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Kibungo Police is holding Clementine Nyiransengimana who is also contemplating suicide after throwing her three day old baby girl in a pit latrine.

The embattled mother admits that she threw her baby due to stress from her boyfriend Jean Claude Habimana who harassed her for alleged promiscuity.

“He rejected the baby because she didn’t look like him, so I got worried of how to raise her alone,” she said.

The baby who was recovered dead at a latrine in Mutanderi center is the second child Nyiransengimana has allegedly had with the same boyfriend who currently in another relationship.

“He agreed to have fathered our first child but I wonder why he bothered me on this new one. He always insults me calling me all sorts of bad names. That’s why I couldn’t take it,” she disclosed.

After throwing the kid in the pit latrine, Nyiransengimana rushed to the hospital for malaria treatment.

However, the doctor who attended to her got curious of the absence of her newly born child indicated on her medical report and decided to call the police after she failed to give the physician convincing reasons on the kid’s whereabouts.

It is then the police mounted a search within Kibungo town and found the kid dead in a pit latrine.

Currently she is being detained and might get a life sentence if found guilty.

However, Nyiransengimana is not willing to wait until the judgment day and prefers to die due to shame.

“I admit I threw my kid away and I caution others never to try this unGodly act. That’s why I deserve to die,” she said.

Bellow is the Message to all Rwandans from President Paul Kagame in its verbatim, He wishes all Rwandan Peace, Success and Progress.

-Fellow Rwandans;
-Inhabitants of Rwanda;
-Friends of Rwanda;

On my behalf and on behalf of my family and the Government of Rwanda, I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year. May it be a year of peace, success and progress.

Last year, we worked together and achieved a lot in various facets of our country’s development: in our economy, social sector, good governance, and in the justice sector. I wish to convey my gratitude to you for that.

This way of working together, based on our development plan, is what has brought our country this far and should characterize all our future actions.

We should all be encouraged by the good level of economic growth that we have attained and the impact this has had on all Rwandans, irrespective of where they live.

Despite the global economic turmoil, our economy grew by 8.8% and inflation was contained at 7.4% in November last year, when inflation levels in other parts of our region were around 20%. We also managed to maintain our monetary stability.

We should also be pleased that we have continued to make it easy to do business in Rwanda.

In the last three years, we moved from 143rd position out of 183 countries to 45th in the world and 3rd in Africa.

Programmes that aim to uplift the needy in our society are ongoing and have benefitted almost all of them.

We shall intensify them and ensure that they reach everyone as soon as possible.

We will achieve this by building on the solid foundation of peace and security in our country.

We will work on ensuring an environment where all Rwandans will be able to create their own employment or get jobs in order cater for themselves and their families; where those in agriculture are self-sufficient and even produce for markets.

Those in need of health care will have easy access and all Rwandan children will be able to go to school.

I take this opportunity to thank all Rwandans, including our army and police, who participated in building classrooms for the nine and twelve-year basic education programme.

I also wish to thank all Rwandans for their continued confidence in each other and in our governance institutions. This is part of the ongoing development process in our country.

We should endeavour to promote homegrown solutions to our challenges drawing first from our own means and capacity so that this becomes part and parcel of our culture. This will surely earn us the dignity that we deserve.

Let me also say that in the last year, we continued to build good diplomatic relations with other countries, starting with our neighbours, the rest of Africa, Europe, America, Asia, and others.

This is in line with our government’s policy aimed at building partnership and cooperation with the rest of the world.

• Fellow Rwandans;
• Friends of Rwanda;

Let me conclude by reiterating that we have made good progress.

Let us start the new year with renewed energy, determined to work even harder and smarter, and with resolve to be permanently self-reliant.

This is my wish for all Rwandans in the coming year.

Once again, I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year, full of blessings and actions that advance our development.

From different homes, to the streets, inside bars, restaurants and hotels, every Rwandan is excited to usher in New Year 2012.

Different Christians have flocked their respective churches and different places in a joint fellowship like National Stadium to pray for peace, stability and prosperity in Rwanda and across the region.

Almost nobody is left indoor except reporters who are now sitting down to their computers filing in stories.

The old people, boys and girls, women and men, families have disbursed themselves to different areas celebrating in their own styles.

Many have vowed not slumber until they see the seconds hand click on the minute to see 2012 ushering in.

Different local and regional artists have organized concerts in different joints, some sponsored by hotels, or bars to entertain their customers while others are launching their albums, it’s extremely at high nod -the best of ecstasy.

Still deciding how to spend the last night of 2011? There are parties raging throughout Kigali with security personnel on high alert.

Kigali is always happening on New Year’s Eve. Jubilant crowds party as they shake off the old year and welcome the new one with lots of fanfare – nonstop music, dances, and spectacular fireworks.

New Year’s Eve parting in Rwanda is the most celebrated event where until the wee hours of the next morning, people still in the mood.

The East African Promoters have organized the East African Party at the Expo Ground in Gikondo attracting superstars in the region.

The party kicked off at 7p.m. where lots of funs have gone to have time with their idols not minding tickets sold at Rwf2000 (ordinary section) and Rwf5000 (VIP section).

The party features top local artistes, such as Jay Polly, Kitoko, Tom Close, King James, Riderman, Uncle Austin, Knowles and Dream Boyz.

Canada-based Rwandan artistes Frankie Joe and Dady Cassanova, alias Dady Cassa, are also expected to be on the stage.

Equally expected are stars Kidum (Kenya-based Burundian artiste) and Flavor (Nigeria); both of whom have vowed to rock concertgoers into the New Year 2012.

The grand annual end-of-year party, Happy People Party, is also set at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (Minaffet) Gardens in Kimihurura, Kigali.

This time, the party, famous for its fireworks displays will bring South Africa’s DJ Bego, who will play alongside Rwanda’s DJ Karim, at Quelque Part Bar & Restaurant and Sundowner in Kigali.

DJ Bego, a resident DJ at Club Hush (Ex-Moloko) in Johannesburg, South Africa, replaces Kenyan DJ Styles, who graced the previous three editions of the New Year’s Eve main bash.

Ugandan artiste Jose Chameleon will stage his end-of-year performances in Kigali at The Manor Hotel in Nyarutarama.

ENDS

Léon Mugesera could finally face deportation to Rwanda on January 12. This comes almost eight years after the Supreme Court of Canada unanimously ruled that he is inadmissible to stay in Canada because he helped incite the Rwandan Tutsi genocide.

But the Quebec City resident, who has been fighting expulsion from Canada since 1995 and has been in legal limbo since the 2005 Supreme Court decision, is circulating an email to drum up support from friends – and he has hired a lawyer to launch more legal action.

Mugesera said he received notice from the Citizenship and Immigration department in early December that his time in Canada is fast running out.

He remained in Canada tenuously since being stripped of his permanent resident status for his role in the 1994 Tutsi genocide.He argues he would face persecution and torture if he is sent back to Rwanda.

He hired lawyer Johanne Doyon to attempt to quash the latest decision, but in the meantime was told by the Canada Border Services Agency, which carries out expulsions, that his deportation is imminent.

“This means that the Federal Court could render its decision at a time when I am already under torture and facing an atrocious death at the hands of my political enemies in power in Rwanda,” Mugesera wrote in the email.

“I would thank you if you could act on my behalf as urgently as possible. I am very uncomfortable asking you this during the holiday period.”

Doyon, who began representing Mugesera in mid-December, called the short notice of the deportation date “unbelievable” and is preparing a motion for a stay to suspend the deportation while he fights another round.

“We got notice on Dec. 27, oral notice, that the deportation was Jan. 6. We called back and said a week and a half is not reasonable,” she said, noting the date was then moved up to Jan. 12. “He arrived here (20) years ago, it’s shocking the rush of this.”

Doyon said the government is not providing enough time to seek a judicial review to quash the most recent decision and stay the deportation.

“The file is years and years, boxes and boxes, it’s not possible to challenge the decision in such a short time,” Doyon said.

“His argument is a matter of life and death and persecution. Enemies use allegations of genocide to apply torture and persecution. He has valid grounds to challenge.”

Although the Supreme Court long ago branded Mugesera persona non grata, she said there are new legal issues at stake in his renewed legal bid that could see his case come full circle.

“Being inadmissible under the law on immigration and losing your permanent residency status is one thing. That point has been decided,” Doyon said.

“Being repatriated to your country of origin and being at risk of persecution or cruel and inhumane treatment is another thing – completely different legally and practically speaking. The Supreme Court has never ruled on that.”

Mugesera’s fate has remained uncertain for the better part of a decade while he sought final recourse with a pre-removal risk assessment. Carried out by senior officials at the Department of Citizenship and Immigration, PRRAs are a stay of deportation available to anyone ordered removed from Canada, including war criminals and terrorists, if they believe they could face death or torture if repatriated. The decisions are not public but can be appealed in Federal Court.

While the years have ticked by, Rwanda’s ambassador to Canada has demanded Mugesera’s return so he can face justice as the country seeks to come to terms with the 1994 genocide through a series of war crimes tribunals. Rwandan victims of the genocide in Canada also have grown frustrated with the slow process to rid Canada of a painful reminder of the slaughter.

Mugesera is wanted to stand trial in Rwanda for a 1992 speech widely viewed as a clarion call to the genocide in which he called ethnic Tutsis “cockroaches” and stated: “Anyone whose neck you do not cut is the one who will cut your neck.”

In his speech, rebroadcast at the height of the 1994 bloodbath, he referred to Tutsis using an ethnic slur, and advocated throwing them into the Nyabarongo River – a veiled reference to a 1959 mass murder of 20,000 Tutsis.

However, Mugesera has long argued his political enemies are out for revenge that would be exacted once he sets foot in Rwanda.

The Canada Border Services Agency would not comment specifically on Mugesera’s case, but said the government is committed to ensuring those involved in crimes against humanity are not given safe haven in Canada.

“It is the CBSA’s responsibility to enforce the law. The removal of inadmissible individuals is key to maintaining the integrity of the immigration program and to ensuring fairness for those who come to this country lawfully,” said spokesperson Esmé Bailey.

“Everyone ordered removed from Canada is entitled to due process before the law and all removal orders are subject to various levels of appeal.”

source:Montreal Gazette

160 Rwanda police officers of first contingent deployed in Haiti have returned home after completing a nine-month mission under the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) since March.

The police officers belonging to the Formed Police Unit 1 (FPU1) deployed in Jérémie Town, South of the Caribbean, touched ground Saturday at Kigali International Airport at about 2:00am aboard RwandAir.

The Inspector General of police, Emmanuel K. Gasana received the officers at the police general headquarters at Kacyiru commending them for successfully accomplishing their task.

“Your contribution towards restoring security in Haiti has lifted Rwanda’s image high,” noted Gasana.

The police Boss told the officers that stabilizing the country, following the 1994 bloody period of Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda’s security organs took the lead to help other countries retain peace and security.

“Security is the only way to go. Development cannot be attained without security; security is a priority, followed by good governance, which results into sustainable development,” Gasana observed.

Gasana explained that Rwanda National Police has also embarked on collective security with other security organs in other countries aimed at fighting transnational crimes.

Chief Supt. Egide Ruzigamanzi, FPU1 contingent Commander said that apart from promoting peace and security in Haiti, they also introduced community work, commonly known as Umuganda.

“Haitians cheerfully welcomed the idea and now Umuganda is part of their monthly activities,” said Ruzigamanzi.

Ruzigamanzi explained that FPU1 acquired more skills after interacting with Police Officers from other countries, which he said, will help them to effectively execute their duties back home.

Police officers from 53 countries are part of the UN mission in Haiti.

North Korea’s new leader, Kim Jong-un, has risen to the supreme commander of the communist nation’s massive armed forces, state media reported Saturday, a strong indication that the young son of late leader Kim Jong-il is solidifying power.

The Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers’ Party met Friday and “proclaimed that the dear respected Kim Jong-un assumed the supreme commandership of the Korean People’s Army according to the behest of leader Kim Jong-il on Oct. 8.”

The commandership is one of the titles that the late leader held before he died due to a heart attack on Dec. 17, along with the general secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party and the chairman of the National Defense Commission.

Kim Jong-un, believed to be in his late 20s, is expected to assume the other posts as well.

North Korea’s 1.19 million-strong military is one of the world’s largest.

Friday’s politburo meeting also “underlined the need to hold Kim Jong-un in high esteem as the only center of unity, cohesion and leadership of the WPK (Workers’ Party of Korea), devotedly defend him politically and ideologically, and give fuller play to the might of the political and ideological power,” KCNA said.

The late leader, who took over North Korea after the 1994 death of his father and national founder Kim Il-sung, had been grooming the third son as a successor, promoting him to the rank of a four-star general and naming him vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party.

On Saturday, the North said it will issue gold and silver coins to mark the 20th anniversary of late leader’s 1991 ascension to the supreme commandership, saying the move is to keep the late leader’s “immortal achievements shining through generations.”

The Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly made the decision, praising the late leader for making North Korea “an invincible military power” with nuclear weapons that no enemy can dare touch under his “songun” or military-first leadership.

The North also stepped up threats against the South.

In “joint calls” of the Central Committee and the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party, the North said it will turn South Korea’s presidential office “Cheong Wa Dae and the stronghold of aggression into a sea of fire and accomplish the historic cause of national reunification without fail if the enemies dare mount an attack,” according to KCNA.

The threat came a day after the North’s National Defense Commission said it “will have no dealings with the (South Korean President) Lee Myung-bak group of traitors forever,” a statement that appears to suggest that Pyongyang’s policy toward the South will remain unchanged.

The North’s commission issued the statement, accusing the South of banning its people from visiting Pyongyang to offer condolences and of seeking to drive a wedge between ordinary North Koreans and the North’s leadership over Kim’s death.

Relations between the two Koreas frayed after Lee took office in early 2008 with pledges to halt aid and link future assistance to progress in efforts to end North Korea’s nuclear programs.

The ties were further stretched after the North launched two deadly attacks on the South last year.

Kigali city waste management specialists are currently having sleepless nights identifying where a tentative waste site will be allocated.

Several sites have been visited both in Nyarugenge and Gasabo Districts and they are yet to give technical report for approval.

“We are actually from visiting one of the sites, we have identified so we are going to put down all technicalities for considerations before approving one site,” John Mugabo the waste Management Expert has told IGIHE.com by cell phone.

The tentative site will be used instead of Nyanza waste site in Kicukiro District before the permanent waste site will be identified in the Kigali City Master Plan.

Last week, the Prime Minister Pierre Damien Habumuremyi gave an ultimatum to Kigali City Authorities to look for another site and close the current Nyanza based waste site.

“What we are now doing is getting a tentative waste site so as to shift from that of Kicukiro District to either Nyarugenge or Gasabo Districts, we will get one site before Kigali master plan is fully implemented,” Mugabo added.

Nyanza garbage site which is a home of tones and tones of garbage dumped there had become a health hazard for the nearby dwellers with risk of getting contagious diseases.

Nearby dwellers had begun complaining to authorities that when the rain falls, it makes the whole area stink and water carrying garbage through residents.

Former Mayor William Ntidendereza had warned over possible health hazards that could emanate from Nyanza garbage site.

“Although there is no study yet conducted on its likely health hazards, we can’t rule out possibility of it being a threat to nearby residents,” Ntidendereza said in 2007 when he was still a mayor before replaced by the incumbent Jules Ndamage in 2008.

Though there is no detailed study of the Nyanza garbage dumping site, between 300-350 tons per day.

It was officially opened as the cities dumping site in 2003 having started in 1988.

ENDS

Kicukiro Investment Group has announced to build a modern shopping mall worth Rwf 4.4bn by the beginning of next year.

A privately owned mall by ten Rwandan businessmen will begin constructed January next year and tends to be completed in one a period of one year.

It will host banks, insurances, modern bars, restaurants facilities, have modern parking and other modern facilities that will provide good services to the residents.

“It’s going to change the environment, it will bring growth in the area increasing tax at the District, create Jobs and bringing services nearer to the residents,” Paul Jules Ndamage the Mayor of Kicukiro District has said.

The mall is estimated to have the capacity to host an estimation of over 5000 traders and hundreds of jobs will be created according to business analysts.

According to Ndamage, the new shopping mall falls into the categories of the available ones like the popular Rujugiro building UTC, Kigali City Tower and the one built where the Nyarugenge market was located.

Ndamage says it also fits in the Kigali City master plan and that was a successful venture from the regular call for investors to develop the area.

Kicukiro Investment Group is made up of ten Rwandan potential businessmen dealing in different businesses including construction.

The mall will be built where the current market at Kicukiro center is located. The traders now working in the market will be allocated and integrated in the Ziniya and Kabeza market.

However they have fear that they will be charged high tariffs saying that some of them have cheap commodities with low capital commodities like greens, tomatoes and other commodities.

“No no no they will not be cheated, we shall have an understanding with the owners of the markets not to put high tarrifs,” Ndamage added.

ENDS

Ministry of Health will prioritize fighting malnutrition in the year 2012, a press statement has indicated.

The Ministry will also put more emphasis in fighting poor hygiene and poor customer care next year.

“If we can collectively struggle to improve hygiene levels in the country, we will have managed to save a substantial amount of money we spend on diseases related to poor hygiene. This money can be channeled to other crucial areas within our sector,” Dr. Agnes Binagwaho the Minister of Health said in a statement.

Dr. Binagwaho also highlighted some challenges faced in the sector that include need for more health infrastructure across the country, lack of adequate human resources like specialized experts and limited resources to address all these challenges.

The Minister has also promised to be holding a quarterly press conference to share with the public progress made within the sector.

According to the statement, over 80% of Rwandans in categories two and three of the new mutuelle policy have so far made their annual contribution to this health insurance scheme largely aimed at bringing equity and accessibility to affordable health care.

Binagwaho attributed this quick response to the value and contribution that Rwandans have seen in this health insurance scheme.

Only 24% of Rwandans fall under category 1 of Mutuelle policy and their contributions will be catered for by the government since they fall largely within the abject poverty level.

The remaining percentage of population is within categories 2 and 3 and is obliged to make their own contribution, at least not later than January 31, 2012.
“The adherence to the new policy on mutuelle de santé is very impressive” the Minister said.

“Even in some areas where we had some problems on data verification, these issues have been resolved well and population is responding positively.”

Binagwaho says a lot of achievements this year, included construction of new infrastructure across the country, improvement in quality of services offered, successful roll out of a new policy on health insurance and setting the course for attaining all major health indicators and targets within vision 2020 and MDGs.

Minister Binagwaho particularly pointed out some success stories such as the fight against malaria and HIV/AIDS, reduction by more than half in both cases and deaths resulting from Maternal and child mortality.

Immunization coverage of up to 90 percent of Rwandan children against 9 killer diseases and the growing number of Rwandan mothers giving birth from a health facility.

She said that because of numerous interventions aimed at fighting and eliminating some killer diseases, life expectancy in Rwanda had tremendously improved.

Therefore, as more and more Rwandans live longer, the sector was now concentrating on how to provide more specialized care for for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like Cancer and Diabetes.

“All the success stories we see in the sector today are a result of a committed leadership we have right from the top, that is eager to bring dignity to the lives of every Rwandan,” the Minister said.

“The cadres of the health sector have also been outstanding in their delivery.”

ENDS