Tag: MainSlideNews

In April 2018 Rwanda was chosen to host the 2020 Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (CHOGM), becoming the second East African country to host this prestigious meeting after Uganda that hosted it in 2007.

The good news were announced in London, United Kingdom at the closure of the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

After nine years of membership, Rwanda will be the first country that is not a former British colony to host the meeting.

“What a brilliant transformation this country is! Anyone who is a student of development and history will vote for the leadership which this country has shown, in terms of transforming this nation which suffered the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis,” Goheer said.

“2011 was the time for Africa to chair the executive committee in the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth in London and being the largest group of nations within the organization, Africa chose Rwanda out of all countries –such as South-Africa, Tanzania and Kenya to represent the executive committee of Board of Governors,” he added.

Goheer, who closely worked with Rwanda for a period of thirty years, lauded in general Rwanda’s High-Commissioners and representatives around the world for their dynamism in their work.

“I am used to this streak of excellence from Rwanda. If I may say, you have been punching well above your rates in the international system. I can put my heart on hand and say that you have every capacity and capability from all levels and we are hoping that together, we will deliver a fantastic CHOGM so that it will be very difficult for countries after Rwanda to ace it.”

Goheer who came to supervise the 2020 CHOGM’s preparations in Rwanda remarked that the commonwealth was assured in Rwanda’s expertise in leadership.

“Rwanda is currently the chair of the African Union, and is performing well that role, but again it is only one continent, while in the case of the commonwealth, it is all continents of the world united; but through performance and track records, Rwanda has shown that it is capable to handle it,” he added.

While in Rwanda, Goheer met Prof. Anastase Shyaka, the Chief Executive of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and East African Community Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, among others.
Being a host for this meeting is considered as a unique opportunity as the event will come with great benefits for several sectors in the country such as boosting in tourism, market for Rwanda’s Made-In-Rwanda products, political liaisons and much more.

The Commonwealth of Nations was first officially formed in 1931 and is a voluntary association of 53 sovereign states.

Kagame delivered the remarks Friday, in the capacity of the African Union (AU) Chairman, at the 38th SADC Summit in Windhoek, Namibia.

Citing examples of Comoros, Lesotho and Madagascar where SADC has offered support recently as well in handling security issues, Rwanda’s President told SADC countries’ Heads of State that they will be called upon to do the same where similar action is required.

“Wearing the hat of Chair of the AU, I wish to stress that we must meet such issues up front. It has happened before. Crises of security with cross-border implications have been settled by other countries or regional groupings. After all, we are all connected. And we all know too well that there are matters that we cannot just wish away but we have to face them directly and find the right remedies for them,” he said.

Kagame said the AU is pleased that SADC and the AU accompanied the political process in Zimbabwe, and now matters are in the right direction and in the final stages in being resolved before the courts of law.

“SADC has a similar role to play in DRC. We applaud the latest developments there, showing respect for the Constitution and the Agreement of December 2016. This is an important step, and others are hoped for as agreed by the people of this great country, You can count on the AU as a partner if you need support.”

SADC has so far helped mediating opposition and government in DRC. The process has led to a calmer situation as the incumbent President Joseph Kabila stepped aside last week and let former interior minister Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary represent the ruling People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) in December 23 elections.

SADC has also nominated Hifikepunye Pohamba, the former President of the Republic of Namibia, to serve as the bloc’s Special Envoy to the DRC.

Commenting on the summit’s theme “Promoting Infrastructure Development and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development”, Kagame said infrastructure development and the free movement of persons are key to translating African aspirations into practical results for the citizens.

“Equally, the long-term prospects or prosperity and security of Africa, depend on creating the conditions and environment that enable our young people, to achieve their full potential, right here at home,” he said.

“We have the ability to do more for our countries individually, but even better, together. Today, more than ever, collaboration among African countries is not a choice. It is an imperative, in real terms.”

The AU Chairman urged participants to ensure actions are always fully aligned with ideals of the African unity.

He said some countries’ attitudes that weaken mutual trust and antagonise neighbours, slow Africa down while advancing the external interests of those who benefit from a divided Africa.

Kagame reiterated the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, saying the two will significantly increase the level of trade among African nations while strengthening their negotiating position globally in line with the African Agenda 2063.

Established in 1980, SADC has 16 Member States including Angola, Botswana, Comoros, DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, the Kingdom of eSwatini, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The holy mass that was led by Bishop Célestin Hakizimana of Gikongoro Diocese and other priests who encouraged the pilgrims to love each other and be grateful for what they were given by the Lord.

Among others, they prayed against the streak of Ebola in Congo and for Burundi’s security to be restored.

Belie vers came from afar and near to ask the Mary to intercede for them and shower them with blessings.

Kieni Francis, who travelled from Uganda to arrive on the 12th August 2018, said she came to call out to the Virgin Mary’s mercy and for more miracles to happen into her life.

“I lost my husband when I was still very young. I like calling out to the Virgin Mary, to help me in the problems I always meet,” Kieni said.

Karasira Egide from Kigali said; “I came yesterday and although receiving food is a problem indeed, others were not able to receive a place to stay in as rooms were fully booked. Foreign visitors came early and booked all the rooms.

Many pilgrims told IGIHE reporter that the main reason that brings them to Kibeho was due to the first apparition of Mother Mary at Kibeho, 37 years ago.

Carrying bottles and jericans, thousands of pilgrims went to draw holy water, sold at Rwf500 for five liters, from a spring at the foothill of Kibeho which is claimed to cure many diseases.

It is estimated that between 6000 and 7,000 pilgrims from around the world attended this year’s event.

{{Assumption Day at Kibeho Mary Mother of the Word in pictures }}

RwandAir, the national carrier, and Equity Bank also received Best Exhibitor Overall Awards as the first and second runners-up respectively.

During the official closing ceremony held Tuesday at Intare Conference Arena in Rusororo, Gasabo District, Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF) recognised other 10 exhibitors as the best in their respective areas of business.

The 10 are Isubyo House of Arts in arts and craft category, Next Page in innovation, Byiza Vuba Construction as best young entrepreneur, Continuity Group in ICT, Entreprise Urwibutso Nyirangarama in agro-processing, Ameki Color in manufacturing, Ecobank in banking and Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) in insurance.

BPR Atlas Mara was recognised as best customer care provider while Egypt took the Best Foreign Exhibitor Award.

The Expo 2018 closing coincided with the Golden Night usually known as the Golden Gala Dinner to appreciate the best investors under the ultimate business network.

Eight investors in different categories received the Golden Circle Awards of Excellence. They include Rwanda’s brewery company, Bralirwa as winner of social impact award and MTN Rwanda for promoting digital economy.

Egide Gatera was recognised as the best investor overall, Hope Mpangare of Esperanza as best female investor, Ziah Murekatete as best young investor, Teklay Company as best retail outlet, André Bitwayiki for business promotion while Donatha Mukanyarwaya was awarded for environment protection in her business.

At the ceremony, Prime Minister Dr Edouard Ngirente committed the government to further supporting the private sector to make it the leader of the country’s economy as it is in the Government’s seven-year transformation programme running until 2024.

“We promise, as the government, that through our usual collaboration with PSF, we shall call you to discuss issues you have raised and find solutions. We highly appreciate your contribution in creating jobs, promoting investment and the country’s development in general,” he said.

“We are committed to developing Made in Rwanda as we increase exports by 12% every year, increase tourism revenues to $800 million by 2024. We shall continue to lower electricity prices, construct roads and more infrastructures to support investment.”

Tourism revenues stood at $404 million in 2016 and the 2017 figures are yet to be released.

The Premier thanked exhibitors at Expo 2018 especially winners of exhibitors’ awards of excellence and urged private sector to improve the quantity and quality of their production.

The PSF Chairman Robert Bapfakurera appreciated the government’s exemption of taxes on many imported materials that local factories are using on a daily basis but said it is not clear how locally produced goods are taxed while their similar imports are not, adding that the discrimination against local products is hampering the promotion of ‘Made in Rwanda’ initiative.

He said the Expo 2018 was a success with 89% of the 450 exhibitors commending its organisation while 97% visitors liked the products showcased.

Expo 2018 took place at the Gikondo Expo Ground in Kigali from July 26 to August 15 and attracted exhibitors from 23 countries from all the world’s continents.

English Premier League’s team has emblazoned ‘Visit Rwanda’ logo on its kit while the country will pay Arsenal some millions of British pounds which some media speculate as £30 million.

However, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Chief Executive Clare Akamanzi told CNN recently that the amount is less than that without revealing the exact amount.

Since the deal unveiling in May, Western media and politicians have criticised Rwanda for spending a huge amount of dollars on one of the world’s richest teams while many Rwandans are living in poverty and the country receives foreign aid.

The three-year deal aimed at promoting Rwanda’s tourism was officially launched on Sunday at Arsenal FC season debut in which it lost 0-2 Manchester City.

Just a day after the deal took effect, CNN brought out similar critics and now Rwandan Government’s officials and ordinary people are snubbing the media especially via Twitter.

Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Retweeted CNN on Monday stating, “Tell me @CNN, how many countries, including African and developing countries, ‘spend millions of dollars’ to advertise their tourism on your network, which is one of the richest in the world? Have you ever complained? So, please be quiet! #FakeNews.”

The RDB Chief Operations Officer Emmanuel Hategeka tweeted, “@CNN this is #FakeNews! Plse take note: 1. Rwanda’s devt story today speaks to the right choices we have made each yr, 2. Aid has helped us but today only accounts for 16% of our national budget, 3. We generate tourism revenues that support our marketing budget incl #visitrwanda.”

Kim Kamasa, the diplomat in Rwanda’s embassy in Kenya, also tweeted, “Dear @CNN it’s more about value for money not where the money comes from. #Rwanda is investing some money to make more money so that more money can get to more needy people #VisitRwanda.”

More Twitter users including Rwandans and foreigners followed suit with some saying that CNN would not have made the same comments if it had got the Rwanda’s advertising deal that went to Arsenal FC. Others kept explaining that Rwanda is not sponsoring Arsenal as CNN reported but engaged in a beneficial partnership on both sides.

The ‘Visit Rwanda’ logo appears on Arsenal jersey’s left sleeve for the first team, under-23 and Arsenal Women, and be displayed on LED boards at the Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

Under the deal too, players from Arsenal men and women’s teams will be visiting Rwanda and Arsenal’s coaches will be hosting coaching camps to support the development of football in Rwanda. At least 35 million people are expected to view the ‘Visit Rwanda’ logo on every Arsenal’s match day due to the team’s large fan base around the world.

According to Deloitte, Arsenal FC is the sixth largest club in the world while Manchester United and Real Madrid have the top two positions respectively.

At the rally on Monday, Dr Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, the PSD Executive Secretary and the party’s number one candidate for a seat in the Lower House, said PSD intends to promote the livelihoods of the farmers through putting in place sustainable programmes, considering that the country’s economy is largely based on agriculture and livestock.

“Our country has fertile land and hard working farmers but we have to improve some areas with better planning in agriculture and animal resources sector. As PSD, we want to be a good advocate, to advocate on separating agriculture and animal resources to get each area develop better,” he said.

He said PSD will teach farmers on better practices and find them markets for the produces.

Dr Ngabitsinze said the party will seek to exempt taxes on the salary which is below Rwf60,0000 while the current law taxes the salary from Rwf30,000.

PSD President Dr Vincent Biruta said the party is proud of its contribution in the reconstruction of Rwanda after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that had devastated the country.

“PSD has played a crucial role in reconstructing the country towards peace, unity, reconciliation and development. We are proud of the step we have made in democracy in our country. PSD is prepared to keep contributing in the country’s governance and development,” said Dr Biruta who is the Minister for Environment.
PSD has been in existence for 27 years and was in the coalition of parties which fought the genocidal regime in the 1990s.

After the genocide, PSD has been alongside the citizens in the reconstruction process and putting in place foundations for the governance that leads to the country’s development, democracy, justice and social welfare of the citizens.

In the 2003 presidential elections, PSD rallied behind then RPF candidate Paul Kagame but in 2010, PSD put forward its presidential candidate Dr Jean Damascène Ntawukuriryayo who won the second place in votes behind the RPF’s Paul Kagame.

PSD also emerged the second in 2013 parliamentary elections and acquired seven seats in Rwanda’s Parliament.

In 2015 PSD was part of the political parties and individual Rwandans who campaigned for the Constitution amendment to allow President Paul Kagame to run for the third term, citing his unrivalled leadership. The Constitution was later amended by the November 2015 Referendum, removing the two seven-year term limit that Kagame was serving until 2017 and allowed him a seven-year transition term ending in 2024 and two five-year terms thereafter.

In the 2017 presidential elections, PSD also rallied behind the RPF’s Kagame who won the elections.

For the upcoming parliamentary elections slated for September 2 and 3, PSD has now put forward 65 candidates among whom are 40 male and 25 female.

Ngarambe said this during the pre-election campaigns that took place yesterday in Rulindo District, Northern Province.

Ngarambe told the crowds who were gathered for the event in Nyamyumba Stadium that the Chairman of Rwanda Patriotic Front, President Paul Kagame sent his thanks for the vote of confidence and trust from residents, when they re-elected him last year, as their president and that RPF had ‘the will and ability to drive Rwandans into a better future.

“To be self-reliant, we need the legal framework that will be able to facilitate our transformation journey. That can only be done by voting.” Ngarambe said.

Ngarambe further added that their vision was to have affluence in education and technology, citizens having improved standard of living, and the culture of not waiting for support from others.

The Secretary General said that to attain those objectives, strong leaders that work together and trusted by President Kagame, were necessary.

“You saw the list of candidates from RPF and coalition parties; they are competent and able, which is why you should vote for them, so as to have strong leaders.”

The #ToraRPF parliamentary campaign saw a massive turnout, which according to Ngarambe was a sign that Rwandans recognise the achievements of the party and are willing to continue working with them.

The President of the Ideal Democratic Party (PDI) Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana thanked the collaboration and co-ordination from RPF-Inkotanyi. He further stressed that the party had great plans that called for support from everyone.

“As it is President Kagame’s initiative, it would be incomprehensible if others were elected, leaving those from the source, which is RPF Inkotanyi. For that, we are all called for to arrive early at polling stations, on the 3rd of September, to vote for unity and collaboration for development.” Harerimana said

The Minister of Sports and Culture, Julienne Uwacu told citizens that RPF’s long-time achievements spoke for themselves.

“RPF’s Politics is based on changing for the better, the lives of Rwandans. To achieve this, every Rwandan should contribute and feel that it is his own call, “Uwacu said.

“Because of the good policies by RPF here in Rulindo you have graduated from artisanal mining to professional mining because people have been trained in doing so.”

The Burundian suspects are said to have worked with the Interahamwe militias—backed by the then government.

In an interview with the press on this Monday, the National Prosecutor and Head of Genocide Fugitives Tracking Unit (GFTU), Siboyintore Jean Bosco said that they tried to pursue the suspected Burundians but to no avail due to lack of evidence.

“We have the Ntongwe, Rilima, Nyakizu cases and we’re still working on them. It is difficult since there are no files on some of the persons mentioned in those cases. As an example, Murundi, Nyandwi or Macumi are names you cannot be sure are real or be able to know that the person is still alive; hence, it becomes difficult to investigate with such shortage of information,” he noted.

Siboyintore added that the procedures require cooperation from both countries, so to get information which he noted to be a lot harder than in cases of Rwandans living in the country.

“It requires cooperation from the other side’s prosecution office. These are not like cases we handle in Rwanda, where we have all the information we need.”

The Prosecutor General, Jean Bosco Mutangana remarked that at a time where a foreigner is found to have committed a crime in Rwanda, diplomacy is used so that justice is done.

“More than foreigners, even Rwandan refugees are hard to bring to justice. I feel that we should start on them, and see how we can pursue them.”

He further assured that they will not fail to pursue the cases.

Last year, Mutangana announced the start of investigations but had noted that they may hit a dead end due to political tensions between the two countries.

“We cannot push the country to adhere to our requests as it has its own laws, but what we do know is that we will continue to work with prosecution offices from other countries to see that we progress.”

According to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC)’s press statement, Mushikiwabo is in Asia to conduct talks with her counterpart for support and advice.

“The meeting will focus on strengthening cooperation in the framework of Organisation International de la Francophonie (OIF) and seeking Cambodia’s support to the candidature of H.E. Mrs. Louise Mushikiwabo as Secretary-General of OIF at the elections to be held on 11-12 October 2018 in Armenia,” the ministry said

Accompanied by Guinean Foreign Ministry, Mamadi Touré, Mushikiwabo’s visit focused on establishing Cambodian-Rwandan relations.

Via her twitter wall, Min. Mushikiwabo expressed her gratitude for the welcome she received from Cambodia.

“Very pleased by the warm welcome I received in the Kingdom of Cambodia today; and I enjoyed the convergence of ideas with my counterpart on the future of Francophonie. Many thanks to the Mekong countries, important members of the OIF!!” she wrote

The Greater Mekong Subregion countries are Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China (PRC, specifically Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

The organization, to which Rwanda subscribes, brings together French-speaking countries across the world.

Among her ideals, Mushikiwabo seeks to prioritize peace, security and promotion of the youth among others.

This was revealed Friday when the Ministry of Infrastructure was signing performance contracts (Imihigo) with affiliated institutions.

The signing ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Infrastructure, Claver Gatete and heads of agencies affiliated to the Ministry.

“Under the performance contracts, RwandAir eyes to open new directions to different continents across the World; 26 to 31 destinations,” the Ministry of Infrastructure announced in a tweet.

The new destinations are Addis Ababa in Ethipia; Guangzhou in China; Tel Aviv in Israel; Guinea and New York.

“Passenger number travelling with RwandAir will reach 1,151,300 from 926,571 in June 2018,”

Among other targets, the ministry through Rwanda Energy Group (REG) targets to increase access to electricity to 51% from 45% as of end of June 2018.

The priority will be to connect 134,778 new households to the grid and 68,980 using off-grid Solutions.

Also targeted is to provide clean water to 335,306 new people in rural areas while 20,157 households’ connections will be made in urban areas. Four Fecal Sludge Treatment Plants and four landfills will start at Musanze, Rubavu, Rusizi and Karongi districts.

With 2018/2019 Imihigo, Rwanda plans to relocate 967 Households living in High Risk Zones and resettle them in planned settlements.

As for increasing the socioeconomic impact of the citizens, construction of recreational facilities will be supported by upgrading Amahoro Main Stadium and Multi-purpose Indoor Stadium. The Ministry also plans to construct Bugesera, Ngoma and Nyagatare District stadiums.