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{Afro-music Rwandan artist and K.F.M journalist is under arrest by the Rwandan police over bounced cheque and payment refusal. }

Speaking to IGIHE the Police spokesman of Kigali city senior Super-intendant Urbain Mwiseneza says Uncle Austin is currently under arrest by the police charged of giving out a bounced cheque.

Mwiseneza added that Austin is currently at Kicukiro police station for questioning.
According to the Rwandan law no 373 if he is expected to face a punishment of 2-5 year sentence and a fine of 10 times, the amount indicated on the bounced cheque.

{He will succeed Mr Benedict Llewellyn-Jones, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Gelling will take up his appointment during January 2014.}

Mr Gelling joined the FCO in 2001. Most recently he was Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary, advising him on the Middle East, Africa, the UN and the Commonwealth.

Before that, he variously led the team dealing with negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme; was posted to Baghdad as Liaison Officer between the British Embassy and the Multinational Military Headquarters; served for three years in Pakistan, covering political, conflict and extremism issues; and was attached to a British trade office in India.

He speaks Urdu and French. He is married, and received an OBE in 2013 for services to British foreign policy.

On his appointment as British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Mr Gelling has said:

“
I am delighted to have been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Rwanda.

“
It is a privilege to have the opportunity to strengthen relations between the UK and Rwanda at such an important time. I look forward to building on the growing links between the two countries to further our shared economic, political, and security interests.

Source: UK Government

{The Secretary General of the Commonwealth, His Excellency Kamlesh Sharma, has lauded Rwanda’s journey since the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi; describing it as “an inspiring story of reconciliation and nation building.” }

He was speaking at the formal launch of kwibuka20 and the lighting of the Remembrance Flame on Tuesday 7th January 2014 at Malborough House, home of the Commonwealth Secretariat, in London in the presence of Rwanda’s High Commissioner to UK, His Excellency Williams Nkuruziza. Over 100 people, including members of the Diplomatic corps, Members of the UK Parliament, the Rwandan Diaspora and a cross-section of civil society organisations attended the event, which was jointly organized by the Rwanda High Commission and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The somber ceremony kicked off with a prayer by Reverend William Scott, Sub-Dean of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal followed by screening of the ‘Kwibuka documentary’ highlighting the genesis of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and the theme for the 20th anniversary: “Remember, Unite and Renew”. Other launch events were held by members of the Rwandan community in other parts of the UK on Tuesday.

In his remarks, the Secretary General of the commonwealth Mr. Kamalesh Sharma said the images of the genocide were grim and continue to haunt people to this day.

“The images of what took place in Rwanda remain etched on our consciousnesses and our consciences. The memories continue to stir deep emotion within us – of revulsion, sorrow, grief and shame. To understand this legacy in whatever measure, and to begin to overcome it, we need to know that serious efforts have been made to recall and acknowledge the gravity of the offences and the gross violations that occurred,” he said

He also focused attention on reconciliation as a mechanism for sustainable peace in the commonwealth and commended the Government of Rwanda for building a harmonious society, with emphasis on peace, unity and reconciliation.

“The 20th anniversary of the genocide is an important occasion on which to remember and grieve for the lives that were lost, show solidarity with survivors and renew commitment to ensure it never happens again. It is also an opportunity to reflect on Rwanda’s inspiring story of reconciliation and nation building,” he said, adding that he encourages other commonwealth countries with challenges in peace building to borrow a leaf from Rwanda’s experience.

The ceremony was also addressed by Ambassador Nkurunziza, two genocide survivors, the Hon. Lord Jack McConnel, MP Parliament and chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Great Lakes Region as well as the Chief Executive Officer of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. In his remarks, Lord McConnel noted that in spite of the horrors of the past, Rwanda’s post-genocide of reconstruction and development “inspires optimism”.

Rwanda’s leadership and people have achieved so much in the last 20 years, he said, adding that while there remains a lot of work to be done to secure a more democratic and prosperous future; he had “trust in the strong determination of the people of Rwanda.”

Speaking to participants, Ambassador Nkurunziza, explained that we remember to honor those who perished in the genocide; to comfort those who survived and to share the narrative of our tragedy with the world. While lauding the courage and fortitude of survivors, he called for support to their journey of healing.

“We cannot exorcise the ghosts haunting survivors through acts of remembrance. But we can clothe the survivors in our compassion and assure them that in times of emotional vulnerability, they have us to lean on. We may not change their past, but we can be their anchors as they craft new pathways to a better future,” he said.

He then invited the world to join Rwanda in remembering. “As we remember, we also invite the rest of the world to pause and share in this act of remembrance in the hope that our horrors are not visited on others around the world, certainly not on our watch and not through our collective inaction or indifference. This is our call to the global community to stand together against genocide, everywhere,” he said.

The High Commissioner also shared details of Rwanda’s journey of reconciliation; reconstruction, development, noting that while much has been accomplished, opportunity still exists for Rwandans to unite in building a better future.

“Where we are and where we aim to be is a long way from the basket case Rwanda became in 1994. Good leadership and the hard work of ordinary people have delivered opportunity out of the improbable. As we stand on the threshold of the third decade after the genocide against the Tutsi, we do so with a strong sense of optimism rooted in our abiding faith in our resilience; in our commitment to reconciliation; and in the simple, but unimpeachable truth that: we are all her children and together we can build enduring peace and shared prosperity,” he said.

Two powerful testimonies by survivors were read out highlighting the brutality of the interahamwe in implementing the 1994 Genocide and their unbelievable survivor. Mr. Eric Eugen Murangwa who survived thanks to tis Royon sports team mates who were able to hide him demonstrated how good people, few as they might have been in 1994 could have saved lots of lives. He said sport and in particular football can help to unit societies.

The ceremony had a rendition of sorrowful songs and poems performed by the renowned Rwandan musician, Jean Paul Samputu, Jackie Mugabo and Josephine Mbabazi.

At the end of the ceremony, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, assisted by the High Commissioner and two 20-year old Rwandan youths lit the Remembrance Flame flame, which was then carried carried away by three youths adorning Kwibuka20 T-Shirts. The flame is set to travel to several parts in UK ending up in Burmingham on 12th April 2014, where Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in this country will meet to mark the start of the mourning period marking the 20th Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

{Benedict Llewellyn-Jones who has been serving as the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Rwanda for the last three year’s today called on President Kagame to bid him farewell after his tour of duty came to an end.}

Speaking to the Press after the meeting, the outgoing UK envoy said his discussion with President Kagame concerned the positive and frank relationship between the UK and Rwanda and also reflected on the three years of his stay in Rwanda:

“{Engaging with Rwandans is something that I have enjoyed most, and what I leave behind as a relationship between Rwanda and the UK is not just a relationship between our Governments but between our people and I am sure this will grow from strength to strength in the coming years. Any achievements registered is thanks to the Rwandan Government because in terms of development assistance we provided we have seen results in terms of improved school attendance, reduced maternal mortality rates, and a whole host of other indicators that show Rwanda’s development is growing and we played a part in that but it’s the Government of Rwandan that has showed us where assistance is needed. It’s a development that we are proud of, but really, its Rwanda’s development.}”

{Rwanda said on Wednesday it would send around 800 troops to the Central African Republic next week, as part of an African Union (AU) force to help restore security.}

Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo told local radio: “Our troops will arrive in CAR in about ten days. AU asked us for a battalion which is about 800 soldiers.”

Rwanda had announced last month it would send troops but had not said how many would be dispatched or when.

Mushikiwabo acknowledged the problems in the Central African Republic were “very complex” but stressed that Kigali’s stated policy was to “contribute to global peacekeeping.”

The troops are being briefed about the terrain and the conflict and the non-French speakers are receiving some language training, the minister said.

The AU force in CAR is due to be 6 000 strong at full strength, working alongside some 1 600 French troops.

By late December, more than 4 000 troops were already deployed, with 850 Burundians, 800 Cameroonians, 850 from Congo Republic, 850 from the Democratic Republic of Congo, 500 from Gabon, 200 from Equatorial Guinea and 850 Chadians.

European Union nations are considering a joint military operation in CAR to help the African and French troops already deployed, experts said Wednesday. A decision is expected on 20 January.

The Central African Republic spiralled into chaos after a March coup in which the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel group overthrew president Francois Bozize.

Rebel leader Michel Djotodia was installed as the first Muslim leader of the majority Christian nation and disbanded the Seleka, but many rebels went rogue, spreading terror which government forces could not stop.

Months of brutal massacres, rapes and looting have followed, with locals forming Christian vigilante groups in response to the atrocities.

– AFP

{After being backed by Hakizimana Ismail, one of the 1930 guards, Gatema Steven who had been sentenced to life imprisonment by the court, managed to escape 1930 Kigali prison this Tuesday 7th January 2013.}

This incident came as Gatema had asked for permission for long call whereby he was followed by the guard who was in charge of him and they all disappeared together.

Speaking to IGIHE, the Director of Nyarugenge prison (1930) Murenzi Alexis, the two escaped as they were being taken to hospital for medical care and treatment by the Nyarugenge district administration.

He also added that they escaped the prison leaving behind every prisons property including the Gun for the guard and the prisoner’s uniform at Muhima hospital.

According to Murenzi Alexis, prisoner was supposed to complete his life sentence at Mpanga prison after being sentenced to life on charges of terrorism and founding of a terrorist group.

Before the escape Gatema had spent 2-month at 1930 prison after he had been imprisoned at Murindi prison before he was transferred to Nyarugenge prison.

Investigations are still underway for the dual arrest, and expected to face justice again if found.

{{What is Never again Rwanda and how was it founded?}}

Never Again Rwanda (NAR) is a human rights and peace-building organization that was founded in response to the 1994 genocide perpetrated against Tutsis.

NAR took on the responsibility of addressing the divisions that existed between young Rwandans after the genocide.

Through participation in clubs and associations as well as various programs and projects, NAR engages with young people’s intellect and ideas, develops their capacity as leaders, and empowers them to positively contribute to building sustainable peace and development in their nation.

{{What are the Aims of Never again Rwanda?}}

Never Again Rwanda aims at promoting mutual understanding, respect, and use of conflict transformation processes among youth in order to build sustainable peace in Rwanda.
{{
How does “Never again Rwanda” run its Projects in the 2-week peace-building institute?}}

During the 2-week Peace-building Institute which occurs 3 times a year, Never Again Rwanda brings together Rwandan and International university students around the world to gather in Kigali and answer the question “What can Rwanda teach the world?”

Through readings of a shared set of texts, site visits, lectures and group discussions, participants explore themes of genocide, transitional justice, unity and reconciliation, and democracy and good governance.

The students have the opportunity to engage in critical thinking and problem solving, analyze complex issues and develop skills as global citizens in cross-cultural dialogue.

{{How is NEVER AGAIN RWANDA supporting the world today?
}}

In order to engage youth in dealing with the past constructively, Never Again Rwanda conducts trainings, workshops, national and international public speaking competitions, national and regional conferences on topics related to dealing with traumatic past to build a better future, as well Civil courage during war and genocide. These activities help youth to understand how the past can be reflected on to build a brighter future and get more involved in peace building processes.

{{What principle guides or inspires NEVER AGAIN RWANDA in its prosperity?}}

As His Excellency the President of the Republic Paul Kagame said “ the belief that the domain of science and technology was created for the rustic strength of a male brain is just but a myth. President Kagame said that as he was speaking one time at the maiden graduation ceremony at Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology, where he was as Guest of Honor that time

“In the last 20 years, Never AGAIN RWANDA has done everything it could to expose this myth and to change the mindset of Rwandan society. Our guiding principle has been that never again should a Rwandan get less than they deserve or be regarded as a second-class citizen in their country.

Right from the start, we believed that when all facets of our society are equally empowered, we all stand to gain. In the final analysis, the gain is Rwandan because that is how we will be able to stand on our own feet and be responsible for our own destiny.

This is the reason we are happy to see the first cohort of girls that have gone through these gates graduating with honours. Said the General Manager Never again Rwanda Mr. Eric Mahoro

As girls and as citizens of Rwanda, your prospects could not be brighter, for only the sky is the limit. Your accomplishments thus far give us confidence, and to you, good reason to believe that many more accomplishments lie ahead.”

{{What do you think about regional, Africa and the world conflicts at large?}}

Speaking to IGIHE the President of NEVER AGAIN RWANDA said the impact of Rwanda genocide was a negative one and we should use it as an example to peace building in the region and the world at large, Mahoro gave an example of whats happening in Congo, South sudan Central African republic and Syria, therefore Never Again Rwanda is doing everything possible so that Rwandan, social, economic and political positive transformation and development.

{{How is Never Again Rwanda supporting and empowering the Rwandan society today?
}}

{{Meet Witnesses (women entrepreneurs) whose lives have been changed and Empowered by NEVER AGAIN RWANDA (EYE) Project through {entrepreneurship}}}

{{Tailoring}}

Meet Clarisse IRAKOZE, 24 years old, the president of Icyizere Cooperative.
Based in the district of Ngoma, in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, four graduates of the EYE Project’s Cohort 2 decided to come together and make a more successful future for themselves by creating a business in tailoring.

Clarissa is an orphan of genocide. Her two older brothers were responsible for taking care of her and tried to pay for her school fees. But the school fees became too expensive and Clarissa had to choose a job over school. Clarissa found a job as a cleaner in the local hospital, but was later fired when they found out she was pregnant. Clarissa had to sit at home all day and had to depend on her newlywed husband. She didn’t have her own income and had to constantly ask her husband for money.

Now Clarissa is the president of her very own cooperative. Although the association has only been in business for 1.5 months, the girls are optimistic and have plans for the future.
“When I was fired from my job for being pregnant, I had to depend on my husband for everything. I felt useless. Now I take care of my husband. It also gives me hope for my [3-year-old] daughter.” – Clarissa

Meet another EYE graduate who is now the president of her very own tailoring cooperative.

{{Venerande NYIRAMPABWANIMANA,}} 27 years old comes from Rulindo in the Northern Province. Before joining the EYE Project, Venerande was farming at home with her mom and doing odd jobs to help support her family. There was no time for school and Venerande would go to bed every night with her entire body aching in pain.

After graduating from Cohort 3, she paired with another graduate to form a cooperative. Venerande has also recruited two young girls from her community to teach them tailoring and expand the cooperative. These four young women have pooled their resources together and have already paid for five months of rent for their new business.

{{Construction}}

Meet{{ Marie Clarisse UWAMAHORO}}, 21 years old, the only EYE graduate to complete her training in construction.

Marie Clarisse lives with her grandmother and younger sister in Kigali. Before joining the EYE Project, Marie Clarisse was spending long days farming only to make a small income. She noticed young men in her community making a lot of money in construction and decided that she wanted to join them.

Marie Clarisse landed a big job after completing her internship through the EYE Project and is now making 120,000 RWF per month ($190 USD).

She is currently paying her little sister’s school fees and hopes to save money to open her own business in the distribution of construction supplies.

{{ Hair Dressing}}

Meet {{Solange Kamayires}}i, 27 years old, a survivor of genocide and a mother of a two-year-old.

Solange was farming to provide for her daughter until she came to the realization that she needed to change careers in order to give her child hope for a better future.

Solange noticed that there were not enough hairdressers in her community in Huye and jumped on the business opportunity.

The EYE Project gave Solange the training she needed and she now earns between 6,000-8,000 RWF per day ($10-$12 USD). Solange plans on saving her earning to open her very own salon in the near future.

{Rwandan Former authorities have been characterized by ethnocentrism to protect their selfish interests. This was revealed by the President of the Senatorial Commission of Development and Finance, Perrine Mukankusi, during an interview with IGIHE news website.}

She said the two previous regimes were characterized by ethnic sectarianism while citizens spoke the same language.

Mukankusi noted that nothing could have led to the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis except bad leadership that was dominated by ethnocentrism and sectarianism for the self interests.

“Those who still rely on ethnicity are greedy leaders, “she said.

Commenting on Ndi Umunyarwanda program, Mukankusi said that “Ndi Umunyarwanda program reminds us of what unites us. We must ensure our unit and disconnect us from the ideology of ethnocentrism that colonialism bequeathed to us, “she has said.

The senator stressed that the real Rwandan is the one who always fight for unity and reconciliation among Rwandans rather than being stuck in divisionism.

“Rwandans must look at the development rather than looking differences” she said.