Tag: HomeHighlights

Rwanda’s intelligence chief Karenzi Karake has been granted bail of £1m ($1.6m) by a court in London.

Karenzi Karake was detained at London’s Heathrow Airport on Saturday, in response to a European Arrest Warrant.

After the hearing, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Britain, Williams Nkurunziza, said: “I’m very happy but I would have been happier if he would have been allowed to return.
“This is the best it gets with this legal system.”

Gen Karake will have to report to police daily and live either at the high commissioner’s home or in a house rented by the Rwandan embassy.

President Kagame said that the British authorities “must have mistaken [Gen Karake] for an illegal immigrant. The way they treat illegal immigrants is the way they treat all of us”.
He added that the British had been patronising, “wagging a finger at the African and telling him this is where you belong. We are no longer the African that belongs there”.

Gen Karake, 54, was greeted by cheers and clapping by supporters as he arrived in the courtroom.

A full hearing to discuss his extradition to Spain will take place on 29 and 30 October.
Gen Karake, whose defence team includes Cherie Booth, former British prime minister Tony Blair’s wife, said in court that he would fight his extradition.

Source: BBC

Rwandans from different countries are set to meet at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in UK to demand immediate and unconditional release of Lt. Gen. Karenzi Karake who was arrested following what they confirm as unfounded politically motivated accusations, IGIHE reports.

Yesterday citizens released a statement saying that “We the people of Rwanda from all walks of life we were deeply disappointed by UK’s decision to accept to be used by pro-genocide groups and arrest Gen Karenzi Karake over unfounded Politically motivated accusations.”

Gen Karake was arrested based on the Spanish judge indictment that has been challenged by many experts including UN Pannel of experts.

Karake is due to appear in court in London today.

Protests against the arrest began yesterday in Rwanda but IGIHE has learnt that the Rwandan Diaspora is meeting at Westminster Magistrates’ Court until UK releases Lt. Gen. Karenzi whom they say, has played unforgettable role in stopping the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.

Protesters will come from UK, France, Netherlands as well as Belgium.

One of the protesters said “We will not leave this place until the release of Karake. They arrested him because he chased them during the turquoise operation and they are against the development of rwanda and its President”

Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, has confirmed his participation in the 2015 Global African Investment Summit. He will be joining the presidents of Uganda, Ghana, Liberia and Malawi and several dignitaries of other African countries at the economic development summit to be held on 1-2 December 2015 in London, the UK.

The Global African Investment Summit (TGAIS) will once again bring over 750 global investors, project developers and senior government leaders together to harness trade and investment opportunities in Africa. Following a successful inaugural edition in 2014, this will be the second year H.E. Paul Kagame will attend the event. Other notable participants will be Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, H.E. Augustin Matata Ponyo and former Nigerian president, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo who will take part as both chairman and as a speaker. These senior officials will meet with global business leaders at Central Hall Westminster to present various investment opportunities in their regions.

Unlike most conferences focused on Africa, TGAIS moves beyond the conventional discussion on the need for change in Africa. Instead, the event provides a business platform, offering African governments and companies the chance to present their investment projects to a diverse audience of global businesses interested in long-term investment in Africa.

During Project Roundtable Meetings, real investment opportunities are presented and business relationships are further developed. An audit of the businesses in attendance in 2014 accounted for control of US$235 billion in managed funds. Another key differentiator at this year’s event will be the introduction of a new case study stream, providing stakeholders with an opportunity to present successful stories in Africa.

“Africa is one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing regions,” said Paul Sinclair, Director of TGAIS. “This summit actively encourages trade and investment by giving African governments, business leaders and visionaries the opportunity to present their projects and set up partnerships. We are a game changer.”

Another exemplary initiative will be the launch of the African Entrepreneurship Programme (AEP) in partnership with former President Obasanjo and Mr Aliko Dangote, one of Africa’s most successful businessmen. The AEP will support African entrepreneurs to realise their investment objectives by giving them the opportunity to present and connect with financial stakeholders.

This year’s two-day TGAIS programme will be addressing the theme of ‘Transforming African Economies for Global Competitiveness.’ The agenda will cover the infrastructure, power, agribusiness, FMCG, tourism and natural resources sectors.

President Paul Kagame has appointed Dr Papius Malimba Musafiri the new Minister for Education, replacing Prof. Silas Lwakabamba, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s office this evening.

In the statement, signed by the Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi, Dr Célestin Ntivuguruzwa has also been appointed as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.

He replaces Sharon Haba who had been appointed to the position in October 2009.

Hundreds of Rwandans on Wednesday participated in a demonstration calling for the release of Rwanda’s intelligence chief Arrested in UK.

Lt. Gen. Karenzi Karake was arrested at Heathrow Airport in UK on Saturday as he was preparing to return to Rwanda after participating in a meeting.

They gathered outside the office of British High commissioner to Rwanda with placards carrying messages requesting his release.

Meanwhile Louise Mushikiwabo, Rwanda’s foreign minister, called the arrest “an outrage” adding: “Western solidarity in demeaning Africans is unacceptable”.

Andrew Mitchell, former international development secretary, said he believed the arrest was a “reprehensible abuse” of the law

Andrew Mitchell has criticised the arrest in London of Rwanda’s head of intelligence, saying it is an “abuse” of the European Arrest Warrant.

Karenzi Karake was detained at Heathrow airport on Saturday on an arrest warrant issued by a Spanish judge in 2008.

The British High Commission in Rwanda said the arrest was a “legal obligation” and stressed its desire for the UK and Rwanda to maintain close relations.

Mr Mitchell, the former international development secretary, told the Today programme the indictment was a political act and a “reprehensible” use of the EAW.

“It’s a misuse of the European Arrest Warrant system,” the Tory MP said.

“It’s being used for political reasons and not for judicial ones and it’s politically motivated, enacted by supporters of the genocidal regime in Rwanda which killed one million people and it’s being used against those who stopped that genocide.”

Mr Mitchell described the indictment as having been brought by a “junior Spanish judge” and he echoed US concerns about the case.

“As the Americans said, this is unresearched, politically motivated and lacking in facts and I agree with the American analysis of that,” he said.

Source: Politics Home website

On Tuesday 16 June 2015, Rwanda joined the continent in celebrating the African Child Day. Held under the theme “Accelerating our common efforts for Early Childhood Development in Rwanda”, the event brought together dozens of stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as international partners.

Rwanda has embarked on a drive that seeks to promote early childhood development. This is in a bid to improve a child’s chances of survival and lead to optimal growth and development. Rwanda has – through EDPRII – invested in the early years of a child as a priority for both the government and its partners in health. Rwanda has chosen to base its future on human capital.

Early Child Development Policy (ECD) and Strategic Plan will ensure that all Rwandan children have access to integrated health, nutritional, early stimulation and learning.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Oda Gasinzigwa stressed that the Government of Rwanda recognises ECD as a vital foundation for addressing the needs of Rwandan children:

“Their rights are the bedrock for a sustainable future. We have to always ensure that ECD is reflected in all our plans.”

She further added that ECD will not only give young children the best possible start in life but also the best investment that Rwanda can make in order to achieve its national goals.

Early childhood development, defined as the period from birth up to eight years of age, is a critical window of opportunity for a child’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.

Rwanda’s achievements in health outcomes are linked to its increased health spending to six per cent of GDP, far beyond the average of two per cent in other sub-Saharan countries.

Rwanda has been ranked the best place to be a mother in the East African community, according to the annual scorecard released by Save the Children on 16 June this year.

The survey assesses the capacity of 179 countries worldwide based on five indicators related to maternal health, education, income levels and the status of women. The survey ranks Rwanda top in East Africa and 121st globally.

The newly released Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) reports that infant mortality rate has decreased to 32 deaths per 1000 live births in 2014/2015 down from 109 in 2000.

Source: Gov.rw

Rwanda has sought an explanation from the UK government on why the head of the National Intelligence and Security Services, General Karenzi Karake was prevented from boarding a flight to Kigali, from London.

General Karenzi had been on official duty in London for one week.

According to the Minister for Justice, Johnston Busingye, General Karake was presented in Court for identification on Sunday and told he will appear again on Thursday.

“We are handling the matter with the UK Government. They have better details on this evolving situation,” Busingye said.

While some media reports indicated that General Karake’s arrest was in connection to a Spanish indictment, Minister Busingye pointed out that the 2008 Spanish Indictment failed to meet the Interpol threshold and its legitimacy was recently seriously questioned by Spanish Justice.

“I would be surprised if it is one the UK is acting on. We will contest in the Courts. We have sought explanation from the UK on this matter as well,” Busingye added.

Source: The New Times

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has joined UN Women’s HeForShe solidarity movement as an IMPACT 10x10x10 champion, making Rwanda one of 10 countries around the world committing to take bold, game-changing action to achieve gender equality within and beyond their countries.

This work will be done in partnership with UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to Gender Equality and the empowerment of women. HeForShe campaign was introduced by UN Women in September last year 2014 to mobilize one billion men and boys in support of Gender Equality.

HeForShe’s IMPACT 10x10x10 program engages 30 key leaders across three sectors – the public sector, private sector and academia. All 30 IMPACT champions have made common commitments and have also developed tailored commitments, formally reviewed by an expert team at UN Women and approved personally by the Executive Director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

Rwanda has committed to bridge the gender digital divide and attain parity in ICT access, usage and innovation by 2020; triple girls’ enrollment in Technical & Vocational Training (TVET) to advance women’s employment opportunities and Eradicate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in all its forms. It has also agreed to meet frequently with other IMPACT champions, to transparently measure and report on progress, to share best practices and to engage other leaders to take up this cause.

IMPACT champions were selected based on their reputation for strong ethical practices, their demonstrated excellence in public service, their global reach and relevance, and their willingness to use their full footprint and influence to drive and inspire change across the world.

Current IMPACT heads of state champions include Sauli Niinistö, prime minister, Finland; Michael D. Higgins, president, Ireland; Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, prime minister, Iceland; Ir. H. Joko Widodo, president, Republic of Indonesia; Shinz? Abe, prime minister, Japan; Arthur Peter Mutharika, president, Republic of Malawi; Klaus Werner Iohannis, president, Romania; Paul Kagame, president, Rwanda; Stefan Löfven, prime minister, Sweden.

HeForShe is a global solidarity movement that calls upon men and boys to take action and advocate for gender equality. The campaign strengthens the support for women’s rights as human rights, by enlisting men as advocates for gender equality.

A Rwandan journalist arrested and charged with “spying” in neighbouring Burundi earlier this month has been released and has returned home, Kigali’s media commission said Friday.

Etienne Besabesa Mivumbi was arrested last week carrying his voice recorder and camera in Burundi’s northeastern Giteranyi district, as Bujumbura clamped down on the media it accuses of organizing anti-government protests.

Burundi has been in crisis since late April over President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial bid to stand for a third consecutive five-year term, a move branded by opponents as unconstitutional and a violation of a 2006 peace deal that ended 13 years of civil war.

“He was released on Thursday, and in the evening he returned to Rwanda,” Rwanda Media Commission president Cleophas Barore said, adding that the charge of spying had been dropped.

Several journalists who have been covering Burundi’s crisis, which has seen weeks of street demonstrations, a violent police crackdown and a failed coup attempt by a section of the army, have complained of being subjected to threats – including death threats – by members of the police or other branches of the security forces.

Mivumbi was working for the local Izuba radio and Igihe.com website. He was visited by Barore in prison last week.

“He told us in the presence of the prison warden that he had suffered a harsh interrogation,” Barore said.

Relations between Rwanda and Burundi have been tense after Rwanda President Paul Kagame urged Nkurunziza to end his bid for a third term. Parliamentary elections are planned for June 29, ahead of the presidential vote on July 15.

– Rappler.com