World Peace Day marked
Rwandans on Wednesday joined the rest of the world to mark the World Peace Day. The celebrations included a peace walk and a concert, which attracted the National Police, the Army, non governmental organisations, students and ordinary citizens.

Jean Baptiste Habyalimana, the Executive Secretary of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC), the main organisers, noted that this year’s celebrations were massive.

He added that Rwanda had reason to celebrate the day, having recovered from the damages left behind by the 1994 Genocide, and ensuing instabilities.

However, achieving total peace includes achieving better standards of living, education and development, according to the NURC boss.

The Mayor of Kigali City, Fidele Ndayisaba, in an interview with The New Times, emphasised that the day was an occasion for Rwanda to disapprove those who still doubt the existence of peace in the country. 

The World Peace Day was established by the UN in 1981. It is celebrated every year, around the world to recognise the significance of a world without war.

President Kagame addresses UN General Assembly
President Paul Kagame, on Wednesday, called on members of the United Nations to take individual responsibility for the achievement of sustainable development.

The President made the remarks while addressing the 66th United Nations General Assembly taking place in New York, under the theme: The need for world leaders to deliver on the promise of sustainable development.

President Kagame noted that the core need for any lasting economic, social and political change is focus on homegrown and people-centered solutions.

Norwegian court upholds decision to extradite Genocide suspect
An Appeals Court in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, on Tuesday upheld an earlier ruling by a lower court ordering the extradition to Rwanda of a Genocide suspect who was arrested in the Nordic country in 2010.

Charles Bandora was arrested as he attempted to enter Norway with a fake visa.The Olso City Court on July 11 granted the extradition request filed by Rwanda so that the suspect could face charges in connection with his role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

In its latest ruling, the Appeals Court stated that it saw no evidence to suggest that Bandora would not receive a fair trial in Rwanda. Meanwhile, in May, the Norwegian Police also arrested Sadi Bugingo, another fugitive linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Rwanda had sent an indictment and arrest warrant to Norway in January 2008, and Norwegian investigators and prosecutors travelled to Rwanda to gather information

Media reforms on track - officials
A Committee set up by journalists to spearhead reforms within the media sector has said that, so far, the process is running smoothly with a number of milestones reached.

Part of the media reforms include amending and initiating several laws to facilitate journalists’ work and establishment of a media self-regulating body that will be made up and administered by practicing journalists.

Addressing media managers and editors, the Executive Secretary of the High Council of the Media, Patrice Mulama, said that the reforms aim at promoting greater freedom and responsibility amongst media professionals, improved access to information and recognising that the media is an essential part of development.

Regarding the establishment of a self-regulatory body, the amendment of the code of ethics has been finalised and will be printed and circulated soon.

Speaking at the same meeting, Ignatius Kabagambe, the Director General in the Prime Minister’s Office, said that journalists need to have solidarity in pushing for the quick realisation of the reforms.

New prosecutors sworn-in
Nine prosecutors, on Thursday, took oath of office at a function presided over by Prime Minister, Bernard Makuza and Prosecutor General, Martin Ngoga.

Those sworn-in included eight prosecutors at the primary courts and one at the higher instance court. During the function, the Premier urged the new prosecutors to perform their duties with utmost professionalism, saying that it will not only elevate their experience but also help develop the justice sector.

Makuza encouraged the prosecutors to use the vast knowledge available on the internet to keep abreast with developments in their profession and promised to avail training opportunities.

Ingabire’s co-accused pleads guilty
The defence into the trial involving Victoire Ingabire and her four co-accused continued on Thursday for the 3rd week with Major Vital Uwumuremyi taking the floor in the High Court.

Uwumuremyi, who is also a former member of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia, pleaded guilty to the three counts brought against him. While reading Uwumuremyi’s charge sheet, prosecution told court that he was instrumental in establishing contact with Ingabire while in the jungles of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The contact was later to result into the formation of a terrorist group known as Coalition des Forces Democratique΄ (CDF) affiliated to Ingabire’s FDU-Inkingi.

Burundi, Rwanda governors meet
The Governor of the Southern Province, Alphonse Munyentwari, and his Burundian counterpart from Ngozi Province, Claude Nahayo, on Wednesday, held a meeting to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two provinces.

The meeting held in Huye District, addressed issues related to security as well as cultural and economic exchange. Munyantwari, told The New Times that they agreed on common measures to stop trans-border crimes, including theft, murder and illegal trade.

The two governors agreed to address security in their respective borders.The Governor of Ngozi noted that joint efforts will improve security at the borders.

Ends