Author: Sam K. Nkurunziza

The activity was part of a national initiative to promote environmental conservation and resilience against climate change through tree planting. During this event, approximately 5,000 tree seedlings were planted, contributing to the government’s larger goal of planting 65 million trees across the country.

The event, held during the national Umuganda (monthly community service day), was attended by several prominent figures, including members of parliament, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, the Mayor of Kayonza district, students from FAWE School, and staff from BK Group in Rwamagana and Kayonza districts.

During the event, John Bosco Nyemazi, the Mayor of Kayonza, highlighted that deforestation in the district, particularly in areas like Rubanga, had contributed to frequent droughts. He stressed the importance of the initiative in restoring the area’s environment.

“Many areas in Gahini, such as Rubanga, have been heavily deforested. Planting trees will help reverse this trend, prevent soil erosion, and bring back the much-needed rain. This project is a critical step toward addressing these environmental challenges,” he said

Residents expressed their support for the initiative and affirmed their commitment to ensuring its success.
“Trees are essential for stabilizing the environment, contributing to rainfall, and preventing erosion. We recognize the long-term value of this initiative and will work diligently to ensure the trees are well-maintained,” Vianney Rutebuka, a local resident noted.

At the event, Ingrid Karangwayire, Executive Secretary of BK Foundation, stated that the initiative goes beyond planting trees—it’s about securing the future of the planet and building climate resilience within various communities.

“By combining tree planting with financial literacy, we are not only addressing climate change but also promoting sustainable development in the district. Empowering communities to manage and benefit from their natural resources strengthens both climate and economic resilience. We are starting here in Kayonza with a target of 20,000 trees. By the end of this year, we aim to plant a total of 50,000 trees across the country,” she said.

The initiative, implemented in collaboration with REDO, includes planting both agroforestry species and fruit trees, helping to restore the environment and enhance local livelihoods.

As BK Foundation and its partners continue to expand their environmental initiatives, they aim to make a lasting impact on both the environment and local communities. This tree-planting project is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable development and ensure a greener future for Rwanda.

The newly established philanthropic entity will consolidate major global efforts carried out under the patronage of His Highness the President, positioning itself as a force that enhances the efficiency, impact, and reach of the UAE’s philanthropic endeavors.

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Erth Zayed Philanthropies upholds the legacy of giving instilled by the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and passed down through generations and embraced by the people of the UAE.

Speaking on the establishment of the foundation, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, said: “The launch of Erth Zayed Philanthropies is a testament to the UAE’s ongoing commitment to amplifying its global philanthropic impact.

It represents a strategic effort to bring together our humanitarian initiatives and philanthropic entities under one cohesive vision, enhancing their reach and effectiveness to deliver positive impact on a truly global scale.

As the UAE carries forward the enduring legacy of the Founding Father, this foundation will stand as a beacon of our nation’s commitment to humanitarian progress.

In creating a positive impact across all humanitarian, charitable, and developmental fields, the UAE strives to achieve community development and help those in need in line with the values, humanitarian principles, and noble ideals promoted by Sheikh Zayed for the UAE and its people in service to all of humanity.”

His Highness also noted the significant attention dedicated by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan towards optimizing the impact of the country’s humanitarian, charitable, and developmental projects, initiatives, and programmes.

These efforts are an essential part of the nation’s commitment towards providing assistance with a profound impact on communities and people’s lives, thereby fostering sustainable development, growth, security, and stability.

On his part, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, said: “Philanthropy and the spirit of giving have long been central to the UAE’s identity and are deeply rooted in the enduring legacy of our Founding Father and the unwavering commitment of the UAE’s President.

This dedication is focused on improving lives around the world, ensuring wellbeing, empowering individuals, and continuously striving to foster the prosperity, security, and stability of communities.

With the establishment of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, we are deepening our commitment to honouring this legacy with renewed energy and focus while reaffirming the UAE’s leadership in international development and support for humanitarian causes.

Through Erth Zayed Philanthropies, we seek to make a positive impact globally that will be felt for many generations to come, enriching the principles of solidarity and harmony and strengthening cooperation and peace.”

Erth Zayed Philanthropies will oversee diverse programmes in various sectors, leveraging partnerships across the public and private sectors. Under the patronage of His Highness the UAE President, it will support the country’s evolving position as a leader in global philanthropy to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Erth Zayed Philanthropies will encompass a broad portfolio of high-impact projects in areas of local and international significance, such as global health, education, food and water security, energy, climate and sustainability, and social innovation.

Moreover, Erth Zayed Philanthropies will embrace existing philanthropic initiatives, including Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, Emirates Foundation, Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Sandooq Al Watan, Clean Rivers, the Global Institute for Disease Elimination, Zayed Sustainability Prize, Khalifa Award for Education, Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, and the Mohamed Bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher.

Collectively, Erth Zayed Philanthropies will oversee these philanthropic foundations and awards with the goal of fostering a shared vision and collaborative approach to philanthropy, leveraging its resources, networks, and knowledge to deliver transformative impact to communities in need around the world.

Since 1975, Rwanda has been celebrating tree planting day as a way of increasing the country’s forest cover, protect the landscape from soil erosion, and meet global demands. With the world facing severe climate change impacts such as floods, droughts, and food insecurity, there is an urgent need to plant more trees to enhance resilience against these challenges.

Rwanda has achieved a 30% forest cover, but there is still much work to be done. The Ministry of Environment plans to plant more than 65 million trees during this planting season, including forest trees, agroforestry trees, native species, fruit trees, and ornamental trees.

Uwamariya emphasized the importance of investing in research, quality seed resilience to climate change impacts, new technologies, value addition to forest products, and alternative renewable sources of energy to reduce dependence on biomass and avoid deforestation.

The Minister thanked public institutions and partners for their contributions to the event, including Rwamagana district leadership, One Acre fund, Tubura, Enabel, ARCOS Network, IUCN, Delagua, Prime Insurance, and MTN. The Embassy of Israel in Rwanda also offered fruit tree seedlings for planting during the event.

Uwamariya reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to working with stakeholders to mobilize funds and address sector priorities. She encouraged everyone to join in planting and maintaining trees to help combat climate change and protect the planet.

These meetings underscored Rwanda’s continued commitment to strengthening its international partnerships, both within the Commonwealth and beyond.

In his interaction with Minister Dar, Nduhungirehe highlighted the importance of the new Rwandan mission in Islamabad, which marks a significant step forward in strengthening Rwanda-Pakistan relations.

The two Ministers discussed increasing cooperation in areas such as trade, security and educational exchanges. Acknowledging the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening these ties, particularly through direct trade channels and through the growing Pakistani community in Rwanda, which contributes to local development.

The meeting is a continuation of Rwanda’s outreach to Pakistan in recent years. In January 2024, Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Muganga Mubarakh, led high-level discussions in Islamabad with Pakistani military and diplomatic officials.

The discussions focused on shared security challenges, military training, and defence partnerships, with broader implications for trade and development cooperation.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Naeem Ullah Khan, also launched projects to directly connect Rwandan producers to Pakistani markets, particularly for tea and coffee. In this vein, the Ambassador set up a training programme for Rwandan youth, aimed at strengthening their marketing skills to facilitate cross-border trade.

Minister Nduhungirehe also met with Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss strengthening diplomatic and tourism ties. This meeting follows the signing in 2022 of two bilateral memoranda between Jamaica and Rwanda during President Paul Kagame’s state visit, establishing agreements on political cooperation and tourism development.

These memoranda lay the foundation for deeper engagement, with a focus on cultural and tourism exchanges, highlighting the two countries’ historical ties and shared interests within the Commonwealth framework.

These discussions at CHOGM2024 illustrate Rwanda’s commitment to nurturing dynamic partnerships with Pakistan and Jamaica, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s broader vision of unity, shared development and enduring collaboration.

While presenting the credentials, Ngango delivered a message from President Paul Kagame, highlighting the strong diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the Principality of Liechtenstein, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to furthering this partnership and promoting mutual development.

In their discussions, Prince Alois emphasized the excellent relationship between the two countries, showing understanding of the regional issues surrounding Rwanda and the important role that small nations should play on the international stage, particularly regarding global peace and security.

Prince Alois also received credentials from ten other new ambassadors, granting them the right to represent their countries in his country.

Prior to this ceremony, Ngango met with Elena Klein, the Director-General of Protocol, who represented Mrs. Dominique Hasler, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Sports, to whom he presented copies of his credentials.

Their conversation focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as culture and tourism, investment, financial services, and education.

This ceremony follows Ngango’s presentation of credentials to the President of the Swiss Confederation on June 11, 2024, in Bern.

In addition to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Ngango has also been entrusted by the President of Rwanda to represent the country in Austria, Slovenia, and the Vatican, where he will present his credentials in the coming days.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is located in the heart of Europe’s alpine region, between Switzerland and Austria. It is home to around 40,000 inhabitants.
karirima@igihe.com

Dafroza Gauthier Mukarumongi, the founder of CPCR, told IGIHE that the accusations are compiled in three detailed documentations against the French government. These claims focus on the collaboration between the French and Rwandan governments from 1990 to 1994 and military and political agreements signed during that period.

Dafroza explained that they are suing the French government for abandoning and refusing to protect their Tutsi employees who worked at the French Embassy and the French Cultural Center and for the alleged sexual violence by French soldiers against Tutsi women in the Turquoise Zone.

The organizations further allege that French soldiers stationed in Rwanda during those years were involved in discriminatory practices based on ethnicity, such as checking citizens’ ID cards at various roadblocks.

Since June 1994, French troops were stationed in the Turquoise Zone on a so-called humanitarian mission however, it is alleged that their aim was to support the Interahamwe militia former Rwandan Armed Forces to escape from the country.

Dafroza stated that the evidence in the case shows that Tutsis who sought refuge with French forces in this zone continued to be killed, as the French forces did not separate them from the Interahamwe and Ex-FAR.

She provided an example of the killings in the Bisesero, Karongi district where French troops refused to rescue Tutsis who had appealed for their protection as the Interahamwe and Ex-FAR were killed over 40,000 people. Between June 27 and June 30, 1994, another 4,000 were killed.

The trial involving these organizations and the French government took place on October 24, 2024. CPCR was represented by lawyer Philippe Raphaël, who prepared the case.
Raphaël stated, “The French government could have prevented the genocide but did not. Instead, they supported Hutu extremists in political, diplomatic, and military affairs before, during, and after the Genocide.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, in April 2024, acknowledged that France and other nations could have prevented the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi but lacked the will to do so. “As the extermination of the Tutsi began, the international community had the capability to know and act. France, alongside Western and African allies, could have stopped the genocide but did not have the will,” he said.

This statement reiterated Macron’s earlier speech on May 21, 2021, at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, in which he admitted France’s role in this history, a position also reflected in a report by a team led by French historian Prof. Vincent Duclert.

However, the French Ministry of Armed Forces, representing the defense, requested the Administrative Court to declare itself incompetent in this matter, arguing that government actions are what is being challenged. They added that decisions made in national policy matters hold immunity in domestic courts.

This lawsuit was filed in April 2023, followed by an investigation conducted between May and June 2024. The organizations are seeking 500 million euros in compensation for damages. The ruling is expected on November 14, 2024.

CPCR stated that there is an opportunity to appeal the Administrative Court’s decision up to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) if the French government is not held accountable for actions before and during the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

Women assaulted by French soldiers continue to suffer trauma.

French soldiers under Operation Turquoise arrived in Rusizi (former Cyangugu Prefecture) and split into teams, with a large number remaining at Kamembe Airport while others moved to Nyarushishi, Bugarama, Ntendezi, and Kirambo. When they reached Nyarushishi, they toured the entire camp while taking photos.

At that time, they inspected the tents. After three days, they had identified where women and girls were located and began taking them away for sexual assault, despite being responsible for protecting them.
The book The Genocide Against the Tutsi in the Former Cyangugu Prefecture by CNLG contains testimonies from witnesses to these atrocities.

Constance Kambogo said, “The French soldiers would openly take girls from the camp and sexually assault them. They would come around, take the girls out in armored vehicles, and pick those they wanted under the pretense of taking them for cleaning duties.”

Among those assaulted at Nyarushishi was Claudine, who was between 14 and 15 years old at the time, which left her traumatized to the point of becoming mentally unstable.
Others sexually assaulted included Mukayiranga Mado, Mukayeze Pascasie, Mukayitesi Jacqueline, Umulisa, girls from EAV Ntendezi, and others.

“The victims were subjected to brutal acts, including having pepper inserted into their private parts, being assaulted orally and anally, being photographed naked, and more. After abusing them, the soldiers would pass them around, commenting on their beauty and comparing them to the women back home. After the assault, they would give them biscuits as a reward,” reads the book in part.

Apart from Nyarushishi Camp, it is reported that French soldiers also sexually assaulted women and girls at Kamembe Airport, Kamarampaka Stadium, and other locations.

Jean Bosco Habimana, an Interahamwe collaborator who worked closely with French soldiers, as they had given him a gun, testified that the French at the stadium asked him to find girls for them, particularly Tutsis, claiming they would not cause problems if it was discovered.

The first girl he brought to them was Beata, around 15 years old, whom he took from Mururu and whom he knew was a Tutsi. After assaulting her, the French soldiers requested that the Interahamwe not kill her.
The second girl, Mukasine Florence, was about 14 years old. Habimana took her from Winteko Sector, Bugayi Cell, where she was hiding after her family was killed.

“Once in Kamarampaka Stadium, she was severely assaulted, and when they released her, she could barely walk. Afterward, they requested the Interahamwe not to kill her,” reads part of Page 361 of the book.

Beata and Mukasine had sought refuge in Nyarushishi camp but had ventured out to find food, hoping to get provisions as their neighbors had started fleeing to Congo. Colonel Jacques Hogard, who led Operation Turquoise in Cyangugu, has often been named for allegedly allowing his soldiers to abuse women sexually and commit various acts of sexual violence.

There are similar accusations against Colonel Sartre Patrice, who led Operation Turquoise in Gikongoro.

She takes over from Patricia Scotland, who became the first woman to hold the position in 2015. Patricia Scotland expressed her delight at being succeeded by another woman and affirmed her confidence that Botchwey would achieve much in advancing the Commonwealth

“It is an honor to pass on the leadership to my sister Shirley Ayorkor, who will succeed me as Commonwealth Secretary General. May she find the same fulfillment I did in leading and serving this esteemed organization,” Scotland said in a statement.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, joined others in wishing Shirley Ayorkor success in her new role.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on her part, thanked the Commonwealth leaders who entrusted her with this position, pledging to enhance cooperation that would enable them to achieve their shared goals.

“I am honored with the confidence placed in me by the Commonwealth leadership. Together, we will continue our work and create a new Commonwealth that serves the interests of all its citizens,” she said.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has held various roles, including chairing the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.
During her tenure, she advised ECOWAS Heads of State and governments on various pathways to achieving peace and security in the Sahel region, reforming some democracy and governance agreements, making changes to the ECOWAS Commission, budget adjustments, and more.

She also participated in discussions aimed at transitioning power to civilians in West African countries affected by coups since 2020, such as Guinea and Burkina Faso, and was one of the mediators appointed by ECOWAS for Mali.

A seasoned diplomat, she previously served as Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs under President John Agyekum Kufuor from 2006-2009.

In Ghana, she is credited with contributing to the country’s strong international reputation under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
She also served as Deputy Minister of Information from 2005-2006 and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry from 2007-2008.

Botchwey was also a member of the ECOWAS Parliament, where she chaired various committees, including those focused on gender and children’s issues to promote inclusivity.
Before joining politics, Shirley Ayorkor led a marketing and communications firm, served as an advisor in the Ministry of Tourism, and worked in several other organizations.

She holds a Master’s degree in Project Management, another Master’s in Communications, a Bachelor’s degree in Law, and an undergraduate degree in Public Relations and Marketing.

The mother of two completed most of her education in Ghana and the UK at the University of London and the University of Westminster.

The College of Arts and Social Sciences graduated 760 students, the College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM) had 722 graduates, the College of Business and Economics (CBE) awarded degrees to 1,453 students while the College of Education graduated a whopping 2,308 graduates.

The College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) had 1,157 while the College of Science and Technology graduated 1,663.

Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente presided over the graduation ceremony. In his keynote speech, he congratulated the University for making significant strides in development and delivering quality education.

“I have no doubt that the university has provided you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and values, and we expect you to contribute to solving various issues related to the country’s development. As you go on to serve the nation, we look forward to seeing you bring about substantial change that will improve the lives of Rwandans,” Ngirente said.

He urged the graduates to think broadly and help society find solutions to pressing issues that lead to development. “You must think widely, innovate solutions for development, and initiate impactful projects that benefit both yourselves and the country. Remember that the nation’s progress begins with you. That’s why I encourage you to seize every opportunity your country provides,” he stated.

Dr. Ngirente emphasized that having international students among the graduates is clear evidence of the advancing quality of education offered by the university. “The fact that 126 international students from various countries have graduated today shows that the University of Rwanda has achieved its goal of expanding its reach. This progress must continue,” he affirmed.

“We are pleased that the University of Rwanda continues to enhance the quality of education it offers, making it attractive even to students from outside Rwanda. Improving education quality must continue, and we celebrate that the progress made so far will not be reversed,” he added.

He also mentioned that once all reforms are fully implemented, the University of Rwanda will establish a strong international reputation. “Our universities must strengthen their research capacities and equip graduates with the relevant knowledge to support our country’s economic growth and development efforts,” he said.

He pointed out that this can be achieved through partnerships between private sector stakeholders and the university by refining the curriculum, providing internships, and creating job opportunities.

On his part, Dr. Didas Muganga, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda highlighted that this 10th graduation ceremony marked a celebration of reforms that have enabled the university to produce skilled graduates ready for the job market.

“As you receive your degrees, you have overcome challenges that prepared you to be leaders, innovators, and thinkers for the future,” he said.

Muganga reminded the graduates that their time in school should have shaped them into experts poised to offer top-tier services in the future. “The knowledge you have gained can bring change, spark innovation, and drive development. This is our commitment as a university,” he said.

He also noted that in the past decade, significant changes have been made in higher education in Rwanda, particularly through the unification of public institutions to form the University of Rwanda, which has promoted quality education across all levels.

Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana acknowledged the hard work of the graduates and expressed optimism about their contributions to the country’s development. He noted that the University of Rwanda is not just an educational institution but a place for nurturing future leaders who will drive sustainable development in the country.

This year, Rwanda will be represented by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) and Bella Flowers, in collaboration with its embassy in the Netherlands.

Last year, the Export and Innovation Department of NAEB stated that the trade fair is an opportunity for Rwanda to expand its market to the international scene.

In an interview with IGIHE, Rwanda’s former Ambassador to the Netherlands, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, confirmed that the trade fair enhances the value of Rwandan flowers in different markets.
“We firmly believe that the flower farming and trading sector, which we started less than ten years ago, will continue to grow,” he said.

“As we continue to expand, so will the market for our flowers. This is crucial for the growth of the flower business, especially as we still import flower seeds from other countries. It is important for the government to establish research mechanisms that will allow us to produce our own seeds,” he added.

NAEB statistics on flower farming in Rwanda show that over 23 million rose stems and more than 8 million summer flowers were exported from Rwanda in 2022-2023, generating $4.5 million in revenue. Additionally, 98% of these flowers were sent to the Netherlands, with expanding markets in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Last year, Rwandan representatives from different companies involved in flower farming and trading, such as Duhamic-Adri and Bright Harvest, expressed their satisfaction with participating in the event.

Karemera Annonciathe, a representative from Bright Harvest, said that it was her first time attending the trade fair, and it left her with valuable insights, including discovering new types of flowers that could be grown in Rwanda.

“It was my first time attending this event, and I was impressed to find that flowers are a significant investment. I realized that we are missing out on many varieties of flowers that are on demand at the international market. This motivated me to think about producing new types of flowers in Rwanda,” she said.

Janvier Ugeziwe, a representative from Duhamic-Adri, was also pleased with how they showcased flowers grown in Rwanda, presenting more than 18 varieties that attracted a large number of buyers.
Statistics show that flower farming generates substantial income for the country, with over $6.85 million earned in the past five years.

Horticulture, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables, brought in over $42.86 million for Rwanda in the 2021/22 fiscal year, with flowers alone contributing $6.85 million.
Rwanda’s Embassy has announced that visitors are welcome to visit Rwanda’s stand, number 5.06, located in “Hall C.”

IGIHE will keep you up to speed on the developments, for the eighth consecutive year regarding Rwanda’s floriculture at the trade fair. The event provides the Rwandan delegation with the opportunity to strengthen trade relations and promote the quality of Rwandan flowers.

These photos depict Rwanda’s vibrant participation in the 2023 event.
karirima@igihe.com