PS youth ministry urges young people to work hard

PS Rosemary Mbabazi at Amizero Training Center. (courtesy photo)

The permanent secretary in the ministry of youth and ICT, Rosemary Mbabazi, has called on the youth to work hard and get specialized which could be beneficial for the people and the country.

She made the call on Wednesday when visiting Amizero Training Center (ATC) in Kayonza, Eastern Province, which is a technical school where youth get skills in carpentry, welding, plumbing, tailoring, cooperative management, hotel and services.

Mbabazi told youth at Amizero Center that they can achieve what they want by embracing the culture of hard work. “The government introduced a fund to help youth and women boost their projects where youth grouped in cooperatives are required a guarantee equal to 25% of the total cost of their project while 75% will be guaranteed by the fund as a loan. I urge you to approach COOJAD and SACCO’s to access these facilities,” the PS said.

The program ‘Women and Youth Access to Finance’ was developed by the ministry of youth and ICT in conjunction with the ministry of gender and family promotion, the Busi­ness Development Fund (BDF) and the Rwanda Cooperative Agen­cy (RCA) to address the manage­rial and financial challenges.

The director of Amizero, John Bideri, said that the center has also a social component where they train local residents in modern farming, and help youth to create their own jobs through start-up kits. He commended the government and funding partners of the training center for their continued support.

Mbabazi also visited youth engaged in small income-generating activities mainly in agribusiness, boutiques and transport either as individual or in groups in Gahanga sector, Kicukiro, where a group of young people with the support of EDC Akazi Kanoze is selling different products with good results.

“We started saving last year in May and now we have more than one million Rwandan francs,” said Fidele Kavamahanga, one of the group’s representatives.

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BNR moves to stop likely hike in interest rates

BNR governor Claver Gatete. (photo Farouk Kaweesi)

The central bank is trying to contain mounting pressure on bank deposits as individuals and institutions withdrawmoney to invest in Treasury Bills—a trend that can undermine lending to the private sector.

If not swiftly dealt with, there is a risk of a rise in lending rates because banks may be forced to borrow ex­pensively from abroad in order to fi­nance their operations at home.

The fear is that money is leaving the banking sector, the main financier of private sector operations as insti­tutional depositors such as pension funds, insurance firms and individu­als start getting interested in invest­ing in Treasury Bills.

Previously only commercial banks were involved in the business of trea­sury bills—which basically means lending to government—but the lu­crative nature of the business is now attracting institutions and individu­als as well, the governor of National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), Claver Ga­tete has said.

There is almost no risk in lending to government through purchase of treasury bills and bonds and that is the reason commercial banks, and of late all, individuals and institutional investors scramble for government debt.

This however can leave the pri­vate sector, the engine of economic growth, without credit or pay more for the loans because of the perceived higher risk in lending to private com­panies as compared to lending gov­ernment.

“We are ready with our tools to en­sure that interest rates don’t go up,” said the Gatete. He spoke during the presentation of the Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Statement in Kigali on Friday last week.

While he could not reveal what “tools” are at his disposal to deal with this situation, financial experts say lowering interest rates on TBs is the main option available the chief regulator of the finance sector so as to make the business less lucrative and dissuade some individual and insti­tutional investors from participating.

The banks, Gatete said, have not signaled intentions to hike interest rates on loans despite the pressure. Lending rates have remained stable at an average of 17% per annum—boosting private sector borrowing by 27.8% to Frw 747.3 billion as of De­cember 2012 from 556.9 billion end of December 2011.

This was perhaps made possible by a surge in bank deposits to Frw 844 billion as of 30th December 2012 from Frw732.6 billion that the banks had during the same month of the previ­ous year.

Not only did the banking sector register growth in loans and depos­its, assets also expanded by 15.1%  to 1,247.6 billion in December 2012 from Frw 1,084.2 billion of the previ­ous year. This means that local banks have adequate capacity not only to meet the borrowing needs of their cli­ents but also alleviate risks.

“The macro-prudential assessment and stress testing results indicate that the banking sector remains well capitalized and liquid with sufficient capital to mitigate risks,” BNR stated in its February 2013 Monetary Poli­cy and Financial Stability Statement. The industry capitalization level now stands at 23.9%, quit comfortably ahead of the regulatory minimum capital requirement of 15%.

Economy stable

Even as the global economic en­vironment remains largely full of uncertainties brought about by the European sovereign debt crisis and unresolved issues surrounding the US fiscal policy, Gatete said the Rwan­da economy remains resilient and on course to sustained growth.

Real GDP grew at 7.5%, 9.9% but slowed down to 7.3% during the first, second and third quarters of 2012 on account of increase in import of capi­tal and intermediary goods by 28.1% and 24.1% in volume and value re­spectively.

Importation of capital and interme­diary goods spurred economic activ­ity in the construction and services industry—the main drivers of eco­nomic growth during the year.

This year, the economy is expected to grow by about 7.5%, the highest in the east African region and above the sub-Saharan average of about 5.8%. Agriculture, whose contribution to real GDP growth was last year mar­ginal due to bad weather conditions, is expected to rebound this year.

Exports

According to BNR, developing countries are likely to experience low­er economic growth rates during the year due to weak demand for exports from traditional markets in Europe.

In Rwanda case, the effect of slug­gish demand in the international mar­ket is already being felt in the coffee sector, the country’s main and tradi­tional export. For example, although the country exported over 17,000 tons of coffee last year compared with 15,000 tons of 2011, proceeds reduced by about 18.5% to $60.9 million. The price of coffee fell from $4.8 in 2011 to $3.6 per kg in 2012 due to massive supply from the leading producer, Brazil.

“We therefore need to reconsider and look at non-traditional exports and see how to boost them,” Gatete said.

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Rwanda welcomes DRC peace deal

Kagame and other presidents/officials after signing the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Region deal yesterday. The New Times/ Village Urugwiro.

President Paul Kagame has welcomed the deal aimed at bringing peace and stability to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo after years of unrest.

Kabila signs the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Region deal yesterday. . The New Times/Courtsey.

The new framework was signed yesterday by 11 countries in the Great Lakes region in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa, in the presence of UN chief Ban Ki-moon.

Others present were Presidents of the DR Congo, South Africa, Mozambique, Congo and Tanzania while Uganda, Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic and Zambia were represented by envoys.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, President Kagame said, “This Framework Agreement is an important step and opportunity in reaffirming our commitment to regional peace. I unreservedly welcome it.”

The eastern DRC has been ravaged by conflict involving numerous armed groups for the past two decades, with new rebel movements spawned on a regular basis.

Among those rebels include the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) which is mainly composed of elements responsible for the1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Under the deal, the DRC will be required to deepen security sector reform, particularly with respect to the Army and Police; to consolidate State authority, particularly in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including preventing armed groups from destabilising neighbouring countries.

According to President Kagame, nothing would be of greater benefit to Rwanda than real progress towards regional peace and stability.

He pointed out that previous efforts undertaken with the DRC in the past decade had produced some encouraging improvements. But unfortunately what seemed like a strong basis for further progress was not sustained, with grave repercussions, he added.

The accord calls for regional countries to refrain from interfering in each other’s affairs and aims to encourage the reform of weak institutions in the DRC, Africa’s second largest country.

It could also lead to creation of a special UN “intervention brigade” in eastern DR Congo to combat rebel groups as well as new political efforts.

The Head of State outlined aspects of the agreement that provides renewed optimism for finding a real solution.

“The pursuit of durable peace requires the collaborative engagement of the entire region and the international community.  The framework recognises that a holistic approach that addresses the multi-faceted root causes is the only way to end instability. Any meaningful contribution towards lasting peace in the DRC and the Great Lakes region has to abandon the self-defeating practice of selectivity in both memory and responsibility regarding the known, longstanding causes of recurring conflict,” he said.

Kagame said the agreement presents a valuable opportunity for all parties to build on the work started by the region and the wider continent, and focus seriously on addressing the real problems as clearly identified. 

“It is crucial that the signing of this agreement not be seen as the end result of a peace process, but as a big step in the right direction.”

The Head of State called on signatories and observers of the accord signing to be genuine about addressing the real problems of rights, justice and development and finding real solutions for the people who look for them from their leaders.

UN Secretary General Ki-moon expressed his optimism for the framework agreement as path to realising stability in eastern DRC.

He also noted that, it is only the beginning of a comprehensive approach that will require sustained engagement.

The African Union Commissioner in Charge of Peace and Security, Ramtane Lamamra, said that the peace deal shows that the right course of action is still being taken and that, based on this, there are opportunities and avenues which will be open for common action for the peace and security of DRC and in the region.

The pact calls on regional actors to neither tolerate nor provide assistance or support of any kind to armed groups.  It also sets out a plan for the appointment of a United Nations Special Envoy to support efforts to reach durable solutions in a multi-track plan that allows the convergence of all initiatives in progress.

The latest surge in violence was in 2012 and culminated in the rebel M23 force briefly seizing the key town of Goma last November.

Western countries have accused Rwanda and Uganda of supporting the M23 rebels but both countries have strongly denied the allegations. The accusations resulted to donor countries suspending aid to Rwanda last year.

In a related development, the European Union welcomed the latest deal.  In a joint statement, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and the bloc’s commissioner for development, Andris Piebalgs and expressed support for a stronger UN presence in DRC.

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Kagame in Addis Ababa for signing of Congo peace deal

President Paul Kagame has arrived in Addis Ababa for today’s signing ceremony of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region.

The event taking place at the African Union has been convened by the Chair of the African Union Commission Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and the Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon.

The agreement will be signed by DRC along with ten other countries of the region: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Namibia, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Also signing as guarantors are the Secretary-General of the UN, Ban, Chairperson of the AU Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zum, Chairperson of ICGLR, and the Chairperson of SADC.

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Kagame urges Rwandans to uphold Umuganda culture

President Kagame and the First Lady join residents of Kanyinya to dig water channels yesterday.

President Paul Kagame has called upon Rwandans to strongly support the community work, Umuganda, because it is a unique activity that benefits everybody.

The Head of State made the remarks, yesterday, while addressing residents of Kanyinya Sector, Nyarugenge district and civil servants from various government institutions, who participated in the monthly community work.

The President flanked, by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, joined hundreds of residents in digging water trenches that will see residents in the area access more clean water.

“The community work is something that brings us together to use our energy for the betterment of our society. The activities we do together as a team, during Umuganda, benefit every Rwandan,” Kagame told cheering Kanyinya residents.

“Umuganda is a culture that enables us to sustain ourselves and that is the journey we must embark on. It’s an opportunity for each of us to take part in developing our nation”.

Kagame added that self sustenance is based on positive attitude and valuing what everyone does in the community.  

“As we strive for a better future, valuing ourselves and the work we do is very important,” the President said. 

He urged residents to have hope in whatever they do, so that the results become successful and productive.

The President said that nobody would come from outside to give Rwandans better lives and that there will be no miracle to improve their livelihood unless they work hard to realise their goals.

“You should work hard for a better life and you have the capability of doing so as long as you are committed and have a good understanding of what you want.”

He said, there is no country or people in the world without their own challenges and the way they resolve them.

“As Rwandans, we shouldn’t think that people will come outside to address the challenges we face. It’s us, within our means and capacity to deal with our own challenges,” he advised. 

Kagame said development assistance and partnerships from elsewhere should complement Rwandans’ own hard work. 

“If you wait for somebody to help you, that person comes once or twice and if you need them most for the third time, they are nowhere to be seen. And these people’s mercy have strings attached, they take your dignity away.”

The Head of State said the government focuses on building sustainable and long lasting infrastructure, urging Rwandans to safeguard the infrastructure in place while utilizing it for socio-economic development.

He called on those whose lives had been changed due to country’s poverty eradication programmes such as Girinka (One cow per poor Family) and others to preserve and make them productive.

“What we started here today must not end here but should be the basis for even more progress,” the President told the gathering.

At the event, Kanyinya residents expressed gratitude to the Head of State for championing the improvement of their wellbeing.

According to the Mayor of Nyarugenge district, Solange Mukasonga, residents of Kanyinya sector have transformed their lives through agricultural activities.

“They appreciate the government’s programmes in the area like roads, schools and health facilities,” she said.

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Regional passports, single visa a priority–EAC

The East African Community (EAC) has singled out the introduction of a single tourist visa to the region, and the revival of an East African passport, as among the main priorities for the bloc in 2013, alongside the removal of non-tariff barriers in the aviation and tourism sectors.

According to the EAC Secretary-General, Dr Richard Sezibera, the issues have been causing major disappointments among the tourism industry, which has for long been struggling with the expensive image of East Africa, where visa fees for a family of four can run into Rwf634,000 if visiting all five member states.

“Such added cost are seen as a hurdle to promoting cross region safari packages and while Kenya permits the re-entry after obtaining an initial visa when visiting other countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi or Tanzania, none of the other countries is offering the same option to tourists,” notes Sezibera.

He added that stakeholders have for long blamed bureaucrats for dragging their feet over technical issues like revenue sharing, which in view of the highly advanced immigration technology in place at immigration check points today is now seen as a mere excuse by some member states to slow down integration and prolong the existence of other NTBs in place. 

The idea for a common visa was first floated from within the Ugandan delegation in 2001 at the East African Community Committee for Tourism and Wildlife, warmly welcomed and then buried under paperwork. 

The EAC has been set up following the Treaty of establishment signed in July, 2000 by five partner states namely; the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Burundi, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Uganda.

Together, they had agreed on the formation of three major blocks namely; Customs Union, a Common Market, subsequently a Monetary Union and ultimately a Political Federation which will facilitate smooth transition towards economic and social integration.

The EAC Common Market Protocol, which came into force on July, 2010 has significantly set forth for the execution of the right to “Free Movement of Persons and Labour”, and hence accelerate the need for the Social Security Annex (under negotiations) to ensure effective facilitation of workers’ movement.

It is expected among other issues that the Social Security Annex will clearly stipulate the scope of social security benefits for migrant workers and their families.  

Accordingly, free movement of workers in the EAC is seen as one of the mechanisms to curb the ever increasing unemployment trends facing the region.

However, unemployment is a very broad issue and an outcome of several factors, hence curbing it requires the interplay of several issues such as labour market, public finance as well as social-cultural contexts.

Former Kenyan tourism minister Najib Balala did early last year mince no words when he blamed dark forces within the EAC of obstructing progress in such crucial areas, and for few was there any doubt in which direction his remarks were directed. Time will tell if during the remaining 11 ½ months of 2013 this long overdue task will be completed or dragged into yet another year.

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Prosecution has matured – Ngoga

Participants at the NPPA meeting on Friday.

Prosecutor-General Martin Ngoga, Friday, said 10 years since the reforms in the judiciary were initiated, the prosecution is now considered a mature institute.

He made the remarks during the prosecution’s General Assembly that drew prosecutors from across the country.

“Maturity is not about people who have been in an institution for long; it’s about dynamism and having advanced structures. If we claim maturity, we have to project it in what we do, otherwise we would be negating the whole system of reforms,” said Ngoga.

He, however, told his fellow prosecutors that the challenge ahead of them was to sustain what has been achieved and in doing so, there will be need to pay a price of commitment.

Records show that the prosecution reduced case backlog by prosecuting aboutin 43,000 cases last year alone.

Illegal detention

The Prosecutor General also warned prosecutors in various instances that there is no excuse for any of them to authorise an illegal detention of a suspect or delay the legal process.

“Rwanda excelled in justice delivery worldwide, but why do we still have people detained illegally? You who do this, whose interest are you serving? Is there anyone who sent you to deliver such service?” Ngonga questioned.

“We are talking about people’s rights that are accorded to them by the constitution. Taking people to court in due time is not doing them a favour, its exercising their right. We will not, whatsoever, tolerate anyone responsible for an illegal detention,” he warned.

Among the cases prosecuted last year, 86.8 per cent were convicted while 13.2 per cent were acquitted. Gicumbi district registered the highest number of cases prosecuted and convicted (94 per cent) while Rusizi district came last on the table with 75 per cent.

The prosecutors’ general assembly is an annual meeting that examines the performance of prosecutors, identifies errors committed in prosecuting cases and sets the pace of the next year’s performance rate.

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