Their discussions were held on Sunday 4th December 2022 as Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta has confirmed.
They were held amidst deteriorated relations between Rwanda and DRC over reciprocal accusations.
Rwanda accuses DRC of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to destabilize its security while the country accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group in clashes with Congolese Army (FARDC).
DR Congo officials have been claiming that their country was invaded by Rwanda through M23.
In a message posted on his Twitter handle, Blinken said that he had productive conversation with President Kagame to underscore the need for peace and security in eastern DRC.
He further said that ‘The United States urges Rwanda to honor commitments made in Luanda, including ending Rwanda’s support to M23’.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied the accusations of supporting M23 and urged DR Congo not to externalize its problems.
The rebel group resumed fighting accusing DRC of failure to implement peace accords signed in 2013.
In a message posted on Twitter, Minister Biruta underscored that President Kagame had good discussions with Blinken ‘but differences in understanding of the issue remain’.
He also said that ‘the wrong and misguided approach of the international community continues to exacerbate the problem’.
“A lasting solution requires the responsibility to be placed where it belongs,” said Dr. Biruta.
Minister pointed out the dysfunction of the DRC government and its institutions, and the support to FDLR as the first issue.
Minister Biruta also highlighted that ‘External interference and dictates in regional and continental efforts that serve to shield DRC from accountability and emboldens them to be unresponsive to commitments made through ongoing processes’ is among other issues holding back efforts to find a solution.
“M23 should not be equated to Rwanda. It is not Rwanda’s problem to solve. The security concerns of Rwanda need to be addressed, and where others may not feel obliged to, Rwanda is and will continue to do so,” he noted.
The figures were released on Monday 5th December 2022 at the launch of Mining Week in Rwanda.
Held for the fifth time, the ceremony which coincided with the celebration of Mining Day at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, was graced by different officials including Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente and the CEO of RMB, Amb. Yamina Karitanyi among others.
The week will offer mining industry members not only a space for rich panel discussions, but for sharing the industry’s best practices, and refresher courses through training, and opportunities for new partnerships.
Amb. Karitanyi said that the week was organized to bring together sector players to discuss best practices and make it more meaningful to national economy.
She highlighted that the output of Rwanda’s minerals including cassiterite, coltan, tungsten and gold continues to increase.
Amb. Karitanyi disclosed that the country currently registers 158 mining companies noting that the sector presents many investment opportunities be it in minerals extraction and value addition.
In 2020, Amb. Karitanyi said, Rwanda generated US$733 million from minerals’ exports up from US$373 of 2017.
In 2021, revenues dropped to US$516 million owing to reduced prices on the international market. According to Amb. Karitanyi, the year 2022 is promising in consideration of the US$585 generated in the first nine months.
She attributed the increase in revenues to Rwanda’s initiative to establish plants adding value to minerals before exportation.
These include gold and cassiterite refineries. Amb. Karitanyi also revealed that the country mulls opening a coltan processing plant in the near future.
The mining sector in Rwanda currently employs 46,000 people with a target to increase the number to more than 100,000 by 2024.
Premier Ngirente said that Rwanda’s mining potential is yet to be fully exploited and reiterated the country’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to develop the mining sector ‘to sustainably deliver good results’.
Rwanda and Poland enjoy existing cooperation in education and trade. Last year, Rwanda opened an embassy in Warsaw. As part of existing cooperation, the Government of Poland supports the ‘School of Blind Children’ in Kibeho, Nyaruguru District and an estimated 1,800 Rwandan students have been enrolled in Polish universities up to date.
Polish investment in Rwanda includes LuNar Smelter. a state-of-the art tin processing plant.
Minister Biruta has welcomed his counterpart to Rwanda and reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to strengthen cooperation.
“I welcome Minister Pawel Jabloński to Rwanda. This high-level visit from a Polish delegation is a strong signal of our countries’ growing bilateral relations. Rwanda looks forward to working closely with Poland to accelerate our cooperation in strategic areas of common interest,” he said.
During this visit, three additional agreements in the fields of investments, higher education and defence will be signed.
According to a joint statement, Minister Pawel also announced the opening of an embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda but did not disclose the date.
“Our expectations from this visit have been already exceeded. We have held talks on many areas of cooperation which is developing fast. The opening of the polish embassy in Kigali will add more impetus to this process,” he stated.
Minister Pawel has been accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Finance, and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Technology, other government officials, academia and the private sector.
During their stay in Rwanda, the Polish delegation will meet with the Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente, as well as officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Health, Defence, ICT and Innovation, and Infrastructure as well as Rwanda Development Board and the University of Rwanda.
The Rwanda-Poland Business Forum will also be launched. Among others, the Polish delegation will visit Rwandan companies and meet with representatives of the private sector.
A statement released by RNP on Sunday shows that the suspects are identified as Ndagijimana Patrick and Ndagijimana Yves.
They are suspected of killing Idris Mujyambere, 49, in the night of 18th May 2022 in Kicukiro District.
“Jointly with other security organs, we have arrested Ndagijimana Patrick and Ndagijimana Yves who are suspected of using a gun [pistol] to kill Mujyambere Idrissa, 49, on the night of 18th May 2022, in Masaka Sector, Kicukiro District and Kayitare Jean Pierre, 45, on 13th November 2022,” reads the statement in part.
Police announced that Mujyambere who was a money-changer in the City of Kigali was killed at his residence while Kayitare who was a driver in the City of Kigali was killed after being lured to Ndagijima Patrick’s residence located in Nyarugenge District, Rwezamenyo sector where a vehicle he was driving was stolen.
RNP Spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera has said that investigations are ongoing.
IGIHE has learnt from Kayitare’s neighbors that killers took his body to Rugarama graveyard where they paid Rwf200,000 to security guards to allow them bury the deceased.
It is said that the murderers were seen by a resident who passed by the cemetery around 12h:00 midnight and alerted local leaders.
One of witnesses said that security organs went to the scene in the next morning and confirmed that the Kayitare was killed before burial. The car he was driving was also stolen.
Intentional murder attracts life imprisonment as per article 107 of Rwanda’s penal code.
On 2nd December 1971, the UAE was declared an independent, sovereign and federal state. It comprises seven emirates namely: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah.
In Rwanda, the celebration of the annual event took place at the UAE Ambassador’s Residence in Nyarutarama in the evening of Friday 2nd December 2022 with a dinner that brought together diplomats accredited to Rwanda and government officials among other guests.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta also graced the event as the guest of honor.
Speaking at the event, the UAE Ambassador to Rwanda, Hazza AlQahtani reminisced on the federation’s journey rich in monumental events and achievements, building on the foundation that was first laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the fellow founding fathers.
As he said, the UAE has followed the principle of promoting security, peace and sustainable development in various parts of the region and the world since its foundation on December 2nd 1971.
Through his vision, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, guided the UAE towards the adoption of a successful and active foreign policy based on balance, moderation, and non-interference in internal affairs of other countries, in acknowledgement of the role and responsibility the UAE holds at regional and international levels.
AlQahtani further stated that the current President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ‘follows in his footsteps, leading our nation in its journey towards the future’.
{{Principles of the 50}}
In 2021, the UAE announced the “Principles of the 50″. These are ten principles that act as guidelines for all institutions in the UAE since the country began a new phase of growth and development over the next 50 years.
The “Principles of the 50” document sets the strategic roadmap for the UAE’s new era of economic, political, developmental, and social growth to strengthen the union, build a sustainable economy, and harness all possible resources to create a more prosperous society.
Among others, the UAE adopted economic strategies that stimulate economic diversification away from oil, and the country is working to build an economy based on knowledge and diversity, reinforced by scientific and technological progress.
The UAE has launched a package of strategic projects and initiatives within the “Projects of the 50”, which aim to establish an advanced stage of internal and external growth. The projects provide impetus for investment in digital and circular economies, as well as sectors based on artificial intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
{{Partnerships}}
Besides, the UAE has begun to conclude comprehensive economic partnership agreements with strategic partners, as part of a long-term strategy in its path of economic diversification and the development of strong international partnerships through trade, industry and investment. Three agreements have been concluded with India, Indonesia and Israel, and expected to be signed with a number of other countries.
The federation believes that the future of regional security depends on strong multilateral partnerships and a common commitment to achieving stability and prosperity through peaceful political and economic means.
“The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements will continue to pave the way for more opportunities for the people of the region and open the way for the vital economic development of the Middle East, accelerating and enhancing trade across nations and increasing the ease of doing business throughout the region, and in other markets such as Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America,” said AlQahtani.
He affirmed that the UAE will continue to pursue a foreign policy aimed at building on the common interests among the countries of the region in promoting peace, stability, prosperity and the well-being of peoples.
As AlQahtani stated, the UAE’s relations with all countries are characterized by continuity, moderation, diplomacy and wisdom, despite the changes on the global political, security, economic and health scene, and ‘this is harnessed to find common ground to find solutions to regional and international challenges and conflicts’.
“As home to more than 200 nationalities from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, the UAE is deeply committed to safeguarding human rights and building upon its steady progress in this field. Over the years, the UAE has enacted a series of laws and regulations that enshrine certain fundamental rights, providing for the fair treatment of all its citizens and residents, especially women, children, workers, and persons of determination, as stipulated in the UAE Constitution,” he said.
AlQahtani highlighted that there has been an increasing appreciation worldwide of his nation’s future agenda and fundamental values, thanks to initiatives such as EXPO 2020 Dubai, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Abraham Accords, and the UAE Papal visit, amongst many others.
“Our foreign humanitarian aid is not tied to religion, race, color, or culture. Political disagreement with any country should not justify failing to provide relief to that country in cases of disasters, emergencies, and crises,” he said.
{{Vibrant Relations with Rwanda}}
The United Arab Emirates and Rwanda enjoy excellent bilateral relations.
Both countries have cooperation in various sectors, such as Education, Hospitality, Trade and Investment and aviation.
Generally, trade and investment remain as key pillars for Rwanda and the UAE cooperation.
The UAE is currently Rwanda’s leading trade partner with close to 900 million US$ in total trade as of 2020. In 2020, trade with UAE accounted for almost 20% of Rwanda’s trade globally.
Trade has grown ten-fold between 2010 and 2020 and almost three-fold from 2018 to 2020. Out of Rwanda’s total exports worth US$1.2 billion in 2020, the UAE accounted for 61%.
AlQahtani underscored that this trade partnership is expected to further be boosted by the recently signed MoU between the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Rwanda Private Sector Federation on Enhancing Investment and Business Opportunity between the UAE and Rwanda.
As far as investment is concerned, AlQahtani disclosed, several UAE companies which have registered their businesses with RDB with investment commitments valued at 185.4 million US$.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dr. Vincent Biruta congratulated the UAE on the 51st celebration of Union Day and encouraged investors to continue tapping into available business opportunities.
He also commended UAE for walking with Rwanda along its economic journey.
“In relation to trade between both countries, UAE has significantly contributed to Rwanda’s economy journey, being the number one trading partner with close to 750 million in total trade as of 2021. This cooperation was further enhanced with the signing in 2020 of the supply of goods partnership agreement between NAEB [the National Agricultural Export Development Board] and Carrefour Supermarket, which has led to exports to the United Arab Emirates of fresh avocadoes and passion fruits among other horticultural products,” noted Minister Biruta.
“In line with this, I wish to encourage that more opportunities in this area be explored, especially that RwandAir recently acquired the first dedicated cargo aircraft which will serve as an import-export link to the UAE and other destinations,” he added.
Dr. Biruta also reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to strategically work with UAE to realize common aspirations for the interest of both countries’ people.
Prince Kid who organized the contest for long through his company, Rwanda Inspiration Backup, was facing charges including soliciting or offering sexual favours, and harassment connected to sexual relations.
The court ruled on the release of Prince Kid,34, saying that the Prosecution did not present compelling evidences pinning him to alleged crimes.
Prince Kid has been incarcerated in Nyarugenge Prison located in Mageragere since 16th May 2022.
Dr. Ngamije who has been assuming the duties for two years and nine months handed over to his successor this Friday and explained that reforms were needed for the health sector to meet its target.
The reforms in the Ministry of Health also saw Dr. Yvan Butera appointed Minister of State replacing Dr. Tharcisse Mpunga.
Speaking at the handover today, Dr. Ngamije said that undertaken reforms came in the right time.
“It is a special day for the Ministry of health to get new forces to fast track envisioned goals in the health sector. I believe the appointment of Dr. Sabin and Dr. Yvan respectively as Minister and State Minister was timely,” he affirmed.
Dr. Ngamije said that a lot has been achieved since he was appointed as Minister of Health in February 2020 noting that the country’s leadership may have found it necessary to pass the ball for others to do more.
“The reinforcement of this sector came in handy because we are implementing the national strategy 2017-2024, with clearly defined objectives to be achieved. If it is in respect of gaps revealed in the recent Demographic and Health Survey, we need to do things differently. In my opinion, it is a right decision,” he said.
Within five years of President Paul Kagame’s third term, a lot has been achieved in the health sector.
In 2017, figures indicated that one doctor attended to 10,055 patients per year with a target to reduce the number drastically and improve healthcare services.
In 2020, the number of patients attended to by one doctor reduced to 8.247. This was considered a great milestone as the achievement saw the country surpassing its target of 9000 patients assigned to one doctor in 2021.
Figures also show that there has been a significant milestone in increasing the number of midwives. In 2017, a midwife would attend to 4,064 mothers but the number reduced significantly to 2,340 in 2021.
On the other hand, the number of patients assigned to one nurse increased from 1,095 in 2017 to 1,198 in 2020 against the target of reducing them to 900.
As for new areas of priority, Dr. Ngamije stressed the need for the establishment of a law on organ donation as Rwanda mulls introducing kidney transplant services.
He also highlighted the need to update the law regarding healthcare services established in 1998.
Dr. Ngamije also requested his successor to follow up the framework for mobilization of domestic financing to promote the health sector and streamline implementation of projects aimed at making Rwanda a hub for healthcare services.
Dr. Nsanzimana thanked the Head of State for the trust bestowed to him to lead the Ministry of Health and urged his subordinates on teamwork to meet the country’s aspirations.
He also pledged to expedite quality of service delivery, people-centeredness and evidence-based interventions in the health sector
Prior to the appointment, Dr. Nsanzimana has been serving as the Director General of Butare University Teaching Hospital (CHUB) for nine months. He also worked as the Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) since 2019 among other duties.
As per statement released by the EU Council, the assistance measure adopted today under the European Peace Facility (EPF), adds to the ongoing assistance of EUR 89 million for the Mozambican Armed Forces in conjunction with the EU Training Mission (EUTM) Mozambique and EUR 15 million for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).
The EPF was created in 2021 to support partners around the world in the areas of military and defence, and with the ultimate aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability.
The assistance measure will enable the acquisition of collective and personal equipment, and cover costs related to the strategic airlift needed to sustain the Rwandan deployment in Cabo Delgado.
The funding to Rwanda’s intervention in Mozambique is part of assistance measures adopted by the council in support of the armed forces of five countries.
These include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Lebanon, Mauritania and Rwanda.
Commenting on the support, Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said: “The European Peace Facility continues to show its flexibility and effectiveness in responding to our partners’ needs. Today, we have adopted five new assistance measures to support Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Lebanon, Mauritania and the Rwandan deployment to Mozambique.
The Government of Rwanda has through a statement released today welcomed the support of European Peace Facility to joint operations in Cabo Delgado and reiterated continued commitment to work with partners to fight terrorism.
“Rwanda greatly appreciates the support announced today by the European Council of €20 million from the European Peace Facility to ensure that Rwandan troops working alongside Mozambican forces continue to have the equipment and logistics required to fight armed terrorists in Cabo Delgado, restore peace and security, enable the safe return of displaced residents to their homes. Rwanda remains a reliable partner in the fight against terrorism on the continent and we are pleased to collaborate with the European Union in this work,” said Dr. Vincent Biruta, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Rwanda deployed army and police personnel to Cabo Delgado in July 2021 at the request of the Government of Mozambique, and currently has around 2,500 troops engaged in joint operations with Mozambican forces. Additional troops are being deployed in areas that have experienced new terrorist attacks.
The Rwandan contingent has so far been fully funded by the Government of Rwanda.
Since last year, the joint force has dislodged insurgents from their strongholds, allowing civilians to return to their homes, and also collaborated with SADC’s SAMIM force to pursue terrorists in other sectors.
These new assistance measures increase the EU’s ongoing support to partner countries in Africa, the Eastern Partnership, and the Western Balkans, and expands the European Peace Facility’s geographical outreach to the Southern Neighbourhood.
The Head of State was addressing officials after the wearing-in of new cabinet members on Wednesday 30th November 2022.
Kagame shed light on the current state of relations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which has been accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group in clashes with Congolese Army (FARDC).
Rwanda has however repeatedly denied the charges and urged the neighbouring country to solve internal problems without drawing it into internal matters.
The tensions escalated mainly at the beginning of this year following the resurgence of M23 over DRC’s failure to implement peace accords signed in 2013 and ongoing persecutions against Rwandophone communities.
During the fight with M23, FARDC reportedly worked with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group formed by remnant individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and shelled Rwandan territory at different times.
The coalition also kidnapped two Rwandan soldiers on patrol this year among other ‘serious provocations’.
Tensions between both countries escalated until Congolese President, Antoine Felix Tshisekedi warned of war with Rwanda in an interview with the Financial Times in July this year.
At the time, Tshisekedi said that his country won’t stand by if Rwanda continues to support M23 rebel group.
“This possibility cannot be ruled out. If Rwanda’s provocation continues, we will not sit and do nothing about it. We are not weak. There is absolutely no doubt that Rwanda is backing the March 23rd Movement. We want peace, but if push comes to shove…at one point we will take action,” he said.
Tshisekedi also underscored that Rwanda is fighting in DRC ‘under the guise of M23’ and accused it of intentions to loot its natural resources.
“Rwanda is fighting in the DRC under the guise of the M23, which was defeated in 2013. Rwanda has illicit vested economic interests in the DRC. As long as order is not restored in the DRC, as long as lawlessness and insecurity prevail, Rwanda will take advantage of that,” he noted.
In his speech yesterday, Kagame alluded to a leader who wants to externalize his country’s problems to Rwanda to postpone elections and advised him to seek another solution.
DRC is expected to hold general elections in December 2023.
Kagame asked the country to allow collaboration with Rwanda to deal with the issue of security problems caused by FDLR but refused.
The President disclosed that he won’t wait for another invitation in case the coalition with FDLR continues to shell Rwandan territory.
“When they started firing across our border, I told him that it is enough invitation. I told the President of Congo that while initially I was seeking the invitation to work with them to deal with the problem, actually firing artillery across our border into our territory is sufficient invitation. That statement still stands,” he said.
Kagame further stated that Rwanda respects other countries’ territorial integrity which must be reciprocal and highlighted that disrupting Rwandans’ security will be costly.
“[…] We are not going to engage in skirmishes that could have been avoided. We are not going to violate anybody’s sovereignty. Territorial integrity will be respected but with so much demand that that happens in our case as well,” he noted.
“And so, people along the border can go to bed at night, knowing they will have security for them to sleep all night. Short of that, we will make somebody else spend sleepless nights,” added Kagame.
On Tshisekedi’s warning of war with Rwanda, Kagame emphasized that the country does neither ask for war nor create grounds for conflict as it knows related consequences.
“We know what war means. I have heard some people in interviews in FT-London, France24 – France or TV5 or something like that. Somebody says, I don’t rule out a war with Rwanda. When I used to talk to this person who keeps saying this, I used to advise or humbly tell him that we are actually tired of war. We need to be working together and creating peace between our two countries,” he stated.
“Because, if you are looking for somebody who knows about war, please come to me. I know something about it and know how bad it is. And by that, I know how you cannot have anything better than peace,” added Kagame.
The Head of State said that it would be a wrong way if the country chose to make Rwanda a scapegoat to postpone elections.
[{{Related story: Tshisekedi warns of war with Rwanda}}->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/tshisekedi-warns-of-war-with-rwanda]
Rwanda started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique on 9th July 2021, to fight rebel groups linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The situation started worsening in October 2017 when armed extremists linked ISIL launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.
Since then, Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been battling the extremists while many civilians were displaced by the fighting.
The joint operations between Rwandan and Mozambican troops yielded big where different regions of Cabo Delgado Province including Palma, Awasse, Mocímboa Da Praia, Quionga, Tete, Maputo, Nhica Do Rovuma, Quelimane, Chinda and Mumu among others have been seized from rebels.
As at 5th September 2021, Rwandan and Mozambican troops who were joined by the military mission of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) had captured almost all areas of Cabo Delgado Province where the remaining work was predominantly about launching offensives to quell enemy pockets from their hideouts and help displaced citizens to return to their homes.
Towards the end of 2021, Rwandan troops deployed to the country had been increased to nearly 2000.
In their area of operations, Rwandan troops killed, captured some terrorists and quelled others who fled to the areas of Nangade and Macomia controlled by SADC forces.
They used to plot hit and run attacks from their new hideouts to areas captured by Rwandan troops. This stressed the need to develop new tactics to completely deal with the issue of terrorists.
As he received oaths of new officials including the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana and Minister of State in the same ministry, Dr. Ivan Butera, President Kagame said that Rwanda increased troops deployed to Mozambique in connection with their new mandate.
“We have nearly 2500 troops including soldiers and Police personnel in Mozambique, working with Mozambican forces. Even yesterday, we deployed more troops. We did it because many problems have been solved in collaboration with Mozambicans since our initial deployment,” he said.
“There are ongoing problems because we were not present in all areas,” added Kagame.
The Head of State explained that security problems were dealt with in Rwanda’s areas of operations but lingered in other places.
“[…] It emerged that terrorists in Mozambique fled from their strongholds to other places. We agreed with Mozambique that we are going to chase them out of their new hideouts. This is what are going to do,” he noted.
Kagame disclosed that operations are fully financed by Rwanda, even as the country welcomes and wait for external support.
