The incident took place on Sunday 8th August 2021 in Kinunga village, Remera cell, Boneza sector of Rutsiro district when the boat capsized during heavy rain characterized by strong wind and lightning.
The boat belonging to a man identified as Simon Ndengejeho was operated by Faustin Ndayambaje who has gone missing.
The boat which also carried bananas from the sectors of Gihango and Musasa was heading to Rubavu district.
The executive Secretary of Boneza sector, Christophe Mudaheranwa has confirmed that two women died during the accident.
“The deceased include Edithe Nyiranshimiyimana and Beatha Nyiramakabuza residing in Musasa sector. The cause of the accident remains unknown. The Marine Unit of Rwanda National Police is still searching for more passengers that might have drowned because the number of passengers onboard the boat is not established,” he said.
Another accident happened recently on 18th July 2021 in Nyamyumba sector. One of passengers onboard went missing while another one was rescued.
Inaugurated on Sunday 8th August 2021, the golf course located in Kacyiru sector of Gasabo district, Kigali City has been undergoing expansion works for the past 15 months.
The implementation of the project was overseen by Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) through established company known as Rwanda Ultimate Golf Course Ltd (RUGC).
The golf course that previously sat on 18 hectares has been expanded to 52 hectares while holes increased from 9 to 18.
Apart from the first section which was renovated, the management developed a new section of the golf course which is the largest comprised of 12 holes out of 18 making the facility.
The two parts of the golf course and linked by a tunnel.
Designed by Gary Player, an expert in golf course design, Kigali Gold Course was constructed by French firm, Gregori International.
RSSB injected Rwf17.7 billion in the first phase of the project to cater for construction activities, acquisition of machines, shelter houses among other activities to upgrade the course to international standards.
Before the Rwf17.7 billion investment, RSSB took on assets valued at Rwf16.8bn which include land and clubhouse from the Government of Rwanda before upgrading the golf course.
The inaugurated course is the first phase of the project expected to continue until 2025.
The second phase includes a five-star hotel and apartment complex. With the second phase, the total investment is estimated at US$140 million (around Rwf145 billion).
According to the management of RSSB, the institution will work with other investors to complete the remaining phase.
The Director General of RSSB, Regis Rugemanshuro has said that renovating and expanding the golf course considered a potential investment opportunity was a concept of the Government of Rwanda.
“The Government of Rwanda was far-sighted, introduced this project and tasked RSSB to manage it. RSSB found it an ideal project, invested in it and supervised its implementation. That is how RSSB created RUGC as an institution mandated to oversee the project on daily basis,” he noted.
Upgrading Kigali Golf Course is believed to be a major and profitable investment in Africa taking into consideration of the shortage of similar facilities on the continent which generate huge returns.
Research shows that the global golf tourism market is projected to be valued at US$44.6 billion in 2021. Revenues from such activities have also been steadily increasing by 11% every year since 2019.
However, the African continent seems to lag behind such investments where it has less than 1,000 courses, representing about 2 % cent of courses in the world.
The majority of these courses (52%) are based in South Africa while a percentage of courses in Africa are not at international level. Some of them have nine holes which are below recommendations to meet international standards.
Rugemanshuro explained that the golf course will be among best facilities on the continent and generate huge returns once the entire project is completed.
“The Golf Course project being implemented in Rwanda will be amongst the best in Africa upon completion. It is a project of critical importance to the country and RSSB. The latter will subsequently promote golf and national economy through profitability of the project. It is also important to consider anticipated revenues from international tourism as the case for developed countries with advanced golf infrastructure,” he said.
Rugemanshuro revealed that over 500 people were employed during the construction of the golf course while more than 200 will get jobs at the course following the inauguration.
Kigali Golf Course features 23 bridges, nine lakes, three rain shelters, a hallway house and an underground tunnel.
Apart from the golf, the course will be also used for different sports including Tennis, swimming and marathon among others.
Kigali Golf Course is among high-end sports facilities built in Rwanda including Kigali Arena with 10,000 seats.
There are more projects in the pipeline including the renovation of Amahoro Stadium and developing new sports infrastructures in its surroundings among others pushing Rwanda forward to become sports hub in Africa.
Dr. Akinwumi voiced the appreciation via Twitter handle on Sunday 8th August 2021 as Rwandan soldiers deployed to fight insurgency in Mozambique seized the town from rebels in collaboration with Mozambican troops.
“I highly commend the gallant troops of Rwanda for liberating Praia from terrorists. Without security there cannot be development. Thank you President Paul Kagame for your incredible leadership and sacrifice. Rwanda has again made Africa very proud,” he tweeted.
Mocímboa da Praia has been under the control of rebels for the past five years.
Rwanda recently on 9th July 2021 started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique to fight rebel groups linked the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The group sometimes calls themselves al-Shabaab, although they do not have known links with the Somali al-Shabaab.
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.
Following different attacks, the militants seized the port town of Mocimboa da Praia August 2020.
One day before seizing Mocimboa da Praia, RDF killed four insurgents and seized weapons including four RPGs, 3 SMGs and various documents.
Rwandan troops also vanquished rebels from the region known as ‘1st May’ after maneuvering through Njama.
The Commander of Rwandan soldiers deployed to Mozambique, Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi yesterday told IGIHE that the main objective was to root out enemy pockets from the town and conduct offensive attacks.
“This place is Mocímboa District which has been the stronghold for insurgents. Rebels used to withdraw to this area after plotting attacks rebels. They have been living here for more than five years,” he said.
After capturing the town, key infrastructures including an airstrip and the major port have been handed over to Mozambican forces.
The town has been under the control of rebels for the past five years.
Rwanda recently on 9th July 2021 started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique to fight rebel groups linked the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The group sometimes calls themselves al-Shabaab, although they do not have known links with the Somali al-Shabaab.
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.
Following different attacks, the militants seized the port town of Mocimboa da Praia August 2020.
One day before seizing Mocimboa da Praia, RDF killed four insurgents and seized weapons including four RPGs, 3 SMGs and various documents.
Rwandan troops also vanquished rebels from the region known as ‘1st May’ after maneuvering through Njama.
IGIHE journalist reporting from Mozambique has said that the port town has been seized on Sunday 8th August 201 around 8a.m.
Major infrastructures where security was tightened after capturing Mocimboa da Praia include an airstrip and a major port in the area.
IGIHE has seen Mozambican soldiers celebrating victory after capturing the port town.
The Commander of Rwandan soldiers deployed to Mozambique, Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi has told IGIHE that the main objective was to root out enemy pockets from the town and conduct offensive attacks.
“This place is Mocímboa District which has been the stronghold for insurgents. Rebels used to withdraw to this area after plotting attacks rebels. They have been living here for more than five years,” he said.
After capturing the town, key infrastructures have been handed over to Mozambican forces.
Commander Oscar A. Lucas, a senior military officer in Mozambique represented his country at the handover of the port considered the major passageway for goods.
“The port holds great significance to Mozambique. It is also the gateway for rebels destabilizing our citizens […] Seizing this port is very meaningful to people of Mozambique and the Government,” said Commander Lucas.
He also commended RDF for contribution that led the victory.
“The contribution of Rwandan soldiers is of critical importance. We take this opportunity to voice appreciation to Rwandans because we would not be here hadn’t it been their support,” stated Commander Lucas.
Touadéra began his visit to Rwanda on Thursday 5th August 2021.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport; he was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta.
Touadéra was also received by Kagame at Urugwiro Village where both heads of state held closed-door meeting and later witnessed the signing of four bilateral agreements before addressing members of the press.
These agreements were signed in the areas of mining, transport development, security and economic development.
As they delivered remarks, both heads of state recommitted to further strengthen bilateral ties for mutual interests.
On his first day in Rwanda, Touadéra visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum located at the Parliament Building in Kimihurura where he received explanations on Rwanda’s liberation journey. He was also hosted at a State Banquet held at Kigali Convention Center.
On 6th August 2021, Touadéra visited Kinigi IDP Model Village, which was inaugurated on 4th July 2021. The model village consists of homes for 144 families, a secondary school, an Early Childhood Development Center (ECD), health center and other facilities.
Rwanda and CAR have been for long enjoying cordial relations whereby Rwanda is helping the country engulfed by wars to restore peace. Rwandan troops have been deployed to CAR peacekeeping mission since 2014.
On 20th December 2020, Rwanda deployed more special forces to CAR under existing bilateral cooperation signed in 2019.
Ahead of Touadéra’s visit, Rwanda started the deployment of an additional Infantry Battalion of 750 military personnel on Tuesday 3rd August 2021 to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
Located in Cabo Delgado in the northern part of Mozambique, ‘1st May’ is 10- kilometer away from Macimboa da Praia considered the stronghold for rebels behind insecurity in the country.
Rwanda recently on 9th July 2021 started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique to fight rebel groups linked the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The group sometimes calls themselves al-Shabaab, although they do not have known links with the Somali al-Shabaab.
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.
Following different attacks, the militants seized the port town of Mocimboa da Praia August 2020.
They have been also plotting attacks to neighboring countries including Tanzania from the base.
Today’s fighting saw RDF killing four insurgents and seizing weapons including four RPGs, 3 SMGs and various documents. Rwandan troops have vanquished rebels from ‘1st May’ after maneuvering through Njama.
The attack has been plotted in 65 kilometers away from Afungi airport protected by personnel from RNP.
Afungi is among two major mobility corridors that Rwandan and Mozambican troops have maneuvered through to reach Mocimboa da Praia considered the stronghold for rebels.
Today’s attack leaves ‘1st May’ in the hands of RDF becoming an addition to “Quelimane 2” and other areas of concentration seized from rebels.
It is expected that displaced citizens will return home after quelling insurgents in Mocimboa da Praia.
Rwanda deployed troops to Mozambique to fight insurgency following the request of President Filipe Nyusi.
The forces were expected to join hands with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops which also arrived in Mozambique but have not yet started operations.
During his visit on Friday 6th August 2021, Touadéra was accompanied by government officials including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta and Minister of Local Government, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi.
Touadéra toured different parts of the model village including a health center, accommodations, Early Childhood Development Center (ECD), primary and secondary school.
He was taken through the background of the model village inaugurated on 4th July 2021 as Rwanda marked the 27th Liberation Day which is home to residents from informal settlements.
Located in 12 kilometers away from Musanze town, Kinigi Model Village was constructed by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
It is made of six three-storey blocks with 24 homes each. A home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room, with ready furniture, beds, mattresses and a television set.
The model village also has poultry houses for 8000 chickens and sheds for other livestock, nursery school, health post, business center workshop, playgrounds and kitchen gardens among others.
Construction activities were completed at a cost of Rwf 26, 611, 466, 699 of which Rwf8, 047,653,297 was allocated for construction of homes, Rwf1, 589, 619, 026 for health center while Rwf3,350, 166, 058 was utilized to build a school and Early Childhood Development Center at the village.
Among others; Rwf1, 874, 637, 199 was utilized to buy 102 cows and 8000 chickens for resettled residents; business center workshop, garden preparation and planting fruit trees cost Rwf1, 874, 637, 199 while the remaining activities including tarmac road, electricity installation and expropriation took Rwf11 billion.
Minister Gatabazi explained that construction of model villages began as Rwanda’s home grown solution initiated by President Paul Kagame.
“As he toured different sections of the model village, President Touadéra wanted to know how such villages come into existence. He was specifically keen on witnessing livelihoods of resettled residents and how beneficiaries are selected. We told him that Kinigi is a major hotspot for tourism activities where tourists visiting Virunga National Park are also curious to interact with residents. We also explained how residents in the surroundings of this park benefit from tourism revenues to improve livelihoods,” he said.
Gatabazi revealed Rwanda’s model can be emulated in CAR as a country mired by conflicts to resettle citizens.
“CAR is a country that has dreadful experiences with wars that have not yet ended. Citizens have been faced with insecurity but need decent settlement in model villages after overcoming these problems through elections,” he said.
Touadéra was elected CAR President for the second term during elections held in December 2020. At the time, Rwanda sent special forces to secure selections.
On the first day of his visit to Rwanda, both countries signed four bilateral agreements in the areas of defence cooperation, mining, transport and economic development.
So far, he has visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum located at the Parliament Building in Kimihurura and headquarters of Rwanda Defence Force.
Touadéra will also tour several conservation and eco-tourism destinations before his departure on 8th August.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ms Liberata Mulamula, said in Dar es Salaam on Thursday that some of the lessons learnt during the visit include developing infrastructure and putting in place a conducive environment for investment and economic growth.
According to Ms Mulamula, it was also useful to note how bolstering Export Processing Zones (EPZs) can boost the country’s chances of attracting investors.
“We developed our own EPZs some years back; but it looks like there were some issues that needed to be worked on,” said Ms Mulamula, briefing journalists on major takeaways from President Hassan’s just-ended two-day visit to Rwanda.
In efforts to improve Rwanda’s balance of payments, factories operating under the Special Economic Zones system in that country are required to export at least 40 percent of their products.
Until 2016, figures from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) show that Tanzanian businesses had invested slightly over US$80 million in Rwanda’s economy.
She said the Tanzanian delegation saw just how having a conducive investment environment – including economic infrastructure like roads, water and electricity – helps to attract investors.
{{Business environment}}
Rwanda is in a league of its own when it comes to improving the business environment.
It jumped an impressive 76 places – from 143 to 67 – on the World Bank’s Doing Business 2010 Report, becoming the first African country to top the list as the world’s biggest business reformer.
However, Rwanda did not rest on its laurels – and has continued to improve year after year. It was the second easiest place to do business in in Africa – and the 38th globally in the 2020 World Bank Doing Business Report.
The Reports, which are compiled annually, assess 190 countries using 10 indicators in business regulation. These include starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency.
Rwanda was ranked second in Africa after Mauritius – and first in the East African Community. It is also the only low-income country in the Top 50.
The Report also has Rwanda’s global ranking drop to 38th place from 29th last year, mainly caused by the World Bank’s change in reporting methodology.
With President Hassan stepping up efforts to improve Tanzania’s business environment since she assumed office on March 19, 2021, analysts believe this should rank high on the list of takeaways.
Most of the shared views stem from President Hassan’s visit to two strategic factories established in Rwanda by foreign investors: a Volkswagen car assembly, and the Mara Phones Factory.
Analysts expressed mixed sentiments, following Rwanda’s performance as an ideal investment hot-spot, with most stating that Tanzania as East Africa’s second-biggest economy needs to be at the forefront in attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).
During a discussion on the social audio space ‘Kumekucha’ on ClubHouse, the Member of Parliament for Nzega Rural, the former Tourism minister Hamis Kigwangalla, commented on the matter, saying Tanzanian laws, culture and political spectrum play a big role in dictating the country’s direction for socioeconomic development.
“We need leaders who have the intention and hunger to see Tanzania develop. What will make us succeed is not our geographical position or our ports, but systems that are deeply entrenched in our financial mechanism and cultural alignment. That’s how we will attract investors like the Mara Group,” he counselled.
Kigwangalla – who is also a businessman and the proprietor of a few investments in Tanzania – said that during his time as Tourism minister, he held meetings with investors. One of the things they complained about was high taxes.
“Investors are made to pay multiple taxes, some of them inordinately high. This discourages both local and foreign investors from investing in Tanzania. Such taxes and bureaucratic tendencies have an adverse impact on the tourism sector, with small tour companies failing to keep the business going,” he stressed.
Kigwangalla suggested possible solutions to some of the problems that impede Tanzania’s business potential. According to him, a cultural revolution is very important.
“This can be passed through our education system for future generations,” he said.
He added that leadership ideology (socialism) and economic ideology need to go hand in hand. “We can have Ujamaa along a free market economy.”
Referencing a book titled ‘Why Nations Fail’ by economists Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson, Kigwangalla said Tanzania has what it takes to become prosperous. However, there were a few areas – especially in leadership, education, and culture – that need to be revisited.
One of the attendees of the social audio space, Peter Serukamba said Tanzania has advantages over the other countries in the region: geographical edge and natural resources. “Why haven’t these been fully utilized? We need to look at where we have failed in this… The impediments to investment, unpredictable laws, being overly skeptical about investors’ motives,” he lamented.
{{Plentiful opportunities}}
Being the second largest economy in East Africa, Tanzania has a lot to offer and benefit from its ties with Rwanda.
According to Ms Mulamula, during the visit, Tanzania secured a number of investment opportunities that it needs to tap – especially in providing raw materials for Rwandan industries, as well as preparing a curriculum for teaching Swahili in that country.
During the visit, the entourage included ministers from strategic sectors, including the ministers for Works, Transport and Communication; for Industry and Trade; Mand for Investments. There also were heads of the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Air Tanzania Company Limited and Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC).
She noted that the trip was in response to an invitation from Rwanda President Paul Kagame that also focused on strengthening neighbouring relations but also an opportunity for the President to introduce herself to President Kagame and his people at large. Following the State visit to Rwanda, President Hassan has finalized her trips to neighbouring countries except Southern Sudan.
“Both the President’s talked about pushing strategic projects in both countries including the optic fibre backbone by having an agreement that ensures Rwanda uses our fibre to strengthen its information sector,” she said.
Further President Hassan toured its automobile industries and learnt that Tanzania could be a potential market taking into consideration that they produce three to six for their own use but if Tanzania became a reliable market they could increase. In view of this, she said President Hassan directed ministers in charge of the sector to follow up and identify markets for the cars.
Ms Mulamula said Rwanda also had a mobile phone industry identified as Maraphone, a good thing that has created employment especially for women.
“Tanzania could also provide granite minerals for production of phones and car batteries which is an opportunity to export raw materials,” she said.
She said on medicine, they agreed that both countries could assist each other with Covid-19 facilities and that was why it was important to sign an MoU to signal the agreement.
Meanwhile, she said they also agreed to cooperate in the transport sector especially as Rwanda depends on Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port by 90 percent for both imports and exports. According to her, Rwanda also requested to be allowed to use the Tanga port which they have started.
On the issue of Kiswahili language, she said Rwanda said it planned to make it a national language and include it in its education curriculum of which President Kagame requested for experts from Tanzania to help in its preparation
About immigration, she said the immigration department has been directed to facilitate smooth passing of people from both countries.
He was received by the Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Albert Murasira and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Jean Bosco Kazura.
Discussions were also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta among other senior RDF officers.
Touadéra and RDF leaders and discussed how to strengthen the existing relationship between the CAR and RDF militaries.
Minister Murasira has told the media that Touadéra voiced appreciation for the contribution of Rwandan soldiers to restore peace in his country.
“He has hailed the discipline of our soldiers deployed to UN peacekeeping mission in CAR as well as forces sent to the country under bilateral agreements,” he said.
As incorporated in agreements signed on Thursday, Maj Gen Murasira said, Rwanda is set to help CAR to build professional military.
“We also discussed how RDF can be part of the journey to restructure and professionalize the CAR Armed Forces. The process has already started with a bilateral defence agreement already signed and we are together looking at how we can help in this process,” he revealed.
Touadéra arrived in Rwanda on Thursday for a four-day state visit.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport; he was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta.
He was also received by Kagame at Urugwiro Village where both heads of state held closed-door meeting and later witnessed the signing of four bilateral agreements before addressing members of the press.
These agreements were signed in the areas of mining, transport development, security and economic development.
As they delivered remarks, both heads of state recommitted to further strengthen bilateral ties for mutual interests.
Rwanda and CAR have been for long enjoying cordial relations whereby Rwanda is helping the country engulfed by wars to restore peace.
Rwandan troops have been deployed to CAR peacekeeping mission since 2014.
On 20th December 2020, Rwanda deployed more special forces to CAR under existing bilateral cooperation signed in 2019.
Ahead of Touadéra’s visit, Rwanda started the deployment of an additional Infantry Battalion of 750 military personnel on Tuesday 3rd August 2021 to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
The handover of these Rwandans took place on Friday 6th August 2021 in Remera cell, Ruheru sector of Nyaruguru district, Southern Province.
The Governor of Southern Province, Alice Kayitesi led Rwanda’s delegation to receive deportees while Burundi was represented by the Governor of Kayanza Province bordering with Rwanda in the south, Remy Cishahayo.
Kayitesi Alice has told IGIHE that repatriated Rwandans had illegally crossed to the neighboring country.
It is said that these Rwandans had crossed to the neighboring country unknowingly over failure to identify landmarks separating both countries.
Governor Cishahayo has revealed that these Rwandans are returned because they didn’t have bad intentions when they crossed to Burundi.
“We are here to handover seven Rwandans arrested in Burundi on 3rd August 2021. We decided to return them home after confirming that they had no intentions to threaten Burundi’s security,” he noted.
Among others, a resident identified as Verediana Mukamisha received her cow stolen on Burundi’s land on 2nd August. It was recovered by officials before returning it to the owner.
The repatriation follows Rwanda’s recent handover of 19 militants of RED Tabara rebel group opposed to the government of Burundi arrested in Nyungwe National Park in September last year.
It is part of gestures giving optimism for revitalized relations between Rwanda and Burundi since Evariste Ndayishimiye took over as Burundi President last year.
Recently, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente represented Rwanda as Burundi celebrated 59th Independence Day on 1st July 2021.
At the time, President Ndayishimiye Ndayishimiye revealed that the representation of Rwanda during the ceremony ‘induces pride to Burundians’ and considered it the beginning of a new page for both countries relations.
“We are aware that Rwanda and Burundi have been writing a book for the past years. We are now bound to read it to write a new chapter. This gives hope to read the previous book together and close it to write another chapter which alludes to normalized friendship. There is optimism that we are leaving the past turbulence behind to start a new era of relations,” he revealed.
In 2015, a group of Burundian soldiers attempted to overthrow the then President Pierre Nkurunziza but the plan was nullified.
Since then, Burundi has been accusing Rwanda of accommodating suspects behind the failed coup plot. Rwanda has however been insisting that the individuals are considered as refugees who must be protected against deportation by international laws.
The political mishap later halted cooperation and free movements between both countries.
Despite misunderstandings that have characterized Rwanda and Burundi, both countries are promising to bring the situation back to normal for mutual benefits.
