Uganda’s Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) has kidnapped two Rwandans, Kayobera Darius and his wife Uwineza Claudine from where they were working in Kampala. The family of three children was kidnapped in the night on Monday, 28th January 2019.
As reported by Virunga Post, Kayobera had been practicing business in Uganda for seven years where he had a salon and a commercial building in Rubaga. It is said that Kayobera and wife were kidnapped by the CMI on the accusation that they are Rwanda’s spies.
Their kidnapping follows other incessant kidnaps and allegations of torture by Uganda’s military intelligence on framed up charges.
The genocide perpetrators asked for forgiveness yesterday in Rukumberi, Ngoma district where over 600 people were counseled and trained in different aspects of life skills including the promotion of unity and reconciliation. Among the trainees are 150 survivors, 150 self-confessed genocide perpetrators, 150 with relatives in prison and 150 returnees
One of the trainees, Baragata John admits that he killed Tutsis during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis and was released. He also asked for public forgiveness.
“I am standing before you and asking for forgiveness because I played a role in killing some people during the genocide against Tutsis.”
Many other people that participated in genocide followed suit with some saying that much as they had been released out of prison, they lacked inner peace for being at parallel with families whose relatives they had killed but had failed to apologize for reconciliation.
A family-based evangelist organization preached to them the values of reconciliation which they have come to embrace and came out to publicly apologize.
The president of Ibuka in Rukumberi Sector, Habimana Raymond, said he was pleased with the request for forgiveness from genocidaires but said there was still one important aspect that the killers should confess.
“We want them to tell us where our loved ones are buried because in this sector we still have many survivors who have never seen where their loved ones are buried.”
The Governor of Eastern Province Mufulukye Fred, thanked those that asked for forgiveness and those that forgave them, saying it was a special day for the people of Rukumberi.
He urged the residents to live in peace with others and asked those who know where the remains of the victims are to reveal the places so that they can get a decent burial.
The 7th Africa CEO Forum will bring together 1,500 participants from more than 70 countries to discuss regional integration including the implementation of the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA). It will be held under the theme: ” Open Africa: From Continental Treaties To Business Realities”.
The Africa CEO Forum participants will unite around a transformation agenda; what priorities must be identified to boost the level of intra-African trade and investment? What must a united Africa do to better protect its interests and industries? How can we mobilize the private sector around cross-border infrastructure and logistical projects? What insights can be drawn from the East African Community – considered the most successful regional model – given the tense new political waters? How can we create a truly pan-African financial services industry »
Different CEOs, heads of governments and potential investors will benefit from a networking platform during the Forum. This will help them identify opportunities for new business ideas, see ways to adjust their strategies to the current economic and geopolitical outlook but also build strong lasting relationships.
Africa CEO forum and its participants have a shared objective: using regional integration to drive private sector growth and create more African champions, say the organizers of the Forum.
The Chief Executive Officer of Africa CEO Forum, Amir Ben Yahmed says that they are excited to host the forum in Kigali.
“We are thrilled to host this event in Kigali because one of the triggering reasons was the signing of the Continental Free Trade Area agreement that clearly indicates that the regional integration ID that has been debated for a long time is now taking shape. We are very happy that it was done in Kigali and for us, it is very good opportunity to bring Eastern Africa into the global conversation that we have managed to create over the last six years,” he explains.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi says that through the forum, Rwanda expects to expose investment opportunities to business people who will attend the forum.
“We want to attract more investments in Rwanda, both from within and outside the country, and a lot of the time we go outside where investors are and describe Rwanda to them,…. A lot of time we describe Rwanda to them and we want them to believe what we tell them. It becomes easier when they come into the country and see all those things for themselves,” she explains. Click Here for more Photos of the Africa CEO Forum
Mushikiwabo who served as the Rwandan Minister of Foreigner Affairs was elected on the 12th October 2018 by 40 head of states and governments, who attended the 17th summit of the OIF that took place in Yerevan, Armenia.
According to the official twitter handle of La Francophinie , the handover from Michaëlle Jean who served as the General Secretary for the last four years to Mushikiwabo happened this Thursday in Paris France.
She assumes offices weeks after President Paul Kagame named Désiré Nyaruhirira who is an advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador, where it is expected that he will step in as advisor of the new Secretary General of La Francophonie (OIF).
In the past days, the Ambassador-Designate worked very closely with Louise Mushikiwabo, even when she was still a Minister, mostly during the state visits she held while she was campaigning as the Secretary-General of La Francophonie.
Jeune Afrique wrote that Mushikiwabo had already chosen to bring two close collaborators; Désiré Nyaruhirira, who should be his special advisor and Oria Kije Vande Weghe, her Spokesperson.
Mushikiwabo is the 4th person to serve as the General Secretary of La Francophonie after the late Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Abdou Diouf and Michaëlle Jean.
The President made the remarks Saturday as he opened RPF Inkotanyi Political Bureau meeting held at RPF headquarters in Rusororo, Gasabo District.
President Kagame informed the more than 2500 delegates that the first ring of security is founded on reaching out to the citizens and solving their problems.
He said that whenever leaders don’t approach citizens, it is a privilege for those who want to manipulate them.
“There are areas in the countryside where residents will tell you that they have not seen leaders nor know the local leaders. When someone else comes out and tells them that he is more considerate towards them than their leaders, they believe it. What would you do? If another person came and said, ‘The reason why you do not see a leader here is that he does not care about you, but I have come here because I care about you’,” he said.
President Kagame urged the leaders to stop speaking only about their achievements, but also work. He said that whatever they may pride themselves in, the yield is reflected in their achievements.
“Whether you are happy, proud, or talk about your achievements, the result of your deeds is awaiting to expose you and reveal whether you have been telling the truth or lying to others or to yourself. Whatever good things you may say, pride in, it’s not a problem. There is time for that, but something is waiting for you and will expose you,” Kagame said.
He urged the participants to focus on governance because whatever plans they may make when something is wrong in governance, are futile.
He emphasized that whenever they do not respond to the problems of the citizens, the security that the country wants to achieve becomes impossible.
“You are safe for your child is going to school, a patient can access medical services, you are protected in all kinds of life, you are sleeping safely and getting the next day to go to work without spending the night thinking about whether you will wake up alive or nobody will be waiting for you at the door early in the morning to rob you of your earnings or take away your life,” the president noted.
He said that taking good care of citizens is not just for political leaders, but also private individuals.
He explained that a businessperson who contributes to changing the welfare of citizens sells themselves because looking for a good source because citizens who live well are also good customers.
The meeting was attended by RPF delegates from across the country and discussed, among other topics, ‘development based on capable citizens.’
The 1-5 grading system helps to differentiate the quality of services that establishments render to their clientele.
The facility awarded a five-star rating is One & Only Nyungwe House in the Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The criteria used to grade the establishments range from their location, site and environment, architectural design and features, capacity, reception area, information services, hours of service, decor, amenities and accessories and regulation of temperature among others as per the ‘East African Criteria for Standardization of Hotels, Restaurants and other Tourist Accommodation Facilities’.
The criteria stipulates the standards that should be met for any accommodation establishment to be one, two, three, four or five star and are mandatory for any prospective property developer in the accommodation sector in all EAC member states.
Four-star facilities are High Ground Villa and apartments in Kigali city, Classic Lodge and Fatima Lodge in Musanze, Epic Hotel & Suites in Nyagatare and Moriah Hill Resort in Karongi Districts.
19 hotels received three-star category, 26 fell into the two-star category while six were ranked as one-star facilities.
Speaking while presiding over the ceremony, the Guest of Honour, Prof. Anastase Shyaka said: “The establishment and compliance with these standards is very important for our country as a tourist destination in order to sustain a competitive advantage and attract more tourists. Tourism plays a fundamental role in Rwanda’s economy and is the leading foreign exchange earner. In 2017, tourism generated about US$ 438 million in revenues, and we aim to double the revenues from the sector to US$ 800 million by 2024. This will be done through provision of consistent and high quality services.”
One & Only Resort Manager, Jacques Le Roux expressed his delight at having the five-star crowning of the hotel.
“We couldn’t have made it without the spirit of togetherness. Rwandans are lucky to have to be so attuned to development. We are planning to give trainings to our workers in Dubai, Capetown so to sharpen their skills in service providing.” Le Roux said
Emmanuel Hategeka, the RDB Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer said: “As Rwanda increases the number of four to five star category of hospitality establishments, it is a good sign of how the destination has grown and ensures our visitors of the quality in accommodation as well food & beverage services. Today we have an opportunity to award a five star to one establishment outside Kigali, which is an indication of Rwanda’s commitment to spread tourism activities across the country. In the past, five star establishments were only found in Kigali, the capital city but we are striving to make sure that facilities in other cities of the country also offer high quality services.”
One & Only Nyungwe House was opened in 2010 where it was known as Nyungwe Forest Logde before changing to One & Only Nature Resorts in 2017.
In a message posted on Twitter, the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, said the Forge Fils Bazeye, FDLR spokesman in DRC, was arrested in the country. There is a prospect of being sent to Rwanda.
Bazeye is arrested after on December 10 this year, the rebels allegedly members of FDLR militants in Rubavu District Busasamana District, raided Rubavu District, Busasamana Sector but were repelled by the Rwandan Army. Seven of them were shot dead.
One day after the attack, Bazeye was heard on the Voice of America (VOA), claiming responsibility that FDLR troops were the ones behind the attack, saying they were working from Rugali in the DRC.
In October this year, Rwanda welcomed about 746 former FDLR rebels and their families after being expelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC).
Dr. Ngirente made the revelation today at the opening of the ongoing 16thUmushyikirano saying that only one of the eight resolutions of the 15thnational dialogue was not implemented.
“The eight resolutions were divided into 56 activities of which 44 were implemented translating into 80% activity implementation. Ten activities (18.2%) are at the rate between 50 and 80 percent of implementation. One activity, which is 1.8%, related with rebuilding TVETs classrooms faced hindrances and was not achieved on time but hindrances have now been removed,” Ngirente said.
In education, 286 smart classrooms were built while 168 classrooms were installed with the 4G high-speed internet connection with 922 classrooms and 1341 children toilets constructed.
62,616 teachers were trained in the new competency-based curriculum. Also, 4,417 teachers were trained to train others while 727 TVETs teachers received trainings.
Dr. Ngirente also said that all the requirements to link primary and secondary studies academic calendar with the tertiary academic calendar were done while 55,533 children who had abandoned school have resumed studies.
In health, 409 doctors continued their studies in order to increase the number of expert medics. Programs to provide medical services to grassroots saw 145,000 patients treated from their residences.
Five hospitals including Byumba, Gatonde, Gatunda, Munini and Munini Hospitals are under reconstruction.
On the resolution to fight drug sale and abuse, the national penal code was reviewed with drugs related crimes penalties intensified while 4,123 former street children were rehabilitated and trained with practical skills.
In fighting malnutrition, campaigns to improve children’s balanced diet were carried out with 74,248 children and 13,111 mothers in the first Ubudehe group provided with nutritious food so as to improve their health.
In the economy, 138,390 households were connected to on-grid electricity with 61,000 households connected to solar energy.
In easing investment, prices of electricity were reviewed while on the resolution to enhance the saving culture, the long-term saving program was set up. The program, as result, saw over 30,000 people registered and they have so far saved about RWF17 million.
In culture, a book on values of the Rwandan culture was written and launched while 18 foreign schools operating in Rwanda resolved to include Kinyarwanda among their courses.
Over 55,000 youths served in the national service program while 52,000 students who had completed secondary studies carried out activities including building houses, toilets and water tanks for the vulnerable among other activities.
On December 6th, the Supreme Court acquitted Diane Nshimiyimana Rwigara and Adeline Mukangemanyi for the charges against them including making and using fake documents, plotting to incite public riots as well as discrimination and divisionism.
At that time, the judge ruled that there was no clear evidence on the Prosecution side, and decided that in all cases, “the prosecution’s accusations have no basis.” He further stated that “the aforesaid is not guilty.”
He further stated: “We hope the Supreme Court will accept our request for a decision.”
The prosecution immediately announced that “as usual they respect court decisions.”
In a statement posted on Twitter, it continued: “We are going to read carefully and analyze the Court’s decision in the case of the Prosecution and Diane Rwigara and her fellows, and decide what to do in accordance with the law.”
In an interview with journalists on Wednesday, Prosecutor General Jean Bosco Mutangana said the prosecution will appeal the court’s decision to release Diane Rwigara and her mother.
“We are not pleased with the judgment. We will appeal the decision. After repeating the trial, the Prosecution decided to file a case in the Court of Appeal,” he said.
He said they think the evidence given by the Prosecution was sufficient because Diane Rwigara and her mother were accused of serious crimes.
He further stated: “We hope that if the Court of Appeal accepts our request, they will make a decision.”
Diane Rwigara and her mother, Mukangemanyi, were arrested on September 23, 2017.
Most of the girls, who lived on streets in Kigali and now under rehabilitation at Marembo Center reveal that some ‘respectable’ men would take advantage of their homelessness and forced them to have sex, giving them some money, buying them into secrecy. Many under-world-like stories. “One man would come on the streets under the cover of the night, pick about ten girls, defile them in one night and dump them back on the streets in the morning. Others could take some girls and have sex with them for a week, and then dump them back on the streets,” goes one of the narrations.
IGIHE writer met some of the victims as she visited Marembo Centre that caters for sexually abused girls under the age of eighteen. The Centre is located in Ndera Sector of Gasabo District in Kigali.
Ten girls sexually abused by one man
Yvette Uwase (not real names) is 16 years old. She was born in Rwamagana District and started living street life when she was 14 when someone brought her to Kigali and abandoned her at Nyabugogo Bus Park.
With no relative or acquaintance in Kigali City, Uwase remained with no other choice, she started living in Nyabugogo River Swamp with other street boys and girls.
With tears flowing down her cheeks, Uwase says she started being sexually abused at the age of fourteen to get a livelihood. She is now approximately six months pregnant and medical tests proved she is HIV positive.
“I lived in Nyabugogo Swamp with other ten young girls. There is a man who frequently came to us during night hours. He, at first, bought us food and paid taxi moto fees for us to his house. He had sex with us all night and let us go back in the morning. Sometimes, we would spend a week at his home,” recounts Uwase with an overpowering tinge of sadness.
Uwase says this man lives in a nice house in a fence and he was apparently a civilized and rich man. He took them to his house in the night that no neighbor would see them.
“When we reached his home, he gave us water and soap to take shower and he had sex with one after the other. Those whom I know we went together are ten. I personally went to his house five times. We are not the only ones who went there; there are others. Every time we went to his home, he gave each of us Rwf5,000 and hence we chose not to reveal that to anybody else,” Uwase adds.
Of the ten girls said to have been defiled by the “shadow-man”, three are now at Marembo Centre. They are pregnant and all are infected with HIV/AIDS.
Shockingly, among the girls our reporter met at the Centre, is an eight-year-old, infected with HIV/AIDS.
“We told him [the suspected defiler] to use condoms but he refused and tore it in parts. He said he would not pay money to the one who would refuse to have sex with him. He promised more money to the one who accepted to do unprotected sex. If we complained that we might get impregnated, he told us that he knew he can’t impregnate a woman.”
The victims accepted to sell their bodies for money to get food and clothes but also the suspect told them there was a planned operation to arrest street children and that he wanted to give them accommodation.
The victims at Marembo Centre who talked to our reporter can vividly remember the residence of the man they accuse of having sexually abused them. The man who ruined the lives of the young girls was never brought to justice.
Dead trying out abortions
When some street girls discover that they are pregnant, they try to carry out abortions which result into deaths for some.
“Some try to abort using traditional ointments and herbs while others use Glycerin jerry. Some also die as they try to abort,” reveals one girl.
Marembo Centre is home to sexually abused girls who were raped.
The abuse results in young girls’ trauma, depression and loss of confidence but the Director of Marembo Centre, Nicolette Nsabimana, says that at the Centre, hope for a good life is restored.
“Street girls are not raped or impregnated by their fellow street boys. They are impregnated by older men who are rich and respected. Some girls tell us that they are taken by men who come in cars and they go to defile them from their good houses where they live. Rwandans should all together stand up to take a role in the fight against this issue,” Nsabimana says.
Statistics by Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) indicate that Rwanda’s judiciary received 1,591 child defilement cases in 2016, increased to 2,080 in 2017 and 1,727 in 2018.
Another report by Rwanda Public Prosecution Authority shows that defilement case files submitted for prosecution increased from 1,819 in 2013/14 to 1,879 in 2014/15, reached 1,917 files in 2015/16, to 2086 in 2016/17 and 2,996 in 2017/18.
