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{President Kagame has officially opened the International Conference on Protection of Citizens taking place in Kigali. The two day event brings together top peacekeeping contributing countries, financial contributing countries and the United Nations to discuss how UN Peacekeepers can effectively implement the protection of civilians’ mandate.}

President Kagame pointed out that the responsibility of peace operations is the protection of civilians before anything else:

“The central purpose of peace operations is the protection of civilians. It is not the protection of peace agreements or U.N. mandates, even peacekeepers for that matter, much less the protection of politicians. The mission is to protect the ordinary people most at risk.”

“The responsibility to protect our citizens lies first and foremost with the state concerned but it does not stop there. Military intervention is always the last option. Other forms of engagement can be effective provided we act early enough. We therefore need to keep improving our ability to detect and share critical information about threats to civilian life. We all have a stake in more effective peace building,” President Kagame added.

Citing the essential role of inclusion in Rwanda’s reconstruction, President Kagame noted that to peacekeeping should enable dialogue to ensure peaceful transition:

“People need to be able to stay together, and talk to each other, for however long it takes to find lasting solutions to their own problems. Without security, it is impossible to conduct the inclusive dialogue and consensus-building upon which every sustainable post-conflict transition rests. Peacebuilding cannot be a euphemism for wishful thinking or procrastination in addressing root causes of conflict,” President Kagame added.

President Kagame concluded by challenging all participants to address challenges still facing peacekeeping including slow deployments, vague mandates and unclear rules of engagement.

The meeting is a follow-up to the high-level summit on peacekeeping operations co-hosted by President Kagame alongside the US Vice President and the UN Secretary General in September 2014, on the margins of the 69th UN General Assembly.

The Kigali conference and the numerous regional peacekeeping conferences that have taken place will in September 2015 conclude with a High-level Summit co-hosted by President Kagame and President Obama.

{The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Claver Gatete was yesterday recognized as the Finance Minister of the Year at the African Bankers Awards 2015. The 9th edition of the Awards took Place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on the sidelines of the ongoing African Development Bank Annual Meetings.}

The Finance Minister of the Year award goes to the African Finance Minister who has carried out prudent macroeconomic policies and, through reforms of his actions, has shown skills and dexterity to create the conditions of an appealing investment climate.

In his acceptance speech Minister Claver Gatete said: “I am really humbled that the committee decided to award this trophy to me this year. I consider this as a trophy for our authorities in Rwanda and the team I have been working with, be it members of the Government, staff of the Ministry of Finance but also all the partners and stakeholders to our economy.”

During the same event, Bank of Kigali was also recognized as “the Best Regional Bank in East Africa for the year”. This award goes to a Bank that has excelled in the banking industry in its region by reaching out to new customers, offering new services, adopting inclusiveness by bringing the unbanked into the banking space, making use of new technologies and contributing to a stronger financial sector.

African Bankers Awards is the most prestigious event in Africa’s banking and finance sector. The awards are held under the patronage of the Africa Development Bank. African Banker’s Awards are designed to recognize the reforms, rapid modernization, consolidation, integration and expansion of Africa’s Banking and financial sector.

{The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana has welcomed the recently graduated Police cadet officers and urged them to uphold professionalism at all times. }

IGP Gasana said this on May 18 while briefing the 462 officer graduates who had just returned from one week break ahead of being deployed in different departments and units, the event took place at RNP Headquarters.

He briefed them about the mission of RNP in its pursued for people living in Rwanda feel safe, involved and reassured, through high quality services and being accountable and transparency.

“Now is the time to put everything you learnt in practice. At RNP, it is about professionalism, efficiency and dedication to perform duties as expected and serve the public in a manner that builds trust and

partnership in promoting safety and peace,” he said.

“You should note that Rwanda is developing at a fast rate. As we develop, some modern crimes also crop up and become more sophisticated than before; and that is why you have been trained adequately to ensure that you use your skills in overcoming modern crimes.”

The officers, who were in cadet in 7th, were on May 11 commissioned by HE President Paul Kagame, after successfully completing a one-year course at the Police Training School (PTS) Gishari in Rwamagana District. Today marks the beginning of their tasks in the respective units and departments of Rwanda National Police.

{President Kagame has attended the signing ceremony for the Peace Accords between the Government of Mali and members of the Plateforme coalition of armed groups in a key step towards bringing stability and security back to the beleaguered country.}

Robert Mugabe, Paul Kagame, and nearly 30 other heads of Governments attended the signing.

Rwanda is among countries who have contributed peacekeepers to Mali to help stabilize the country.

However AP reported that during the signing Mali’s main separatist Tuareg rebel group did not sign a peace accord that the government and other armed groups agreed to on Friday, dimming prospects of stability in the West African country.

Algerian foreign minister Ramtane Lamamra, who represents the mediators, said Mali’s government, allied armed groups and two groups under the separatist coalition signed the agreement, but three groups in the coalition, including the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad, did not.

Mohamed Mahmoud Ag Ousmane, who said he was a member of a group within the separatist coalition, said that there was still time for other groups to sign.

“We hope that the other groups come to sign the peace accord in their own turn,” he said.

International mediators had hoped that a peace agreement could bring stability to north Mali after several chaotic years.

In a statement issued by the UN spokesperson’s office on Friday, Mr. Ban Ki moon applauded the signing of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Malian capital, Bamako, and congratulated the parties and the Algeria-led Mediation Team for their efforts in producing a “balanced text.”

“The Secretary-General notes that today’s signature by some of the parties is an important step on the path towards sustainable peace,” the statement continued. “He conveys his sincere hope that other parties to the Algiers political process will adhere to the Agreement as soon as possible.”

Moreover, it added that Mr. Ban reminded all parties that the 23 May 2014 ceasefire remains valid and that he urges them “to honour their commitments in this regard.”

{{Photos: Urugwiro}}

{{E-Mail: angedelavictoire@igihe.com}}

{The United States of America has appreciated Rwanda and Two other regional countries to welcome the more than 100,000 Burundian refugees who have fled Burundi and urges the latter to remove roadblocks that are preventing civilian populations from crossing into neighboring nations seeking safety, IGIHE reports on Saturday.}

Up to date Rwanda is a home to over 26, 0000 Burundian refugees, while DRC and Tanzania host 9,183 and 70,187 respectively.

The UN refugee agency said on Friday that more than 105,000 people have fled Burundi to Tanzania, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, following an attempted coup and protests.

In a warning statement to Burundi Government, the U. S. said “is alarmed by reports of retaliatory attacks in Burundi following the attempted unlawful seizure of power on May 13 and the growing risk of greater violence and atrocities.”

Analysts said continued violence in Burundi could result into more and more influx of Burundi refugees seeking safety in neighboring countries.

In the Meantime, the U.S said in a statement “We also appreciate the willingness of Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to welcome the more than 100,000 Burundian refugees who have fled Burundi, and call on the Burundian government to remove roadblocks and other impediments that are preventing civilian populations from crossing into neighboring nations seeking safety.”

The statement, which is signaling that there could be another influx of Burundian refugees if the situation worsens, says in its end that the U.S “stands with the people of Burundi at this critical moment” and “We urgently call on the Burundian government to demonstrate, by its actions in the coming days, its commitment to a peaceful future for all the people of Burundi.”

{{U.S. Welcomes the suspension of election aid to Burundi}}

The United States welcomes decisions by other donor partners to reduce or withdraw budget support and financial assistance to the Government of Burundi in response to the continuing instability and violence.

Earlier this week, several donor countries and institutions announce their partial or total withdrawal of financial supports to Burundi’s coming elections.

Brussels has suspended its financial support to the electoral process in Burundi, after thousands marched to the European Parliament on Sunday 11 May demanding Belgium step in and force Burundi’s ruling party to postpone the upcoming elections.

The Minister for Development Cooperation, Alexander De Croo, announced he was temporarily suspending the country’s support to the Burundian electoral process.

Police cooperation is also suspended, the minister’s office said in a statement on Monday 11 May

{{U.S supports mediation }}

According to the statement the United States fully supports the mediation efforts of UN Special Envoy Said Djinnit and the African Union envoys in Bujumbura, as well as the efforts of the East African Community, the African Union, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, aimed at bringing peace and stability to Burundi.

It also said “We urge all stakeholders in Burundi to engage immediately and seriously in these mediation efforts.”

{{E-mail: angedelavictoire@igihe.com}}

{President Paul Kagame has held talks with the World Bank Director Sri Mulyani Indrawati. KT Press has learnt that the Bank announced $1 billion extra support to Rwanda in the next five years.}

The funds, according to World Bank officials, will support irrigation of 14,000 hectares of land and improve rural roads enabling farmers to connect to new markets and increase their family incomes.

Currently, World Bank funds a range of nine local and six regional projects in Rwanda worth $681 million.

The key projects include; Rwanda Electricity Access project worth $70 million, Water Harvesting and Hillside Irrigation ($69 million), $50 million in support of the country’s social protection policy, $22 million to support transport sector development as well as $45 million for feeder road construction to improve rural infrastructure in Rwanda.

Tony Nsanganira, state Minister for agriculture told KT Press that support from the world bank has enabled irrigation of about 30, 000 ha of land, 25, 000 ha of marshlands and 5, 000 ha of hillside.

“We have a target of 100, 000 ha of irrigated land by the year 2020,” he said.

Nsanganira added that maize, rice and vegetables are currently the major crops that are benefiting from such projects across the country.

Sri Mulyan arrived in Rwanda on May 13. She said that she was impressed by Rwanda’s competence in utilizing donor-funds.

She said this after touring the Bank’s supported farming projects in Rwanda’s districts of Nyabihu and Musanze in North and Western Provinces.

The projects support rural farmers and ex-combatants-formerly FDLR militia, a terrorist group responsible for 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda.

According to Ministry of Finance, the World Bank is Rwanda’s largest donor that has for the past two decades supported the country’s development agenda.

{{KT Press}}

{On Thursday, 14 May 2015, an extraordinary Cabinet Meeting chaired by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Paul KAGAME, convened in Village URUGWIRO.}

1. The Cabinet Meeting approved its earlier decisions of 04 May 2015, after minor adjustments.

2. The Cabinet Meeting approved the Draft Law governing bursaries and loans granted to students.

3. Pursuant to the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda of 04 June 2003, as amended to date, after consultation with the Cabinet and the High Council of the Judiciary by His Excellency the President of the Republic; the Cabinet Meeting approved the Presidential Order appointing Judges of the Supreme Court and the Presidential Order appointing the Vice President of the High Court to be approved by the Senate:

 Judges of the Supreme Court:

 Mr. NGAGI MUNYAMFURA Alphonse;
 Mr. MUYOBOKE KARIMUNDA Aimé;
 Mrs. NYIRANDABARUTA MURORUNKWERE Agnès

 Vice President of the High Court:

 Mr. NDAHAYO Xavier

4. The Cabinet Meeting approved the following orders:

– Presidential Order transferring Major Théogène NSENGIYUMVA, Officer in the Rwanda Defense Forces to Rwanda National Police at the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP);

– Presidential Order promoting 462 junior Officers in the Rwanda National Police;
– Presidential Order determining the management and use of land in Special Economic Zone;

– Presidential Order determining Competent Authority and modalities of delegating authority in public service;

– Presidential Order determining public holidays: the following public holidays were added to the usual public holidays: 2nd January, Umuganura Day and Eid al-Adha’s Day;

– Presidential Order establishing a District Education Fund designed to help destitute learners to pay school costs;

– Prime Minister’s Order establishing the Kigali Special Economic Zone (KSEZ);

– Prime Minister’s Order granting a leave of absence for non-specific period to Ms. Rose IRIBAGIZA, who was Director of Human Resources and Administration Unit in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning;

– Prime Minister’s Order granting a leave of absence for non-specific period to Dr. MUKULIRA Olivier, who was Director of TVET Accreditation and Quality Assurance Unit in Workforce Development Authority;

– Ministerial Order determining urban planning and building regulations;

– Ministerial Order determining modalities for conducting meetings and making decisions of the Sector or the District Education Council;

– Ministerial Order determining the rules governing code of conduct of headmasters, teachers and students;

– Ministerial Order determining the responsibilities of school management board members;

– Ministerial Order providing sanctions against parents who do not send their children to school and against other persons who employ children in works preventing them from going to or causing them to drop out of school;

– Ministerial Order determining instructions for establishing the boarding system in primary and secondary schools;

– Ministerial Order determining general rules governing nursery, primary and secondary schools and functioning of school general assembly;

– Ministerial Order determining curriculum, teaching hours and the language of instruction in primary, secondary and special education.

5. The Cabinet Meeting approved Ministerial Instructions determining modalities for holding liable public servants who cause loss to the State.

6. In AoBs:

a) The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources informed the Cabinet Meeting that the 10th Agricultural show is scheduled from 4th to 11th June 2015 at Mulindi Showground, Gasabo District in the City of Kigali. The theme of this year’s agricultural show is “Agriculture Financing for Sector Prosperity”. Local and International companies as well as institutions, such as Government agencies, banks, insurance companies, individual farmers, cooperatives, and universities will exhibit the innovations in agricultural technologies and support services.

b) The Minister of Education informed the Cabinet Meeting that following a series of negotiations with Carnegie Mellon University, the tuition fees were reduced by 62% with effect 2015-2016 academic year. Students from EAC Countries who receive a 50% tuition discount from the Government of Rwanda shall pay USD 8,000 per annum while tuition fees for those from non-EAC countries shall pay USD 16,000.

{{This Statement was signed
by
Stella Ford MUGABO
The Minister in Charge of Cabinet Affairs}}

{On 14 May 2015 Her Excellency the First Lady Mrs. Jeannette Kagame was the Guest of Honour at the first fundraising event held under the Friends of Imbuto organization. The event took place in Washington D.C and was hosted by Michael Ansari. Mr. Ansari is a global business leader, philanthropist and a friend of Rwanda. }

Over 50 Friends of Rwanda attended the fundraiser where they were introduced to the work of the foundation. There were statements from the First Lady of Rwanda and Mrs. Maureen Ruettgers the President of the Friends of Imbuto board. 2 young women Grace Mutesi wa Mana and Angel Uwamahoro spoke about how Imbuto impacted their lives through the promotion of girls education and empowering youth.

Friends of Imbuto was established in Massachusetts in 2014 as a non-profit tax-exempt entity that aims to support the work of Imbuto Foundation. Friends of Imbuto will help to achieve Imbuto Foundation’s long-term strategy of diversifying its funding base.

Imbuto Foundation engages, educates and empowers vulnerable communities, through social innovations in health, education, youth and economic empowerment.

{ {{The Following is the Full Speech by Jeannette Kagame during the event:}} }

{Good Evening Everyone,

Let me start by thanking our gracious and generous host, Mr. Ansari, for welcoming us into his beautiful home. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of you, for finding time on a weeknight, to come out and support us.

It is wonderful to see some of our longtime friends here like Maureen Ruettgers, who spoke a few minutes ago. Maureen and her husband Mike, have been loyal supporters of Imbuto Foundation and have donated over $500,000 in the last decade.

Diane Currier has also been a tremendous source of support to us, especially in helping to establish the Foundation as a 501 (c) (3), here in the US.

I will not be exhaustive; but I wish to highlight a few of the friends and partners that are assisting Imbuto, to increase our impact and touch more lives.

Allow me to briefly mention our most recent partner – Bloomberg Philanthropies. Imbuto and Bloomberg are working on an exciting project, to create digital learning platforms for Rwandans.

Just to provide some context to our work, for the last 21 years, Rwandans have been on a steady and determined journey of reconstruction and renewal.

It is impossible not to be inspired by the resilience of our once devastated country, so we started Imbuto Foundation, in order to contribute to a new surge of optimism and opportunity in Rwanda.

Dear Friends,

Tonight, I am here not as the First Lady of Rwanda, but as a mother, and an advocate of Imbuto Foundation.

Over the years, I have come to appreciate that being a mother and leading a foundation, especially one as young as Imbuto, in a young country, are more closely connected than one may think. Both jobs require nurturing, love, resourcefulness and a sense of hope, for what the future holds.

I thought I was almost through with taking care of teenagers, but at 13 years old, Imbuto Foundation is my fifth child and trust me I have more than enough energy, to see this one through.

“Imbuto” means seed in Kinyarwanda. Our philosophy is to continuously plant new seeds and help them thrive. Since 2002, we have worked to engage, educate and empower vulnerable children, young adults, and women.

We expect to see hope and purpose restored to our communities, while focusing on the value of every individual.

Each year Imbuto grants at least 1,000 scholarships to the most disadvantaged students and recognizes the brightest schoolgirls, at award ceremonies all over the country.

We expect to see our young people flourish into the leaders of tomorrow. But we have learned that as critical as formal schooling is, it takes more, to bring out the best in our youth and nurture their leadership potential. So we are committed to doing more. Much more.

From urging communities to adopt a modern early childhood development model, to getting children to embrace the culture of reading, we expect to see Rwandan children acquire a strong foundation for a productive and fulfilled life.

From organizing unique forums to inspire young people to strive for excellence, to equipping adolescent girls with knowledge to take charge of their sexual and reproductive health, we expect to see Rwandan girls and boys grow up as confident and capable as their peers around the world.

Dear Friends,

We all want to make the world a better place, and this is Imbuto’s ambition, starting with our little corner of the world. We continue to work hard, to make Imbuto a relevant and effective catalyst in uplifting our communities.

We expect to see our youth engaged, educated and empowered. This is why I am energized and filled with motherly pride when I see the two extraordinary young Rwandan women here, Grace and Angel.

Being around these young people and others – I guarantee – keeps one young at heart. I invite each of you to discover the REAL fountain of eternal youth, I welcome you to join us.

Tonight, we look to partners and friends such as you to be part of a positive and fulfilling venture; to open up exciting possibilities to many other Graces and Angels.

Have a wonderful evening and welcome to the Imbuto family. }