Rwandans have been worried about new variant which saw COVID-19 preventive measures tightened due to spiking positive cases.
Following the sharp rise in new cases particularly in Kigali City, the Government extended curfew hours, suspended bars and live bands among other stringent measures.
As he appeared in a RTV talk show on Sunday revolving around the status of the pandemic; the Director of vaccine programs unit at RBC, Dr. Hassan Sibomana reassured Rwandans that things have not yet fallen apart.
“We should not sink into worries over the Omicron variant because it is not more severe than other experienced variants. It has been observed that it spreads faster but patients do not fall critically ill,” he said.
Dr. Sibomana mainly attributed the minimal effect of the variant to the fact that a large number of the population has been vaccinated.
“Having positive cases without critically ill patients is a fruitful result of the vaccine because we have already administered vaccine doses to a significant number particularly in Kigali City,” he noted.
“As you know, we have vaccinated over 90% of the population in Kigali City. Besides, a large number of people have been vaccinated in secondary cities while other districts have not been left behind,” added Dr. Sibomana.
He expressed optimism that COVID-19 will be beaten like any other pandemics.
“I am expressing optimism that the pandemic will be defeated because we usually do not expect to defeat virus-caused pandemics in one year or two. It is difficult but we are hopeful that we can beat infectious diseases like the case for measles which was defeated with vaccines over time,” Dr. Sibomana revealed.
As of today, Rwanda administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to 7,707,304 people while 5,504,040 have been fully vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program.
Among others; a total of 196,636 people have received the third booster dose of COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health indicates that the country has enough stock to administer the second and booster doses of COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health says that the country has enough stock to administer the second and booster doses of COVID-19.
More vaccine doses are expected to be delivered gradually in coming days.
As the world continues to mitigate effects of COVID-19, Rwandans are reminded of the critical importance to adhere to preventive measures including proper wearing of face masks, maintaining social distancing and washing hands frequently among others.
This latest donation brings the total current US donation of COVID-19 vaccines to Rwanda to 3,295,730 doses. This gift is a symbol of the continued U.S. commitment to partner with the Government of Rwanda to protect the health of the Rwandan people. The vaccines arrived at Kigali International Airport on the evening of 1st January 2022.
The latest donation brings the total current U.S. donation of COVID-19 vaccines to Rwanda to 3,295,730 doses. This gift is considered a symbol of the continued US commitment to partner with the Government of Rwanda to protect the health of the Rwandan people. The vaccines arrived at Kigali International Airport on the evening of January 1, 2022.
Commenting on the development, US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Deborah MacLean said: “The United States has provided more than 3 million vaccine doses to Rwanda. Nearly 2 million additional doses are due to arrive this month. This further shows our strong commitment to and partnership with Rwanda.”
Since the pandemic emerged, the United States has stood side-by-side with the Rwandan people committing nearly Rwf30 billion to combat COVID-19.
The United States has pledged to donate at least 1.1 billion doses of COVID-19 doses globally by 2023. As we work together with COVAX, WHO, UNICEF, and partner countries, United States commitment remains steady and strong to make sure vaccines are delivered where they are needed most to end the global pandemic.
Sesonga breathed the last this weekend at Kanombe Military Hospital where he has been getting medical attention after retirement.
The man renowned for efforts in fighting drugs trafficking in Nyagatare district also served as Police Commander in Kirehe, Gatsibo, Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts.
The executive secretary of Tabagwe sector, Celestin Munyangabo who lived with the deceased has told IGIHE that Sesonga has been getting treatment for quite some time until he breathed the last.
He eulogized him as a man of peace who always modeled virtues in the community.
After retiring from Police service, Rtd CSP Sesonga became the leader of Tabagwe model village in Nyagatare.
The government directives require everyone to be home by 10pm.
According to the RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera, the 102 people caught at Bauhaus Bar are among over 7,000 violators arrested across the country in the past 24 hours.
“Across the country, Police in partnership with local authorities arrested over 7000 people in varied violations. About 500 of them were found in bars, which were either operating without permission or working in prohibited hours, including the 102 arrested at Bauhaus bar in Nyamirambo on Saturday at about 1am,” said CP Kabera.
Erneste Kalisa alias Samusure, one of those arrested at Bauhaus bar, said that they were affected by the heavy rain prompting them to stay inside the bar drinking.
All the 102 violators were found inside the bar, which was operating behind closed doors.
Shadia Uwizeye, the manager at Bauhaus bar, admitted that they decided to close the doors to prevent being detected when it started raining.
“We were operating during prohibited hours because Police found us at about 1pm. It was a new year and we did not think that we would be caught. This will not happen again,” said Uwizeye.
The executive secretary for Nyamirambo sector, Claudine Uwera said that they got surprised when they found Bauhaus Bar operating with a big gathering inside and doors closed.
“While enforcing the government directives against Covid-19, we got surprised when we arrived at Bauhaus Bar which was operating behind closed doors with lights switched off, and we called the Police,” said Uwera.
CP Kabera said that those caught at Bauhaus bar had been warned earlier to go home before the curfew starts, but decided to undermine the directives intentionally.
He warned against such errand behaviours which contribute to further spread of Covid-19 infections.
All the violators were taken to Kigali stadium where they were educated on the health measures, tested for Covid-19 at own cost and handed administrative fines, accordingly.
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CP Kabera, however, said that despite such violations, the festive period was calm with no serious security incidents.
On the new year and eve of the new year, he added that four serious accidents were registered across the country.
RITF has grown by leaps and bounds becoming a strategic platform through which major businesses from around the world have penetrated the Rwandan market. This is made possible through organizing Business to Business meetings as well as Business to Government meetings.
The event mainly showcases products in various sectors such as ICT, banking and finance, agribusiness, arts and crafts, infrastructure, Automotive and general trading.
The recent trade fair which took place from 9th to 30th December 2021 at Gikondo Expo Ground in Kicukiro District of Kigali City, attracted new participants including the East African Business Council (EABC) headquartered in Tanzania.
Speaking to IGIHE; the Executive Director of the East African Business Council (EABC), John Bosco Kalisa has shed light on reasons that attracted the council’s participation and anticipated outcomes.
Kalisa revealed that he has had plans to promote the council’s visibility through participation in different exhibitions held in EAC, which he hopes are being attained gradually.
Kalisa was appointed the Executive Director in June this year. Following his appointment, the council has participated in three regional exhibitions including the ones held in Tanzania and Rwanda.
“The participation helps me to make a step further towards fulfilling my pledge for citizens of the East African community. We also plan to attend more exhibitions in other EAC member states,” he said.
Kalisa went on to explain that creating room for increased investments in one of EAC partner states EAC is part of the council’s mandate.
The participation in exhibitions is also considered an opportunity to lure investors where it has started yielding good results. For instance, Kalisa explained, it has received different businesspeople interested to become EABC members that some of them have started filling forms preceding their admissions.
“Many people miscomprehend EABC as the bloc for large businesses only which is not true. Small businesses are not excluded. Every willing trader is permitted to join. This is the kind of mobilization we have been carrying out at this expo,” he said.
Kalisa further disclosed that the campaign in partnership with host countries has been fruitful evidenced through attracted new countries.
“EABC has conducted mobilization in partnership with Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation. You have seen that this expo has attracted Mozambique, the democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Tanzania. Such sensitization is usually a result of joint efforts between EABC and the host country,” he underscored.
EABC was established in 1997 with the mandate of representing and promoting the interests of the EAC business community, provide value-added services that enhance trade and competitiveness, and to participate actively and positively influence legal and regulatory formulation to improve the business environment.
It also seeks to reduce trade barriers in the region.
Commenting on his projections, Kalisa said that he has very challenging projections to take the council to greater heights and expressed optimism to have them achieved within his five-year tenure.
“If God grants me more days of life, I intend to raise the intra trade within EAC from 15% to 40%. It is a hard task to achieve but I believe that God will give me strength to make it happen,” he stressed.
In his End of Year Message to security organs, the Head of State urged them to renew their pledge to the Rwandan flag, and to continue to work diligently to fully deserve the trust placed in them by the people and allies.
“As we begin a new year, I urge you to strive to preserve the values we stand for and to uphold the resolute spirit that defines us as Rwandans and as a people,” President Kagame said.
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“On behalf of the Government, People of Rwanda, and on my own behalf, I wish the officers and other ranks of the RDF, as well as all members of other Security Organs and your families, a Happy Holiday Season and a Productive New Year.
I also wish to convey to you my appreciation for your
dedication and commitment in fulfilling your various missions of defending and protecting the People of Rwanda in the year 2021, a period which was characterized by a wide range of challenges at home and abroad.
Despite those challenges, which include the Covid-19 pandemic, you continue to meet and even exceed the expectations with unwavering diligence, selflessness and professionalism. Our nation is proud of you.
I take this opportunity to express specific appreciation to those serving abroad, both through bilateral arrangements or in peacekeeping missions. Being far from your loved ones, especially during the festive season, is a special way of expressing your commitment to sacrifice for peace and stability on our continent and beyond. The whole nation is grateful for your service.
As we begin a new year, I urge you to strive to preserve the values we stand for and to uphold the resolute spirit that defines us as Rwandans and as a people.
I want you to renew your pledge to the Rwandan flag, and to continue to work diligently to fully deserve the trust placed in you by our people and by our allies.
Once again, a very happy New Year 2022 to you and your families.”
The ceremony held on Wednesday 29th December 2021, was also attended by the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije and other dignitaries from Egypt who partnered with Rwanda for implementation of the project.
In 2018, the Ministry of Health in partnership with Sir Magdi Habib Yacoub, a former cardiothoracic surgeon in the United Kingdom launched discussions paving the way for establishment of the heart centre in Rwanda.
Magdi is a renowned Egyptian who founded two heart care centres including Aswan Heart Centre and Magdi Yacoub Heart Centre.
Discussions with Rwanda led to the establishment of The Heart Care and Research Foundation-Rwanda in 2018.
After laying the foundation stone, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame thanked partners for their contribution that made possible the exciting milestone to establish the centre in Rwanda.
“I want to take this opportunity, to warmly thank the Heart Care and Research Foundation, for this ambitious and vital enterprise. I also want to thank Professor Magdi, for the relentless efforts, that started with a journey three years ago, and have led to today’s celebration, despite challenges and unavoidable delays, related to the pandemic,” she said.
Mrs. Jeannette Kagame also expressed her appreciation to the Government and people of the Arab Republic of Egypt for their dedication to this project; particularly the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister Sameh Shoukry for his involvement which evidenced a true sign of the friendship between both countries.
She underscored that the end of the year is often an opportunity for many to look back at what have been accomplished and determine new resolutions to improve the lives.
“So ending the year with the start of a construction project, of the necessity and scale of MY Heart Centre, is truly befitting. It is a perfect bridge into the healthy future we want to embrace as a people; a future where the fatality of Non-Communicable Diseases, such as heart conditions, and unequal access to quality healthcare, are no longer unbeatable threats,” Mrs. Jeannette Kagame said.
She further highlighted that My Heart Centre “will address heart disease, a health crisis which often kills in silence. The steps we are taking today are opening newer and brighter horizons”.
My Heart Centre is a cardiovascular care and research facility, which will also serve as a training and research hub for young nurses, doctors and scientists from the region to adhere to international standards.
It will be constructed in three phases on 4.4 hectares. The first phase is expected to be completed within 18 months at a cost of US$20 million.
The artistic impression of the heart centre was designed by a firm based in the United Kingdom dubbed Fluxarchitects.
The dose was previously administered to fully vaccinated recipients after six months.
The State Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Tharcisse Mpunga has told IGIHE that the third dose might strengthen immunity amidst the high rise of new COVID-19 cases.
“The decision was taken following fast spread of the virus among vaccinated people,” he said.
“Receiving the booster dose will increase immunity against Omicron,” Dr. Mpunga added.
Research shows that the third booster dose may strengthen immunity against Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Dr. Mpunga has also revealed that the immunity of people who received the first dose of AstaZeneca dose is very low.
“It has been observed AstraZenena offers low immunity against Omicron compared to other variants of COVID-19. That is why we are administering Pfizer and Moderna booster doses,” he noted.
Dr. Mpunga has encouraged all Rwandans who meet requirements to get a booster shot at nearest health center.
Rwanda continues to scale up vaccination efforts where 130,155 have so far received the third dose of COIVD-19 vaccine as at 28th December 2021.
Among others; a total of 7,629,877 people have received the first dose while 5, 435,180 are fully vaccinated.
The convicts, all men were convicted of Genocide related crimes and had either completed their sentences or were acquitted.
According to a statement released on December 27, 2021, Niger’s Interior Ministry ordered them to leave the country within seven days.
The ex-convicts are Protais Zigiranyirazo, Francois Nzuwonemeye, Innocent Sagahutu, Alphonse Nteziryayo, Tharcisse Muvunyi, André Ntagerura, Anatole Nsengiyumva and Prosper Mugiraneza.
They are widely considered among the masterminds of the genocide.
After the conclusion of their cases, they remained in Arusha, Tanzania where the UN court was based.
Their expulsion by Niamey came after an inquiry by the Rwandan government to the UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT) seeking clarification about circumstances under which the eight were transferred to the West African country of Niger.
While addressing a UN Security Council meeting in New York in early December, Valentine Rugwabiza, Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said that her country had not been informed by either the MICT or the host nation about the transfer of the genocidaires in question.
She pointed out that there was evidence that some of these individuals, after their acquittal by the former ICTR, have been engaging in subversive activities that contributed to the insecurity and instability of the Great Lakes Region for the past few decades.
The eight men had for long been stuck in Arusha, the former seat of the ICTR, after many countries had refused to take them in, including those hosting their families.
Previously, Rwanda said they may come back home to Rwanda if they so wish.
