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.
{{Fostering relations}}
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.
{{Only two held office for two terms }}
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.
{{Shortest term serving mayors }}
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.
{{Few mayors completed terms }}
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).
{{Resignations}}
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.
{{Arrests}}
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.
{{New mayors}}
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.
Located in Kigali Special Economic Zone in Masoro, the company started in 2016; producing a variety of dairy products including yogurt, fermented milk, fresh cream, butter, ghee and other products for children and adults.
Masaka Creamery Ltd produces Masaka Yogurt (made of straw berry and vanilla) in pack sizes of 100; 150, 250, 400 and 500mililiters, 5 liters respectively as well as Masaka Yogurt (Natural) available in five-liter packages.
Other products including fermented milk are also made available in different pack sizes meeting consumers’ demand. The company also produces one kilogram Greek Yogurt, Fresh Cream, Mascarpone and Butter (salted /unsalted) and Cow Ghee.
The Managing Director of Masaka Cremery, Julie Igiraneza explains that the company seeks to maintain the lead position in the dairy sector.
“We want to continue positioning the company among the leading producers of dairy products with outstanding quality in Rwanda,” she promises.
Masaka Creamery Ltd employs 40 workers, majority of whom are deaf-mute youth.
“We are committed to continue delivering quality products while creating jobs for Rwandans especially deaf-mute youth,” considers Igiraneza.
Masaka Creamery Ltd is Rwanda Standard Board (RSB) Certified which confirms the company adheres to standards.
The Marketing Manager at the Creamery, Gloria Munana, explains that the company has enough production, fed by ample supplies to meet market demand.
“We receive large quantities of milk on a daily basis and work closely with over 2000 farmers. This helps to meet demand with high quality bulk production,” she emphasizes.
The company also distributes its products to upcountry consumers, in Nyagatare, Rwamagana and Kayonza districts in Eastern Province, Rubavu district in Western Province, Rulindo and Musanza in Northern Province as well as Muhanga, Ruhango and Huye in Southern Province.
For more details, contact 0789911244 , email us on info@masakacreamery.com or visit social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@MasakaCreamery).
Rwanda granted refuge to Burundians in the years of 1972 and 1989. As genocide was prepared that time, Burundian refugees also took part in it. Apart from refugees, more Burundians, who were teachers in different parts of the country like Gisagara and Rusizi were also involved.
Not only genocide survivors testify their role during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi but also foreigners like Belgian, Constant Julius Goetschalckx known as Frère Stan (Brother Stan) are aware of the truth.
Brother Stan worked in Rwanda’s refugee camps in 1980.
In 2008, he testified at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) how Hutu Burundian refugees played role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“Some of refugees (Hutu Burundians) from Saga camp in commune Muganza, Butare Prefecture were involved in killings. I reported it to officials that time,” he said.
Different genocide survivors testifies that Brother Stan is among masterminds behind such heinous acts that he later after genocide founded a school in Tanzania where he used to receive friends from ex-FAR militia (defeated former government army) and politicians who perpetrated genocide.
Faustin Nyakazungu, 77, lived in former Commune Ntyazo in Mpanda cell but was hunted.
Speaking to IGIHE, he reflected on neighboring Tutsi killed by Burundian refugees who stabbed one adult woman saying ‘let us see if she can bleed blood or milk as they drunk much milk.’
“I was living in the neighborhood of those Burundians. I am one of people who were not hunted. I know well their deeds. They were characterized by extreme bad characters. They killed an old woman called Nyinawabo Bernadette and another man Jabo Félix. Those killers were with Interahamwe. The old woman was stabbed by a Burundian saying he wanted to find out if female Tutsis bleed blood or milk they drunk. In know many of them,” said Nyakazungu.
Burundians who stayed in Saga camp are accused of killing Tutsi in Mugombwa while others in Nyagahama camp killed Tutsi in former commune Ntongwe and Mugina among others.
After killings, they dumped remains in a mass grave along with other Tutsis killed at different road blocks. The mass grave was named CND as a way to show they were sending them to Inkotanyi colleagues.
Samuel Dusengiyumva is among genocide survivors in Ntingwe. He was 13 year old in 1994 studying at a secondary school in Save. He is currently a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government.
As he attended the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Ruhango district last year, narrated how Burundian refugees were used to train Interahamwe to kill Tutsi of torture.
“Those people from Burundi who were accustomed to killing Tutsi of torture trained Interahamwe in commune Ntongwe to the extent that they also set road blocks and set a heating brazier. Before loading remains of genocide victims to be dumped in CND mass grave, they first removed hearts, other internal fleshes which they roasted and ate. They killed people with extreme cruelty,” he said.
Jeanne Muhorakeye, a survivor from Kinazi in Ruhango district once revealed that they took care of Burundian refugees in the area and clothed them but ended up joining Hutus to kill Tutsi during the genocide.
In Kinazi, Burundian refugees joined killings upon instructions of Charles Kagabo who was the head nurse of Kinazi health center. The latter who had served as the mayor of Ntongwe commune in 1992 requested the refugees to collaborate with Interahamwe to exterminate Tutsi.
He was handed life sentence in absentia by different Gacaca courts from Gikoma, Ruhango, Gitisi, Bweramana and Rutabo in Kinazi in 2008.
{{Torture}}
Genocide survivors from neighborhoods of camps that accommodated Burundian refugees narrated how they tortured Tutsi.
It is said that Burundian refugees removed the heart, sucked flesh blood, and roasted made brochette.
They are also alleged to have hit pointed sharp objects into girls’ sex.
Gatandara of Mururu sector is one of areas where Interahamwe and Burundian refugees killed many Tutsis, removed hearts and ate them. The same happened in Kizura of Gikundamvura where they killed Rwicaninyoni and made brochette.
Other Tutsis on Rukungu village of Cyato sector were also killed of torture burnt inside a grass thatched house belonging to one Karekezi Alfred.
At the beginning of this year, the National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide (CNLG) released three books detailing bitter history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi especially in former Gitarama and Cyangugu Prefectures.
These books also talk about Tutsis killed in Kabgayi forests, former commune Ntongwe and Mugina killed by Interahamwe and Burundian refugees.
{{Burundi kept a deaf ear}}
As countries are requested to play role in the process of bringing to justice genocide fugitives, Burundi kept a deaf ear rejecting Rwanda’s request to bring to book suspects or extradite them to Rwanda to face justice.
In August last year, the Minister of Justice and State Attorney General , Johnston Busingye told the parliament that genocide is an imprescriptible crime that files for Burundians suspected for involvement in genocide have been arranged.
“Matters regarding Burundians are often reflected and which goes hand in hand preparation of related files. Action will be taken as relations return to normal but you should know that such cases are imprescriptible,” he said.
The former Rwanda’s Prosecutor General, Mutangana Jean Bosco last year revealed that the matter of Burundians relented due to lack of political will.
“We have cases of Burundians who perpetrated Genocide in Rwanda and fled but Burundi showed no political will to help us track those suspects. The issue is persistent. There are many especially in Gisagara, Nyaruguru at the border with Burundi. We issued arrest warrants but got no reply. That’s a problem,” he said.
Mutangana explained that Rwanda is eying support from Interpol to arrest those fugitives.
{{Genocide survivors demand justice }}
The Executive Secretary of IBUKA, Naftar Ahishakiye has told IGIHE that genocide survivors in Southern and Western Provinces are thirsty to see such Burundians brought to book.
“Burundians played a great role during preparations of genocide. Some were trained to use guns along with Interahamwe and openly collaborated during genocide to kill Tutsi,” he said.
He explained that bringing the suspects to book will relieve genocide survivors.
“There is a wound and thirst for justice. In fact, these neighboring countries should understand the severity of Genocide against the Tutsi than other far distant countries. They witnessed it and saw people fleeing to their countries. They actually followed updates than others. They should demonstrate willingness to render justice and fight genocide ideology a way further compared other countries. However, the persistent lack of willingness is saddening,” noted Ahishakiye.
So far, Rwanda’s Prosecution has issued 1144 arrest warrants for genocide fugitives in 33 countries worldwide, majority of which being African countries.
Nine countries have tried 23 genocide fugitives while 24 have been extradited to Rwanda from nine countries.
The project consists of renovating existing roads in the districts of Nyabihu (90 km), Gakenke (58 km ), Nyaruguru ( 68 km), Nyagatare (78 km ), Gatsibo (79 km ) and Rutsiro (km 77).
It is expected that 253km will be covered by cheap-seal surfacing while the remaining 197km will be compacted.
The Mayor of Rutsiro district, Emerence Ayinkamiye has told IGIHE that the project is expected to boost connectivity once completed.
“The contract to execute the project has been signed. So far, the works to renovate 39 kilometers road has started while contractors are getting equipment and workers ready for the remaining part. These roads will boost connectivity among residents, easily transport produce to the market and easily connect with other districts. We have a road to be covered by cheap-seal surfacing additional to other roads being compacted,” she said.
The roads are also expected to boost tourism in Rutsiro district which has a large part touching Lake Kivu. Indeed, 80% of Lake Kivu islands are located in Rutsiro district of which economy heavily relies on the agriculture of coffee and tea.
“Many residents will get jobs during construction of the roads and after because people will be able to move to easily,” she explained.
Ir Makuza Jean Pierre, Gakenke district official in charge of road infrastructure has said that the project to build 69km roads started towards the end of last year.
“These include tarmac road covering 41kilometers while the rest will be compacted. The purpose of these projects is to facilitate residents to transport their produce easily to markets and improve connectivity,” he said.
The new roads will connect Buranga – Kamubuga to Base main road.
As per performance contracts signed recently by the Ministry of Infrastructure, the project is subject to be implemented at 8% in the first quarter, 20% in the second and 28% in the third quarter and 40% at the end of this year.
The entire project is estimated at a cost of Rwf 31,068,482,458 during 2020/2021 fiscal year.
Baganizi Patrick Emile, Deputy Director General of Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) recently told IGHE that the project’s execution is underway.
“Construction activities have started but we are still at the beginning. The implementation stands between 10 and 15%. It is the second phase of these works because there are other completed activities. These roads facilitate the transport of produce to the market,” he said.
Mutabazi is a young businessman said to own a shop worth Rwf 35 million in Ruhango district. His family missed him on 21st November 2020 around 2pm, failed to locate the man and reported the case to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Ruhango station the following morning.
At the same time, Rwandans inside the country and abroad started advocacy claiming the man belonging Green Party (one of political parties registered in Rwanda) was abducted by security officials.
IGIHE has learnt that the man might have fled home trying to run away from heavy debt issues and spoke to different sources including Mutabazi to establish the truth.
Mutabazi told IGIHE that he had a civil marriage planned on 10th December 2020 and religious wedding after ten days.
The latter explained that he was born in Karongi district but running foods and beverages business in Ruhango district.
Mutabazi revealed that he was never kidnapped but rather fled his residence due to clashes with his sister and brother in law.
As for the case, they were shareholders of the aforementioned shop and requested Mutabazi to give them shares before his wedding.
“They came to stay at my home saying they want to get money worth their shares or stay with me. I told them to stay and help me to the run the business. They later deprived me of the shop’s keys and felt deranged. I decided to leave them to meditate the situation given that I also had a wedding on 20th December,” he said.
As he narrated, Mutabazi left on 21st November and headed to Nyaruguru where he spent three days. He later, in the morning bought bus ticket on different names and headed to Kigali where he spent night in Kimironko and went to Rwamagana the following day.
“Upon arrival in Rwamagana, I heard that my disappearance triggered speculations that I might have died. I traveled again and found someone whom I begged help as I arrived in Kabuga ka Musha. I told him that I committed no offense except people worried of my disappearance,” he said.
“I asked him to escort me to the forest, tie me and alert local leaders. He agreed to tell soldiers in the nearby barrack and did so. As soldiers came for rescue, they untied me, took me Police Station which later took for medical checkup because I was not feeling well,” added Mutabazi.
He explained that depriving him of the shop destabilized him as it was the only source of funds to pay debts.
“I owed debts to other people and fell in ambiguity as I had no other source of funds. This cumbersome situation pushed me to leave without telling anyone,” he said.
Mutabazi revealed that he had Rwf 20 million bank loan to which the outstanding of Rwf 14 million.
“No one abducted me. I left willingly to meditate my situation. That is why I asked the child to alert the Police or Military for intervention,” he noted.
His brother in law had asked Mutabazi to pay Rwf 5.4 million in November and the rest totaling Rwf 2 million in January 2021 so he could accept to distance from him.
“After learning about my wedding, he came to stay with me saying it is impossible to arrange wedding without paying him. We wrote statements indicating that we share the shop that he will continue to work with me in November if the payments are not cleared,” explained Mutabazi.
He apologized to officials and his family advising people to distance themselves from lies.
{{Connivance}}
A young man called Bosco Niyomugabo, 25 from Rwamagana district; Mwulire sector was lured to tie Manirakiza. He was returning home from construction work on 27th November 2020.
As the bus from Rwamagana stopped nearby Niyomugabo, a man stepped out and asking him if he was willing to do a job.
Mutabazi told Niyomugabo to wait a bit and went to buy a scarf from a nearby shop. As he returned, Mutabazi asked the young man he didn’t hear announcement for a disappeared person and replied ‘no’.
“That person who disappeared is me. He was working for a political party which is not easily coming across my mind. I am from Ruhango. He asked me whether I know the surrounding forests and replied ’yes’. He then asked me to escort him inside. He gave me two ropes and instructed me tie the month and cover his face with a scarf. He told me to tie him on a tree using the second rope and rush to alert officials,”said Manirakiza.
As he explained, Mutabazi immediately gave him Rwf 2000 and rushed to alert nearby military barracks. “He had advised me to say that I heard someone crying as I went urinate,” narrated Manirakiza.
Upon arrival to the scene, soldiers took a picture and asked Manirakiza to untie the man.
The Acting spokesperson of RIB, Dr Murangira B. Thierry has told IGIHE that the institution learnt about the disappearance upon report of his aunt.
“On 25th November 2020, Ruhango RIB station received a complaint from Nyiraneza Marthe (the man’s aunt) reporting that a man identified as Mutabazi Ferdinand went missing. Investigation started immediately. The man was on 27th November found tied in the forest of Rwamagana district, Musha sector, Musha cell, in Rugarama village,” he said.
Dr Murangira explained that the man accused his brother in law Nshimiyimana Samuel to have betrayed him leading into abduction by unknown people.
Dr Murangira futher says, investigation continued until the man revealed the truth that he wanted to drag the brother in law in prison so he could get rid of debts burden.
“Mutabazi told investigators that he sought someone to tie him in Musha’s small forest and alert security officials in compensation for money. It happened as planned that the man tied him and alerted officials who rushed to the scene,” he explained.
Dr Murangira appealed on Rwandans to avoid similar crimes and seek mediation instead of making poor decisions.
“What Mutabazi did is an example of cases reported to RIB that people went missing yet they fled problems. Some of such cases are related to people leaving their homes without telling family members due to different problems like debts and other family issues,” he said.
“In the process, some try to drag people in their cases. Others flee and join terror groups abroad or keep hiding in other countries,” added Dr Murangira.
“Trying to hide behind abduction reasons to solve problems is not the remedy. It however exposes you to further risks.”
The man detained at Ruhango Station on account of false accusation. If convicted, he is liable to a sentence between two and six months and a fine ranging from Rwf 300.000 to Rwf 500.000.
