According to a communiqué released after a High Level Consultation Meeting of Heads of States and Heads of Governments held yesterday in Addis, the participants “attending the meeting concluded that there were serious doubts on the conformity of the provisional results, as proclaimed by the National Independent Electoral Commission, with the votes cast.”
“Accordingly, the Heads of State and Government called for the suspension of the proclamation of the final results of the elections,” the communiqué reads.
The meeting which was chaired by President Paul Kagame also the Chairperson of the African Union agreed to urgently dispatch to the DRC a high-level delegation comprising Kagame and other Heads of State and Government, as well as the Chairperson of the AU Commission, to interact with all Congolese stakeholders, with the view to reaching a consensus on a way out of the post-electoral crisis in the country.
Felix Tshisekedi was announced winner of the presidential elections with 38.57% according to provisional results released by the Congolese National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI).
Martin Fayulu who followed him with 34.83% of votes denounced the results and filed an appeal in the Constitutional Court demanding a manual recount of the votes.
DRC outgoing President Joseph Kabila didn’t attend the meeting that was attended by a number of Heads of State and Government or their representatives from SADC, the ICGLR, ECCAS, ECOWAS, IGAD, EAC, the African members of the UN Security Council, among other officials despite the invitation by President Kagame.
“In arranging for this meeting, I also contacted the President of DRC, President Joseph Kabila, in fact I extended the invitation to him as well. He told me he had wished to participate but because of that exact situation he may not be able to travel,” Kagame said.
Adding to the initial funding which was worth 146.9 million Euros, the entire funding to the program is now 261.9 million Euros.
The financing is to cover water supply infrastructures in Rutsiro, Karongi, Rubavu, Nyabihu, Ngororero Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango Nyanza, Bugesera, Ngoma, Kayonza, Gatsibo, Nyagatare and Musanze Districts including sanitation facilities to ten schools.
Water access in these districts is currently averaged at 45 percent, 40% lower than the national average which stands at 85%.
About more than 1.5 million people will get improved water supply services with 700,000 of them living in rural and peri-urban areas raising the total number of beneficiaries of the whole project to 5.4 million at completion in June 2023.
“This funding will improve the quality of life and socio-economic development of the people and promote economic growth and transformation,” said the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning after the signing of the agreement.
The AfDB Rwanda Country Manager Mrs. Martha Phiri said, “This additional financing increases the on-going Bank support to the water and sanitation sector in Rwanda to €282 million, demonstrating the Bank’s desire and readiness to match the Government of Rwanda’s ambitions to achieve speedy socio-economic transformation.”
As per objectives of the National Strategy for Transformation one (NST-1), Rwanda projects that by 2024, all households, schools and commercial facilities will have reliable access to clean water and sanitation services.
During the 23rd edition of the annual special prayer breakfast themed “Transformative Leadership” held at the Kigali Convention Centre, the President particularly reminded those present that Rwanda cannot be people who need to be taught values continuously: “Like a watch you have to keep resetting or a ball with a hole that you have to keep inflating.”
“What mindset will we take home? How will we take what we have learned and apply it to what we do? Instilling godly values in leadership means those values have to be part of who we are,” Kagame urged those present.
The president advised leaders to be defined by unity, thinking big and accountability for their responsibilities as leaders.
“Being a team is about bringing people together. We are one team working for the country, fulfilling our responsibility and thinking big. We have to think beyond the next day, think about the generations ahead and what we want to accomplish. Accountability is about the discipline of work, upholding the values that define us,” President Kagame noted.
Casting light on what would elevate one beyond petty actions, the Head of State advised on reflecting on one’s actions and evaluating each other honestly. “This is what will allow you to practice the values that should define us,” he said
“Let us uphold the right values and give ourselves the respect we deserve,” he added
President Kagame also warned that Religion should not be seen as an anesthetic that allows one to be numb to the hard challenges one must face.
“I don’t think there is any other continent that prays more than the African continent. But prayers must be met with action. Actions towards what we want to accomplish and our goals,” President Kagame advised.
Organized by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship (RLF), the prayer meeting brings together leaders in top positions for fellowship around a breakfast, to reflect on the milestones that the nation has achieved praying for the nation and its leaders.
Initiated in 1995, the RLF is attended by cabinet members, lawmakers, members of the judiciary, police and military top brass, private sector and civil society, including church leaders.
According to provisional results announced on Thursday by the National Independent Elections Commission (CENI), opposition candidate, Felix Tshisekedi leads with 38.57% of the votes.
However, after the announcing of provisional results, the Independent Candidate, Martin Fayulu protested against the results which attracted protests that have resulted into 11 deaths.
In a statement released by OIF on Thursday following the announcement of the provisional results, Louise Mushikiwabo commended voter turn up and the peaceful environment under which elections were held.
“Mrs Louise Mushikiwabo calls on the political and civil society actors, as well as the population, to maintain a peaceful environment and to privilege in all circumstances the dialogue and the best interests of the Congolese people while waiting for the proclamation of the final results by the Constitutional Court,” reads part of the statement released by the OIF.
“OIF invites candidates to exclusively resort to legal channels in the event of possible disputes; encourage election-related institutions to make every effort to ensure transparency, sincerity and reliability of the crucial stage of managing election results,” the statement adds.
CENI is slated to declare the election final results on January 15th this year with the swearing in of the new President replacing Joseph Kabila- who has ruled DRC as President since 2011- scheduled to be held on January 18th.
Mushikiwabo stated the OIF contributed with all its international partners in helping the DRC hold peaceful elections and “it reiterates its determination to continue, beyond these elections, its efforts to support the consolidation of peace, democracy and the rule of law in this important member state of La Francophonie.”
The OIF has 88 states and governments: 54 members, seven associate members and 27 observers.
President Kagame was speaking at the Rwanda-Japan Business Forum organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), on the second day of his official visit in Japan.
“Africa’s middle class is increasing year in, year out; there is increasing urbanization in Africa moving faster than probably other continents. Africa has different kinds of resources starting with our own people and the natural resources that we have,” President Kagame said.
He noted that between the natural resources and the people, the innovation and technology, there was no problem that was not going to be addressed to provide the continent with the solutions it wants. “Africa and Rwanda have simply no other choice but to keep adding value to what we are doing.”
President Kagame also welcomed and encouraged Japans to do more business in and with Rwanda.
“We are trying to catch up, and we are being helped to by these developed countries and people with whom we work. Doing business, the kind of different investments that we have to make together are very critical,” Kagame noted
Last Year, Rwanda Development Board chief executive Clare Akamanzi said the number of Japanese investments in Rwanda has gone up from three to 19 in the last five years, with the portfolio expected to grow further.
“However this doesn’t mean that everything is where we want it to be. We have to do more every time and that’s why when people kept saying that we have to listen, to pay attention to businesses from Japan, I completely agree with them,” he added.
President Kagame said Rwanda cannot be complacent that has done enough despite the glowing results from studies, experience and data show that tremendous progress is being made.
“That’s a good story but it always tells us that we have to do more.”
“I want to assure you that the Government of Rwanda will continue to do our best, to provide a conducive and supportive environment for successful ventures.” President Kagame guaranteed.
In an interview with Boursorama, a leading source of financial and economic information in France, Mushikiwabo re-iterated her future goals for La Francophonie, where she said that she would like to see French as the language of the Internet.
{{Extracts of the Interview
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{{Q:}} Your election as Secretary General marks the coming of an African leader, after Canada’s Michaëlle Jean, at the head of the La Francophonie (OIF). Is it unavoidable when we know that Africa holds 80% of the growth in the number of Francophones in the world?
{{A:}} Africa is a driving force of La Francophonie. It is a natural even normal that Africa is at the head of La Francophonie. That said, I am also aware that La Francophonie goes far beyond Africa. As the Secretary-General, I will do my best to make everyone feels at home in our organization.
{{Q: }} Your candidacy was strongly supported by France while you are very close to Rwandan President Paul Kagame. At the head of La Francophonie, how will you guarantee your independence?
{{A:}} I am also a professional. I work for La Francophonie. I represent La Francophonie. I will put all my energy into this organization. From now on, I am no longer the Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs. Any action, any decision, any activity of La Francophonie, I will execute as the secretary general of La Francophonie.
{{Q: }} Rwanda has replaced French with English as a compulsory language at school. Is this compatible with the direction of La Francophonie?
{{A: }} Rwanda is a French-speaking country. It is also an English speaking country. It is also a Swahili-speaking country and first and foremost, we speak Kinyarwanda, our national language. We are a multilingual country and I think that the fact that the Rwandan president does not really speak French – he begins to speak French, very happily – is confused with the importance of the French language in the country. French is the foreign language most spoken by Rwandans and the importance of the French language will grow. In Rwanda, we believe very much that this coexistence of languages does not necessarily cause problems.
{{Q:}} This is what French President Emmanuel Macron defends: the defense of French in a Plurilingualism framework. Is this the future of La Francophonie?
{{A:}} The French language has no complex compared to English. But the world today is such that it is beneficial for the French to speak other languages. We go much further with several languages. We are more fortunate in employment and training with more languages. I really do not mind.
{{Q:}} What are your goals as the head of La Francophonie?
{{A:}} I would very much like to see the French language as the language of the internet. With the proportions of young people in the French-speaking world, it’s very feasible. But there is still work to be done, I do not delude myself. Digitalism can be used as an asset for employment issues. When we go through the francophone area, we hear, “La Francophonie, what is it for me?” These are legitimate questions. All that is digital concerns the youth, so I think we can combine very well the digital aspect and the interest of the youth.
{{Q: }} Critics point to a “dispersal” of OIF… Is a refocus necessary?
{{A: }} There is indeed a debate that’s needed. Criticism is legitimate: we do a lot of small things and we should refocus, bring several activities together under clear themes, well defined: the economy, the influence of language.
{{Q: }} The OIF now has 88 members, including some countries that have a distant relationship with French. Should the membership criteria be reviewed?
{{A:}} Why not? I find that the fact that many countries which have very little to do with the French language wanting to become members of La Francophonie, a sign of attractiveness, which is a very good thing. Only, I think we must also be observant of our space, our activities, and our values. We can create a system of members who have a status more or less different from the full members. But it is up to the member states to decide.
Of the total investments registered in 2018, an estimated 26% represents export oriented projects. Across sectors, manufacturing, mining, agriculture and agro-processing accounted for 57% of investments registered. Other sectors that attracted significant investments were tourism, healthcare, business services and ICT.
The largest share of the 2018 investment registrations or 49%, was posted by domestic investors, while Foreign Direct Investment registrations represented 47% of the total. Joint ventures (local and foreign investors) represented the balance of approximately 4% of all investments registered during the year. In comparison, in 2017, domestic investment registrations accounted for 28% of the total, while foreign investment registrations represented 62% and joint ventures the remaining 10%.
Some of the largest investors during 2018, who registered expected investments over US$ 70 million, included: Emerald Park ltd; Millennial Construction Ltd; Rwanda Innovation Fund; Jali Transport; and Mara Phones.
Other notable investment projects registered during the year included: Andela Software Development’s Rwanda based Pan African Hub; a first Coltan/Tantalum refinery by PRG from Macedonia; new local production of a global beer brand – Heineken in Rwanda by Bralirwa; a large scale fertilizer blending plant in Rwanda by OCP from Morocco; a steel rolling mill by MasterSteel from Rwanda; a mosquito bed nets production plant by Vision Garments from Rwanda; a steel manufacturing plant by AARSAL STEEL from India; a mineral smelting company by Luna Smelter of Rwanda; hospitality development around Lake Kivu by GEMS of Rubavu; and mobility solutions development by Volkswagen.
Project registration values reflect each investor’s projected five (5) year estimation of operating and capital investments to be made, regardless of whether financed by equity or debt. Historically, registered projects typically take 3 years on average to become fully operational.
Commenting on the investments registered in 2018, RDB Chief Investment Officer, Guy Baron said that “In the last 8 years, registered investments in Rwanda jumped from US$ 398 million in 2010 to slightly over US$ 2 billion in 2018. Last year, we passed the US$ 2 billion milestone, for the first time in the country’s history. This is evidence that Rwanda is being seen increasingly as a great place to do business, innovate and establish a hub from which to access the continent’s tremendous opportunities. The increased investments registered are a direct result of the initiatives that the Government of Rwanda, through RDB, has put in place to continuously make Rwanda an attractive destination for investment. In fact, this year, Rwanda was proudly ranked the 29th easiest place to do business in the world and the 2nd easiest place to do business in Africa.”
In terms of investor facilitation, RDB operates a One Stop Centre for investors. The Centre provides information and services to guide investors through the key steps of starting a business such as registration, licenses, immigration, land, utilities, environmental clearances as well as tax and mortgage registration services.
In addition, RDB offers all investors Aftercare Services, which provide assistance in ensuring that business projects are implemented free of avoidable impediments. Via these services, RDB helps investors to resolve simple and complex challenges they may encounter along the way and provides any guidance required. RDB has also introduced investor engagement platforms such as the quarterly ‘CEO Forum’ where RDB senior management meets and engages with business leaders. Another important platform, ‘Investor Open Day’, aimed at resolving issues faced by investors, is offered every Friday and open to walk-ins. During 2018, 163 of 209 or 78% of investor issues recorded by Aftercare Services were expediently resolved.
On the first day of their visit, President Kagame and First Lady paid a courtesy call to their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan at Imperial Palace, the First Lady was later hosted to a working lunch by Mrs Akie Abe, wife to Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe.
President Kagame later had bilateral talks with Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe.
“We are pleased to be here, to honour the excellent relationship that exists between Rwanda and Japan, and to deepen our friendship and cooperation,” Kagame said adding that “Rwanda very much appreciates the ongoing development cooperation with Japan. We have productive partnerships in many areas, including in agriculture, ICT, and infrastructure.”
“I wish to thank you for Japan’s support to the Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Plan. As Rwanda’s population grows and becomes more urbanized, we are keen to learn from Japan’s longstanding expertise and experience in city planning and urban transport,” he said.
The President of Rwanda commended Japan for its contribution to Rwanda’s human capacity development, through the Africa Business Education Initiative, “which is benefiting young Rwandans.”
“As you may know, the African Union has been undergoing institutional reforms for the last two years. We have achieved good progress in making AU more fit for purpose, and enhancing the continent’s engagement with the rest of the world, including with Japan,” Kagame who is the current Chairperson of the African Union said.
He added that “The African Union will continue to work with Japan and other global partners, in the reforms of the UN Security Council, to make it more relevant to today’s realities.”
Kagame invited Japan’s Prime Minister to Rwanda at any time of his inconvenience as “Rwanda remains committed to strengthening cooperation with Japan, in the bilateral as well as international arena, for the benefit of both our countries.”
Following their bilateral discussions, President Kagame and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan witnessed the signing of a bilateral agreement on Nzove-Ntora Water Transmission.
“Our visit is an opportunity to learn more from each other, and further strengthen our strong bilateral ties, development cooperation as well. We also want to increase trade and investment between Rwanda and Japan,” Kagame said adding: “We look forward to the business forum taking place tomorrow, and the roadshow to introduce Kigali Innovation City, one of Rwanda’s flagship projects.”
Before meeting Japan’s Prime Minister Abe, Kagame had also met with the President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Shinichi Kitaoka and Kobe City Mayor, Kizō Hisamoto.
According to RDB figures as of July last year , the number of Japanese investments in Rwanda totaled to $21.458 million – creating 178 jobs in agro-processing, horticulture, mining, ICT and service sectors.
The delegation has been in the country for the past week, meeting different government and private sector officials.
The discussions centered on supporting Rwandan entrepreneurs to export more agro-products to China such as beef, crayfish, avocados, chili pepper, french beans, tree tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables.
This, they said would be done by streamlining the intergovernmental policies and regulations, being part of the agricultural supply chain process, providing the necessary infrastructure to boost agro-processing, lowering the cost of air-freight transport and providing more trainings to Rwandan entrepreneurs to enable them to trade more product volumes on the platform.
RDB CEO, Claire Akamanzi said: “China presents a huge market for us, with its big population and their increased spending power. There are unique and big opportunities we are exploring and implore Rwandan SMEs to package their products in a way that suits the Chinese market and sell as much as possible through the Alibaba platform.”
Mr. Yi said: “We found many of Rwanda’s agricultural products are of high quality hence why we want to increase their volumes and standards, invest in agro-processing industries and the supply chain. We also want to raise more crayfish here because Rwanda has many freshwater lakes and a favorable climate. The crayfish market is a US$ 20 billion one in China and Chinese consume between 1 and 1.2 tons of crayfish every four months.
Therefore, as soon as we have the right policies and regulations in place and infrastructure and affordable air-freight, we can start exporting more Rwandan products.”
The elderly gentleman had a special message from President Museveni for the two terrorist outfits. On December 15, the FDLR delegation led by its spokesperson and deputy chief of intelligence, Ignace Nkaka (aka LaForge Bazeye Fils), was arrested by DR Congo authorities at the Uganda-Congo border post of Bunagana. They transported him first to Goma, then on to Kinshasa for questioning.
Ugandan authorities expected the apprehended official would “sing” under interrogation. Their fears would turn out to be right.
We can reveal that Colonel Nkaka’s team included Lt Col Nsekenabo Jean Pierre alias Abega Kamala (FDLR intelligence officer).
According to information from impeccable sources, upon arrival in Uganda on 14 December they were received by the FDLR liaison officer, Lt Col Nkuriyingoma Pierre Celestin. The latter took them to Hotel Mubano in Kisoro, which is owned by nine other than Philemon Mateke.
The officers then travelled overnight to Kampala arriving there the next morning. After they had refreshed themselves at the home of their liaison officer in Nakulabye, Mateke picked them up and took them for breakfast at his wife’s restaurant in Lugogo, before proceeding with them to his offices at Sir Apollo Kagwa Road.
There, the old man briefed them in preparation for their meeting with the RNC representatives.
Our sources reveal that the captured FDLR officers told interrogators that Mateke then proceeded with them to the Kampala Serena, where they found the RNC delegation led by Frank Ntwari – Kayumba Nyamwasa’s brother in law and the RNC’s so-called commissioner for refugees and human rights.
The questioning of these FDLR officers has also corroborated information this website previously reported that the meeting between the two groups was chaired by Mateke.
They however disclosed key details regarding President Museveni’s “special message”, which Mateke had delivered to the group.
This underscored their shared general interest. The special message also included Museveni’s emphasis that the two anti-Rwanda government groups needed to continue to work together, especially in maintaining the perception that they are a force that includes both Hutus and Tutsis.
The objective, continued Museveni’s message, would be to gain support, including his own commitment to avail on their behalf a battalion that would be based in the Virunga area. Its primary mission would be to destabilize Mountain Gorilla tourism in that area, which in turn would popularize the rebellion in the international media and bring attention to their shared cause.
“Museveni is prepared to take the risk provided that they furnish him diplomatic cover that suggests that this is a broad-based rebel outfit with legitimate grievances,” according to an analyst familiar with politics of the region who happens to be aware of this goings-on.
Mateke sought to bring his credentials to the table by reassuring the FDLR delegation that his support for their cause goes far back to the time of Habyarimana with whom they had worked closely, particularly in efforts geared at discrediting the RPF struggle in the late 1980s and the early 1990s.
Most importantly, Museveni’s commitment for a “lasting solution” to their shared problem seemed to delight the representatives of the two outfits, who reassured the “messenger” that they were ready to close ranks in line with his guidance.
{{[Read the whole story on VirungaPost->http://virungapost.com/2019/01/06/musevenis-support-for-rwanda-dissidents-continues-as-fdlr-captives-spill-details-of-kampala-meeting/]}}
