M23 has announced to have captured Bunagana town today morning leaving many Congolese soldiers fleeing to Uganda.
Sources have revealed that three military vehicles and two FUSO trucks carrying FARDC soldiers have crossed through Bunagana border to Uganda while others have been seen fleeing on foot.
The Spokesperson of M23, Major Willy Ngoma has confirmed that the rebel group is now in full control of Bunagana.
Apart from FARDC soldiers who fled to Uganda, he revealed that others have laid arms downs and took cover among civilians.
“The fighting was intense yesterday that FARDC soldiers at the border also fled to Uganda. Others took off their military uniforms and took cover among civilians. They have abandoned an armoured fighting vehicle. We are in full control of the entire Bunagana town,” he said.
The fighting has also left more than 5000 civilians from Bunagana and its surroundings to Uganda while over 25,000 have fled to schools and churches in Rwanguba and Kininoni in Rutshuru territory.
Mugisha wins Tour du Cameroun clocking 26h34’24’’ after the eighth stage covering 1066.2 kilometers.
He was followed by Andreev Yordan of Team Martigues SC with 32- second lead and Artuce Jodele Tella riding for SNH Vélo Club with 33 seconds lead.
The last stage covering 151.4 kilometers on Sunday saw riders setting off from Ebolowa heading to Yaoundé. It was won by El Arbaoui Adil, a Moroccan who clocked 3h40’17″ with 18 seconds ahead of Moïse Mugisha.
Moïse Mugisha took the yellow jersey after the seventh stage where riders raced in the roads of Boumnyebel and Mbalmayo covering 112.6 kilometers.
44 riders from eight teams have finished the race held in Cameroun for the 18th time.
Moïse Mugisha was participating along with other Rwandans including Didier Munyaneza who emerged 7th on the general classification, Eric Muhoza who took the 12th position, Jean Claude Nzafashwanayo (25), Samuel Niyonkuru (27) and Etienne Tuyizere (33).
The statement released by RDF today indicates that the two soldiers have been returned home safely.
“Following the kidnap of two RDF soldiers on patrol along the Rwanda-DRC border on 28 May 2022, and the subsequent diplomatic interventions between the Heads of State of Angola, DRC and Rwanda, the RDF is pleased to announce that the two soldiers are now safely back in Rwanda,” reads the statement in part.
These RDF soldiers include Cpl Nkundabagenzi Elysée and Pte Ntwari Gad. They were arrested on patrol along the border between Rwanda and DRC.
DRC said that they were arrested in 20 kilometers from the border as they went to support M23 in its clashes with Congolese Army.
However, Rwanda rejected the statement insisting that they were kidnapped along the border on patrol.
Few days after the incident, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi accepted to release them on the request of Angolan counterpart João Lourenço, who is the mediator between both countries on the issue.
IGIHE recently learnt from credible sources that the soldiers were initially detained by FDLR and later handed over to Congolese Army which incarcerated them in Goma and later in Kinshasa.
Sources also revealed that DRC didn’t want to send them directly to Rwanda but mulled sending them to Angola as the mediator which would hand them over to Rwanda.
RDF has through the statement commended the efforts invested in securing the release of the two soldiers.
Unlike the recent shelling which injured people and destroyed houses, RDF has through a statement revealed that today’s shelling didn’t injure anyone.
“The DRC armed forces, FARDC, fired two 122mm rockets into Rwanda from the Bunagana area, striking along the Rwanda-DRC border in Nyabigoma Cell, Kinigi Sector, Musanze District on 10 June 2022 at 11:55am. There were no casualties but the local population is terrified,” reads part of the statement.
This follows similar shelling by forces in DRC on 19th March and 23th May 2022 in Kinigi and Nyange Sectors of Musanze District and in Gahunga Sector of Burera District, which caused casualties and damaged property.
Rwanda has also reported more provocations by DRC including the kidnap by FARDC in collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) of two RDF soldiers on border patrol. The incidents have been reported to the Government of DRC, the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism of the ICGLR and other partners.
FDLR is rebel outfit comprised of remnant masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi who at different times plotted hit-and-run attacks to Rwanda and repelled back.
RDF has reassured the population that efforts to resolve the issue are underway noting that their safety is assured.
Speaking to the media recently; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta said that Rwanda is ready to protect its citizens in case the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) does not halt provocations.
Minister Biruta made the revelation on Tuesday 31st May 2022 during a press conference on the current situation of deteriorating relations with DRC.
The press conference was held amidst ongoing tension between Rwanda and DRC, where the latter accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel outfit in clashes with Congolese Army (FARDC).
Rwanda has however been maintaining that the allegations ‘are baseless’ and accused DRC of working with FDLR.
Commenting on the previous shelling during the press briefing; Minister Biruta said that he called his counterpart of DRC inquiring into what happened, but did neither apologize to Rwanda nor reassure that it won’t happen again.
Minister Biruta also talked about Rwanda’s possible reaction in case DRC’s provocations linger. He disclosed that Rwanda won’t idly sit by if DRC doesn’t stop its provocations.
“We have responsibilities to protect our citizens and country’s borderlines. A country defends itself against attacks. This means, if the issue persists, we cannot idly sit by and wait for repetitive shelling on our citizens every day or provocations to kidnap people anytime. It is among issues pointed out at the African Union Summit in Malabo. I clearly indicated that we have legitimacy to respond and defend ourselves, in case we are attacked,” he noted during the recent press conference.
“We want such provocations to stop. We want these soldiers released. However, in case these attacks continue to threaten our country’s security, we would be legitimate to defend ourselves and you know that we have capacity,” Minister Biruta added.
Figures released today show that Urban CPI increased by 12.6 percent on annual basis (May 2022 and May 2021) and increased by 1.9 percent on monthly basis (May 2022 to April 2022). The annual average inflation rate between May 2022 and May 2021 was 3.5 percent.
In May 2022, Food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 24.2 percent on annual basis and increased by 5 percent on monthly basis. ‘Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels’ increased by 8 percent on annual basis and decreased by 0.3 percent on monthly basis.
Transport increased by 7.7 percent on annual basis and increased by 1 percent on monthly basis. Restaurants and hotels increased by 14.3 percent on annual change and increased by 0.1 percent on monthly basis.
Released statistics also show that the “local goods” increased by 11.5 percent on annual change and increased by 1.6 percent on monthly basis, while prices of the “imported products” increased by 15.9 percent on annual basis and increased by 2.8 percent on monthly basis.
The prices of the “fresh products” increased by 17.7 percent on annual change and increased by 3.1 percent on monthly basis.
The prices of the “Energy” increased by 17.6 percent on annual change and decreased by 1.3 percent on monthly basis.
Prices are expected to continue rising this month due to revised fuel prices to go into effect from 10th June to 31st July 2022.
The Government of Rwanda has announced that a liter of fuel costs Rwf1460 from Rwf1359 while a liter of Diesel costs Rwf1503 from Rwf1368 in line with adjustments on international market.
The new prices are likely to affect the cost of transport cost and the global supply chain.
According to Royal Central, Prince Charles who will represent Queen Elizabeth II at the meeting has welcomed around 500 guests from across the Commonwealth who are now based in the United Kingdom (UK).
These include the High Commissioners of some countries and representatives from the arts, charity, educational, health and business sectors among others.
Prince Charles has already confirmed that he will come to Rwanda along with the Duchess Camilla.
Ahead of their visit to Rwanda later this month, Prince Charles has announced that he is eager to come to Rwanda for the first time.
“My wife and I much look forward to meeting Commonwealth leaders and, for the first time, being able to visit Rwanda,” he said.
Prince Charles stated that he has learned a great deal from the ideas, concerns and aspirations which people across the Commonwealth have so generously shared over the years.
He highlighted that too many members of the Commonwealth are amongst the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. It is among issues that will be discussed during CHOGM 2022.
Prince Charles indicated that two out of three Commonwealth citizens are under the age of thirty noting that there is a pressing need to find opportunities for ‘our young people’.
“Taking shared responsibility to solve problems like these, means the Commonwealth has the potential to make a profound difference in the lives of its citizens and, in so doing, to be an unparalleled force for good in our world,” he said.
Clarence House announced on 9th June 2022 that Prince Charles and Camilla will undertake engagements that focus on issues facing Commonwealth countries, like “climate change; supporting biodiversity and the regeneration of land; economic development; opportunities for the young; and gender equality.”
Prince Charles, the first born to Queen Elizabeth II was designated as her successor in 2018.
Prince Charles has attended similar meetings five times since 1997.
The statement released by Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) reads that fuel prices have been revised based on adjustments on the international market.
New prices will go into force from Friday 10th June to 31st July 2022.
Despite the price hike; the Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Ernest Nsabimana has said that the government exonerated taxes and subsidized public transport fares to avoid heavy burdens on passengers.
The latest price changes in April this year saw the cost of petrol increased by Rwf103 and diesel by Rwf167.
Speaking to RBA, Minister Nsabimana has said that the increase in petroleum products mainly emanated from effects of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“The war between Ukraine and Russia broke out in February this year as people embarked on the path to economy recovery. Many European countries import 40% of oil from Russia. This caused adverse effects because Russia is among largest oil producers globally,” he said.
Dr. Nsabimana has disclosed that the government allocated Rwf29.3 billion to subsidize fuel prices from October 2020 to October 2021 and injected more Rwf5.2 billion from November 2020 to March this year to prevent higher prices.
“The government has allocated more Rwf10 billion from March to November this year. There will be no changes regarding the transport of people and goods because the government will continue its subsidy program,” he stated.
The development was announced by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana during a consultative meeting organized by the Upper House of Parliament to discuss persistent challenges hindering easy access to financial services among citizens.
Pointed out challenges include high interest rates ranging between 16% and 24%.
Another discussed issue is the low percentage of funds loaned to the agriculture sector (five percent) yet it constitutes 70% of the labour force.
The low percentage is mainly attributed to risks associated with the sector and lack of collateral to be presented to banks.
Sometimes, it can take long for farmers to repay the loan yet lenders need to provide loans to other clients.
Noël Muhawenimana, the Chief Executive Officer of Umutanguha Finance Company Plc has said that 35% of its loan portfolio was allocated to farmers last year.
Muhawenimana revealed that waiting farmers to repay the loan after harvesting time takes long time and might affect operations.
He pointed out an example of the agriculture of Irish potatoes which might take up to five months to reach the harvesting time yet the bank needs the money to serve more clients.
“In such situation, we seek loans from foreign banks which are offered at high interest rate like 13%. That is why we also offer the loan to the farmer at 20% or 22%. With such rate, the farmer cannot generate expected profits,” observed Muhawenimana.
Minister Ndagijimana has said that the anticipated Rwf300 billion project will leave farmers accessing cheaper loans as they will be subsided by the government.
“It is a new project. Funds have not yet been released for the project to begin but we have identified requirements and hope that implementation will start in the near future,” he disclosed.
Once the project begins, Minister Ndagijimana explained, the funds will be channeled through financial institutions to provide loans to farmers.
“With this project, the interest rate might reduce from 24% currently charged by institutions like Umurenge Sacco to 10% or below the percentage,” he stated.
Preparations in different parts of Kigali City including the upgrading and construction of new roads are in final phases while more efforts are underway to make Kigali City more attractive.
Among others, signposts welcoming guests expected to attend the meeting and giving a glimpse of the country’s progress in preparations have been erected in Kigali.
However, construction works for some infrastructures including roads in Kacyiru, Kicukiro and Nyabugogo Bridge are ongoing.
Kigali City Vice Mayor in Charge of Urbanization and Infrastructure, Dr. Merard Mpabwanamaguru has told RBA that efforts are ongoing to finalize all preparations.
“We have built roads in Kigali. We encourage residents to use them appropriately to avoid traffic congestion,” he said.
The infrastructure development is part of Kigali City’s project to build more than 200-kilometer roads in four years.
The first phase drew emphasis on urgent roads to be used during CHOGM while the second phase will be launched after the meeting.
“The first phase drew much attention on urgent roads to help us reduce traffic jam in the city. They were given priority because the meeting was on the agenda by the time we started the project,” said Dr. Mpabwanamaguru.
As the meeting draws near, Kigali dwellers have expressed worries that construction activities might not be completed before and asked relevant authorities to expedite the projects.
Dr. Mpabwanamaguru has revealed that roads under construction will have been finalized by the beginning of the meeting.
“Many roads including the one in Kacyiru and Kimicanga are being finalized. Some parts have been already tarmacked. Others will have been completed between 10th and 11th. The remaining work will be predominantly about creating gardens and other activities to be done between 12th and 14th June 2022,” he noted.
“We are optimistic that these infrastructures [roads] will be used with lights installed along them,” added Dr. Mpabwanamaguru.
Residents in buildings along roads have been also urged to expedite renovation works and spray new paints to make them look attractive.
Dr. Nkurunziza Joseph Ryarasa, the Spokesperson of the Civil Society Platform has said that a lot has been done but stressed the need to do more to improve the smartness of Kigali.
“Residents need to be updated on the meeting lest they are improvised. There is a need for sensitization to keep reminding them to maintain hygiene as a routine not only during the period of meetings,” he noted.
{{Smart Bus Shelters in final preparations}}
At least 20 Smart Bus Shelters are being constructed along the road from Kigali International Airport to the city centre. The facilities built at bus stops will shelter passengers awaiting buses.
The smart bus shelters will be equipped with facilities like LED advertising and entertainment screens, LED lighting, WiFi and other accessories like charging ports.
Dr. Mpabwanamaguru has said that these facilities will be installed gradually.
“All required facilities will not be ready during CHOGM but they [smart bus shelters] will be used,” he said.
“We are going to expend much effort to get them completed. We want these shelters set up in all parts of Kigali where passengers using them will access information regarding the next bus to pick them and available seats among others,” disclosed Dr. Mpabwanamaguru.
{{Nyabugogo and Kicukiro bridges near completion}}
Nyabugogo and Kicukiro bridges are among infrastructures being upgraded and expected to be used during CHOGM 2022.
The rehabilitation of Nyabugogo bridge is meant to contain floods occasioned by Mpazi drainage overflow which used to destroy houses and wash away cars among other valuables.
Dr. Mpabwanamaguru has assured that the bridge might be ready for use in 14 days.
Construction of a flyover in Kicukiro is underway while side roads have been also upgraded.
More preparations are ongoing in parts of Kigali designated as Car Free Zone in Nyamirambo and Gisimenti in Remera.
Public latrines will be also built in these places before CHOGM.
The campus was launched on Tuesday 7th June 2022 at the outskirts of Virunga National Park in Kinigi Sector of Musanze District, Northern Province.
The Head of State hosted them at Urugwiro Village on Wednesday 8th June 2022. He was along with the Minister of Environment, Dr. Jean d’Arc Mujawamariya and the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Clare Akamanzi.
Ellen DeGeneres who built the campus is an American television personality and comedian renowned for his talk show dubbed ’The Ellen DeGeneres Show’.
DeGeneres was gifted with the campus by her long-time partner Portia de Rossi considering her love for Diana Fossey, a celebrated gorilla conservationist who died in 1985.
Construction of the multimillion-dollar facility was completed at a cost of US$15 million.
The Ellen Campus established to foster gorilla conservation efforts is an eco-friendly facility which includes three main buildings—the Sandy and Harold Price Research Center, the Cindy Broder Conservation Gallery and the Rob and Melani Walton Education Center—as well as housing for visiting students and researchers.
The official inauguration of Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund was graced by Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente and the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) among others.
Premier Ngirente said that the launch is an important milestone in conservation of our mountain gorillas, which remains at the heart of Rwanda’s priorities.
He thanked Ellen and Portia for their dedication to Rwanda and long-term passion for the conservation of the mountain gorillas and for continuing the remarkable work of Dian Fossey.
DeGeneres also expressed delight for seeing her dreams becoming a reality.
“I have looked up to Dian Fossey since I was 12 years old, and this past week in Rwanda, I was able to tour the Ellen DeGeneres Campus. It has been so emotional and so incredible to see the impact it has already had,” she said at the event.
