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  • Rwanda Peacekeepers Handover Classrooms to KABKABIYA Community

    The Rwandan Peacekeepers within the Hybrid Mission of the United Nations-African Union in Darfur, UNAMID, have once again demonstrated that they live by the values characterizing the Rwanda Defense Force in regards to the social cooperation with the local population.

    Besides the mandated tasks of peacekeeping, the Rwandan Contingent in Darfur supports the local population by implementing long lasting developmental projects funded by the UNAMID through Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) that make a difference for the people.

    In this regard, on 16 April 2012 Rwanbatt 28 (4Bn) handed-over seven (07) classrooms within its area of responsibility: 02 classrooms, a storeroom, and a toilet in NURSALAM Basic School; 02 classrooms and a veranda in EL SALAAM Basic School, both in KABKABIYA Locality; while in SARAF UMRA Locality, the same Rwanbatt 28 ceremoniously commissioned three classrooms and a staffroom in SAFRA JAMA Basic School.

    In the same vein, on 18 April 2012, Rwanbatt 29 (157 Bn) handed over 10 classrooms constructed in the ABUSHOUK Internally Displaced People’s Camp, in El Fasher, North Darfur. The beneficiaries were over joyous for these projects that will support even the future generations.

    The local population expressed their happiness and thanked UNAMID for its role in bringing lasting peace in Darfur, but most especially Rwandan peacekeepers who they brotherly called “their real own blood” for enhancing sustainabledevelopment spirit of Rwanda to Darfur.

    The Local Leaders in all locations where the Rwandan Peacekeepers constructed classrooms for the needy population expressed satisfaction and praised the enhancement of education in Darfur as a most valuable means of promoting peace.

    The Guest of Honor and Provincial Minister of Environment and Tourism, representing the North Darfur State Governor, Mr ADAM MOHAMED HAMID NAHLA remarked that having been personally in Rwanda in the recent past, there is no wonder to see what Rwandans are doing wherever they are.

    That, although Rwanda is geographically very small country, it is humanitarian wise a great one.

    On behalf of the UNAMID leadership, the Force Commander, Lt Gen Patrick NYAMVUMBA presided over the handover ceremonies in KABKABIYA, SARAF UMRA, and El FASHER, all in North Darfur.

    On one side, the Force Commander praised the cooperation that exists between UNAMID and the local community; and on the other side he commended the Rwandan Peacekeepers that work hard to make a difference in the lives of the needy.

    He reiterated the commitment of UNAMID in providing everything possible within their means in supporting the local community, and especially the young generation to live and grow in a better environment.

  • Kagame Meets Christian Leaders Over Abortion Bill

    President Paul Kagame yesterday received representatives of Christian churches following their request to meet him over the ongoing debate regarding abortion in the penal code.

    Parliament recently proposed exceptions to the law that criminalizes abortion.

    Commenting on today’s discussion Bishop Smaragde Mbonyintege, President of the Rwanda Episcopal Conference (CEPR), who led the delegation, said he was pleased that President Kagame had responded positively to their request for dialogue on the important issue of abortion, which he attributed to the culture of good governance that characterises Rwanda today:

    “We will partner with the government on initiatives to prevent unplanned pregnancies and offer our support and guidance to women who conceive as a result of sexual abuse. However, we recognize that ultimately, the choice of whether or not to proceed with the pregnancy belongs to the woman”.

    Minister of Local Government, James Musoni who attended the meeting described the discussion with the religious leaders as constructive;

    “Rwandan law continues to prohibit abortion, except under the circumstances stipulated in the Penal Code. But we agreed today that the rights of all people, including women facing traumatic situations must be respected”.

  • CNLG Commends Repatriation of Uwinkindi

    The National Commission for the fight against Genocide CNLG has commended the repatriation of genocide suspect Jean Uwinkindi to Rwanda for subsequent trial within the Rwanda judiciary.

    Mucyo Jean de Dieu the executive secretary of CNLG notes in a statement; “This is the first time one of the Genocide suspects at the International criminal tribunal at Arusha will be tried in Rwanda.”

    CNLG Commission requests that all genocide perpetrators be pursued and it would be very important if they are brought and tried in Rwanda courts because the genocide crimes were committed in Rwanda.

    CNLG further notes that there are those perpetrators that have already been sentenced at the ICTR-Arusha, the Commission requests that they should be repatriated to Rwanda to complete their sentences in Rwanda.

    The CNLG commission also requests those perpetrators whose cases are still being heard at ICTR should also be brought to Rwanda as well to continue with their case proceedings within Rwanda judiciary.

    CNLG calls upon countries providing safe haven to genocide fugitives to deport and hand them over to Rwanda for trial where they committed genocide crimes.

  • CABINET DECISIONS OF 18 APRIL 2012

    Wednesday, 18 April 2012, a Cabinet Meeting, chaired by the President of the Republic, H.E. Paul KAGAME, was convened in URUGWIRO Village.

    1. The Cabinet Meeting approved decisions taken in its earlier meeting of 04/04/2012, after some amendments.

    2. The Cabinet Meeting was briefed on the current status of computerized sharing integration system in Local Government and requested all concerned institutions to further sensitise private operators and the citizens in general to embrace this program.

    3. The Cabinet Meeting was briefed on the status of market food prices and requested all concerned institutions to devise strategies to ensure increased production and availability of sufficient food on markets.

    4. The Cabinet Meeting heard a progress report on jatropha biodiesel production project and requested all concerned institutions to address problems that hinder its progress.

    5. The Cabinet Meeting was briefed on the operationalisation of the Kigali National Library and commended the progress made since it started operating. The Cabinet Meeting requested all concerned parties to speed up completion of unfinished stages and encouraged people to acquire a reading culture.

    6. The Cabinet Meeting was briefed on fertilizer access program and its sustainability and requested beneficiary farmers to pay for their fertilizers on time.

    7. The Cabinet Meeting approved a Declaration accepting the competence of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to receive petitions involving the Republic of Rwanda, filed by individuals and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with observer status before the African Commission of Human and Peoples’ Rights.

    8. The Cabinet Meeting approved the following draft laws:
    – Draft Law establishing the Rwanda Management Institute (RMI) and determining its responsibilities, organization and functioning;

    – Draft Law governing architecture and engineering services in Rwanda;

    – Draft law modifying and complementing law no 16/2005 of 18/08/2005 on direct taxes on income.

    9. The Cabinet Meeting approved the following orders:
    – Prime Minister’s Order determining the mission, functions, organizational structure, and summary of job positions in the Prime Minister’s Office;
    – Prime Minister’s Order determining the mission, functions, organizational structure, and summary of job positions in Rwanda Public Procurement Authority(RPPA);
    – Prime Minister’s Order removing from office Ms. MUKAMBERUKA Consolée, the Prosecutor at the Primary Level of MUHANGA for abandonment of office;
    – Ministerial Order determining a sitting allowance for members of the Executive Council of National Women’s Council (NWC) at national level attending ordinary meetings;

    – Ministerial Order establishing Arbitration rules for the Kigali International Arbitration Centre;

    – Ministerial Order determining the denomination of Public Roads in Kigali City.

    10. The Cabinet Meeting submitted the candidacy of Mr. MUTSINZI Jean for the post of Judge in the African Court on Human and People’s Rights and requested renewal of his term of office for an additional three years.

    11. The Cabinet Meeting appointed staff as follows:

    1) IN THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION
    COMMISSIONERS

    – Mr. HAVUGIYAREMYE Aimable, Vice-Chairperson
    – Ms. Judith MBABAZI, Executive Secretary
    – Mr. Robert Ssali
    – Ms. Alice KAGOYIRE,
    – Ms. Claudine NYIRAMIKENKE,
    – Ms. Loyce BAMWINE.

    2) IN THE NATIONAL PUBLIC PROSECUTION AUTHORITY

    Prosecutor at the Intermediate Level:

    • Mr. BUTERA Oscar : Chief Prosecutor at the Intermediate Level;

    • Mr. RUGEMA Jean Claude : Prosecutor at the Intermediate Level ;

    Prosecutors at Primary Level :

    – Mr. RWABAHIZI Theogene;

    – Ms. MUKANKUSI Grace;

    – Ms. BATETA Jeanne;

    – Ms. DUSABE Charlotte;

    – Mr. UWAYEZU Jean de Dieu;

    Team of Prosecutors at National Level
    – Ms. NIYONKURU Francoise;
    – Mr. MUNYANEZA NKWAYA Eric;
    – Mr. AFRICA Frederic.
    3) IN THE SUPREME COURT

    Intermediate Court of Karongi

    Ms. NAMARA Kellen: Internal Resource Manager

    4) IN MINECOFIN

    Mr. KABERA Godfrey: Director of Policy Evaluation and Research Unit

    5) IN THE NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION AGENCY (NIDA)

    Mr. NYAMURINDA Pascal: Director General

    12. In A.O.B.:

    a) The Prime Minister informed the Cabinet Meeting of his recent visit to the Districts of Rubavu, Nyabihu and Musanze on 14.04.2012, following severe rains of 11th – 12th April, 2012 which caused floods in the area leading to the death of 5 people, destruction of 176 houses and crops on Ha 876.

    The Cabinet Meeting approved strategies to support victims of the floods according to their needs (Shelter, food, water and medicine) and prevent future calamities at all national administrative levels.

    b) The Minister of Internal Security informed the Cabinet Meeting that starting from Monday, 23.04.2012, the Rwanda National Police will follow up on Road Traffic offences that would lead to the confiscation of vehicles or revoking of one’s driving permit.

    He also informed the Cabinet Meeting that jointly with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Rwanda will host a meeting of the Regional Center on Small Arms (RECSA) Focal Points on 03-04/05/2012, with a view to organize an International conference on management of Small Arms.

    c) The Minister for East African Community informed the Cabinet meeting that the 10th Extraordinary EAC Summit of Heads of State is scheduled to take place in Arusha, Tanzania on 28th April, 2012 and will be chaired by President Mwai KIBAKI of the Republic of Kenya, and current Chairperson of the EAC Summit of Heads of State.
    She also informed the Cabinet Meeting that on the 07th May, 2012 Rwanda will host the EAC Speakers of Parliament forum and also serve as the Secretariat.

    d) The Minister for Trade and Industry informed the Cabinet meeting that this year’s Kigali Agricultural Show is scheduled from 4th to 10th June 2012. The Show is organised annually to exhibit innovations and best practices in the agriculture sector.

    This year’s theme is: “Accelerating Agricultural Transformation by Promoting Agro Processing Industries and Post Harvest Technologies”.

    e) The Minister of Youth, Information and Communication Technologies informed the Cabinet Meeting of planned trainings for the youth aimed at equipping them with skills to start viable businesses and enhance self-employment opportunities.

    This statement is signed by Hon. MUSONI Protais, Minister in Charge of Cabinet Affairs.

  • Jean Uwinkindi Arrives for Trial in Rwanda

    wew.jpg
    Embattled Genocide suspect pastor Jean Uwinkindi has arrived in Kigali-Rwanda aboard Rwandair.

    Alain Mukurarinda Spokesperson of the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) said, “NPPA would like to thank the ICTR generally for the significant vote of confidence it has given to the Rwandan justice system, and for the smooth execution of this transfer.”

    Uwinkindi’s lawyer Claver Sindayigaya had petitioned the Appeals Chamber of the ICTR to stay at the Arusha facility citing recent developments in opposition leader Victoire Ingabire’s case before the High Court in Rwanda.

    Sindayigaya had alleged that compelling evidence had come to the light that the prosecution authority has acted in a manner inconsistent with respect for the defendant’s fair trial and, at the same time, the High Court before which Uwinkindi’s case would be heard has permitted such serious violations of rights to go unchecked.

  • NEC Volunteers Donate Cows to Genocide Survivors

    The National Electoral Commission (NEC) volunteers in HUye and Gisagara districts have offered six cows to survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi aimed at supporting them to improve their lives.

    This was also accompanied by the renovation of Genocide memorial sites on 18th April at Ruhashya in Huye district and Gishubi in Gisagara district of southern province.

    Vicent Karekezi 54, was given a cow. He commends especially President Paul Kagame for this one-cow per family program which has transformed their lives and hope for a brighter future.

    Kagabo Sylvestre the coordinator of Electoral commission in Huye-Gisagara thanked the volunteers for their selfless act.

  • Police Arrests Man over Bribe

    Police in Karongi district has arrested Theodore Ndagijimana after he was found bribing Police officers with Frw 600,000.

    The incident took place at Kyakigezi technical school located in Kiniha cell, Bwishyura sector Karongi district during a driving license exam.

    Ndagijimana attempted to offer the bribe to enable four people including one of the employees of Hope driving school to pass the exam without sitting for it.

    Ndagijimana is currently held at Bwishyura Police station as he waits to be produced in court to answer corruption charges.

  • Fastest-Growing Economies in the World Now in Africa

    The World Bank has reported that Sub-Saharan African economies will experience faster growth in 2012 as still high commodity prices and investments in mining offset the drag from weak exports to Europe.

    The World Bank estimated growth in sub-Sahara Africa rising 5.2% in 2012, which will be an acceleration from the 4.9% expansion logged in 2011.
    This comes the Bank’s twice-yearly analysis of the issues shaping Africa’s economic prospects.

    That would take growth in the regional economy just above the pre-crisis average of 5 %. The estimate is a touch below the International Monetary Fund’s forecast for 5.4 % growth this year.

    “African economies continue to show resilience and some of the fastest-growing economies in the world are now in Africa,” said Obiageli Ezekwesili, the World Bank’s vice president for Africa.

    “The urgent agenda remains sustaining the macroeconomic reforms while accelerating the structural reforms that will deliver the right quality of growth that creates jobs and raises incomes on the continent.”

    Dr. Hussein Abdul the Director of Action Aid Nigeria says that African Leaders celebrate growth yet this doesn’t translate into poverty reduction. He says Poverty levels are still high and that there has been minimal transition
    Hussein blames World Bank Economists saying they rely mostly on figures and never take a look at People on gorund.

    However, the Bank noted that the regional economy was vulnerable to commodity price declines, given the cooling in Chinese growth. Commodities account for 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s exports.

    But the region has become a magnate for capital inflows as the debt crisis in Europe forces investors to find other places for their money.

    According to the Bank, capital flows to sub-Saharan Africa rose by $8 billion in 2011 to $48.2 billion. Foreign direct investment, which accounts for about 77% of all capital flows to the region, contributed to about 83% of the increase.

    “Recent foreign direct investment to the region has been spurred by increased global competition for natural resources, higher commodity prices, robust economic growth and a fast rising middle class,” says the Bank.

  • Rwanda Recieves Warrant For Charles Sikubwabo Arrest

    Rwanda has received Arrest warrant papers for Charles Sikubwabo for his role in the 1994 Genocide against ethnic Tutsi.

    This was revealed by the Martin Ngoga the National prosecutor General who presented Sikubwabo arrest warrant papers to the Media.

    The arrest warrant papers were handed to Rwanda by the representative of the International criminal tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).

    Sikubwabo is a former Mayor of the Gishyita commune in the Kibuye prefecture. He is wanted for taking part in the Rwandan Genocide in the early 1990s.

    While serving as Mayor, Sikubwabo directed communal and national police in hunting down refugees who had fled there.

    He is said to have taken part personally in an attack on a church where refugees had sought sanctuary and more than 2,000 people were killed.

    For these and other crimes the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the ICTR, indicted Sikubwabo on charges of genocide and war crimes and issued a warrant for his arrest.

    Sikubwabo fled Rwanda in July 1994 and is believed to be living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    He(pictured below) is currently believed to be living in Norway.
    charlessikuwabo2.jpg

  • 100 Days to The Olympic Games in London

    In just 100 days time, the 2012 Olympics will open in London – a spectacular start to the greatest show on earth. We want to share these fantastic Olympic and Paralympic games with the people of Rwanda and that’s why my message to you today is this: “welcome”.

    These games – and this summer – will be a proud moment for Britain. We will not only be staging what we’re determined will be the best Olympics ever, but also celebrating the 60-year reign of Her Majesty the Queen–the second longest-serving monarch on the planet. It’s a very special time for our country and we want to share it with the people of Rwanda.

    I know Britain will be looking its best. We’ve built brilliant new venues – on time and within budget. We’ve got our city ready, our transport systems in place, and we are looking forward to welcoming the world.

    What will London 2012 offer? My view is that these games are about two things. Yes, sport will be at the heart of this great competition. We will see world records broken, memories created and new friendships begun during the games themselves.

    But when the events are over and the medals handed out, I am determined that these Olympics will go on changing lives for the better.

    This legacy is vital. When we won our bid, Jacques Rogge, the President of the International Olympic Committee, talked about the “distinctive magic” that the UK will breathe into the 2012 Games – and we’ve been making sure it happens.

    As the only city to be awarded the Olympics three times, we’ll be holding the games in a great tradition.

    In 1908 the modern Olympics came of age in London – the city where Olympic athletes paraded under their national flags for the first time. The route of the marathon – 26 miles, 385 yards – was set so that the race would start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of the stadium’s Royal Box, and that is the distance that has been used worldwide ever since.

    Then, in 1948, the Games took place in the shadow of a devastating world war. Yet London succeeded in bringing countries together to celebrate the Olympic ideals of friendship and international community. More than that, they created new opportunities for women in sport, pioneered the Olympic volunteering movement, and laid the foundations for the modern Paralympic Games.

    And this summer, when athletes and visitors arrive, they’ll find a whole new quarter of London around the Olympic Park, in the east of the city. It’s been a powerhouse of regeneration, and when the games are over it will be the site of new homes, business and jobs.

    We’ve led the way with new methods of design and construction, using low-carbon technologies to make London 2012 the first truly sustainable Games.
    And by investing in new sporting facilities and establishing a new ‘School Games’ competition in schools all around the country, we’re inspiring new generations of young people to experience the joys and benefits of sport.

    But the legacy of London 2012 is not limited to the Britain. The International Inspiration programme is creating opportunities for more than 12 million people in 20 countries around the world.

    Not only is it allowing more young people to enjoy sport today, but it is also helping to change the way these countries promote sport in schools and across society for the long term. It’s a great example of how determined we are to ensure that every nation, and not just the UK, can share in the inspiration of 2012.

    So I want these games to be about more than just welcoming athletes to London for a single summer. We want to build new and lasting links between Rwanda and Britain.

    If you are a student or academic, is a chance to find out more about a country which has four of the top ten universities in the world, and more than 75 Nobel prizes for science and technology alone.

    If you are an entrepreneur or investor, London 2012 is a chance to discover new opportunities in a country which has the fewest barriers to entrepreneurship in the world.

    And if you are a tourist or visitor, it is a chance to experience Britain’s unique blend of the old and the new – the history and heritage of our castles, landscapes and royal houses alongside the cutting-edge culture of our music and art, our theatre and fashion.

    Great sport. Great business. Great culture.

    Hosting the London 2012 Games is a tremendous honour. We want to make it a great moment for Britain, and we are looking forward to welcoming the world to be part of it.

    The Author is UK Prime Minister