Weekly review

First Genocide trial underway in the USThe first ever trial related to the Genocide against the Tutsi began in the United States on Tuesday. Lazare Kobagaya, 83, is the first suspect to stand trial on American soil on charges related to crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide. Last week, a Federal judge in the US rejected a defence bid to dismiss Kobagaya’s charges, ruling that he should stand trial for suspected Genocide crimes. According to the indictment, Kobagaya was a wealthy man who lived in the southern part of the country during the Genocide, where it is alleged that he organized and incited killing of Tutsis on several occasions. He is accused of participating in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide but his trial will mainly focus on naturalization fraud and misuse of an alien registration card. PM Makuza opens Cancer SummitPrime Minister Bernard Makuza, Wednesday, said that the government is ready and willing to continue extending more support to the health sector to ensure that the population lives better lives. The Premier made the announcement while, officially, opening the Women Cancer Summit that brought together health experts to discuss ways of combating cancer in the country. Over 100,000 girls across the country are expected to be vaccinated against HPV, which causes cervical cancer. The Premier emphasised that it is through screening that early signs of cancer can be detected, and then treated before the disease degenerates into fatal stages. He noted that the government would partner with other stakeholders, worldwide, to discuss and explore a clear roadmap to eradicate cancer in the country. Free fistula treatment kicks off at CHUK A non governmental organisation, EngenderHealth, through its Fistula Care Project, on Monday began a ten-day exercise that will see 66 women suffering from Obsteric fistula, receive free treatment at the Kigali Central University Teaching Hospital, (CHUK). Obstetric fistula is a severe medical condition in which a fistula (hole) develops between either the rectum and vagina or between the bladder and vagina after severe or failed childbirth. Among such women, the condition results from prolonged abstracted labor that affects their private parts, according to Jean-Nepo Mugenzi, the Project Coordinator. Mugenzi added that during the exercise, five doctors and ten nurses would also be trained how to repair fistula. The project is sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Kigali Mayor tours CDF projectsKigali City Council authorities headed by the Mayor, Fidele Ndayisaba, on Wednesday, toured several parts of the city to assess the implementation of development projects funded by Common Development Fund (CDF). CDF funded projects worth Rwf2.5 billion are currently under implementation in the three districts of the city. Among the projects visited were 290 hectares of terraces valued at about Rwf140m constructed in the hilly areas of Nyamirambo and Nduba sectors in Nyarugenge and Gasabo districts respectively. Other projects are tarmac and stone-paved roads and security lights installed in Nyarugenge. KCC also intend to construct seven more health centres this year, to the tune of Rwf1.8 billion, in the seven sectors that have no health facilities. Meanwhile, CDF has provided jobs to over 3,590 poor people since the beginning of the VUP Umurenge Programme that started three years ago. Lake Kivu boat victims remembered Over 20 people, who perished in an ill fated trip to Nyamunini Island in Rutsiro District on Lake Kivu, during last year’s genocide commemoration, were remembered on Tuesday. Thousands of mourners endured the day’s scorching sun to pay their respects to their loved ones, who died when their boat capsized as they travelled to the island to honour victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who were dumped into the lake. Senator Agnes Kaijire, who lost a family member in the tragedy, encouraged fellow bereaved families to be strong in such trying moments. District officials trained in law on small arms The Ministry of Internal Security, in collaboration with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, has trained district officials in Nyagatare, on the new law that guides the use and possession of small arms. Those trained included officials from security services, National Youth Council, National Women’s Council and the Mayor. During the training, that took place in Nyagatare Sector, ACP Vianney Nshimiyimana, the Director of Financial Investigation Unit in the National Police, said that the new law, which was passed in December 2009, prescribes the legal framework on the possession and use of small arms in the country. According to Nshimiyimana, the new law stipulates that only the Inspector General of Police can issue a license on the use and possession of small arms. He noted that the law states that only persons of integrity, who are mentally stable and above 21 years, can own small arms. Third motor vehicle inspection lane launchedMotor vehicle inspection services are set to get a boost, following the launch of the third lane at the Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (MIC). With the additional lane, the centre will have the capacity to inspect up to 250 cars per day. Speaking at the launch, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel Gasana, pointed out that the since MIC was put under the Police‘s supervision, three years ago, the number of accidents had greatly reduced. The availability of engine gas emission tester is expected to significantly reduce gas emissions, hence improve environmental protection initiatives. Ends