The suspects were arrested red-handed mining cassiterite in a concession owned by Luna mining company, using traditional tools.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Eastern region Police spokesperson, said that the suspects were arrested due to information provided by the security guards at the concession.
“When security guards saw a group of people entering the concession that night, they called the Police. Nine illegal miners were found inside the concession at about 6am. Some of them were extracting while others were washing and filtering cassiterite. Police also seized from them 1kg of processed cassiterite and 30kgs of unprocessed minerals,” SP Twizeyimana said.
He warned against such illegal activities, which in some cases cause loss of lives. He further appealed to the public to report people, who conduct these unlawful acts, including illegal mineral traders.
The suspects were handed over to RIB for further investigations.
Article 54 of the law N° 58/2018 of 13/08/2018 on mining and quarry operations, states that; any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.
The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a license.
“Congratulations to Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee and her dedication to service over the last 70 years. As Rwanda gets ready to host CHOGM2022, we look forward to strengthening the friendship and cooperation within the Commonwealth family,” he tweeted on Sunday.
The four-day celebrations marking the Platinum Jubilee were wound up on Sunday 5th June 2022 in the UK.
The celebrations attracted thousands of people from the UK and other Commonwealth country members across the world.
Rwanda celebrated the Platinum Jubilee on Thursday 2nd June 2022. Globally, the event was marked by the lighting of beacons in all capital cities of the Commonwealth.
Officials from Kigali City organized the event in collaboration with Rotary Club which was taking place for the first time in all 54 cities of the Commonwealth.
The beacon was lit at 21:15 p.m. at Imbuga City Walk commonly known as Car Free Zone.
The Mayor of Kigali City, Pudence Rubingisa said that joining other cities in celebrating the Platinum Jubilee and lighting the beacon is recognition of the contribution and efforts of Queen Elizabeth II in different sectors while improving the welfare of the citizens in Commonwealth countries.
The ceremony was also attended by UK High Commissioner to Rwanda, Omar Daair who said that it is a memorable day for UK nationals and Commonwealth members.
During the ceremony marking end of Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Queen Elizabeth II ,96, thanked all people who celebrated the historic milestone.
“When it comes to how to mark seventy years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee,” she said.
“While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family,” added Queen Elizabeth.
Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor) was born on 21st April 1926.
She ascended throne on 6th February 1952 following the death of her father King George VI. She is the sixth women to lead UK and its longest reigning monarch.
Queen Elizabeth II who is also the Head of Commonwealth has designated Charles, the Prince Charles as her successor.
The Spokesperson of RDF, Colonel Ronald Rwivanga has told IGIHE that Maj Gen James Birungi and his delegation have come to Rwanda for four-day visit.
“They have come for a visit aimed at deepening cooperation with regards to intelligence sharing,” he said.
Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations and Commander of Land Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has also commended Rwanda for extending a warm welcome to the visiting delegation.
“I thank Afande Kagame, General Nyakarundi and our brothers in RDF for warmly welcoming our CMI to Kigali. God bless Uganda and Rwanda,” he tweeted.
Lt Gen Muhoozi recently commended the role both countries’ military intelligence in restoring bilateral relations to normal.
“I thank the two Generals, General Birungi and General Nyakarundi (both Chiefs of Military Intelligence) in leading the way in normalising our relationships. Have a successful visit to Rwanda ndugu Birungi. God bless the unity and brotherhood between Uganda and Rwanda,” he tweeted.
The coming to Rwanda follows the recent visit to Uganda by RDF senior officers including its spokesperson, Col Ronald Rwivanga and Brig Gen Vincent Nyakarundi.
At the time, they were hosted by Uganda’s senior officers including Maj Gen Birungi.
Maj Gen James Birungi comes to Rwanda at a time when both countries have embarked on a journey to restore relations that had deteriorated since 2017.
Rwanda was accusing Uganda of supporting dissidents and abusing Rwandans ion the country.
Both countries decided to turn a new page for relations following visits of Lt Gen Muhoozi to Rwanda two times where he met with President Paul Kagame leading to the reopening of Gatuna border.
MTN has been working with Ericsson on enhancing consumer experience through Ericsson’s Managed Services Solutions. One of these services includes MTN’s modernized Network Operating Centre (NOC) that was implemented to manage end-to-end monitoring of MTN network in November 2021. Through the NOC, MTN Rwanda’s Network Operations Center and the Incidents Management tools are automated, improving network operations efficiency and boosting customer experience.
Commenting on the development; Mitwa Ng’ambi, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer stated: “Ericsson has been a close and prominent partner over the last two decades in Rwanda. Their services have enabled us to pivot from product to platform, aligning seamlessly with our overarching strategy to provide the largest and most valuable platforms, closing network coverage gaps, and driving digital and financial inclusion. We look forward to achieving these ambitious targets for the betterment of our customers and stakeholders because we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.”
In addition to telecommunication services, Ericsson has facilitated Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd with a platform for digital financial services which enables its Core services such as person-to-person transactions, deposits, and withdrawals as well as its Advanced services (including MoMoPay, OpenAPI, Loans & Savings, Bill Payments, and Remittances).
Erik Ekudden, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, and Head of Group Function said: “We are proud of the relationship we’ve built with MTN Rwanda and the opportunities we’ve had to be part of the nation’s social and economic progress. We’ve collaborated on a number of initiatives that ranged from network modernization to enhancing consumer experience. We remain ever committed to continue working together on exploring solutions that increase social and financial inclusion here in Rwanda. Together, we can accelerate the nation’s digital transformation journey.”
This mutually beneficial partnership continues to steer MTN Rwanda’s digital transformational journey by providing innovative technologies and ecosystems that also consist of socioeconomic development for the communities we serve.
{{About MTN Rwandacell Plc}}
MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, we have continuously invested in expanding and modernising our network and leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress. As the country’s No 1 network, we offer various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers for individuals and corporates with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to our customers because we believe everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.
{{About Ericsson}}
Ericsson enables communications service providers to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s portfolio spans the business areas Networks, Digital Services, Managed Services and Emerging Business. It is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency, and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s innovation investments have delivered the benefits of mobility and mobile broadband to billions of people globally. Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York. www.ericsson.com
It has been almost three years and half since COVID-19 emerged in Rwanda.
Sensitizations on preventive measures including proper wearing of face masks, washing hands frequently and respecting social distancing were among major activities put in place to contain its spread.
Rwanda also expended much effort to roll out vaccines across the country with the initial target of covering 60% of its population by 2022.
The vaccination campaign has yielded good results considering the current situation in Rwanda. Today, 69% of the population has received the first dose of COVID-19, 65% have received the second dose while 355 are recipients of the third dose.
The numbers have had a significant impact where the positivity rate has sharply dropped leading to ease in some preventive measures for people to resume businesses as usual.
It is against this background that The Coca-Cola Foundation took a giant stride to provide funding to different African countries to strengthen response to COVID-19.
In Rwanda, the project implemented by Rwanda Red Cross is the second of its kind rolled out by The Coca-Cola Foundation through collaboration with the government.
The first project saw The Coca-Cola Foundation donating Rwf150 million in 2020 allocated for the provision of protective equipment to frontline workers helping the country to fight the pandemic. These include volunteers and other frontline workers helping communities.
The latest donation will be allocated to sensitizations and facilitating the extension of home-based vaccination services across the country.
Aline Pascale Batamuliza, Corporate Affairs and Communication Manager at Bralirwa which represented The Coca-Cola Foundation at the event said that efficient use of the previous donation inspired the foundation to continue supporting the cause given that the pandemic has not yet been defeated.
“The first donation was utilized efficiently to serve the right purpose which inspired the donor to launch its second phase. The pandemic is still there and vaccination efforts are ongoing. We are convinced that we cannot be left behind supporting the cause and have to continue walking together along this journey,” she said.
Fred Tumwebaze, the Head of Emergency Response and Recovery, Programmes at Rwanda Red Cross has said that more emphasis will be drawn to sensitizations and helping people unable to reach vaccination sites.
“We have been doing such activities and have enough experience. The strength of Red Cross is rooted on volunteers from country level to village levels. We have fought COVID-19 through different approaches by sensitizing people on preventive measures and donating materials among others,” he noted.
“We will identify areas of gaps in collaboration with the Ministry of Health because we have a toll free line. Those unable to reach vaccination sites can contact us for assistance. We will have vehicles to pick and take them to the sites to receive vaccine doses,” added Tumwebaze.
It is apparent that much effort has been expended to roll out the vaccination campaign.
However, the Director of Vaccination Programme Unit at Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), Hassan Sibomana has revealed that there are still challenges as some people have not yet understood the relevance of getting fully vaccinated.
“Even though we have covered 65% with a target to reach 70%, there are people who are still reluctant to this vaccination programme. We still have people who have not received the second and booster doses. This is a good opportunity to remind them of their responsibility to get fully vaccinated if we are to completely defeat COVID-19,” he noted.
Dubbed “Stop the Spread”, the project funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation will cover more than 10 districts and is expected to reach 225,000 beneficiaries across Rwanda.
Bralirwa has been manufacturing soft and alcoholic drinks in Rwanda since 1957.
It was licensed to produce and sell Coca-Cola soft drinks since 1974 up to date.
The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company.
Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation has awarded more than US$1.2 billion in grants to support sustainable community initiatives from water to women’s empowerment, from community recycling to wellbeing around the world.
Apparently, the request was not among Congolese expectations considering their previous statements through the media.
During the recent Security Council, DRC filed an accusation that Rwanda supports M23 rebel group expecting many countries to side with it, officially condemn Rwanda or impose sanctions as it happened when M23 captured different parts including Goma town in 2012.
DRC explained that it was attacked by Rwanda and submitted seized military uniforms and equipment including guns apparently belonging to Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to the Regional Extended Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM).
However, military experts say that it is difficult to consider the evidences because Rwanda does not have own market for uniforms and equipment.
The expert has told IGIHE that these equipment and uniforms are not enough to be considered as evidences proving Rwanda’s support to M23.
“It would be true if DRC can show the Batch Number and convince people how these equipment were bought by Rwanda. Having the items looking like Rwanda’s equipment is not enough. DRC is trying to forge evidences because it can also get them manufactured by its suppliers,” he said.
He went on to explain that it is not unusual across the world to see rebels wearing uniforms of a particular country including great powers like the United States of America (USA).
“It is possible to know used military equipment like radios but it requires experts to confirm this. It cannot be validated by one person because it requires experts who must thoroughly analyze all details up to the manufacturer,” he noted.
Another presented evidence is about Rwandan soldiers arrested. DRC says that the two Rwandan soldiers were arrested by citizens in Rutshuru (North Kivu) in 20 kilometers away from Rwanda’s border.
However, Rwanda has been insisting that these soldiers were kidnapped on patrol along the border between both countries following an attack plotted by Congolese Army (FARDC) in collaboration with FDLR.
According to experts, it is hard to understand how two soldiers can be arrested in 20 kilometers from the border equipped with guns without fighting.
They also challenge how civilians can arrest two soldiers with their guns and hand them to the military without defending themselves.
{{Failed diplomacy}}
As experts explain, DRC rushed to externalize its matters indicating that there are forces behind insecurity in the country.
This is part of the message echoed by Christophe Lutundula Apala Pen’apala, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the UN Security Council requesting it to issue a warning against Rwanda and M23.
Contrary, members of the council did not condemn Rwanda but urged DRC to opt for dialogue and implement Nairobi accords aimed at decimating armed groups in the country.
One of international diplomats closely following the issue of DRC has told IGIHE that the UN Security Council gathers enough information before convening a meeting where it can hardly make a biased decision.
“That is the failure of DRC. It is apparent […] I think members of the council are also fed up with the incessant failure to solve problems over the years where more than 130 rebel groups have been formed. It can’t be understood how Congo can accuse Rwanda of supporting one rebel group and assume that the member countries acknowledge it as a reality. They know the problem and have embassies in Congo,” he noted.
The diplomat has disclosed that the UN Security Council has clearly understood the nature of insecurity in Congo.
“Even in 2012, Congo requested that Rwanda should be delisted from UN member countries because it doesn’t conform to its norms […] Members of the Security Council are familiar with such issues because you can realize that suggestions raised in that meeting are almost similar to the ones put forward in 2012/2013. Problems of that region are not new to them. They cannot immediately endorse Congo’s accusation against Rwanda,” he stated.
Among others, the Security Council did not endorse DRC’s request to declare M23 as a terrorist group.
Doing so, would annul the request for dialogue with the rebel group which has been claiming for implementation of signed accords with DRC in 2013.
Negotiations to solve the tension between Rwanda and DRC have begun on mediation of Angola. DRC has accepted to release two Rwandan soldiers kidnapped last week.
Fortunately, it becomes easier when you have your family by your side to help you with everything. Alas, there are people who have no one to turn to, people who have lost their mothers and people who are not on good terms with their families.
“I wish I had my mom by my side at that time. There were so many things I did not know that I couldn’t ask anyone else,” said Rosalie, a mother of four whom I talked to.
“There are many controversies when it comes to taking care of children, some tell you this, others tell you that at the end you just end up confused,” she continued
She emphasized that a woman goes through different phases of motherhood and that it would help a lot if you have a trusted person by your side to help you along the way.
“Looking for someone to confide in is crucial, young mothers need someone who will hold their hands because the journey will not be easy, feeling comfortable and asking him or her everything. You can also read books on the subject but I think it’s best to have someone,” she said
One of the many challenges first time moms deal with that is not occasionally addressed is postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is depression suffered by a mother following childbirth, typically arising from the combination of hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood and fatigue.
As an issue that is not really highlighted in our society or cringed upon. It is important that first time moms get to know that this exists and that it does not make you a bad mother or person.
The symptoms might include insomnia, loss of appetite, intense irritability and difficulty bonding with the baby. It does not last for long but it surely exists and should be talked about.
Ingabire, a mother of two encountered the seriousness of this sort of depression. She said it may come because of new adjustments to motherhood that sometimes overwhelms the mother.
“Staying up all night and all day is very tiring. You also have to perform other duties and responsibilities, taking care of a baby is hard work and sometimes it lasts for months. That’s when the depression sinks in,” she said
She says that sometimes the stress can be too much and too overwhelming that feeling guilty is often what most mothers do.
“Being a mother is not a fun activity, yes it has its perks but there are a lot of responsibilities that you have to be prepared for and you have to carry these responsibilities for a long time,” she said
She continued “Naturally being depressed is not a forbidden thing, it is something that happens and most mothers feel guilty because they feel they are failing their children.”
She pointed out that finding yourself again can be key to healing from the guilt and postpartum depression.
“I think finding yourself helps a lot, when someone becomes a mother they are utterly consumed by their babies that they sometimes forget to take care of themselves,” she said
“Be you, allow yourself to do the things that you love, give yourself some time to relax and be calm. Above carrying out your responsibilities, do not forget that you are human after all,” she added.
It is advised that women who suffer from PPD, seek a counselor, therapist, a trusted friend or find refuge and help from their partners, Postpartum depression exists and young mothers should not be shamed because of it.
The donation is composed of 30 hospital beds and 1.5 tons of personal protective equipment (PPEs).
Following the donation on Friday 3rd June 2022; the Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), Prof. Claude Mambo Muvunyi said that the medical equipment support is of great significance.
“We are grateful to the State of Israel for this important donation. This will greatly contribute to our continuous efforts of equipping health facilities to better respond to Covid-19 and other infectious diseases,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Israel to Rwanda, Dr. Ron Adam, explained that the support results from good bilateral relations between the two countries.
“The need for hospital beds and PPEs was very acute during the Covid-19 period which we are still in. As the State of Israel, we made all efforts to support our sister country Rwanda in this regard, and I am happy and proud that finally we have made it,” said the Ambassador of Israel, Dr. Ron Adam.
According to Rwanda Biomedical Center, the new medical beds will be used in University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB) and Kibagabaga Hospital.
Rwanda and Israel have been enjoying strong ties over the years, with cooperation in many sectors including education, energy, ICT and innovation, health and defense among others.
The second intake of the skill-based course was facilitated by trainers from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
The Level One ToT, which will be followed by two other levels to complete the certification, acquaints Police officers with the necessary knowledge and skills on the UNITAR training approach and methodologies.
It focused on how to start a learning session, learning methodologies, formulating SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives, how to receive or give feedback, and instructional process, among others.
The PTS Commandant, Commissioner of Police (CP) Robert Niyonshuti, while officially closing the course, said that the training is paramount to RNP in developing and enhancing knowledge and training skills of trainers.
“The RNP is committed to ensuring peace in the region and beyond through peacekeeping missions, as its constitutional mandate. To fulfill this commitment, we need to have competent, disciplined, skilled and professional police, which will be achieved through regular training,” CP Niyonshuti said.
This training partnership between RNP and UNITAR, he added, will help to achieve full operational capability in peacekeeping missions.
“This course is aimed at improving your capacity in peacekeeping operations training by giving you the necessary skills and expertise that enables you to also produce best trainees with international standards in multidimensional peacekeeping operations,” CP Niyonshuti told the course participants.
He urged the trainees to add value to RNP training programmes and professionalism.
