Author: Léon

Rwanda’s Election Results: How To Make Sense of Kagame’s Landslide Victory?

According to David Maraga, the head of the East African Community (EAC) election observation team dispatched to Rwanda, the election was one of the best-organized electoral processes he has seen. However, such a remark is not enough to put an end to debates about whether the elections were free and fair.

For some, the election results reflect the popularity of Kagame and the RPF, as demonstrated by the massive turnout at the presidential campaign rallies. For others, it is yet another sign that the 2024 elections were merely a formality.

A presidential candidate winning 99% of the votes is an unusual occurrence, but what is unusual isn’t necessarily bad. The natural reaction to these results should be to ask why Paul Kagame remains such a popular figure in Rwanda even after two decades in power. No matter where you look for the answer, one thing must be acknowledged: Paul Kagame holds an unchallenged position in Rwanda’s post-1994 politics. Rwandans view Kagame as the architect of Rwanda’s development, and a future without him is one many are not ready to imagine, let alone embrace.

Unfortunately, the world shows little interest in hearing what Rwandans, especially young Rwandans, have to say about their views on Rwanda’s politics. Time and again, international critics have shown an unwillingness to accept that the Rwandan people are rational thinkers with agency, and hence, their choices are not taken seriously.

Discussing Rwandan politics as simply undemocratic or dictatorial is too simplistic. It is not that Rwanda doesn’t aspire to democracy, but that democracy is not in any way an end in itself. Rwanda is a country where politics was once a matter of life and death. Present-day Rwanda is one that many could not have even dreamed of 30 years ago. For that reason, Rwandans think and act within a historical context, not just in abstract concepts or theoretical frameworks.

Rwandans, like any people in the world, have the ultimate wish to live in peace, have security, and improve their living standards. To them, meaningful politics and voting are those that allow them to maintain what they have achieved over the last 30 years and hope for even better living conditions.

Otto von Bismarck’s saying that “politics is the art of the possible” captures the essence of Rwanda’s politics in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. While many thought Rwanda would forever remain a failed state, the RPF managed to start from scratch and build a country with a new unifying identity for all Rwandans.

Rwandans have tested and approved of Paul Kagame’s leadership. While the world is more concerned about when Kagame will step down, the majority of Rwandans want to continue living under the stability of his leadership. The unknowns of new leadership are not attractive to them. Dismissing them for not thinking beyond Kagame or belittling their choice using lofty terms like democracy is unfair.

As for Rwanda’s future, no one can be certain. But one thing is sure: Rwandans are far more united than they were decades ago. If they could rebuild their country after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, they will not fail to continue along that path now that they are more united and share a vision of a more prosperous Rwanda.

About the author:
Claudine Ukubereyimfura
Learning Coach at the African Leadership University
BA in International Studies from Yonsei University
MA in China Studies (Politics and International Relations) from Yenching Academy of Peking University

July 18, 2024
China, Kazakhstan to build on lasting friendship, unique partnership

Xi landed earlier in the day in Kazakhstan, where he will also attend the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a grand welcoming ceremony at the airport. On Tuesday evening, the two leaders had a cordial and friendly exchange over dinner in a pleasant and warm atmosphere, discussing issues related to bilateral ties and issues of common concern.

UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP

This is Xi’s fifth visit to Kazakhstan and the second one in less than two years, following his previous state visit in September 2022.

“Thirty-two years ago, China was among the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan’s independence. China-Kazakhstan relations have since embarked on a new journey,” Xi noted in a signed article published in the Kazakh media on Tuesday ahead of his visit.

Meanwhile, in a written statement upon his arrival in Astana, Xi said over the past 32 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties, their relationship has withstood the test of time and the vicissitudes of the international landscape, evolving into a unique permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi recalled that 11 years ago, he first put forward the initiative of jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt in Kazakhstan, adding that today, Belt and Road cooperation between China and Kazakhstan has yielded fruitful results.

Two-way economic and trade cooperation has reached new highs, people-to-people and cultural exchanges have featured numerous highlights, and the two sides’ international cooperation has been close and efficient, which has not only improved the well-being of the two peoples, but also injected more stability and positive energy into the international and regional situation, Xi added.

China was Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner in 2023, with two-way trade up by 32 percent year-on-year to reach 41 billion U.S. dollars. Key exports from Kazakhstan to China include crude oil, metals, and agricultural products, and China has supplied Kazakhstan with machinery, electronics, and consumer goods.

Over the past year alone, a number of important agreements have been sealed, including the implementation of a mutual visa-free policy, the construction of a third railway checkpoint, the establishment of cultural centers, and the announcement of 2024 as the “Kazakhstan Tourism Year” in China.

The Kazakhstan-China relationship is built upon strong bonds of solid friendship and good neighborliness, Tokayev told Xinhua in an interview prior to Xi’s visit, noting that bilateral cooperation embarked on a new “golden 30 years” during Xi’s previous visit in 2022, the year marking the 30th anniversary of bilateral ties.

Xi’s visit this time is expected to bring a renewed focus on the multifaceted aspects of bilateral ties and cooperation.

In a series of meetings scheduled with Tokayev, Xi is expected to engage in detailed discussions aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the two nations. In Xi’s words, he and Tokayev will “meet and plan the way forward for further growth of China-Kazakhstan relations and discuss how best to take the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.”

“Kazakhstan and China are close neighbors, true friends, and partners. Today, both countries are at a key stage of their development and revival,” said Gulnar Shaimergenova, director of Kazakhstan’s China Studies Center.

The leaders of both countries have opened a new “golden 30 years” of bilateral cooperation, she said, adding that with bilateral relations growing at a high level, it is believed that Xi’s visit this time will open up new prospects for bilateral cooperation.

EVERLASTING FRIENDSHIP

Xi said upon his arrival in Astana that the everlasting friendship of the two nations has grown stronger over time, and set an example of solidarity, mutual benefit, and mutual success between neighboring countries.

“The history of China-Kazakhstan friendly exchanges is a strong testament to the fact that the development of our bilateral relationship conforms to the trend of history and that of our times,” Xi said in his signed article under the title “Staying True to Our Shared Commitment and Opening a New Chapter in China-Kazakhstan Relations.”

Time has provided many heartwarming tales epitomizing the profound friendship between the two countries.

Over 2,000 years ago, Zhang Qian, a royal emissary from China led a diplomatic mission to the Western Regions, opening the door to friendship and exchanges between China and Central Asia. The ancient Silk Road, of which Zhang was a pioneer, contributed to the friendly exchanges and mutual learning between China and Kazakhstan.

And the new era has welcomed more China-Kazakhstan friendship envoys, such as the ophthalmologist Saulebek Kabibekov, the “panda-man” Ruslan Tulenov, who voluntarily donated his rare type of blood in China, and the popular singer Dimash Kudaibergen.

The everlasting friendship was also fully manifested through the inviting ambience at the airport in Astana upon Xi’s arrival.

“On the vast and beautiful land stands our beloved homeland. We love peace, we love our hometown. The unity and mutual love make us steel-like strong,” a group of Kazakh teenagers, in white costumes, greeted Xi at the airport with the song “Ode to the Motherland” in Chinese lyrics in a show of respect and warm welcome of the Kazakh people for Xi.

At the airport, Tokayev greeted Xi together with a team of senior government officials. Xi chatted occasionally with Tokayev, who can speak fluent Chinese as he began learning Chinese when he was in college. In his recent interview with Xinhua, Tokayev said he now reads books in Chinese regularly and stays informed about Chinese political and socio-economic development.

For long, China and Kazakhstan have recognized the importance of fostering greater understanding and friendship between their peoples, viewing cultural exchanges as one major cornerstone of their bilateral relationship.

A bilateral agreement on mutual establishment of cultural centers has been signed. Chinese and Kazakh filmmakers have co-produced a film entitled “The Composer,” their first co-production. Bilateral programs for cultural cooperation, including a Chinese university campus in Kazakhstan, a Luban Workshop, and a center of traditional Chinese medicine, have been implemented.

Thanks to the mutual visa-exemption arrangements, a total of 600,000 cross-border trips were recorded in 2023. In the first quarter of this year, the number of visits in both directions amounted to 200,000 and are expected to reach a new high, official data from both sides have shown.

“Cultural and people-to-people cooperation plays an important role in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering friendship between the peoples of our countries,” Tokayev said.
“Our two countries need to strengthen public support for an everlasting China-Kazakhstan friendship. A deeper and stronger China-Kazakhstan friendship is what our two peoples aspire to. It is therefore important that we carry forward such friendship and enhance mutual understanding and affinity between our peoples through a diverse range of cultural and people-to-people exchange programs,” Xi said in his signed article.

July 6, 2024
Xi urges China, Russia to continue strengthening alignment of development strategies

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana.

He noted that President Putin paid a successful state visit to China this May, saying that the two sides are working together to make plans and arrangements for the future development of bilateral relations at the important historical juncture of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Russia.

Facing an international situation fraught with turbulence and changes, the two countries should keep upholding the original aspiration of lasting friendship, and sticking to the determination of benefiting the people, Xi said.

He urged China and Russia to continuously conserve the unique value in China-Russia relations, and explore the internal driving force of bilateral cooperation, saying that the two countries should also make new efforts to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests and safeguard the basic norms governing international relations.

China supports Russia in fulfilling its responsibilities as BRICS chair, uniting the “Global South,” preventing a “new Cold War” and opposing illegal unilateral sanctions and hegemonism, he said.

Noting that the SCO Astana summit will be held on Thursday, Xi said the Chinese side looks forward to working with Russia and other member states to promote the steady and long-term development of the SCO and build an even closer SCO community with a shared future.

China and Russia, Xi said, should continue to strengthen comprehensive strategic coordination, oppose external interference and jointly safeguard regional tranquility and stability.

For his part, Putin thanked Xi for warmly receiving him on his state visit to China in May, recalling that they celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Russia and China and made plans for the future development of Russia-China relations.

At present, Russia-China relations are at the highest level in history, Putin said, adding that the two sides respect each other, and treat each other with equality and mutual benefit.

He also said that Russia-China relations feature non-alignment and do not target at any third party, which conforms to the well-being of the two peoples.

Russia, he said, supports China in safeguarding its core interests and legitimate rights and interests, and opposes external interference in China’s internal affairs and the South China Sea issue.

Noting that China will soon take over the rotating presidency of the SCO, he said Russia will fully support China’s work and work with other member states to continuously enhance the international influence of the organization, safeguard regional peace and security, and promote the development of the international system in a more just and equitable direction.

As the rotating chair of BRICS this year, Russia looks forward to strengthening communication and coordination with China on BRICS cooperation, he added.
The two heads of state also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

Xi stressed that China always stands on the right side of history, adheres to promoting peace talks, and is willing to continue to make positive efforts for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and other regional hotspot issues.

July 6, 2024
Xi says China, Azerbaijan upgrade bilateral relations to strategic partnership

Xi noted that the two sides should continue supporting each other in a bid to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

China and Azerbaijan are good friends with sincerity and mutual trust, as well as good partners with equality and mutual benefit, and bilateral relations have been developing healthily and steadily, with fruitful cooperation and richer strategic connotations, he said.

China firmly supports Azerbaijan in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, Xi stressed.

The two sides should promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, oil and gas, and photovoltaics, strengthen connectivity, advance the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and ensure the healthy and stable operation of China-Europe freight trains, he said.

The two sides should also carry out more exchanges in such areas as education, culture and tourism, as well as between the youths of the two nations and at the sub-national level, and consolidate the public foundation of China-Azerbaijan friendship, he said.

China supports Azerbaijan in hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Xi said.

China stands ready to work with Azerbaijan to advocate an equal and orderly world multipolarity, and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and promote world peace, stability and development, he said.

For his part, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan and China are good partners.

The two countries have maintained close exchanges at various departments and levels, witnessed increasing bilateral trade volume, and firmly supported each other in safeguarding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in international organizations, he said.

The two sides jointly announced the establishment of the Azerbaijan-China strategic partnership in a joint statement, which is of great significance to the development of bilateral relations, he said.

Azerbaijan firmly abides by the one-China principle and firmly supports China’s great cause of national reunification, which is the trend of history and no force can stop it, he said.

Azerbaijan is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China, tap the potential, enhance cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment, new energy and culture within the framework of Belt and Road cooperation, closely collaborate within the SCO and other frameworks, oppose external interference and safeguard regional security and stability, said Aliyev.

The two sides issued the joint statement on establishing the strategic partnership.

Relevant departments of the two sides signed cooperation documents in such areas as Belt and Road cooperation and onnectivity.

July 5, 2024
Xi says ready to join Tokayev for more substantive, dynamic China-Kazakhstan community with shared future

Xi made the remarks in his meeting with Tokayev at the presidential palace in Astana.

In their small-group talks, he noted that last year Tokayev and him met twice in Xi’an and Beijing respectively, and made new arrangements and plans for the development of China-Kazakhstan relations, leading the “golden 30 years” of rapid development of China-Kazakhstan relations.

The Chinese side has always viewed its relations with Kazakhstan from a strategic and long-term perspective, and regards Kazakhstan as a priority in China’s neighborhood diplomacy and an important partner for cooperation in Central Asia.

Xi said China’s will and determination to maintain and grow bilateral relations stand firm, and will not be changed due to any single incident or transformations in the international situation.

China will always be a good neighbor and partner Kazakhstan can rely on and trust, he added.

The Chinese side, Xi also said, will continue to strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan in traditional energy such as natural gas, expand new energy cooperation including photovoltaic and wind power, encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Kazakhstan, and help Kazakhstan convert its resource advantages into development capabilities to achieve green, low-carbon and sustainable development.

Tokayev said Xi’s state visit to Kazakhstan is of historic significance to the development of Kazakhstan-China relations, hailing China as a friendly neighbor, close friend and important strategic partner of his country.

Based on solid good-neighborly friendship and firm mutual support, Kazakhstan-China relations have shown an unprecedented sound momentum of development, he said, noting that major achievements have been made in cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, minerals and other fields, which have benefited the two peoples and set a good example for state-to-state relations.

Kazakhstan is ready to work with China to further tap the potential of bilateral cooperation in energy, minerals, new energy and connectivity and push bilateral relations to a new height, he said.

The Kazakh side appreciates China’s firm support for Kazakhstan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and will firmly abide by the one-China principle, resolutely fight against the “three forces” and safeguard the common security of the two countries, Tokayev added.

In their big-group talks, Xi said the friendly relations between China and Kazakhstan are rooted in the millennia-old ancient Silk Road, reinforced by 32 years of cooperation after the establishment of diplomatic relations, and have reached the high level of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi reiterated that no matter how the international situation changes, China will remain steadfast in its commitment to the China-Kazakhstan friendship, in its resolve to advance cooperation across the board, in its determination to continue mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests, and in its confidence in both countries realizing their development goals.

China and Kazakhstan are both at a critical stage of development and revitalization, Xi said, calling on the two sides to enhance the alignment of their development strategies and exchanges of governance experience, and implement more mutually beneficial cooperation projects to boost the development of their respective countries.

The Chinese side is ready to work with Kazakhstan on boosting economic and trade cooperation, and set a new goal of doubling two-way trade at an early date, he said.

He pledged that China will further expand imports of high-quality Kazakh goods and create new growth drivers for cooperation in e-commerce and digital economy, calling on the two sides to increase the scale of cooperation in production capacity investment, tap the potential of cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, and expand cooperation in electric vehicles, new energy, cross-border e-commerce and satellite communications.

China is willing to work with Kazakhstan to actively promote the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and build a multi-dimensional connectivity paradigm, Xi said.

He also said that China supports the holding of China tourism year in Kazakhstan in 2025, and has decided to open a second Luban Workshop in the Central Asian country.

Noting that at the airport after arrival, he was moved to hear a group of Kazakh teenagers sing “Ode to the Motherland” in standard and fluent Chinese, Xi said young people are the inheritors of China-Kazakhstan friendship from generation to generation.

He urged the two countries to give full play to the role of the culture centers and the Kazakhstan Branch of Beijing Language and Culture University to strengthen cultural exchanges, enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples, especially the young generation, and strengthen public support for all-round cooperation between the two countries.

China, Xi noted, will assume the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) following Kazakhstan, saying that the Chinese side stands ready to jointly build an even closer SCO community with a shared future with the SCO member states including Kazakhstan.

Xi noted that China supports Kazakhstan in hosting the second China-Central Asia Summit next year and is ready to work with relevant parties including Kazakhstan to make the China-Central Asia mechanism better and stronger, and to promote the China-Central Asia cooperation to achieve more new results.

China is willing to work closely with Kazakhstan within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks, practice genuine multilateralism and safeguard the common interests of the two countries and other developing countries, Xi added.

For Tokayev, he said Xi’s visit to Kazakhstan once again proves that both sides attach great importance to and strongly hope for further enhancement of the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Kazakhstan and China, he said, enjoy a solid friendship spanning thousands of years and fruitful cooperation in various fields, adding that in recent years in particular, bilateral ties have entered a new “golden era,” with smooth progress in major cooperation projects and positive results in agriculture, green energy, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, contributing to the well-being of the two peoples.

Tokayev said his country is a reliable friend and partner of China, adding that it is an unswerving strategic priority for Kazakhstan to deepen friendly and strategic cooperation with China.

Speaking highly of China’s diplomatic concept of peace, a series of global initiatives put forward by Xi and China’s important contribution to promoting world peace and development, Tokayev said the Kazakh side is willing to work with China to promote the building of a Kazakhstan-China community with a shared future as well as a community with a shared future for mankind.

Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan looks forward to working with China to earnestly implement the important outcomes of Xi’s visit, continuing to jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, making every effort to achieve the goal of doubling bilateral trade, strengthening cooperation in agriculture, economy and trade, new energy, cross-border e-commerce and electric vehicles, and advancing the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

Kazakhstan welcomes the establishment of culture centers in their respective country and Luban Workshop, said Tokayev said. He called for ensuring the China tourism year in 2025 a success, so as to keep closer bilateral sub-national cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges in education, culture and other fields.

Kazakhstan will continue to actively participate in building the China-Central Asia mechanism, and closely coordinate with China within multilateral frameworks such as the SCO and the United Nations, Tokayev added.

Following the talks, the two heads of state signed the joint statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Kazakhstan, and witnessed the exchange of dozens of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of economy and trade, connectivity, aviation and aerospace, education and media.

Prior to their meeting, Kazakh fighter jets painted the sky with colored smoke trails to welcome the Chinese president. A group of six jets, while flying over the presidential palace, left behind them colored smoke trails of red and yellow, colors of the Chinese national flag.

July 5, 2024
We only act when trouble is brought on us – Kagame

“By nature, Rwanda’s security posture has always been defensive, not offensive. We prioritize cooperation and working together and we only act when trouble is brought on us,” he said.

The Head of State was speaking before thousands of Rwandans and friends of Rwanda gathered at the newly renovated 45,000 seater Amahoro stadium to mark 30 years of Liberation.

The national celebrations were marked with a military parade by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and Rwanda National Police, cultural dance by the national cultural troupe Urukurereza, and performances by different artistes.

It is this army that first encountered most Rwandans after the Genocide when the situation in the country was still extremely tense and dangerous. Yet, the forces did everything in their power to treat all Rwandans with professionalism and humanity, setting the tone of everything that followed.

Even today, they remain close to the community, and invest in projects that matter to the country’s development, such as infrastructure and medical services.

Subsequently, Rwandans have attained values and courage, an endpoint of the liberation struggle that has put citizens at the center of government action.

In that spirit, President Kagame expressed gratitude to those who liberated the country and honored those who sacrificed their lives in the process.

“On July the 4th, we express our thanks to those who liberated Rwanda, and remember those who gave their lives. Our army and security forces are a powerful symbol of unity and safety,” he said.

Three decades ago, the venue for these celebrations was the site of refuge and rescue. From the surrounding neighborhoods, Rwandans flowed to Amahoro stadium for safety.

Today, strides have been made, offering the freedom and the opportunity for Rwandans to live the lives they want. It is therefore not surprising that wherever life takes them; they will never forget their duty to uphold the good politics that have been built.

In his address, Kagame emphasized that Rwandans today are better and stronger than ever before, a reason to keep marching forward to continue growing Rwanda’s uniqueness.

“Even though Rwandans have made huge strides towards this mindset, we must remain vigilant. I am addressing this message in particular to Rwanda’s young people, especially those born over the last thirty years,” he said.

“This country is yours to protect, defend, and make prosperous. It is worth repeating that real liberation only begins when the guns fall silent. We began that stage thirty years ago, and we are counting on you, the liberation generation, to take us further,” he called out to the youths.

The President reminded the world that where there is a need for humanitarian action, Rwanda will not be absent emphasizing that the only real answer to any humanitarian crisis is to fix the root cause of the political problem.

He lashed out at critics who even try to spoil what has been established saying that those negative efforts produce no results.

According to him, the solid foundation upon which Rwanda was rebuilt is the driving force to remain principled and consistent, a product of hard work and civic values that will define the next generation of Rwandans.

July 4, 2024
President Kagame Meets with Marriott International President and CEO Anthony Capuano for Discussions on Growing Rwanda’s Travel & Hospitality Sector

Travel is a cornerstone of Rwanda’s economic growth and employment, with the sector contributing a record $620 million in revenue to GDP in 2023, a substantial 36% increase from 2022 according to the Rwandan Development Board. Travel and tourism remain the largest source of foreign exchange earnings, and according to a forecast by World Travel and Tourism Council, will contribute 10% to Rwanda’s GDP by 2033, creating over 200,000 new jobs.

Capuano applauded Rwanda’s rapid progress and President Kagame’s leadership in supporting the travel sector. “Rwanda is undergoing an economic transformation, and we are proud to be a part of it,” said Capuano. “We are dedicated to positioning Rwanda as a premier global travel destination and will continue to showcase the country’s breathtaking natural beauty, national parks, and dynamic cultural attributes to attract visitors. Additionally, we are committed to delivering career opportunities locally and supporting sustainable development.”

Marriott’s presence in Rwanda dates to 2016, when it opened the Kigali Marriott Hotel – one of the country’s largest properties – further enhancing Kigali’s reputation as a hub for conferences and conventions. The company’s second property, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, has also played a pivotal role in fueling economic growth, supporting local employment, and attracting tourists to the region.

Underscoring Rwanda’s goal of bolstering its core industries, including travel and agriculture, both Marriott properties have worked with community-based organizations to provide career opportunities and source from locally produced goods. These properties have also forged strong collaborations with local schools, non-profit organizations, and universities, equipping youth with hospitality skills in areas like catering and engineering. Since 2019, these initiatives have benefited more than 530 Rwandans, enabling them to participate as professionals in tourism and associated sectors.

Capuano’s visit also included a tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis. In support of Rwanda’s ongoing reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts, Marriott International has committed funding to The Aegis Trust, an organization that works to prevent genocide and support recovery efforts in affected communities.

July 4, 2024
Residents of Bugesera District attribute their increased land value to the new district master plan

In some districts where a master plan dictating land use has not been developed, individuals use the land as they wish, leading to activities such as constructing buildings on land designated for agriculture, which can cause future losses.

Residents of Bugesera state that the master plan has become proof that development has reached their area.

Alphonse Nshimiyimana, a resident of Ruhehe village, Batima cell, in Rweru sector, said, “We used to see master plans being made for big cities like Kigali, Musanze, or other urban areas. But under the broad strategy taken by the government to develop rural areas, the land here will gain value and everything done here will also gain value, thus raising the living standards of the residents.”

Nshimiyimana explained that the master plan helps them understand where to build commercial buildings, factories, and other structures that contribute to community development.

Francine Bamurange, a resident of Ruramba village, Kindama cell, in Ruhuha sector, mentioned that they are ready for changes in construction and housing by separating commercial buildings from residential ones. She said, “For instance, in the Ruhuha trading center, people both trade and live there, which is problematic. Trading in one place while living in the backyard does not align well. Therefore, in Ruhuha town, people will separate commercial buildings from residential ones. This will also lead to the construction of modern houses with all amenities since they will be outside the main city.”

“This will prevent land from being wasted because all land will be used for its designated purpose as shown in the master plan. Besides, the district is developing, and the master plan will 100% transform the lives of the residents. It will allow us to progress since even without the master plan, just the tarmac road alone has brought significant changes to the residents’ lives.”

The Mayor of Bugesera District, Richard Mutabazi, told IGIHE that, in collaboration with the Belgian Development Agency, Enabel, various activities were carried out, including developing the district’s master plan and setting up an information collection room for different activities using technology.

He said, “Land use is crucial because when people build haphazardly, they might lack access to infrastructure. For example, roads might not reach where they have been built. People might have built in many places, but when you need a place with greenery and fresh air, you can’t find it. Following the master plan will ensure well-organized construction. Additionally, infrastructure must follow, as the master plan outlines where infrastructure should go, roads should pass, and where playgrounds should be built, making it easier for district budgets and partners to plan without the need to create new plans for everything.”

Mayor Mutabazi emphasized that the master plan is a powerful tool to protect agricultural land from being built on, as people will not abandon houses to seek food. It is essential to protect agricultural land to sustain the population.

Emmanuel Ahabwe, head of the housing development department at the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), stated that, in partnership with Enabel, residents of Bugesera have been helped not to misuse their land.

He said, “Previously, there were areas designated for agriculture, but due to their proximity to Kigali, people quickly turned them into whatever they wanted. Now that has changed; they must follow a specific plan. This project, supported by the Belgian government, ensures that.”

Bugesera District borders Kigali City and Burundi. It is home to over 551,000 residents, most of whom engage in cassava, maize, bean, and rice farming.

The National Land Authority (NLA) indicates that the 2023/2024 fiscal year will end with more than 10 approved master plans by the Cabinet, with only six to be developed next year.

Regarding environmental protection, the Kayumbu area has been developed with gardens where people can relax.

July 3, 2024
What is a democracy?

World over, elections are a constitutional exercise that is generally perceived as a major ingredient in a democratic process.

According to the basic contemporary dictionary, democracy is a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.

Other accounts define democracy as a system of governance in which state power is vested in the people or the general population of a state.

Some scholars say that the ‘standard’ view of democracy is, “in brief, the theory that democracy is the rule of the people, and that the people have a right to rule”.

Although democracy is generally understood to be defined by voting, no consensus exists on a precise definition of democracy. So, what exactly is a democracy?

According to the United Nations, democracy provides an environment that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms. It ensures that the freely expressed will of the people is exercised without any interference.

Equipped with this knowledge, common sense dictates that the moment there appears to be interference (whether external or internal), democracy has already been compromised.

It should be understood therefore, that every independent country should be given the liberty to apply democracy as long as it does not infringe on the rights of its own people.

At the start of this year’s edition of the presidential campaigns almost a fortnight ago, President Paul Kagame reasoned that democracy cannot be uniformly applied across the board because different countries have different geographical and geopolitical setups.

“You cannot guarantee that what is good for people in one area is necessarily good for those in another. This is because we have different morals, cultures and backgrounds,” he said.

He pointed out that no one has a right to downplay others or criticize their efforts in a democratic dispensation as long as what is done suits or benefits the people in that particular area.

“Critics of Democracy and leaderships in developing countries should not prevent the countries from following their development paths, because much as critics have their right to talk they are not necessarily right,” he cautioned.

Kagame clarified that peddling of external influence by foreign countries during elections of what they refer to as 3rd world countries, undermines the true sense of democracy.

“While it is their right to criticize, it doesn’t necessarily make it right. It can even be absolutely wrong. And Imposing on us what they think is right; that is not democracy,” he said.

Just like in Rwanda where elections are periodically organized to elect leaders, the way of governing depends on the will of the people.

In a layman’s understanding, this must be an institution that has been built over a period of time and should include, good governance, freedom of speech and expression plus the right to life and wealth.

And as the old belief suggests, people know their own problems better and can devise means on how best to solve them.
One cannot therefore be more catholic than the Pope himself.

July 3, 2024
Kagame slams “stupid” past leaders, vows to reverse effects on Rwandans

He conceded that most of the problems Rwanda has faced are due to “stupid” leaders who previously held positions in the country’s topmost offices.

“These former leaders of our country were very stupid. That’s why we ended up facing political mayhem the way we did. This had so many negative effects on so many of us but we are working hard to reverse that,” he said.

Amid endless cheers and applause from ecstatic supporters, Kagame implored the public to wisely exercise their constitutional rights by choosing leaders who will steer the country forward.

The incumbent Head of State, who is seeking re-election on July 15, has already campaigned in all districts in the Western and Southern provinces. He has also campaigned at one site in the Northern Province and Kigali City respectively.

He is expected to take his campaign to the districts of Bugesera, Nyagatare, Gakenke, Kayonza Gicumbi and some parts of Kigali in the coming days.

Today, Kagame thanked thousands of residents who turned up to express dedication, support and love for their favorite candidate.

“I thank you so much for coming in large numbers. This demystifies critics who keep saying that we force people to turn up for our campaigns,” he noted.

According to him Rwanda’s future lies in the hands of the youth which is why they have to be empowered and equipped with all the necessary tools and skills to enable individual growth and personal development.

President Kagame expressed optimism that by building on what has been achieved so far, the country’s development is certainly destined for greater heights.

July 2, 2024