Weekly review

Kabarebe, DRC’s Tambo meetA high-level defence, military and security delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), held bilateral security talks with their Rwandan counterparts led by the Minister of Defence, James Kabarebe. The DRC Minister of Defence, Alexander Luba Tambo, was accompanied by the Chief of Staff Lt. Gen Didier Etumba and the director general of security and intelligence services, Col. Kalev Mutond. The talks were part of the joint efforts to find an immediate peaceful resolution of the conflicts in DRC’s North Kivu province. The joint intelligence operation between the two countries has expanded to include verification of security threats along the border. During the talks, Chiefs of Defence Staff from either side were assigned to design a joint operation plan against the FDLR militia, an armed group also operating in eastern DRC.Ex-PM Rwigema wins EALA seatFormer Prime Minister Pierre Celestin Rwigema who returned from self imposedexile in the US last year is the new face on the line up of Rwanda`s representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). Out of the nine who have been representing Rwanda at the EALA, eight bounced back leaving out Clare Kayirangwa who was replaced by Rwigema. Rwigema, 59, is among eight candidates who were fronted by the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF)-led coalition, which also includes PSR, PDC, UDPR, PPC and PDI political parties. Africa can feed itself – UNDPThe African Human Development Report 2012 was released indicating that East Africa and Africa in general must stop using food aid as a safety net. It emphasized that efforts should be put in eliminating hunger that is affecting a quarter of the people to sustain the present economic growth. The report which is towards a Food Secure Future is collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme, the Economic Commission for Africa and the African Development Bank. The report says Africa must develop new approaches that will empower local communities to ensure food security. The UN Resident Coordinator for Rwanda, Opia Kumah, said the report, indicates that Rwanda has performed very well. He said that it is the first on the continent and second in the world in the development index for the last 10 years.Ugandan army chief roots for African standby forceUganda’s Military Chief, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima said that Regional security systems are the last chance to rid the continent of security threats. He made the remarks at the closure of the second African Land Forces Summit in Kampala. He called on the security forces to remain focused on the continent’s present and future challenges. He said that sustainable peace and security in Africa will only come if militaries are prepared to champion the cause of collective security. Nyakairima called for more coordination among the forces, saying that experience has shown that regional states understand their burdens better and hence the need for strengthened regional groupings. The summit was held under the theme; “Strength of an army, for the nation and its people.” 90 police officers complete special force training90 Police officers completed a four-month Special Forces Training of Trainers (ToT) programme in Nasho, Kirehe District. They were taken through drills such as laying and suppressing ambushes, freeing hostages, individual tactics and self defence as well as long-range shooting. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel Gasana commended the officers for the discipline and commitment they displayed during the training. Gasana asked the participants to put into practice the skills and knowledge acquired to ensure a secure and peaceful country. He said that trainings are part of RNP strategic policy to build a professional and disciplined force with both physical and mental readiness.Kigali-Gatuna highway construction costs revisedThe Kigali-Gatuna highway refurbishment and expansion will cost more than Rwf 32 billion the cost that was initially expected to cover the project. The road is now expected to last for as long as 25 years up from the seven years` that had been reported earlier. The State Minister in charge of Transport, Dr Alex Nzahabwanimana, said that an assessment to determine the cost of the project is on. The project is to be financed by the European Commission and the government of Rwanda will cover additional costs that may arise with the adjustments. Works are expected to start next month. The project will now include pedestrian walkways, something that was not provided for with the contractors- Strabag International, a German firm.