Gasigwa wins seventh ITF title

Singles final

Men

J. Gasigwa     bt      D. Oringa

(Uga) 6-4, 4-6, 7-5
Women

C. Odour (Ken)     bt     E. Otula

(Ken)    6-4, 6-2

TOP SEED Jean Claude Gasigwa had to cope with the scorching sun to beat David Oringa and win a record seventh ITF/CAT Prize Money title on Friday at Umubano hotel courts.

Gasigwa, 30, needed three hours to edge his Ugandan opponent in three sets 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 to reaffirm his dominance on clay, and further re-write his name among the greats of the sport in the country.

Both men appeared edgy in the early stages, with breaks of serve exchanged in games three and four, but Gasigwa fired a brilliant cross-court backhand winner to take the opening set.

Oringa made Gasigwa work hard in the second set as the industrious Ugandan took charge of the second set with his good aggressive forehand services.

In the third set, Gasigwa came from two games down and looked razor sharp again when a volley put him 2-0 ahead in the third game. It was to be Oringa’s last chance as a double-fault cost him his serve for the seventh time.

Poor service and lack of concentration by Oringa coupled with home support for Gasigwa, ensured the top seed racked up a magnificent forehand winner before throwing his hands up in the skies to celebrate an incredible seventh ITF Prize Money victory title.

Gasigwa, who pocketed $890 (about Rwf578, 000) in cash prize said, “This is a sweet victory. Oringa is a good player and he always gives me a hard time whenever we meet.”

“I must thank the fans because without them, I may not have won this match. This win is important because it’s a major boost for me ahead of future international competitions,” added Gasigwa.

Oringa pocketed US$600 (approx. Rwf. 389,000) for his effort and later said, “Gasigwa served better than me, he was very aggressive on his forehand, he didn’t make mistakes, so he deserves to win.”

In the women final, Kenyan Caroline Odour beat fellow compatriot Evelyn Otula 6-4 6-2 to extend her unbeaten run in the ITF Prize Money since 2011. Odour bagged $680, while Otula settled for $390.

By press time, Dieudonne Habiyambere and Olivier Nkunda were set to face Oringa and Issa Cuma in the men’s doubles final, while Odour and Otula were due to face Gisele Umumararungu and Megan Ingabire in the women category.\

Source : http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?i=15466&a=70013

Gasigwa wins seventh ITF title

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Acting was my childhood dream– Ndahiro

His personality is adorable. Willy Ndahiro, is sociable, active and enjoys hanging out, despite having worked as a presidential guard for 10 years.

Ndahiro was born in Bujumbura, Burundi on April 1, 1976, to Jean Pierre Ndahiro and Re’oncie Nyirasafari. He attended primary education at Ecole Primaire de la Nation before enrolling at College de la Fratermite secondary school for his secondary education.

In 1993, he returned to Rwanda with his family and joined the Rwanda Patriotic Army, now Rwanda Defence Force. He later left the army and went back to school where he earned a certificate in Information Technology.

Yet the now noncombatant ditched his certificate in the shelf to work in the film industry, which had always been his dream.

“I liked acting since my childhood, so after fulfilling my mission in the army, I decided to follow my childhood dream,” says Ndahiro.

He says though the army and film making are two different things, both are interesting and have helped broaden his world view.

As a soldier, he rubbed shoulders with the high and mighty. He joined the film industry in 2006 to contribute to the country’s budding film industry.

Ndahiro first worked with Schilo film productions as the main actor in Ikigeragezo Cy’ubuzima(life temptations), a successful series in Rwanda’s film industry. This propelled him to fame in the country’s film industry.

In 2010, he directed and played a lead role in a movie titled, Ay’u Rukundo, followed by Anita, which he directed and acted in  in 2012

“I am now working on my debut movies Igisubizo Cy’ubuzima and Data and they will be produced by Vision Promotions Ltd, which is also my company,” he adds.

The 37-year-old filmmaker says he never went to school to study how to be an actor, but talent has helped him produce quality films that can compete at the international level.

Having worked with different professionals like American filmmaker Allick Brown, who directed the Kinyarwanda film, also helped him hone his skills.

He urges the government to help the film industry to develop, although he is happy that the Ministry of Culture is trying to intervene and is currently working on the establishment of Rwanda film makers federation, saying he will help in training and equipping film actors/makers with skills.

The envisaged federation, together with the ministry, will help set rules and regulations that govern the industry and make it easy for us to reach out to potential partners, he added.

The super star says the film industry is steadily growing and has been well embraced by the public though it still has some challenges like lack of skill and sponsorship. He is optimistic that in the next five years actors will be able to survive on this industry.

Ndahiro is also a family man. He is married to Nicole Manirambona and they have two children though she is currently based in Beligium. He loves surfing and karaoke in his free time plus watching movies. He draws his inspiration from legends like Jean Claud Verdam, Denzel Washington and Ghanaian film star Van Vic.

When asked how he balances his work and family, the actor says his wife is also an actress and understands the nature of his work.

“I always inform my wife if I am to feature in any romantic scene and she understands because we’re in the same industry. This field can be tempting sometimes, but I manage because I don’t want to destroy my reputation and family.”

Ndahiro is currently the president of Hillywood Actors Coalition, and also the vice president of the executive committee of the actors and Hills Academy awards due February next year.

He encourages the youth interested in acting to join the industry.

See more at : http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?i=15466&a=70009

Acting was my childhood dream– Ndahiro

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Google plunges deeper into smartwatch wars with WIMM

With Samsung on the brink of a big smartwatch reveal, Google confirms that it snapped up smartwatch maker WIMM Labs.

Google, oft rumored to be working on a smartwatch, quietly bought WIMM Labs last year to light a fire under the effort.

A Google spokeswoman confirmed to CNET that Google has acquired smartwatch maker WIMM. The takeover was first reported by GigaOm.

Smartwatch maker WIMM went dark last year, posting a cryptic thank-you message on its Web site citing “an exclusive, confidential relationship” for its technology.

Similar to previous reports of a coming Google smartwatch, the latest says the company has the work on the product — including WIMM’s employees — centered in the Android unit, rather than its X Lab. That could mean a Google watch comes to market faster than the wearable Google has been trumpeting all year, Google Glass, which was a product of X Lab.

Though upstart tech companies have already introduced a slew of watches, giants are lumbering into the field too. Samsung is expected to unveil a smartwatch on September 4 called Galaxy Gear, and Apple has been rumored to be coming out with one.

Source : http://www.techrwanda.com/news/3353/google-plunges-deeper-into-smartwatch-wars-with-wimm/

 

Google plunges deeper into smartwatch wars with WIMM

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Is arming guards the solution to Sacco break-ins?

TWO ROBBERIES have hit two separate financial institutions based in the Southern Province in less than two weeks.

First to be attacked was the Buhanda branch of Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR) in Kinihira Sector, Ruhango District. The August 13 robbery, which occurred at around 7.30pm, left a cashier dead and Rwf4.6 million was stolen.

Just after a week, during the night of August 25,  robbers hit again but this time targeting a Huye-based Umwarimo Savings and Credit cooperative (Umwarimu Sacco). The yet-to-be identified assailants killed an unarmed night guard and fled with over Rwf10.6 million in cash.

The recent attacks add to others that occurred in the preceeding months, including one on a sector-based Umurenge Sacco in Musange, Nyamagabe District, last December in which an employee was shot dead and around Rwf800,000 stolen while another attack on a BPR-branch in rural Nyanza was thwarted by Police earlier in May.

So many more plots to steal money especially from local savings and credits cooperatives (or Saccos as they are better known) have been foiled.

The series of robberies have raised concerns among the general public as to how safe their  money.

Though some commercial banks have been the targets of robberies in the past years, observers warn that Saccos could become easier for thugs and armed bandits.

“You can’t guarantee total security to a bank which is protected by someone with a stick,” observed a secondary school teacher, who asked not to be named.

“These institutions (Saccos) are growing and as, they grow, they incrasingly keep larger amounts of money and people should know that they could easily be targets of bandits. Security should be tightened and guards given guns,” the teacher, a member of Umwarimu Sacco, said.

A visit to some of the Saccos, which were established to increase access of financial services, especially in rural areas, reveals the same image: almost all of them are guarded by unarmed individuals, mainly members of Local Defence Forces (LDF).

That the community microfinance cooperatives are guarded by unarmed personnel puts them under the threat of robbers, observers argue.

“It is clear we need armed guards,” Florence Uwabagabe, the Manager of Umwarimu Sacco, Huye branch, told The New Times two days after Rwf10.6 million was stolen from the cooperative.

“Until Sunday’s attack, we thought we were safe due to the prevailing security environment across the whole country. But it is clear that cases of robbery are on therise,” the official added.

According to Uwabagabe, the management of Umwarimu Sacco is studying the possibility of posting armed guards to all its branches across the country while other security measuers are also being discussed.


Security features

The rationale behind the establishment of Saccos was informed by the fact that commercial banks are more concentrated in urban areas and less present in rural areas.

And as such, it was believed that establishing a Sacco at every sector would bridge the existing gap and encourage citizens to save, access credit for various income generating activities, thus stimulating local development.

Indeed, since 2009 when the cooperatives were created, over 1.5 million people have transacted business with the over 400 sector-based Saccos, according to available figures.

Though officials insist there is a limited amount of cash that a Sacco can keep in its office as a precautionary measure, the recent attacks on some of them have proved that a lot still needs to be done to protect them.

This paper could not get the exact amount that Umurenge Saccos cannot exceed in their own coffers but officials from Umwarimu SACCO, a sister programme exclusively for teachers, said the cooperative can keep up to Rwf15 million.

In an interview with The New Times, the Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA), Gilbert Habyarimana, said, however, that security measures have been taken to ensure that the cooperatives’ assets remain safe.

According to Habyarimana, every cooperative is required to have a safe room built with strong concrete and protected by metal cover in which the safe box is installed.

Other security features include putting metallic doors and windows on the Saccos offices and posting at least one guard a day and two during the nights to guarantee their security.

“We cannot be totally sure that all Saccos are complying with the security directives but we have started inspecting them,” Habyarimana said.

“Members of these cooperatives and their staff should know that they have the responsibility to guarantee Saccos security. They should be in a position to share any information that would help thwart any criminal activity,” he added.

“Preventing robberies and ensuring money safety is a collective responsibility.”

Police devise strategies

Speaking to The New Times, Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Theos Badege said the Police will not rest until all individuals involved in the recent robberies are arrested and arraigned before the courtsof law.

ACP Badege said the Police are also devising a number of strategies to make citizens’ money safe.

“Recent robbery incidents have exposed gaps and we [security organs] are working with financial institutions to beef-up security,” ACP Badege said.

Measures include assessing and beefing-up security environment around banks, vetting banks personnel for criminal background, studying the capacity of private security companies, and considering the use of modern technologies to guarantee money security, he said.

If it becomes clear that arming guards at such facilities can help address the issue, then we will, ACP Badege noted.

“The ultimate goal is to make citizens’ money safe at all cost,” ACP Badege said.

Source : http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?i=15466&a=70025

Is arming guards the solution to Sacco break-ins?

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Civic group backs EDPRS2

In a bid to deliver targets outlined in Rwanda’s Second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS 2) particularly in the land management sector, LandNet Rwanda Chapter has pledged to work closely with government entities in realising rural development through proper management of land.

The pledge was made during a consultative meeting between officials from LandNet Rwanda Chapter, Rwanda Natural Resource Authority (RNRA) and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

According to Annie Kairaba, the national Coordinator of LandNet Rwanda, there is clear evidence of commitment from both the government and LandNet to develop strategies that will ensure the successful implementation of the EDPRS 2 development roadmap.

Kairaba is also the director of Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD), a local NGO.

“Our contribution will include engaging the people on policies through community participation and we will give feedback to policymakers on what is working and what is not working. But particularly in the land sector, we are going to monitor how several policies are implemented and collect people’s views which we will share with policymakers,” said Kairaba.


Owning up

EDPRS 2 is planned for implementation between 2013 and 2018 and is expected to deliver the country to a middle income status. During its implementation, the economy is expected to grow at an average 11.5 per cent.

According to Ariane Zingiro, a social sector policy and programmes expert in the Ministry of Finance, the civil society should contribute to the realisation of EDPRS2.

“The civil society has been engaged in the elaboration of the EDPRS 2 and it is time to help in its implementation phase,” said Zingiro.

She said, “they should continue monitoring these priorities under EDPRS 2 and give us feedback from the citizens because this is not just a government programme.”

She pointed out that if Rwanda is to reduce poverty to below 30 percent by 2018, the entire country has to own the programme.

Speaking about the role of civil society in land management, Deputy Director General of RNRA, Eng. Didier Sagashya said that the CSOs should be able in position to monitor government activities and advise where necessary.

“They can gather ideas and package them in a way that would influence change in a certain policy. The CSOs can as well contribute to research – we have so many issues related to land and families which can be addressed through researche. Also we want to engage the CSOs in the implementation of several activities such as integrated land use planning since they can engage and get ideas from the citizens on how best we can use our land,” said Sagashya.

According to Sagashya, the Rwanda Natural Resources Authority is committed to provide technical information to LandNet Rwanda members as a major civil society forum that deal with land issues.

Established in September 2000, the Rwanda Chapter of LandNet aims at contributing to equitable and sustainable land reform through inclusive actions and processes.

Source :http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?i=15466&a=70024

Civic group backs EDPRS2

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Hope as Kigali rolls out public transport system

City of Kigali mayor Fidele Ndayisaba and other passengers during the launch of the KBS designated route covering Kabuga, Mulindi, Remera and Kanombe yesterday. Saturday Times/Timothy Kisambira.

Three transport firms were awarded a five-year deal to operate public transport in the capital. The firms include Kigali Bus Service (KBS), Rwanda Federation of Transport Cooperative (RFTC) and Royal Express.

Kigali commuters yesterday cautiously welcomed a new public transport system with hope that it marked the end of difficulties synonymous with public transport in the city.

On the first day of the new arrangement it became immediately clear that commuter taxis had been phased out off the main routes to give way for buses and mini-buses.

“I am waiting to see how it will work out. Hopefully it will relieve us of the long waits at bus stops.  I suppose operators need to bring in more buses to prevent possible shortages,” said Emily Bukuru.

The Rwanda Utility Regulatory Authority (Rura) and the City of Kigali gave three transport firms a five-year deal to operate public transport in the capital, keeping out those who did not meet minimum requirements.

The firms include Kigali Bus Service (KBS), Rwanda Federation of Transport Cooperative (RFTC) and Royal Express.

Each of the three firms will operate in designated areas, divided into five zones, across the City of Kigali.

“The system looks good, organised and actually creates new routes,” said another passenger who only identified himself as Kanamugire.

However, Kanamugire said he had to wait for at least 30 minutes to get a vehicle from Kicukiro to his place of work in Kacyiru.

This was because many of the regular taxis were parked as they waited to ply newly established smaller roads linking suburbs, leaving the main routes to bigger vehicles.

Other passengers who talked to Saturday Times warned that the three companies that won the public transport tender don’t have enough buses, especially during peak hours.

Kigali is said to have 250 mini-buses with capacity to carry between 25 to 30 passengers, and dozens of buses.

There are also an estimated 800 taxis each with capacity to carry 18 passengers which have now been relegated to smaller routes to feed into the main roads.

Speaking at the launch of the new system, yesterday, the State Minister in charge of Transport, Alex Nzahabwanimana, said the three firms were supposed to increase their fleet on incremental basis.

“We urge these companies to ensure efficiency so they can make enough money to buy more buses,” he said

He also asked operators to come up with bankable proposals that would help them access financing from banks if they are to urgently increase on their fleet.

“The ultimate objective is to see to it that commuters move from one place to another with ease and faster,” he said.

The new public transport system requires operators to have a bus at every bus stop every five minutes during peak hours and 15 minutes during off-peak hours.

The operators are also required to be on the road from 5a.m to 11p.m.

Rura and city officials have appealed to police and passengers to help monitor the compliance by the transport companies.

A six-member team composed of officers from the City of Kigali, Rura and Police will be deployed to monitor compliance.

Rura officials say offenders will face penalties, including termination of contract in extreme cases.

Government says it’s willing to give incentives to people willing to buy recommended buses to ensure a smooth public transport in the city.

One of the incentives is a reduction in taxes.

According to statistics, Kigali has an estimated 200,000 passengers every day.

The city has slightly more than one million inhabitants.

Col. (rtd) Dodo Twahirwa, the president RFTC, one of the contracted operators, said they are looking into strategies to bring in more buses.

—————————————–

VOXPOPS

Odette Ingabire, trader Kimironko market

I think it’s a good arrangement, it will instill discipline among drivers. However many of us are not yet aware of it so authorities must come out and sensitise us about it.

Emily Bukuru, Secretary

I am waiting to see how it will work. Hopefully it will relieve us of the long lines we have been making waiting for these buses.  I believe operators must bring in more buses, because the issue should not only focus on routes but on the number of buses in the city as compared to the number of commuters.

James Mugabo (traffic police officer)

This is a great idea, Rwanda is developing, and we can’t develop with a disorganised transport system.  Operators must understand the urgency of   having a well organised and more efficient transport system.

Augustine Ntawuruhunga, taxi conductor

This will not work, what this means is that it’s no longer a free market. Contracted operators have no one to compete with, so how do you expect efficiency where there is a monopolistic business?

Alexander Bariho, shop attendant

It’s great news, it really shows that government cares about its citizens. We shouldn’t suffer because we don’t own cars. I also believe that this new system will reduce on the traffic congestion within the city.

Jean Claude Munyankuzi, trader in Kimihurura

Rwanda must be known as a country where every business, every activity is conduct edin an organised way. Therefore having a new public transport system in place is a step toward that reality. We also need to be like those developed countries we normally see on television.

Phortine Uwamahoro (Air time  card sales lady)

It’s a good idea only if they don’t increase transport fares now that they are alone in the market. Government needs to emphasise on the needs of local people, like good transport network, hospitals and electricity. I am happy this is happening.

Source : http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?i=15466&a=70023

Hope as Kigali rolls out public transport system

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Ferwafa confirm La Jeunesse league exit

THE Ferwafa executive committee has given a greenlight to La Jeunesse’s request to pull out of the 2013/14 National Football League due to financial constraints.

According to the secretariat of Ferwafa, the executive committee which sat on Tuesday agreed to La Jeunesse’s request and passed two decisions which stipulated that if La Jeunesse feels like returning back into the league in future, they will first seek qualification by featuring in the second division league tier.

The executive committee also paved way for Etincelles to return back into the 14-man fold which will take part in the next season’s league which gets underway on September 21.

Etincelles finished 13th last season but after La Jeunesse’s pull out, the club which is managed by former Ferwafa vice president Veduste Kayiranga sought permission to return back into the league.

The Nyamirambo-based youthful side dropped out of the league due to lack of enough funds to keep them in business after their main sponsor Tinco, a South African mining company opted to withdraw their monthly Rwf. 6 million sponsorship.

Club chairman, John Ntwali said recently, “We will not take part in next season’s league because our sponsor will not continue to support the team and since we have been caught an aware, it’s hard for us to compete without sustainable financial base,”

La Jeunesse has followed other teams like KIST, Electrogaz and Atraco FC who have pulled out of the top flight division in the past after their financiers pulled the plug off the cash flow.

Source:-http://www.umupira.com/teams/10062/ferwafa-confirm-la-jeunesse-league-exit/

Ferwafa confirm La Jeunesse league exit

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Platini undecided on Fifa candidacy

Uefa president Michel Platini says he remains unsure whether he will run for the same post at the head of world governing body Fifa when current president Sepp Blatter’s mandate expires in 2015.

“I am in the middle of thinking whether it is good or not good but I will certainly say something at Dubrovnik (the Croatian city where the next Uefa executive committee meetings will be held on September 19 and 20),” the Frenchman told sports daily L’Equipe.

“I am obliged to say something because everyone is expecting me to express myself,” added the 58-year-old who enjoyed a glorious playing career that peaked in 1984 when he captained France to their first European championship.

“It is not a simple decision. People will fight each other to have the position of Fifa president, but not me.

“I have to determine whether it is a good thing for football. I was Michel Platini, I won three Ballon d’Ors, I was the best player in the world. To be No 1 in the world, I’ve already done that in football but not in the corridors.

“I have to convince myself that it’s my destiny and it’s good for football because I am very happy at Uefa.

“In any case, to choose between Fifa and Uefa is not to be condemned to prison or a work camp.

Platini replaced Sweden’s Lennart Johansson in 2007 while Blatter has been in office since 1998 when he succeeded Brazilian Joao Havelange.

The Swiss 77-year-old says his fifth term will be his last but there are rumours he may be set to change his mind and run for re-election.

“I don’t know what he will do,” continued Platini.

“I will take my decision alone without worrying about Sepp. In the beginning (2011), he said he would stop in 2015. Now he is saying he will explain his decision in one year in Brazil.

“He has said I am his natural successor but there is no deal between us even if it’s true that today I am a legitimate candidate to go to Fifa.”

Source:-http://www.umupira.com/teams/10069/platini-undecided-on-fifa-candidacy/

Platini undecided on Fifa candidacy

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Rwanda lose classification match against Tunisia

9-16 places, Wednesday

Mali 71-70 Burkina Faso

Congo-Brazaville 63-64 Central Africa

Algeria 56-78 Mozambique

Tunisia 76-54            Rwanda

RWANDA men’s basketball team continued with their poor performances as they lost to Tunisia 76-54 in the 9-16 classification matches on Wednesday night in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Tunisia, who were bundled out in the eighth final led the first quarter with a 23-13 win but Rwanda won the second quarter 25-12 to go into half time with a 38-35 win.

The North Africans took control of the game after recess leading the third and fourth quarter with 23-8 and 18-8 wins respectively.

France-based Thierry Suku Suku and Kami Kabangu each grabbed ten points each while Kenny Gasana netted nine.

Mourad EL Mabrouk and Marouan Kechrid top scored for Tunisia with 18 and 14 points respectively.

Source:-http://www.umupira.com/teams/10074/rwanda-lose-classification-match-against-tunisia/

Rwanda lose classification match against Tunisia

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Japanese envoy affirms continued support to Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs

The ambassador of Japan in Rwanda, Mr. Kazuwa Ogawa has affirmed his country’s commitment to continue to support MIDIMAR in its various areas of intervention.

Ambassador Ogawa made the assurance during a courtesy visit paid to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs on Wednesday August 28, 2013.

That was the first visit of ambassador Ogawa to MIDIMAR since he presented his credentials to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame in May 2013.

Ogawa Kazuwa replaced Kunio Hatanaka who has also established smooth cooperation with the MIDIMAR during the three years he served as Japanese ambassadorin Rwanda.

During a brief conversation held with Minister Seraphine Mukantabana, ambassador Ogawa reiterated that he will build up from his predecessor by strengthening the existing cooperation and support of the Japanese government to the MIDIMAR.

Minister Seraphine Mukantabana warmly welcomed the new ambassador and expressed gratitude for the support the Government of Japan has provided to MIDIMAR.

Mukantabana commended the contribution of the Government of Japan for the establishment of Kigeme camp for Congolese refugees in 2012.

She also appraised the continued support for the reintegration of Rwandan returnees provided by Japan through the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Minister Mukantaba took that opportunity to expose to Japanese ambassador the current situation of Rwandans being evicted from Tanzania and said that the Government of Rwanda would welcome the generosity of the people of Japan to contribute to respond to that emergency.

Ambassador Ogawa pledged that he will advocate to his Government to find a possible way to support the Government of Rwanda to respond to that issue of expulsion of Rwandans from Tanzania.

Source:-http://www.livinginrwanda.com/index.php/2013/08/rwanda-japanese-envoy-affirms-continued-support-to-ministry-of-disaster-management-and-refugee-affairs/

Japanese envoy affirms continued support to Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs

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Officials from African countries conclude training in Rwanda

Officials from six African countries who joined their Rwandan counterparts in a Transitional Justice and Peace building Course at Rwanda Peace Academy in the  northern province concluded the training on August 28, 2013.

The week- long course attracted 25 participants including military, police and civilians.

Talking on behalf of the Course Participants, Lt Col Modest Kombo from Kenya noted that they benefited a lot from the Training.

“We have been exposed to the holistic approach to perfecting transitional justice… We now leave better than we came”, he testified adding that Kigali Genocide Memorial they visited is a must visit site especially for leaders and high ranking Government Officials from other countries,” said Kombo.

Presiding over the closing ceremony permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence, Col Joseph Rutabana stated that the transitional justice should aim at promoting peace and justice with the correct analysis of the situation that a country is emerging from.

He hailed Gacaca as homegrown solution for having played its role to support judicial system in Rwanda after Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. He emphasised that there is no single ideal justice system.

Rutabna stated that peace and justice are mutually complementary and reinforcing if properly pursued. Needless to emphasise, transitional justice in the context of peace building requires good and committed leadership, national and local ownership of various programmes but above all, correct diagnosis of the situation that a country is emerging from.

The Director of Rwanda Peace Academy, Col Jill Rutaremara reiterated that the course provided a holistic overview of the current transitional justice strategies and mechanisms, their nature and practical application, and challenges, lesson learnt that various actors may encounter and apply when participating in post conflict settings.

The course was jointly organised by Rwanda Peace Academy and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

Rwanda Peace Academy has so far conducted 23 courses, in which 680 participants from 42 countries trained.

Source:-http://www.livinginrwanda.com/index.php/2013/08/officials-from-african-countries-conclude-training-in-rwanda/

Officials from African countries conclude training in Rwanda

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Technical education the solution to unemployment

Rwandan youth whether educated or not are all facing the unemployment problem and the solution to majority of the youth would be learning technical skills to be job creators not job seekers

 

This was said by Marie Alice Uwera the vice mayor for social affairs in Kamonyi district during her visit to the CPJSP Youth Center in Rukoma sector. This was during the youth training on fighting poverty provided by this Youth Center.

The vice mayor appreciated parents who put in place this Youth Center to train school dropouts and Secondary School leavers on technical skills for them to compete on the employment market.

“There is a problem of unemployment in most of the graduating youth; we need job creators and not job seekers. Unfortunately, people who are trained for this challenge are still few.”

 

CPJSP (Promotion Center for Youth against Poverty) was initiated by the association of parents that pray in Presbyterian Church of Rwanda. The center teaches youth different technical skills like tailoring, carpentry, construction and hair styling among others.

Pierre Mbanda the coordinator of this youth center says parents decided on making this center as a response to the unemployment issue in the youth.

The executive secretary of the National Youth Council Alphonse Nkuranga says “initiating this center was a great act that will help most youth to stand tall and use their hands to development.”

Nkuranga says this center should now work on following the curriculum provided at the national level for its graduates to get authentic certificates and be able to work and compete like all Rwandans.

Source : http://www.ubumenyingiro.com/index.php/2013/08/technical-education-the-solution-to-unemployment/

Technical education the solution to unemployment

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PL Party Rallies Ruhango Voters

PL party rallies Ruhango voters

Liberal Party (PL) has said that it will seek to ensure continued social justice, civil liberties and development for all Rwandans and asked Ruhango district voters to support its parliamentary candidates to meet this agenda

PL party president, Protais Mitali, made the remarks during parliamentary campaigns by candidates on the party’s ticket in Ruhango district this August 27, at the rally held at Ruhango grounds.

Mitali told residents that even though the country has registered remarkable progress, his party wants to ensure there is sustainability of that success.

“The party also projects to increase the number of representation in the lower chamber of Parliament. Mitali said, we are optimistic this goal will be attained owing to the fact that the number of party members has increased, and, in the last five years PL representatives in Parliament have performed well”

Ruhango district is one of the strongholds for PL party and some of the party members say that they have high expectations to their candidates and the previous house representatives on the PL ticket did a good job which has seen access to electricity, private sector growth in their area.

PL has 64 candidates vying for parliamentary seats. The party officials have been divided into two campaign teams to be able to cover the entire country in three weeks, ahead of the September polls.

Source : http://www.newsofrwanda.com/irembo/20275/pl-party-rallies-ruhango-voters/

PL Party Rallies Ruhango Voters

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Miss Rwanda Turns Tables In Berlarus

While many people are used to seeing beauty pageants where women show off the swim wear with just abit of the body covered, Miss Rwanda Aurore Mutesi defied the norms as she walked on stage with her body half covered.

At the Miss Supranational beauty contest in Belarus, participants went into shock when she paraded in swimsuit with a sarong covering her tights and behind. She did the same when having her official swimsuit photos taken.

Out of the 90 ladies who showed off the bikini, it was only Aurore Mutesi who decided to stick by her African cultural values. Though she was not recognized for any award, her move certainly has left the organizers of the contest in owe and pondering.

With a very strong group of contestants this year, judges had a tough time deciding for the winners in each category. For Miss Personality, for example, Miss Myanmar was just a vote behind Miss Philippines, who shinned like no one on both presentations, and Miss Turkey also did quite well.

When it came the time for Top Model, the toss up was between Moldova (the eventual winner) and Russia. Miss Togo was also voted. Photographers who have been following the candidates since the beginning picked Miss Puerto Rico as Miss Photogenic; however, it was no easy task: Misses Latvia and Mexico came close behind.

Miss Sweden’s election as Miss Elegance was nearly unanimous, although Miss Ukraine, who delivered a flawless presentation tonight, was also commented on by the judges. All 4 titles were well deserved!

Miss Puerto Rico was quite surprised and emotional when she heard her name announced as the winner of “Miss Photogenic”. She said she was very happy and stunned: “I never expected to win this title, I feel very happy”.

Miss Philippines charm, smile and charisma were hard to match in the competition. She truly owed the stage and conquered the judges and the audience in Belarus.

There were a few positive surprises, girls came to the surface after some very impressive performances. Some of these were Moldova, Serbia, Gabon, Switzerland and U.S. Virgin Islands. Miss U.S. Virgin Islands got thunderous applause from the audience!

Source : http://www.newsofrwanda.com/irembo/20266/miss-rwanda-turns-tables-in-berlarus/

Miss Rwanda Turns Tables In Berlarus

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Uncle Austin remains optimistic ahead of his album launch

Afro beat singer Uncle Austin has expressed his optimism ahead of his album launch entitled Uteye Ubusambo after his main guest, Ugandan star Bebe cool arrived at Kigali International Airport. Austin expressed his belief that the launch would be a success following the arrival of the star, also a member of East Africa’s Reggae Man Bash Crew that also incorporates Kenyan pair Wyre and Nazizi.

Speaking to the media shortly after receiving his guest Austin couldn’t hide his excitement saying, “This is a clear sign that what I promised my fans is about to unfold shortly. I am excited because he (Bebe Cool) is one of the guests that I had invited, so it’s a pleasure to have him here. It’s a great commitment because coming all the way from Uganda shows how he wants to make the day a success.”

Indeed Bebe Cool’s arrival has cleared the air as to whether fans would be taken for a ride as it has happened before. Mico The Best knows all about disappointment when it comes to inviting artists from abroad. The star had advertised his album launch entitled Umutaka in conjunction with Tanzanian star Diamond, but the latter never turned up. It would therefore not be wrong to describe Uncle Austin’s optimism as realistic and founded. The launch has been sponsored by the country’s largest mobile telecommunication network MTN.

Source : http://www.tukabyine.com/index.php/articles/uncle-austin-remains-optimistic-ahead-of-his-album-launch/

Uncle Austin remains optimistic ahead of his album launch

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Scandals and negativities sell more than positives- Bebe Cool

Ugandan musician Bebe Cool believes the controversies and eccentricities that surround musicians are always blown out of proportion in order for the tabloids to sell. Bebe Cool was speaking after his arrival in Kigali, where he is expected to be the star guest at Uncle Austin’s album launch entitled Uteye Ubusambo.

Asked why he has always appeared in tabloids for all the wrong reasons, the star only smiled and said, “In music you never end up in the news for wrong reasons, I have to correct you on that, there is no news like negative news, I mean if you go to church and give out money nobody wants to talk about it. But if you get high and down there the press will be on your neck so news is good like negative news. I would like to tell you that it’s part of my job to be in the news, whether positive or negative.”

The star was also quick to note that Ugandan media has advanced at a level where selling lies is more of a priority than factual reporting. He added, “Uganda has its own way of crafting stories, so don’t trust so much of what you read in Ugandan tabloids. As an artist I call it I don’t care system.”

Despite that Bebe Cool expressed his belief that Rwandan music industry is moving at a fast rate adding that Rwandan artists are fighting hard to make their presence felt in the region.

Source : http://www.tukabyine.com/index.php/articles/scandals-and-negativities-sell-more-than-positives-bebe-cool/

Scandals and negativities sell more than positives- Bebe Cool

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Gisagara evaluates harmonized family training programs

Gisagara District conducted an evaluation Tuesday 27^th.Aug 2013 on training given by Youth and Women in the fight against domestic conflicts, an assessment that proved the program has been effective up to 95percent.

The program is set on sensitizing conflicting couples to iron out their differences and create harmonious families.

 

With the support of Care International and RWAMREC (Rwanda Men’s Resources Centre), Gisagara district has been training people to sensitize conflicting families to live in harmony. This program is becoming productive as sensitizers move around sectors discouraging domestic conflicts.

“Some couples did not want to accept being sensitized pretending not to be conflicting but later admitted to the truth and solved their issues. The main causes of the domestic conflicts are misuse of drugs, cheating and lack of authority to family properties” said one of the sensitizers in Nyanza sector called Emma Niyotwagira.

Couples that were conflicting and later solved their issues due to these teachings say the teachings were indeed helpful.

Mukasine and Innocent Mazimpaka residents of Gishubi sector say “we were on the edge of our relationship and we were thinking of separation. We fought all the time, children were already traumatized and poverty was the order of the day until we were helped to overcome our issues.”

Ever since the sensitization program to teach conflicting couples started in May 2013 up to July 2013, the teachings provided once a week has changed 372 families out of 521 conflicting families.

See more at : http://www.womenhall.com/index.php/2013/08/gisagara-evaluates-harmonized-family-training-programs/

Gisagara evaluates harmonized family training programs

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Gisagara to train People with Disabilities on their rights

People with disabilities in Gisagara district were again reminded that they are not incompetent and are capable of doing almost everything.

This was a reminder given to the people with disabilities on Tuesday the 27^th.August 2013 during their training on their rights as their responsibilities.

While officially opening this training, the mayor of Gisagara district Léandre Karekezi appreciated the role people with disabilities are playing in the development of the district. He reminded them to keep sensitizing other people who were not in the training of their rights and responsibilities to develop the nation.

“You must be well aware that everyone is capable of working and being self-reliant” the mayor reminded the people with disabilities. “For such to be possible, each one of you must go back home with strategies to work. If you take a meal, work for at least 4 hours to replace the meal you took.”

For Thomas Nteziryayo a person with disabilities says people with disabilities no longer there are nuisances to the society but they understand their role in the development of the country.

“Before, people with disabilities lived in loneliness and were stigmatized and they accepted the situation as normal. But now, it is a different era, we are taught to work even those with no legs sit and trade and we work as a team through associations and cooperatives” says Nteziryayo.

People living with disabilities are expected to undergo training about the rights that protect them in general, the responsibilities of representatives of the people with disabilities in sectors, good governance, management and operations of cooperatives.

Source : http://www.uburenganzira.com/2013/08/gisagara-to-train-people-with-disabilities-on-their-rights/

Gisagara to train People with Disabilities on their rights

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Gakenke: Grassroots leaders motivated to improve government programs

With the new program of rewarding the best performing village leaders has motivated leaders to work harder to improve government programs like Community work and Mutuelle de santé medical insurance among others.

The village leaders who outdid their fellows on developmental projects in their villages were in the last economic year 2012/2013 rewarded with bicycles, radios, telephones and torches.

A motivated village leader of Mazinga village in Rusagara cell intends to get rewarded with the next team of outstanding leaders through sensitizing people to participate in Mutuelle de santé medical insurance before time.

“I have researched and only 22 families out of 107 families that have not yet participated in Mutuelle de santé. Last June the outstanding village leaders were rewarded and I will work hard on this program to be among the village leaders to be rewarded.”

Mazinga village leader says all families in this village will joined in the Mutuelle de santé medical insurance. “People now understand the importance of having a medical insurance though it was increased up to Rwf3000.”

Tharcisse Ingabire a resident of Mazinga village says she is in the first place now more than before “just because now I understand the purpose of this medical insurance.”

Source : http://www.ubuzimabwacu.com/2013/08/gakenke-grassroots-leaders-motivated-to-improve-government-programs/

Gakenke: Grassroots leaders motivated to improve government programs

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Digg launches Android app with RSS reader abilities

The software presents top stories from the Digg story-discovery service and subscription feeds on Android devices, heating up the competition in the RSS reader market.

Digg now has an Android app called Digg Reader, matching one it already has on iOS.

Digg, trying hard to reclaim its once-prominent position as a go-to site for interesting links on the Net, has released an Android app that combines discovery with RSS reading.

“Like the Web version of Digg, the Android app includes up-to-the-minute stories from the Digg homepage as well as Digg Reader, all optimized for your Android device,” Digg said in a blog post Thursday. The app is available for download on Google Play.

The app warms up the competition for a Google Reader replacement after Google axed its feed-reading service and app. The new Digg Reader service competes with Feedly, AOL Reader, and other contenders, and a mobile app gives it a better foothold in the market.

Digg already has a reader app for iOS.

RSS and Atom feed technology can be used to let people subscribe to Web pages so they find out when updates arrive. The technology, though popular among technophiles, hasn’t really become mainstream.

Of the Android app, Digg said, “This is our first Android release, and we’ll be updating and improving it steadily over the next few months. There are a few missing features we’re still testing such as a ‘Show Only Unread Items’ view, text size and display mode options, and background updating. You’ll see those added shortly, along with other new and bewitching features.”

Source : http://www.techrwanda.com/news/3346/digg-launches-android-app-with-rss-reader-abilities/

Digg launches Android app with RSS reader abilities

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EAC presidents set timelines for major integration projects

School children walk along a railway line in Kibera, a slum in Nairobi. EAC leaders want the Mombasa-Kampala-Kigali railway line fast tracked. The New Times/ Net Photo.

The Presidents of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda have directed their respective finance ministers to come up with a comprehensive mechanism showing the financing of proposed regional infrastructural projects.

Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Paul Kagame and Yoweri Museveni also set timelines on the projects which include the Mombasa-Kampala-Kigali railway track, Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali oil pipeline and a regional power transmission line.

According to Monique Mukaruliza, the national coordinator of the Tripartite Initiative (between Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya), the construction of the oil pipeline for refined petroleum products for the route Eldoret-Kampala – Kigali will be completed by 2017 while the Single Customs territory is expected to be launched before end of this year. The rail line project, which is estimated to cost $3.5 billion, is expected to be completed by 2018.

“Also effective January 2014, citizens of the three countries shall start using their Identity cards (Rwanda and Kenya) and voter cards (Uganda) as travel documents within the three countries,” Mukaruliza said in a statement yesterday.

Construction of the Mombasa-Nairobi segment of the railway line commences in November.

According to a communiqué released after the Second Infrastructure Summit in Mombasa on Wednesday, the three leaders directed the ministers to set up the mechanism within a month.

“Ministers responsible for finance should meet within one and a half months to come up with mechanisms to raise and schedule financing for all the proposed projects,” the communiqué reads.

According to experts, once in place, the railway will have capacity to ferry cargo at speed of up to 80 kilometres per hour and it is expected, to transport goods along the Northern Corridor.

Over 50 per cent of Rwanda’s imports come through Mombasa Port, which also serves other regional countries like Uganda, eastern DR Congo, Burundi, northern Tanzania and South Sudan.

Burundi, Sudan considered

The Presidents agreed to consider Burundi and South Sudan as part of the framework after they attended the summit as observers.

This implies that five regional countries are likely to work together in fast-tracking the regional projects aimed at accelerating the socio-economic development of the regional peoples.

“Representatives from Burundi and South Sudan should be part and parcel of the projects and incorporated into the Technical Committees in relevant thematic areas,” the communiqué further stated.

Mukaruliza said that Burundi and South- Sudan were invited as observers during the summit and later requested to be incorporated in the ongoing initiative.

“They requested to be part of the initiative and they will have to present their level of preparations in implementing the projects in the next summit,” she said in interview

The next infrastructure heads of state summit will be held in October in Kigali.

President Kenyatta highlighted progress made since the Entebbe Summit in June adding the projects were on the right track to be achieved.

“In connection with the development of the oil pipeline, we are happy to report that the first phase of developing the Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali pipeline is on course, with the initial portion currently undergoing bid evaluation while the terms of reference for the feasibility study in relation to the second portion are now complete,” he said.

He added; “Our ministers have deliberated in commendable detail the procurement and financing options for the Kampala-Kigali segment.”

Kenyatta further expressed optimism about addressing all the regional challenges and promotion of integration agenda by collaborating together.

On the issue of issuance of EAC single tourist visa, the summit directed ministers responsible to report on the progress of the decision between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda at the 3rd Infrastructure Summit in October, 2013, in readiness for implementation by 1st January, 2014

Ministers were also tasked to finalise on the modalities to start using national ID cards as travel documents before October 15, in readiness for implementation by January 1.

The South Sudan President Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit was represented by his foreign affairs minister, Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin while Eng. Deogratias Rurimunzu, the Burundian transport and public works minister represented President Pierre Nkurunziza.

EAC presidents set timelines for major integration projects

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Women candidates hit campaign trail with pomp

Some of teh women candidates during a meeting with NEC officials. The New Times/ Timothy Kisambira.

Candidates aspiring to join parliament on the women ticket have since Monday campaigned in different districts upcountry.

A total of women have hit the campaign trail in the race for the 24 slots reserved for women, in a college vote that will take place on September 18.

The constituency in the election for women representative is at the provincial level. The college is made up of women representatives from the village up to the provincial level. Provinces have varied number of representatives, depending on the population.

In the Southern Province, 30 aspirants for six seats started presenting their manifestos on Tuesday.

Ignatienne Nyirarukundo, a former deputy chairperson of the House’s standing committee on social affairs, who is seeking re-election campaigned in Nyamagabe on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“My focus is more on the development of women, and teh protection of rights of the child and family. I will continue to push for the enactment and review of laws that enhance gender equality, and to sensitise and urge women to utilise financial institutions,” she said by phone.

She added that if elected, she would work with others to ensure the youth are steered away from drugs and alcohol abuse and support government’s programme of closing orphanages, to give all Rwandan children a chance to grow up in a family setting.

Western Province


In the Western Province, which will also be represented by six representatives, 21 women including Peruth Nyiramana, 40, who is campaigning to become a lawmaker for the first time, hit the campaign trail on Monday.

Speaking to The New Times on phone from Bweyeye Sector in Rusizi District, Nyiramana said her manifesto is centred on augmenting the country’s fight against genocide ideology, inculcating the culture of patriotism, and enhancing unity, among others.

“A lot has already been done in fighting genocide ideology; we can never attain development with this vice rooted in our society. I want to take the fight higher through pushing for more and consistent enlightenment of the population,” Nyiramana said.

The women in each province are supposed to campaign collectively, and for logistical purposes, rallies are held in selected sectors in a district, where women councils in those sectors converge to listen to the candidates.

The Northern Province, which is to be represented by four women, also has 21 women candidates while the Eastern Province, has 26.

In the Eastern Province women aspirants, on Tuesday, kick-started their campaign in Rwamagana District attracting hundreds of residents. The candidates, one after another, addressed the rally – highlighting what they intend to do once in Parliament.

Alice Uwingabiye, one of the candidates, told Rwamagana residents that she would work hard to end gender based violence.

“I have all along been a crusader for gender equality…I have left no stone unturned to push for an end to gender based violence. Once I join Parliament, I will be in a better position to end the crime,” Uwingabiye said.

“I want your votes, the votes to empower women and particularly the children and the vulnerable. I will ensure that no domestic violence prevails if you give me the mandate.”

Kigali

Meanwhile, in the City of Kigali, the campaigns for women parliamentary candidates started yesterday at the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC-Kigali), previously Eto-Kicukiro.

According to Emerthe Kabatesi, one of the five candidates in the City of Kigali, they first met with the Electoral College in the morning before the campaigns started later in the afternoon.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) decides where and when candidates will address the electoral colleges.

Close to six million people are expected to vote and NEC has set up 2,291 polling centers in 2,148 cells across the country and about 15,500 polling stations in 14,953 villages.

Besides the women, the elections will also see 53 legislators elected through the universal adult suffrage system while the other special interest groups that also elect their representatives through the college system are the youth (2) and persons with disabilities, who have one representative in the 80-person parliament.

Additional reporting by Stephen Rwembeho+

Source : http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?i=15465&a=69991

Women candidates hit campaign trail with pomp

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Govt: DRC provocation can no longer be tolerated

Minister Mushikiwabo. The New Times/ Edwin Musoni.

The Government of Rwanda has strongly condemned the continuous shelling of its territory from the neighbouring  Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after the latest attacks yesterday killed one woman and seriously injured her two-months old son.

The victim was identified as Vestine Mukagasana.

On Thursday alone, 10 bombs were fired into the border district of Rubavu, with the first targeting a market at around 9:45 am.

“The persistent shelling of Rwandan territory is unacceptable, as it would be to any sovereign nation. Rwandan civilians are being targeted by DRC forces. We have remained restrained for as long as we can but this provocation can no longer be tolerated,” Louise Mushikiwabo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Government spokesperson said yesterday.

The second bomb landed at 11.20am near the Grand Barriere – one of the two official border crossing points into DRC.

The eight other bomb attacks on Thursday landed in Busasamana village at 11.30am.

These attacks follow 13 bombs and rockets fired by DRC forces on Wednesday at Rwandan border villages in Rubavu District.  A total of 34 bombs and rockets have been fired into Rwanda in the last month alone.

The Government blamed the attacks on the joint operations of Congolese army (FARDC) and the FDLR, a Congo-based militia group widely responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda which claimed at least a million people.

“We have the capacity to determine who fired at us and will not hesitate to defend our territory. Rwanda has a responsibility to protect its population,” Mushikiwabo said.

She added that Rwanda has “repeatedly urged the Government of DRC to stop attacks on its territory but instead violations have increased in frequency and intensity.”

The spokesperson heavily criticized the international community for their indifference towards the attacks stating that no one was “calling out the FDLR génocidaires who continue to be inexplicably shielded, while actively collaborating with DRC forces right across Rwanda’s border”.

“It is hypocritical for the international community to talk about protecting civilians when FARDC together with FDLR are causing harm to our citizens as if the lives of Rwandans have no value. The attacks by FARDC and FDLR have now reached another level.”

It was regrettable, Mushikiwabo added, that the international community has not mastered the necessary coherence to properly manage the situation, including supporting the regional political dialogue that had yielded a lull in the fighting in Eastern DRC.

The Minister went to on to reassure all Rwandans, especially those living near DRC border, that their safety will be protected.

“There has been no population displacement because of the shelling. It is the responsibility of the leadership of this country to defend our borders and we will bring this shelling to an end,” she said.

Strategy of provocation

The shelling by FARDC and FDLR has been a sustained strategy of provocation designed to draw Rwanda into the conflict, Mushikiwabo said.

“Rwanda is the most willing signatory to the peace and security framework (for the DRC and the region) and we have done everything we can to contribute durable peace in the Eastern DRC.”

“But we will not stand by while the army of one of the signatories continues to shell civilian targets in Rwanda.”

Meanwhile the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) last evening moved heavy arsenal to the border district of Rubavu.

————————————–

DRC-FDLR AGGRESSION TIMELINE

>On November 3, 2012 two FARDC and FDLR fighters conduct combined, armed reconnaissance at Busasamana, Rubavu. Cpl Nzaza Nyabigoro, a suspected FDLR fighter embedded with 391 Recce Bn of FARDC, is killed. His remains were handed over to the FARDC 8 Military Region Commander, Col Evariste Somo Kakule.

>On November 27, the FDLR attacks Muti village, Rubavu. Kigali says the attack was conducted by two companies of FDLR estimated at 150. The attackers wore FARDC uniforms, had DRC identification documents and used arms and ammunition provided by FARDC;

>On 2 December 2, FDLR attacks Rwanda and kill an employee of Karisoke Research Centre (a conservation organisation) in Kinigi, Musanze District

>On May 24, 2013 FDLR fires on Rwanda territory in Bisoke along the border with DRC. The FDLR withdraw back to DRC;

>In November 2012, FARDC fires a total of 15 bombs into villages on the Rwandan territory;

>On July 15, two bombs land in the villages of Gisura and Ruhara, Rubavu District, fired from the outskirts of Goma in the general area of Kanyarucinya, a military position occupied by Monusco and the Congolese army. One of the bombs is identified as 100mm High Explosive Anti-Tank (Heat) fired by a T-54/T-55 Tank;

>On July 26 two grenades explode in the City of Kigali killing three people, including a child, and injuring several others. (The attack was blamed on FDLR after two suspected operatives were arrested while trying to escape across the DRC border. The suspects confessed, saying they were working on the instructions of a senior FDLR commander).

>August 22, a 107mm rocket lands in Bugu village, Rubavu;

>August 23, five 120mm mortar bombs land in the villages of Kagezi, Bukumu, Kageyo, and Rusura in Rubavu.

> On August 24, five bombs land in the villages of Hanika, Muti Bushengo, Bisizi and Kageyo in Rubavu District.

>On August 28, at 11.45a.m four 82mm mortar bombs are fired at Rutagara village, targeting RDF defensive position causing damage, and at 11.50am, five 107mm rockets are fired at the villages of Kageyo and Kingogo, damaging property. Also between 17.30p.m and 17.45pm, FADRC fires four rockets and bombs from the outskirts of Goma in Kanyarucinya, Nyiragongo territory occupied by FARDC and Monusco forces. The bombs and rockets land in the villages of Gakomero, Kamivuba, Rutagara and at Mont Rubavu, overlooking Rubavu town.

>On August 29, one bomb lands in a marketplace in Bugangari in Rubavu town killing a woman, Vestine Mukagasana and seriously injuring her two-month old son. A second bomb lands near the Grand Barriere in Rubavu town, injuring one person; eight bombs land at Busasamana village in Rubavu.

Source : http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?i=15465&a=69990

Govt: DRC provocation can no longer be tolerated

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Maximise African tea’s potential, Kagame tells producers, dealers

President Paul Kagame has urged tea producers and dealers across Africa to add value to tea products in order to play a greater role in the continent’s socio-economic development.

He was speaking yesterday at the ongoing second Tea Convention and Exhibition in Kigali.

Kagame also called for reduced dependence on foreign markets urging expansion of domestic tea consumption.

Organisers say the event, held under the auspices of the East African Tea Trade Association, provides an opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences and learn from each other.

Participants include industry experts, agriculture input suppliers, practitioners, researchers and scholars, as well as financiers, investors, logistic and warehousing experts.

Kagame said there was a bright future for the tea market both in Africa and beyond the continent where more than 90 per cent of Africa’s teas are consumed.

“We must remain aligned to the important sectors in foreign exchange earnings generating direct and indirect employment to millions of our people,” he said.

Highlighting the potential for the African market given the continent’s fast growing population, the President challenged tea dealers to get more involved with marketing their teas to African consumers and investing more in processing activities.

“Clearly, the market exists. We need to produce more,” he told the delegates, underlining the importance of tea to the world’s economy.

Kagame also rooted for new technologies in growing, processing, packaging, and selling Africa’s teas, adding that it would bring much more money to those who are involved in the tea business.

“We can do better and benefit more,” he said.

The President decried the fact that Rwandans consume less than two per cent of the tea they produce, urging them to consume more.

Tea remains the country’s second main cash crop after coffee.

Kagame pledged government’s support to investors in the country’s tea sector, with view to help them realise their potential.

Cupping competition

The second Tea Convention and Exhibition also provided an opportunity for cupping competitions and companies from nine African countries to compete for best specialty teas and best black CTC teas.

Some of the winners in first class of specialty teas include Rwanda’s Sorwathe tea factory which emerged as the producer of the best green tea.

All the first winners in the category of black CTC teas are also Rwandan factories. They include Kitabi tea factory (best D1 tea grade and best BP1 tea grade), Karongi tea factory (best PD grade), as well as Gisovu tea factory (best PF1 tea grade).

“The competitions have shown that Rwanda has quality tea. What we need now is to increase its quantity,” said Dr Agnes Kalibata, the Agriculture minister.

She said the government  plans to expand tea plantations in the western part of the country which will include planting tea on some 20,000 hectares of land.

“We will take advantage of our country’s natural environment because that’s what is really giving us the high-quality teas,” she said in an interview.

Source : http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?i=15465&a=69989

Maximise African tea’s potential, Kagame tells producers, dealers

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Kikwete Asks For Museveni Help On Rwanda Conflict

President Kagame and Ugandan counterpart President Museveni lay foundation stone on a facility in Rwanda during one of the later’s many trips (PPU Photo)

Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete has asked Uganda counterpart to mediate in the ongoing spat between him and Presisent Paul Kagame of Rwanda, the Tanzanian Prime Minister announced in Parliament.

PM Mizego Pinda informed Parliament on Thursday that President Museveni would work on bringing the two leaders together; more than three months after relations hit a low end. On May 26, President Kikwete suggested in a closed door African Union summit in Ethiopia that Rwanda negotiates with Rwanda FDLR rebels in DR Congo.

The weeks that have passed saw bitter exchanges between Kigali and Dar es Salaam. In a major speech to the Rwanda Defense Forces, President Kagame said he viewed President Kikwete’s statement with “contempt”. President Kikwete also fired back on a similar platform to Tanzanian troops warning Rwanda not to trying attacking Tanzania.

In the midst of the confrontation, Tanzania found itself sidelined as Rwanda rallied Kenya and Uganda to launch major infrastructure projects including a railway link from Mombasa to Kigali. On Wednesday, a follow up summit in Mombasa put-pen-to-paper confirming the multi-billion dollar railway line and other regional investments.

Media in Tanzania have accused Rwanda of trying to eliminate Tanzania from the East African community. Today in Parliament, Leader of Opposition Freeman Mbowe accused Tanzania Government of being shortsighted.

The Tanzania Prime Minister of Tanzania, who was prepared for the weekly Q&A parliamentary session, delivered a statement. Mr. Freeman Mbowe is the chairman of the main opposition party CHADEMA, who had demanded to know what the government was doing to end the diplomatic conflict between Rwanda and Tanzania. Mr. Mbowe is also the leader of the opposition movement in Tanzania parliamentary house.

Freeman Mbowe had suggested that there should be a special mediation team that would help the two countries reconcile, but the Prime Minister said there was no need of such a move, saying President Kikwete had asked President Museveni of Uganda to act as a mediator.

The opposition legislators in Tanzania challenged the Prime Minister alleging that the shaky relationship between the two neighboring countries might be of negative impact to Tanzania as it could isolate it.

source:http://www.newsofrwanda.com/featured1/20251/kikwete-asks-for-museveni-help-on-rwanda-conflict/

Kikwete Asks For Museveni Help On Rwanda Conflict

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Rwanda Slams “Hypocritical” International Community Over DRC Rockets

The government has accused the international community of watching with indifference as dozens of rockets have been fired into Rwanda by DR Congo government forces on a daily basis for the past week.

Rwanda’s foreign affairs minister and Government Spokesperson today that “DRC forces have intensified deliberate shelling of Rwandan territory”. A bomb fired by FARDC at 9.45am this morning killed a woman and seriously injured her two-month old baby in a market in Rubavu town, witnesses reported.

A second bomb landed at 11.20am near the grand barriere in Rubavu town injuring one person and eight bombs landed at Busasamana village in Rubavu District at 11.30am. This follows thirteen bombs and rockets fired by DRC forces on Wednesday at Rwandan border villages in Rubavu District. A total of 34 bombs and rockets have been fired into Rwanda in the last month by DRC forces.

Minister Mushikiwabo said: “The persistent shelling of Rwandan territory is unacceptable, as it would be to any sovereign nation. Rwandan civilians are being targeted by DRC forces. We have remained restrained for as long as we can but this provocation can no longer be tolerated. We have the capacity to determine who fired at us and will not hesitate to defend our territory. Rwanda has a responsibility to protect its population.”

Minister Mushikiwabo said the Government has repeatedly urged the Government of DRC to stop attacks on its territory but instead violations have increased in frequency and intensity. She pointed out that no one is calling out the FDLR génocidaires who continue to be inexplicably shielded, while actively collaborating with DRC forces right across Rwanda’s border.

“It is hypocritical for the international community to talk about protecting civilians when FARDC together with FDLR are causing harm to our citizens as if the lives of Rwandans have no value,” said Mushikiwabo. “The attacks by FARDC and FDLR have now reached another level.”

The Minister said it was regrettable that the international community has not mustered the necessary coherence to properly manage the situation, including supporting the regional political dialogue that had yielded a lull in the fighting in Eastern DRC.

“The shelling by FARDC and FDLR has been a sustained strategy of provocation designed to draw Rwanda into the conflict. Rwanda is the most willing signatory to the peace and security framework and we have done everything we can to contribute durable peace in the Eastern DRC. But we will not stand by while the army of one of the signatories continues to shell civilian targets in Rwanda.”

IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, THE FARDC AND FDLR ATTACKS SINCE NOVEMBER 2012 ARE AS FOLLOWS:

 

1.      On 29 August one bomb landed in a marketplace in Bugangari neighbourhood in Rubavu town killing a woman, Vestine Mukagasana and seriously injuring her two-month old son. A second bomb landed near the grand barriere in Rubavu town injured one person and eight bombs landed at Busasamana village in Rubavu District.

2.      On 28 August 2013, at 11.45 am four 82 mm mortar bombs were fired at Rutagara village, targeting RDF defensive position causing damage and at 11.50 am, five 107mm rockets were fired at the villages of Kageyo and Kingogo also causing damage to property. Also between 17.30pm and 17.45pm, FADRC fired four rockets and bombs from the outskirts of Goma in Kanyarucinya, Nyiragongo territory occupied by FARDC and Monusco forces. The bombs and rockets landed in the villages of Gakomero, Kamivuba, Rutagara and at Mont Rubavu, overlooking Rubavu town in Rwanda.

3.      On 24 August 2013, five bombs landed in the villages of Hanika, Muti Bushengo, Bisizi and Kageyo in Rubavu District;

4.      On 23 August 2013, five 120mm mortar bombs landed in the villages of Kagezi, Bukumu, Kageyo, and Rusura in Rubavu District;

5.      On 22 August 2013, a 107mm rocket landed in Bugu village, Rubavu District;

6.      On 26 July 2013 two grenades exploded in Kigali killing three people, including a child, and injured fifty. The terror act was carried out by two FDLR operatives who were arrested while crossing back to DRC;

7.      On 15 July 2013, two bombs landed in the villages of Gisura and Ruhara, Rubavu District, fired from the outskirts of Goma in the general area of Kanyarucinya, a military position occupied by MONUSCO and FARDC. One of the bombs was identified as 100mm High Explosive Anti-Tank (Heat) fired by a T-54/T-55 Tank;

8.      In November 2012, FARDC fired a total of 15 bombs into villages on Rwandan territory;

9.      On 24 May 2013, FDLR fired on Rwanda territory in Bisoke along the border with DRC. The FDLR then withdrew back to DRC;

10.     On 2 December 2012, FDLR attacked Rwanda and killed an employee of Karisoke Research Centre in Kinigi, Musanze District;

11.     On 27 November 2012 the FDLR attacked Muti village, Rubavu district. The attack was conducted by two companies of FDLR estimated at 150 criminals. They wore FARDC uniforms, had DRC identification documents and used arms and ammunition provided by FARDC;

12.     On 3 November 2012 two FARDC and FDLR fighters conducted combined, armed reconnaissance at Busasamana, Rubavu District in Rwanda. Cpl Nzaza Nyabigoro, a suspected FDLR fighter embedded in 391 Recce Bn of FARDC was killed. His remains were handed over to the FARDC 8 Military Region Commander, Col Evariste Somo Kakule.

 

source:http://www.newsofrwanda.com/featured1/20245/rwanda-slams-hypocritical-international-community-over-drc-rockets/

Rwanda Slams “Hypocritical” International Community Over DRC Rockets

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Rwanda border on high alert after DRC bombings

Rwandans living in Rubavu district, which borders Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and now on high alert after DRC government forces (FARDC) shelled two bombs on the Rwandan side this August 29, morning.

So far reports indicate that a woman was killed and her two-month old baby in a market in Rubavu town and other three people seriously injured and transferred to Kigali for treatment.

Apparently, Rubavu local leaders have sent on alert to residents warning them to be more careful and not to move in large or cross the borders.

This follows thirteen bombs and rockets fired by DRC forces since Wednesday, bringing the total of 34 bombs and rockets have been fired into Rwanda in the last month by DRC forces since 3rd November 2012. (Ref Chronology below).

Rwandans says that the DRC is trying to insult and trigger Rwanda into a war but Rwanda has repeatedly urged the Government of DRC to stop attacks on its territory but instead violations have increased in frequency and intensity.

Rwanda’ Minister for Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo said: “The persistent shelling of Rwandan territory is unacceptable, as it would be to any sovereign nation. Rwandan civilians are being targeted by DRC forces. We have remained restrained for as long as we can but this provocation can no longer be tolerated. We have the capacity to determine who fired at us and will not hesitate to defend our territory. Rwanda has a responsibility to protect its population.”

Inside sources also say that Rwanda is pondering on what next to do with the continued attacks and there could be a possibility of wagging war.

In chronological order, the FARDC and FDLR attacks since November 2012 are as follows:

 

-           On 29 August one bomb landed in a marketplace in Bugangari neighbourhood in Rubavu town killing a woman, Vestine Mukagasana and seriously injuring her two-month old son. A second bomb landed near the grand barriere in Rubavu town injured one person and eight bombs landed at Busasamana village in Rubavu District.

-           On 28 August 2013, at 11.45 am four 82 mm mortar bombs were fired at Rutagara village, targeting RDF defensive position causing damage and at 11.50 am, five 107mm rockets were fired at the villages of Kageyo and Kingogo also causing damage to property. Also between 17.30pm and 17.45pm, FADRC fired four rockets and bombs from the outskirts of Goma in Kanyarucinya, Nyiragongo territory occupied by FARDC and Monusco forces. The bombs and rockets landed in the villages of Gakomero, Kamivuba, Rutagara and at Mont Rubavu, overlooking Rubavu town in Rwanda.

-          On 24 August 2013, five bombs landed in the villages of Hanika, Muti Bushengo, Bisizi and Kageyo in Rubavu District;

-          On 23 August 2013, five 120mm mortar bombs landed in the villages of Kagezi, Bukumu, Kageyo, and Rusura in Rubavu District;

-          On 22 August 2013, a 107mm rocket landed in Bugu village, Rubavu District;

-          On 26 July 2013 two grenades exploded in Kigali killing three people, including a child, and injured fifty. The terror act was carried out by two FDLR operatives who were arrested while crossing back to DRC;

-          On 15 July 2013, two bombs landed in the villages of Gisura and Ruhara, Rubavu District, fired from the outskirts of Goma in the general area of Kanyarucinya, a military position occupied by MONUSCO and FARDC. One of the bombs was identified as 100mm High Explosive Anti-Tank (Heat) fired by a T-54/T-55 Tank;

-          In November 2012, FARDC fired a total of 15 bombs into villages on Rwandan territory;

-          On 24 May 2013, FDLR fired on Rwanda territory in Bisoke along the border with DRC. The FDLR then withdrew back to DRC;

-          On 2 December 2012, FDLR attacked Rwanda and killed an employee of Karisoke Research Centre in Kinigi, Musanze District;

-          On 27 November 2012 the FDLR attacked Muti village, Rubavu district. The attack was conducted by two companies of FDLR estimated at 150 criminals. They wore FARDC uniforms, had DRC identification documents and used arms and ammunition provided by FARDC;

-          On 3 November 2012 two FARDC and FDLR fighters conducted combined, armed reconnaissance at Busasamana, Rubavu District in Rwanda. Cpl Nzaza Nyabigoro, a suspected FDLR fighter embedded in 391 Recce Bn of FARDC was killed. His remains were handed over to the FARDC 8 Military Region Commander, Col Evariste Somo Kakule.

 

source:http://www.uburenganzira.com/2013/08/rwanda-border-on-high-alert-after-drc-bombings/

Rwanda border on high alert after DRC bombings

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