Leaders mourn Meles ZenawiAfrican leaders early this week joined the people of Ethiopia to mourn the death of their Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. Zenawi, who had a close relationship with Rwanda and widely credited with economic growth in his country, died on Monday night of an undisclosed illness. He was 57. The former premier, who was in power for more than 20 years, succumbed to unspecified condition from a hospital in Belgium. In Rwanda, Zenawi is remembered for his role during the 1990-94 liberation struggles, when he supported the Rwanda Patriotic Front/Army. Born in May 1955 in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, Zenawi was widely considered a dedicated leader and freedom fighter, esteemed son of Africa who steered his country toward peace, prosperity and promise. Census enumerator ‘assaulted’ in KimironkoA census enumerator was assaulted in Kimironko, a Kigali suburb, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). The incident was one of isolated assaults that have been reported since the national housing and population census commenced. Yusuf Murangwa, the Director General of NISR, early this week confirmed that the exercise was facing some challenges. Police said they have made arrests without giving the number of suspects and the names of the assaulted individual. Last week, census clerks were also reported to have been assaulted in Huye and Kamonyi districts by members of Abagorozi, an outlawed religious sect famous for opposing national programmes and policies. Top Kigali hospital under probeThe Rwanda Medical Council (RMC) was reported to be investigating reports of medical malpractice that allegedly led to the death of a mother and her newly born baby at LaCroix Du Sud Hospital in Kigali. According to a reliable source, the father requested the medical council to look into the circumstances that led to the death of his wife and child. The Secretary of RMC, Dr Emmanuel Rudacyemwa, confirmed the development saying they are investigating the cause of the woman’s death, but was non committal on the details. Dr Rudacyemwa added that the council has in the past investigated similar cases, where medics have committed professional errors but noted that some of the complaints turn out to be baseless. Hotel body seeks to mend fences with local authorityRwanda Hotels and Restaurants Association (RHRA) has come up with an initiative to open up dialogue between hoteliers and local authorities before steps are taken against their businesses.Dubbed ‘Mayors Forum’, the initiative is expected to bring together district mayors to discuss a wide range of issues that will also include what local authorities expect from the businesses in order to improve their services. The forum is expected to meet at least three times a year to discuss and devise means of proper implementation of government policies that will effectively contribute towards promoting the hospitality industry. Kigali City Mayor, Fidel Ndayisaba, welcomed the initiative, saying it will help both parties to coordinate, especially in ensuring that those in the business operate in line with the city administration plans.Clerics moot annual Thanks Giving Day Religious leaders from various denominations will organize a Thanks Giving service every last Sunday of August; to thank God for the many things He has done for the country. The clerics under the Peace Plan project, announced this at a news conference on Wednesday in Kigali. The inaugural service is scheduled this coming weekend on Sunday August 26 at the Amahoro National Stadium. The retired Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, Emmanuel Kolini, said there are many reasons for Rwanda to mark the day. Kolini, who is also the Peace Plan Chairman in Rwanda, noted that the initiative will bring together all religious denominations in the country and not just a section of people from a certain religious belief. Carnegie Mellon launches in Kigali Carnegie Melllon University on Friday officially launched graduate degree programmes after a year in operation. The event was held at the temporary premises of the university located at Telecoms house in Kigali. The initial class of 2012 according to media reports has 26 students and is targeting to enroll about 40 students.The graduate programmes launched include Master of Science in Information Technology and Master of (MSIT) and the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MSECE) but the latter programme will begin two years after MSIT’s commencement. All enrolled students are taking MSIT course and will graduate in 2014.Speaking at the event, Dr Vincent Biruta, the Minister Education, said the opening of CMU-R is a major achievement for the government.Biruta stated that with CMU-R entry into Rwanda, the country aspires to be a leader in technology innovations in the region.