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  • Is it Minister’s lie or crook investor?

    Probably anyone who is concerned by his country’s stable development is now anxiously waiting for the findings of the Adhoc committee set by the parliament recently to probe two controversial projects of energy and water.

    The two controversial projects include Rukarara hydro power project in Nyamagabe in Southern Province and Mutobo water project.

    The time it came to my notice that two ministers from Infrastructure had been summoned to elucidate the status of energy and water in the country, I waited as if time will never come.

    That particular day, I made sure I follow the presentations both ministers would provide to parliament; which were quite impressing in terms of good speech.

    If it was rewarding the best speech writers, my God all rewards -but still it left lawmakers who probably were also waiting for the day with all arms open with dissatisfaction.

    First was the Minister of Infrastructure Albert Nsengiyumva who gave an over view of both sectors and right from the first letter as he read his speech, it was full of hope with most mentioned phrases coming with excellence.

    He mentioned that a number of energy projects were in progress and several other were underway including Rukarara hydro power project of which lawmakers refuted saying that the controversial Rukarara hydro power project was not producing the expected Megawatts of 9.5MW to boost the national electricity grid.

    State Minister in charge of energy and water Emma Franciose Isumbingabo also addressed the house with a contradicting statement that Rukarara hydro power plant was producing only 9 instead of 9.5MW and challenged by some lawmakers who had previously visited the project in Nyamagabe District, Southern Province.

    One MP confidently said Rukarara hydro power plant has only two functioning turbines which currently produce only 5.2MW and that after testing a third turbine, it could produce 2MW which simply means only 7.2MW can be produced from the hydro plant.

    The disappointed MP asked the state minister to tell the truth pin pointing that the state minister Isumbingabo had visited the project and was aware of the non-functioning turbine and the overall capacity that did not match with the expected watts recorded in the feasibility study.

    As if it was not enough, Isumbingabo proudly said water accessibility was at 80% in the country of which the whole house reacted with voices of discontentment.

    One lawmaker wondered how possible water accessibility can be 80% yet in Kigali alone many places spend almost two weeks with water breakdown and some areas spending six months with no water while others spending two or more years with water scarcity.

    “Eighty percent !!!, one law maker wondered while asking her fellow lawmakers “do you believe this is possible? That would mean 8 million people in this country have access to water which is far away from the realities reflected from the ground, I think state minister should revise her statistics and tell us the truth because what she says is reflected on the ground,”

    Seven lawmakers have been selected to investigate the two controversial project of water energy especially the construction of Rukarara Hydro Power Plant as well as Mutobo Water Project.

    The team is headed by Evode Kalima, the deputy chairperson of the standing committee on public accounts, assisted by Aurelie Gahongayire.

    Other members are Charles Kamanda, Theobald Mporanyi, Emmanuel Gatera, Liberatha Mukarindiro, and Fortunee Nyiramadirida.

    By the end of this month, the adhoc committee may come up with the findings expected to be announced to the parliament and the public at large.

    It will also investigate the Ministry of Infrastructure and other departments concerned with the projects, as well as the role of the Ministry of Finance.

    The team also has the powers to request the auditor general’s office to carry out a full audit of the two projects.

    Ends

  • Private Media Attacks Government Over Advertisements

    Local private media has attacked the government for dragging its feet when it comes to have businesses with them through advertising in their media outlets.

    Journalists and media owners were reacting on what a board member of Media High Council Arthur Asiimwe comment saying they should ensure professional delivery since it would persuade potential clients to advertise with them.

    Members of the private media disagreed collectively with Asiimwe alleging no harder how one would be professional; the strategy of getting advertisements from government institutions was still twisted.

    Shyaka Kanuma the Editor-in-Chief of Rwanda Focus newspaper noted that it is a pity to find government advertisements in magazines or newspapers that have just got into in the media market yet those that have been there also known by the majority are left out.

    “This is one of the reasons why the local media doesn’t have enough income for facilitating reporters in the field for instance, and it is due to this challenges that makes it harder for many to report independently,” he added, ”imagine one can’t even access credit from financial institutions since the paper’s business doesn’t look consistent,” he remarked.

    Attempting to give a solution on the matter, Robens Mukunzi the Editor-in-Chief of Oasis newspaper advised his colleagues to adapt to the Rwandan market and deliver stories which are relevant to the local readers.

    He was reacting to tabloids which are known for writing rumors that lack tangible proof, yet the same style was used to incite violence during the 1994 Genocide 17 years ago.

    The former Director General in the Ministry of information Ignatius Kabagambe was pointed out that media practitioners should strive to report stories that improve readers than finding problems where they don’t exist.

    He Implied that the press should start practicing development journalism that entails stories that cover infrastructure, health and ICT.

    Kabagambe claimed that educative stories often pull the public attention since majority want to know what is important to the progress into their lives.

    “I think the way forward is for journalists to learn some of the best practices from those doing well, this would be better rather than wasting time complaining of how some oppressed feel,” he remarked.

    The local press were sharing grievances and the rising challenges in the print media; the matter raised at the commemoration of Africa press day held today.

    Members of the press present reviewed progress at the same time gave opinions on some of the challenges including lack of access to information, censorship and lack of advertisements to sustain their businesses.

  • Over 67 Million Tree Seeds To Be Planted

    The Minister of Natural Resources, Stanislas Kamanzi has announced that the annual season on the tree planting has started adding that over 67 million tree seeds will be planted countrywide in less than two months left to end the year.

    Kamanzi said that the official launch of the season is set November 19 in Kirehe District, Eastern Province.

    He urged the public that the process of forest planting this time will follow a different methodology saying that trees will be planted closely to each other.

    Kamanzi made the remarks over the weekend during the visit to Gihara p/s in Runda Sector, Kamonyi district, Southern Province where he joined other government officials and residents to plant trees at the school premises.

    The Rwandan Senate President Dr. Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo present at the event called upon the public to concentrate on tree planting program.

    Ntawukuriryayo challenged the residents to plant many trees as they are important in various ways like in environmental protection, fight soil erosion, generate income to the country etc.

    While at the event, the President also called upon the public to match the family planning program along with environmental protection in order to ensure a steady economy.

    The activity was organised by EALA Chamber of Deputies and attracted different top officials including Speaker of the Parliament Rose Mukantabana, Stanislas Kamanzi Minister of Natural Resources, and Monique Mukaruriza Minister in charge of East African Community among others.

    Ends

  • The Animal Kingdom, Justice System and Morality

    New research illustrates natural morality in many animals including monkeys and gorillas.

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    Like human communities, monkeys can distinguish between good and evil and establish justice systems.

    In several instances, humans often assume animals don’t have the ability to think or distinguish between good and evil and that they don’t know about justice or injustice.

    In the Islamic holy book, Qur’an indicates that all creatures have similar characters like our human communities.

    Allah, meaning God says: “There is not a moving (living) creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its wings, but are communities like you. We have neglected nothing in the Book, and then unto their Lord they (all) shall be gathered.” As it is read in Sûrat Al-An’âm- verse 38.

    This verse appeared 1400 years ago at a time when no scientist had made any research about animal kingdom.

    In modern times, a study confirms that monkeys and gorillas have the ability to differentiate between good and evil and hold trials to establish justice within their respective community.

    The monkey or gorilla can sacrifice itself for the others in difficult situations. They have a conscience and the ability to remember.

    The research illustrates that social rules are not only a human characteristic but also monkeys and gorillas have a kind of morality.

    Prophet Hud in Quoran also said “I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but He has the grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path the truth as it says in Sûrat Hûd-verse 56.

    “I am not arguing that non-human primates are moral beings but there is enough evidence for the following of social rules to agree that some of the stepping stones towards human morality can be found in other animals” said Frans De Waal professor of psychology at Emory University in Georgia in the United States.

    In papers presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) De Waal described experiments on monkeys and apes, showing that they understand the idea of fairness.

    The animals were asked to do simple tasks and then rewarded with food or tenderness.

    The rewards were varied, seemingly at random. De Waal found the animals have a keen sense of fairness and objected strongly when others were rewarded more than themselves for the same task, often sulking and refusing to take part any more.

    Another study looked at self-sacrifice in chimps and found they were often willing to help others even when there was no clear reward.

    “Chimpanzees spontaneously help both humans and each other in carefully controlled tests” said De Waal.

    In an exclusive interview with The MDM Wonder lance Digital Magazine in 2011 De Waal said

    “I study chimpanzees, bonobos and other primates mainly to learn more about them, but of course they also tell us something about ourselves. We are primates, after all.”

    “So, a second goal over the years has become to understand human society and how many aspects that we consider complex such as culture, morality, politics actually have roots that can be illustrated by the behavior of other primates.’’

    “For example, chimpanzee males from a hierarchy in which the smallest male may be the leader. How is such a thing possible? It is based on deal making by this male; he is probably more diplomatic than the others, grooms his supporters, gives them bribes and favors, so that when he is challenged by a bigger male he has coalition partners that help him. Such coalitions are part and parcel of human politics, and are now very well documented in chimpanzees both in the field and in zoo settings.” De Waal said.

    Prof. Frans De Waal added, “Other researchers have found the same qualities in capuchin monkeys. This shows, “spontaneous pro social tendencies”, which means they are happy to share food and other things with other monkeys, for the joy of giving”.

    “Everything else being equal, they prefer to reward a companion together with themselves rather than just themselves,” he said.

    The research suggests that giving is self-rewarding for monkeys. The research found primates can remember the researchers who have done them a favor will try to requite them.

    Sûrat Al-Hashr-verse 9 in Quran “But those who before them, had homes (in Medina) and had adopted the faith- show their affection to such as came to them for refuge, and entertain no desire in their hearts for things given to the latter, but give them Preference over themselves, even though poverty was their own lot. And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls- they are the ones that achieve prosperity.”

    Therefore Allah wants human being to help and cooperate with others and animal do the same.

    Ends

  • AERG Is A Group Of Heroes-Defense Minister

    The Minister of Defense Gen. James Kabarebe has told association of students who survived 1994 Genocide (AERG) they were a group of heroes.

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    The Minister, who was officiating the association’s 15th anniversary, said that based on their goals and what they have achieved so far qualified them to be heroes among youth.

    “Regardless of hard circumstances you passed through and still face challenges but you have persisted to forge for the best in life and you have championed unity and reconciliation,” Gen. Kabarebe said in his speech Sunday.

    “I would like also to congratulate you for your efforts to towards the fight against Genocide deniers,” Kabarebe added.

    “We encourage you to be more innovative and be job creators,” he added.

    Kabarebe said that the association was formed at a time the country was facing challenges but the group persevered.

    He called upon for partnerships if problems facing Genocide survivors have to be solved saying that better solutions can only be achieved through cooperate responsibility.

    The association also awarded several personalities who have contributed a lot into their lives including President Paul Kagame who was given a certificate of recognition for his role in leading the Rwandan liberation war and stopping the Genocide.

    The Minister of Defense Gen. James Kabarebe, received the award on behalf of the President.

    Kabarebe told AERG members that President Kagame was committed to keeping assisting them in all ways possible to attain a brighter future.

    The students also awarded city businessman, Egide Gatera, who donated a 1.5 hectare parcel of land at Kagugu, Gasabo District for the construction of the ‘One Dollar Complex’ for survivor children.

    Others awarded include the UK-based Survivors Fund (SURF) and the headmaster of APERER Secondary School, Edson Nsengiyumva, for his role in ensuring that students who survived the Genocide acquired adequate education.

    The association which was formed October 20, 1996 with 12 students at the National University of Rwanda and has since extended to all universities and about 350 secondary schools with membership increase to over 43,000.

    Ends

  • Police launches Anti GBV Guide Book

    Police has launched the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) a guiding booklet about prevention and response to child, domestic, based violence and abuse.

    The booklet will help Police on different approaches while dealing with Gender Based Violence and child abuse, its consequences as well as basic rules of professional victim assistance.

    In his remarks during the launch at Police headquarters at Kacyiru, the Commissioner for Operations, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Emmanuel Butera challenged the police officers saying;

    “You need to perfect your tasks as this guide book shows an active way to build positive relationship and trust with victims hence delivering better services.”

    The Director for Anti GBV directorate at Rwanda National Police, Superintendent Morris Murigo noted that the directorate was put in place to make it easy for GBV victims offer best services contributing to the fight against the menace.

    “You should always give immediate attention to victims and never make them wait when they turn to you for help.” Murigo said.

    The booklet has been availed to district police commanders, district judicial police officers, and station judicial police officers and anti gender based violence officers.

  • Two Men Arrested For Stealing Rwf 5M

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    The National Police has arrested two young men suspected to have stolen approximately Rwf 5 million from their boss, one named Kumar an Indian National.

    In a Police statement, suspects identified as Theogene Hakorimana and Protais Nyandwi allegedly broke into a money safe belonging to Anil Kumar and stole Rwf 4 million and US$ 3000 and fled to Muhanga district, Southern Province.

    The two suspects used part of the money worth Rwf 470,000 to purchase house hold equipments including two televisions, beds, mattresses, sofa sets, subwoofers, kitchen utensils, phones among others before fleeing.
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    The suspects had eluded police for two weeks by switching off their phones but were this weekend nabbed through cooperation between Nyamabuye residents and Police and are currently held at Remera Police station.

    Suspect Hakorimana testifies that he was tempted to take the money in the hopes that he would get a better life.

    “I had not stolen before but I was tempted so I told Nyandwi to come with me since my boss knew him as my brother and would later be used to track me.”

    Kumar after recovering most of the money expressed joy. “I am very happy with Police support. I wouldn’t have recovered the company’s money.”

    He said that the money belonged to Angelique International, where he works as assistant director.

    Police spokesperson Superintendent Theos Badege noted that the arrest was possible due to the existing cooperation between police and the public.

    Badege challenged the public to work hard to improve their livelihoods rather than be drawn into seeking quick riches through crimes such as theft.

    He advised the public to keep large sums of money in banks.

    “People should abstain from keeping large sums of money in their houses as it is prone to theft incidences,” the Police spokesperson advised.

    If found guilty the suspects could be sentenced to between 10 and 15 years in jail.

  • OPINION–Democracy And Elections

    It is true that democratic governance can be based on the presence of “free, fair and regular” elections in our societies, but this entails more fundamental factors that should bring positive changes to that society.

    By simple definition, democracy is the governance of the people, by the people and for the people; the governance according to the will of the people by respecting and cherishing their values and interests in socio- economic and political developments of the society.

    In ancient Greek where democratic rule originates; all citizens were given equal rights to participate in the day to day governance or decision making process of their society.

    But in our contemporary world, citizens are given this opportunity by electing their representatives in the governance structure of their society or nation.

    This gives the electorates a great challenge of clarifying, careful understanding and analysis of all the different candidates to be elected before the election date.

    The electoral commission is also given a task to help facilitate this process and avoid mis-understanding and abuse of electorates’ rights.

    Leaders should not be voted based on tribal or ethnic sentiments, but their commitment and responsiveness towards community challenges and prosperity.

    Elections therefore provide us with this opportunity to select the best among all candidates to serve our community values and interests.

    It is unfortunate that with all the institutional and regulatory structures, citizens are still manipulated by bribes, nepotism, electoral violence (intimidation, threats and propaganda), and all other forms of election mal-practices to choose the wrong leaders! This is usually blamed on rampant poverty and ignorance of the law.

    My question to the proponents of this, is what have we done to minimize this factor? Are we committed to true and real democracy for the people or, we just talk about it to impress the west and “promoters of democracy”? In other words, what kind of democracy are we interested in and how do we want it to benefit our population?

    We need clear measures to avoid the popular revolts that swept regimes in Egypt, Tunisia and now Libya.

    To my surprise, leaders of these states claimed “popular support from their population” before the revolts, and Mubarak won the previous parliamentary election with over 80% votes.

    This suddenly changed to the negative and he is now being held accountable for ordering the killing of innocent demonstrators and plundering the country’s resources.

    Why should states use forceful violence to clump down critical citizens and demonstrators instead of finding amicable solutions to their grievances? Would this be part of democratic governance that is cherished all-over?

    The population should carefully look for leaders who are committed to protect their fundamental rights and properties, socio- economic and cultural values and aspirations, and able with skills to cherish these in the wider arena of the local, national and international sphere.

    In our analysis, we should evaluate the incumbents according to their previous promises and what they have fulfilled.

    Most leaders in Africa are used to manipulation and propaganda; they abandon their voters immediately after gaining what they want; they kick the ladder and forget they may need that ladder to come down.

    But is that what we (the electorates) want from them? How can we make them accountable to us after giving them our support? What do we want to achieve as a community or nation? And who can we trust and or work with to achieve these goals?

    I have seen elections in Uganda, Nigeria, Tunisia, etc in this year (2011) and yet to see more in D.R Congo, Mali, Kenya, etc.

    If all the above are considered before election, we should expect achievements and prosperity in our communities; improvements in transport, education, health care infrastructures, access to clean water and electricity, and accurate policy formulation and advocacy with the main agenda to champion the nation’s goal.

    A genuine leader should be committed to these and not his/her personal or family livelihood; he should think of how he/she benefits the community, and not how the community benefits him/her.

    It’s unfortunate that most of our leaders think about themselves and not the people they meant to serve.

    To understand this well, we need to further research on the discoveries on them after their departure from power.

    I just want us to start with Mobutu Sese seko, Sani Abacha, Gnassingbe Eyadema, Ben Ali, Hosni Mubarak, Muammar Gadhafi, etc

    Mohammed Yusuf is a
    Pan Africanist and Researcher
    [email protected]

  • Eid al-Adha, Festival of Sacrifice

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    At the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims all over the world celebrate the vacation of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). Eid al-Adha will begin on November 6th 2011, and will last for three days.

    During the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims commemorate the trials and victories of the Prophet Abraham.

    The Qur’an describes Abraham as “an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous.” (Qur’an 16:120-121).

    One of Abraham’s main trials was to obey the command of Allah to slaughter his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to undergo to Allah’s will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his “sacrifice” had already been fulfilled.

    He had shown that his love and loyalty for his Lord superseded all others, which he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to surrender to God.

    During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate Abraham’s trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.

    Allah has given the human beings power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we enunciate His name at the lofty act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.

    The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten immediately by the family and relatives, one-third is given away as gifts to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor.

    The act describes our readiness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah’s commands. It also describes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen the friendship bonds and help those who are in need.

    We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

    It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin.

    This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety from you that reaches Him.

    Thus have We made them subject to you that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him) to the (doers of good)” (Qur’an 22:37)

    The symbolism is in the behavior – a readiness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us.

    A true Muslim, one who awards his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah’s commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord deserves from us.

    On the first day of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by sacrifice then visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts.

    At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.

  • 36 Marine Police Graduate

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    Thirty six Rwanda National police officers yesterday successfully completed a two months basic marine training course at Rubavu district.

    According to a Police statement, the course is in line with ensuring that crimes committed on Rwandan water such as smuggling goods from neighboring countries. It will also ensure that maritime accidents are curbed.

    Officiating at the pass-out ceremony, the Commissioner for Operation, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Emmanuel Butera on behalf of the Inspector General of Police Emmanuel K. Gasana told police officers and residents gathered that the training base will help them increase security on Rwandan waters.

    At the event, the graduates also assembled and dissembled a boat engine in less than twenty five minutes.

    PC Joseph Niyongira explained that the course has improved their skills to undertake Police maritime duties.

    “We are now able to swim for long distance, rescue drowning people, night navigation operations and combat illegal business on waters. We are ready to effectively show skills that we have attained.” Niyongira said.

    He requested for advanced training to empower them with more skills.

    Chief Superintendent Jean Baptiste Seminega, Marine Police Commanding Officer explained the birth and development of the Marine Police Unit.

    “We started with difficulties such as few staff and insufficient equipment but so far we are able to conduct our operations effectively despite the fact that we are still lacking in some areas,” Seminega pointed out.