IGIHE

Author: Théophile Niyitegeka

  • Shell admits dealing with money launderer

    {Shell has admitted for the first time it dealt with a convicted money-launderer when negotiating access to a vast oil field in Nigeria.}

    It comes after emails were published showing Shell negotiated with Dan Etete, who was later convicted of money laundering in a separate case.

    Shell and an Italian oil company paid $1.3bn (£1bn) to the Nigerian government for access to the field.

    Investigators claim $1.1bn was passed to a firm controlled by Mr Etete.

    Shell and the Italian firm ENI agreed a deal with the Nigerian government for the rights to exploit OPL 245, a prime oil block off the coast of the Niger Delta.

    The government passed on $1.1bn of the money to a company called Malabu, which was controlled by Mr Etete, according to Italian prosecutors.

    Documents filed by the Italian prosecutors claim that $466m of that sum was then laundered through bureau de change and passed on to the then president, Goodluck Jonathan, and members of his government.

    When questioned in the past, Shell has claimed that it only paid money to the Nigerian government, which took the form of a sum to settle the long-running legal dispute which had raged over the ownership of OPL 245.

    But a spokesman has now said Shell had engaged with Malabu and Etete before signing that deal.

    “Over the course of several years, Shell made repeated attempts to fully establish and understand Malabu’s ownership structure, including the exact role of Mr Etete in Malabu,” he said.

    “Over time it became clear to us that Etete was involved in Malabu and that the only way to resolve the impasse through a negotiated settlement was to engage with Etete and Malabu, whether we liked it or not. This was consistent with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) position.

    “From the complex multi-party negotiations that followed, we knew the FGN would compensate Malabu to settle its claim on the block. We believe that the settlement was a fully legal transaction with the FGN,” he added.

    {{‘Changed its tune’}}

    The change comes after Global Witness and Finance Uncovered, two anti-corruption charities, published emails seen by the BBC which showed that Shell representatives were negotiating with Mr Etete a year before the deal was signed.

    One of the emails was copied to Shell’s chief executive at the time, Peter Voser, showing knowledge of Mr Etete’s involvement went right to the top at Shell.

    Rachel Owens, a campaigner at Global Witness, said: “Shell have always said that they only paid the Nigerian government. Today Shell has changed its tune.”

    At the time Shell struck the deal for OPL 245, it was under a deferred prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice in the US, settling a case under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for $30m.

    Under the terms of its agreement, it had to toughen up internal controls and stay in line with the US’ tough anti-corruption laws.

    Representatives of Peter Voser declined to comment. ENI said there was no credible evidence any of its staff were involved in wrongdoing.

    A spokesperson for Goodluck Jonathan told the BBC that no charges or indictments have been brought or secured against the former president relating to this transaction and described the allegations as a “false narrative”.

    The BBC is still awaiting comment from Dan Etete, but he has previously denied any wrongdoing.

  • Egypt mourns Coptic church attack victims

    {Funerals have been held in Alexandria for victims of one of the two bomb attacks on Coptic churches in Egypt by so-called Islamic State (IS).}

    The ceremony at the Monastery of St Mina took place under heavy security.

    At least 45 people died in the bombings in Alexandria and the Nile Delta city of Tanta on Sunday, prompting a three-month state of emergency.

    Hours after the funerals, reports emerged of police killing seven IS militants planning more such attacks.

    The interior ministry said the militants were killed after they opened fire on the security forces who approached them in the southern province of Assiut.

    {{‘Nothing is good’}}

    President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi ordered troops to be deployed to protect “vital infrastructure” and warned of a “long and painful” war against jihadists, who have killed hundreds of people in the country in the past four years.

    Hundreds attended the funeral of some of the 17 people who died when a bomber blew himself up after being stopped by police at the gates of St Mark’s Cathedral, where Pope Tawadros II led a Palm Sunday service.

    Priests in flowing, dark robes stood before a line of coffins marked with the word “martyr”, and the building was filled with the prayers and chanting.

    Many of the mourners expressed outrage at the state’s failure to protect Copts from attacks by IS, which threatened in February to escalate its campaign against them.

    “Where should we go pray? They are attacking us in our churches. They don’t want us to pray but we will pray,” Samira Adly, whose neighbours died in the attack, told Reuters news agency.

    “Everyone is falling short… the government, the people… nothing is good.”

    Youths who gathered outside the monastery during the funeral shouted “Down with any president as long as Egyptian blood is cheap” and “Down with military rule”, according to Reuters.

    {{Copts in Egypt: Recent developments}}

    December 2016: 25 people died when a bomb exploded at the Coptic cathedral in Cairo during a service. IS said it was behind the attack

    February 2016: A court sentenced three Christian teenagers to five years in prison for insulting Islam. They had appeared in a video, apparently mocking Muslim prayers, but claimed they had been mocking IS following a number of beheadings

    April 2013: Two people were killed outside St Mark’s cathedral in Cairo when people mourning the death of four Coptic Christians killed in religious violence clashed with local residents

    A cousin of one of the 28 people killed in the attack in Tanta, where the suicide bomber managed to get inside St George’s Church, also expressed anger at the failure to keep the congregation safe on an important day in the Christian calendar.
    “How did the bomb enter when there’s security outside the church? They’re saying now the metal detector wasn’t working,” said Beshoy Asham.

    The attacks raised security fears ahead of a visit to Cairo by Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

    But Archbishop Angelo Becciu, the Vatican’s deputy secretary of state, insisted on Monday that there was “no doubt” that the trip would go ahead on 28 and 29 April.

    “What happened caused disorder and tremendous suffering, but it cannot stop the pope’s mission of peace,” he told Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper.

    {{State of emergency: The measures}}

    Further restrictions on freedom of movement and gatherings

    Monitoring of all forms of communication

    Entitles president to confiscate or shut down media outlets

    Allows any property to be placed under control of security forces

    Deployment of security forces to enforce measures

    Arrest of anyone suspected of violating state of emergency

    Egypt’s cabinet meanwhile gave its backing to President Sisi’s declaration of a nationwide state of emergency, saying the security forces would “do what is necessary to confront the threats of terrorism and its financing”.

    The cabinet said the state of emergency came into effect at 13:00 (11:00 GMT), but the decision must still be approved by parliament within seven days.

    Analysts said the decision was a political one because the security forces already enjoy wide-ranging powers that they have used to crush dissent since Mr Sisi led the military’s overthrow of Egypt’s first democratically elected president in 2013.

    More than 1,000 people, most of them supporters of Mohammed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood, have been killed and tens of thousands imprisoned.

    Many mourners express outrage at the state's failure to protect the Coptic Christian minority

    Source:BBC

  • DRC opposition protests banned

    {DR Congo’s capital Kinshasa was empty on Monday after the government warned it would break up opposition rallies. The opposition is accusing President Joseph Kabila of not sticking to a power-sharing deal.}

    The usually bustling streets of Kinshasa were relatively calm and many business premises remained closed following a government decision to ban opposition demonstrations. DR Congo’s largest opposition party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), had called on supporters to carry out a nation-wide demonstration against President Joseph Kabila on Monday.

    Public transportation was also limited as private buses chose to stay away. The public-run buses were however operational. Scores of military and anti-riot police were deployed at one of the biggest intersections near Kinshasa University.

    “This ban shows just how worried the government is about large-scale discontent,” Phil Clark, a political scientist at SOAS, University of London told DW. “Kabila realizes that anger is growing on the streets, people are becoming increasingly frustrated with the delays in elections,” Clark said. The UN peacekeeping force MONUSCO has issued a press release calling on President Kabila to respect a power-sharing deal.

    According to the power-sharing deal which was brokered by the Catholic Church, Kabila was to nominate a prime minister from the opposition rally known as “Rassemblement”. Kabila’s rule was to end last year, but the electoral commission cancelled elections citing logistical and financial challenges. Under the accord, Kabila is now to hand over power by the end of this year.

    Congolese police said on Sunday evening that Monday’s planned political protests would be considered illegal. They also warned that “any gathering of more than 10 people will be dispersed.”

    This comes after Kabila appointed Bruno Tshibala as the new prime minister of the DRC following a power-sharing deal. But Tshibala’s appointment has been criticized by the opposition. UDPS have called the appointment “a reward for betrayal.”

    {{Battle to succeed Etienne Tshisekedi}}

    Congo’s new premier Tshibala was once a member of UDPS but he was expelled from the party following wrangling over who was best candidate to succeed UDPS leader Etienne Tshisekedi after his death in February. It is alleged that Tshibala did not support handing over the party’s mantle to Tshisekedi’s son Felix.

    Felix Tshisekedi was tipped to become the next prime minister but was overlooked by Kabila

    “Kabila appointing Bruno Tshibala is a deliberate attempt to divide the opposition,” Clark said. The problem for Kabila is that Tshibala is not a popular figure on the streets. “Most Congolese believe Felix Tshisekedi should have been nominated as prime minister.” Clark said Kabila’s decision to pick Tshibala over Felix is likely to further inflame the tensions in DRC.

    Exiled Congolese opposition politician Moise Katumbi has criticized Kabila’s appointment of Tshibala saying; it is a move by the 45-year-old leader to extend his rule. “Our patience has its limits,” Katumbi said. The former governor of Katanga Province who is also an influential businessman said the Congolese people had been subject to political repression for a very long time. “Enough is enough!”

    {{Violence flares amid political bickering}}

    Meanwhile violence continues to plague the Kasai province. At least 60 people were killed over the weekend in clashes involving government soldiers and the armed Kamwena Nsapu militia group in central DRC.

    According to local authorities, most of those killed were members of the Kamwena Nsapu. On April 6, Kabila declared the region a military zone and has vowed to crush the rebellion. The Kasai insurgency which spread to five other provinces has become one of Kabila’s biggest security challenges. The group opposes what it refers to as “unjust political domination” in the region.

    Hundreds have been killed in sporadic fighting and more than 200,000 have been forced to flee their homes.

    Source:AFP

  • S.Africa’s ex-leader Mbeki wades into Zuma no-confidence vote

    {South Africa’s ex-leader Thabo Mbeki on Tuesday waded into a no-confidence debate against President Jacob Zuma, urging lawmakers to set aside political affiliation during next week’s vote.}

    A parliamentary motion of no confidence in the president is due on April 18 following the controversial sacking of respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan last month.

    Zuma has easily survived previous such votes against him, thanks to the majority the ruling African National Congress enjoys in parliament.

    But in an article that extensively quoted the country’s constitution, Mbeki said it is “obvious and logical” that lawmakers “must act in parliament as the voice of the people, not the voice of the political parties to which they belong.”

    “It may be that the current controversy has‚ at last, imposed on our country the opportunity and obligation the better to define the constitutional and moral relationship between the people and their elected representatives,” he said in an article published by The Star daily.
    Gordhan’s removal has triggered unprecedented criticism from ANC leaders, including Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa as well as the party’s chief whip, its treasurer and several ANC allies.

    But days later, after a party meeting, the ANC threw its weight behind Zuma and vowed to shoot down the no-confidence motion brought by the opposition.

    Mbeki, who succeeded Mandela as president in 1999, was himself recalled by the ANC in September 2008 before the end of his second term and Zuma took over.

    But Zuma’s presidency has been dogged by corruption scandals and has widened divisions in the party and heightened calls for his resignation.

    Tens of thousands of protesters marched through South African cities on Friday demanding Zuma step down.

    More anti-Zuma demonstrations are planned for Wednesday in the capital Pretoria.

    Zuma, who turns 75 on Wednesday, is due to step down as head of the ANC in December, and as president ahead of the 2019 general election.

    Source:Daily Monitor

  • Uganda:MP Kato Lubwama evicted over Shs200 million debt

    {Diamond Ensemble, a drama group owned by Rubaga South MP Kato Lubwama has been evicted from Royal Theatre on Plot 10, Berkey Road, Old Kampala Road over a Shs200 million debt.}

    According to Hajji Twaha Gwaivu, the owner of the building, the drama outfit owned by the comedian –turned-politician has defaulted on paying agreed rent of Shs3 million per month for the last five years.

    “I have tried to demand for my money but in vain. I had no option but to go to court to seek an eviction order,” Hajji Gwaivu said after the eviction on Tuesday.

    The eviction was enforced by Cephas Auctioneers and Court Bailiffs in the presence of armed police officers.

    Last year in November, the High Court accepted Hajji Gwaivu’s prayer that sought to evict Mr Lubwama.

    “You are directed to put Hajji Twaha Gwaivu in possession of the property and you are authorised to remove any person bound by the decrees who may refuse to vacate the property on Plot 10, Berkey Old Kampala Road,” reads part of the High Court order to court bailiffs.

    Mr Lubwama is battling to retain his Rubaga South seat after a concerned citizen challenged his academic credentials.

    Police officers witness the eviction of Kato Lubwama's drama group from the building.

    Source:Daily Monitor

  • Kenya:Nasa parties ODM, ANC clash over leaked report on line-up

    {Cracks in the National Super Alliance (Nasa) widened Tuesday after two of the four affiliate parties clashed over a leaked coalition line-up for the August presidential elections.}

    While Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) said that there was indeed an agreement in the Nasa coordinating committee on the line-up, Mr Musalia Mudavadi’s Amani National Congress (ANC) hit back, accusing the Orange party of acting in bad faith by leaking the report to the media.

    The war of words started when the ODM Secretary-General Agnes Zani, a member of the coordinating committee, accused her ANC counterpart Godfrey Osotsi of lying about the existence of the committee report on the Nasa line-up.

    {{REPORT ACCURATE}}

    “The sentiments by ANC SG Mr Godfrey Osotsi are skewed. The assertion that there is no report is not accurate.

    “The report, and other processes are to be furthered on by the principals in next stages as was to be determined by them,” Dr Zani said in a statement.

    According to Dr Zani, who is a nominated senator, a leaked report on the Nasa line-up carried by various media stations on the shared positions was accurate.

    The report had said that the 12-man committee had settled on Mr Odinga as the presidential flag bearer, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka as his running mate, Mr Mudavadi as the Chief Minister, and Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetang’ula as Speaker of a House he will choose.

    “That report leaked out in the form that the media presented. A few aspects and figures were not those of the committee but the line-up presented had been agreed on in the committee,” said Dr Zani.

    {{OUTRAGED}}

    About two hours later, Mr Osotsi hit back, accusing ODM of being the one that leaked the report.

    “We are outraged – and Zani ought to know – that admission by ODM party that it is responsible for dirty propaganda leaks undermines the credibility and integrity of the Nasa process. This level of arrogance shouldn’t be entertained,” said Mr Osotsi.

    He charged: “The ODM statement is a confession that leaves no doubt as to where leaks of working documents meant to undermine Nasa unity have been coming from. It is confirmation that ODM is negotiating in bad faith. This is bad manners that shouldn’t be entertained in any negotiation.”

    {{AUTHENTICITY}}

    Mr Osotsi said Dr Zani does not have the powers to speak on behalf of the committee.

    “It is only the co-chairs who are authorised to speak for NCC as a team and can vouch for authenticity of documents.

    The last time the co-chairs spoke they disowned what ODM through Zani now owns.”

    In her statement, Dr Zani said that the committee had done its job.

    “The Nasa NCC committee was formed to, among other mandates identify and, in consultation with the principals, conclude the process for Nasa flag bearer team.

    “The structures of the committee and the Summit was that that the report would be shared first with the principals and then further consensus and agreement would be sought,” Mr Osotsi said.

    ANC supporters protest in Kakamega Town on April 10, 2017 urging ODM leader Raila Odinga to support Musalia Mudavadi and Kakonzo Musyoka as Nasa flag bearers. Both ODM and ANC have locked horns over a recent report indicating Mr Odinga should be the presidential candidate.

    Source:Daily Nation

  • Tanzania:MPs condemn spate of abductions

    {Members of Parliament yesterday raised grave concern over the rising cases of kidnapping in the country, pressing the government to conduct due investigations and net all people behind the criminal incidents.}

    The lawmakers claimed that the country was in a deplorable state of insecurity due to the mysterious incidences of abduction and asked the government to act swiftly and strongly against the vices. The MPs’ uproar arose in the wake of last week’s abduction of four artistes, including Ibrahim Musa, alias Roma Mkatoliki.

    Nzega MP Hussein Bashe and his Mbeya Urban counterpart Joseph Mbilinyi, speaking after the question and answer session, lamented that the escalating incidents were getting out of control.

    The duo sought the speaker’s guidance, demanding that other activities be postponed for the house to discuss the matter and issue directives to government.

    The Nzega legislator recalled some kidnapping incidents, including one that involved himself, Geita MP Joseph Musukuma, former cabinet minister Adam Malima ahead of the CCM general assembly in Dodoma and the disappearance of Chadema cadre Ben Saanane.

    Mr Bashe further alleged that there is a clandestine organisation that orchestrates the kidnappings, saying he had information that 11 MPs including himself are the target.

    “Some people informed me that 11 MPs are on the wanted list, they warned me that we should be watchful in our movements because we are the target and can get lost whenever caught up on the roads,” Mr Bashe alleged.

    The MP, whose request to treat the rising abduction cases as an urgency matter hit the snag, urged the authorities to show the seriousness in dealing with the crime by acting more firmly and decisively against the abductors.

    Mr Bashe’s sentiments were echoed by Mbilinyi who said the ongoing events have left the nation in a state of uncertainty.

    He condemned the acts of aggression and called on the government to conduct thorough investigations and apprehend those masterminding the abductions.He said the kidnappings were designed to instill fear in the society, challenging the security organs to robustly address the problem.

    The MPs suggested the Home Affairs Minister to step down should he find it difficult to tackle the problem.

    Giving her guidance, the Deputy Speaker, Dr Tulia Ackson rejected the motion, saying the house should leave the matter to other state organs, which have been mandated to work on security issues.

    Contributing to Prime Minister’s budget, Konde legislator, Khatibu Said Haji (CUF) also raised concerns over kidnapping incidents and asked the government to take appropriate measures to address the vice.

    Mr Haji described what is happening as a fear creating phenomenon designed to generate unrest among citizens. He challenged the government to reveal and take to task those involved in the cruelty.

    “Bashe’s claims that 11 MPs are on the targeted list add fear and panic, how safe we are…I am scared that my name could also be in the list, May God protect us from this evil deeds,” complained Haji. CUF lawmaker Riziki Ngwali condemned what she described as acts of aggression against young people, requesting all women to join forces and demand the security organs to establish the whereabouts of Saanane.

    Meanwhile, Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Minister Harrison Mwakyembe yesterday promised speedy and thorough investigations on the kidnapping of the four artistes in Dar es Salaam last week.

    Dr Mwakyembe, Roma Mkatoliki and three other artistes addressed a joint news conference in the city, narrating their abduction by unknown people last Wednesday until they were dumped on Friday night on the outskirts of the city. Looking frail, the performers showed to journalists bruises inflicted on their bodies through beatings by the captors, saying they were still fearing for their lives following the incident.

    At the occasion, Minister Mwakyembe assured the artistes and members of the public that he will closely follow up on the investigations to find out the people behind the crime. “Artistes are entitled to freedom of expression just like anyone else, it is not usual in this country to witness such acts of abduction,” Dr Mwakyembe explained.

    Narrating the ordeal, the artistes said they were taken hostage by armed people last Wednesday as they were working in a recording studio, bundled into a car, blindfolded and driven to unknown place.

    “We were then subjected to questioning and beatings from these people but I cannot reveal that at the moment since investigations are still going on,” Mkatoliki explained. Last Friday night, according to the entertainer, the captors blindfolded and tied their hands and feet with ropes after which they drove them to unknown location and dumped them.

    “It was area near the beach and after walking for some distance we saw a signpost indicating that we were at Ununio area. We had to walk for a long distance under pain and with my clothes soaked in blood,” he explained. They then reached an area near Kunduchi where they boarded ‘bodaboda’ to their home in Mbezi where they found the house empty.

    “At that time, we had no option but to break the door; we had to change our clothes and make calls to our producer who together with some friends advised us to head to Oysterbay Police Station where our case had been recorded,” Mkatoliki explained.

    He reached out to the government and prayed for protection, stating that even after the incident they still fear for their lives. “It was not something we expected and it can happen to anyone; the area we were abducted from is known to be safe and it hosts many retired public leaders,” he stated.

    Mkatoliki was however irked that some people have been claiming that the whole event was staged for publicity while others think he is being used for political interests.

    Source:Daily News

  • MTN Rwanda donates Rwf 9 million to Nyamagabe genocide survivors

    {MTN Rwanda employees have visited Maryohe village of Nyamigina cell accommodating genocide survivors in Tare sector of Nyamagabe district, gave them Rwf 9 million and visited Murambi genocide memorial. }

    The visit which took place yesterday was part of supporting survivors as Rwanda holds the 23rd commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

    During the visit, Bart Hofker, MTN Rwanda CEO comforted survivors promising keeping closer stay.

    “We have visited you and bring message of comfort and financial support. We will keep supporting you. We are today donating Rwf 9 million for your welfare,” he said.

    He expressed grief over horrendous situation that took over one million lives of Tutsi during 1994 genocide stressing the need to visit memorials for whoever comes to Rwanda.

    Genocide survivors suggested spending the fund on renovating their houses.

    “Our houses have deteriorated and are about to fall. Roof leak when it rains. I suggest using the fund to build our houses to have better residences,” said Consolée Nyirandikubwimana.

    The president of Ibuka in Tare sector, Simeon Mutangana lauded the idea of renovating houses.

    “The hardest problem for Genocide survivors in this village is related to accommodation. Their houses were built in 1997 and1998 most of which are now old. I do support the idea of using the donations to renovate houses,” he said.

    The mayor of Nyamagabe district, Philbert Mugisha, lauded MTN Rwanda for the kind act noting that the money will be spent in accordance with desires of beneficiaries.

    “We renovated 10 houses last year in this village but there are others that need urgent renovation,” he said.

    Maryohe village accommodates 45 families comprised of more than 180 people with a majority of the houses requiring renovation.

    After the visit to survivors, MTN Rwanda staff visited Murambi memorial to pay tribute to 50,000 victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

    MTN Rwanda handing donations to genocide survivors in Maryohe village.

  • Story of a survivor who housed the killer of her entire family

    {Kangabe Adela is a resident of Rwamagana district who survived the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, forgave a perpetrator who killed his family, accommodated him at her residence and later helped him build his own house. }

    Aged 70, Kangabe was hit hard by the 1994 genocide against Tutsi. She sustained injuries after being stabbed at various parts of the body. He lost children, husband and extended family members during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

    Kagabo Louis is is the perpetrator who was involved in Kangabe family killings and stabbed her too leaving her in critical condition thinking she is dead.

    Kagabo was jailed and apologized to the survivor as they both explained to RBA.

    “Kagabo killed my husband and children and stabbed me in the head, arms at all sides. He told me how he did it, stabbed me. In fact he took me through the process of stabbing me. Kagabo told me how he repeatedly stabbed me in the head with a machete after seeing me breathing again,” she said.

    Kangabe was flown to USA for treatment where she recovered.

    She later went to visit Kagabo Louis in Rwamagana Prison who accepted to have killed her child, husband, stabbed her and left thinking she is dead. Kagabo asked for forgiveness and received the apology from Kangabe.

    Kangabe explained that she managed to forgive Kagabo though it was hard to understand Kagabo narrating the horror of tragic acts he did to her and family which made her burst into tears.

    After his release, Kagabo was accommodated by Kangabe at her house and assisted him to found his household.

    Kagabo’s cruelty would bring fears among residents thinking he would, one day, kill the host but praying comforted Kangabe.

    “My heart is released. I visit, greet him and feel comfortable. I do carry his child on my back; treat him with kindness like my nephew. My heart is relieved of horrors,” said Kangabe.

    Kagabo says asking for forgiveness gave him inner peace and free. He no longer feels the yoke and burden of guilt on his shoulders.

    Kangabe is now a social pact protector in Rwamagana district with testimonies proving that unity and reconciliation is possible.

    She requests genocide survivors to love all people and pray to free their hearts.

    Kangabe Adela
    Kagabo Louis.Photo Makuru Ki

  • Kabarebe urges Rwandan youth to learn from Bisesero history

    {The Minister of Defense, Gen. James Kabarebe has highlighted that Rwanda’s youth should learn from history of bravery, perseverance and patriotism that characterized Bisesero people giving a lesson to never surrender until the last minute. }

    He made the advice yesterday in a ceremony of 23rd commemoration of 1994 genocide against Tutsi held in Bisesero cell, Bisesero sector of Karongi district in Western Province.

    Bisesero is located at the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo .It is known for people of bravery where residents would defend the country against the enemy in case invaded or carrying expeditions beyond borders in the past.

    Residents kept such brave spirit during the 1994 genocide against Tutsi where they persevered, resisted killers and used all possible means fighting against the enemy who had enough strength and materials.

    As he attended commemoration activities, Minister Kabarebe said such bravery of Bisesero people should be emulated among Rwandans especially the youth.

    “When you hear such history, Rwanda’s youth from different corners should come to learn from and copy the perseverance, such bravery existing among Rwandans which led to stopping genocide,” he said.

    During the 1994 genocide against Tutsi, Bisesero people resisted and fought attackers that no one was killed in April. Unfortunately, bad leadership sent armed Interahamwe troops from Gisenyi, Cyangugu which attacked and killed them.

    Kabarebe said their bravery should not be forgotten though they perished later.

    “They stood firm and died as heroes fighting, trying to defend themselves. Their deeds left a lesson for Rwandans,” he said.

    Eric Nzabihimana, a genocide survivor in Bisesero narrated how French soldiers declined r rescuing them until they were killed in June 1994 where only 1200 among 60,000 people survived.

    He said that French soldiers in Zone Turquoise would leave Bisesero people being killed and take food donations to refugees including genocide perpetrators and support defeated militia and government to flee to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Gahizi Jean, a social a pact protector in Gishyita sector testified how he, his elder brother among others rescued Tutsi and carried them in a boat to DRC. His elder brother was killed by Interahamwe.

    Bisesero accommodates over 50,000 remains of victims of 1994 genocide against Tutsi.

    The Minister of Defense, Gen. James Kabarebe
    Bisesero residents attending commemoration activities yesterday.
    One of survivors of 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Bisesero.