Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

In recent weeks, there have been reports of genocide survivors being targeted across various parts of the country.

These survivors have faced intimidation through unsigned documents, and some have had their property damaged or destroyed.

The growing trend of violence has been addressed by the country’s leadership, which has emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable.

In an interview with IGIHE, Prof. Dusingizemungu, President of the Parliamentary Forum for the Prevention of Genocide, Denial, and Revisionism (AGPF), shared information that suggests some of the individuals involved in these recent violent acts are those who have completed their sentences for roles in the Genocide against the Tutsi but have failed to change.

“There are people who were convicted for their roles in the Genocide against the Tutsi, and while they have served their sentences, investigations and evidence suggest that some of them are still involved in such activities. It is clear that we need to put in more effort in preparing inmates for reintegration into society,” he said.

Rwanda plans to open a halfway home in February 2025 to help individuals nearing the end of their genocide-related sentences prepare for reintegration into society.

Prof. Dusingizemungu emphasized that those who have served their sentences, genuinely repented, admitted their crimes, and sought forgiveness pose no threat.

The real danger, he explained, lies with those who have never acknowledged their crimes and continue to harbor genocidal ideology.

“The problem lies with those who never admitted their crimes. These individuals are still clinging to genocidal ideology, and they are often behind the recent acts of violence against genocide survivors,” he said.

“This group requires special attention, and we must implement specific interventions to address them effectively.”

He also suggested that Rwanda’s approach to reintegrating returnees and former members of terrorist groups—an approach that includes educating them on government policies and national values—should be extended to those serving genocide-related sentences.

“These individuals should undergo similar orientations and guidance, preparing them through community-based activities like Umuganda , involving them in practical ways with their families and the local community. The goal is to ensure they are not isolated but integrated meaningfully into society,” he explained.

Prof. Dusingizemungu emphasized the importance of community involvement in this process, advocating for local residents to interact with these individuals before they return to their communities.

He further suggested that citizens should be informed about the returnees’ presence, helping them understand how to reintegrate former prisoners and prevent misunderstandings.

Statistics show that over 21,000 individuals are incarcerated for genocide-related crimes, with the majority never having repented.

These individuals have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 25 to 30 years or even life sentences.

Prof. Dusingizemungu also pointed to the troubling involvement of youth in violence against genocide survivors, indicating that genocidal ideology persists in some families.

“This raises the question of whether genocidal ideology is being passed down from parents to their children. It shows that more efforts are needed to educate the youth on the history of the genocide, its consequences, and the importance of national unity,” he said.

Prof. Dusingizemungu emphasized that encouraging everyone to participate in community development activities is crucial for building a strong and cohesive nation.

Launched by the East African Community (EAC) in April 2022, the Nairobi Process aimed to address the conflict in eastern DRC, with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed as the mediator.

M23 representatives had initially attended the talks but were expelled by the DRC government, which accused them of reigniting fighting in the Rutshuru territory.

However, M23 denied the accusations, calling them an excuse to exclude the group from the dialogue.

Subsequent talks held in Luanda, Angola, and Rwanda urged the DRC to engage in direct dialogue with M23.

Initially, the DRC rejected this proposal but later indicated that if dialogue were to occur, it would be based on the Nairobi Process.

On December 20, 2024, M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, declared that the group would not engage in discussions that do not involve direct talks with the government of Kinshasa.

“Our organization reaffirms its commitment to peacefully resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC through direct and sincere dialogue with the Kinshasa regime, in addressing the root causes of the conflict,” reads part of the statement.

“We also wish to clarify that our organization is not willing to participate in any dialogue with the militias and the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime,” the statement adds.

M23’s rejection of these talks comes as the group continues to control significant swaths of eastern DRC.

In 2021 alone, mobile money transactions in the country reached a staggering RWF 10 trillion, a remarkable achievement for a nation still early in its economic transformation.

The rapid adoption of smartphones and increasing internet penetration have not gone unnoticed, with major fintech players, including leading Rwandan network providers, diversifying their offerings as the country moves toward a cashless economy.

However, challenges remain in the convenience and efficiency of mobile money services, including transaction monitoring, financial knowledge, and business financial management.

These gaps create the need for improved solutions that can streamline mobile money experiences.

This is where Faranga comes in, a mobile money payment solution designed to address these gaps by offering efficient financial tracking and self-accounting tools.

Proven to be faster and more effective than any currently available alternatives in the local market, Faranga simplifies financial management for its users.

Faranga enhances the mobile money experience with faster payments to saved contacts, location-based tracking of business codes, and precise financial monitoring.

It also encourages responsible financial behavior by providing users with weekly insights into their expenditures, comparing current spending with that of previous weeks and months.

By automatically tracking transactions, Faranga eliminates the need to sift through SMS messages for transaction confirmation.

Founded by Jonathan Sack, a young Rwandan software engineer with a background in sales, Faranga builds on the success of its predecessor, PressPay. PressPay, currently the highest-rated Rwandan app on the App Store, laid the foundation for Faranga, which has continued to simplify financial tasks and improve financial literacy.

Faranga is part of a larger movement aimed at driving financial inclusion across Africa. It leverages mobile phones and the internet to provide financial services to both urban and rural populations—communities often excluded from traditional banking systems.

With Rwanda’s focus on microfinance and local innovation, Faranga is poised to play a key role in maximizing entrepreneurship and income generation, positioning itself as a vital tool at the individual, community, and national levels.

Looking to the future, Faranga will continue to play an integral role in financial inclusion, contributing to economic growth as mobile money evolves. The app’s simple and accessible features are designed to empower millions across Africa, helping pave the way for a borderless financial future with Rwanda leading the charge.

As the mobile money sector expands, Faranga will leverage Rwanda’s welcoming environment for homegrown solutions, particularly in financial technology, to expand its reach and maximize its impact on both national and continental communities.

With the increasing penetration of mobile phones and internet access, mobile money solutions like Faranga will be essential in providing financial services to underserved populations, driving economic development across Africa.

[The app can be downloaded via this link->https://apps.apple.com/us/app/faranga-fast-mobile-money/id6737207448?mt=8]

Speaking at his annual news conference on Thursday, Putin said, “If someone takes part in the election and gains legitimacy, we are ready to talk to him, including Volodymyr Zelensky.”

Putin’s remarks signal an openness to dialogue, but he emphasized that such talks would take into account the evolving situation on the ground, referencing the Istanbul agreements as a potential framework for discussions.

These agreements were initially brokered in March 2022 during peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, although they ultimately failed to bring about a ceasefire.

The war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, has caused widespread destruction, with tens of thousands of casualties and millions displaced.

The conflict, rooted in long-standing tensions between the two countries, has escalated into a brutal war, marked by fierce battles, significant international sanctions on Russia, and ongoing geopolitical ramifications.

The recent comments from Putin come amidst increasing global pressure for a peaceful resolution and a series of military setbacks for Russian forces, which have prompted discussions about potential negotiations.

However, given the entrenched positions on both sides and the complexities of the conflict, prospects for meaningful peace talks remain uncertain. Ukraine is scheduled to hold its next presidential elections in March 2024, despite the ongoing conflict.

He was speaking on December 19, 2024, at the opening ceremony of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF)’s 33rd Policy Organs meeting running from 16 to 21 December 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda.

“We must continue working together across political, security, development, and humanitarian pillars, deepening our partnerships as member states, regional economic communities, mechanisms, and our umbrella organisation, the African Union, to effectively contribute to peace, security, and stability,” Marizamunda said.

The Minister further urged EASF member states to enhance their response systems, adapt them to tackle existing challenges, and fully utilise their resources to foster peace and security across the region and the continent.

The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Chiefs of Defence who joined the Experts Working Group at the meeting, reaffirmed their commitment to member states’ pledges and acknowledged the valuable suggestions and recommendations provided by the experts during three days of deliberations.

Speaking on behalf of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) of the EASF, General MK Mubarakh, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, assured that the EASF Chiefs of Defence Staff remain committed to providing crucial guidance to improve the force’s operational readiness.

Brig Gen (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, the EASF Director, commended the Experts Working Group for their exchange of ideas and productive recommendations, which will significantly contribute to maintaining EASF’s readiness and enhancing conflict prevention efforts.

The 33rd Policy Organs Meeting (POM) coincides with EASF’s 20th anniversary, celebrated under the theme “Two Decades of Commitment to Promote Regional Peace and Security.”

The organisation, now operational under the African Union’s umbrella, comprises ten member states.

The first phase of the centre, currently under construction in Rwamagana District, is almost complete. Initially, it will accommodate up to 250 female inmates.

Dr. Ugirashebuja shared the update at the Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Rwanda Bar Association (RBA) on December 19, 2024.

“The first phase is nearly finished, and we plan to begin operations by hosting up to 250 female inmates in February 2025,” he said. “If successful, we intend to expand the program to other areas across the country.”

The halfway home will provide inmates with the opportunity to reintegrate into society before their full release.

Dr. Ugirashebuja explained that the program will allow inmates nearing the end of their sentences to live at the centre, where they can go out during the day and return in the evening. This will help them adapt to life outside of prison.

“Inmates will start adjusting to life outside of prison and learn how to successfully reintegrate into society,” he explained. “This gradual reintroduction will help reduce recidivism.”

The centre will offer a range of programs, including civic education and vocational skills training to help inmates live independently after their release.

Families will also be allowed to visit their loved ones, supporting their reintegration into Rwandan society.

Dr. Ugirashebuja also emphasized the importance of lawyers in promoting alternative dispute resolution and restorative justice practices.