The Routine "four plus four” bilateral sessions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continued in Kinshasa this week.

Foreign Affairs Minister Rosemary Museminali led the Rwandan delegation to Kinshasa. The talks are aimed at strengthening the two countries relations. They also have a specific interest in the events in eastern DR Congo.

The talks between the two countries come at a time of renewed fears about the danger posed by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to the region.

FDLR fires into Rwanda

Meanwhile, it was reported this week that suspected elements of the (FDLR) fired into Rwanda territory from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on Monday.

The shelling which was confirmed by the army spokesman Maj. Jill Rutaremara comes few weeks after the end of the Rwanda/DR Congo joint military operations (Umoja Wetu) against the militia in eastern DR Congo.

EALA debates Kagame speech

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) this week was reported to be in intense debate on the state of the EAC address by President Paul Kagame.

It was reported that the legislators raised concern over delayed implementation of programmes. The fifth meeting of the second session of EALA convened in the Kenyan national assembly in, Nairobi.

Issues for discussion involved, Kagame’s speech which he delivered as the current Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC) Summit.
 
Government welcomes Mpambara sentence

Also in the week, it was reported the government has welcomed a recent decision by a Dutch court sentencing Joseph Mpambara, to 20 years for the role he played in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis.

The Information Minister Louise Mushikiwabo was quoted saying that the sentence should send a signal to other Western countries that still harbour Genocide suspects Mpamabara was convicted of ordering the murder of Tutsi mothers and their children.

Best students and foster mothers rewarded

The Imbuto Foundation was in the news this week for rewarding a group of female students that excelled in last year’s national exams in Muhanga District. Also rewarded were foster mothers.

The Primary and Secondary Education State Minister Theoneste Mutsindashyaka, presented the awards to the students and foster mothers. Some 43 girls were given certificates, scholastic materials and cash rewards.

Kagame hosts Indian Investors

President Kagame this week hosted a group of Indian investors at Urugwiro Village. The over twenty investors organized under the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) are planning to invest in the country.

The group is currently in Rwanda to study the investment climate. According to press reports, they discussed with Kagame prospective areas of investment.

Electrogaz boss Milenge calls it quits

John Milenge resigned this week as the head of Electrogaz the energy and water utility. He was quoted in the press saying that he plans to go into private business.

His resignation was accepted by cabinet, which commended him for turning around the organisation in the last three and a half years he has been at its helm.

Parliament to revisit media bill

It emerged this week that parliament will take a second look at the media bill which it had passed a couple of weeks ago.

Media practitioners have made several recommendations to the bill after several expressed disagreement with a number of articles in the bill. It awaits the signature of the president before it becomes law.

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