Places of worship are required to accommodate 50% of their capacity and respect all COVID-19 control measures including social distancing, washing hands, and wearing of face mask.
Under the newly issued guidelines, the Ministry of Local Government has revealed that ‘faith-based organizations can organize religious gatherings for more two days of choice per week and inform local leaders from the sector in which a church is located’.
The two days will be additional to existing proclaimed days of worship especially, Friday for Muslims; Saturday for Adventists and Sunday for other churches.
Burial and wedding ceremonies will also continue to be observed anytime respecting COVID-19 guidelines.
The guidelines also indicate that religious gatherings for people in advanced ages from 65 and above should be exclusively held except those leading church services.
Children from six and above have been also allowed to go to pray together with their siblings or parents.
Baptism and other sacraments will be ordained respecting COVID-19 health guidelines.
Ambassador Rwakazina is Rwanda’s ambassador to the Holy See with residence in Geneva, Switzerland. She also represents Rwanda to the United Nations and various organizations.
During the ceremony, other ambassadors from nine countries including Denmark, Estonia, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Mauritania, Uzbekistan and Zambia also presented letters of credence to represent their countries.
After presenting credential letters to Pope Francis, Amb. Rwakazina held bilateral talks known as ‘Concordat’ with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin which focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Rwanda and the Holy See.
A concordat is a convention between the Holy See and a sovereign state that defines the relationship between the Catholic Church and the state in matters that concern both the recognition and privileges of the Catholic Church in a particular country and with secular matters that impact on church interests.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the Holy See were established 56 years ago but were profoundly affected with involvement of members of the Catholic Church in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Rwakazina’s presentation of credentials comes only a week after Cardinal Antoine Kambanda was installed cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory held on 28th November 2020.
Her candidature was announced on Thursday evening during a ceremony in which Dr Biruta hosted members of the African Diplomatic Corps for dinner.
The position is currently held by a Ghanaian, Quartey Thomas Kwesi who took office in 2017. Like the Chairperson of the African Union, the deputy holds the right for four-year term renewable once. Their term will terminate next year.
President Paul Kagame recently revealed that Rwanda supports the candidature of Moussa Faki Mahamat, the current Chairperson of the African Union Commission for the second tenure.
He made the revelation as he took part in the Second Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, Regional Economic Committees and the Regional Mechanisms alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa who chairs the AU and Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chair of the African Union Commission.
As he concluded his remarks, Kagame said: “I wanted to join the President of Tchad, my brother President Déby, in support of Moussa Faki, who has come back as the candidate running for chair of our African Union Commission. I also join in support of Dr Ngozi as the candidate for the director-general of the World Trade Organization.”
Mahamat, former Tchad’s Minister of Foreign Affairs was elected to chair the African Union Commission in January 2017.
Dr Nsanzabaganwa, 49, introduced as Rwanda’s candidate to deputize Mahamat, holds honorary doctorate received from Stellenbosch University in South Africa for her contribution to Rwanda’s development.
She is the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda since May 2011. Prior to that, she served as Minister of Trade and Industry (2008-2011) and Minister of State in charge of Economic Planning in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (2003-2008).
Dr. Nsanzabaganwa is a holder of a PhD in Economics and a Doctorate of Commerce Honoris Causa, both obtained from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. She is an influential voice in financial inclusion in her country and on international scene as well as a passionate actor in women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion.
Dr. Nsanzabaganwa is also a member of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion’s Gender Inclusive Finance Committee, an alumna of Women’s World Banking African Advisory Council, and Founding Member and Chairperson of New Faces New Voices Rwanda. She is a wife and mother.
The figures were revealed yesterday during the ‘Police High Council’ held at Police headquarters in Kacyiru and chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Johnston Busingye.
The council was also attended by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza and Deputy IGPs; Juvenal Marizamunda in charge of Administration and Personnel, and Felix Namuhoranye for Operations.
It brought together RNP leadership, heads of departments and territorial units, regional, and district commanders, among others. It also tackled other aspects related to the response to COVID-19, force discipline and welfare.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza said that the Council held towards the end of the year provides a platform to assess what has been achieved, where the force stands and the future prospects in terms of provision of security for the people and their property but in consideration of the law.
He explained that the welfare of Police officers, service delivery, continuous while training aimed at improving skills, acquiring modern policing equipment, infrastructure development are also given emphasis though some members are held accountable for indiscipline cases.
Despite the efforts to further improve the welfare of Police officers, some of them exhibit acts of indiscipline such as soliciting bribes. In this year, 425 Police officers were held accountable for various cases of indiscipline (corruption, desertion, drunkenness, theft and poor services). This number, however, indicates a downward trend from 587 Police officers dismissed from the force in 2019,” noted IGP Dan Munyuza.
In the provision of services, Minister Busingye challenged Police officers to always respect human rights and operate within the limits of the law, adding that whoever acts contrary is held accountable.
“Anyone, who engages in criminal acts, however small or big the crime is, affects the rights and wellbeing of the people; Rwandans have showed, through various platforms, that they cannot stand injustice. When a crime is committed, responsible institutions should act swiftly, comfort victims and bring suspects to book,” he said.
Crime prevention is the catalyst to peace, he said, adding that this should start from households, support efforts to ensure that all children are in school, young people educated to start small income generating activities and to be custodians of the law rather than being lawbreakers.
He pledged the government’s continued support towards Police professional services through training and advanced policing equipment.
In the past days, there has been a spate of public outcry in recent days criticizing some police officers for breaking the law as they enforce lawful orders that includes shooting civilians.
The latter saw President Paul Kagame issuing instructions to police top management to completely address the issue.
Later on, Police Spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that it was inappropriate for the police to use excessive force, and that the police are going to make efforts to inform Rwandans of how such people are being prosecuted.
He cited examples of police officers who shot dead civilians in Nyanza District and beat a resident of Rwamagana to death, all of whom were being prosecuted.
“Police officers involved in the recent incidents of brutality have been arrested and investigations are ongoing,” CP Kabera said.
“A police officer who shot people to death on March, in Nyanza on a motorcycle, was arrested, is being prosecuted. He is in prison, but people don’t know what happened next.”
Police officer who recently beat a resident of Rwamagana District, Karenge is in courts litigation. Also, another one who recently shot to death a resident of Zaza in Ngoma is under investigation. He further added that in addition to legal penalties, police officers are subject to disciplinary action including those that mistreat members of the public, those who harass citizens, those who provide poor services, and those who neglect duty, among others.
CP Kabera says that Police has the mandate to punish its members that police personnel with punishments lasting over six months are dismissed.
Mistakes attracting dismissal in Rwanda’s Police include desertion for over 15 days, possession of explosives with the intention of destabilizing security, corruption, drunkenness, theft and poor services among others.
56 of police members dismissed in August are officers including three senior officers and one at the rank of commissioner.
The list of 17/08/2020 Presidential Order dismissing Officers from Rwanda National Police includes Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mutsinzi Eric, and three Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), SSP Vuningoma Alex, SSP Kabanda Emmanuel and Kamali Celestin.
ACP Eric Mutsinzi Spokesperson in Northern Province, commander of Police Battalion on peacekeeping mission in South Sudan in 2016.
SSP Kabanda also served as Police Spokesperson of Traffic Police. In January 2019, he was among 140 police forces on peacekeeping mission in the Republic of Central Africa holding the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police.
Nine Chief Inspector of Police (CIP), Twenty Inspector of Police (IP) and 23 Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) are also among sacked officers.
In December 2018, South Africa summoned George Nkosinati Twala who was representing South Africa to Rwanda after completing his term.
The recalling came two days after tensions triggered by allegations that Rwanda spoke ill of the then South Africa’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Towards the end of last year, South Africa designated Mandisi Mpahlwa, 60, as the new ambassador to Rwanda.
Following the presentation of credentials to Dr Biruta, the designated envoy will also present his letters of credence to President Paul Kagame.
According to a message posted on twitter account by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs: ‘This was an occasion to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral relations’.
Mpahlwa has been representing South Africa to Mozambique where he completed his term this year.
He once served as the Minister of Trade and Industry and held different top positions in South Africa since 2004.
In October 2019, President Paul Kagame received Jeff Radebe, a special envoy from the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa. Later on, both head of states met on the sidelines of Russia, Africa Summit in Sochi where they held discussions.
In July 2019, Rwanda replaced Vincent Karega, former ambassador to South Africa by Eugène Kayihura. Vincent Karega had held the position for eight years.
South Africa granted refuge to Kayumba Nyamwasa, the head of RNC terror group and P5, a coalition of political parties intending to destabilize Rwanda’s security.
Speaking to IGIHE during a past interview before leaving Rwanda in February last year, Twala revealed that South Africa once wanted to extradite Kayumba Nyamwasa and his colleagues to other countries but didn’t demonstrated willingness to accommodate them.
He however explained that they could not extradite them to Rwanda because of treaties regarding the status of protecting refugees the country signed with UN.
In March 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the problem of Rwandans being denied visas to South Africa would soon become history after holding talks with President Paul Kagame. However, up to now, Rwandans still struggle to get visa to travel to South Africa.
Rwanda has at different times explained that actions of convicted people or fugitives should not blur bilateral relations.
Giscard, who served as France leader from 1974 to 1981, is among presidents who held office for one term. He fostered France’s foreign relations particularly African countries shortly after Independence.
The relations heavily rooted on cooperation agreements and injecting funds on the continent to maintain great power on African continent.
Giscard d’Estaing was replaced by François Mitterrand.
In December 1962, four months after Rwanda’s Independence, the developing country French as one of official languages, entered relations with France which later got boost when Giscard d’Estaing took office in in 1975.
On 19th July of the same year, the former President of Rwanda, Juvenal Habyarimana and Giscard d’Estaing signed military cooperation agreements. It was the first of its kind signed between both countries.
The agreements incorporated clauses stating that France would provide military trainings and help the country to get weapons. It is said that France provided 4 million of its then currency to Rwanda annually.
Analysts link the agreements to France’s role during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi observing that they paved way for support to reinforce Habyarimana’s military to fight RPF Inkotanyi as well as training Interahamwe.
In 1998, France parliament delegated a committee to investigate the country’s role during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The committee summoned people including Giscard d’Estaing to shed light on military cooperation agreements signed with Rwanda in 1975 as they were considered to have fueled France’s role in Rwanda.
Giscard d’Estaing replied that he didn’t understand the laws granting the committee to summon the former president for interrogation to explain reasons for activities or politics implemented by the Government he led.
He explained that what happened between his country and Rwanda has no connection to France’s role during genocide.
In 2009; an author called Odile Tobner run a publication explaining that the major purpose of France, Rwanda military cooperation was to inspect the extraction of minerals in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that the role played during genocide was auxiliary.
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Giscard was the first France President to visit Rwanda where he spent three days.
He was along with wife during their visit to Rwanda in 1979 where they attended the Sixth Conference Franco-Africaine (Franco-African Conference) held in Kigali.
Giscard arrived in ahead of the conference visited various projects in Rwanda and went to Akagera National Park for hunting exercise.
On 18th May 1979, Giscard and Habyarimana with their wives went to former Ruhengeri Prefecture where they visited Ruhengeri Hospital and school of Gendarmerie (a military force with law enforcement duties). They returned to Kigali in the afternoon and signed cooperation agreements.
Part of these agreements include France’s commitment to fund rural development, expansion of Kigali International Airport, building tanks for petroleum products, promoting telecommunication, building a hospital in Gisenyi among others.
Speaking to journalists, both head of states revealed that France would establish a school of nurses additional to Ruhengeri Hospital and providing 50% of funds for expansion of Kigali International Airport.
The Sixth Franco-African Conference ran from Monday 21st May until 22nd May 1979. The conference discussed issues pertaining to advancing Africa’s development and how France can cement its participation.
At the time, President Giscard revealed that despite global economic crisis, France committed to increase budget allocated to countries including those from Africa to one million of the then France’s currency by 50%.
“France is eager for the advancement of social-economic development but it cannot be attained without peace. That is why I found it relevant to hold discussions geared towards supporting African countries in security matters,” he said.
The success of the conference is among factors that promoted the reputation of Habyarimana in France which started perceiving him as a potential gateway to maintaining influence in Africa. To this end, the country also increased funding to Rwanda.
Habyarimana’s good relations with France got further boost as François Mitterrand replaced Giscard.
The mayoral tenure drawing to end started in 2016. Mayors will vacate office in February 2021. Members of districts’ executive committees are elected for five year term limit renewable once.
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) recently announced that elections of new mayors will start on 6th February to end on 2nd March 2021.
The past ten years have been characterized by constant reshuffles where some mayors were appointed to new duties, others were suspended and some resigned citing personal reasons.
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Only two among the remaining 27 mayors countrywide held offices for two respective terms. These include François Habitegeko, the mayor of Nyaruguru district and Deogratias Nzamwita, the mayor of Gakenke district since 2011.
Others took on from predecessors in the first term until today.
These include Nambaje Aphrodis, the mayor of Ngoma district since May 2012 (he replaced Niyotwagira François who resigned), Muzungu Gerald, the mayor of Kirehe district who took office since 2014 replacing Murayire Protais who resigned and Gasana Richard, the mayor of Gatsibo since March 2015.
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Tuyizere Thaddée, the Acting Mayor of Kamonyi district tops mayors with shortest terms in office. He was previously the vice mayor for economic affairs in the same district and replaced Alice Kayitesi appointed Governor of Southern Province in July 2020.
Others that held office for one year are; Uwanyirigira Chantal , the current mayor of Burera district since December 2019; Mukarutesi Vestine, the mayor of Karongi since November last year and Mukamasabo Appolonie , the mayor of Nyamasheke district.
Kayitare Jacqueline of Muhanga and Nuwumuremyi Jeannine of Musanze have also held office since November 2019.
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At least 12 mayors have completed 5-year term since they took office in 2016.
Apart from 2 out of 27 appointed for new duties, others resigned or were forced to resign by executive committees.
In Southern Province, only three mayors among eight are completing their tenure. These are Habitegeko François of Nyaruguru, Rutaburingoga Jérôme of Gisagara and Ntazinda Erasme of Nyanza district.
In Northern Province, two out of five mayors namely; Kayiranga Emmanuel of Rulindo and Nzamwita Deogratias of Gakenke are completing their term.
Two out of seven mayors in Western Province namely; Ayinkamiye Emerance (Rutsiro) and Ndayambaje Godfrey of Ngororero are completing their term.
Among others, Eastern Province has a large number of mayors who served until the end of office term. These include Mbonyumuvunyi Radjab (Rwamagana), Murenzi Jean Claude (Kayonza), Gasana Richard (Gatsibo), Muzungu Gérald (Kirehe) and Nambaje Aphrodis (Ngoma).
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As some mayors enjoy fruits of their work at the end of office term, quite a large number have resigned for different reasons which they claimed ‘personal’ while others were forced to resign on account of underperformance.
Starting with the Southern Province, four out of eight mayors resigned. In Huye district, Kayiranga Muzuka Eugène resigned and replaced by Sebutege Ange in june 2018. The mayor of Nyamagabe, Mugisha Philbert was suspended by the advisiory committee over poor performance replaced by Uwamahoro Bonaventure in February 2018.
In Ruhango district, the advisort committee sacked Mbabazi François Xavier who was replaced by Habarurema Valens in May 2018 while the former mayor of Muhanga district Uwamariya Béatrice resigned and replaced by Kayitare Jacqueline in September 2019.
Kayitesi Alice who previously led Kamonyi district was in July 2020 appointed Governor of Southern Province.
In Northern Province, two of five mayors resigned. Musanze district was characterized by frequent reshuffles in the executive committee until Habyarimana Jean Damascène was forced to resign and replaced by Nuwumuremyi Jeannine in September 2019.
In Gicumbi district, Mudaheranwa Juvénal was in 2018 sent out by the advisory committee and temporarily replaced by Jean Claude Karangwa Sewase who also resigned until Ndayambaje Alexis was elected mayor in June 2018.
In Burera district, Uwanyirigira Marie Chantal was elected in December 2019 replacing Uwambajemariya Marie Florence who was at the time appointed Executive Secretary of Western Province.
As for Western Province, five out of seven mayors elected in 2016 resigned. They include Sinamenye Jeremie the former mayor of Rubavu district who resigned in 2017 replaced by Habyarimana Gilbert and Harerimana Frédéric of Rusizi district resigned in 2018 replaced by Kayumba Ephrem.
In Nyabihu district, Uwanzwenuwe Théoneste resigned and was replaced by Mukandayisenga Antoinette in 2019; Ndayisaba François former mayor of Karongi was replaced by Mukarutesi Vestine in 2019 while Kamali Aime Fabien of Nyamasheke resigned and replaced by Mukamasabo Appolonie in 2019.
In Eastern Province, only two out of seven mayors resigned. These are Nsanzumuhire Emmanuel of Bugesera who resigned citing personal reasons and replaced by Mutabazi Richard in July 2018 while Mupenzi George of Nyagatare also resigned citing personal reasons and replaced Mushabe David Claudien in July 2018.
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Some of mayors who resigned were held accountable for alleged faults and arrested but were not convicted.
Mugisha Philbert, the former mayor of Nyamagabe was arrested in November 2017 along with five officials from the same district on account of funds misallocation and illegal offering of public tenders. He was later tried and acquitted.
Others include Sinamenye Jérémie arrested in 2017 along with Dukundimana Espérance, the official in charge of administration and human capital in Rubavu district.
Sinamenye was arrested on account of disrupting Mpayimana Philippe who was campaigning for presidency. It is said he prohibited residents from participating in the latter’s electoral campaigns in Nyamyumba, Gisenyi and Kanama sectors. He was released without court charges.
Ndabereye Augustin, former vice mayor for economic affairs in Musanze district was arrested for beating and injuring his wife. Ndabereye was tried by Muhoza Primary Court which handed him five year and one month sentence.
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The upcoming elections will begin with the selection of districts’ advisory committees among whom the executive committee comprised of mayor, vice mayors for economic and social affairs will be elected.
The advisory committee is made of members selected at sector level, members from National Youth Council and the coordinator of National Women’s Council at district level.
Others include the coordinator of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities at district level and the President of Private Sector Federation in the district. Women representation in the district’s advisory committee is supposed to be 30%.
Nirere was recently appointed by the Cabinet Meeting of 11th November 2020 becoming the fourth ombudsperson since the institution was created in 2003.
She recently completed her two four-year terms eight year term as the President of National Human Right Commission.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kagame thanked the new ombudsperson ‘who has agreed to lead, together with all Rwandans, the fight against corruption and injustice in our country’, wished her well in new responsibilities and highlighted areas of focus the new ombudsman needs to give special attention.
“We have to intensify our fight towards eradicating corruption and injustice once and for all. In particular, we want to put more efforts in educating Rwandans about their rights, help them understand the laws meant to protect them, and the institutions that they can run to,” he said.
Kagame said that Rwanda has a good performance towards fighting injustice and called on more efforts to consolidate gains.
“In comparison with other parts of the world, our performance is not bad. This should not make us complacent to think that everything is in order. We need to build on what we have achieved to prevent injustice from happening,” he emphasized.
After completing two four-year terms as the helm of the National Human Rights Commission, the cabinet meeting of 16th June 2020 appointed Marie Claire Mukasine to replace Madeleine Nirere.
Previous ombudsperson include Anastase Murekezi who held office between 2017 and 2020, Aloysie Cyanzayire (2014 – 2017) and Tito Rutaremara (2004 – 2012).
Kagame delivered the message yesterday as he virtually addressed participants of the summit of African Diaspora Network coinciding with 10 year anniversary.
The network was created ten years ago with a mission is to harness and engage the intellectual, financial, philanthropic and entrepreneurial capacity of Africans and friends of Africa to advance the continent’s development in different areas.
Kagame thanked the network’s for having brought together thousands of like-minded people to believe in and contribute to the progress of the continent over the years.
He emphasized that new ways to contribute to the progress of Africa are needed to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year, you have adapted to the Covid pandemic by finding new ways to serve and connect your members. Rwanda and other country on the continent are doing the same, as we work to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on our people and our economies,” he said.
“Although it is more difficult, we have to think beyond the present moment by mobilizing resources and new ideas to accelerate the development our people need.
Africans in the diaspora can continue to play a role in this,” added Kagame.
He also pointed out an example of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is nearing implementation noting that it provides vast opportunities.
“For example, African Continental Free Trade Area, which is nearing implementation, provides vast opportunities for investment, business, and human capital development, on a scale never seen before,” said Kagame.
He stressed the need to learn from the experience of others in regional integration and technological innovation to ensure success. Kagame also shared Rwanda’s experience which has been a proof that that paying serious attention serious attention to inclusivity, leaving no one behind is paramount to achieving envisaged goal.
“In Rwanda, we have learned that one way to get to where we need to be, is to pay serious attention to inclusivity , leaving no one behind. For example, by guaranteeing the participation of women in leadership at all levels, we can only win,” he noted.
The President further urged the diaspora network to continue to remain engaged with Africa.
“There are many ways to stay up-to-date with what is happening here, and take part in the many opportunities that our continent has always offered. We will continue to be good partners on this front, and indeed we look to you to do your part in addressing the challenges facing Africa,” he stated.
Africans in the diaspora play a great role in the development of their countries through support to their families and investments.
In 2018, the World Bank reported that African diaspora’s funding to Sub-Saharan Africa increased by 10%, thus reaching US$ 46 billion.
The First Lady delivered the message via twitter account as the world marked World AIDS Day centered on the theme ‘Ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic: Resilience and Impact.’
“The fight against AIDS epidemic can be won, but it requires unwavering global partnerships. It is therefore a call to us all to join this cause by recommitting ourselves to invest in human capital and the building of foolproof systems, as the surest way to reach our goals and sustain them,” reads the message.
World AIDS Day is celebrated every year to raise awareness about the Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) disease. This day is observed on 1st December.
In Rwanda, World AIDS Day 2020 has been observed at Kigali Convention Center during which the Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), Dr Sabin Nsanzimana explained that Rwanda has advanced efforts towards fighting against AIDS even though there is still a long way to go.
He explained that the first patient was tested positive with HIV/AIDS at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) in 1983. At the time, patients were overcrowded but the situation has changed today.
The Antiretroviral Drugs for Treatment and Prevention of HIV Infection have gradually become cheaper that patients continue their activities as usual and contribute to national development.
The epidemic which emerged 30 years ago has no cure and vaccine up to day.
Dr Nsanzimana explained that 5400 new cases are found in Rwanda while over 3000 patients succumb to the epidemic every year.
“The number is far beyond other diseases. We have over 200 000 patients receiving antiretroviral drugs. The experienced problem might be reproduced if the drugs are suspended,” he said.
“I would like to remind the youth to take the responsibility to consolidate gains until we defeat the epidemic. It has not been won even though we have registered improvements,” added Dr Nsanzimana.
He explained, 90% of patients are aware of their infection, 90% of patients take drugs while 90% develop no drug side effects.
Dr Nsanzimana stressed the need to set the 4th goal to fight stigma against HIV/AIDS patients at 95%.
The Minister of Health, Dr Daniel Ngamije emphasized that the Government has committed to up efforts to prevent new HIV/AIDS cases including the distribution of condoms for free, male circumcision as well as testing pregnant women and their husbands.
Latest figures from World Health Organization (WHO) in June 2020 show that 26 million patients regularly took antiretroviral drugs globally while the number of patients is 38 million.
2019 figures show that 690 000 succumb to the epidemic globally every year.
