The move follows the establishment of the Law nº 016/2022 of 29/06/2022 approving the ratification of the agreement between Rwanda and Angola for the elimination of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and the prevention of tax avoidance and evasion, released in the Official Gazette on 22nd July 2022.
The agreement shall be applicable to Personal Income Tax; Corporate Income Tax; Withholding Taxes; Capital gain tax; and Tax on Rent of Immovable Property.
The Agreement shall apply also to any identical or substantially similar taxes that are imposed after the date of signature of the agreement in addition to, or in place of, the existing taxes.
The competent authorities of the Contracting States shall notify each other of any significant changes that have been made in their respective taxation laws.
Apart from Double Taxation Avoidance, Rwanda and Angola also signed more agreements in the areas of Extradition, Legal Assistance; Transfer of Convicted Persons ; Agriculture and Livestock Development, on Local Administration and cooperation in the field of Health.
Others were signed on Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; and an MoU between National School of Administration and Public Policies (ENAPP) and Rwanda Management Institute (RMI).
Speaking at the signing ceremony held in Kigali on Friday 15th April 2022; Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta said that the parties will work together to ensure both countries’ people benefit from signed agreements.
He further stated that Rwandans can visit Angola for business reasons and benefit from signed agreements on avoidance of double taxation.
At the time; Angolan Minister of External relations, Amb. Tete Antonio explained that the move set a framework for existing relations between both countries.
He underscored that the signing of agreements is a great milestone for both countries and encouraged technical team to work hard and develop a shared agenda for the creation of innovations, follow up of signed agreements and implementation.
There were unconfirmed reports of civilian casualties during anti-United Nations demonstrations in easternmost North Kivu province.
Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that “violent attackers snatched weapons from Congolese police and fired upon our uniformed personnel. Sadly, one military peacekeeper and two UN police personnel were killed, and another was injured.”
Haq said the attack occurred at the Butembo base of the UN mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO. The only identity among the casualties was that of the slain peacekeeper from India.
The spokesman said that “we add our voice to the acting head of MONUSCO, Khassim Diagne, to condemn the killing of our colleagues and to express our deepest sympathy to their families and colleagues.”
Diagne described the violence against the United Nations as “absolutely unacceptable” and “counterproductive” given that the mission is in the country to work alongside local authorities to protect civilians, deter armed groups, and build the capacity of state institutions and services, Haq said. Diagne called on Congolese authorities, civil society, and community groups to denounce the violence.
“It is not in chaos and confusion or division that we will make progress towards stability and peace,” he said.
There were at least four incidents targeting the homes of MONUSCO and other staff, and a mob tried to enter the premises of the UN Development Programme compound in Goma, the spokesman said. Security guards repelled the attackers.
“Hundreds of assailants have again attacked our bases in Goma as well as other parts of North Kivu province, fueled by hostile remarks and threats made by individuals and groups against the UN, particularly on social media,” he said. “Mobs are throwing stones and petrol bombs, breaking into bases, looting and vandalizing, and setting facilities on fire.”
Haq said that reinforcements are being mobilized because of the very volatile situation.
“Our quick reaction forces are on high alert and have been advised to exercise maximum restraint, using tear gas to disperse protestors and only firing warning shots when UN personnel or property are under attack,” he said. “Some assistance to protect facilities is being received from the Congolese armed forces.”
It is the second day UN posts were targeted.
The spokesman said on Monday there were stone-throwing protests and looting of UN facilities in Goma. Warning shots and tear gas were fired in return to protect personnel, the UN hospital and other UN facilities.
There also was a similar protest at the UN base in Nyamilima, 38 km northeast of Rutshuru, where several peacekeepers reportedly suffered minor injuries, and a peaceful protest at the Kitchanga base, 28 km northeast of Masisi, he said.
Twagirayezu delivered the message as he officiated the beginning of national exams for candidates from ordinary level, upper secondary school, Teachers Training Colleges (TTCs) and Vocational Training Schools (TVETs).
The ceremony took place at Groupe Scolaire Shyorongi in Rulindo District. It was attended by different officials including the Director of General of the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA), Dr. Bernard Bahati and the Mayor of Rulindo District, Judith Mukanyirigira among others.
GS Shyorongi serves as an examination center for different schools including GS Gisiza and École Stella Matutina. Candidates sitting for exams at the school include 157 girls and 59 boys.
The exams follow others for primary school finalists which began a week ago. The Ministry of Education says that the just concluded exams ended successfully with the participation of almost all registered candidates.
Twagirayezu has advised candidates against cheating because preparations of exams involved a transparent process with the participation of different parties including teachers and NESA.
“You have spent three years of studies and preparations for these exams. Besides, your teachers participated in preparations of these exams. Avoid panic, read questions and answer to them attentively. We wish you the best of luck,” said
A total of 429,151 students registered for national exams this year.
These include 229,859 candidates from primary school; 127,469 from ordinary level; 47,579 from the upper secondary school; 21,338 from TVET schools while 2,906 are from TTCs.
He was speaking at the 21st Summit of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) held in Kinshasa, the capital of DRC on 25th July 2022.
The meeting took place amidst strained relations between Rwanda and DRC. The tension saw Tshisekedi warning of a war with Rwanda.
Speaking at the summit bringing together regional leaders and heads of state, Tshisekedi revealed that he has been following up the tension between the two neighbouring countries noting that he wants the situation to be back to normal.
The Head of State also underscored that there is willingness to mend bilateral ties.
The summit is held amidst recurrent demonstrations in DRC where Congolese demand the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to leave the country over failure to solve the issue of armed groups.
During the latest protest on Monday 25th July 2022, Congolese stormed headquarters of MONUSCO and its logistical base where they looted valuables and set others on fire.
DRC nationals stormed the headquarters following protests against Rwanda accusing the country of supporting M23 rebel group.
However, Rwanda has repeatedly refuted the allegations and urged DRC to seek a solution instead of externalizing internal problems.
The peacekeeping troops have the mission of fighting armed groups which have cemented their presence in eastern DRC.
Despite their presence for the past 20 years, the groups have been increasing where a large number of civilians continue to die in different attacks.
Congolese accuse MONUSCO of working in the interests of foreign countries instead of delivering on their mission.
In the morning of Monday 25th July 2022, protesters turned up in big crowds in Goma, blocked roads and stormed offices of MONUSCO and its logistical base where they looted different valuables including computers, furniture among others. They also set the organization’s vehicle on fire.
The protests organized by the youth from the ruling political party (UDPS) followed more demonstrations launched by women who had spent days at the entrance of MONUSCO’s premises demanding the troops to leave the country because they failed Congolese and are unable to fight M23 rebel group.
During the demonstrations; Police in DRC intervened to disperse the crowds with tear gas in the areas of Majengo, Mutinga-Katoyi, Kituku, Katindo, Ndosho, Quartier Office and Virunga.
One day before, the Mayor of Goma, Senior Police Commissioner Kabeya François Makosa announced that the protests are not allowed and urged relevant authorities to foil the plan.
The Spokesperson of DRC, Patrick Muyaya has via Twitter handle condemned the violent protests noting that those involved must be held accountable and face serious punishments.
Ahead of the protests, Congolese politicians criticized the UN peacekeeping troops for failure to deliver.
As he interacted with members of AFDC political part in Goma on 15th July 2022, the President of Senate, Modeste Bahati Lukwebo said that the UN troops need to leave DRC.
The former Congolese President, Joseph Kabila also used to accuse MONUSCO of failure to solve security issues in the country.
On 18th July 2018, MONUSCO wrote to Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula expressing concerns over hate speeches propagated by the country’s officials.
With the annual budget of US$1 billion, the UN peacekeeping mission in DRC started in 1999.
Mushikiwabo was elected as the head of the world community of French-speaking countries during the 17th Summit of Heads of State from Francophonie held in Erevan, Armenia in October 2018.
Following her election, Mushikiwabo took office in January 2019.
Speaking to TV 5 Monde, Mushikiwabo has disclosed that she is ready to continue leading the organization where she has already expressed her commitment to Francophone countries.
Mushikiwabo said that her country (Rwanda) has already proposed her candidature where she is among contenders for the next term.
The next Secretary-General will be elected during the 18th Summit of Heads of State from Francophone countries expected to take place in Djerba, Tunisia between 19th and 20th November 2022.
As the submission of candidatures began, the Kingdom of Morocco proposed Mushikiwabo as the sole candidate to the leadership of OIF during the next term and called on other countries to support her candidature.
The country proposed Mushikiwabo for a new term in order to continue the reforms undertaken by OIF.
The organization comprises 88 member states and governments; of these, 54 states and governments are full members, 7 are associate members and 27 are observers.
He was speaking to members of the press on 22nd July 2022 after presenting achievements of the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the fiscal year 2021/2022.
Commenting on spoiled relations between Rwanda and Burundi for seven years, Amb. Shingiro said that the only unsettled issue is the undecided deportation of suspects behind who attempted to overthrow Burundi’s leadership in 2015.
“That is the only remaining issue. Other problems have been solved,” he said.
According to Iwacu media house from Burundi, Minister Shingiro expressed hope that Rwanda will agree to hand over these individuals to Burundi.
“No country can allow cooperation with another, particularly a neighbouring one, to be spoilt by a group of gangs with no promising future in politics,” he said.
Once suspected individuals are deported and face justice, Minister Shingiro revealed that they might even receive the presidential prerogative of mercy.
“Once they are brought before Burundi’s justice, they can start serving their sentence but we cannot ignore that they might benefit from different resolutions including the presidential prerogative of mercy,” he noted.
When asked whether the international norm for protection of refugees might not be a barrier for the deportation, Minister Shingiro explained that there is no international law protecting individuals behind coup plots or other criminals.
The official said that they are special refugees and advised suspects to report themselves to face justice instead of staying in the refuge.
Despite the pending issue, Shingiro highlighted that efforts to mend relations with Rwanda are on good progress.
The Government of Rwanda and Burundi recently held discussions on the issue of suspected coup plot suspects who attempted to overthrow the then President Pierre Nkurunziza in 2015.
Discussions took place on 25th February 2022. They brought together Rwanda’s Minister of Justice and State Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja and his counterpart of Burundi, Domine Banyankimbona and other officials.
Minister Ugireshebuja said that shared interests between Rwanda and Burundi exceed differences. He added that discussions held at different times would pave the way for a brighter future for citizens’ interests.
Ndayishimiye will take over from his Kenya counterpart, President Uhuru Kenyatta who assumed office in March 2021.
He was announced as new EAC leader, by the outgoing chairman, Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta during the closure of the two-day summit held in Arusha.
Resolutions of the summit indicate that the summit received an update on the integration of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the council of ministers and EAC Secretariat will expedite and finalize the implementation of the roadmap of integration and report to the 23rd Meeting of the Summit.
During the summit, Rwanda was represented by Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente. DRC was also represented by Prime Minister, Sama Lukonde.
{{Security issues in DRC }}
Resolutions of the summit show that EAC appointed President Uhuru Kenyatta to oversee the implementation of Nairobi process as provided for in the modality for the establishment and functioning of the EAC panel on eminent persons and for the deployment of special envoys.
The summit also resolved that a special fund will be established to support the implementation of the process and decided to expeditiously deploy a joint regional force in eastern DRC.
{{Somali continues to push for admission into EAC}}
The summit noted that the verification exercise for the admission of the Federal Republic of Somalia into the East African Community had not been undertaken and directed the council of ministers to expeditiously fast track the verification exercise in accordance with the EAC procedure for admission of new members into the EAC and report to the 23rd Meeting of the Summit.
The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who was part of the meeting reiterated his country’s commitment to join the regional bloc.
The summit also noted that the council of ministers had concluded the roadmap for the integration of South Sudan into the community.
{{Inclusion of Kiswahili and French as official languages }}
The EAC Heads of State Summit also received an update on the inclusion of French and Kiswahili as official languages of the community, in addition to English and considered a roadmap on the implementation of Kiswahili and French as official languages.
The council of ministers was directed to expedite implementation of the roadmap.
{{New judges of EAC court}}
The summit appointed Cheborion Barishaki Bonny from Uganda as a judge of the East African Court of Justice in the appellate division wioth effect from 16th August 2022.
It also appointed Sauda Mjasiri as the Vice President of the East African Court of Justice and Dr. Charles O. Nyawelo as Deputy Principal Judge of the first Instance Division with effect from 22nd July 2022.
The summit also named Gacuko Leonard from Burundi as a Judge of the East African Court of Justice in the first instance division with effect from 22nd July 2022.
Among others, the summit also thanked judges Monica Mugenyi, Geoffrey W.M. Kiryabwire and Audace Ngiye for their dedicated service to the community and wished them well in their future endeavours.
{{Bazivamo ends tenure}}
The summit noted that the tenure of the Deputy Secretary General of EAC, Christophe Bazivamo will end in September 2022.
The summit commended him for dedicated service to the community and wished them well in their future endeavours.
Bazivamo held the position since 2016.
Prior to the appointment, he was a parliamentarian of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
He also held different duties in the Government of Rwanda between 2009 and 2011.
{{Ndayishimiye appointed Chairperson of EAC}}
The summit recalled its previous decision at its 21st meeting that the Republic of Burundi would take over the next chairmanship of the community. The summit decided that the Republic of South Sudan will be the rapporteur.
With this regard, the President of Burundi, Ndayishimiye will be serving the Chairperson of EAC replacing Uhuru Kenyatta.
The summit thanked Uhuru Kenyatta for having chaired the community and his stewardship of the affairs of the community during his tenure since 27th February 2021.
The leaders hosted at Urugwiro Village today include Mahamadou Issoufou, the former President of Niger; Hailemariam Desalegn, former Ethiopian Prime Minister; the CEO of African Wildlife Foundation, Kaddu Sebunya; the Deputy Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Stewart Maginnis; the Director General of World Wildlife Fund, Marco Lambertini and the Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Shamila Nair Bedouelle.
Rwanda’s Presidency has announced the development via Twitter handle but did not mention topics of discussions.
The leaders were accompanied by Rwandan officials including the Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya and the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Clare Akamanzi.
The congress which the leaders attended runs between 18th and 23rd July 2022. It is organized by African Wildlife Foundation, an international conservation organization focused exclusively on Africa’s wildlife and wild lands.
The first Africa Protected Area Congress underway in Kigali is intended to further enhance the status of conservation in Africa by engaging governments, the private sector, civil society, indigenous peoples and local communities, academia to shape Africa’s Protected and Conserved Areas Agenda to better deliver benefits for people and nature.
It brought together over 2000 participants from 52 African countries and beyond.
Rwanda became the first African country to host the meeting which previously took place in Europe, USA and Asia.
The opening ceremony was graced by dignitaries including the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn and the former President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou.
The opening ceremony also coincided with the official inauguration of Nyandungu Eco-Park by Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente.
Today, protected areas cover 37.7% of Rwanda’s land.
At the time, 22 individuals who had been convicted of role in the Genocide were shot dead.
The capital punishment triggered mixed reactions among foreign countries which condemned the decision taken by the Government of Rwanda.
Among the executed individuals, is Virginie Mukankusi, the former School Inspector in Kigali City during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Reports do not provide deep details on the role of Mukankusi during the Genocide but indicate that he was convicted over persecuting Tutsi victims before killing them.
Mukankusi was also convicted of hunting and pointing out hideouts for Tutsi children to be killed by Interahamwe.
Mukankusi was handed life sentence on 28th February 1997 by Gitarama Primary Court. The convict and defence lawyers were not satisfied with the verdict and filed an appeal before Nyabisindu Intermediate Court which retained the punishment.
During trial proceedings that began in January 1997, Amnesty International revealed that Mukankusi made self-contradictory statements at different times which might have been considered by the court to pin her.
Mukankusi’s defence lawyer requested for lenient sentence of his client claiming that she was an ordinary citizen not familiar with political affairs.
However, the Prosecution said that it could not clear her of cruelty and severity of the committed crime.
The verdict was not welcomed by foreign countries and international organizations including Amnesty which considered the decision as a step backward in the judicial system.
“The public execution of 22 people in Rwanda on 24 April has further damaged hopes of peace and reconciliation in the country,” reads an extract from Amnesty’s report released on 24th April 1998.
Pope John Paul II also wrote a letter to the then President, Pasteur Bizimungu requesting the cancellation of the execution but the Government of Rwanda insisted that the decision of the court must be respected.
It also explained that the verdict served as a warning to people with intentions to abuse human rights.
On the day of execution, Mukankusi was along with a group of key masterminds in the preparation and execution of Genocide against the Tutsi including Frodouard Karamira, the former Vice President of MDR political party who played a major role in spreading Hutu Power ideology and mobilizing Hutus to exterminate Tutsis through the then national broadcaster, RTLM.
The death sentence was later abolished. The Government of Rwanda scrapped the death penalty from its penal code on 25th July 2007.
It is said that it had been handed to 600 individuals before its abolishment.
