Over 600 attendees joined the event, which served as a moment to honor Rwandan heroism and assess the nation’s progress.
High Commissioner Ngoga highlighted Rwanda’s significant strides and its esteemed global standing, crediting these accomplishments to the enduring spirit of heroism among Rwandans.
Despite these advancements, he emphasized Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to further development goals, stressing the importance of collective engagement to achieve them.
He underscored the need for ongoing heroism, individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication across various sectors such as the economy, social welfare, and justice. These individuals, he noted, serve as beacons of excellence, driving Rwanda’s continued advancement.
Drawing parallels with the successful realization of Vision 2020, High Commissioner Ngoga called for unity in pursuit of Vision 2050. He emphasized that achieving this vision requires the collective efforts of all Rwandans, urging each citizen to contribute to the nation’s development.
Lt. Col Ngoga Ephraim, the Defence Attaché at Rwandan Embassy in Kenya, also spoke at the event, highlighting the bravery of Rwandan heroes throughout history.
He encouraged the youth to follow in their footsteps by fostering innovation to address contemporary challenges and contribute to Rwanda’s ongoing development efforts.
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has announced that preparations for the Presidential elections scheduled for July 15, 2024, for residents in Rwanda are well underway.
This election will mark the first time it is held simultaneously, with a significantly increased turnout compared to previous years.
During the Dusangire Ijambo talk show broadcasted on February 25, 2024, Charles Munyaneza, the Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission, revealed that more than one million young individuals are set to cast their votes for the first time.
He stated, “The number has significantly increased, from just over 7.1 million voters in 2018, we now expect around 8.7 million voters. This is a large number that needs to be added to the voter list, but it also requires educating and training them as it will be their first time voting.”
{{The number of polling stations has increased}}
Munyaneza revealed plans for the upcoming elections, announcing an increase in the number of polling stations to 2,500 and polling rooms to 17,400, a significant rise from the previous count of approximately 16,000 rooms.
This expansion in polling rooms aims to reduce the number of voters per room, now capped at 500 individuals, down from the previous 700.
An important innovation is the introduction of polling stations in all hospitals, facilitating easy access to voting for patients and enabling caregivers to participate in the electoral process.
Furthermore, Munyaneza highlighted measures to support individuals with disabilities, including the visually impaired, who will have access to special voting papers. Additionally, those unable to vote independently due to disabilities can designate a proxy, even if they are not of voting age, to cast their ballot on their behalf, as permitted by law.
{{In the polling stations, what will the setting be like?}}
For Rwandans, elections are like a wedding. Each polling station is prepared according to the capacity of those working there, but there are essential elements that every room will have in common with another.
Munyaneza said that in January 2024, a trial of these elections was conducted in the Rutunga Sector of the Gasabo District, calling citizens to see if these elections could be conducted from seven in the morning to three in the afternoon, as was customary.
After this exercise, it was found that there should be an addition of one volunteer who will help citizens understand the equipment in the polling room and where to go.
He said, “We used to have four volunteers in the polling room, but we found we should have five, adding a person to guide the citizens in that room, showing them the ballot boxes; this is the ballot box for the President of the Republic, this is for the Deputies, to make these elections easy and to conclude on time.”
In each room, there will be three booths, with one specially designated for the election of the President of the Republic and another for the election of the Deputies.
Additionally, there will be two ballot boxes. The first one will be white with a white lid, intended for use in the presidential election. The second ballot box will have a white body and a black lid, designated for the deputy elections.
{{What will the ballots look like?}}
In places where combined elections are conducted, measures are taken to prevent confusion among citizens by using ballots of different colors.
Munyaneza explained that the ballot for the President of the Republic will be white on both sides, while the one for the Deputies will be beige.
He stated, “Our plan is to ensure that citizens are not handed both ballots simultaneously. They will first receive the white ballot for the President of the Republic. The individual distributing it will guide them, indicating, ‘please proceed to the designated booth for the President of the Republic.’
After casting their vote, they will then be directed to another volunteer who will provide them with the beige ballot for the Deputies. This volunteer will also direct them to the booth designated for voting for the Deputies, where they can deposit their ballot in the box with a black lid at the bottom.”
Financial crimes include embezzlement, funding terrorism, misappropriation of assets, corruption, and various internet-related crimes like stealing financial information, among others.
John Kaijuka, the Vice President of ICPAR, highlighted the significant impact of these crimes on the country’s development and stressed the importance of combating them. He pointed out that while there are challenges due to the evolving tactics and technologies used by criminals, Rwanda has made strides in addressing these issues by implementing various laws and regulations.
Furthermore, Ndahiro Steven, the Head of Compliance at BPR Bank Rwanda, stressed the need for financial institutions to adopt strong measures to counter financial crimes. This includes implementing self-regulation strategies, utilizing advanced technology for monitoring, and ensuring that customers are not engaged in sanctioned activities.
He also emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious activities to the Financial Intelligence Center (FIC) for investigation and prosecution.
Participants of the training, including Umwali Léa, expressed that the knowledge gained would enhance their ability to improve financial security within the country. Despite Rwanda’s current low level of exposure to such crimes, there is a recognition of the need for caution to prevent potential damage to the country’s economy.
The Judiciary reported that in the fiscal year 2021/2022, 1,520 cases related to economic crimes were adjudicated, a decrease from 1,716 cases in the previous year, indicating ongoing efforts to tackle financial crimes in Rwanda.
Ephrem Sebazungu, the Executive Secretary of Ririma sector, revealed to IGIHE that the man’s death is suspected to be a result of suicide, stemming from conflicts with his wife. The couple, who shared a child, had experienced discord, leading to the wife’s departure to her parental home.
“We received reports around 9 am indicating a possible suicide. Upon arrival, with assistance from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau [RIB], we confirmed the tragic incident. It appears that the deceased was grappling with issues in his marriage, ultimately leading to his wife’s departure,” explained Sebazungu.
The discovery of the deceased hanging by a rope was made by concerned neighbors who observed through a window. No note was left behind.
Sebazungu further noted that while local authorities were unaware of the couple’s conflicts, neighbors were privy to the situation.
He emphasized the importance of seeking assistance from authorities or trusted individuals in resolving marital disputes, highlighting communication as a crucial step towards resolution.
Notably, Bugesera District recently conducted a census of households experiencing conflict, offering counseling services to support those in need.
Originally formulated to address the influx of migrants entering the UK unlawfully, the agreement underwent revision on December 5, 2023, in response to deficiencies highlighted by the Supreme Court of England.
For execution, the agreement necessitates approval from both nations to attain the status of law, ensuring adherence to international legal frameworks.
According to the agreement’s provisions, the UK commits to transferring 10,000 migrants to Rwanda in phased increments.
Minister Ugirashebuja, in elucidating the foundational aspects of the associated bill, informed Parliament on February 23, 2024, that Rwanda anticipates receiving 2000 immigrants within the initial four-month period post-approval.
He articulated, “Rwanda plans to receive 2000 migrants within the first four months following the agreement’s mutual ratification.”
The agreement specifically targets migrants and asylum seekers who have entered the UK unlawfully. However, stringent criteria are set to exclude individuals from neighboring countries such as Burundi, Uganda, DRC, and Tanzania from the relocation process.
It is imperative to note that Ukrainian refugees are not encompassed within this program. Instead, the focus lies on individuals arriving via precarious means like boats, human trafficking, or other illegal channels.
In alignment with both Rwandan domestic laws and international conventions safeguarding children’s rights, individuals below the age of 18 are classified as minors. Consequently, unaccompanied minors are exempted from deportation to Rwanda under this agreement.
Minister Ugirashebuja underscored, “Unaccompanied minors arriving in the UK will not be subject to deportation to Rwanda. Such cases will be addressed within the UK.”
Initially slated for June 2022, the commencement of the relocation process faced delays attributed to legal challenges and concerns raised by the United Nations Refugee Agency regarding Rwanda’s safety as a destination for migrants.
Subsequently, legal shortcomings identified by the UK Supreme Court prompted a renegotiation of the contract, culminating in its renewal by both parties in December 2023.
To mitigate apprehensions regarding safety and welfare, 11 operational protocols have been established, accompanied by comprehensive training for 151 personnel tasked with receiving and supporting incoming migrants from the UK.
A portion of the financial aid provided by Britain is earmarked for constructing accommodations for the incoming migrants. Additionally, preparations include identifying suitable facilities, such as houses, hotels, and hostels, for temporary lodging upon arrival.
Minister Ugirashebuja affirmed the commitment to adhering to international legal standards, assuring migrants of their safety and protection against arbitrary deportation.
He elaborated, “A dedicated coordination group has meticulously planned every aspect to ensure optimal reception. Temporary accommodations have been arranged, with discussions held with facility owners. Our aim is to foster integration within society, not confining migrants to camps.”
Rwanda’s involvement in this agreement transcends monetary considerations, emphasizing the humanitarian imperative of addressing global migrant challenges.
Minister Ugirashebuja asserted, “Our ethos prioritizes human dignity over financial gain. Rwanda views itself as part of the solution to the global migrant crisis, striving to ensure dignified living conditions in line with human rights.”
On Rwanda’s legislative front, the draft law endorsing the agreement has garnered majority support and awaits deliberation across parliamentary committees before final approval by the general assembly of Deputies.
While the precise timeline for the inaugural migrant transfer remains undisclosed, officials from both nations express confidence in its eventual realization.
The United Kingdom views this initiative as a strategic measure to mitigate illegal migrant influxes, with other countries contemplating similar approaches to address the burgeoning global migrant crisis.
Statistics indicate a notable decline of 30% in illegal migrant arrivals to the UK in 2023, from 45,755 to 29,437, underscoring the potential efficacy of collaborative strategies in managing migration challenges.
To date, over 84% of asbestos-containing sheets and ceilings have been successfully eliminated. The comprehensive initiative to eradicate asbestos sheets and ceilings commenced in 2011, covering existing buildings totaling slightly over 1.692 million square meters across the country. Presently, the remaining task involves the removal of 300 thousand square meters.
Kabgayi Hospital, established in 1937 and initially covered by 6300 square meters of asbestos, has seen 61% of this hazardous material removed. The remaining portion is anticipated to be eliminated during the renovation work scheduled for 2024.
Dr. Jean Baptiste Muvunyi, the Director General of Kabgayi Hospital, highlighted the severe health risks associated with asbestos, including cancers such as ‘Asbestosis’ and ‘Mesothelioma,’ affecting various organs, particularly the lungs.
Dr. Muvunyi emphasized, “The removal of asbestos roofing holds significant importance for public health, given the absence of vaccines for these diseases. Eliminating this unhealthy roofing serves as the only preventive measure, and it also serves as a warning for those yet to address the issue promptly.”
At the Ruyenzi Health Center in Nyanza District, buildings constructed in 1975 with asbestos roofing sheets totaling 1107 square meters were removed in August 2023. Sister Marie Francine Kanyange, the center’s director, expressed relief about the improved health conditions for both staff and patients after the asbestos removal.
Similarly, Eric Nshuti, the Director of Kirwa Health Center in Ngoma District, emphasized the government’s support in removing 1132 square meters of asbestos roofing. He stated, “The government assisted us in replacing the asbestos with tiles to ensure a healthy environment for our workers and neighbors.”
Officials across various health centers reported that the removal of asbestos not only enhanced the appearance of buildings but also significantly reduced the risk of lung cancer.
Statistics indicate substantial progress in asbestos removal across different districts, with the Eastern Province leading at 92.7%, followed by the City of Kigali at 92.5%, the Northern Province at 84.9%, the Western Province at 75.1%, and the Southern province at 73.6%.
Mathias Ntakirutimana, the coordinator of the Asbestos Removal Project at the Rwanda Housing Authority expresses confidence that the remaining work, primarily focused on government hospitals and other buildings, will be finalized in the near future.
Ntakirutimana added, “More than 900 companies nationwide are trained to professionally handle asbestos removal, ensuring minimal impact on human health.”
Residents have also attested to the positive changes following asbestos removal. Sindibona Jean Marie from Musanze District shared her experience, mentioning that after removing asbestos roofing, the value of her house increased from Rwf28 million to Rwf60 million.
Regarding asbestos disposal, Ntakirutimana explained that designated pits, ranging from 60 x 20 meters to 20×30 meters with a depth of six meters, have been prepared across the country. Once filled, these pits contribute to a healthier environment by promoting the growth of trees and preventing asbestos dust from rising.
However, residents are cautioned against approaching active pits due to potential health hazards from inhaling dust.
“I am grateful to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and all those who ensured the result,” Oleschuk said in a Telegram post.
The Ukrainian forces continue their work, Oleschuk added.
The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said in a statement that the plane lost speed and height near the city of Yeysk in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region.
Russia used the plane as an air command post for long-range radar detection, control and guidance for strikes on Ukraine with missiles from strategic aviation, the intelligence said.
It estimated the aircraft’s value at 350 million U.S. dollars.
Last month, Valery Zaluzhny, then a chief commander of the armed forces of Ukraine, said the Ukrainian air force had destroyed a Russian A-50 plane in an area close to the Sea of Azov.
This announcement was made during a press conference on Friday, February 23, 2024, aimed at detailing the preparations for these primary elections, which will begin as early as Saturday, February 24, starting from the village level, considered the grassroots level of RPF Inkotanyi party.
Elections within the RPF-Inkotanyi will start from the cell level and culminate nationally at the party’s General Assembly scheduled for March 2024. During the press conference, the leaders of RPF Inkotanyi called for massive participation from their members to strengthen the principle of democracy upon which the party is founded.
The Secretary General of RPF-Inkotanyi, Wellars Gasamagera, emphasized the importance of this democratic exercise. “It is crucial that all party members, starting from the village level, actively participate in this process. It is an opportunity to choose those who will represent us in the presidential and legislative elections,” he said.
Gasamagera stressed the need for party members to exercise discernment in their choices to select exemplary candidates.
He also recalled the Rwandan people’s reputation for prudence and wisdom during elections, urging RPF members to be role models of this tradition.
“We expect our members to lead by example by showing commitment and choosing their candidates wisely, so that the Rwandan people continue to place their trust in our party,” Gasamagera added.
The Commissioner in charge of policy and mobilization within the RPF Inkotanyi, Abdallah Utumatwishima, highlighted the party’s achievements during its thirty years in power, emphasizing the distinctive governance and initiatives of FPR Inkotanyi.
“Continuing our vision of governance that promotes development and ensures the security of Rwandans requires selecting competent candidates who will continue along this path,” he said.
It was noted that RPF Inkotanyi members living abroad will not directly participate in these primary elections due to logistical challenges, but those residing in Rwanda are assured that their voices will be well represented.
Members are encouraged to actively participate in the July general elections, to choose RPF Inkotanyi candidates, and to encourage others to do the same.
In these primary elections, the process of selecting candidates competing for presidential seats will commence at the village level, while the selection of candidates vying for a parliamentary seat will begin at the cell level.
Among those detained are four financial auditors, namely the Financial Auditor of the National Cooperative Agency in Rwanda, the Financial Auditor at the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), the Financial Auditor in Ruhango District and the Financial Auditor in Ngoma District.
Additionally, four other individuals were arrested, including the Finance and Administration Officer in Gishubi Sector in Gisagara District, and Investment and Labor Officers in Kansi, Kigembe, and Gikonko Sectors, all in Gisagara District.
RIB spokesperson, Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, has told IGIHE that one of the methods used in these crimes involved stealing examination materials from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour’s E-recruitment system and selling them to candidates competing for various job positions.
Dr. Murangira stated, “Those arrested are suspected of stealing exams prepared for candidates and then selling them to those who were contesting for job positions.”
“The investigation is ongoing to uncover anyone involved in these activities, including those who secured jobs through these fraudulent means.”
Files for five of the suspects have been sent to the prosecution in February 2024, while the files for the remaining three are being prepared for submission in accordance with the law.
Dr. Murangira highlighted the charges against the suspects, including solicitation, receiving or offering bribes, fraudulently acquiring someone else’s property, failing to explain the origin of assets, unauthorized access to computer systems or networks, and identity fraud.
Dr. Murangira reminded the public to avoid such fraudulent activities, emphasizing not only their illegality but also their potential to deny opportunities to deserving candidates and to negatively impact the quality of work.
