The Head of State, vying for the presidency on the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) party ticket, was the first candidate to present his papers to the commission in the exercise that kicked off today at the Commission’s office in Kiyovu.
The President was accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, RPF Vice-Chairperson, RPF Secretary-General, and RPF commissioners.
NEC chairperson Oda Gasinzigwa verified the President’s papers and asserted that the candidate’s file was complete.
At least eight independent candidates have declared their interest to challenge Kagame in the forthcoming poll. Also on the list of candidates eyeing the presidency is Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda.
To be cleared to run for the presidency, candidates must meet several requirements, including proof of Rwandan citizenship. The candidates must be at least 35 years of age, be of high integrity, and not have a history of criminal convictions resulting in sentences exceeding six months, among other requirements.
{{RPF endorses Kagame }}
President Kagame received a green light from the ruling party to run for a fourth term in office during the party’s meeting held in March, where he secured 99.1 per cent of the votes cast.
Welcoming his endorsement, Kagame said, “We know where this country has come from. I appreciate the apparent role you have played in that. I also appreciate the trust that you always and continue to place in me. The burden you have given me I have accepted to carry.”
Kagame assumed the presidency in 2000, six years after leading the RPF rebel group to topple the Hutu-led regime that perpetrated the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He, however, pointed out that the continent’s potential is often hindered due to a lack of unity that affects sharing of the resources within the continent.
The President was speaking during the opening ceremony of the Africa CEO Forum (ACF) at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) on Thursday, May 16, 2024, themed “At the table or on the menu?”
According to President Kagame, a united continent would increase its bargaining power on the global stage.
“The more united Africa is, the more productive our engagement with partners will become. Integration for Africa’s business community is an opportunity to grow our markets and become more competitive. Africa does not have to ask for a seat at the table,” Kagame stated.
“Today almost 20 percent of the world is Africa. By the year 2050, it will be 25 percent. Soon enough, the only middle class in the world that will still be growing is Africa. As this century progresses, Africa will increasingly be one of the world’s economic engines. But to become truly prosperous, we have to upgrade our mindsets and aim for quality and turn into high-tech products and sell back to us. It’s not sustainable; it’s simple and clear.”
The head of state affirmed that with the right politics and governance in the region, Africa has the potential to thrive on the global economic stage.
“This will take a lot of time and effort, but Africa can do it. In everything we do, good governance and politics play a very important role. Having the solution is not enough. The willingness to find a middle ground and not let unnecessary levels of bureaucracy get in the way can make things work better and faster,” he added.
President Kagame noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a major opportunity for African countries to adopt reforms necessary to enhance long-term growth among the member states.
“Over the years, what has become clearer is that our common challenges can be solved if we work together. For our continent, it is equally important to build a capacity to respond swiftly and efficiently to any challenge and bounce back. For example, that is why we established the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The rationale is that we have the resources but we need to be able to share them among ourselves,” he stated.
AfCFTA was established in 2018 with the aim of uniting Africa’s economies. According to the World Bank, AfCFTA has the potential to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty. This, however, significantly depends on policy reforms and facilitation measures put in place.
{{CEO Forum}}
Meanwhile, Kigali welcomes the Africa CEO Forum for the second time since 2019, when the forum made its debut in the East Africa region. More than 2,000 business leaders and government officials are gracing the CEO forum.
The participants include Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi and two prime ministers, Patrice Emery Trovoada of Sao Tome and Robert Beugre Mambe of Côte d’Ivoire. Presidents William Ruto of Kenya, Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, and Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti are also expected at the two-day event.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is hosting the event alongside the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group focused exclusively on the private sector in developing countries.
The forum is expected to challenge attendees to take decisive action for Africa’s future amidst global economic uncertainties.
In a press conference discussing preparations for the elections scheduled for July 2024, NEC leadership provided updates on the current state of readiness. NEC Chairperson, Oda Gasinzigwa revealed that eight individuals have so far expressed their intention to run as independent presidential candidates, alongside 41 prospective parliamentary candidates.
However, Gasinzigwa emphasized that these numbers might not be final. The candidates must submit their applications for verification to ensure they meet the necessary requirements. Historically, some applicants fail to meet these criteria, resulting in a reduced number of eligible candidates.
Gasinzigwa also issued a warning to those seeking to become independent candidates for both presidential and parliamentary elections against using money to solicit signatures. “We’ve heard rumors of this practice. If true, it is unacceptable. We do not want our citizens to be subjected to such manipulation,” she stated.
She continued, “When requesting a signature, it means engaging with the person, explaining your intentions, and ensuring they are on the voter list. It’s a one-on-one conversation, and we believe we have communicated this clearly. We trust the process will go smoothly.”
Starting from May 17, 2024, the commission will begin accepting official applications from those seeking to run for various positions. This process will conclude on May 30, 2024.
Judith Mbabazi, Commissioner in charge of Legal Affairs, outlined the legal requirements for different positions. For the presidency, candidates must possess Rwandan nationality by origin, have no other citizenship, exhibit impeccable conduct, and not have been stripped of civil and political rights by any court.
Additionally, they must be at least 35 years old and be present in Rwanda at the time of their application. For parliamentary candidates, the age requirement is 21 years.
This election marks the first time that presidential and parliamentary elections will be held simultaneously, a change aimed at reducing the overall cost of conducting separate elections.
The campaign period for both presidential and parliamentary candidates will commence on Saturday, June 22, 2024, and conclude on July 12, 2024, for candidates abroad, and on July 13, 2024, for those within the country.
In a discussion at the Qatar Economic Forum held on May 15, 2024, Makolo stated that the construction work is ongoing.
“Construction is already in progress. We’re about to finalise the horizontal works and move to the vertical. We’re looking [at] between 2027 and 2028 in terms of the airport being operational,” said Makolo.
Construction of the airport was initiated by the Government of Rwanda in 2017. It was initially slated for completion in 2024. The following year, Qatar Airways expressed interest in investing in the project, leading to an expanded plan aiming for completion in 2026 at a cost of US$2 billion.
Jules Ndanga, the Chief Executive Officer of Aviation Travel & Logistics (ATL), a Rwandan government agency overseeing aviation and tourism-related activities, recently disclosed that Qatar Airways holds a 60% stake in this project, with Rwanda holding the remaining 40%.
He stated, “They now hold 60%, while the Rwandan Government holds 40%. The airport we originally planned to build, which was part of our pledge, was estimated at 400 million Rwandan Francs. Currently, when you add everything together, the cost reaches 2 billion dollars.”
The CEO of Qatar Airways, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, explained on May 15 that the construction of the airport faced challenges, including delays in the delivery of materials to the construction site.
He however explained that a meeting is scheduled for next week to finalize the construction contract and reaffirmed anticipated completion of the airport in 2027.
Meer announced that Bugesera International Airport will resemble the Hamad International Airport located in Doha, covering an area of over 36 square kilometers.
When questioned about this possession, Barikana, who had already resigned from his position in the Chamber of Deputies, admitted he acquired the weapons while living with soldiers but forgot to return them.
Currently, Barikana is being held at the RIB Station in Remera while investigations continue to determine how he obtained the weapons and why he possessed them without legal authorization.
RIB has reminded the public that “owning firearms is governed by specific laws and any violation of these laws constitutes a criminal offense under Rwandan penal statutes.”
Barikana has been a deputy since 2013, prior to which he served as a Director in the Prime Minister’s Office between 2010 and 2013. From 2003 to 2013, he was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, and before that, he was the Prefect of Kibungo Prefecture from 1999 to 2001.
{{What does it take to own a gun in Rwanda?}}
In 2018, Rwanda revised its 2009 firearms law to reintegrate crimes and penalties that were omitted in 2012 and aligned with the constitutional requirements.
The National Police once told IGIHE that since 2018 [to 2022], no civilian in Rwanda has been granted a firearm license due to pending regulations. These regulations define the fees for a gun license, how and where one can acquire a gun, mandatory training for gun use, and the amount of ammunition allowed.
In 2022, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Rwandan Police stated that no civilian owns a gun as those who had them had returned them when the law was revised.
He mentioned, “It used to be done, but since the law was abolished, they returned them to wait for what the new law stipulates.”
When the law was revised, the then Minister of Justice, Johnston Busingye, stated that the requirements to own or trade weapons in Rwanda are numerous and nearly impossible to fulfill.
He said, “I believe it is almost impossible. To trade, to show where you want to trade, it’s a Presidential Order that dictates how it should be done.”
{{Requirements for obtaining a firearm license}}
Owning a firearm, except for those allocated to the Rwandan Defence Forces, the Rwandan Police, and other legally authorized agencies, requires a written permit issued by the Rwanda National Police.
Carrying a firearm, except for those allocated to the Rwandan Defence Forces, the Rwandan Police, and other legally authorized agencies, is permitted with a written authorization from the Rwanda National Police.
{{The law grants a firearm license to an individual who fulfills the following}}
An agreement with the Rwanda National Police confirming that if provided with a gun, ammunition, and related items, they will not be used unlawfully,Travelers with a certification from their country stating the gun, ammunition, and related items are for their personal use, private security firms.
To be eligible for a firearm license, one must write to the Rwanda National Police explaining why they need a gun; be of good character; be at least 21 years old; have a medical certificate from a recognized doctor confirming they do not suffer from mental illness.
Additionally, they must have a certificate from the Rwanda National Police proving they know how to use a gun; not have been sentenced to imprisonment of six months or more; and show a legal firearm ownership and carrying permit for foreigners who possess it.
However, the Rwanda National Police may refuse to grant a firearm license.
An individual who meets these requirements can own one (1) firearm for hunting, sport, or self-defense. Those with a permit issued by the Rwanda National Police may own more than one (1) firearm.
The law explains that owning a firearm in any form, except for those allocated to the Rwandan Defence Forces, the Rwandan Police, and other legally authorized agencies, requires a written permit from the Rwanda National Police.
Carrying a firearm, except for those allocated to the Rwandan Defence Forces, the Rwandan Police, and other legally authorized agencies, is permitted with a written authorization from the Rwanda National Police.
A firearm license, along with ammunition and related items, is renewed annually with a fee set by a Presidential Order.
The Rwanda National Police has the authority to temporarily or permanently revoke a firearm license and ammunition if they are used unlawfully or in a manner that could threaten public safety.
The law also states that no civilian is allowed to own weapons designated for state security agencies. Anyone owning a gun, ammunition, and related items cannot carry them without a permit. Renting, lending, or mortgaging guns, ammunition, and related items is prohibited.
When a lawful owner of a gun, ammunition, and related items dies, the Rwanda National Police retrieves them.
President Kagame was received in Guinea by President Mamadi Doumbouya and senior government officials before retreating for a private meeting.
In a statement, the Office of the President of Rwanda announced that the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues aimed at strengthening existing productive bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Guinea in various sectors, including digitization, trade, and investments.
President Kagame’s visit to Guinea Conakry was confirmed by the Office of the Guinea President on Sunday evening, in a communication inviting senior government officials, including National Security Council member Dansa Kourouma and Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah, to attend the welcoming ceremony at the Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport.
The visit comes nearly four months after Guinea’s Interim President, Mamadi Doumbouya, concluded a three-day visit to Rwanda, aimed at strengthening friendship and cooperation ties between the two countries.
President Kagame made a similar trip to Guinea from April 17-18, 2023, which resulted in the signing of an agreement on the creation of a joint cooperation committee between Rwanda and Guinea. The committee covers areas such as agriculture, ICT, education, mining, and security.
President Kagame and Doumbouya also witnessed the inauguration of a highway interchange connecting Kagbélen to Conakry that was named after President Kagame. The project was initiated to ease movement between major industrial cities and Conakry, as well as with neighbouring countries.
Admaius Capital Partners “Admaius”, an Africa-focused private equity investor operating across several growth markets, has announced its majority equity investment into TRES Infrastructure Limited “TRES”, the only local licensed tower owner, operator, and developer of shared telecommunications infrastructure in Rwanda.
TRES’ tower infrastructure is used by the two local Mobile Network Operators, MTN and AIRTEL (MNOs), while also benefitting other local network service providers such as KT Rwanda Networks Ltd.
Admaius’ investment and support will enable the Company to expand its tower portfolio locally in line with the country’s target to achieve more than 95% geographical coverage over the next few years, coupled with the roll-out of 4G and 5G networks across the country. This is expected to improve network affordability and connectivity in both rural and urban areas.
The telecom towers infrastructure market in Rwanda is characterised by strong and resilient demand, meanwhile, growth is underpinned by the country’s growing population, the increasing number of mobile subscribers complemented by a steady SIM-card penetration rate, and the general adoption of services by new subscribers through the increase in multi-SIM adoption.
Facilitating TRES’ continued growth aligns with Admaius’ investment strategy for Africa of finding opportunities in high-impact sectors that are the drivers of economic and social progress, including TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunication), digital infrastructure, financial services, FMCG, healthcare, and education.
Admaius Capital Partners were co-advised by Asafo & Co. and ENS Africa. Gahigiro Capital and BK Capital acted as the co-financial advisors to TRES Infrastructure Ltd and the Founder. Attorneys House acted as the legal advisor to TRES Infrastructure Ltd and the Founder.
Commenting on the investment, Marlon Chigwende, the Managing Partner of Admaius, said: “We are excited to be investing in Rwanda, one of the fastest growing markets in Africa. GDP growth has been strong, sustainable, and relatively broad-based. Our investment in Tres will help to expand network coverage to rural parts of Rwanda, as well as aid the rollout of 4G, and ultimately 5G over time. In addition to capital, we are bringing experienced Towers experts to support in strengthening the Tres business.”
Venuste Twagiramungu, Chief Executive Officer of TRES commented: “Admaius Capital Partners’ investment has come at the right moment. With their expertise in fund management, they are bringing not only the financial backing that we need but also their organizational capabilities that will transform TRES into a true corporate. From this exciting journey we are expecting no less than a fast expansion and a true contribution to the Rwandan objective of more than 95% geographical coverage.”
{{About Admaius Capital Partners
}}
Admaius Capital Partners is an experienced African investment manager currently managing in excess of $280m through its Virunga Africa Fund 1. All of the Admaius’ team are African and have significant experience in Africa.
Admaius Capital Partners is headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda and has offices in Nairobi, Johannesburg, Tunis, Cairo, and London. Admaius is a commercial investor with a strong impact and social development focus.
The business has former leaders of some of Africa’s largest and most experienced investment managers including Carlyle, Actis and Standard Chartered. Key focus areas include financial services, healthcare, education, FMCG, and TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunication). Admaius’ objective is to partner with the best-in-class local operators in Africa to grow the business and create a positive change.
{{About TRES Infrastructure Ltd.
}}
TRES Infrastructure Ltd is a Rwandan licensed tower owner, operator, and developer of shared telecommunications infrastructure.
TRES has constructed and currently owns tower sites, which are rented to MNOs including MTN, Airtel and KTRN. Furthermore, the Company is ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 54001:2018 certified and is an approved service provider to Ericsson and Huawei, the biggest telecom equipment vendors on the continent.
The CEO and Founder, Venuste Twagiramungu has over 25 years of industry experience, and had worked for MTN, the largest MNO in Rwanda before he started TRES Infrastructure in 2009.
The annual report indicates that in 2023, 32,853 deaths were documented in the civil registration system across the country, with non-communicable illnesses accounting for 46 per cent of the deaths, up from 45 per cent in 2022. The chronic diseases include cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and schizophrenia.
The second-largest causes of death in the country were infectious and parasitic diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria, and measles; maternal and perinatal causes, including maternal haemorrhage and birth trauma; and malnutrition, which represented 43 per cent of the deaths registered in 2023, down from 46 per cent in 2022.
Injuries from accidents accounted for 11 per cent of the deaths registered in 2023, representing an increase of 3 per cent from the 2022 statistics.
The report further shows that of the 32,853 deaths documented in 2023, 53.8 per cent occurred outside health facilities
Mortality statistics show a high number of registered deaths among males compared to females, with a sex ratio at death equivalent to 121.1 male deaths per 100 female deaths in 2023, almost the same as the result in 2022 (122.2).
In 2023, the Northern Province led with the highest number of registered deaths at 8,271, followed by Kigali (7,818), the Southern Province (6,819), the Eastern Province (6,135), and the Western Province (3,509). A total of 301 deaths were not attributed to any province.
In terms of districts, Gasabo District recorded the highest number of deaths due to its high population density, with 1,682, followed by Nyagatare with 1,552 and Rubavu with 1,465. Gicumbi District had 1,415, Musanze District had 1376 deaths, Bugesera District had 1305, followed by Gakenke District with 1242.
Other districts that recorded more than 1,000 deaths were Gatsibo (1,212), Kamonyi (1,203), Muhanga (1,194), Rwamagana (1,119), Nyamasheke (1,099), Rulindo (1,062) and Nyaruguru (1,049).
In terms of the age of the deceased persons, most deaths were recorded within the age bracket of five years and below, followed by persons aged 80 years and above. NISR attributed this trend to the high risk of death at early ages, particularly at birth.
Burundi had on Saturday accused Rwanda of training and arming rebel groups blamed for the twin grenade attacks including the attack reported at a packed bus stop in Bujumbura.
However, in a hard-hitting statement on Sunday, the Office of the Government Spokesperson, denied any links with the attackers, insisting that Burundi should desist from associating Rwanda with its internal problems.
“There is something clearly wrong going on with Burundi for its government to accuse Rwanda for recent grenade explosions in Bujumbura, a situation we have absolutely no connection with, and have no reason to be involved in.
“Burundi has a problem with Rwanda, but we have no problem with Burundi. We call on Burundi to solve its own internal problems and not associate Rwanda with such despicable matters,” the statement reads.
BURUNDI SHOULD NOT ASSOCIATE RWANDA WITH ITS INTERNAL PROBLEMS.
— Rwanda Government Communications (@RwandaOGS) May 12, 2024
Burundian Interior Ministry’s spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye told reporters on Saturday that RED-Tabara insurgents were behind the attacks.
He paraded six individuals, aged 28 to 56, to the press, saying they were part of the group destabilizing the country.
“These terrorists were recruited, trained and even equipped with weapons in Rwanda and by Rwanda,” Nkurikiye claimed.
“Afterwards, they are sent to the RED-Tabara terrorist group to be close to Burundi’s borders, and then they enter the country to carry out attacks.”
The relations between Rwanda and Burundi have deteriorated in recent months after Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye sustained accusations that Rwanda is financing and training the RED-Tabara group rebels.
RED-Tabara rebel group is considered by the Burundian government as a terrorist movement, with its members being linked to the failed coup attempt in 2015.
RDB, in collaboration with the Embassy of Rwanda in Senegal, organized an exclusive brunch in Galoya, Dakar, on Saturday to showcase investment opportunities in Rwanda.
The event brought together Rwandan investors, the Senegalese Investors Council, influential Senegalese personalities, and business leaders.
“The main objective was to highlight Rwanda’s notable advances in various sectors, ranging from sustainable tourism to innovative startups, in order to generate interest among Senegalese investors in the numerous investment opportunities offered by the booming economy of Rwanda,” stated RDB.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season 4 Sahara Conference. The tournament playoffs and finals are to be held in Kigali from May 24 to June 1.
The event was attended by, among others, Jean-Pierre Karabaranga, the Ambassador of Rwanda to Senegal, Setti Solomon, the RDB Chief Strategy, Partnerships, and Communications Officer, and Candy Basomingera, Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) Deputy CEO.
Ambassador Karabaranga seized the opportunity to emphasize the importance of economic collaboration in driving sustainable development and prosperity in both countries.
Citing Rwanda’s robust infrastructure, strategic location, and business-friendly policies, the ambassador noted that investors are welcome to tap into various opportunities in the fast-growing economy.
Last year, RDB reported a 50 per cent growth in foreign investment commitments to reach $2.4 billion (RWF 3 trillion).
RDB, in an annual report unveiled last month, indicated that the commitments are expected to create 40,198 job opportunities in the next five years.
The manufacturing is expected to create 9,900 new job opportunities over the five-year period, accounting for a quarter of the jobs projected to be created in the next five years.
Further, the government agency whose main mandate is to accelerate Rwanda’s economic development by enabling private sector growth, forecasts that the agriculture sub-sector will continue to thrive, contributing to the creation of 7,600 jobs over the same period.
Real estate is expected to create 6,200 new jobs by 2029 while the agro-processing sub-sector will contribute some 4,400 jobs to the economy.
Additionally, the construction sector will generate 2,700 jobs while the accommodation and food services sub-sector will create 2,600 job opportunities over the next five years.
Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply are poised to create an additional 1,500 new job opportunities, followed by the arts and entertainment sub-sector, where approximately 600 opportunities will be generated.
The financial and insurance sectors, along with administrative and support service activities, are expected to generate 500 and 200 jobs respectively over the next half-decade.
