Category: Uncategorized

  • Comoros President Assoumani gives son government job #rwanda #RwOT

    Comoros President Azali Assoumani has put his son, Nour El Fath, in charge of coordinating government affairs as he reshuffled his cabinet following a tense January election that his opponents alleged was tainted by voter fraud.

    One person was killed and at least 25 injured in violent protests in the country, a group of three islands off the coast of Mozambique, after the election body declared Assoumani re-elected to his fourth five-year term.

    Political analysts, opposition leaders and local media said Assoumani appeared to be preparing El Fath, a 40-year-old with a background in finance and who has worked as senior economic adviser to the president since 2019, to replace him.

    Assoumani announced his cabinet late on Monday. He made Ibrahim Mohamed Abdou Razakou finance minister, Said Omar Houmadi justice minister, and reappointed Youssoufa Mohamed Ali as defence minister.

    Mohamed Jaffar Abbas, the head of the coalition of opposition parties, said it was clear Assoumani was 'trying to build a dynasty'.

    '(Assoumani) speaks of renewal, but let's not forget that before his son, it was his nephew who occupied the same position of secretary general of the government,' he said.

    Comoros, with a population of about 800,000, has experienced around 20 coups or attempted coups since winning independence from France in 1975 and is a major source of irregular migration to the nearby French island of Mayotte.

    Constitutional reforms in 2018 extended a requirement that the presidency rotate among the three main islands of Comoros from every five years to 10.

    El Fath would therefore not be eligible to replace his father at the end of the presidential term in 2029 unless the constitution were changed again.

    The post Comoros President Assoumani gives son government job appeared first on The Custom Reports.

    Source : https://thecustomreports.com/comoros-president-assoumani-gives-son-government-job/

  • FBI identifies Trump rally shooter as 20-year-old Pennsylvania resident #rwanda #RwOT

    In a statement released Sunday, July 14, 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified Crooks as a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, about 35 miles south of Butler, where Trump was holding his rally.

    Crooks is reported to have opened fire from a nearby building rooftop, causing panic in the crowd. Photos and videos that went viral on social media moments after the shooting showed Trump holding his bloodied ear before dropping to the ground, where Secret Service agents helped him take cover.

    U.S. Secret Service agents converge to cover Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa.

    Trump was rushed off stage, but not before boldly pumping his fist into the air and twice telling the crowd to “fight!” He was then taken by car to a hospital in the Pittsburgh area.

    Later, he posted on social media that he had been hit by a bullet in the upper part of his ear.

    'I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

    Trump’s campaigners said the Republican was doing 'fine' after the shooting.

    Authorities have since confirmed that one person was killed and two others were left in critical condition after the shooting.

    Crooks was killed by Secret Service agents at the scene and the FBI has promised investigations into the shocking incident.

    Media reports indicate that Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022.

    Preliminary investigations show that he was registered to vote as a Republican, according to a listing in Pennsylvania’s voter database that matched his name, age, and a Bethel Park address.

    This year’s presidential election would have been his first voting.

    President Joe Biden, who is seeking a second term in the forthcoming polls, condemned the shooting incident, adding that he was grateful Trump is 'safe and doing well.'

    'Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it,' Biden said in a statement.

    Trump, a member of the Republican Party, is running for a second, non-consecutive term in the November 5, 2024, general election after losing to Biden in the 2020 polls.

    Photos and videos that went viral on social media moments after the shooting showed Trump holding his bloodied ear before dropping to the ground, where Secret Service agents helped him take cover.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/fbi-identifies-trump-rally-shooter-as-20-year-old-pennsylvania-resident

  • Rwanda and Uganda movie collabo to premiere in Kampala #rwanda #RwOT

    The movie entitled 'THE HEAD' is a family drama that navigates real-life experiences surrounding family life, exploring men who would be heads of these families either staying away or neglecting their natural duties and responsibilities.

    It portrays scenarios of seemingly perfect families which unravel when certain deep-rooted secrets come to light. The film delves into complexities of family dynamics, loyalty, and the struggle for identity.

    The movie, featuring young Rwandan film-makers, will premiere at Club Obligato in Kampala on September 1, 2024.

    Set against the backdrop of a charming, close-knit storyline, the film uses scenic beauty and the intimate community atmosphere to contrast various unifying factors between Rwanda and Uganda, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse cultures.

    It features renowned actors from Umurage Art Films from Rwanda and prominent movie stars from Flair Film Promotions, a Ugandan-based dynamic and innovative film company dedicated to promoting the rich and diverse cinematic landscape in the region.

    Jeniffer Nankabirwa, the Film Producer (C) enjoys a light moment with some of her team members on a street in Kigali.

    According to Jeniffer Nankabirwa, the Film Producer and CEO at Flair Film Promotions, 'THE HEAD' is an educative and entertaining movie disseminating information and knowledge that contributes to the establishment and sustainability of a family.

    'It speaks to fathers, mothers and children in a family setup. It’s a campaign to empower everyone to know and undertake their responsibilities as members of a family,' she said in an interview.

    Charles Mugisha (R) from Umurage Art Films with his Ugandan counterparts during a shooting session in Kigali.

    Nankabirwa revealed that if all goes as planned, the movie will be premiered on September 1, 2024, at Club Obligato in Kampala. It will also be premiered in Kigali at a later date.

    She said that uniting with Rwandan actors was a well-thought vision to disseminate this important message to expanded horizons in the East African region and beyond.

    'The ultimate goal is to work with actors from other countries including Kenya and Tanzania to reach out to larger audiences with this vital information of promoting family health amongst the public,' she noted.

    Film Makers from Rwanda and Uganda are determined to take the Regions Film industry to a higher level.

    When diverse talents and visions merge to create an unforgettable cinematic experience, public sensitization becomes much easier especially when it involves different beliefs and cultures.

    Having successfully completed numerous shooting sessions in both countries, Nankabirwa says that efforts are underway to have the movie ready for more international showcasing.

    The collaborative nature of the movie, considering the global and diverse effort to build relationships and sustainable families, suits into Rwanda’s vision of promoting the family as the smallest unit of the country’s populace.

    The film crew has accomplished all shooting sessions both in Kigali and Kampala.

    It also speaks volumes towards the country’s strategies in empowering the film and arts industry not only to entertain but also educate and unite their audiences, fostering a greater sense of East African unity and shared identity.

    During the 9th edition of Mashiriki African Film Festival held in Kigali, in November last year, suggestions were put forward on how to collectively strengthen the film industry in the region with collaborations between actors from different countries taking centre stage.

    This movie is one of several recent productions that have highlighted the growing talent and unique storytelling emerging from both Rwanda and Uganda.

    Such productions can serve as platforms to pass on important communication while still enabling the recipients to enjoy and grasp the message in an entertaining way.

    Jeniffer Nankabirwa is an award winning movie star in Uganda.

    Sam K Nkurunziza

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/entertainment/article/rwanda-and-uganda-movie-collabo-to-premiere-in-kampala

  • PICTORIAL: Enthusiastic Rwandans in the diaspora cast their votes #rwanda #RwOT

    Polling in the diaspora was conducted at 160 stations in 70 countries, including 44 embassies.

    A total of 77,138 voters in the diaspora, comprising 41,243 males and 35,895 females, had registered to vote in this year’s general election, according to the National Electoral Commission (NEC). By press time, many had already turned up to cast their votes.

    Overall, 9,071,157 Rwandans, including 4.2 million males and 4,845,417 females, are eligible to vote in this year’s general election.

    Rwandans living in Saudi Arabia turned out in large numbers at the Embassy of Rwanda in Riyadh to cast their votes. Embassy officials said the Rwandans “were excited to exercise their civic right in voting for leaders of their choice.”

    A long queue was witnessed at the Embassy of Rwanda in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as Rwandans turned out in large numbers to exercise their civic duty.

    A Rwandan citizen casts his vote at the Embassy of Rwanda in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    By 7 am (Rwandan time), Rwandans in Belgium and Luxembourg mobilized in large numbers to participate in the presidential and parliamentary elections.

    Rwandans living in Belgium mobilized in large numbers to make their choices count in the polls.

    Twenty-six-year-old Mike Ntasinzira could not hide his excitement to vote for the first time. He said, “We didn’t engage in politics a lot back home, but in recent years, I have become closer to the community and got interested in learning more about my country.”

    In Gothenburg, Sweden, voting was a family affair as children escorted their parents to the polling stations.

    “I am a first-time voter and I am super excited. It has been raining, but today I feel blessed and really happy to contribute in choosing the good leaders of our country and our future,” said 25-year-old Sonya Isimbi.

    A family waits patiently on the queue to vote at Gothenburg in Sweden.

    Long queues were also witnessed at Rwandan embassies in Kampala, Uganda; Nairobi, Kenya; Dar es Salaam, and Rabat in Morocco, as citizens came out to exercise their civic rights.

    Rwandans queue at the Rwandan Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, to vote in this year’s general election.

    In Germany, voting took place in Berlin and Kaiserslautern, where enthusiastic Rwandans turned out to make their choices count in this year’s polls.

    Rwandans living in Germany cast vote for their President and Members of Parliament on Sunday, July 14, 2024.

    Like other Rwandans living in the Central African Republic, members of Rwanda’s security forces who are in the country on a mission to restore peace were elated to also participate in the presidential and parliamentary elections.

    The diaspora was the first group to vote in the general election. Locals are scheduled to vote for the President and Members of the house (Chamber of Deputies) on Monday, July 15 2024.

    Early risers pose for a photo after casting their votes in Sweden.

    On July 16, 24 female Members of Parliament, two youth representatives, and one representative of people living with disabilities will be elected by special electoral colleges across the country.

    Three candidates are vying for the Presidency in Rwanda in this year’s polls.
    They are independent Candidate Philippe Mpayimana, Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and Paul Kagame, the incumbent president and flag bearer of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi.

    Rwandans in Tanzania turn out in large numbers to elect their president and MPs in this year’s general election.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/pictorial-enthusiastic-rwandans-in-the-diaspora-cast-their-votes

  • How should cyber insurance evolve for the future? #rwanda #RwOT

    CEO on solving a crisis as a 'traditional' approach is not working

    How should cyber insurance evolve for the future?

    Coalition CEO and founder Joshua Motta called on the industry to rethink its approach to cyber insurance as new risks come into play.

    'We need a new type of cyber insurance, a new category of insurance, as the traditional insurance approach is clearly not working,' Motta said at the Marsh McLennan Rising Professionals' Forum.

    Motta highlighted data indicating that fewer than 1 million organizations have standalone cyber insurance policies out of a potential market of approximately 60 million companies across the US and EU.

    Addressing recent rate fluctuations in the cyber market, he remarked that 'typically, when we see rollercoasters like this in insurance, it suggests that the participants don't know what they're doing — which might actually be a valid criticism.'

    With the US cyber insurance market forecasted to reach $50 billion in the coming years, Motta posed the question: 'How do we get there from where we are today?'

    His solution is the adoption of an active cyber approach. Motta noted that nobody wants to go on 'this rollercoaster anymore,' and as such active insurance is the answer.

    Motta discussed the significant transformation in the business landscape due to the digital revolution, noting that business assets have shifted from being predominantly tangible in 1975 to almost exclusively intangible today.

    Despite this shift, he observed that 'most organizations continue to protect themselves the same way they did in 1975.'

    He outlined the standard risk management approach of 'accept, mitigate, or transfer,' noting that 'the amount of cyber risk organizations today are accepting is enormous.'

    'They are almost completely unprepared and do not have the balance sheets, in some cases, to survive a cyber event,' he said.

    Motta also asserted that the insurance sector struggles to adapt to this digital business environment.

    'Most of the P&C industry is focused on the byproducts of the last industrial revolution. That's how the industry evolved, covering mostly tangible things from fairly well-understood perils,' he said.

    Digital transformation, he added, 'has made the world we once knew completely unrecognizable.'

    'And yet the world of insurance remains totally recognizable. In my humble opinion, you can't underwrite — much less manage — cyber risk in the same way as traditional insurance risk.'

    Motta also disputed the notion that there is insufficient data to underwrite cyber risk and understand aggregation potential.

    'There has never been more data to interpret cyber risk, to underwrite how it aggregates than there is today. It's just that most insurers don't have it, and certainly don't use it,' he said. 'Cyber risk can be quantified, it can be predicted, and it can be actively managed. We don't have to wait around like a traditional insurance company for a claim to be filed, we can actually go out and do something about it.'

    Active insurance, as described by Motta, involves assessing an organization's vulnerability to cyberattack and proactively addressing those vulnerabilities to prevent digital attacks. By monitoring live data, it ensures immediate action is taken to contain and limit the impact of any incident.

    This approach creates a deeper and more dynamic relationship between insurer and insured.

    'In the case of Coalition, I believe in probably 99% of cases, when a customer applies for cyber insurance with us, we know more about their cyber risk than they do,' Motta said.

    'Generally, it's the buyer of insurance that knows more than the seller. The best insurance companies in the world have been those that can avoid being adversely selected against. However, if you can reverse that information asymmetry, you can do something very rare in insurance, which is positively select for risk,' he said.

    What are your thoughts on this story? Please feel free to share your comments below.

    The post How should cyber insurance evolve for the future? appeared first on The Custom Reports.

    Source : https://thecustomreports.com/how-should-cyber-insurance-evolve-for-the-future/

  • Extreme heat deadlier than wildfires, California insurance regulator says #rwanda #RwOT

    SACRAMENTO, California — Extreme heat waves have cost Californians at least $7.7 billion over the last decade and killed nearly 460 people, according to a report released Monday by California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.

    While nearly every Californian was somehow affected, people of color and older people suffered the most impacts to their health, according to the report.

    The first-of-its kind analysis by the Insurance Department shows the staggering and wide-ranging impacts of extreme heat right at the beginning of a week of triple digit temperatures that will bake inland California.

    It also comes a day after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a budget that eliminated millions of dollars previously planned for cooling and resilience centers and a program to track heat-related hospital visits. Lawmakers over the weekend released proposed language for a climate bond on the November ballot that would raise around $400 million for extreme heat programs — including $100 million for resilience centers — if approved by voters.

    Lara said the report underscored the need to protect residents and address the economic costs of heat. 'Extreme heat is a silent, escalating disaster that threatens our health, economy, and way of life in California,' said Lara, who sponsored the 2022 legislation that prompted the report. 'We must prioritize resilience-building efforts and innovative insurance solutions to safeguard our state against the growing impacts and financial risks of extreme heat.'

    The premature death estimate is still likely an undercount; the Los Angeles Times in 2019 estimated that high temperatures had killed nearly 4,000 people between 2010 and 2019, which was more than six times higher than the official state figures.

    But even the state figure is still higher than the death toll from other disasters, including wildfires and storms.

    The total price tag of the seven extreme heat events since 2013 includes lost labor productivity, costs related to power outages, infrastructure repairs and premature mortality, according to the report.

    Black, Hispanic, and Native American communities disproportionately suffered adverse health outcomes, including emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Older populations had the most premature deaths and younger populations had the most emergency heat-related illnesses.

    Acute renal failure, respiratory issues, mental health problems and ischemic strokes contributed to more than 5,000 hospitalizations over the seven heat events. Hospitals saw nearly 10,600 emergency department visits, more than 138,000 outpatient visits and nearly 344 adverse birth outcomes.

    The report also outlines how few insurance tools exist to help people and businesses recoup from heat-related losses.

    Of the people hospitalized, only 17 percent had private insurance, a far lower rate than average across the state.

    Manufacturing insurance policies are unlikely to have heat as a covered peril, according to the report, and crop insurance policies don't often cover heat for California's many specialty crops.

    Several state agencies, including the Insurance Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, are setting up an extreme heat wave ranking and warning system as prompted by the same 2022 legislation. CalHeatScore is scheduled to be up and running by January 2025.

    The post Extreme heat deadlier than wildfires, California insurance regulator says appeared first on The Custom Reports.

    Source : https://thecustomreports.com/extreme-heat-deadlier-than-wildfires-california-insurance-regulator-says/

  • New APR signing Richmond Lamptey will receive a salary of $10,000 a month #rwanda #RwOT

    Richmond Lamptey, a player from Ghana, has promised to become the highest-paid player in Rwanda. News from  Ghana indicates that he will receive a salary of 10,000 US dollars.

    Through the X , Listowel Mensah, one of the leading journalists in Ghana said that APR unveils Ex-Kotoko midfielder Richmond Lamptey, my checks show he will earn $10000 a month, will be given a car and a luxurious house located in Rwanda's 'East Legon hills'

    🚨APR unveils Ex-Kotoko midfielder Richmond Lamptey, my checks show he will earn $10000 a month, will be given a car and a luxurious house located in Rwanda's 'East Legon hills' pic.twitter.com/YuABa1hrF9

    — Listowel Mensah (@Listo_Mens) June 28, 2024

    New APR signing Richmond Lamptey is one of the gifted midfielders that Ghana Premier League has produced in recent years.

    The 27-year-old midfielder was groomed at Ghana-based Feyenoord Academy which was owned by Dutch outfit Feyenoord Rotterdam. He spent 10 years at the Academy and progressed to captain the senior side before leaving in 2018.

    Lamptey is an intelligent number 10, his key elements are his great passing, and ability to assist strikers to score. He also possesses a deadly left foot akin to Sulley Muntari. He can score from 40 yards.

    He has played for Ghana from U17 level up to the senior level. He was part of the Black Stars team which won the 2017 WAFU, a competition exclusively for countries associated in West African Football Union.[irp]

    He was also part of Ghana's squad that took part in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d'Ivoire.

    Lamptey is a born leader, he has captained all the clubs that he played for and this shows his leadership skills.

    Kumasi Asante Kotoko's loss is APR's gain. They tried every means to make their skipper renew his contract but he turned down the offer after APR tabled a reported $120,000 (Rwf159 million) worth of signing on fee. The lucrative offer looked too appetizing for the Ghana star to reject.

    Lamptey put pen to paper on a two-year contract after passing his medical on Friday, June 28.

    What are Lamptey's qualities?

    The majority of players change teams which pay awesomely but, aside from that, Lamptey is a solid player and APR lacks someone with his attributes in their team.

    One player who will benefit immensely from Lamptey is Gilbert Mugisha. The winger likes to latch on to through passes, beat his marker and fire home. The chemistry with Mugisha will work as the midfielder possesses extraordinary passing skills.

    Also, Victor Mbaoma needs services to thrive. All the 15 league goals that he scored last season were from inside the penalty box and, with Lamptey, he will get all the needed supplies. If the Nigerian forward continues to be clinical, he can net not less than 20 goals in the league with Lamptey playing just behind him.[irp]

    In Lamptey, APR have signed a gem. The fans will witness quality football and breathtaking goals. The Lions are set to roar in the domestic league and also the CAF Champions League with the Ghanaian in their midst.

     New APR signing Richmond Lamptey who play in APR FC to get a salary of $10,000 a month
    Seidu Dauda Yassif (center) talks with Juan Batista Lopes Da Silva (left) at inaugural match at the Amahoro Stadium
    New APR signing Richmond Lamptey to get a salary of $10,000 a month
    New APR signing Richmond Lamptey to get a salary of $10,000 a month

    The post New APR signing Richmond Lamptey will receive a salary of $10,000 a month appeared first on The Custom Reports.

    Source : https://thecustomreports.com/new-apr-signing-richmond-lamptey-will-receive-a-salary-of-10000-a-month/

  • Infantino congratulates Kagame as Amahoro Stadium officially opens #rwanda #RwOT

    World football governing body (FIFA) president Gianni Infantino has heaped praise on President Paul Kagame for his consistent support of football development in Rwanda.

    Infantino made the comments hours after Kagame officially inaugurated refurbished Amahoro Stadium on Monday, July 1 in a colourful event graced by CAF president Patrice Motsepe.

    The ultramodern facility now boasts a seating capacity of 45,000, up from the initial 25,000, after undergoing extensive renovations since mid-2022.

    'My congratulations to my dear brother and president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, on the inauguration of Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. This is a momentous occasion which will drive further growth of football in this beautiful country,' Infantino posted on his Instagram page on Monday night.

    Italian-Swiss football administrator commended Kagame's ongoing support for football development in Rwanda, as witnessed when Rwanda hosted the 2023 FIFA Congress.

    'President Kagame has consistently supported and pushed for development of our beautiful game in his nation. I look forward to continuing our fantastic working relationship, and together with CAF president Patrice Motsepe, we will work to bring football to young girls and boys at all levels,' he said of the Rwandan head of state.

    Infantino's congratulatory message came in response to Kagame's appreciation towards the FIFA boss and CAF's Motsepe for supporting and inspiring Rwanda 'to enhance our sports infrastructure.'

    'They have supported Rwanda and other African countries in elevating the standards of African football. At such venues, African children can train and showcase the great talent we have on our continent,' Kagame said.

    The government invested a whopping Rwf 160 billion on the renovation of Amahoro Stadium. The state-of-the-art facility has recently been approved by FIFA to host international football events after thorough inspection by CAF officials.

    The post Infantino congratulates Kagame as Amahoro Stadium officially opens appeared first on The Custom Reports.

    Source : https://thecustomreports.com/infantino-congratulates-kagame-as-amahoro-stadium-officially-opens/

  • We chose to live as we want – Kagame on critics of Rwanda’s democracy #rwanda #RwOT

    During a campaign rally that concluded at the Gahanga site in Kicukiro District on July 13, 2024, Kagame told Rwandans that the achievements of the past 30 years were the result of collective efforts.

    The rally was attended by thousands, mostly members of RPF Inkotanyi. Kagame highlighted that the high turnout at various campaign sites was a sign of Rwanda’s resilience and recovery.

    He said, “I am very grateful for how many of you came, but it’s not just the numbers; it’s a sign of numerous and significant achievements. Therefore, the 30-year journey we’ve traveled, and where we stand now, is truly a testament to Rwanda’s recovery, becoming a Rwanda for all Rwandans, united as one. To put it in a Rwandan proverb, what was once a trickle has become an ocean. The rest is a political achievement.”

    The RPF Inkotanyi candidate addressed foreigners from some countries who do not understand the high participation of Rwandans in such events. He said that if they truly knew Rwanda, they would not criticize its democracy.

    “That is why many do not understand, especially those outside, who are not Rwandans, when they speak of Rwanda. If you don’t know Rwanda, I can’t blame you. But if you want to talk about Rwanda, you should know it. In the past, Rwandans were united, not without differences, but when it came to being Rwandan, they were one. For many years, we were not united, but now we are one again.”

    Kagame explained that the turnout in the campaign activities symbolized the unity of Rwandans, a collective goal to build their country without leaving anyone behind. This is further reinforced by the eight political parties that joined RFP in supporting a single presidential candidate.

    To foreigners who don’t understand, Kagame explained that many come from countries with only two political parties that alternate in power but expect Africa to have countless parties.

    “Where all this comes from, they deceive us. Because there are countries with two parties that alternate in power, one staying in power for a long time until the other replaces it. But when it comes to Africa, to Rwanda, they tell us that there should be many parties without limit, while they have only two that alternate, sometimes combining into one with a common goal of harming other countries, often acting maliciously, not benevolently.”

    He explained that the RPF Inkotanyi’s broad support from Rwandans reflects their choice to live according to their own will, following a history of hardship before the past 30 years, and that no one else should determine their way of life.

    “The reason for this achievement is finding our solutions as Rwandans, reaching this point, making people feel that we have become what they did not want. But in this world, although it’s common, Rwanda chose to be as we want, not as someone else would dictate. This is not just my understanding, it’s not just RPF that understands this. It’s all of you, all of us, even those not in RPF.”

    “When they see you go to 17-18 places, each with no fewer than 200,000 people, reaching up to 500,000 or more like today, this cannot be fabricated unity, fabricated joy, fabricated numbers, unless you’re insane. But even if such fabrication exists, I always tell them, they tried and failed to get people!”

    The RPF Inkotanyi candidate highlighted that Rwanda’s development over the past 30 years is evident and cannot be fabricated, nor would it serve any purpose to do so. “What others say about us, don’t let it distract you. It doesn’t kill, poverty kills, insecurity kills, bad politics kills. But bad-mouthing doesn’t kill. Instead, those involved in bad-mouthing us are the ones killed by sadness. What can I say! Moreover, those people are very few, they are ignorant. What they don’t know, what they should know, is that for the past 30 years until today, the more they do these things to us, the stronger we become!”

    Rwandans living abroad will vote on July 14, 2024. Those in Rwanda will vote on July 15, starting at 7 AM until 3 PM, as disclosed by the National Electoral Commission.

    During a campaign rally that concluded at the Gahanga site in Kicukiro District on July 13, 2024, Kagame told Rwandans that the achievements of the past 30 years were the result of everyone’s efforts.

    The rally in Kicukiro was attended by thousands, mostly members of RPF Inkotanyi.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/we-chose-to-live-as-we-want-kagame-on-critics-of-rwanda-s-democracy

  • The Final Countdown: Closing the chapter on election campaigns #rwanda #RwOT

    The campaigns have showcased several unique and notable characteristics that reflect the country’s political culture, democratic maturity, and commitment to development.

    Overall, this season has provided a platform of diverse voices and visions for Rwanda’s future, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and participatory governance.

    Now that the campaign season has come to an end, the focus has shifted to ensuring a peaceful and transparent election, setting the stage for Rwanda’s next chapter in governance and development.

    As Rwandans look forward to a decisive election that will shape the trajectory of the nation, some key aspects and events have stood out.

    There has been diverse political participation by various political parties, including the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), Social Democratic Party (PSD), and Liberal Party (PL) where each of them presented distinct platforms and visions for Rwanda’s future.

    Generally, the campaigns heavily emphasized ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, such as road construction, energy provision, and technological advancements. Candidates highlighted their commitment to continuing Rwanda’s rapid development trajectory.

    On the last day, Paul Kagame, the RPF-Inkotanyi flag bearer implored the electorate to strive with a singular mission to mainly continue the country’s development agenda without getting bothered by what other people say.

    'I encourage and assure you that you shall be what you want to be, not how others want you to be. Ignore their ill-fated words because they don’t kill. Poverty kills, insecurity kills, ignorance kills but words don’t kill,' he said.

    'As the government, we have made the right priorities by concentrating on what matters most to the people. Your large numbers here today are testimony to this. I have seen throughout the campaigns that you are a people living for a purpose,' he added.

    RPF, known for its significant role in ending the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, held its last campaign rally at Gahanga in Kicukiro district.

    The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda is the main opposition party.

    Throughout the campaign, its flag bearer and presidential hopeful Dr Frank Habineza, focused on promoting environmental sustainability, social justice, and several other political reforms

    The Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Liberal Party (PL) joined six other parties to form a coalition and support the RPF candidate for the position of President.

    However, in a bid to vie for parliamentary positions, both parties campaigned on platforms of economic growth, social equity, and enhanced democratic practices.

    On July 13, 2024, when the official campaigns ended, Dr Vincent Biruta, the leader of PSD said that the decision to support RPF was taken after consultative discussions with the electorate.

    'Our position to support RPF was informed by Rwandans who have shown us that they love their president, we also have to accept and support their choice. We are confident that we shall win together,' he said.

    On the last day, Paul Kagame, the RPF-Inkotanyi flag bearer implored the electorate to strive with a singular mission to mainly continue the country’s development agenda without getting bothered by what other people say.

    Sam K Nkurunziza

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/the-final-countdown-closing-the-chapter-on-election-campaigns