His body was found on Tuesday 13th July 2021 around 11a.m in Kinihira village, Barinja cell of Nyagatare sector, Nyagatare district of Eastern Province.
The Executive Secretary of Nyagatare sector, Jenny Ingabire has confirmed his death adding that investigation has been launched to establish the cause.
“He had no symptoms of sickness but we learnt from colleagues hailing from Burera district that he once committed an accident. We have not yet identified cause of his death. His body will be taken for post mortem in Kigali today,” she said by press time.
The Dean of Students at Nyagatare Campus, Elia Ninsima explained that colleagues living in adjacent ghetto heard a phone ringing for long without anyone picking it and informed the landlord.
“They forced the door open and found him laid down with face on the ground and blood around. We alerted local leaders and Rwanda Investigation Bureau,” he noted.
The brother of Habayintwali revealed that he used to faint due to dizziness which developed after committing an accident.
“He was involved in a motorbike accident in 2020 and has since then suffered from vertigo that he used to take medicaments at health facilities on regular basis,” he said.
Dr. Ntawubizi Martin, the Head of UR, Nyagatare campus has urged non-boarding students to live with partners.
“It is true that the student was found dead but we cannot confirm cause of his death. Investigation is ongoing. We don’t have enough hostels to accommodate all students but we encourage those living in ghettos to live with buddies who might raise alarm for assistance when such incidents happen. The deceased lived with his colleague but had returned home,” he said.
The body has been taken to Nyagatare Hospital awaiting postmortem.
“Aktif Bank of Turkey is opening a representative office in Kigali to cover East Africa, pending final authorization from the National Bank of Rwanda,” Burcu Cevik told Anadolu News Agency recently.
According to the ambassador, Turkey is exploring new opportunities for cooperation with Rwanda in the financial sector as the country strives to become a financial hub for Africa, with the Kigali International Financial Center (KIFC).
He added that the Council for External Economic Relations of Turkey (DEİK) and Rwanda Finance Ltd, the company that promotes KIFC, took an important step by hosting a webinar on June 2 to discuss various possibilities of cooperation.
“The favorable business environment, political stability, adherence to the rule of law and the existence of strong institutions have aroused Turkey’s interest in recent years,” said the ambassador.
Aktif Bank is an entity of Çalık Holding, founded in 1981 by Ahmet Çalık. The group is present in the fields of energy, construction, mining, textiles, finance, telecommunications and digital.
He made the revelation on Tuesday 13th July 2021 appearing before the Lower House of the parliament to respond to queries related to the performance of WASAC and Rwanda Energy Group (REG).
WASAC has been at different times faulted for lacking internal revenue control and poor funds management among others since 2014. To date, the institution is reported to have failed to fully respect all recommendations by the Auditor General.
In November 2020, lawmakers singled out WASAC for what some referred to as abysmal performance over the previous five financial years (from 2014/15-2018/19), which earned it a disclaimer audit opinion from the Office of the Auditor General of State Finances.
A disclaimer of opinion is issued when an auditor is unable to complete the audit report due to the absence of financial records or insufficient cooperation from management of the concerned body.
The Auditor General’s report indicates that WASAC lost Rwf 2.7 billion in 2019 and Rwf9.4 billion in 2020.
Parliamentarians also expressed concerns over underperforming water treatment plants resulting into water scarcity.
These include Nzove I, Nzove II and Nzove III. Each of the three plants was expected to produce 40 cubic meters per day but operate at 41% and 49% capacity.
Minister Gatete explained that persistent problems at WASAC prompted the Government to commission a team of auditors to assess the situation and make recommendations.
He revealed that the institution has two departments; one focusing on development projects and another with a mandate of collecting revenue from water sales.
Gatete said the commercial department should be capacitated enough to make financial records abiding by international norms.
Failure to streamline funds management has been a serious concern since the institution was created out of the former Energy Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA) split into two companies.
Minister Gatete revealed that the issue is being assessed where the optimal choice might be to split WASAC into two institutions; one for management of development projects and another commercial branch collecting revenue from sales of water as recommended by the team of auditors.
“The fact that it is the only institution responsible for water distribution across the country doesn’t sound well. We have to make possible effort to enhance its operations,” he said.
Minister Gatete further stated that non-integrated funds management systems are among other reasons triggering inefficiency.
“Ineffective performance cannot be addressed if such standalone systems are not integrated. This is what we are trying to do at the moment. We will have integrated all systems by December,” he said.
Minister Gatete told parliamentarians the country is considering the replacement of old water pipelines or small ones and old meters as well to avoid losses emerging from unbilled water and metering inaccuracies.
He assured that there is plan to replace water distribution networks with standard equipment along 568 kilometers in Kigali city and 1112 in secondary cities to be completed by the end of December 2021.
For the past two years, WASAC has been operating without Board Committee, which pointed out to be among other reasons triggering ineffective performance and funds mismanagement.
Minister Gatete declined to give much detail about the issue but assured that the Government will appoint the committee in the near future.
The Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers tournament kicked off on 12th July 2021 at the Kigali Arena and runs through July 17.
Regional qualifying tournaments across the continent are taking place this month where the winner from each zone will participate in finals to be held in Cameroon from 17th through 26th September 2021.
In Zone 5, Rwanda is facing off Kenya, South Sudan and Egypt.
The game held last evening and attended by Kagame accompanied by the Minister of Sports, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju saw Rwanda losing to Egypt 59-71 after winning its first game against South Sudan.
Another game on the same day ended with the victory of Kenya beating South Sudan with 66 over 48.
Previously, Rwanda beat Kenya with 77 points over 45.
On Wednesday 14th July, Rwanda will face off South Sudan from 6p.m while Egypt will play against Kenya around 3p.m.
Following one day break preceding semi-finals, games will resume on Thursday.
The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2021 will be the 27th edition of event.
The inaugural FIBA Women’s AfroBasket was held in Guinea in 1966 and Egypt finished top of the podium after beating the host nation in the Final while Senegal have captured the crowns in 12 of the 26 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
They are followed by Nigeria with four titles as they clinched the last one during the 26th edition of 2019. DRC has three titles in their cabinet while Angola and Egypt are two-time champions.
Nyusi was speaking on Monday 12th July 2021 during a visit to military units in Sofala province, Mozambique.
His statement is considered a response to South Africa’s Minister of Defence, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula who recently criticized the deployment of Rwandan troops before SADC saying it was “regrettable” that the arrival of Rwandan troops “happened before SADC had deployed its strength.”
Ossufo Momade, the president of Renamo (main opposition party in Mozambique) also criticized the presence of Rwandan troops in Mozambique considering it illegal and accused Filipe Nyusi of having violated the Constitution by not taking this request from foreign forces to the Parliament.
“The President must respect the Constitution and take this matter to the Assembly of the Republic,” Ossufo Momade said on Monday.
“What we thought would happen was that SADC would come with its force from the 15th, but we were surprised when we realized that the Rwandan force arrived first, which worries Mozambicans,” he added.
Nyusi explained that SADC accepted the bilateral efforts of his Government to seek more support to tackle terrorism in Cabo Delgado and assured to ‘work with our brothers in Rwanda and SADC’.
“We are a sovereign country and SADC respects that,” he said.
The President reiterated that those who will lead the fight against rebel groups in Cabo Delgado are the Mozambicans, who know the terrain well.
Rwanda recently on 9th July 2021 started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP). The second batch left the country on Saturday afternoon to fight terrorism and insurgency in the Southern Africa nation.
Rwandan troops have already arrived in the Southern Africa country and are on standby to conduct operations 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.
Many civilians have been displaced by the fighting.
Following different attacks, the militants seized the port town of Mocimboa da Praia August 2020.
Over fifty people were beheaded by terrorists in the province in April 2020 and a similar number in November 2020.
Among others, the militants seized Palma on 24th March 2021, murdering dozens of civilians displacing more than 35,000 of the town’s 75,000 residents.
So far, intensified fight between rebels and Government soldiers for the past four years has claimed lives of 3000 civilians leaving over 800,000 displaced.
The incessant violence prompted the visit of Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi to Rwanda in April 2021 where he discussed the problem with his counterpart Paul Kagame.
The statement released by the Government of Rwanda ahead of sending troops to Mozambique reads that the deployment is a response to the request of the Government of Mozambique.
Towards the end of last week, President Nyusi welcomed Rwandan troops expressing optimism that they will work with his country’s youth.
The ceremony held virtually on Monday 12th July 2021 was also attended by some of diplomats accredited to the country, representatives from the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rwandans living in Belarus and friends of Rwanda.
Speaking at the ceremony; Rwanda’s ambassador to Russia, Lt Gen Frank Mushyo Kamanzi reflected on bravery that characterized the youth that took part in the liberation struggle led by President Paul Kagame and commended them for sacrifice which became a foundation for Rwanda’s transformational journey over the past 27 years.
He also echoed the message of President Kagame delivered on 4th July 2021 as Rwanda marked the Liberation anniversary where he reminded Rwandans that attained progress is a result of working together.
“Twenty-seven years ago, Rwandans joined hands to liberate our country. Ever since we have worked together every day to renew our society and make Rwanda the best it can be for each one of us. I want to thank you for this,” reads the message.
After stopping the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, RPA Inkotanyi soldiers installed non-divisive leadership promoting unity, reconciliation, and inclusive development among Rwandans under the championship of Kagame.
Rwanda experienced serious economic collapse but has today become a resilient country with impressive transformations in various aspects of life that it is seen as a role model for many countries.
Lt Gen Kamanzi has urged the youth forming bigger segment of Rwandans living in Russia and Belarus to consolidate gains and advance Rwanda’s development further.
Vsevolod Tkachenko, the Director of the Africa Department at Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended Rwanda’s resilience and efforts to promote unity and reconciliation over the past 27 years.
He reiterated his country’s commitment to support Rwanda’s development in different areas and commended existing bilateral relations since 1963.
The Vice President of Rwandan community in Russia and Belarus, Joseph Rutaganira encouraged the youth to emulate patriotism of RPA Inkotanyi soldiers who selflessly fought for the liberation of Rwanda and continue contributing to national development agenda.
Rwandan youth from different universities in Russia present during the event also voiced appreciation RPA soldiers for their sacrifice and pledged contribution to build the nation.
As she officially officiated the start of primary six national exams on Monday 12th July 2021; the Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya explained that the situation was unpredictable but commended public collaboration which led to smooth preparations.
“These learners would have sat for exams in November last year but there has been delays occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic. We were not sure if it would happen at this time due to emerging circumstances but we are happy for today’s blessing as students finally sit for national exams,” she said.
“Exams starting today will last three days. More students in ordinary level and upper secondary school finalists will begin exams on 20th July expected to last 10 days.We continue to make possible effort to ensure they don’t miss exams,” added Uwamariya.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. In a bid to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, the Government ordered the closure of all schools that saw all students returning home in March 2020.
Universities and higher learning institutions were allowed to reopen in September 2020 under strict COVID-19 control measures.
In October 2020, the Ministry of Education announced 2nd November as the reopening date for learners in primary 5 and 6 classes. Students from ordinary level, senior 5 and 6 also resumed studies the same day.
The second batch started the second term on 23rd November 2020. This includes learners in primary 4 classes, and secondary school students from senior 1, 2 and 4.
Following the crisis, national exams were also postponed to July 2021.
At least 452,053 are expected to sit for all national exams running from 12th to 30th July 2021.
Newly imported oxygen plants complement the country’s efforts to increase local production in response to the recent spike in coronavirus infections leading to hospitalization.
Rwanda received the new oxygen plants on Thursday 8th July 2021 becoming an addition to existing seven ones that had the capacity to produce 230 cylinders (50 liters each) per day and 7000 cylinders of oxygen per month.
Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) has via Twitter handle revealed that installation of new oxygen plants is underway but but did not indicate the number of imported plants.
More hospitals to receive newly imported oxygen plants include Kibungo, Nyagatare and Rwamagana among other hospitals across the country.
“In line with Rwanda’s effort to increase oxygen production and distribution in hospitals, the Ministry of Health and Rwanda Biomedical Center are procuring several oxygen plants where the first batch has been already installed at Nyarugenge Hospital. More plants are planned to be installed in different hospitals as soon as possible,” reads the tweet.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 48 244 people have been tested positive of whom 32 523 recovered, 15 161 are active cases, 64 are critically ill while 560 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 395,083 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation programme on 5th March 2021.
The statement released today shows that the two carriers have joined forces to offer RwandAir Dream Miles and Qatar Airways Privilege Club loyalty members access to each other’s destinations with the opportunity to ‘earn and burn’ points across their reciprocal route networks.
Under the new deal, RwandAir Dream Miles members will be able to fly to more than 140 Qatar Airways destinations using miles earned by flights bought through RwandAir.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club members will have the ability to earn miles on RwandAir’s flights, both within Africa and on long-haul routes, to destinations such as New York and London.
Commenting on the partnership; Yvonne Manzi Makolo, the CEO of RwandAir said that the national flight carrier ‘is incredibly proud to be the first Sub-Saharan African airline to enter into partnership with Qatar Airways Privilege Club’.
She explained that customer loyalty is of huge importance to RwandAir and Qatar Airways where both carriers strive to put the customer experience first and give recognition to their most frequent fliers.
“Now RwandAir Dream Miles customers will be able to earn and burn points to give them access to flights across Qatar Airways’ extensive route network, with the same reciprocal benefits to Qatar Airways Privilege Club members. We believe this initiative is a major step forward to greater cooperation between Africa’s most ambitious airline and one of the world’s most prestigious international carriers, and we look forward to further enhancing the benefits of our Dream Miles members,” noted Makolo.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker emphasized that the partnership with RwandAir opens up a world of possibilities for the customers of both airlines, allowing them to discover exciting destinations.
“Members of Privilege Club and Dream Miles can enjoy significant benefits including world class travel experiences on our strong complementary networks,” he said.
Since RwandAir launched its Dream Miles loyalty programme in 2011, it has grown in popularity and become a favourite of the airline’s frequent fliers.
The Dream Miles programme has four tiers of membership, with Emerald forming the entry level, entitling members to a free ticket using award miles, eligibility for a flight upgrade, as well as last minute cabin upgrades and up to 40kgs excess baggage using award miles.
In addition, Silver tier members, who have earned 25,000 ‘Tier Miles’ or taken 20 flights in a year, are entitled to an additional 10kg of checked-in baggage, can earn 25% bonus miles on all RwandAir flights and be given priority on the waitlist.
Gold tier members, who have earned 50,000 miles or taken 40 flights a year, enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 50% bonus miles on all RwandAir flights and 15kg extra checked baggage allowance.
They can also receive a free ticket and complimentary upgrade to the higher cabin using miles, as well as priority check-in, baggage tagging, Business Class lounge access and high priority on the waitlist.
RwandAir’s most highly-valued frequent flyers can benefit from Diamond tier status in reward for earning 100,000 miles or taking 60 flights a year.
Benefits include 100% bonus miles on all RwandAir flights, an additional 23kg of checked baggage and one free upgrade to Business Class per year when travelling in the Economy cabin.
Following two years of consecutive Diamond status, their tier will be automatically extended for a further two years.
{{About RwandAir}}
Operating from Kigali, RwandAir is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines and operates one of the youngest state-of-the-art fleets on the African continent. With a reputation for delivering a premium service to all its customers, RwandAir operates 12 aircraft with an average age of just under six years. The airline currently offers services to 25 destinations across 21 countries throughout Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
{{About Qatar Airways Privilege Club}}
Privilege Club launched in 2000 as the loyalty programme by Qatar Airways and features four tiers of membership – Burgundy, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, giving members a range of exclusive privileges and benefits that have been designed and tailored to make travelling even more rewarding.
Members can earn Qmiles when flying with Qatar Airways and with oneworld® airlines, and other airline partners, as well as with a number of financial and lifestyle partners. Qmiles can be redeemed towards a range of rewards including award flights, cabin upgrades, extra baggage, Hotel & Car Rewards and more.
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.
Many civilians have been displaced by the fighting.
Following different attacks, the militants seized the port town of Mocimboa da Praia August 2020.
Over fifty people were beheaded by terrorists in the province in April 2020 and a similar number in November 2020.
Among others, the militants seized Palma on 24th March 2021, murdering dozens of civilians displacing more than 35,000 of the town’s 75,000 residents.
So far, intensified fight between rebels and Government soldiers for the past four years has claimed lives of 3000 civilians leaving over 800,000 displaced.
The incessant violence prompted the visit of Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi to Rwanda in April 2021 where he discussed the problem with his counterpart Paul Kagame.
The statement released by the Government of Rwanda ahead of sending troops to Mozambique reads that the deployment is a response to the request of the Government of Mozambique.
The joint force is expected to work closely with Mozambique Armed Defence Forces (FADM) and forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in designated sectors of responsibility to fight the terrorism group that has captured Mocimboa da Pria town for four months.
Among others, the Rwandan contingent will support efforts to restore Mozambican state authority by conducting combat and security operations, as well as stabilization and security-sector reform (SSR).
The deployment is based on the good bilateral relations between the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Mozambique, following the signing of several agreements between the two countries in 2018. It is also rooted on Rwanda’s commitment to the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine and the 2015 Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians.
{{The cost}}
It is reported that Rwanda sent 35 senior military officers to assess the situation in Mozambique following the visit of Filipe Nyusi to Rwanda.
After situational analysis and identifying areas of contribution, Rwanda decided to send 1000 joint forces and cater for related cost during their mission to the Southern Africa country.
Speaking to IGIHE recently; RDF Spokesperson, Col Ronald Rwivanga explained that the most important thing is to fight terrorism because the cost of insecurity is relatively higher than the cost of war to quell insecurity.
“Wars are costly but insecurity costs higher. We are convinced that countering insurgency in Mozambique will address security issues stemming from the situation that would spread to the entire Southern Africa region. It is better to consider the losses incurred by insecurity before putting an emphasis on the cost to restore peace,” he said.
Col Rwivanga has revealed that the mission is not time-specific.
“The duration of the fight will depend on emerging situation. The time to end the insurgency is not time-specific. We shall come back after accomplishing our well defined mission,” he affirmed.
{{Modelling self-reliance }}
Dr. Ismaël Buchana, a researcher and political analyst has said that Africa needs to develop self-reliance to address problems prevailing on the continent including insecurity which have existed for over 60 years.
Speaking to the media recently on the decision to reduce forces deployed in peace operations in Sahel, French President Emanuel Macron explained that it is not his country’s core business to protect security for African nations.
Dr. Buchana has explained that the statement should leave a major lesson to Africans.
“The time has come for Africa to start solving own problems across all areas without leaving behind security because it is not a must for foreign countries to protect Africa. We should understand that it is our responsibility to work hard for desired progress and build strong security systems to meet our aspirations,” he stressed.
“Africa has capabilities to protect security but it requires solidarity because security problems are transnational. That is why Africa had set ambitious target to silence the guns by 2020. The target was not fully attained but there has been a major progress in conflict management,” added Dr. Buchana.
According to the Global Terrorism Index published on 25th November 2020, the “centre of gravity” for the Islamic State group IS has moved away from the Middle East to Africa and to some extent South Asia, with total deaths by IS in sub-Saharan Africa up by 67% over last year.
The report also revealed that ‘the expansion of ISIS affiliates into sub-Saharan Africa led to a surge in terrorism in many countries in the region’.
Seven of the 10 countries with the largest increase in terrorism were in sub-Saharan Africa. These include Burkina Faso, Mozambique, DRC, Mali, Niger, Cameroon and Ethiopia. They are an addition to countries with persistent conflicts including Somalia, South Sudan, Central African Republic (CAR) and Chad among others.
The report points out that in 2019 “sub-Saharan Africa recorded the largest number of ISIS-related terrorism deaths at 982, or 41 per cent of the total”.
On the other hand, 20% of small arms worth US$1 billion traded globally are sold on African continent.
Dr. Buchana has explained that Rwanda’s efforts to restore peace in CAR and Mozambique should be emulated by other African countries.
“Rwanda is not the most powerful country on the continent in terms of economy and military power. By taking the front lead to intervene in peace restoration efforts, Rwanda is showing a good exemplar to other nations,” he noted.
RDF Spokesperson, Col Rwivanga has also emphasized that Rwanda’s contribution reflects that Africa has what it takes to solve own problems.
“This mission carries many lessons particularly striving for self-reliance as Africans. It demonstrates that Africans have the capacity to solve problems existing on the continent. The contribution by Africans to normalize the situation in Mozambique is of great value. The gesture should be considered to show what we can achieve in other areas including health sector where collaboration is paramount to address our problems,” he said.
Currently, Rwanda is the third largest UN troop-contributing country in the world with more than 6,000 military and police personnel to different peacekeeping missions.
