Weekly review

Arab Bank chief calls on KagameThe Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Abdelaziz Khelef, on Wednesday, called on President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro. Khelef, who is in the country on a five-day visit, told reporters shortly after the meeting that he briefed the President about BADEA’s support to Rwanda and future cooperation, including support to private sector development. The BADEA chief briefed President Kagame on the Arab bank’s participation in the construction of a multinational road linking Rwanda and Burundi, with a loan amounting to US$11m. The agreement was signed on Sunday by Khelef and the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, John Rwangombwa. Khelef said that the funds would go towards the construction of the 23.6 Km Rubengera-Gisiza sections. He noted that BADEA is content with the mutual cooperation that exists between Rwanda and the bank, adding that BADEA is committed to continue supporting the country in various programs. New security chiefs appointed President Paul Kagame, in his capacity as Commander in Chief, Wednesday, named new officers to head the country’s security and intelligence agencies. Major General Emmanuel Karenzi Karake is the new head of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), while Brigadier General Richard Rutatina is the new Head of J2- Military Intelligence. Col. Dan Munyuza was appointed the Head of External Intelligence in NISS while Col. Tom Byabagamba is the head of the Counter Terrorism unit in the Ministry of Defence and RDF. In a related development, Captain Patrick Karuretwa will replace Brig. Gen Rutatina as the Defence and Security Advisor to the President. Prior to his appointment, Maj. Gen Karenzi, who replaces Col. Dr. Emmanuel Ndahiro, was the head of the Rwanda Military Academy-Nyakinama. Grenade attack victims dischargedEleven victims of Tuesday’s grenade blast in Rusizi District have been discharged from Gihundwe Hospital, while six others who sustained serious injuries were transferred to Butare Hospital. Eight of the victims are still admitted at Gihundwe Hospital. Speaking at a security meeting in Rusizi on Wednesday, the Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana, disclosed that the government had taken care of the hospital bills of all the grenade victims. He re-assured that the police are closely following up on people behind the attacks in the country. The Police chief assured the residents that the culprits would be brought to book. RDF gets new SpokespersonLt. Col Joseph Nzabamwita has been appointed the new Military and Defence Spokesperson, replacing Lt. Col Jill Rutaremara who goes for further studies. Prior to his appointment, Lt. Col Nzabamwita, was the commanding officer of the 105 battalion based in Rubavu District, Western Province. Nzabamwita has also served as the Deputy Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and Director General of External Security. Lt. Col Nzabamwita previously worked as Rwanda’s Defence and Military attaché in Washington D.C. The 45-year old holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Makerere University, Kampala and a Masters in International Law from the University of Washington. Norwegian court orders Bandora’s extradition A Norwegian Court has ruled that Genocide fugitive, Charles Bandora,be extradited to Rwanda to face charges of committing Genocide related atrocities. The head of the Genocide Fugitives Tracking Unit, John Bosco Siboyintore said that the Olso court passed the ruling against Bandora on Monday, subject to appeal. “The Olso City Court, on July 11 granted the extradition request which had been applied for by Rwanda,” Siboyintore said. Bandora was a businessman and influential member of the former ruling party MRND. He is accused of having financed the training and arming of Interahamwe militia in Bugesera, Eastern Province. He is also charged with the killing of 400 Tutsis who had sought refuge at Ruhuha church between April 7 and 13, 1994. Bandora was arrested on June 8 last year as he tried to enter Oslo Airport with fake identity, posing as Frank Kamwana, a Malawian national. Ends