Last week was without doubt eventful in most aspects; diplomacy, economy and most especially, leisure. On Saturday, May 21, Rwanda hosted for the second time, the Basketball Africa League (BAL), where Cameroon’s Forces Armées et Police (FAP) Basketball Club beat Rwanda Energy Group Basketball Club to cruise into the semi-finals. President Kagame had earlier that day participated in the “Moving Sports Forward Forum,” an event co-hosted by the Giants of Africa and BAL to discuss the development of sports on the African continent. He had also officiated the unveiling of Club Rafiki Youth Centre’s refurbished basketball court, where 50 youth are currently participating in a Giants of Africa Camp basketball clinic. May 21, Louise Mushikiwabo, the Secretary General of La Francophonie together with Rwandan youth launched the ‘#UmugandaFrancophone’ a movement where they took part in community work, and challenged young Francophones around the world to take up the challenge for a ‘cleaner and healthier planet.’ A day before, thousands of worshipers had a night to remember at Imbuga City Walk, former ‘car free zone’ in Kigali’s city centre, where they were entertained by famous gospel artistes; Alexis Dusabe, Israel Mbonyi, Papi Clever and Damascene Kanuma. Earlier that day, curtains fell on the three-day 9th National Security Symposium organised by Rwanda Defence Force in collaboration with the University of Rwanda, where senior military officers and experts from different African countries discussed contemporary security issues. President Kagame also chaired a High Command Council attended by members from the RDF, Rwanda National Police (RNP), the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and other security organs. Earlier this week, the Prime Minister, Edouard Ngirente launched a US$250 million fund to further support economic recovery through increased access to finance for businesses affected by Covid-19 pandemic. On Thursday, May 19, Uzziel Ndagijimana, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning unveiled a Rwf4,658.4 billion (over Rwf4.6 trillion) budget in the next fiscal year (2022/2023), representing an increase of Rwf217.8 billion or 4.7 per cent compared to Rwf4,440.6 billion of the revised budget of the current fiscal year. On the same day, the Government of Rwanda unveiled three facilities among five which are expected to host migrants and asylum seekers set to be sent from the United Kingdom. The facilities include Hope Hostel, formerly known as AERG/One Dollar Campaign complex, Desire Resorts Hotel, and Hallmark Residences. Last week also saw another ICTR-indicted fugitive, Phénéas Munyarugarama confirmed dead. He is said to have died of natural causes in 2002, in DR Congo. Below we chronicle the past week in pictures: Cameroon’s Forces Armées et Police (FAP) Basketball Club beat Rwanda Energy Group Basketball Club to cruise into the semi-finals of BAL. President Kagame at the FAP vs REG semi-finals of BAL at the Kigali Arena. President Kagame officiates the unveiling of Club Rafiki Youth Center’s refurbished basketball court. Masai Ujiri and President Kagame at the Moving Sports Forward Forum. Louise Mushikiwabo at the launch of the #UmugandaFrancophone in Kigali. The Kigali Gospel Festival had a huge turnout as different artistes helped the people in praise and worship. / Dan Nsengiyumva Delegates follow a panel discussion during the 9th National Security Symposium in Kigali on May 18. / Dan Nsengiyumva President Kagame, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), speaks at a High Command Council. Uzziel Ndagijimana, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning at the launch of the second phase of the economic recovery fund. The government of Rwanda has unveiled facilities which are expected to host migrants and asylum seekers set to be sent from the United Kingdom.
