The appointment has been announced through a communiqué released by the Office of Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente.
“Pursuant to the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda of 2003 revised in 2015, especially in its article 116; Today, the 10th November 2022, His Excellency The President has appointed Mr. Jean Claude Musabyimana, Minister of Local Government,” reads the statement.
The communiqué does not mention the reason why Gatabazi has been removed from his position. However, President Kagame recently pointed out leaders including Gatabazi who used their power for personal gains.
The head of state hinted at the issue during a recent Political Bureau of Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) Inkotanyi held at Intare Conference Arena in October 2022.
At the time, Gatabazi apologized but was warned of possible punishment.
It is not the first time that Gatabazi apologizes for committed mistakes.
In 2020, he was suspended from his position as the Governor of Northern Province ‘owing to matters of accountability under investigation’.
He was pardoned after an apology and later appointed Minister of Local Government.
Gatabazi had become Minister of Local Government in March last year replacing Prof. Anastase Shyaka who was later named Rwanda’s envoy to Poland.
Prior to the appointment, Gatabazi served as a Member of Parliament and Governor of Northern Province.
Meanwhile, Musabyimana who succeeds Gatabazi has over 15 years of working experience as a Lecturer and local Government Agent.
He has been serving as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI).
Musabyimana had previously worked as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands and Forestry (MINILAF) between 2017 and 2018.
In 2016-2017, he was appointed as Governor for the Northern Province after serving as the Mayor for Musanze District, Northern Province and Deputy Mayor in Charge of Economic Development of the same district between 2015 and 2016.
Musabyimana holds Master’s degree in Agricultural Hydrology obtained from the University of Agronomic Sciences and Biological Engineering in Gembloux, Belgium.
The urban CPI is calculated based on approximately 1622 products in twelve urban centers of Rwanda.
The increase was mainly driven by skyrocketing prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Hiked prices continue to be an issue of global concern owing to effects of COVID-19, the war between Russia and Ukraine as well as low agricultural produce.
In October 022, Food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 39.7 percent on annual basis and increased by 5.3 percent on monthly basis.
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels increased by 8.9 percent on annual basis and increased by 1.3 percent on monthly basis.
According to NISR, transport increased by 13.6 percent on annual basis and decreased by 0.4 percent on monthly basis. Restaurants and hotels increased by 18.6 percent on annual change and increased by 0.9 percent on monthly basis.
The data also show the local products increased by 20.1 percent on annual change and increased by 3.4 percent on monthly basis, while prices of the “imported products” increased by 20 percent on annual basis and increased by 0.6 percent on monthly basis.
The prices of fresh products increased by 42.4 percent on annual change and increased by 7.5 percent on monthly basis.
Meanwhile, prices of energy increased by 22.3 percent on annual change and increased by 2.4 percent on monthly basis.
Among others, the prices of the “general Index excluding fresh products and energy” increased by 14.4 percent on annual change and increased by 1.4 percent on monthly basis.
The forum organised by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in partnership with Invest Barbados and Export Barbados, the investment and export promotion agencies of Barbados, had Rwandan and Barbadian government and private sector officials participate and explore ways they can create synergies together.
Heads of government and private sector executives shared with their counterparts from Barbados sectors in both economies where they can exchange knowledge and best-practice while increasing investments such as; tourism, sports development, air connectivity and logistics, digital and financial services, green investments among others.
Speaking while delivering keynote remarks, Kerrie D. Symmonds, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade for Barbados noted: “We have come this far in order to strengthen our economic ties and to take Barbados a few steps further along the lines of shaping destiny, building economic resilience and beginning a pathway towards prosperity for our people.
We believe on the basis of the relationship developed between President Kagame and Prime Minister Mottley, that this is a common vision for the people of Rwanda and Barbados and an opportunity to be grasped to broaden our economic development agenda.”
On her part, RDB Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi commended the fast steps that have been taken to strengthen economic relations between the two countries and noted that Rwanda will be looking to tap into the more advanced economic sectors of Barbados such as tourism, financial and sports.
“Usually when you look at the map, you think that Barbados is very far from Rwanda but I must say, the more we work together and collaborate, somehow that distance begins to reduce.”
Kaye-Anne Greenidge Chief Executive Officer, Invest Barbados said: “We view your nation as an incredible source of investment and trade. Our differences in geographical size or language are really no hindrances. Rwanda already has a strong agricultural base and this is an area that we can explore for our mutual benefit.
Barbados has placed high priority on the matter of food security, and a non-traditional source market is a major plus. I am sure that there is much that we can learn from you.”
The Barbadian delegation has been visiting the country since Monday this week, meeting with various Rwandan government and private sector stakeholders to network and learn from each other and visiting the Kigali Special Economic Zone.
Prior to the forum, the Government of Rwanda, through the Ministries of Sports and Infrastructure signed cooperation agreements with Hon. Kerrie D. Symmonds, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade for Barbados, in the sports and aviation sectors.
In addition, the RDB delegation participating in the 2022 World Travel Market in London met with the Barbadian Minister of Tourism, Ian Gooding-Edghill and discussed areas of mutual cooperation in tourism between the two countries.
Maj Karangwa, 66, has been living in the Netherlands since 1988. He was arrested by Dutch Police on 11th May 2022 in Ermelo.
Rwanda had issued arrest warrants against him to face justice over alleged responsibility in attacks to kill Tutsis at Mugina Parish in Kamonyi District during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In 1994, Maj Karangwa was an officer serving under a para-military unit known as Gendarmerie.
Apart from Mugina, he is also suspected to have been involved in the killings of Tutsis in different parts of Kigali.
Following his arrest, Karangwa was arraigned before court and claimed that he does not expect fair justice in Rwanda.
His request has been validated during a hearing held on Wednesday.
Karangwa was born in former Mugina Sector, in the current Kamonyi District.
Between 1992 and 1993, he served as an intelligence officer in the former Rwanda Armed Forces (EX-FAR).
During the Genocide against the Tutsi, thousands of Tutsi citizens had sought refuge in the nearby parish of Mugina in April 1994.
It is said that the mayor of Mugina, who had tried to protect fleeing Tutsis, was killed by militia members, giving the army, police and militias free rein.
An estimated 30,000 Tutsis are said to have been killed during the Mugina parish massacre.
According to sources, Maj Karangwa was closely involved in the planning and execution of the massacres in Mugina, including the supply of weapons to militias that killed Tutsis.
The man and his accomplices are said to have led some 80 Tutsi civilians that had managed to escape the parish massacres to a house that was subsequently set on fire. Karangwa is also accused of having supplied the fuel.
It is said that, prior to the massacres, the man had chaired a meeting calling for Tutsi civilians to be attacked and killed. He is also alleged to have played a part in the assassination of the mayor of Mugina.
Located in Bugesera District, Nemba is among most crossed borders. It is reported that the border was crossed by between 600 and 800 people on daily basis before closure in 2015.
Following the good news, IGIHE has visited the border to have a glimpse on the current situation of movements at the border.
We have learnt that passengers crossing the border currently range from 250 to 300 of whom Burundians account for 70% while the rest are Rwandans.
Apart from passengers’ movements, other businesses including forex trading and restaurants among others have resumed operations.
As our journalist visited the border, he found bicycles from Burundi brought to carry various merchandises from Rwanda.
Gilbert Ntamwana, one of drivers crossing the border said that he was delighted with the reopening of borders between Rwanda and Burundi.
“I am excited with the opening of Nemba border because I will be crossing it as I travel to Uganda. Normally, I used to travel to Uganda through Tanzania yet crossing through Rwanda would be a shortcut. This will reduce the time spent on road by eight hours. We thank God for this reopening,” said Ntamwana.
Moses Nkomezekuyisaba from Kirundo Province in Burundi disclosed that he used to make a living from cross-border trade before the closure in 2015.
“The closure had incurred losses because I worked as a businessman with a large portion of goods imported from Rwanda. Now that the border is open, I have resumed my business. I have started buying goods in small quantities to be sold in Burundi,” he said.
Annonciata Mukashyaka who runs a business at Nemba border on the side of Rwanda says that she used to receive a large number of customers, which helped her to feed her family.
Mukashyaka was hit hard following the closure but expressed optimism that the situation will be back to normal gradually.
“I used to welcome over 200 customers per day in 2015. I have been receiving moderate number customers since I resumed business one week ago and hope the situation will get much better,” she said.
Louis Nkaka residing in Nyamata Sector of Bugesera District has said that the requirement to pay Rwf15,000 for COVID-19 test on the side of Burundi is still among barriers hampering free movements after border reopening.
She appealed on relevant authorities to conduct advocacy to ensure full resumption of free movements.
On Tuesday 8th November 2022, the Governor of Eastern Province, Emmanuel Gasana; Governor of Southern Province, Alice Kayitesi and their counterpart of Kirundo from Burundi held discussions on different issues including the amount COVID-19 charged to enter Burundi.
The Governor of Kirundo Province, Albert Hatungimana said that he will forward the issue to relevant authorities to be put under consideration.
Few days after DRC expelled the neighbouring country’s envoy, Rwanda has reported that Congolese Army’s fighter jet Sukhoi-25 violated its airspace and briefly touched down at Rubavu Airport in Western Province.
Rwanda said that it did not respond militarily despite series of provocations from the neighbouring country over the past few months.
Since March this year, Rwanda accused Congolese Army (FARDC) bombarding its territory at different times in collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
FDLR is a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Rwanda also accused the coalition of kidnapping two soldiers of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) who were on patrol along the border but were later released and sent back home through the mediation of Angola.
DRC has been accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group, a claim which the neighbouring country has repeatedly denied.
The violation of Rwanda’s airspace has been considered as a serious provocation to drag Rwanda into a war following recent revelations by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi who alluded to his intentions to wage a war on Rwanda.
Isaïe Murashi, a historian and expert in politics who once served as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Uganda, has told IGIHE that the actions of DRC make up provocations of a war which they can hardly win.
“In diplomacy, expelling an ambassador signals deteriorated relations. This stage usually comes before discontinuing ties. We have not yet cut bilateral ties but it is apparently the next step, preceding an all-out war with an exchange of bullets,” he said.
M23 rebel group has captured different areas of North Kivu Province and continues to advance towards Goma, the largest town of the province.
The rebel group currently camps in 15 kilometers away from Goma.
Instead of repelling the enemy, Congolese politicians and citizens continue to push the government to wage a war on Rwanda over alleged support to M23.
Rwanda maintains that the fight between Congolese Army and M23 is an internal problem which should be addressed by DRC without playing blame games.
Last week, President Tshisekedi called for mass recruitment of the youth to reinforce his country’s army in a war against the enemy.
Murashi has observed that Tshisekedi’s reactions incite a war.
“This is the likely next stage considering the speeches of Tshisekedi, what is happening in Goma and the resistance of Congolese soldiers despite their defeat. […] Rwanda does not want a war against Congo. It advises the neighbouring country to solve internal problems even though they show no willingness and remain stuck in blame games,” he noted.
“Such arrogance and reluctance to friendly dialogue is on purpose. The purpose to fight,” added Murashi.
Murashi observed that DRC’s option for war can hardly materialize adding that it would not last long in case the country remains stubborn.
“A war will not materialize. It is their option but they won’t triumph because M23 is in the proximity of Goma making it the only place from where they can attack Rwanda. Where else will they manoeuver through? The war won’t come about. Even if it happens, it would not last long,” he said.
The meeting which took place on the sidelines of the 27th United Nations Climate Change (COP27) on Monday 7th November 2022; was also attended by the President of Kenya, William Ruto; Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Congolese Prime Minister, Sama Lukonde.
The meeting is held amidst escalating tensions between Rwanda and DRC over reciprocal accusations related to the fight between Congolese Army (FARDC) and M23 rebel group.
FARDC continues to loose bases to M23 rebel group and attributes its strength to alleged support from Rwanda.
Rwanda has however denied the allegations repeatedly calling the fight with M23 an internal problem which should be addressed by DRC.
DRC President, Félix Tshisekedi recently revealed figuratively that it is time to wage a war on Rwanda after elucidating that diplomatic process is no longer a promising option to restore peace in the eastern part of his country.
Topics of discussions between the heads of state have not been disclosed.
Meanwhile, joint EAC forces are expected to be deployed to fight armed groups in DRC event though the country has boycotted Rwandan troops from participating in the regional efforts.
It is expected that Ugandan troops with work with Congolese Army (FARDC) to fight armed groups in Beni and Ituri regions.
Kenyan forces will be deployed in the outskirts of Goma and Rutshuru, Burundians will be based in Southern Kivu Province while others form South Sudan will be deployed in Haut-Uélé.
Areas of operations for Tanzanian troops have not yet been designated given that it already has soldiers in the country serving under The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
Sources indicate that they might assist in intelligence gathering and sharing of information.
Last week, President Ndayishimiye held talks with Uhuru Kenyatta, former Kenyan President who serves as Kenya’s peace envoy to the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, with whom they agreed that Nairobi peace talks on security problems in eastern DRC have to resume on 16th November 2022.
The decision was reached as Kenyatta, the EAC facilitator on the peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo visited Burundi where he met with Ndayishimiye on Friday 4th November 2022.
They discussed different issues including the resumption of Nairobi peace talks bringing together DRC and hostile armed groups.
Kenyatta and Ndayishimiye also discussed the plan to send EAC joint troops to eastern DRC.
In April this year, EAC demanded all foreign armed groups operating in DRC including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), and the National Liberation Forces (FNL) to lay down arms or be annihilated militarily through joint regional force.
DRC had agreed to participate in the talks but rejected any negotiations with M23 which it labeled as a terrorist group.
However, it recently changed its position and announced that it would only engage in talks with the rebel after withdrawing from occupied areas.
The facility was launched on Monday 7th November 2022 in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt on the sidelines of the 27th United Nations Climate Change conference commonly referred to as Conference of the Parties (COP27).
Ireme Invest is a is a groundbreaking new investment facility powered by the Rwanda Green Fund and the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) with support from a range of valued partners.
Ireme Invest – a one stop center for green and sustainable investment – was launched with an initial capitalization of US$104 million to support the Private sector to access green finance.
“Climate adaptation requires big changes in how we produce and consume energy. How we move around, all that depends on climate adaptation and change. What we eat, and how it’s grown. All that comes together. In short the entire economy is affected, which means the private sector has a tremendous role to play,” said Kagame on the launch of Ireme Invest.
“Ireme Invest embodies Rwanda’s commitment to achieving tangible results toward a green economy through public-private partnerships in key areas,” he added.
The launch of Ireme Invest marks a significant milestone on Rwanda’s sustainable finance journey.
President Kagame commended the Development Bank of Rwanda for the seed capital it has invested in this fund, building on the solid track record of the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA).
He also appreciated partner institutions including the Governments of France, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as the European Investment Bank an the Green Climate Partnership Fund noting that without them all that being done by Rwandan institutions would not go very far.
The Head of State also noted that these partners have contributed to the first round of capitalisation, bringing the total to more than US$100 million.
The launch of Ireme Invest at COP27 convened leaders from global finance institutions and partners who have committed to this green finance initiative.
The statement released by the government today reads that the incident occurred in the morning of Monday 7th November 2022.
“A Sukhoi-25 fighter jet from the Democratic Republic of Congo violated Rwandan airspace at 11h20 this morning and briefly touched down at Rubavu Airport in Western Province,” reads the statement in part.
“No military action was taken by Rwanda in response, and the jet returned to DRC. Rwandan authorities have protested this provocation to the DRC who acknowledged the incident,” adds the statement.
Commenting on the incident, the Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo has via Twitter account indicated that ‘the incursion by the DRC Sukhoi-25 fighter jet is one of many provocations following cross-border shelling of Rwandan territory with rockets earlier this year’.
The provocation has happened following media reports on Sunday that Goma Airport was closed the whole day on Sunday awaiting the arrival of fighter jets.
It comes amidst escalating tensions between Rwanda and DRC over reciprocal accusations related to the fight between Congolese Army (FARDC) and M23 rebel group.
FARDC continues to loose bases to M23 rebel group and attributes its strength to alleged support from Rwanda.
Rwanda has however denied the allegations repeatedly calling the fight with M23 an internal problem which should be addressed by DRC.
DRC President, Félix Tshisekedi recently revealed figuratively that it is time to wage a war on Rwanda after elucidating that diplomatic process is no longer a promising option to restore peace in the eastern part of his country.
Tshisekedi made the revelation in the evening of Thursday 3rd November 2022 as he delivered state of the nation address.
He said that the M23 rebel group is receiving support from Rwanda in terms of resources and reinforcement troops.
Alluding to waging a war on Rwanda, Tshisekedi said that his country had two options to address security problems in eastern DRC: diplomacy and war.
“I have resolved to prefer the first option over the second. So, the diplomatic option has been implemented,” he said.
Tshisekedi also ordered the Congolese army commander to establish dozens of military training centers as part of preparations to respond to alleged Rwanda’s support to M23.
“In response to the appeal of young people to enroll massively in our Armed Forces, I reiterate the instruction given to the Chief of Staff to accelerate the establishment of training centers through the twenty six provinces in our country,” he said.
“The war imposed on us by our neighbours demands sacrifice from each of us. It is time to silence our political differences to defend our motherland together,” added Tshisekedi.
The Senior Defence and Security Advisor in the Office of the President, Gen James Kabarebe has said that Rwanda can’t be drawn into war by provocations of Congolese citizens and politicians speaking ill of the country and staging protests because it would look like a fight with a mad person.
He was responding to a question raised by one of participants of talks that brought together youth volunteers and students from the College of Science and Technology at the University of Rwanda (UR-CST) in the evening of 2nd November 2022.
Gen Kabarebe further revealed that Rwanda fights strategic wars to protect its interests where it can’t be involved in provocations and reprisals over nonsense.
As he officiated the commissioning of 568 new officers of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) on Friday 4th November 2022, President Paul Kagame said that their primary job is to maintain security not to provoke wars.
“The Rwandan army and other security organs in our country are meant to protect Rwandans, to protect the country and all its citizens, and safeguard the development we have attained, as we move forward. That is what they stand for. That is where we start. We do not start by thinking that the national army as a profession, is just about fighting wars. That comes last,” he said.
“Their primary duty is security, securing our development gains. When the latter is threatened by war, that is when fighting comes in, that is why I said that is the last resort. What we and our country stand for and the mindset of our army professionals, is that the starting point is to protect what we have achieved. This is different from building an army that just fights wars that would be wrong,” added Kagame.
The provocation follows the meeting between Congolese and Rwandan ministers of foreign affairs in held in Angola on 5th November 2022 to de-escalate tensions through dialogue.
“My sincere condolences to the people of Tanzania and to President Suluhu Samia Samia Suluhu Hassan for the loss of lives following the plane accident. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of all the victims,” he tweeted.
The ATR-48 aircraft belonging to Precision Air plunged into Lake Victoria as it approached Bukoba Airport from the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.
The plane was carrying 39 passengers.
It is reported that the accident is related to bad weather but investigations are ongoing to establish the cause.
Tanzanian Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa has arrived in Bukoba District to join citizens for the funeral of the accident’s victims at Kaitaba Stadium.
He will be representing President Suluhu who is on a working visit to China.
Bukoba Airport is located on the shores of Lake Victoria.
