-torn zones for 18 months.
It indicates that ADF continues to expand its activities in northern Kivu and attacks to civilians in the areas of Beni, Lubero and southern Ituri.
Apart from ADF, UN experts said that Mai Mai group also continues to destabilize citizens in Lubero.
From April 2022 to 5th November 2022, the report shows that ADF was involved in attacks that claimed lives of over 370 civilians.
In Ituri, CODECO armed group also continues to expand its bases, plot attacks to FARDC and civilians.
The report indicates that MONUSCO supported FARDC to fight M23 but ended to no avail. The failure saw other armed groups from Pinga joining the coalition to fight M23.
These include Nduma défense du Congo-Rénové (NDC-R) led by Guidon Mwisa Shimirai and Nyatura Abazungu, CMC/FDP led by Dominique Ndaruhutse alias “Domi” among others.
FDLR is also part of the armed groups where it was represented by Col Silencieux and Col Potifaro in a meeting held in Pinda. FARDC was represented by Col Salomon Tokolonga.
Leaders of these armed groups agreed on bringing together 600 fighters to support FARDC. It is reported that their fighters were deployed in Bambu, Rugari and Rumangabo in July.
Witnesses who attended the meeting told UN experts that FARDC provides weapons to these armed groups including FDLR noting that the support continues in October 2022 as the fighting with M23 resumed.
The report also indicated that hate speeches and violence against Kinyarwanda-speaking people increased. Such acts are said to have been fueled, mainly by politicians, government officials and security personnel.
The report also accused FARDC of collaboration with armed groups, illegal mining in collaboration with foreign companies operating in Northern Kivu Province.
It is released at a time when DRC continues to overlook the threat to regional security caused by FDLR. The country says that the terrorist group was largely defeated where ‘remnants are thieves stealing sweet potatoes for survival’.
However, FDLR recently said that it still exists and commended Congolese President Tshisekedi for his recent utterance who confirmed that he wants to help Rwandans topple their leadership.
FDLR welcomed the statement noting that it shares the same enemy with DRC.
Lt Gen Innocent Kabandana, was guest of honour, on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff.
The event organized by the Department of International Military Cooperation was attended by selected RDF Generals and senior officers, senior officials from RNP, NISS, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassies accredited to Rwanda.
Currently 26 countries have Defences Attachés accredited to Rwanda.
The most sought-after treatment resulting in medical tourism amongst undeveloped and developing countries include; weight loss treatment, fertility treatment, cardiovascular treatment, cosmetic treatment, orthopedic treatment and cancer treatment which cannot be satisfactorily received in their home country due to lack of inadequate medical infrastructure, and high expenses. According to a report, around 650,000 people traveled from Africa for medical tourism in 2015. Since then, the numbers have been rapidly growing with the African market losing billions in medical tourism each year.
{{Dubai is Rapidly Growing as a Destination for Medical Tourism}}
In recent years, Dubai is slowly emerging as the preferred destination for medical tourism amongst international travelers, ranking sixth in the Global Medical Tourism Index issued by the International Healthcare Research Centre (IHRC). Besides its breathtaking tourist attractions from its impressive skyline, to spectacular buildings, glamorous malls, mouth-watering cuisine, high-end restaurants, 5-star hotels, stunning beaches, and dazzling nightlife, Dubai has become the latest trend in medical tourism.
Over the years, the country has invested in healthcare infrastructure with the aim of becoming one of the best medical tourism destinations in the world rapidly surpassing countries like France and Brazil with the introduction of an affordable and more effective medical care system.
The Healthcare System in Dubai is managed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) which have put in place effort to develop medical tourism as a means of attracting tourist and improving the city’s economy. As the medical tourism market continues to improve in Dubai, it has attracted international patients from around the world and has become the number one top medical destination in the Arab region.
It also received the highest ranking in the region for its handling of the COVID -19 pandemic. Dubai Healthcare offers several healthcare treatments ranging from dental surgery, cardiac surgery, cosmetic surgeries, psychological treatment, and convalescent care amongst others. However, according to reports, orthopedics, dermatology, and ophthalmology are the most sought-after treatments.
While Dubai has seen rapid development in its medical tourism market and has become a famous medical destination for people in pursuit of cheaper/ more effective medical care, the medical tourism market remains quite competitive. Countries like India, Turkey, Malaysia, Brazil, and Singapore are known for their effective medical treatments which have been a major source of attraction to international travelers.
-# India is home to world-class medical professionals, with effective medical services. The country’s medical tourism market is ranked No.1 in the medical tourism sector by Medical Tourism Index. India’s healthcare offers medical treatments like spine treatments, Cardiac surgery, Gastroenterology, orthopedic treatments, oncology, fertility treatments, and complicated surgeries like Organ transportation.
-# Turkey is a popular medical tourism destination for travelers in need of eye care, cancer treatment, orthopedic, and heart care.
-# Malaysia is prominent for its high-end medical facilities and it offers oncology treatment, blood work, general surgery as well as in-vitro fertilization.
-# Singapore is a cost-effective medical tourism destination and it is known as one of the best medical tourism destinations in Asia. It is a great tourism destination for patients in need of general treatment like cardiology, cancer treatment, and oncology.
-# Singapore has International Patient Service Centers (IPSCs) which act as a medical travel agency to mediate between international patients and Singaporean healthcare providers.
-# Brazil is popular for its cheap and impressive cosmetic surgery. It has one of the most thriving medical tourism markets in the world.
-# Germany is widely known for its innovative technologies for surgeries. The country was ranked 12th by Medical Tourism Index. It offers healthcare services ranging from oncology, cardiac surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Hematology, and Oncology.
-# The United Kingdom is ranked fifth in the global ranking of medical tourism destinations by the world by Medical Tourism Index. The country is prominent for its state-of-the-art medical facilities.
-# The United Kingdom offers services like Oncology, Trauma treatment, Diabetes treatment, skincare treatments as well as fertility
-# Canada has been ranked as one of the most preferred destinations by the Medical Tourism Index. It is popular for its surgical procedures i.e. angioplasty, joint replacements, plastic surgery, and coronary angiography.
{{Why Dubai Should Be Your Preferred Medical Tourism Destination}}
{{1) Outstanding Infrastructure and Facilities}}
Dubai is a slick country that has continued to attract international visitors with its marvelous real estate from the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, to the spectacular beaches, glamorous hotels, splendid weather, and thriving food scene. As a country with outstanding infrastructural facilities with major tourist attractions, international travelers are wooed and this account for one of the reasons why Dubai has seen a major boost in its medical Tourism market. Today, Dubai is one of the most sought-after Medical Tourism destinations for its breathtaking setting and convenient geographic location.
{{2) Timely Access to Healthcare Services}}
Dubai has put in place an efficient healthcare system that enables international visitors to get fast and easy access to any medical treatment. This is one of the major attractions of Dubai as a medical tourism destination for international travelers who cannot tolerate the long wait lists in their home country. Due to a large number of qualified doctors and nurses in Dubai hospitals, the medical process which usually takes months in other countries is reduced to a day or two in the city.
{{3) Inexpensive Medical Cost}}
The major reason why Dubai is now regarded as one of the most sought-after medical tourism destinations is the high standard of healthcare with affordable costs. Due to the price regulations and laws put in place by Dubai Health Authority, healthcare institutions in Dubai are directed to maintain reasonable prices. While medical treatment cannot be said to be cheap, it can be gotten at a lower and more reasonable cost in comparison to places like the United States of America and the United Kingdom. This makes it the perfect destination for travelers who do not have insurance coverage for treatments like skin care, dental treatments, and orthopedics.
{{4) No Language Barrier}}
Dubai is arguably one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world with almost 200 different nationalities residing in the United Arab Emirates and 80% of the population being emigrants. With the diverse population, there is a host of medical professionals who are well versed in the language of their home country and this helps in erasing the language barrier amongst international travelers looking for medical treatment.
English is most widely used for communication in Dubai and most locals are bilingual, thus creating no communication problem. In situations where communication is a problem, international visitors can hire translators and interpreters who can assist them during their medical tourism.
{{5) State-of-the-art Art Medical Facilities}}
The lack of medical facilities is one of the major reasons people embark on medical tourism. International travelers who are unable to undergo treatments in their home country are irresistibly attracted to Dubai for its innovative facilities. The city has invested heavily in its healthcare system, including the procurement of high-end medical equipment.
Dubai offers world-class healthcare facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology like 3D printing technology for dental treatments and other reconstructive surgeries, wireless brain sensors, and CRISPR. The medical facilities are designed to ensure that medical procedures and recuperative needs are effectively carried out for patients. Dubai introduced the use of medical drones for transporting packets of blood to the hardly accessible villages of Rwanda in 2016.
{{6) Qualified Medical Professionals}}
Dubai’s healthcare system is home to well-trained and qualified medical experts who acquired training from the top universities around the world. The medical experts have immense knowledge in their respective fields which complements the healthcare facilities put in place.
In Dubai, a medical body oversees and ensures that only highly-trained medical practitioners are licensed to practice medicine. The medical staff display professionalism and are very efficient in carrying out their respective duties. Moreover, they are available 24 hours a day for providing quick and effective medical attention to patients.
{{7) Introduction of the Medical Tourism Portal}}
Government initiatives are inarguably one of the driving factors for the development of Medical Tourism in Dubai. Dubai Health Experience (DXH) portal was launched by the government back in the year 2016, to provide tourists with the best medical tourism services. Through the portal, international travelers can receive information on accredited healthcare providers, book medical appointments, receive medical insurance, accommodation reservation, get information regarding visas, and book transportation amongst other services.
The country’s circular economy action plan was unveiled during the World Circular Economy Forum which closed Wednesday in the capital Kigali.
The action plan targets key interventions which will be implemented in waste management and adoption of clean production technologies over the next 14 years, said Dismas Karuranga, an official from the Rwandan Ministry of Environment.
Key highlights of the plan include prioritizing renewable over non-renewable materials, developing a national regulation that would facilitate the separation of waste according to the category to reduce the cost of recycling, and establishing waste collection and transfer centers in every town to facilitate appropriate waste treatment.
Karuranga called for partnerships and collaboration among the public and private sectors, saying “no single company can achieve a circular economy alone.”
Rwanda remains committed to fostering socio-economic transformation while also conserving and protecting our environment, said Rwandan Minister of Environment Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya.
She said reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, halting biodiversity loss, and shifting to genuine recycling will guarantee a greener future.
During the forum, business leaders, policymakers, and economic experts from Africa and around the world presented solutions to achieve a circular economy and explored new business opportunities the shift could present.
The purpose of this peer-learning exchange and study tour is to share knowledge and best practices between Rwanda and Benin digital and entrepreneurial ecosystems. It also aims to build participants’ capacity and knowledge in entrepreneurship through a 2-day workshop and ultimately increase the performance of digital entrepreneurs.
The 35 delegates from Benin represent government officials involved in defining the environment of the digital economy in Benin, management unit and partners of the project, support structures for innovative entrepreneurship (SAEI) and Beninese startups and their counterparts from Rwanda (30) will take part.
This rather important event occurs at a time when the growing digital economy in Africa is opening up new opportunities for entrepreneurs and enabling creation of new business models, innovations and value in data-driven industries.
“Africa’s digital economy is making significant strides and digital entrepreneurship is taking shape. Building capacity for African entrepreneurs and sharing lessons between member states is a crucial step towards taking advantage of the immense opportunities this new type of the economy presents,” pointed out Mr. Lacina Koné DG/CEO of Smart Africa, commenting on this initiative.
“This mission to learn about best practices in the Rwandan innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem, which will end on 13 December 2022, includes a training session provided by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and a study trip during which the Beninese visitors will discover the Rwandan innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
It will allow Beninese innovative entrepreneurship support structures to strengthen their knowledge and skills around the support profession and to create a framework for meeting and exchanging with their Rwandan counterparts,” said Emmanuelle BOUITI, coordinator of the DigiBoost project implemented by Enabel in Benin.
{{About Smart Africa}}
Smart Africa is an alliance of 35 African countries, international organisations and global private sector players tasked with Africa’s digital agenda.
The alliance is empowered by a bold and innovative commitment by African Heads of State to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development on the continent and usher Africa into the knowledge economy through affordable access to broadband and the use of ICTs.
With a vision to create a single digital market in Africa by 2030, the Smart Africa Alliance brings together Heads of State who seek to accelerate the digitalization of the continent and create a common market.
Launched in 2013 by seven (7) African Heads of State, the Alliance now has 35 member countries, representing over 1.1 billion people and over 40 Private Sector members committed to the vision and the advancement of Africa.
This was revealed by the Deputy Inspector General (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza on Thursday this week as the Gerayo Amahoro campaign resumed heighten sensitization among motorists on road safety.
“Bribes to traffic police officers is offered by drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists […] normally individuals who offer or receive bribes receive similar punishments as per legal provisions,” she said.
DIGP Ujeneza said that RNP has a disciplinary committee that carries out investigations on alleged corruption cases and impose punishments.
“Any police officer caught in corruption case in seriously punished and dismissed. […] This year, we are set to sack many police officers. Some of them have been suspended awaiting government’s decision to definitively kick them out. They are about 500,” she noted.
DIGP Ujeneza disclosed that the majority of these 500 police officers were involved in bribery cases and drunkenness.
The recent report released by Transparency International Rwanda indicated that the Department of Traffic and Road Safety among most corrupt institutions.
She requested the general public not to perceive the National Police as an institution mired by corruption because there are others with good conduct.
DIGP Ujeneza highlighted the institution will continue to punish those breaking laws and recognize others with good conducts.
Rwanda’s Parliament has via Twitter handle revealed Dr. Iyaruremye that resigned over sickness related reasons.
“Earlier today, Senate President Dr Augustin Iyamuremye submitted his resignation as the President of the Senate, and as a Senator, due to health reasons. Tomorrow, December 9th, a special plenary sitting will convene to declare the Office of the President of the Senate vacant,” reads the tweet.
His resignation letter dated 8th December 2022 was addressed to senators, other government officials and President of the Republic.
He expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic for the trust bestowed upon him and senators for having elected and supported him to fulfill his ‘demanding duties’.
Dr. Iyamuremye assumed office as Senate president in October 2019 following his appointment by President Paul Kagame.
Prior to the appointment, he served as the Chairperson of Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum since 2015.
Dr. Iyamuremye holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine.
He held various positions in different public institutions including the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour from 2012 to 2015 and senator between 2004 and 2011.
Dr. Iyamuremye also headed the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2000, the Ministry of Information from 1998 to 1999 and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources between 1994 and 1998.
Among others, he served as senior intelligence officer in the Office of Prime Minister from 1992 to 1994.
Dr. Iyamuremye headed Gitarama Prefecture from 1990 to 1992, served as the Director of Nyanza Milk Processing Plant from 1984 to 1990.
He was also a lecturer and researcher at the National University of Rwanda from 1977 to 1984.
After the transitional period (1994-2003), the first legislature of the Senate commenced in 2003 and ended in 2011. The Second Senate concluded its mandate on October 10, 2019 bringing eight-year tenure to an end.
The Senate of Rwanda has 26 members. Twelve senators are elected by the specific councils in accordance with the administrative entities in the City of Kigali and the four provinces.
Of these, one is picked from the City of Kigali, two from Northern Province, while the rest of the three provinces (West, East, and South) elect three senators each. Eight senators are appointed by the President of the Republic. Four senators are designated by the Forum of Political organizations.
One senator is elected among lecturers and researchers of Public Universities and higher learning institutions. Both the elected and appointed senators serve a term, renewable once.
The all-out continuous campaign seeks to drive change from road safety by law to road safety by choice and ultimately by culture.
It was stopped prematurely in 2020 after 39 weeks, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resumption of the campaign in different parts of the country was presided over by the RNP leadership, provincial Governors and district mayors, among others.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza, while addressing hundreds of taxi-moto operators and cyclists at Kigali stadium, said that despite the reduction in road accidents, many lives continue to be lost at the hands of reckless road users.
“Although accidents reduced this year compared to last year, many people still die on roads. Since the beginning of this year, 9,468 accidents occurred across the country resulting into 617 fatalities.
The majority 183 fatalities involved or were caused by cyclists while other 150 involved taxi-moto operators,” IGP Munyuza said.
The decrease in accidents, he said, was due to the installation of speed enforcement cameras, awareness campaigns as well as enforcement to penalize violators.
“People killed on roads are parents and even young people, whose lives are cut short by drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists who use the road recklessly. This is a serious concern that should be given attention by everyone using the road,” he added.
The Police Chief said that although the force emphasizes road safety education, errant violators will be penalized and consequently their driver’s license revoked, accordingly, to make roads safe for all.
He further warned against drink-driving, one of the major causes of road fatalities.
“No one is stopping you from drinking, but when you do, don’t drive or ride. Your life and that of other road users is invaluable. Do not be penalized for violating traffic rules and regulations, and putting your lives on the edge. Use the road responsibly, make safety a priority,” IGP Munyuza told Motorcyclists and cyclists.
Today, he said, it’s easy for the Police to identify someone, who is driving while drunk using a breathalyzer, but added that the force will soon introduce another device that can detect a person, who is driving under the influence of drugs.
IGP Munyuza also embarked on improvements within the traffic as well as licensing departments, including the decentralization of driving test services, online registration and booking for driving test and mechanical inspection, which is part of the government agenda to take services closer to the people and service delivery.
He added that driving test services will ultimately be extended to the district level as well as activating the automatic notification for those whose mechanical inspection certificate is about to expire.
