Author: Muhozi Esther

The event was organized by IBUKA-USA, the American branch of the Association for the Interests of Genocide Survivors, in collaboration with the Rwandan community in Maine.

Discussions focused on various initiatives for rebuilding Rwanda and fostering global cooperation. The devastating impact of the Genocide was highlighted, alongside measures to prevent such atrocities from recurring.

It was stressed that combating and confronting genocide denial and minimization is not solely a Rwandan responsibility but a global imperative. Such harmful ideologies must be eradicated to safeguard humanity.

Nishimwe Consolée, a survivor of the 1994 Genocide, emphasized the importance of hope and resilience despite challenges.

She said, “No matter the hardships you face in life, never lose hope, because losing hope is the beginning of defeat.”

South Portland Mayor Misha C. Pride expressed solidarity with Rwandans, stating, “We stand with Rwandans, honoring the victims and survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, and we pledge to remain vigilant against discrimination and dehumanizing rhetoric that could lead to such a tragedy again.”

Governor Janet Trafton Mills of Maine criticized the international community for inaction during the 100 days of the Genocide, describing it as a deeply saddening and inexplicable situation.

She said, “Trying to understand how this happened, how a Genocide could unfold over 100 days while the world watched, is a profoundly distressing reality that we still grapple with.”

She stressed that this should serve as a lesson for people to fully understand the significance of the phrase ‘Never Again.’

Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, praised the RPA forces led by President Paul Kagame for halting the Genocide.

Ambassador Mukantabana highlighted Rwanda’s self-reliance, with Rwandans uniting, which has been the foundation of the country’s development over the past 30 years.

She said, “The phrase ‘Never Again’ will only be fully realized when people unite and strive to make it a reality.”

Yehoyada Mbangukira, leader of the Rwandan community in America and a senior official at Sonoma University, urged educational institutions to preserve Genocide-related stories, stating, “Remembering and preserving history is honoring those who perished and the survivors of the Genocide.”

The commemoration event also addressed the lasting effects of the Genocide against the Tutsi, including trauma and mental health issues among survivors and their children, and explored ways to continue addressing these issues.

During a speech last Friday in Kigali at the three-day National Security Symposium, the minister discussed the global challenges in commerce, industry, and national debt. He shared the stage with Donald Kaberuka, a Rwandan expert in global economics.

Dr. Ngabitsinze explained that the solution for Africa to avoid the severe consequences of these problems would be to produce locally the necessities of its citizens, rather than importing them. “Yesterday, I checked websites that forecast future exchange rates, and I was surprised to find that in ten years, one dollar will be worth over 2000 Rwandan francs. I had never thought about it before. I added another five years to my calculation and saw a 20% increase,” he said, shocked by the findings.

He continued by sharing his personal concerns. “When I got home, surrounded by my four children and my wife, I wondered, ‘Where will we be in 20 years when I am retired?’ We have been trained to think only of the positive aspects, but the numbers also show the negative sides.”

The minister also mentioned that some global problems arise unexpectedly, leaving no time to prepare. “As Donald Kaberuka said, we are heading towards a future full of challenges… If we do not invest in industry now, we will face problems with debt and purchasing power in 20 years. The solution is to produce locally. If you do not produce anything and only consume imports, the result will be disastrous,” he warned, using his own life as an example to illustrate the imbalance between needs and local production.

He called for a general awareness that life can bring its share of challenges, and criticized certain African policies, such as border closures, which he finds regrettable. “It is sad that on the African continent, when we have conflicts, we express them through trade by closing borders, even when we have nothing to offer locally. This is very bad because it shows misplaced pride,” he concluded, highlighting the potential and need for better management to enable the continent to progress.

During the ceremony, President Kagame, accompanied by Marc Rugenera, CEO of Radiant Insurance Company Ltd., expressed his satisfaction with the progress of private sector projects. He highlighted, “This is what we desire throughout our country, both in the City of Kigali and in the provinces. We want to see investment flourish and economic activities go well.”

He emphasized the government’s role in supporting the private sector, asserting, “It is the duty of various government sectors to assist where possible in ways that are legal and policy-driven to promote people and various activities, including those involving investment.”

President Kagame also pointed out ongoing challenges in the insurance sector and urged relevant authorities to address these issues.

He encouraged other investors to follow suit to enhance their business investments and warned against the repercussions of substandard operations, which can lead to considerable losses.

The Radiant Building, valued at 22 billion Rwandan Francs and standing 35 meters tall with 13 floors, was built over five years. Remarkably, 80% of the construction materials were sourced locally, and the entire building process, from design to painting, was carried out by Rwandans.

Marc Rugenera thanked the President for providing the land where the building now stands, stating, “It is you who gave us this plot on which this building stands.” He acknowledged the President’s role in supporting Rwanda’s development, remarking, “I greatly appreciate your joining us to celebrate this milestone that Radiant Society has achieved.”

Apian Ndoli, a construction expert, noted the building’s use of 80% locally made materials and its environmentally friendly construction. He proudly said, “This building was designed, constructed, and supervised by Rwandans. We are proud that young architects were trusted with constructing such significant buildings, and we are proud to have contributed to a project that will benefit Rwanda’s economic development.”

Radiant Insurance Company has seen significant growth, increasing its capital from 1 billion to 6.5 billion Rwandan Francs. Last year, the company generated 17.5 billion Rwandan Francs in revenue, paid out 11 billion Rwandan Francs, and reported assets totaling 10 billion Rwandan Francs. It offers a wide range of insurance services including travel, health, fire, motor vehicle, agricultural and livestock, building and machinery, surety, and more.

During the National Security Symposium on May 23, 2024, the Minister of Infrastructure Minister Dr. Jimmy Gasore elaborated on Rwanda’s decision. He discussed the broader context of energy concerns in Africa, focusing on sustainable solutions and the continent’s potential and hurdles in energy development.

Dr. Gasore conveyed the significance of energy in achieving Rwanda’s Vision 2050 goals, intending to elevate Rwanda into the ranks of high-income nations by 2050, with energy infrastructure playing a crucial role.

Addressing how Rwanda’s energy strategies align with its environmental commitments, Dr. Gasore noted the manageable nature of this challenge in Rwanda, tackled by prioritizing and executing critical goals.

“Our energy policies first address urgent needs,” he explained. “Providing adequate energy for national development is our priority. Ensuring affordability is next, as it supports our goals to boost industry and investment competitiveness on multiple levels. Low costs are essential for effective competition.”

He added that the third priority is the environmental sustainability of energy resources. “Our focus is also on sustainable energy use, managing climate change impacts, and meeting our national obligations. Although diesel remains an option due to its capability to meet immediate energy needs, its high cost drives our shift towards renewable sources.”

Dr. Gasore also stated that while diesel power stations have been discontinued, they remain available for emergencies. “Since last June, we’ve stopped using diesel power stations regularly, though they’re maintained for potential crises.”

In March 2024, following a power deficit in 2023, the Ministry reported that no cost-effective alternative was available, prompting the Rwanda Energy Group to expend Rwf5 billion on diesel.

The UK government has declared that approximately one million young people will gain from SHEFE by enhancing opportunities and employability. The initiative is especially designed to create safer and more accessible educational settings for women and girls, eliminating hurdles that prevent potential leaders from pursuing higher education.

Key efforts of the program include; tackling gender-based violence by training and enhancing institutional policies for safety, boosting participation in STEM fields and increasing female presence in top academic roles while refining university curriculums in alignment with labor market demands.

Advancing research in gender equality, violence prevention, and employability to support evidence-based strategies for partner governments and institutions are among other areas of priority.

Mitchell emphasized the broader impact of this initiative: “Greater gender equality brings freedom, boosts prosperity and strengthens global security. Countries can’t develop if half the population are held back from fulfilling their full potential,” he stated.

He further highlighted the transformative power of education, noting, “Education is the foundation for empowerment. It equips women and girls with the knowledge to challenge harmful norms and make informed decisions, including about their health.”

This new initiative builds on the achievements of the Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education Innovation and Reform program initiated in 2016, which has significantly bolstered higher education in 16 countries, directly aiding over 12,500 refugees and displaced youths in regions like Jordan and Lebanon, and providing online course access to 12,000 students from Myanmar.

During the forum, Gillian Keegan, the UK’s secretary of state for education, also spoke, updating on the UK’s role as a premier destination for international students and highlighting the success of Transnational Education (TNE).

“We are home to some of the world’s top universities… Indeed, the UK has educated 58 current and recent world leaders,” Keegan remarked. She also discussed the relevance of education in addressing global challenges like climate change, emphasizing the need for a curriculum that promotes a sustainable future.