Upon arrival on Thursday 22nd 2024, the President was welcomed by the RDF Army Chief of Staff (ACOS), Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi who is in Cabo Delgado province for a tour of duty.
The RDF Army Chief of Staff was flanked by RSF Commander Maj Gen Kagame, RSF Police Component Comd and staff officers.
In his remarks, the president commended the work done by RSF and FADM in pacifying the district and called on them to maintain momentum in halting the terrorists’ activities southwards.
The ACOS briefed the Force on the Security Situation back home and requested the Force to remain focused and committed to their mission.
Rwanda started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique on 9th July 2021, to fight terrorist groups, honoring the request of Mozambique. The troops had increased to nearly 2500 by the end of the year 2022.
The situation in the country had worsened since October 2017 when armed extremists launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado Province of Mozambique.
Mozambique Defence Armed Forces battled the extremists but many civilians were killed and displaced by the fighting.
Before Rwandan troops’ intervention, terrorists had killed 3000 civilians while more than 800,000 were displaced. The insecurity had also put to halt all development projects in the area controlled by insurgents.
The joint operations between Rwandan and Mozambican troops yielded big, where different regions were seized from rebels and subsequently led to the return of thousands of displaced people.
The announcement of this initiative was made on February 22 in Kigali, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Interior in Rwanda and CAR’s Ministry of Interior and Public Security. The signatories at the ceremony were Michel Nicaise Nassin, CAR’s Minister of Interior and Public Security, and Maj. Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira, Rwanda’s Minister of Emergency Management (MINEMA).
This recent agreement builds upon a previous one signed between the Rwanda National Police and CAR’s National Police and Gendarmerie in February 2022 and October 2023. In October 2023, students from law enforcement agencies in CAR began a six-month course at the counter-terrorism training center (CTTC) in Mayange, Bugesera District.
Murasira highlighted that the framework document delineates mutual interests, which will be the focal point of their future collaboration, thereby strengthening the friendship between the two countries. Landry Ulrich Depot, the Director General of the National Gendarmerie of CAR, expressed expectations for the collaboration to enhance the capacity of CAR’s law enforcement institutions. He emphasized the ongoing training by Rwandan technicians and instructors, announcing plans for additional contingents to join the training center.
Rwanda and CAR have an existing partnership in policing activities, particularly in capacity-building for the CAR police and gendarmerie. ACP Boniface Rutikanga, spokesperson for the Rwanda National Police, stated that this collaboration includes training CAR gendarmes at the Counter Terrorism Training Center in Mayange. Rutikanga mentioned that the purpose of the visit was to explore expanding the partnership, potentially involving sending Rwandan instructors to train police officers or gendarmes in CAR.
Nassin acknowledged Rwanda’s comprehensive support as an endeavor to contribute to peace and security in the Central African Republic. CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra had previously lauded the fruitful bilateral cooperation with Rwanda, attributing it to the restoration of peace and security in his country.
In December 2020, Rwanda’s special forces played a crucial role in halting the advance of the Coalition of Patriots for Change rebel alliance, led by former president François Bozize, towards Bangui. This intervention, conducted under a bilateral defense arrangement, rapidly deployed Rwandan special forces to assist CAR’s armed forces.
The dialogue occurred on Thursday evening, approximately at 8 p.m. Although Muyaya typically engages with journalists regularly, prior to this event, he hinted on Twitter that it would be a momentous press conference.
Approximately 80% of the discussion in the meeting revolved around Rwanda, with Tshisekedi persistently underscoring that his country’s myriad challenges stem from Rwandan actions. He disclosed attempts to impede the recent European Union agreement with Rwanda.
Tshisekedi recounted a past meeting with Rwandan leaders where they said hinted at the threat posed by the FDLR rebel group, asserting it consisted of fewer than 2000 individuals incapable of destabilizing security. Allegedly, Rwandan leaders expressed concern about the group spreading genocide ideology targeting Tutsis, exacerbating tensions.
Meanwhile, clashes intensified in the Sake area near Goma, involving the State Army (FARDC) and allied factions against the M23 group, resulting in the closure of roads to Goma and widespread displacement among the populace, fearing both FDLR and their affiliates.
In addressing the displaced and those affected by conflict, Tshisekedi reassured them of the government’s commitment, vowing not to abandon them and pledging support. He underscored the imperative of bolstering security, announcing substantial investments in the military’s capabilities to safeguard citizens.
Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of constructive dialogue among Congolese communities to eliminate divisive elements and claimed that Rwanda interferes with his country to exploit tribal rifts and pilfer natural resources.
He unabashedly stated, “Today’s Rwanda is constructed on the back of our riches. I am unapologetic in affirming this truth—it thrives on the spoils plundered from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
He further highlighted the significance of the Wazalendo group, comprising fighters from various armed factions who aligned with the government against the FDLR.
Tshisekedi praised them as heroes with a noble intent in defending the nation against aggressors. He clarified, “Wazalendo are undoubtedly valiant warriors deserving of recognition. Unfortunately, like in any other domain, there are individuals with malicious intentions who misinterpret Wazalendo’s mission as one of violence. This is not the case. Their objective is to safeguard their homeland, and they are justified in their actions, a stance I firmly endorse.”
Tshisekedi also addressed security concerns along the Kivu border, accusing Rwanda of instigating attacks. He drew parallels between Rwanda’s actions and those of Russia, advocating for UN Security Council intervention akin to its response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Expressing dissent over the EU-Rwanda agreement, Tshisekedi hinted at potential diplomatic and legal measures to invalidate the agreement.
Turning to the case of Héritier Luvumbu, embroiled in a dispute with Rayon Sports, Tshisekedi voiced solidarity with him, lauding him as a hero. He commended Luvumbu for upholding the dignity of his nation and its people.
Luvumbu, who formerly played for Rayon Sports Football Club, faced repercussions after celebrating a goal by covering his mouth in a political gesture during a match, which has been a symbolic act employed by Congolese people worldwide to divert attention to violence against Kinyarwanda speakers in Eastern Congo.
Reports suggest Luvumbu was sanctioned with a six-month suspension, prompting Rayon Sports to sever ties with him.
Tshisekedi hailed Luvumbu’s actions as courageous. Upon his return to Kinshasa, he was greeted by François Claude Kabulo Mwana Kabulo, the Minister of Sports and Entertainment in the DRC, at N’djili Airport.
Expressing his desire to welcome Luvumbu before his departure to Addis Ababa, Tshisekedi recounted how he monitored Luvumbu’s arrival and promptly coordinated with the Minister of Sports, who assured him of honoring Luvumbu on behalf of the nation.
“I contacted the President of AS Vita Club, my friend Amadou Diaby, and urged him to extend a warm welcome to Luvumbu. I emphasized that Luvumbu, as a distinguished patriot, deserves recognition from AS Vita Club.”
“I am aware of the importance of his role in the club and, regardless of any constraints, I am committed to ensuring that Luvumbu is reinstated. Whether it requires personal or national investment, it is imperative to secure his position.”
Tshisekedi also pledged to personally commend Luvumbu in the near future, acknowledging his contributions on behalf of the nation.
Tshisekedi has engaged in a war of words and provocative statements against Rwanda following the resurgence of the M23 rebel group. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the group, an accusation denied by Kigali.
In turn, Rwanda blames DR Congo for collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group formed by members responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda urges the country’s leaders to solve internal problems without dragging neighboring nations into their mess.
Rwandan businesses involved in cross-border trade through Kenya’s Mombasa port now have access to a groundbreaking digital payment system called ‘Kargo Pay’. This system aims to streamline transactions and enhance convenience for traders.
Initially launched by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in August 2023 for local traders, ‘Kargo Pay’ has now been extended to international traders utilizing Kenyan ports. Recently, on February 19, 2024, Rwandan traders in Kigali were introduced to the system during a two-day event where its functionality was demonstrated.
Traders using the Mombasa port previously encountered several challenges, including the inability to make digital payments and the need to exchange currency, resulting in significant time delays. ‘Kargo Pay’ addresses these issues by enabling direct payments from bank accounts or bank cards and facilitating currency conversion to dollars for international transactions. Additionally, the system supports mobile money and other digital payment options, such as ‘eKash’, providing traders with flexibility and convenience round the clock.
Capt. William Kipkemboi Ruto, Managing Director of KPA, highlighted that ‘Kargo Pay’ is part of a broader effort to facilitate trade and enhance cooperation among countries. He emphasized KPA’s commitment to fostering partnerships and mutual growth in business operations. Moreover, he announced the allocation of land by the Kenyan government to Rwanda in the Naivasha Industrial Park for constructing warehouses, aimed at expediting the transport of goods to Rwanda through digital payment mechanisms.
Godfrey K Twahirwa, responsible for the cement distribution chain at Prime Cement, lauded the technology for reducing payment processing time and expediting the shipment of goods. He highlighted the convenience of making payments from anywhere using a computer or phone, eliminating the need for physical presence or intermediaries in Kenya.
Dennis Olola, head of digital banking at BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, emphasized the bank’s unique position as a ‘Kargo Pay’ account holder and its collaboration with KPA. He stated that this technology would benefit Rwandans and the bank’s clients involved in cross-border trade through Kenyan ports by enabling faster payments and contributing to their development.
The availability of ‘Kargo Pay’ in Kenya through KCB Bank Kenya Ltd and in Uganda through KCB Bank Uganda Ltd, both part of the KCB Group which acquired BPR Bank, underscores the group’s commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of its clients. This development aligns with BPR bank’s mission of serving the best interests of the people and businesses engaged in importing or exporting goods through Kenyan ports.
This revised agreement, signed on December 5, 2023, followed the UK Supreme Court’s ruling against the planned deportation of migrants and asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Out of the 62 deputies present during the plenary session, an overwhelming 99% expressed support for the project, with 58 voting in favor, two against, and two votes invalidated.
MP Diogene Bitunguramye underscored Rwanda’s pivotal decision to collaborate with the UK, emphasizing its humanitarian dimensions, particularly in the realms of saving lives and upholding human rights.
Drawing reference to migrants from Libya who Rwanda has accommodated over time, many of whom have already resettled in host countries, Bitunguranye advocated for a similar approach for the new arrivals.
MP Clarisse Imaniriho viewed this cooperation as a beacon of hope, offering enhanced opportunities, especially for youth, who constitute 10% of the world’s refugees and migrants. She highlighted that newcomers would benefit from education and healthcare, reflecting Rwanda’s steadfast commitment to human rights and welfare.
Deputy Germaine Mukabalisa expressed pride in Rwanda’s proactive stance in addressing global issues through this project, underscoring the humanitarian ethos over legal obligations.
In contrast, Deputy Dr. Frank Habineza criticized the project, arguing that the larger and wealthier UK should shoulder these responsibilities instead of outsourcing them to Rwanda.
Deputy Uwamariya Odette shed light on the plight of refugees seeking asylum in Europe, particularly vulnerable women and children who often lack access to education and healthcare, areas where Rwanda aims to contribute.
Statistics from the United Nations Refugee Agency reveal a distressing figure of over 2,500 deaths or disappearances while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in 2023, compared to 1,680 in 2022. This underscores the pressing need for safe and legal routes for asylum seekers.
Deputy Karemera Francis and Deputy Ntezimana Jean Claude expressed reservations about the financial implications of the UK-Rwanda agreement, suggesting that funds should be redirected to support migrants within the UK.
Minister of Justice Dr. Ugirashebuja Emmanuel emphasized that Rwanda’s motivation is not financial gain but rather a profound understanding of the refugee experience and a commitment to providing solutions grounded in humanity and respect for human rights.
In 2019, the Rwandan government, in collaboration with the African Union, the UN Refugee Agency, and other partners, initiated a program to assist migrants in dire conditions in Libya, awaiting passage to Europe.
Over 150 individuals have been trained to support and care for migrants relocated to Rwanda, with the country having already received over 2,000 migrants from Libya, with more than 68% successfully resettled in host countries.
According to Rwanda’s Presidency, they discussed the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity in the region, as well as the need to uphold integrity and accountability in the functioning of the East African Community.
Salva Kiir arrived in Rwanda on Thursday afternoon where he was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta upon arrival at Kigali International Airport.
He visits Rwanda amidst deteriorating relations between Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The bank reported a loss of nearly 1.3 billion euros (1.4 billion U.S. dollars) last year after the release of 6.6 billion euros from provision for financial risks, the ECB said in a press release.
The ECB said the loss reflects the “necessary monetary policy actions of the Eurosystem” in the fight against high inflation with the many consecutive interest rate hikes since July 2022. Since October last year, the three key interest rates have been kept at historically high levels.
The rise in key interest rates increased the interest expenses for the ECB’s variable-rate liabilities, but the income from the assets did not rise to the same extent or at the same pace, as many had fixed interest rates and long maturities, ultimately resulting in a loss, according to the central bank.
Furthermore, the bank also expected losses “in the next few years” and only then will there be “sustainable profits” again.
The ECB vows to effectively fulfill its primary mandate of maintaining price stability, regardless of any losses incurred.
The accounts of the European Central Bank’s January policy meeting published on the same day showed a broad consensus among Governing Council members that it was “premature to discuss rate cuts.”
The ECB will want to hold off on easing the current monetary policy restrictions until first-quarter data reveals a small economic rebound, a decline in inflationary pressure, and no acceleration of wage growth, according to analysts at ING. (1 euro = 1.08 U.S. dollar)
Since opening its doors on October 25, 2019, the firm has embarked on a partnership with the European Business University of Luxembourg, engaging in various projects and providing extensive training courses in business, economics, and finance targeted at the African diaspora in Europe.
The firm’s operations span across several countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States, and Rwanda.
In an interview with IGIHE, Nzamutuma elaborated on the consultancy’s journey, beginning with a single student and progressively expanding its client base as confidence in its offerings grew, culminating in the conferment of over 90 accredited certificates by 2024.
He remarked, “Starting from a modest beginning with one individual, we’ve reached a milestone of training more than 200 students, with more enrolling for the upcoming, the 6th cohort. This signifies our continuous advancement, and with the progression of CTC, an increasing number of individuals are securing employment.”
He further highlighted, “The surge in enrolment and participation in these training sessions correlates directly with enhanced job prospects. Motivated individuals, especially those who are inherently committed, tend to secure employment swiftly. Those who gain employment often spread the word to others.”
Nzamutuma also shared that CTC has garnered support from various quarters, including the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), a renowned private university in Brussels, which facilitated the graduation ceremony for the fifth cohort.
This particular group of graduates boasted a diverse representation from countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg, Finland, Austria, the United Kingdom, Canada, Rwanda, Burundi, Senegal, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Germany, Spain, and Togo.
“These are Africans residing in various nations. This year, we observed a remarkable trend of individuals leaving their countries to partake in this event. We were also honored with the presence of participants from Rwanda, some of whom traveled specifically to Brussels to sit for their exams,” he noted.
Nzamutuma pointed out that the heightened interest in the training programs stems from the demand for the imparted knowledge in the European job market, a trend that has been prevalent since 2008 due to regulations concerning the origin of assets and finances.
“The integration of new methodologies by banks is generating employment opportunities. In Luxembourg, there’s a scarcity of skilled labor, leading to statements like, ‘Since we can’t find the required talent locally, we will seek it abroad.’ This opens up avenues for Africans to secure job opportunities in Luxembourg,” he stated.
Nzamutuma also revealed that CTC has initiated collaborations with several institutions that value their contributions.
He had meetings with the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning of Rwanda and the Minister of Finance of Luxembourg, to whom he introduced the CTC program designed to boost financial literacy.
{{Photos capturing the graduation ceremony of the fifth CTC cohort}}
An EU press statement revealed that the agreement entails joint efforts to improve the mining supply chain, collaborate on mineral processing to enhance value, and tackle the issue of illegal mineral trading by ensuring traceability right from the point of extraction.
The commitment also covers the promotion of eco-friendly mining practices and the pursuit of necessary funding to develop infrastructure supporting mineral extraction.
Both Rwanda and the EU agreed to invest in research, knowledge sharing, and the application of technology in the mining sector, covering extraction and processing stages.
The agreement also promises more educational opportunities for mining sector workers, especially in mineral processing, aiming to draw more investment to Rwanda. A plan to implement this agreement is expected to be ready within six months of its signing.
This agreement has been strongly criticized by Kinshasa, which sees it as a direct threat to its sovereignty and natural resources.
According to a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister and Congolese Foreign Minister, Christophe Lutundula, this agreement is perceived as an attempt by the EU to legitimize and encourage what the DRC considers to be the plundering of its minerals by Rwanda.
Kinshasa’s main concern lies in the fact that Rwanda does not have strategic minerals such as coltan, cobalt, lithium, or niobium in its subsoil, which are highly sought after in the global market.
The DRC recalls commitments made by the European Union during the DRC-EU political dialogue held in Kinshasa in October 2020, which emphasized the importance of combating the illegal exploitation of minerals, including through the implementation of the European regulation on conflict minerals.
The Congolese government sees this agreement as a blatant contradiction with these commitments, undermining efforts to combat the illicit exploitation of natural resources in the region.
Minister Lutundula has therefore demanded explanations from European authorities, highlighting the “ambiguous behavior” of the EU which, on one hand, claims to want to contribute to resolving the crisis in the eastern DRC and fight against the illegal exploitation of Congolese natural resources, and on the other hand, signs an agreement with Rwanda which, according to Kinshasa, could facilitate this same illegal exploitation.
According to BNR, the decision reached during the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting aligns with the inflation projection and the risks identified and with the aim of achieving lasting inflation stability in the upcoming quarters.
The Central Bank has disclosed that inflation is projected to remain within the band of 2 to 8 percent, averaging close to 5 percent.
However, it disclosed that several potential risks could affect this outlook , including geopolitical tensions such as the ongoing wars in Ukraine and in the Middle East, disruptions in the Red Sea that may influence international commodity prices, and weather-related challenges that could affect future agriculture sector performance.
