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  • French Ambassador Recalled

    {{The French ambassador to Rwanda, Laurent Contini, has been reportedly recalled back to his country and may be replaced by Hélène Le Gal by the end of the year.}}

    It is said his recalling back to his country was due to persistent demand by Alain Juppé the French foreign Minister and later president Nicolas Sarkozy endorsed the request.

    According to a French popular magazine, Contini’s recalling back to his country seemed to have been pushed by Juppe who is said to be against Bernard Kouchner that had appointed Contini who is also said to be a strong supporter of closer ties between France and Rwanda.

    Laurent Contini has been never in the good graces of Juppé whose dispute with the Rwandan authorities is publicly known.

    When Juppe was reappointed as the Foreign Affairs Minister, Rwandan government did not like it calling it a bad surprise.

    Juppe held the same position from 1993-1995, and it has been reported that findings of the Mucyo Commission which investigated French government in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi – that he strongly supported the forces that committed the Genocide.

    Aged 44 years, Helen Le Gal is a career diplomat who is familiar with Africa.

    She held his first job at the embassy in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso in the late 1990s and in the office of African Affairs.

    After passages in Tel Aviv and Madrid, she joined the Office of the Minister for Development Cooperation from 2000 to 2002.

    More recently, she headed the Central and Eastern Africa Department in the French Foreign Affairs Ministry from 2005 to 2009.

    {{Ends}}

  • Belgium €55M To Fund Rwanda’s 1000MW Electricity Project

    {{Rwanda is targeting the generation of 1,000 megawatts of electric energy by 2017. According to the Ministry of infrastructure, the country is generating only 100 megawatts serving 6% of the total population.}}

    However, the Belgian Development Agency (BTC) plans to fund the new electricity generation project to a tune of Euros 55Million for a period of three years.

    Erik Van Malderen, a BTC expert working with the ministry of infrastructure on the project disclosed that even though Rwanda’s 1,000-megawatt goal is unrealistic and may be less than what it needs.

    There’s need to develop hydroelectricity, methane gas and peat, since they may be able to generate 300 megawatts to 600 megawatts in the same time period.

    Other sources of energy can be obtained from the Rusumo Falls project which may generate as much as 30 megawatts.

    Van Malderen noted that the construction is scheduled to begin in early 2012, of which 40% of the project will be funded by the Africa Development Bank with bilateral organizations funding 15%.

    So far the government is seeking financing for the remaining 55%.

    Meanwhile, The Brussels-based agency hopes to attract investors in the country by conducting drilling to prove that about 300 megawatts of energy can be extracted from Rwanda’s part of the East African Rift, a geothermal hot-spot that spans 11 African countries.

    “They are a little bit reluctant to invest until it has been proven that there is a resource,” Van Malderen remarked. “But there are some interests from companies,” he said.

    The government hopes energy projects will cut the price of electricity by 50% and reduce Rwanda’s dependence on oil imports. “If we don’t invest in renewable energy, we will just witness increase in prices,” Van Malderen warned.

    He said that the project was essential to economic growth, and that other countries in the region are working on similar projects. “Both Tanzania and Burundi are building a $360 million hydropower plant that could generate 90 megawatts,” Van Malderen concluded.

  • Media Experts Call For More In-House Training

    {{Members of the press have met for the third national dialogue on media development with a strong call from experts recommending the need for capacity building through in-house training.}}

    Dr. Christopher Kayumba a media expert and Publisher of Chronicles newspaper noted that a lot of time and finances are wasted in trainings normally held in hotels.

    Kayumba noted that majority that are trained don’t take the lessons seriously since they lack passion for journalism and are rather in the media for survival.

    “Most journalists are just there for the purposes of bread and butter a fact that makes it hard for them to abide by professional ethics,” he remarked.

    In this respect he recommended in house training since its cost effective and targets those that are interested.

    However, Louis Kamanzi proprietor of Radio Flash noted that in-house trainings are more costly and urged the regulator-Media High Council to assist in capacity building.

    “Even though the regulator has been conducting trainings that’s not enough we need more and more if we are to instill professionalism among local journalists,” he remarked.

    Commenting on independence of media in the country, Protais Musoni ,the minister in charge of cabinet affairs and media matters, insisted that more is required in strengthening the media self regulatory body.

    “Though the body isn’t active yet I want this two day meeting to recommend ways of enhancing the regulatory team and among the crucial points is where the funds would come from, is it from the government, membership fees or from development partners,” he inquired.

    The director general in the office of the Prime Minister Ignatius Kabagambe advised members of the press not to limit themselves on options of getting funds since the most independent institutions in the world like the judiciary and legislature are highly funded by the government.

    “We should not base our independence on who is funding even those in the private sector can still influence the media, the way forward is abiding by media ethics,” he pointed out.

    Mr Ignace Gatare said that there is opportunity in integrating ICT technology in the media, he cited among the examples as websites, both internet radio and TV.

    “I urge all of you to have an entrepreneurship spirit ,innovation and competitiveness if you really want to make it in this business,” he remarked.

  • EAC Ministers Want Digital Broadcast Migration Expedited

    {{East African Partner states Ministers responsible for Transport, Communications and Meteorology have called for the speedy creation of frameworks enabling achievement of the planned analog-to-digital migration in the region.}}

    At their 9th Meeting of the Sectoral Council on Transport, Communications and Meteorology (TCM), held Friday last week in Arusha, Tanzania, the Ministers reviewed implementation progress of projects and programmes; roads, railways, civil aviation, maritime transport and meteorology sub-sectors.

    Also discussed were developments in the communications sub-sector, where the Ministers directed member states to expedite the process of putting in place legislation for the implementation digital TV broadcasting, and to monitor technology developments for digital broadcast receivers, with a view to developing receiver specifications that minimize the cost of digital broadcast migration.

    The Sectoral Council urged Partner States to consider zero-rating duty on Set Top Boxes as a means of accelerating digital broadcast migration programmes, and directed the Secretariat to submit this recommendation to the Ministers of Finance for consideration.

    The Ministers were also of the view that Partner States limit the number of signal distributors, provided that a public signal distributor is fully funded by the state, or open the signal distribution market segment to full competition, where the government is unable to fund a public signal distributor.

    EAC Partner States were further called upon to develop human and institutional capacities for conformance testing and certification of ICT equipment.

    At its 8th Meeting, the Sectoral Council on TCM considered and approved the EAC Roadmap for Analog-to-Digital Broadcast Transition, and following the approval, directed Partner States to align their national programmes on analog-to-digital broadcast transition to the Roadmap, while the Secretariat was directed to monitor and report on the implementation of the Roadmap.

  • RDF Air Force Trains For Deployment In Sudan

    {{The Rwanda Air Force has started a three weeks training aimed at preparing pilots, technicians and maintenance officers, Air logistics Staffs and Air Medical Services to the peacekeeping mission in Sudan.}}

    The training for 140 officers and men from Air Force is jointly organized by Rwanda Defence Force helped by the US Army under ACOTA program (Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance).

    The training will take place at Rwanda Military Academy Gako.

    Rwanda will deploy early next year 5 helicopters in Sudan for peacekeeping operations.

    When officially inaugurating the training this morning, Lt. Gen Charles Kayonga, the Chief of Defence Staff advised the Air Force officers and men to undergo it in disciplinary manner focusing on Rwanda Defence Force doctrine.

    He said that Rwanda Defence Force is mandated by the Constitution of Rwanda to give contribution to global peace and security.

    RDF has 3514 peacekeepers deployed in Sudan

  • Regional Procurement Laws To Be Harmonized

    {{Procurement officials from the region have met for their 4th forum in the city with an aim to harmonize procurement laws in the region.}}

    The idea is believed to facilitate the ongoing integration process.

    Bernard Kayirangwa the Director of legal Department in Rwanda’s Public Procurement Authority noted that among the advantages of unifying the laws will be the freedom of citizens in the region to compete in tenders issued in the member states.

    And other advantages like harmonization of tax yet corresponding the procurements law is a priority for now.

    Mbua Mbugua a consultant in charge of harmonization process advised participants to form a secretariat which will oversee the harmonization of procurement laws at the same review its implementation.

    Reacting to major challenges in the sector; corruption being the most popular, Mbugua blamed those who don’t abide by the laws.

    “Imagine one not advertising a tender and instead lists his friends for instance yet its stipulated in the guidelines that the tender must be made public, really that is unprofessionalism and two crooked behavior, such people shouldn’t be in such office,” he remarked.

    Commenting on the same issue, Maurice Juma, Kenya’s Director of Procurement Authority noted that one of the ways to curb corruption is by forming regulative departments to investigate fishy deals and that similar institutions would facilitate transactions once the laws are equalized.

    “In my institution for example we have an administration review unit which takes complaints from tenders issued then refers the cases to relevant authorities if there really gross, other mistakes commonly due to incompetence a dealt with internally,” he remarked.

    The Director of Procurement in Tanzania Yusuf Nyongera noted that another thing which should be included in the harmonization process is the formation of an inspection unit which will verify the quality of goods approved in various tenders.

    “These will avoid what we’ve seen in some selfish traders who deliver counterfeit goods than what they had proposed earlier,” Said Nyongera.

    Simeon Wanyama a board member of Uganda’s Public Procurement Authority showed his worries in the speedy implementation of the procurement laws since every country has its own acts and some are in line with their respective national constitutions.

    {{Ends}}

  • Embassy Seeks To Unite W.A Rwandan Diaspora

    {{The Rwandan Embassy in Senegal has initiated a circle of friends of Rwanda which will include Rwandan students in Senegal.}}

    The network is expected to help in contributing and improving their understanding of Rwanda.

    This Embassy started its activities in May 2011 with its diplomatic mission of Preserving and conserving the interests of the Country and its people in Senegal,Contribute to the development of the Country in all aspects Political, economical and social.

    According to the Press Statement from the Embassy it is due to those reasons that the Embassy of Rwanda has organized different accession to inform the Rwandans in Senegal about the present vision and image of Rwanda.

    It is expected that it will enable Rwandans in West Africa be in the same direction the country is and give their contribution towards the development of their Country.

    The idea started by organizing a workshop of the Rwanda Students in Senegal which took place on September 17, 2011.

    The Ambassador of Rwanda in Senegal, Gérard Ntwari has said that the Embassy to reach its objectives in collaboration with the Rwandan Diaspora in Senegal.

    It is said that it is very important to establish the Circle of Friends of Rwandans to be the focal point in Senegal with same objective.

    “Being the advocates of our Country, updating People on what is happening in Rwanda by giving the true information and the present position of the Country is our mandate,” Amb. Ntwali said in a press statement.

    “Promoting and attracting foreign investment, promote tourism to foreigners staying here and responding to negative critics against our country is also crucial,” he added.

    Members of Circle of Friends of Rwanda appreciated to be respectable friends of Rwanda as expressed in their testimonies that Rwanda is a prestigious Country which many focused Africans.

    They also voted for the transition committee composed of five people who will organize the elections of the permanent committee helped by Rwandan Embassy in Senegal and set their values, rules and regulation.

    {{Ends}}

  • Book Review: East African Progress

    {{Title: East African Literature: Essays on Written and Oral Traditions
    Co-editors: Egara Kabaji, Dominica Dipio and J.K.S Makokha
    Publisher: Logos (Berlin, 2011)
    Volume: 510 pages}}

    Fostering the literary integration of East Africa

    As renewing of the economic, political and social integration of East Africa progresses steadily, the region’s distinguished literati are also rising to the occasion, so to speak.

    With this collaborative book, East African Literature: Essays on Written and Oral Traditions, the various contributors seek to “participate in the on-going process of cultural reawakening in East Africa”, among other things.

    Unlike previously when the East African Community (EAC) comprised of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, the literati are obviously aware that East Africa is wider and broader than that.

    Seasoned and younger literary critics and works from Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Southern Sudan, many of whom are either based in their home Universities and others abroad temporarily and permanently, took part or are featured.

    “This collaborative book brings to the intellectual world of literary studies fresh reflections, perspectives and criticism on contemporary East African literature and orature.” It’s well known that East Africans have more similarities, like Swahili being the growing regional lingua franca, than differences.

    This extends to societal issues such as the traditional subjugation and subordination of women, which is discussed a great deal in this volume, as captured by the various representative writers and artists’ works.

    “The structure of this book moves from the general to the particular while capturing generic aspects of contemporary East African literature by way of a number of genres and examples.”

    From the view of body as text (“the unsaid”), to the form, style, content (theme and context), the esteemed literary scholars and critics unravel the information communicated by the suitable/selected literary works.

    The book commendably encompasses all genres with “focus on current stylistic trends, narratological issues and thematic concerns.” For their profoundly informative essays, the academics insightfully draw from established and emergent writers, poets, dramatists, and musicians in the region.

    In her essay, for instance, Dr Dominica Dipio, head of the Literature department at Makerere University, uses Julius Ocwinyo’s Footprints of the Outside and Goretti Kyomuhendo’s Waiting to examine the fictional rendition of Uganda’s troubled history.

    However, the image of women in art seems to attract more thematic concern, with most works and essays across the region analyzing the same issue. For example, Jairus Omuteche and Lenox Odiemo-Munara argue in their essays that unlike many other works in the region, Margret Ogola’s Place of Destiny and Elieshi Lema’s Parched Earth: A Love Story, from Kenya and Tanzania respectively, attempt to portray women and their struggle in a positive light.

    Language is taken as taken as a tool for advancing male dominance in society. Beth Mutugu, in her feminist perspective on several Swahili novels by the late popular Tanzanian novelist Ben Rashid Mtombwa, sees English and Swahili (the dominant African literary language, beside Amharic in Ethiopia) as inherently sexist; “the two languages are systems that embody sexual inequality.”

    Sexual inequality and discourse is also apparent in the form and style of a variety of oral poetry such as among the Borana in northern Kenya, and vernacular literary traditions across the region, like in the Nyatiti musical performance of the Luo community.

    But in Clara Momanyi’s essay on a popular Kiswahili play, Mama Ee, by Kenyan Feminist writer Katini Mwachofi, she raises concern about the “need to critique African literary works composed in Africa by African writers through the use of African feminism.”

    Other crucial issues tackled in this broad literary critique include the “alive and kicking” style of the Kenyan novels with Swahili code-switching, criticism of the political establishments, the HIV-AIDS scourge, style in children literature, and the transitional art of Somali drama “representing the experience of a society in a testing period of change.”

    This illuminatingly brilliant literary collaboration on East African Literature comes on the heels of other remarkable initiatives and works such as James Ogude and Joyce Nyairo’s Urban Legends, Colonial Myths: Popular Culture and Literature in East Africa, Performing Community: Essays on Ugandan Oral Culture also edited by Dominica Dipio, Lene Johannessen and Stuart Sillars, Kwani?, among others. The book can meanwhile currently be purchased from Amazon.com, and will soon be available in accessible bookstores in East Africa.

    Last but not least among all, the book’s editors are esteemed academicians worth applauding. J. K. S. Makokha teaches courses on African, Caribbean and South Asian literature in the Institute for English Philology, Free University of Berlin; Professor Egara Kabaji is the Director of Public Communication and Publishing, and a Professor of Literature, at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology; and Professor Dominica Dipio is current head of Literature Department in Makerere University.

    Higenyi is a Freelance Writer/Reviewer

    Email: higenyihassan@yahoo.com or

    hassanhigenyi@gmail.com

  • Kagame Tours Masdar City In Abu Dhabi

    {{President Paul Kagame visited Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multifaceted renewable energy company, on November 12 to receive a brief on the efforts of the UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi, to develop renewable energy solutions and clean technology.}}

    Kagame and the accompanying delegation took a tour of the Masdar City and Masdar Institute for Science and Technology.

    During the visit, they were provided with a comprehensive overview of Masdar’s objectives and the projects that are being implemented within the country and around the world.

    The presentation covered all aspects of the value chain in the renewable energy sector including education, researches and development, investment in clean technology, implementing projects of generating renewable energy, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and building Masdar City to be one of the most sustainable cities in the world and act as a global hub for leading companies in technology and advanced innovations sectors.

    “I was delighted to visit Masdar and experience first-hand the development and progress the company has achieved over the past few years. It is clear that the Masdar’s progress in the renewable and sustainable energy field will benefit the region and entire world,” said Kagame.

    Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, chief executive officer of Masdar, said: “We are pleased to welcome His Excellency President Paul Kagame to Masdar. His visit contributes in familiarizing the world with the progress achieved by UAE in the field of renewable energy and clean technology.”

    “In line with the directions of the Emirati leadership, we welcome exploring areas of possible collaboration with the like-minded countries. Such partnerships will boost global efforts to secure the energy security, achieve sustainable development, and develop solutions to mitigate climate change.”

  • EALA Resumes In Bujumbura

    EALA's Speaker Rt. Hon Abdirahin H. Abdi

    {{The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) resumes business this Tuesday until November 29 by holding its plenary in Bujumbura. This is the Second meeting of the Fifth session of the Second Assembly.}}

    The Chairperson of the Summit of the EAC Heads of State, His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza, is expected to address a Special Sitting on Thursday.

    The Assembly to be presided by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Abdirahin H. Abdi, shall during the two-week period discuss matters of legislative business. The Sitting expects among others to debate on; IUCEA Amendment Bill (2nd & 3rd Reading), EAC Trans-boundary Ecosystem Management Bill, 2010 – 2nd Reading and 3rd Reading, EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill (2nd & 3rd Reading).

    EALA shall also receive a number of reports for consideration, Motions and Questions.

    Its expected that the Plenary shall also be interspersed with activities marking the 10th Anniversary celebrations of EALA including; the sixth Inter-Parliamentary Relations Seminar, known as the Nanyuki Series and the Inter-Parliamentary Soccer tournament.

    The theme of the Nanyuki series which takes place on November 28-29, 2011 is the ‘Role of the Legislature in achieving a Political Federation’.

    Nanyuki series which is the sixth since inception shall be attended by Speakers from the regional and continental Parliaments including those from the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Parliaments.

    Members of the National Assemblies of the Partner States, top EAC government officials and Members of the diplomatic corp shall also attend.

    Meanwhile, the Inter-parliamentary soccer tournament pits the soccer teams from the National Assemblies and the EAC/EALA team in a week-long tournament which commences on November 22, 2011.

    Tanzania are defending champions having beaten Uganda in the finals held in 2009 in Arusha, Tanzania.