Kagame hosted her counterpart to the State Banquet last evening at Kigali Convention Center.
Suluhu arrived in Rwanda on Monday morning around 9a.m for her maiden visit since she became Tanzania’s President in March this year following the demise of Dr. John Pombe Magufuli.
On the first day of her visit to Rwanda, Suluhu held talks with Kagame revolving around strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation.
Both heads of state also witnessed the signing of four cooperation agreements in the areas of information and communication technology, immigration, education and regulation of medical products.
In the afternoon, Suluhu visited Kigali Genocide Memorial where she paid tribute to over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi laid there.
On the second day, Suluhu and Kagame are expected to visit Kigali Special Economic Zone located in Masoro which created over 13,000 jobs.
Suluhu’s visit to the memorial is part of two-day state visit which she began today.
After observing a moment of silence, Suluhu laid wreaths to the mass grave where Genocide victims are laid to rest at the memorial located in Gisozi sector, Gasabo district of Kigali City.
Before visiting the memorial, Suluhu was hosted by her counterpart of Rwanda, Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro where she condoled with Rwandans who lost relatives during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
On the second day of her visit, Suluhu will visit Kigali Special economic Zone which is home to 120 companies with activities ranging from manufacturing, agro-processing and education among others.
“Rwanda and Tanzania share more than just a border. Our strong historical ties and common aspiration to deliver prosperity to our people have always been central to our cooperation,” Kagame told a joint press briefing with his visiting Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan in Kigali, shortly after they witnessed the signing of four cooperation agreements in the areas of information and communication technology, immigration, education and regulation of medical products.
The signing of the agreements gives new impetus to key infrastructure and investment projects of mutual benefit, particularly the standard gauge railway line, milk production and improved port logistics, said Kagame.
There is a lot more the two countries can learn from each other in the spirit of strengthening trade ties, ensuring prosperity and development of the economies and peoples, said Hassan, adding that the signing of the agreements would pave the way for this.
She also highlighted the need for cooperation in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and in full operation of the one-stop border post at Rusumo, a town on Rwanda-Tanzania border.
Rwanda and Tanzania in 2018 agreed on joint construction of a standard gauge railway from Isaka in northwestern Tanzania to Kigali to facilitate logistics movement between the two countries.
Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure Claver Gatete in July presented a bill to the parliament that provides a framework for the country’s implementation, management and maintenance of the standard gauge railway project, saying the country plans to commence the construction as soon as the railway line reaches Isaka.
President Suluhu arrived in Kigali today around 9.am.
She was later hosted at Village Urugwiro for a tête-à-tête with her counterpart of Rwanda.
Suluhu has been accompanied by a delegation comprised of senior officials including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of ICT, Minister of Infrastructure, Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister of Investment and members of the private sector in Tanzania among others.
Her visit to Rwanda has been considered a great opportunity to improve trade between both countries and address existing barriers.
Fatuma Ndangiza who once represented Rwanda to Tanzania has said that the visit of Suluhu reflects existing cordial relations between the two neighboring countries.
“The visit will also provide ground for discussions to find a solution for barriers hindering smooth mobility and trade,” she noted.
Rwanda and Tanzania enjoy cordial relations and cooperation in the areas of politics, infrastructure, economy and security.
Rwandans transit goods through Dar es Salaam port in Tanzania and export to the country as well.
Rwanda continues to attract investors with incentives making business environment favorable.
Some of Tanzanian investors have revealed that the visit of Suluhu might open new gates for business ecosystem.
Dittfurth Patrick Joseph, the Managing Director of Oilcom Rwanda Ltd which owns fuel depots worth US$10 million of investment said that investing in Rwanda presents huge opportunities.
“We are glad to run business in Rwanda because the latter is among countries providing conducive business environment where investors stand equal chance so long as all rules and regulations are respected without tax evasion or other malpractices,” he revealed.
Ernest Jumbe Mangu, the High Commissioner of Tanzania Tanzania in Kigali has also stressed that the visit of Suluhu is beneficial to both country’s citizens.
“The visit is of great relevance considering the fact that both Rwanda and Tanzania are neighboring countries. Therefore, strengthening bilateral ties is paramount to promote trade,” he said.
Suluhu comes to Rwanda following her visit to other regional countries including Burundi and Uganda.
Suluhu was sworn-in as new Tanzania President in 2021 following the death of Dr. John Pombe Magufuli. She was serving as Tanzania’s vice president prior to her new position.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport around 9a.m, Suluhu has been welcomed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Today at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame will receive President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan, for her first visit to Rwanda. The first day of her two-day State Visit, will begin with a tête-à-tête between the two Heads of State, followed by bilateral talks.
The Heads of State will then address members of the press and witness the signing of several bilateral agreements.
In the evening, President Kagame will host President Suluhu Hassan and her delegation for a State Banquet at the Kigali Convention Centre.
On Tuesday, 3 August 2021, President Kagame and President Suluhu Hassan will visit several companies in various sectors including the Special Economic Zone which is home to 120 companies with activities ranging from manufacturing, agro-processing and education among others. To date, the SEZ has generated 800 million USD in exports and created 13,000 jobs.
President Suluhu Hassan,61, assumed office in March this year.
The lockdown in Kigali City and eight districts considered major hotspots for new infections was imposed from 17th through 26th July 2021. It was later extended for five days to gather more information about status of the pandemic.
The cabinet meeting held on Friday chaired by President Paul Kagame took new COVID-19 containment measures lifting the lockdown in Kigali City and the eight districts including Burera, Rubavu, Gicumbi, Kamonyi, Musanze, Rutsiro, Rwamagana and Nyagatare. The decision took effect from Sunday 1st through 15th August 2021.
The cabinet meeting also allowed movements between Kigali City and other provinces and districts of the country except movements from and to selected sectors recently placed under lockdown. Movements are prohibited from 6p.m through 4a.m while all businesses must close by 5p.m.
Among others, public and private offices are allowed to reopen at 15% capacity while other employees must continue working from home.
Private businesses shall continue operations with essential staff at no more than 50% capacity, meetings and conferences are allowed not exceeding 30% of venue capacity, public transport should not exceed 50%, restaurants and cafés are allowed providing takeaway services only.
Civil and religious weddings are also allowed to a maximum of 10 people but all guests must present negative COVID-19 tests within 72 hours.
As new measures came into force on Sunday, residents of Kigali expressed delight for resumed operations and pledged to scale up efforts to adhere to national preventive directives.
Speaking to IGIHE; Innocent Barihuta, an employee working with Virunga Express revealed that the lockdown presented unusual times and thanked the Government for intervention to feed vulnerable residents hit hard.
“People depending on daily work do not earn income during lockdown but we were lucky that the Government provided food assistance. We are grateful from the bottom our hearts for the kind support to help us move on during such period of uncertainty,” he said.
Despite difficulties they went through, residents expressed optimism that things will go smoothly and bring the situation to normal gradually with strict compliance to COVID-19 preventive measures.
François Semanzi, a driver of buses heading to Eastern Province is among residents who shared lessons pulled from lockdown.
“All activities are on a standstill during lockdown yet savings are spent to feed children. You can easily understand how tough the situation is, when the lockdown is prolonged without enough reserves.”
He pledged to own measures and remind all passengers to remain compliant by keeping social distancing, wearing masks properly and sanitizing their hands.
Emeline Byukusenge lost a relative during the lockdown and could not attend his burial in Rwamagana. She had not visited her family until the lockdown was lifted.
“My grandmother died and was buried during lockdown. Lifting the lockdown allows me to visit my family but it also leaves a lesson to remain adherent to containment measures to avoid errant behaviors which could lead to halting movements and other activities,” she said.
Merchants whom we met in Kimironko market also committed to respect instituted measures to stay safe and continue their activities without disruptions.
“We have not yet started receiving clients as usual because some people might be hard up following days of lockdown. We are aware of surging COVID-19 cases and understand that it is our responsibility to own preventive measures. We are respecting all guidelines and 50% occupancy to avoid whatever that could undermine national efforts,” said Kankuyo Edisa, a vendor of fruits and vegetables.
Fabrice Ishimwe, a vendor of shoes in the same market also pledged to avoid complacency and remind his customers to respect health guidelines.
“We are delighted to see the lockdown lifted and convinced that it should not give loopholes for spread of the pandemic but rather concert efforts to tighten measures. That is why it is of utmost importance to remind every customer to wear a face mask properly, make payments digitally to avoid transmission of the virus. We can only defeat the pandemic if everyone acts responsibly,” he said.
Newly instituted measures will be reviewed after two weeks upon health assessment.
Citizens are reminded to continue adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures, keep social distancing, wear face mask properly, wash hands frequently and avoid unnecessary movements among others.
The official send-off event held at RDF Headquarters Senior Officers Mess on 31 July was presided over by the Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Albert Murasira on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of RDF.
Maj Gen Murasira applauded the retirees for their personal sacrifices, service rendered and contribution to the country.
“After contributing to the liberation of your country Rwanda, individually, collectively and at different stages; you also participated in the international peace in which the RDF has played an active role.”
The Minister also recognized their contribution to the professionalisation of the RDF and other national development programmes.
“For this personal dedication, commitment and patriotism, we take this opportunity to thank you,” he said.
On behalf of the retirees, retired (Rtd) Col John Karega emphasised that they are retiring as happy people because their contribution to liberate Rwanda was not in vain.
He thanked the President of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of Rwanda Defence for his good leadership during the liberation struggle for the past 30 years up to day and vowed to remain loyal and committed to national development journey.
“As we retire, we seize this opportunity to assure the Commander-in-Chief and the entire RDF leadership that even though we are retiring, we shall remain committed to the continuous journey of liberation of our country and that we shall never betray our comrades on the course of national development”.
The retires were awarded certificates as a recognition for their service rendered to Rwanda Defence Force. The event was also attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, selected Generals and senior officers.
It will be her maiden visit to Rwanda after assuming office in March 2021.
IGIHE has learnt that Samia will arrive in Kigali on Monday.
On the first day, Samia will visit Kigali Genocide Memorial where she will pay tribute to over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi laid there before meeting with her counterpart of Rwanda, Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro.
On the second day, Samia will visit Kigali Special Economic Zone in Masoro which hosts different factories from Tanzania.
Her coming to the country of thousand hills follows Rwandan officials’ visits to the country.
Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente was in Tanzania attending the state funeral for late President John Pombe Magufuli while other Rwandan officials who visited the country include the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief of Staff and the Inspector General of Rwanda national Police (RNP).
Among others; Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire and her counterpart of Tanzania Faustine Ndugulile met recently to discuss projects including telecommunication infrastructure development.
Samia’s visit to Rwanda follows the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force and Rwanda National Police to fight insurgency in the northern part of Mozambique.
Located at the north of Mozambique, Tanzania is among countries affected by insecurity in the neighboring country.
Rwanda and Tanzania enjoy cordial relations and cooperation in the areas of politics, infrastructure, economy and security.
Tanzania is considered a major development partner where over 70% of Rwanda’s imports and exports are transited through.
Both countries have a joint mega project to build ‘Isaka-Kigali’, a 532-kilometer railway expected to be completed at a cost of USD $ 3.6 billion.
The project is much anticipated between both countries especially for Rwanda as a landlocked nation.
The long awaited railway linking to Rwanda to neighboring countries is expected to give relief to traders catering for expensive cost of land cargo transport.
The railway on Rwandan side will follow the lowland through Ngoma, Kirehe, Bugesera and Kicukuro districts.
Sources reveal that Rwanda is required to pay US$4,990 per single container carrying 25,400 kgs. Once completed, the railway anticipates reduced transport costs by 40% hence positively impacting on Rwanda’s imports and exports.
Among others, the project will be impactful particularly for Rwandan traders considering the fact that 70% of Rwanda’s imported or exported cargos are transited through Dar es Salaam Port.
The report released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) in March this year, shows that Rwanda received imports worth US$33,75 million from Tanzania against US$27,97 of the previous month.
The duo has been working at the Office of the Presidency in communications team.
The Office of the Prime Minister has revealed that the new appointments are part of resolutions of the cabinet meeting held on 30th July 2021.
Stephanie Nyombayire has previously served as the Deputy Principle Private Secretary in charge of communications at the Office of the Presidency while Makolo was the senior presidential advisor on media prior to Prior to her new appointment.
The decision is part of resolutions of the cabinet meeting held today chaired by President Paul Kagame.
The lifted lockdown [was initially imposed from 17th till 26th of July 2021.->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/kigali-city-eight-districts-placed-under-lockdown] It was later extended for five days to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Among others, movements between and other provinces and districts of the country are allowed except movements from and to [selected sectors recently placed under lockdown. ->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-puts-fifty-sectors-under-lockdown]
Movements are also prohibited from 6p.m through 4a.m while all businesses must close by 5p.m.
Public and private offices are allowed to reopen at 15% capacity while other employees must continue working from home.
Private businesses shall continue operations with essential staff at no more than 50% capacity.
Meetings and conferences are allowed not exceeding 30% of venue capacity, public transport should not exceed 50%, restaurants and cafés are allowed providing takeaway services only.
Civil and religious weddings are also allowed to a maximum of 10 people but all guests must present negative COVID-19 tests within 72 hours.
