Cabinet greenlights peace deal with DRC, makes key appointments #rwanda #RwOT

One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the approval of a draft law ratifying the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda.

This agreement, signed in Washington D.C. on June 27, 2025, under the mediation of the United States, marks a crucial step in addressing Rwanda's long-standing security concerns.

It aims to restore peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region and promote deeper regional economic integration.

The Government emphasized its commitment to the full implementation of this agreement and expressed hope for the conclusion of the Doha Talks, currently facilitated by the State of Qatar with the support of the African Union.

The Cabinet was also briefed on the progress made in Rwanda's mining sector, which continues to play an important role in the country's economic transformation.

The sector has recorded substantial growth in production, investment, and the discovery of high-value minerals. As part of efforts to sustain this momentum, the Cabinet approved several new applications for mineral, quarry, and exploration licenses.

In addition, the Cabinet approved several draft laws. Among them was the draft law ratifying a loan agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the OPEC Fund for International Development, related to the Centre of Excellence for Aviation Skills project signed in Vienna, Austria.

Another approved draft law concerns the ratification of an agreement between Rwanda and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, aimed at eliminating double taxation on income taxes and preventing tax evasion and avoidance, which was signed in Abuja, Nigeria.

In a diplomatic development, the Cabinet approved the accreditation of Lieutenant General (Rtd) Peter Kakowou Lavahun as High Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone to Rwanda, with residence in Nairobi.

The Cabinet also made a number of important appointments across various ministries and public institutions.

Ambassador Vincent Karega was proposed as Rwanda's Ambassador to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, while Innocent Muhizi was named as the proposed High Commissioner to the Republic of Singapore. Alphonsine Mirembe was appointed as Clerk of the Chamber of Deputies.

In the Ministry of Health, Dr. Muhammed Semakula was appointed as Permanent Secretary, and Sophie Nzabananimana as Director General of Corporate Services.

The Ministry of Infrastructure saw the appointment of Gisèle Umuhumuza as Permanent Secretary and Canoth Manishimwe as Director General of Corporate Services.

In the Ministry of Environment, Fidèle Bingwa was appointed as Permanent Secretary, while Candy Basomingera took up the same role in the Ministry of Sports.

Among others, Aristarque Ngogawas named Permanent Secretary in the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management, Prudence Biraboneye was named Secretary General of the National Public Prosecution Authority, while Ambassador Jeanine Kambanda became Secretary General of the National Commission for Human Rights.

At the Water and Sanitation Corporation, Dr. Asaph Kabaasha was appointed Chief Executive Officer, and Hortense Mudenge was named Chief Executive Officer of the Kigali International Financial Center.

The Cabinet also approved appointments to commissions and government agencies.

Valerie Nyirahabineza was appointed Chairperson of the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission, with Major General (Rtd) Jacques Nziza as Vice Chairperson. Members included Dancille Nyirarugero, Jacqueline Muhongayire, and Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi.

Claudine Dushimimana was appointed Chairperson of the Rwanda Law Reform Commission, with Andre Bucyana as Secretary General.

At the Rwanda Information Society Authority, Antoine Sebera was named Chief Executive Officer, Roger Mizero as Chief Technology Officer, and Innocent Asiimwe Mudenge as Chief of Operations and Strategy.

Claude Mwizerwa was appointed Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, and Francis Kamanzi was named Director General of the Rwanda Cooperative Agency.

At Rwanda Development Board, Sheja Valliére has been appointed as Chief of Strategy and Communications, while Maëva Seka Haguma became Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Convention Bureau.

Gabriel Nduwayezu was also appointed Chief Digital Officer of the City of Kigali.