Rwanda: Japan pledges assistance to Rwanda

Despite allegations of Rwanda linking with the Congolese rebel Movement M23 that resulted in some donor countries delay or cut aid to Rwanda, Japan has remained committed in supporting the government of Rwanda’s especially through Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS).

This August 2012 Rwanda and Japan met for their 9th annual dialogue during which both parties provided opportunity for both countries to evaluate the status of ongoing project and look at new projects for the future.

At the forum both countries discussed various issues including the progress of the execution of different projects and explored new areas of future Japanese assistance strategy for Rwanda.

In his statement, Ambassador Ben Rutsinga, on behalf of the Rwandan government appreciated the initiative made by both parties of holding a forum in a bid to develop common understanding on a number of issues that pending to the bilateral cooperation existing between Japan and Rwanda.

He later highlighted the importance of relations between Rwanda and Japan

“Rwanda values much the relation existing between our two countries and appreciates Japanese assistance in very important sectors such as human resource, rural development, industrial, economic and infrastructural development.”

“This annual dialogue helps improve the economic cooperation. The government of Rwanda has achieved many goals in Economic.

Stakeholders briefed and updated participants on Rwanda’s Microfinance Performance; EDPRS II: Roadmap and processes, the status of Japanese Official Development Assistance and Country Assistance Policy and Japan’s cooperation by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).

The Japanese envoy Kunio Hatanaka said Japan will continue to support Rwanda to achieve its goals through EDPRS and we welcome new projects of Rwanda.

The move Japan expressed by Japan comes after `realizing Rwanda’s achievements and pledged Japan’s assistance.

http://livinginrwanda.com/index.php/2012/09/rwanda-japan-pledges-assistance-to-rwanda/

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Rwanda : Connexions Africa brings IT solutions to Rwanda

Two years ago, Connexions Africa, embarked on an ambitious mission to expand our business in Africa.

Due to the good investment climate, Rwanda has become the first country on the continent to have the opportunity to host a multi -billion IT company as it plans on extending its services from Mauritius to Africa.

The company has a vision of being a platform for our skilled & passionate professionals to assist our customers in discovering and delivering green, efficient and cost-effective technology.

Connexions Africa partners with world leading IT companies such as Dell, HP, Fujitsu and others to promote technology to our customers. Connexions Africa offers technology solutions in 3 distinct areas:  Infrastructure technology from tablets to high end servers, Cost effective applications from simple accounting to complex CRM, ERPs and custom developments and professional services – warranty, maintenance and training

“We are pleased to announce a new partnership and expansion to Rwanda and few surrounding countries signed today with Lenovo Market leader in Africa” Manoj Boolakee, the CEO of Connexions Africa says “it is our commitment to deliver innovative technology with high level service standards and value to our end customers in Rwanda”.

The company plans on starting its full operations in two months time from this August 2012. Some of the training courses will take a month’s period and this is expected to boost Rwanda’s vision of becoming an Information Technology based economy.

The Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana presided over the launch ceremony on August 29, in Kigali. Nsengimana said that the coming of connexions Africa is an added value to the country’s need to develop the ICT sector.

“This initiative will provide Rwandans with skills in software and computer services, and training. It is also a key strategy for providing jobs- which is very strategic and within our vision of country and welcome to Rwanda since we have the same target of being of team of winners” He noted.

The Private sector federation (PSF) chairman, Faustin Mbundu also said that PSF will ensure that entry of Connexions Africa is supported in order to penetrate the Rwandan market, which needs IT skills.

http://techrwanda.com/index.php/2012/09/rwanda-connexions-africa-brings-solutions-rwanda/

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Rwanda : Kagame In Ethiopia For Meles Zenawi Funeral

President Kagame arrives in Addis Ababa, Saturday, September 01, 2012

President Paul Kagame on Saturday afternoon arrived in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa for the funeral of the late Prime Minister scheduled for Sunday – where several other global dignitaries are expected to take part.

Last month, the PM died of an unknown illness after a mysterious in Brussels, two month-long disappearance from the public, and will be buried on Sunday in the first state funeral for a leader in over 80 years, according to media reports from there.

President Kagame will Saturday evening pay his respects at the Grand Palace in Addis Ababa where he will sign the condolence book and lay a wreath by casket where the late Prime Minister lies in state, according to a statement from Village Urugwiro (president’s office).

On Sunday President Kagame will join other dignitaries and thousands of Ethiopians at the funeral to be held at Meskel Square. President Kagame will speak at the funeral along with former South African President Thabo Mbeki as friends of the late Prime Minister.

President Kagame and MrZenawi had maintained very close relations during the latter’s time in office. Rwanda honored MrZenawi with the country’s highest recognition for his role in the liberation struggle.

Last week, President Kagame not only sent a personal condolence message to the Ethiopian people, but also led a one-minute moment of silence at a high level gathering in Kigali in honor of MrZenawi. The minute silence was observed during the launch of Rwanda sovereign fund, the Agaciro Development Fund.

The visibly emotional President Kagame described the ex-PM as having been not the leader of Ethiopia alone, but for the entire African continent. 

http://newsofrwanda.com/breaking/12912/rwanda-kagame-ethiopia-meleszenawifuneral/

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Rwanda Special Forces Withdraw From DRC On Saturday

RDF Commandos on training at Nasho, eastern Rwanda

The two battalions of elite Special Forces of the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) could be headed for a total withdrawal from Rutchuru in eastern DR Congo, a day after the Defense Minister, Gen James Kabarebe confirmed their existence.

On Friday evening, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) media department sent out a message to media houses asking them to prepare for coverage of the withdrawal. “You are invited to cover withdrawal of our Special Forces from Rutchuru tomorrow (Saturday) at Kabuhanga, Rubavu…” read the message in part. No more details were provided.

There had been for some time rumours of Rwandan Special Forces in eastern DRC, but that was not officially confirmed. However, in a surprise wide ranging interview with a Belgian newspaper Le Soir on Thursday, Defense Minister Gen Kabarebe hit the bombshell.

“It is two companies of Special Forces, along with two companies of Congolese Special Forces. For two years they are there and they are still there…,” said Gen Kabarebe. “Yes, they were destined to fight the FDLR.”

Congolese residents in Goma watch as Rwandan troops march

Gen Kabarebe’s statement did not give any indication the soldiers would leave anytime soon, instead, it sounded like they would stay for as long as the Rwandan militias are still there. The Special Forces have been there with agreement from DRC, as part of joint efforts to battle the FDLR militia, whose combatants are wanted in Rwanda for executing the slaughter of Tutsis – and fleeing across.

As revealed by the Defense Minister, in many of the meetings they have had with DRC officials since April, Kinshasa has asked Rwanda to help quell the M23 rebellion probably with the use of these Special Forces or send a new force from Rwanda. But Gen Kabarebe said Rwanda refused.

“We asked them to stop fighting so we can see what to do, how to help…our Congolese interlocutors explicitly asked us to move our forces into the Congo to help solve the problem. We refused to move our forces…” said Kabarebe in the interview.

Following a deal with Kinshasa, Rwandan troops were sent for joint operations against the FDLR with the Congolese army FARDC back in early 2009. They withdraw later after what was said at the time a successful operation. 

http://newsofrwanda.com/ibikorwa/12861/rwanda-rwanda-special-forces-withdraw-drc-saturday/

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Rwanda | Nyamasheke: District Acclaims Development Partners Playing Exceptional Role

Today the 31^stAug.2012, people who played a big role in the implementation of the district’s performing contracts of the economic year 2012/2013 have been awarded certificates of appreciation on the part they played ; Nyamasheke District Authority has reported.

Jean Baptiste Habyarimana the mayor of Nyamasheke district thanked members of the district Itorero called ‘Indongozi’ for working hand in hand with the district administration in achieving the performing contracts they vowed to do in the presence of the president of the republic.

Among those who were given the certificates of appreciation include those that played a part of [promoting agriculture like Tubura group that provides fertilizers and agriculture lessons, Gatare Tea Growers who implemented Gatare Tea project.

The cooperative of motorcyclists that played role in development projects and in ensuring security and the Union of fishermen that ensured the security of Lake Kivu. People who won medals in different sports were also appreciated, local people’s radios of Rusizi radio and Isangano radio in Karongi district that transmit different information to the local people.

In this meeting, the district mayor got a chance to thank the district exemplary worker who fulfilled his responsibilities and even helped his fellow workers in doing the same and that was Theogene Mugwiza who is the secretary of the district.

http://newsofrwanda.com/ibikorwa/12872/rwanda-nyamasheke-district-acclaims-development-partners-playing-exceptional-role/

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Rwanda: Japan remains committal to Rwanda’s developmental programs

The Japanese commits US$ 1.5 m to the program of two- day training of trainers from local vocational centers, launched on 22 August, 2012 in a bid to improve the community livelihood of the repatriating refugees.

 Present at the occasion Ministry of Refugee Affairs and Disaster Management (Midimar) joined by the Japanese ambassador to Rwanda Kunio Hatanaka,

 Aimed at empowering Rwandans repatriating from different countries and vulnerable groups in seven districts from North and East, the third phase that will see a support of Japanese government with US$ 1.5 million is following the same roadmap.

“The training is a kind of catch-up, to give a chance to any Rwandese who has been in the refugee struggle for 18 years to reach the level a common Rwandan has already attained,” said Antoine Ruvebana, the Permanent Secretary in Midimar.

 “Our country men repatriating joining a community with outstanding speed of development. They also need empowerment for them to move on the same pace with Rwanda’s development,” Antoine

said.

 “Thus, we need to have people who would help them catch up and attain the level of common Rwandans in such a short time; 5 months, although they marked more than a decade of loss in refugee camps”, added Ruvebana.

 The training targeted 143 trainers from training centers of carpentry, masonry, tailoring, mechanics, hairdressing and other vocational skills with goal of developing their skills.

 At the same event, Japanese ambassador assured Rwanda of his country’s commitment help to help sustain local development in key areas including: creating employments of refugees and vulnerable groups in the country.

 The third phase of this support will see more than 3,000 Rwandans repatriated and members of vulnerable groups as direct beneficiaries.

 The current phase will cover seven districts: Bugesera, Rwamagana and Ngoma of East and Burera, Musanze, Rulindo and Gicumbi in the Northern Province.

 36% will benefit for skills that will be delivered by trainers in trainings today, 41% of the total number will benefit by livestock development, while 23% will get their housing facilities improved.

 So far, the project in all its phases has been implemented by Midmar in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) since it started in 2010 and has assisted 22,000 individuals in 22 districts countrywide.

http://livinginrwanda.com/index.php/2012/08/rwanda-japan-remains-committal-to-rwandas-developmental-programs/

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Rwanda : Rwanda opens police training

Rwanda National Police headquarters in Kigali kick started four-day training from August 22, 2012, to curb down insecurities and crime through Interpol systems as an urgent issue that calls for joint efforts to combat.

Interpol’s Director for the National Central Bureau and Regional Police Services, Elizabeth Kutesa, said in these times of new threats, the demands placed on police were high.

She put her emphasis on the significance of the accurate and timely sharing of information to augment efforts by frontline officers in combating transnational crimes, through the world police body’s communication platform.

Rwanda police chief and EAPCCO chair, Emmanuel Gasana, said sophistication manifested in the planning and execution of modern crime is threatening the policing landscape adding that the simulation exercise was a response.

The officers have been under a two day theory training session on combating trafficking in persons, terrorism and peace keeping support operations.

There have been numerous reports of human traffickers targeting young children and albinos for ritual offerings in Tanzania Uganda.

“Among all security challenges, crime ranks high,” Internal Security Minister Musa Fazil Harelimana said while flagging off the exercise.

The exercise coordinator, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Felix Namuhoranye, said that though human trafficking was not alarming in Rwanda, it is on the high rise in the body’s member countries justifying the need for joint efforts to combat the vice.

The simulation is zeroed on human trafficking, terrorism and peacekeeping support operations, and each of the twelve, Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO).

http://livinginrwanda.com/index.php/2012/08/rwanda-rwanda-opens-police-training/

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