M23 was given the deadline of Sunday 15th January 2023 to have retreated from areas captured during a fighting with Congolese Army (FARDC).
Radio Okapi has reported that M23 combatants were seen on the same day withdrawing from their positions to respect the Luanda resolutions.
On Monday 16th January 2023, residents of Kiwanja also confirmed that they witnessed the rebels’ withdrawal.
Luanda summit demanded M23 to withdraw to its previous positions before the fighting in Sabyinyo and Chanzu to be allowed to engage in negotiations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Lawyers of Asylum Aid which is among charities that had filed a lawsuit demanding cancellation of the deportation policy has announced that it claimed for a go ahead to appeal against the ruling noting that the court made a wrong decision.
“We’re extremely disappointed by the High Court’s decision. It’s very hard to see how it can be fair for the Home Office to decide to send hundreds – if not thousands – of asylum seekers to Rwanda without any of them having a right to argue that it’s not a safe place.
We’re asking for permission to appeal so that we can continue to fight for fair processes and fair outcomes for people who come here seeking protection,” said Alison Pickup, the Director of Asylum Aid.
The organization which provides legal aid services to asylum seekers says that it is concerned with the security of individuals to be deported.
In April 2022, Rwanda and the United Kingdom (UK) signed Migration and Economic Development partnership. The deal paves the way for deportation to Rwanda of migrants and asylum seekers staying in the UK illegally.
Under this program, migrants are set to benefit from secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons and higher education.
After signing the agreement, it was reported that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.
The UK made the decision to discourage people crossing to the country illegally and reduce the budget spent on them every year.
The deal was criticized by various organizations overseeing migrants’ interests and some British politicians.
Their first flight to Rwanda was expected on 14th June 2022 but was cancelled at last minute after an intervention from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
The UK is one of the European countries that have for long struggled with an increase in illegal migrants, mainly through the English Channel.
Figures from the UK show that 45,756 migrants crossed to the country in 2022 through the English Channel, a higher number compared to 28,526 registered in 2021. This number represents an increase by 17,000.
These illegal migrants come from various countries in Africa, Asia and Europe.
The UK spends at least 5.5 million pounds a year on migrants where they stay in hotels while their claims are being processed.
The latest report from Rwanda’s Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) shows that 2798 Congolese have fled to Rwanda from 13th November 2022 to 13th January 2023.
This means, the country receives at least 100 Congolese refugees everyday fleeing violence and insecurity.
On Friday 13th January 2023, Rwanda welcomed 106 refugees from the same country.
Despite the situation, 131 refugees have returned home since November with deep fear that the situation might worsen and seek refuge again.
Salathiel Nduhuye Gatuku, a breadwinner in a family of nine recently told IGIHE that he fled to Rwanda in 2012 coming from Kalehe.
As he said, they were being witch hunted by soldiers of FARDC and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to kill them.
He shares the sorrow with Furaha Dusabimana also hailing from Kalehe. “I was brought up in refuge instead of enjoying rights in my home country. I still wonder the crime Tutsis committed to be persecuted and killed of torture in the country. The situation is worrying,” she said.
DRC registers over 130 armed groups where the majority of them are based in eastern part of the country.
These include the FDLR, a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
As the fighting between FARDC and M23 resumed, DRC formed a coalition with FDLR and started blaming Rwanda for insecurity in the country accusing the neighbouring country of backing M23.
However, Rwanda has repeatedly denied the allegations and urged DR Congo to solve internal problems without dragging it into its mess.
The FARDC-FDLR coalition also shelled rockets on Rwanda’s territory at different times which destroyed properties and injured people last year.
Apart from the provocations, DRC politicians have been propagating hate speeches that continue to fuel violence against Rwandophones who face rights abuse.
Instead of paying attention to the root cause of insecurity, DRC continues to accuse Rwanda of being behind insecurity in the country and politicizing refugees over self-interests.
The country has been claiming that Kinyarwanda-speaking communities are Rwandans who must return home ignoring facts of their ancestral roots where they lived in Congo for many years.
The United Nations recently warned of possible genocide against Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in DRC over the country’s continuous propagation of hate speeches and violence against the ethnic group.
Rwandophones who make up 5% of Congolese population mainly live in Northern and Southern Kivu Province.
The violence against them and insecurity that mired eastern Congo, saw some group of Congolese refugees fleeing to Rwanda where they have been living for more than 20 years.
As President Felix Tshisekedi came to power in 2019, they hoped for the end of refugee life nightmare experienced.
However, the hope has been lost after three years where the refugees are warning about the extermination of their relatives who stayed in DRC.
The fear for escalating genocide against Tutsi communities prompted over 19,000 refugees from Kiziba camp to stage protests on Wednesday, December 19, 2022, demanding the international community to put pressure on DRC to stop the killings.
These Congolese refugees protested after their colleagues from the camps of Kigeme, Mugomba, and Mahama mounted demonstrations demanding the Congolese Government to stop killing their relatives and help them return to their homeland.
instead of responding to their concerns, DRC has taken a stand [to advocate for and sanitize FDLR ->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/congolese-refugees-raise-alarm-over-escalating-violence-arising-from] yet the international community has labeled it as a terrorist group.
Rwanda hosts more than 70,000 Congolese refugees, including those who arrived for the first time in 1996.
However, the figures dropped from US$3.7 billion of 2021 considered to be the highest investments registered in Rwanda in one year.
In 2020, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) had registered US$1.3 billion that was a decrease by 47.1% from US$2.46 of the previous year.
The economic recovery efforts are reinforced through attracting new investments in various sectors including technology, manufacturing, mining, real estate and health among others.
The latest figures from RDB show that the country registered US$1.6 billion worth of investments from January to December 2022.
The construction of Gaz Methane extraction plant in Karongi District at a tune of US$530 is among more than 103 projects registered under the Manufacture and Build to Recover Program last year.
Other registered investments include ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) to develop and manage Bugesera Industrial Park; KOKO Networks, a project aimed at developing the world’s first nation-wide renewable cooking fuel utility.
The US$25 million project is expected to help Rwanda achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2030, in order to solve the deforestation, carbon emissions and indoor air pollution deaths caused by the use of charcoal and wood for cooking, which is still prevalent in Rwandan homes today.
Among others, Rwanda registered a new investment from Kasada, a hospitality company which acquired the Umubano Hotel located in Kacyiru, Kigali, Rwanda.
Kasada is the leading independent investment platform dedicated to hospitality investments in Sub- Saharan Africa.
The new acquisition will see Kasada investing US$30 million to upgrade Umubano to a five-star hotel.
Doğuş Group from Turkey also entered Rwanda’s market where it is set to develop three luxury hotels.
In the same year, Bloomberg Media also announced plans to set up studio in Kigali to expand its TV presence in Africa.
In November 2022, RDB says that the country had registered US$425.5 million in tourism revenues.
Of the revenues, US$19.7 million were from sales of Gorilla Trekking Permits.
The Head of State was delivering remarks at the 28th National Prayer Breakfast on Sunday 15th January 2023.
The annual National Prayer Breakfast is organized by Rwanda Leaders Fellowship and brings together government officials, the private sector and members of civil society, to thank God for Rwanda’s achievements over the past year and to launch a new initiative.
In his speech, the Head of State thanked participants and organizers for being part of the much needed event to share breakfast and pray for the country, and shed light on its essence.
He said that praying involves many things. Among them, he highlighted that it reminds people of who they are as humans.
“This prayer must be associated with what you believe what you want to be and the purpose of life,” said Kagame.
“Prayer is not just an end in itself. This means, what we want to achieve through our actions, beliefs and differences but we also have what unites us. This means, there are cultures, behaviors, and mindsets that should define us,” he added.
Kagame has however stressed that people will always question what a person is doing and stressed the need to carry one’s burden with a certain objective.
“People will say, Kagame, is Rwanda’s leader but is he doing the right thing? That must be always there. [..] There will be questions raised; there will be judgment in people’s mind that that person is not fit. He tells us this, but does the opposite or does what he says align with people’s vision?” he disclosed.
“[..] We must carry the burden of responsibility, of where we can carry people with us toward a certain end, objective. And actually it is everybody’s responsibility, in your own way, level. You want to try to do that, you want to try to be leader moving from a certain point to another point that serves the purpose.”
The Head of State observed that such burden must be there and questions but highlighted that leaders must be there to find solutions or answers to those questions being raised.
“So the prayer, thanking, praying, is towards that point saying this is where we want to be as people. The rest is just about organizations helping us to get there,” he noted.
Kagame also underscored that everyone has unique strength but highlighted that people have to work collectively if they are to move where they want to be.
“We are one country and must have the other burden of responsibility. Everyone has own share to be able to move where we want to be as fast as we can. […] This has to be consistent and we need to avoid complacency to put things in the right direction,” he stated.
The President also stressed the need for people to strive for harmony irrespective of their geographical limits. He concluded his remarks urging Rwandans to identify their priorities, strive for development, carry their own burden and leave a good legacy.
The Executive Secretary of NEC, Charles Munyaneza has told IGIHE that Prof. Mbanda was not sick for long as he had gone to work two days ago.
He explained that Prof. Mbanda visited his farm on Friday and went to the hospital where he breathed the last on his return.
Prof. Mbanda was named the Chairman of NEC in 2012 for five-year term that was renewed. He replaced Prof. Chrysologue Karangwa at the time.
He has been also serving as the Chancellor of Kigali Independent University (ULK).
Prof. Mbanda held different positions where he once served as an Expert for Eco-development and Community-Base Projects, in charge of Planning and Monitoring between 1990-1995 and Consultant for Regional Rehabilitation and Development Plan (1998-99) at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
He also spent long time in the education sector as he served as the Dean of Faculty of Agriculture at the National University of Rwanda between 1995-1998, National Expert for Strategic Planning, in charge of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Sector 2000-2003 and Rector of the Higher Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry from 2003 to 2007.
He later worked as a consultant with different institutions including the ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), Rwanda Local Development Support Fund (RLDSF) and Genocide Survivors Fund (FARG) among others.
In 2006, Prof. Mbanda was the Chairman of Kigali City Council. He holds a PhD in Biology obtained from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. Prof. Mbanda also graduated as Tropical Agriculture Engineer at the same university.
Rwanda’s representatives in the fifth EALA include Fatuma Nyirakobwa Ndangiza, Kayonga Caroline Rwivanga, Harebamungu Mathias, Musangabatware Clement, Dr. Nyiramana Aisha, Uwumukiza Françoise, Rutazana Francine, Iradukunda Alodie and Bahati Alex.
The EALA parliamentarians who met with President Kagame on Friday 13th January 2022, were all sworn-in during a ceremony held in Arusha, Tanzania on 19th December 2022.
Upon their election, Fatuma Ndangiza said that they have achieved a lot in the previous term and expressed readiness to work with colleagues to do more.
Representing citizens’ interests, passing the law in favour of single EAC currency and overseeing project’s implementation by different governments are among those achievements.
Article 49 of the EAC Treaty establishes EALA as the legislative organ of the Community. Like most legislatures EALA has as its core functions legislating, oversight and representation.
The Assembly may also perform any other functions as are conferred upon it by the Treaty. As noted above, EALA is empowered to make its own Rules of Procedure and to constitute Committees. EALA maintains seven standing committees: Accounts; Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources; General Purpose ;Commission; Legal, Rules and Privileges; Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution; and Trade Communication and Investment.
EALA may also appoint Select Committees as needed. The composition and leadership of each of these Committees is equally shared among the Partners States.
There are 45 Members of EALA indirectly elected for a five-year (renewable) term by their respective National Assemblies (although not from within the National Assemblies), and five ex-officio Members.
Article 50 of the Treaty requires that EALA’s Members “represent as much as it is feasible, the various political parties represented in the National Assembly, shades of opinion, gender and other special interest groups in that Partner State”. As such, EALA members come from diverse backgrounds such as business, NGOs, retired civil servants and Members of the National Assemblies.
He made the disclosure on Thursday evening, 12th January as the Chinese community in Rwanda, in partnership with the Embassy of People’s Republic of China in Rwanda celebrated the New Lunar year of 2023.
The New Year which was named ‘The year of Rabbit’ will be observed in China and abroad from 22nd January 2023. It will be followed by a series of festive season celebrations where families, relatives and friends meet and celebrate while planning for the New Year.
As he delivered remarks, Minister Biruta wished Chinese people a prosperous new year, that will keep Rwanda-China relations growing after 52 years of existence.
“Rwanda considers China as a strong partner that has contributed to the socio economic development of our country in various sectors that are key to priority areas including new infrastructure, health, energy, education, to mention a few,” he said.
In 2022, the value of imports and exports between Rwanda reached close to US$1 billion.
China also funded some big infrastructure in Rwanda at different times such as Masaka Hospital in Kigali, new Prime minister’s office, roads, bridges among others.
“As we continue to implement various agreements , I wish to reiterate Rwanda’s commitment to work closely with the Government of China to find solutions to global challenges,” added Dr. Biruta.
The Ambassador of China to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun said that 2022 has been a tremendous year for development in China, with 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) which ended with new leadership as Xi Jinping at the top.
“The coming year, is the year of rabbit. Rabbit symbolizes wisdom, kindness and longevity in China. May it bring out the kindness and wisdom to our long lasting contributions to China – Rwanda relations and to the peace of the world,” said Xuekun.
Lunar New Year celebrations have been held in China and other parts of Asia for more than 3000 years. In mainland China, the first seven days – from January 21st to 27th 2023, will be public holidays.
Other countries where Lunar New Year celebrations will take place include Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, South Korea, Malaysia, North Korea, Singapore and Brunei.
The pledge was made by the country’s ambassador in DRC, Oliver Schnakenberg after holding talks with Azarias Ruberwa who once served as the Vice President of DR Congo.
Ruberwa is among Banyamulenge activists that have been denouncing killings of Tutsis in DRC and violence against them.
“Stopping the hate speech against Rwandophones and the witch hunt against Rwandophones in DRC! I assured Honorary Vice President Ruberwa of my support and solidarity with the Banyamulenge,” reads a tweet by Germany Embassy.
Hate speeches against Kinyarwanda-speaking communities have been going on for quite some time in DRC where politicians claim that they are Rwandans who must return home.
On 26th May 2022, Police Commander in Northern Kivu was heard mobilizing citizens to take machetes to fight the enemy alluding to the aforementioned ethnic group.
Some Rwandophones have been killed at different times, while others were abused and saw their properties set on fire after the resumption of fighting by M23 rebel group demanding DRC to respect peace accords signed in 2013.
In some territories including Maniema, Tutsis have been hunted for long over being Rwandophones until Congolese killed some of them of torture, chopped off their ears and reproductive organs.
The United Nations recently warned of possible genocide against Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in DRC over the country’s continuous propagation of hate speeches and violence against the ethnic group.
Rwandophones who make up 5% of Congolese population mainly live in Northern and Southern Kivu Province.
Çavuşoğlu was hosted at Urugwiro Village in the afternoon of Thursday 12th January 2023 after holding talks with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta.
Rwanda’s presidency has revealed that their discussions revolved around ways to strengthen existing partnerships between Rwanda and Türkiye.
Meanwhile, discussions between both countries’ Ministers of Foreign Affairs were characterized by the signing of three new cooperation agreements in the fields of General Cooperation, Science and Technology Cooperation as well as Cultural Cooperation Agreements to cement existing bilateral ties.
Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has via Twitter handle revealed that he conveyed best wishes from Recep Tyyip Erdoğan to President Kagame during their meeting on Thursday.
Rwanda and Türkiye enjoy vibrant relations and are connected through daily flights operated by Turkish Airlines.
Both countries’ bilateral trade volume increased nearly fivefold from US$31 million in 2019 to US$178 million in 2022.
Today, Rwanda registers Turkish investments worth over US$500 million in the fields of manufacturing, construction and hospitality among others.
Some of mega projects executed by Turkish firms include the construction of Kigali Convention Centre, BK Arena and the ongoing renovation of Amahoro Stadium.
After holding talks with Dr. Biruta, Minister Çavuşoğlu commended Rwanda’s development pace despite its dark history which he was taken through during his visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial.
He highlighted that he held productive discussions with his counterpart of Rwanda on many issues of bilateral relations engagements in the economy, investment, energy, defence, culture and education.
“With the general cooperation we have just signed, we will form a joint permanent commission which will be another mechanism where the two countries can assess all aspects of engagement,” he said.
Rwanda and Türkiye have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1980 and opened diplomatic missions in Ankara and Kigali in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
