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RIB spokesperson, Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, stated that these individuals, aged between 20 and 35 years, were apprehended at different times.
The spokesperson said, the individuals used deceptive tactics, including SIM swaps, to steal from their victims. They worked in groups, collaborating with agents from various telecommunications companies who helped them quickly withdraw the stolen funds.

The suspected fraudsters, who referred to themselves as 'Abameni,’ would first meet at a specific location to plan their day’s criminal activities before spreading out to different areas.
Before their arrest, thorough investigations were conducted to understand their methods, allowing the authorities to capture them all at once. They are now detained at various RIB stations.

They face five charges, including forming or joining a criminal gang, obtaining property through deceit, impersonation, failing to explain the source of their wealth, and money laundering. These crimes carry sentences ranging from two to ten years in prison.

Dr. Murangira said, “In the seven months leading up to July 2024, they had stolen 424,493,991 Rwandan Francs. It is the the victims who reported the crimes. The stolen money was often used for various activities, including buying houses for their parents, which is why some parents were reluctant to cooperate with us in apprehending them.”

In addition to Rusizi, arrests were also made in the districts of Gicumbi, Ruhango, Gasabo, Rubavu, Nyarugenge, Kirehe, and Muhanga.

Dr. Murangira explained that these crimes could be prevented, as scammers often prey on people’s emotions by impersonating officials or representatives from various organizations, luring victims into entering codes under the guise of offering services, only for the victims to lose their money.

He added, “For example, someone might call and say, ‘This is your child’s school, and we’re notifying you that they’ve been in an accident.’ Then they’ll hang up, and another person will call, claiming to be from a hospital, addressing you by name, and asking for money for your child’s treatment. In your panic, without thinking, you send the money, only to realize later that you’ve been scammed.”

Rwanda National Police spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga, revealed that the thieves impersonated various entities, including government agencies, private sector companies, and religious institutions.

He noted that while some victims were deceived, others contributed to their own losses by attempting to offer bribes for services they should have received for free.

For instance, at driving test centers, thieves would approach individuals who had failed the test, promising to help them retake a special exam. The conmen would then steal the victim’s phone number and send a fake message notifying them of a new test date, after which they would ask for money to provide the service. The victim, realizing too late, would discover that their money had been stolen.

ACP Rutikanga said, “When the victim arrives at the test center, they realize they were scammed. Such individuals won’t admit to being robbed, and even if you call them, they won’t show up because they know they were involved in offering a bribe.”

The Head of Technology at the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), Charles Gahungu stated that their investigations revealed that the thieves were aided by the use of unregistered SIM cards, which allowed them to operate anonymously.

He explained that authorities had identified loopholes exploited by the fraudsters, which led to the ban on registering SIM cards on the street.

Among the officials present at the press conference, from right to left, were the Head of Technology at the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), Gahungu Charles; the Spokesperson for RIB, Dr. Murangira B. Thierry; and the Spokesperson for Rwanda National Police, ACP Rutikanga Boniface.

RIB Spokesperson, Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, warned those who steal from people through deceitful means, stating that they will undoubtedly all be caught and held accountable for their crimes.

The Spokesperson of the Rwanda National Police, ACP Boniface Rutikanga, stated that some of the victims believed they were offering a bribe.

The Head of Technology at the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), Gahungu Charles, revealed that the thieves were stealing from citizens using unregistered SIM cards, and confirmed that this issue is now being addressed.

The individuals are accused of stealing more than RWF 400 million, based on complaints filed between January and July 2024.

The suspects, mostly from the sectors of Nyakarenzo and Nkungu in Rusizi District, were paraded at the RIB headquarters on Monday, September 9, 2024.

IGIHE

'Today, global greenhouse gas emissions disproportionately impact Africa and small island developing states, but no country can afford to be complacent. All over the world, temperatures are rising at unprecedented rates, and the quality of the air we breathe is constantly declining, putting us all at risk,' he remarked.

Commonwealth Magistrates’ & Judges’ Association (CMJA) Annual Conference kicks off in Kigali.

The theme of this year’s conference is environmental justice. During the five-day event, members are expected to explore how environmental justice can be ensured for all individuals, providing equal access to a healthy and safe environment.

The conference will also provide a platform to examine the right to a healthy environment, protect vulnerable populations, promote sustainable development, and address systemic inequalities in environmental decision-making and resource allocation.

Kagame underscored the necessity of environmental laws in combating current challenges. “Indeed, enacting environmental laws and policies is essential if we want to build a clear and sustainable future. Even more important is having a strong and independent judiciary that enforces the law and puts the needs and interests of our people first.”

He pointed to Rwanda’s journey of judicial reform following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi as an example of how the rule of law can promote peace, security, and development. A key milestone in this process was Rwanda’s ban on plastic bags in 2008, which Kagame noted has had far-reaching benefits.

“One of the most consequential laws the country passed is the ban on plastic bags. The effect has been tremendous. Beyond the cleanliness of our streets and homes, this decision reinforced the importance of managing our resources without too much dependence on external solutions,' he stated.

Kagame also emphasized the importance of conservation efforts, particularly the protection of national parks, which serve as critical habitats for endangered species and a source of livelihood for local communities.

“All over the world, these parks are home to endangered species, who unfortunately continue to be the targets of criminal networks,” Kagame explained.

“For local communities, this rich biodiversity is a primary source of livelihood. Too often, wildlife crimes involve a wide spectrum of cross-border criminal activities that put our national security at risk.”

The president called for stronger cross-border collaboration in law enforcement to combat these threats and emphasized the role of an independent judiciary in upholding environmental justice.

“With independent and experienced judges, there is a lot that can be done to protect our environment and provide justice where it is due.”

President Kagame concluded by urging the delegates to extensively deliberate on the growing challenges of judicial corruption and case backlogs.

'Ultimately, the legitimacy of any justice system rests on the trust that citizens have in it. That is the basis of the courts’ ability to ensure respect for due process and respond swiftly and impartially to any disputes. Without this foundation, we cannot create a fairer and more peaceful world,' he concluded.

President Kagame is the current chairperson of the Commonwealth, an international association of 56 member states. He has held the position for the last two years since Rwanda hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The next meeting will be held in October 2024 in Samoa, the first CHOGM to be held in a Pacific small island developing state (SIDS).

President Paul Kagame noted that ongoing global warming is a cause for alarm for all countries, including developed nations.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

IGIHE

'We are here as part of an ongoing mission to follow up on universities where Sudanese students are enrolled. Due to conflicts in Sudan, many of our students have relocated to countries like Egypt, Qatar, Nigeria, Uganda, and Rwanda. We came to ensure they are well cared for academically and socially,' he explained.

The delegation visited UMST, which offers programs in medicine, medical laboratory technology, and dentistry, with a student body of over 700, almost all of them from Sudan.

Alnoor praised the university’s facilities, noting that they exceed the standards set back in Sudan. 'To be honest, the building, the environment, and the standards are better than what we see back home. The students we spoke to are happy, they study and graduate on time, which is different from what I have seen in other countries where our students are studying,' he added.

Prof. Mahamed Muhamed Alnoor,, head of Sudanese delegation and Prof. Samir Shaheen, Vice-Chancellor of UMST sharing a light moment

The delegation was also highly impressed with Rwanda’s overall hospitality and governance. Alnoor stated, 'Rwanda is not only an inspiration to Sudan but to all other African nations on how to transition from colonial rule to a modern, independent state. All African countries have something to learn from this experience.'

Prof. Samir Shaheen, Vice-Chancellor of UMST and a Professor of Pediatric Orthopedics, also expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between Sudan and Rwanda. 'We are happy with Rwanda for warmly receiving us. The students and faculty have integrated well into the community. We’re happy to have chosen Rwanda as our destination,' he said.

Established less than one year ago, UMST’s is now fully recognized as a cross-border university, accepting students from Rwanda and the surrounding region. 'We have received full support from the Rwandan government and the Higher Education Council. Our admissions will close on September 14,' Shaheen revealed.

The delegation held consultative meetings in an effort to assess the academic conditions of Sudanese students studying abroad

In conclusion, Alnoor emphasized the importance of Sudanese students understanding the proper application procedures for foreign universities to avoid any complications. 'Our students here are safe, they study and pass well. I have no doubt that many more will come in the future because the feedback from Sudan is very positive,' he noted.

With the delegation’s glowing remarks, it is clear that the collaboration between Sudan and Rwanda in higher education is flourishing, providing a solid foundation for future academic partnerships.

The delegation expressed admiration for the University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) and Rwanda’s academic landscape in general.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Rupert, the chairman of the Swiss-based luxury goods company Richemont and the South Africa-based company Remgro, made headlines in late August after toppling Dangote, who had topped the list for years.

However, the latest Billionaires Index published by Bloomberg on September 8, 2024, shows that Dangote has reclaimed the top spot with a total net worth of $13.2 billion, compared to Rupert’s $13.1 billion.

The Bloomberg Billionaires Index is a daily ranking of the world’s richest people. The figures are updated at the close of every trading day in New York. Another popular ranking platform is Forbes magazine, which ranked Dangote as Africa’s richest man for the 13th year in a row in January this year.

Before overtaking Dangote last month, Bloomberg reported that Rupert’s net worth had surged by $1.9 billion to $14.3 billion over the past year, placing him 147th globally, 12 places ahead of Dangote.

The latest ranking, however, shows that both billionaires’ wealth has fallen, with the Nigerian’s fortune dropping by $1.84 billion this year. He currently ranks 159th globally, while the South African ranks 163rd.

The decline in Dangote’s wealth over the past year has been attributed to Nigeria’s challenging economic environment, where his conglomerate primarily operates.

Nigeria is grappling with a high inflation rate, which stood at over 30% in August. The removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu when he assumed office in 2023 is said to have contributed to the high inflation and the sharp fall in the value of the naira, which has significantly affected Dangote, whose wealth is largely tied to assets denominated in the local currency.

Dangote, 66, made his wealth in the cement and sugar industries. In recent years, he has expanded his empire with investments in oil, gas, and fertilizer plants.

On the other hand, Rupert and his family are known for their company Richemont, which deals in luxury goods such as jewellery, watches, fashion, and accessories. The company owns various brands, including Cartier, Montblanc, Vacheron Constantin, and IWC Schaffhausen.

Additionally, the South African’s Remgro Ltd has interests in healthcare, consumer products, financial services, infrastructure, industrial, and media sectors.

Besides Dangote and Rupert, other African business magnates listed among the top five include Nicky Oppenheimer (South Africa), Nassef Sawiris (Egypt), and Natie Kirsh, with fortunes of $11.1 billion, $9.42 billion, and $9.14 billion, respectively.

Nigerian businessman and industrialist Aliko Dangote (L) has overtaken his South African counterpart, Johann Rupert, to reclaim the title of Africa’s richest man.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

As the doors opened, the guests, dressed in some of the most fashionable and extravagant attires, made a grand entrance, setting the tone for the night. The fashion on display was a testament to Africa’s growing influence on the global fashion scene. It was clear that the night would be more than just a celebration — it was a showcase of power, creativity, and talent.

Kicking off the night in style, the children youths from the Sherrie Silver Foundation graced the stage with their heartwarming performance of “Ndagukunda Afurika” (I Love You Africa), which was creatively performed with the incorporation of flags from various African nations. This moving tribute set the stage for the magic that was to follow.

Sherrie Silver treated her audience with pure class on Saturday at the Silver Gala

The performances kept coming, with Aline Sano serenading the audience with her hit songs “None” and “Fake Gee”. The crowd was visibly moved, singing along to every lyric.
However, the electrifying energy hit the best high when the night’s headliner, Benjamin Mugisha also known as The Ben, took to the stage. Alongside Kevin Kade and Element, the Ben performed his new song Sikosa for their fans for the first time since its release

His powerful voice and stirring performance left everyone mesmerized. Before this, he took a moment to praise Sherrie Silver, saying, “This is an opportunity to tell you how much I’m proud of you. The work ethic and the big heart are an inspiration for me to always support you.”

The Ben excited revelers with brilliant performance

The performances were interspersed with jaw-dropping moments from Sherrie Silver and her dance crew, whose vibrant choreography and stage presence kept the audience on their feet. Every interval performance was met with roaring applause, and it was clear that Sherrie Silver’s dedication to her craft had paid off.

But the night wasn’t just about the music and dancing — the speeches were equally stirring. Fred Swaniker, founder of the African Leadership University, captivated the audience with his motivational words. 'We are creating the next generation of superstars. As Africa, we will get the respect we deserve if we tell our story in the best way possible. I pledge all my support in this regard,' he said.

Fred Swaniker, founder of the African Leadership University, captivated the audience with his motivational words.

His call for more investment in the arts resonated with the crowd, and his promise of support to Sherrie Silver was met with thunderous applause.

Another standout speech came from Nigerian politician and entrepreneur Peter Gregory Obi, who praised Sherrie Silver’s commitment to nurturing young talent. 'Sherrie’s work is extraordinary. What she’s doing for the youth is inspiring, and I will do everything I can to spread the word about her efforts,' he said, offering his full support to her foundation.

Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors, also took the stage to share his admiration for Sherrie Silver, saying, 'I’ve encountered Sherrie on several occasions, and every time, I’m impressed with the zeal and vigor with which she approaches her work.' His words echoed the sentiments of everyone in the room — that Sherrie Silver is a force to be reckoned with.

Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors, also took the stage to share his admiration for Sherrie Silver

As the night drew to a close, items were auctioned to raise funds for the Sherrie Silver Foundation, with guests enthusiastically participating in the bidding. The proceeds will go toward supporting young African talent, a cause close to Sherrie’s heart.

In her own words, Rwanda’s very own Mutesi Jolly perfectly summed up the night. 'Our country has provided opportunities for the youth, and we should seize them. Let’s make the most of these moments,' she said.
The gala was not just a celebration of talent but also a reminder of the potential Africa holds — a continent bursting with creativity, passion, and promise.

The Silver Gala was, without a doubt, an evening of unforgettable memories. From the dazzling fashion to the inspiring speeches and breathtaking performances, it was a night that celebrated Africa’s bright future. As The Ben so powerfully said, 'The best way to achieve your dreams is to keep your standards. Let us not lose that no matter what.' What a night to remember!

The Silver Gala was nothing short of spectacular, leaving guests with memories that will last a lifetime

The fashion on display was a testament to Africa’s growing influence on the global fashion scene

Element also performed at the Gala

Kevin Kande thrilled the audience with his soothing voice

Sam K Nkurunziza

The management of Prime Insurance noted that their medical insurance has continued to grow over the past three years and expressed a desire to discuss with their partners how to expand collaboration.

In 2023, Prime Medical Insurance generated RWF 2.1 billion, while by August 1, 2024, it had already earned over RWF 2.8 billion.

Col (Rtd) Eugène Murashi Haguma, the CEO of Prime General Insurance, emphasized that medical insurance plays a crucial role in the well-being of the population and should be improved to provide clients with quality services.

He stated, 'Insurance is a way for many people to pool their money together. The money they contribute is not ours; it belongs to our clients. What we aim for is to ensure that people never lack medical care because we manage that money well and provide treatment until the agreed-upon term ends.'

Mike Byusa, the Business Development Manager at Prime General Insurance, noted that the growth of medical insurance at the company is promising, as it accounted for 20% of the total income in the first six months of 2024.

He mentioned that discussions with their partners aim to assess how well the services are received, exchange ideas, and determine where to focus efforts for further improvement.

From the discussions, he revealed that Prime Insurance identified areas for further enhancement, such as speeding up the reimbursement process for medical claims, accelerating service delivery, and improving communication with partners.

Umutoni Carine, a representative from a hospital working with Prime Insurance, highlighted that meetings with the company’s management reinforce collaboration and are expected to improve.

She said, 'It is a good initiative for Prime Insurance to bring us together to exchange ideas. These discussions are beneficial for expanding our cooperation. We talked about suggestions and areas needing more effort, and we hope these will be addressed.'

Aimé Lambert Kadende Shyaka, an employee at Kipharma Pharmacy, emphasized that both parties should work to strengthen their cooperation, particularly in stabilizing fluctuating medicine prices in the market.

In the six months ending June 2024, Prime General Insurance earned over RWF 11.6 billion, with RWF 2.5 billion coming from medical insurance.

Prime Insurance anticipates that by the end of 2024, it will generate over RWF 4 billion from medical insurance services.

Currently, Prime Medical Insurance offers individual and family medical insurance services, as well as coverage for various organizations.

Prime Insurance has demonstrated how its medical insurance is advancing.

Prime General Insurance CEO, Col (Rtd) Eugène Murashi Haguma, in discussion with some of the company’s partners.

Prime General Insurance’s Business Development Manager, Mike Byusa, has urged partners to enhance operational efficiency.

Prime General Insurance CEO, Col (Rtd) Eugène Murashi Haguma, highlighted that medical insurance is crucial for the well-being of the population.

Carine Umutoni praised the collaboration between her organization and Prime Insurance.

Dr. Peace is among those who provided feedback on areas for further improvement.

Some contributors have suggested continuing to expand collaboration and have requested that this process be expedited.

Munyaneza Janvier, representing Frontier Diagnostic Center, indicated that there are aspects of the collaboration that need improvement.

Everyone expressed satisfaction with the discussions with Prime Insurance regarding the collaboration.

Partners of Prime Medical Insurance expressed their satisfaction with having the opportunity to discuss.

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Maj Gen Kagame handed over command responsibility to Maj Gen Ruvusha on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in a ceremony attended by the incoming and outgoing Task Force Brigade Group Commanders, Police Component Commanders, NISS Coordinators, and other staff officers.

During the handover ceremony, Maj Gen Ruvusha thanked the outgoing JTFC for the impressive effort with which the force carried out its duties.

The new Rwandan troops arrived in Mozambique on August 20, 2024. Maj Gen Ruvusha was briefed and given a familiarization tour of the RSF area of responsibility, including Mocimboa da Praia, Chinda, Palma, Afungi, Pundanhar, Macomia, Ancuabe, and Pemba.

Rwanda Security Forces depart for Mozambique on August 20, 2024.

The security officer’s deployment is part of Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to supporting Mozambique in countering the insurgency that has plagued Cabo Delgado since October 2017, when armed extremists first launched a rebellion in the region.

In response to the escalating violence and widespread displacement, Rwanda began deploying its security forces to Mozambique on July 9, 2021. Initially consisting of 1,000 troops from both the Rwanda Defence Force and the Rwanda National Police, the contingent had grown to nearly 2,000 by the end of 2021.

By late 2022, it was announced that the number of Rwandan troops in Mozambique had increased to about 2,500, reflecting their expanded mandate to pursue and dislodge terrorists from their hideouts.

Mozambique has also received military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) since 2021. However, SADC forces began withdrawing in April this year as their mandate drew to a close.

Before the intervention of Rwandan troops in 2021, terrorists had claimed the lives of 3,000 civilians, and more than 800,000 people had been displaced. The insecurity also brought all development projects in the insurgent-controlled areas to a standstill.

Over the past three years, Rwandan security forces, in collaboration with Mozambique’s armed forces, have made significant strides in dismantling the Al Sunna wa Jama’a (ASWJ) terrorist group from their strongholds in Mocimboa da Praia and Palma. This has allowed a substantial number of internally displaced people to safely return to their homes.

Maj Gen Emmy Ruvusha (r) takes over the mandate from outgoing Joint Task Force Commander (JTFC) Maj Gen Alex Kagame, who has led the Rwandan troops in Cabo Delgado for the past year.

Wycliffe Nyamasege