The money was recovered on Thursday, September 19, from a 24-year suspect, who was working for the victim.
The suspect, who was handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), allegedly stole US$17,200 from his boss, on Wednesday, September 18, at about 9p.m.
“The victim reported the alleged theft that night in Kigali and the search for his employee, who was the prime suspect, commenced,” Superintendent of Police (SP) Jean Bosco Mwiseneza, the Police spokesperson for the Northern region, said.
“On Thursday, at about 9a.m, Police received information from a resident in Musanze town, about the prime suspect. He was arrested at a forex bureau, where he was exchanging the money. At the time, he had already wired Frw12, 680,000 to his bank account and had Frw1 million cash,” he added.
SP Mwiseneza thanked the resident, who provided information that led to the arrest of the prime suspect and recovery of the money.
Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Frw2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
In a message shared on its social media platforms on the evening of September 19, 2024, the Ministry of Health emphasized that this vaccination effort is part of Rwanda’s ongoing strategy to prevent and combat the spread of MPox, a virus that has affected many African countries, including Rwanda, where cases have already been reported.
Julien Mahoro Niyingabira, spokesperson for the Ministry, recently told IGIHE that Rwanda’s approach to preventing MPox focuses on vaccinating those at greatest risk. He clarified, “We will not begin by vaccinating everyone. Certain groups are more vulnerable, and they will be prioritized based on vaccine availability. As the situation evolves, additional groups may also be considered for vaccination.”
The African Union is coordinating vaccine distribution across several African nations, assisting in the containment of MPox on the continent.
In Rwanda, all four individuals who contracted MPox in July have received treatment and been discharged. Health authorities have reassured the public that the country is well-equipped to manage and treat MPox cases, should more arise.
Meanwhile, the outbreak has significantly impacted the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has recorded over 22,000 cases and more than 715 deaths in 2024.
The virus has now spread to 22 of DRC’s 26 provinces and is present in 13 other African countries. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has allocated $600 million over six months to combat the virus globally.
Health officials continue to stress the importance of preventive measures such as frequent handwashing and avoiding sexual contact—both protected and unprotected—to prevent the virus’s transmission.
MPox symptoms typically manifest within three to fourteen days of infection and include a rash that primarily affects the face, hands, and genitals.
The rash begins as small fluid-filled blisters that dry out and form scabs as the patient heals. In addition to the rash, individuals may experience fever, fatigue, and weakness.
Recovery generally takes two to three weeks, and none of the patients treated in Rwanda have required prolonged hospitalization or succumbed to the virus.
Rwanda has reported cases of the less severe grade 1B strain of MPox, similar to that found in the DRC. In contrast, West Africa has seen cases of the more severe grade 2 strain.
This follows an International call by President Emerson Mnangagwa in April 2024 declaring a nationwide state of emergency where President Kagame swiftly responded as it is in the culture of Rwandans to stand with each other in times of crisis.
“It is with a deep sense of humility that I officiate at this momentous occasion to receive humanitarian assistance by our all-weather friend, the Government Rwanda,” Garwe said.
“I am very grateful to the Government of Rwanda for responding positively to the clarion call for support by the Government of Zimbabwe following the 2023/24 Elnino induced drought disaster that we are grappling with. This is a clear demonstration of our seamless relationship,” Garwe added.
“The donation has come at a time when Government and partners are accelerating the implementing of the overarching Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy and it will be distributed to the drought stricken communities across the country.” He emphasized.
Both Rwanda and Zimbabwe have a very special bilateral relationship based selflessness and mutual interests which are being fostered through various cooperation agreements.
During the Zimbabwe-Rwanda Trade and Investment Conference held in Harare in 2022, the two nations signed some cooperation agreements that are aimed at enhancing trade and investment between the two nations with the view to improving the standard and quality of life of the people of Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The cooperation specifically targets Trade and Investment, Mining, Education, Tourism and Agriculture among others.
Overall, the cooperation between Zimbabwe and Rwanda is poised to enhance economic growth, promote cultural exchange, and further strengthen bilateral ties.
In May 2023, Mnangagwa mobilised humanitarian support for victims of flooding and landslides in Rwanda which claimed dozens of lives.
While each has unique aspects, China’s efforts to rise from a shattered past to becoming a global giant, speaks volumes about what it can offer and help the African continent along its development journey.
In 2021, China eliminated extreme poverty, lifting 770 million people out of poverty since 1978.
This is one of many examples , highlighting the yielding efforts of the Chinese people under the guidance of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Meanwhile, reports indicate that about 429 million people in Africa live below the extreme poverty line.
As China continues to urbanize, the Shiyou model demonstrates how thoughtful governance and resource integration can make a tangible difference in people’s lives, which Africa can leverage to develop more home grown solutions to enhance the wellbeing of its population.
Located in Dashiba Sub-district, Jiangbei District, Chongqing Municipality, Shiyou Community stands as a testament to modern community care and governance.
Originally established in 2001 as a residential area for a petroleum company, Shiyou has evolved from its industrial roots into a thriving hub focused on fostering a resident-friendly environment.
Covering an area of 0.33 square kilometers, the community accommodates over 5,000 residents from 2,510 households. Despite its past, Shiyou has redefined itself with forward-thinking initiatives, notably its model for elderly home-based care.
At the core of Shiyou’s transformation is its unique governance model, which integrates resources through community space construction and social space reconstruction. This initiative seeks to establish a governance system centered on all-lifestyle scenarios, all-age services, and all-process involvement.
According to Huang Haiyan, the head of the community, Shiyou’s primary goal is to provide residents with convenient, comprehensive services that improve their quality of life.
This focus on modern governance and service has earned Shiyou numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Civilized Community Demonstration Site and National Model Community for Creating Learning-Based Families.
{{Building an inclusive, modern community}}
Shiyou Community’s efforts to shape a modern community environment are evident in its all-lifestyle approach. Gone are the days of traditional platform-based offices. Instead, the community has reorganized its six functional divisions within the Party-Masses Service Center into undifferentiated processing windows, bolstered by intelligent equipment.
The result? A 24/7 intelligent station that delivers one-stop services for residents.
These services encompass everything from single-window integrated processing and proactive life assistance to online processing with remote guidance. Shiyou has also established a 15-minute urban living circle by transforming 13 stores into “neighborhood living bazaars.”
These diversified establishments cater to the daily needs of residents, offering household appliance repairs, grocery shopping, laundry services, and even volunteer clinics. By providing convenient, high-frequency services, Shiyou ensures that residents are never far from the help they need.
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Perhaps the most notable aspect of Shiyou’s community care model is its commitment to supporting residents of all ages, particularly its elderly population. Recognizing the challenges faced by senior citizens, especially those living alone or with mobility issues, Shiyou has transformed five stores into senior citizen canteens. These canteens operate under a service model that includes centralized meal distribution, nearby dining options, and door-to-door delivery.
This initiative has been a game-changer for elderly residents. With an average daily attendance of more than 370, the canteens have become a sustainable solution to the dining needs of the elderly. To further support this group, meal prices are subsidized based on age. Seniors aged 60 to 75 pay just 13 Yuan per meal, while those aged 80 and above enjoy meals for only 10 Yuan. Managed by the Center for Senior Citizens’ Care, the canteens provide nutritious meals and foster a sense of community among the elderly residents.
Beyond meal services, Shiyou offers a range of activities that engage residents of all ages. Fun knowledge quizzes, youth quality enhancement programs, and shared parenting spaces contribute to the vibrant, intergenerational atmosphere within the community. These initiatives ensure that residents not only receive essential services but also have opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.
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Shiyou’s success lies in its collaborative governance approach, which involves residents at every stage of decision-making. To facilitate this, the community has adopted a grid-based governance system—a widely used model in China that divides the area into smaller grids for more effective management. This system allows for more personalized services and improved governance efficiency.
The community has selected 12 key individuals, including officials and governance team members, to serve as grid chiefs. Their efforts have led to the resolution of various property conflicts and the successful completion of livelihood projects, such as traffic diversion and elevator retrofitting. These accomplishments demonstrate the power of community collaboration and the importance of involving residents in governance processes.
Grid services further enhance Shiyou’s community care model. The community provides heated meals, charging stations, rented umbrellas, and other essential services directly to residents’ doorsteps. Additionally, Shiyou has established six volunteer service teams, allowing residents to exchange service hours for charity items or discounts on living services. This system promotes a culture of mutual assistance and fosters strong relationships among neighbors.
Shiyou Community’s innovative approach to elderly home-based care and community governance serves as a blueprint for other communities seeking to enhance the quality of life for their residents.
The Head of State made these remarks at the 11th Annual Asia Summit in Singapore during a fireside chat moderated by Richard Ditizio, CEO of the Milken Institute, a U.S.-based organization.
The discussion focused on Rwanda’s journey of socio-economic transformation.
Kagame is currently in Singapore, where his visit is expected to conclude on September 23, 2024.
During the conversation, Kagame shared the homegrown solutions that have contributed to Rwanda’s development across various sectors.
“Governance is an issue of rights and accountability. You avoid things you know will undermine your progress. In governance, we fight corruption because we realized a lot of resources that could go into health, food security, and education—end up unfairly in the hands of a few,” said Kagame.
He added, “We have created an environment where people involved in corruption understand it’s not a good thing, especially when you are caught.”
With 74 percent of Rwanda’s population aged 35 years or younger, Kagame highlighted that the country’s efforts in promoting accountability and good governance are vital for guiding this large segment of the population towards a prosperous future.
“We ensure that as they grow up and take on responsibilities, they come from a background of understanding accountability and governance, and the benefits that come with it,” he noted.
“We have made sure that as they grow up and take these responsibilities, they come from this background and understand issues of accountability, governance and their benefits,” he noted.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment in decision-making roles are also among Rwanda’s most celebrated achievements over the past 30 years.
In the Chamber of Deputies, for instance, women make up 63.8% of the representatives.
When asked why Rwanda prioritized this policy, Kagame explained that it was essential to break away from the country’s tragic past and gender divide.
“We’ve been realistic from the beginning. When we look at our people, we consider everyone, irrespective of gender—not just in terms of numbers but also in terms of rights.
“We have had enough of the divide in our history. So, we learned our lessons to make sure that we increasingly bring our people together irrespective of their background and even gender. That is where it stems from,” he stated.
Kagame also noted that women in Rwanda now have access to education on par with their male counterparts, a change that has paid off for the country’s growth.
Highlighting that women make up 52 percent of Rwanda’s population, Kagame remarked, “I don’t know how intelligent anyone would be to exclude over 50 percent of your population. It doesn’t take much logic to understand that you simply cannot do that.”
In a remarkable achievement over the past 15 years, Rwanda has increased household access to electricity from 6% in 2009 to 75% as of March 2024.
Furthermore, Rwanda is among the top African countries with high health insurance coverage for its population, making significant strides in healthcare accessibility.
Kagame attributed these successes to the accountability of Rwandans and the collective choice to make good decisions for the future.
The Asia Summit, which Kagame is attending, began on Wednesday, September 18, and will conclude on Friday, September 22.
Petrol station investments have become increasingly popular among wealthy individuals due to their lucrative returns. Some station owners earn up to $10,000 monthly from leasing, depending on location.
This steady income stream has attracted many landowners to develop petrol stations, securing permits and partnering with petroleum companies, which often finance the construction in exchange for a profit-sharing lease.
However, the boom in petrol station investments has resulted in poorly planned developments, with more entrants rushing into the market without proper planning.
Authorities are now tightening construction regulations to ensure compliance with modern standards and curb the reckless spread of stations.
Recent inspections revealed that 19 petrol stations in Kigali do not meet the required standards and are set to be demolished.
Many of these stations were found to be located in wetlands, near water sources, or in environmentally sensitive areas.
Nine of these stations have been given a 60-day notice, starting September 4, 2024, to be demolished by their owners.
The affected stations were identified during a meeting between regulatory authorities and petroleum investors.
These stations are located in wetlands earmarked for restoration in Kigali, including Gikondo, Rwampara, Rugenge-Rwintare, Kibumba, and Nyabugogo, part of a larger project funded by the World Bank with an $80 million budget aimed at restoring 408 hectares of wetlands.
Among the stations marked for demolition are three Engen stations (one at Poids Lourd and two at Giticyinyoni), two SP stations (one at Rwandex and one at Rugunga), a Rubis station at Giticyinyoni, the Maxi station at Poids Lourd (formerly Car Wash), Lake Petroleum on the road to Rusororo, and the former Hashi station at Kinamba along the road to Gisozi.
While many investors acknowledge the inevitability of this decision—especially as nearby developments have already been cleared—the demolitions signal a broader crackdown on non-compliant stations. This is just the first phase, with more stations slated for demolition later.
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The 2017 regulations required stations that did not meet standards to either renovate within two years or face demolition within five years.
The updated 2023 regulations shorten the timeline, giving owners two years to either renovate or demolish their stations.
With the revised rules in place, stations that fail to comply by 2025 will face demolition, including 10 additional stations identified in the recent inspections.
Many of these stations were built before current regulations, and their locations are now considered unsuitable under the new guidelines.
Increasing distance between stations
Rwanda currently has 337 petrol stations, with 129 located in Kigali. Many are situated too close to residential areas or in environmentally or safety-sensitive zones.
Along the seven-kilometer stretch between downtown Kigali and Remera, there are 13 stations, demonstrating the overcrowding problem.
In the Eastern Province along the Bugesera road, station construction is rapidly increasing as investors anticipate heavy traffic from the soon-to-be-completed Bugesera International Airport.
To address these issues, current regulations mandate a minimum distance of 1,000 meters between stations along the same road.
IGIHE has learnt that these regulations are under review, with potential increases in the required distance between stations to five or even 10 kilometers in some areas.
The decision said that the United States recently has once again announced arms sales plans to the Taiwan region, which has seriously violated the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, interfered in China’s internal affairs and undermined China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Pursuant to Articles 3, 4, 6, 9 and 15 of China’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, China decided to take the following countermeasures against Sierra Nevada Corporation, Stick Rudder Enterprises LLC, Cubic Corporation, S3 AeroDefense, TCOM, Limited Partnership, TextOre, Planate Management Group, ACT1 Federal and Exovera:
Their movable, immovable and all other types of property in China will be frozen.
Organizations and individuals in China will be prohibited from engaging in transactions, cooperation or other activities with the above-mentioned enterprises.
The decision will become effective from Sept. 18, 2024.
In response to a query concerning recent U.S. plans to sell arms to China’s Taiwan region, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a press briefing that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, particularly the August 17 Communique of 1982; seriously violates China’s sovereignty and security interests; damages China-U.S. relations as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait; and sends an erroneous signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.
“China strongly condemns and firmly opposes this, and has lodged stern representations with the U.S. side. China has taken firm countermeasures and announced that it will impose sanctions on nine U.S. military companies,” he said.
The United States continues to arm Taiwan, supporting Lai Ching-te and Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in their stubborn pursuit of “Taiwan independence” and their provocations regarding the one-China principle, Lin noted.
This once again proves that the biggest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the greatest saboteur of the status quo across the Taiwan Strait are the separatist activities of “Taiwan independence” forces and the conniving support of external forces led by the United States, he added.
It should be noted that the DPP authorities are attempting to seek “Taiwan independence” through military build-up, and the United States is determined to help advance that agenda by arming Taiwan, Lin said, adding that any such actions will only backfire and lead to disastrous consequences, ultimately ending in failure, Lin said.
He stressed that the Taiwan question is at the heart of China’s core interests, and it is the most important red line that cannot be crossed in China-U.S. relations. No one should underestimate China’s firm will and strong ability to oppose “Taiwan independence” and defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
China urges the United States to abide earnestly by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, immediately end its dangerous trend of arming Taiwan, cease its conniving with and its support of “Taiwan independence” forces, and stop undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Lin said.
China will take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, he said.
This achievement was highlighted in this year’s Global Cybersecurity Index report by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which ranked Rwanda among the top countries worldwide, placing it in the first tier with a score exceeding 95%.
Rwanda was grouped with 46 other nations that have been designated as “Role Model” countries, demonstrating exemplary commitment to all five pillars of cybersecurity.
Among these were five African nations—Rwanda, Mauritius, Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania—standing alongside global powers such as Japan, the United States, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and South Korea.
The report noted Rwanda’s remarkable achievements across several key areas, starting with its legal framework.
Rwanda has enacted comprehensive laws governing cybercrimes and data protection, which ensure the security of personal data and mitigate the risks of cyberattacks on sensitive information.
This legal foundation fosters trust among both citizens and businesses engaging with digital technologies, positioning the country as a leader in safeguarding its cyberspace.
Another area of distinction is Rwanda’s technical approach to cybersecurity. The country has established the Rwanda Computer Security Incident Response Team (Rw-CSIRT), which plays a critical role in monitoring and addressing potential cybersecurity threats.
This proactive system enables Rwanda to mitigate risks and swiftly respond to any cyber-related incidents, reinforcing its reputation as a secure digital environment.
Organizationally, Rwanda’s National Cybersecurity Strategy was also highlighted in the report as a model framework for national protection.
The strategy outlines a comprehensive plan for defending the country’s cyberspace, with specialized agencies overseeing the implementation of policies and ensuring the nation is well-prepared to face potential technology-related risks.
Rwanda’s commitment to developing skills in cybersecurity was another key factor in its high ranking. The country has made significant investments in educating professionals and students in the field, notably through initiatives like the Rwanda Coding Academy.
This program equips young people with the technical knowledge necessary for success in the growing tech industry, while partnerships with international universities offer Rwandans the opportunity to gain global expertise in cybersecurity.
Moreover, Rwanda’s emphasis on international cooperation further bolsters its cybersecurity landscape. By fostering partnerships with other nations and private entities, Rwanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing global cybersecurity challenges.
These collaborative efforts allow the country to stay at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, continuously strengthening its defenses.
The Global Cybersecurity Index report praised Rwanda’s proactive stance in preventing and addressing cybersecurity threats, particularly highlighting its advancements in legal frameworks, technical infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives.
Rwanda’s top-tier ranking underscores the country’s forward-thinking approach to digital security and its ongoing commitment to creating a safe, secure environment for its citizens and businesses alike.
The resolution passed on September 18, 2024, demanded Israel “end without delay its unlawful presence” in the “Occupied Palestinian Territory” within 12 months. It also included a call for an arms embargo on weapons that Israel could use in those areas.
This resolution aligns with a previous decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which deemed Israel’s military presence in Palestinian territories unlawful.
The vote saw 124 countries in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstaining, including Rwanda.
Other abstaining nations included the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, Austria, Japan, India, and Sweden.
The resolution was praised by several delegates, such as Syria, which called it an expression of global solidarity with the Palestinian people and a strong rejection of Israeli occupation, as reflected in a UN statement.
However, representatives of countries that opposed the resolution argued that it failed to address Israel’s significant security challenges.
The Czech Republic’s delegate expressed disappointment that the tresolution did not consider Hamas’ use of the Gaza Strip to launch attacks on Israel, using civilians as human shields.
Countries like Argentina, Hungary, and Papua New Guinea emphasized the need for a negotiated agreement, rather than unilateral actions, to foster long-term peace in the Middle East.
The UK delegation abstained, citing a lack of clarity in the resolution’s ability to support a negotiated solution. Switzerland also voiced concerns that the one-year timeline for Israel’s withdrawal did not address its legitimate security concerns.
Israel condemned the resolution, accusing it of ignoring the deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of 1,200 people, mostly civilians and during which terrorists abducted 251 people who were taken as hostages to Gaza.
The ongoing conflict has claimed over 41,250 Palestinian lives in Gaza, a territory with deep historical and geopolitical significance.
After Israel’s occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem in 1967, these areas became central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with both sides asserting claims over the land.
This two-day event, organized by the Elsa Miller Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Child Development Agency, and Imbuto Foundation, will gather international experts, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders to discuss critical measures to combat stunting in Rwanda.
Despite Rwanda’s impressive strides in child survival, poverty reduction, and agricultural development, stunting remains a persistent challenge. The country’s stunting rate decreased from 48% in 2000 to 33% in 2020, yet disparities remain, particularly in rural areas.
Districts in the Western and Northern provinces still report stunting rates above 40%, signaling an urgent need for targeted interventions.
Antenatal and early childhood health programs that focus on providing adequate nutrition, micronutrients, and sanitation have been proven to reduce the incidence of low birth weight, as well as stunting by the age of two.
The meeting aims to examine the current state of stunting in Rwanda, evaluate ongoing efforts, and identify gaps in policy and practice.
The event will be structured around different main objectives which include assessment of the current stunting situation in Rwanda, including the challenges and successes.
The other objective is to learn from global experts about proven interventions and strategies that could be adapted to Rwanda’s context and mobilize resources and partnerships for a comprehensive stunting prevention trial set to begin in 2025.
Key stakeholders from the Rwandan government, non-governmental organizations, academia, and international experts will participate in discussions. The meeting will serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge on effective maternal and child health interventions, particularly those that target high-risk populations.
Rwanda’s stunting prevention trial, which will commence in 2025, aims to test innovative approaches to combat stunting through improved maternal care, early childhood development, and access to essential health services. The trial is expected to benefit thousands of children and mothers across the country.
With the support of the Elsa Miller Foundation, the meeting highlights the importance of multi-sector collaboration in tackling stunting. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event seeks to ensure that children across Rwanda have the opportunity to grow and develop to their full potential.
The anticipated outcome of the meeting is a stronger, more coordinated response to child stunting and a renewed commitment to addressing maternal and newborn health challenges, which remain critical to Rwanda’s future.
