KIGALI - The Secretary General of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA); Dr. William Shija, arrived in the country yesterday for a four-day visit, where he is expected to hold talks with various heads of institutions.

Shija was appointed as the first African Secretary-General of CPA in September 2006, and took up the position on January 1, 2007, for a period of five years.

According to a tentative schedule seen by The New Times, Shija will hold a meeting with members of the National Electoral Commission before meeting with Senators and MP’s.

Shija is also expected to pay a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister; Bernard Makuza.

He will also visit and hold talks with  officials at the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC), the Forum for Political Parties and visit the Murambi memorial site in Southern Province, before addressing students at National University of Rwanda.

Prior to his current job, Dr.Shija was a member of the National Assembly of Tanzania from 1990 to 2005.

He has also held the positions of Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Minister for Energy and Minerals and Minister for Industries and Trade.

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