Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

Interahamwe wanted to kill me in 1994 – American Missionary Carl Wilkens recounts (Video)

Speaking on Sanny Ntayombya’s podcast, Long Form, Wilkens disclosed that he learned of a plot to have him killed from a leader of the Interahamwe killer squad he met at 1930 Prison.

According to Wilkens, the convict intimated that the Interahamwe killers had resolved to kill him for witnessing their crimes. However, they were stopped by Tharcisse Renzaho, the then-Governor of Kigali-Ville prefecture, who is now serving a life sentence for his role in the killing of more than one million people during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Wilkens alleges that Renzaho opposed his killing, fearing repercussions from the American government.

“This guy, when I talked to him last July, did say we planned to kill you. We told Renzaho our plans. We told him where and when we were going to do it. And Renzaho said no, don’t kill him. If you kill him, the Americans will be all over us,” Wilkens said, adding, “I don’t think the American government could have lifted a finger, but perception is so powerful.”

Talking about the trauma and his battle with anger in the aftermath of the 1994 atrocities, Wilkens said he felt like vomiting when he first met the leader of the killer squad at 1930 Prison in 2015.

“I stumbled on the leader of the killer squad at 1930 Prison in 2015. It was a horrible experience. I felt like vomiting, to be honest,” he said.

The 66-year-old noted that he had resolved to embrace forgiveness to free himself from anger and bitterness about what he witnessed in Rwanda 30 years ago.

“I worked for years to try to reframe that man and to see him as more than a mass murderer—not because he deserved it, but because I deserve to be free from anger and bitterness,” he added.

{{Saved over 400 people}}

Wilkens was the only American left in the country during the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

At the time of the Genocide against the Tutsi, Wilkens was the Head of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency International in Rwanda. He was living in the country with his wife and three children when President Juvénal Habyarimana’s plane was shot down.

Wilkens chose to remain behind with two domestic Tutsi workers after the American Embassy made it clear to them not to bring any Rwandans with them. He sent his wife and children with an American convoy to Burundi and stayed at his home in Kigali with the two workers for about three weeks over fears that they would be harmed.

“The American embassy was ordering us all out but they were also ordering us not to bring any Rwandans. So it’s like they were ordering to leave a part of our family behind,” he recounted.

Over the next 100 horrific days of the genocide, Wilkens managed to save the lives of 400 Tutsis, including orphans from Gisimba Orphanage, whom he moved to safety through deadly roadblocks, thanks to his influence and networks.

He recounted that on the day he rescued the orphans, more than 50 killers had surrounded the orphanage, waiting to kill everyone. But the children’s lives were spared after he reached out to Renzaho and Prime Minister Jean Kambanda.

May 20, 2024
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi killed in chopper crash

Officials and state media said the charred wreckage of the helicopter carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was found early on Monday after an overnight search.

“President Raisi, the foreign minister and all the passengers in the helicopter were killed in the crash,” a senior Iranian official was quoted by Reuters moments before Vice President Mohsen Mansouri confirmed the president’s death on state television and social media.

The Bell 212 helicopter carrying the president is said to have slammed into a mountain peak, although an official statement on the cause of the crash is yet to be released.

The 63-year-old was elected president in 2021. He was seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Touted as a hardliner, he has in recent years tightened morality laws, crackdown on anti-government protests and pushed hard in nuclear talks with world powers.

May 20, 2024
Brussels Airlines to begin daily flights to and from Kigali

Speaking during the reopening of the airline’s check-in office at Kigali city center, the CEO said the move is aimed at providing convenience for the airline’s customers.

“We are very proud that we can offer this very good service again, which is to check in the city in the morning and spend the day not worrying about your luggage, then go to the airport and ensure the luggage is there,” the CEO stated.

“To further enhance convenience, we’re increasing service to daily flights from Kigali starting in June,” Von Boxberg announced.

The airline currently operates five flights per week between Kigali and Brussels. The new plans include reopening the Nairobi route that the airline previously served from 2002 to 2015. This new route allows the airline to increase flight frequencies to Kigali and provide daily service.

“We are starting six flights per week on the Nairobi-Brussels route. Two of these flights will connect to Kigali,” Brussels Airlines Country Manager Audrey Natukunda explained.
The additional flights between Brussels and Kigali will be operated on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Commenting on the resumption of check-in service, Natukunda noted that the unique service offers passengers the convenience of dropping off their luggage at the airline’s offices located within Hôtel des Mille Collines before heading to board their flights at Kigali International Airport, situated on the outskirts of Kanombe, about 5 kilometers from the city center.

Natukunda explained that the check-in service was halted after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in line with the government measures introduced to curb the spread of the virus.

“We, as Brussels Airlines, care for our staff and passengers. We needed to be compliant with the regulations to keep the distance and stay healthy,” Natukunda explained.

May 20, 2024
Brussels Airlines resumes check-in service at Kigali city center office

The unique service offers passengers the convenience of dropping off their luggage at the airline’s offices located at Hôtel des Mille Collines before heading to board their flights at Kigali International Airport, situated on the outskirts of Kanombe, about 5 kilometers from the city center.

Brussels Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dorothea Von Boxberg attended the reopening of the city check-in section.

“We are very proud that we can offer this very good service again, which is to drop off luggage and check-in at the city office in the morning and spend the day not worrying about your luggage, then go to the airport and ensure the luggage is there,” the CEO stated.

To fulfill the airline’s commitment to offering convenience to its customers Ms.Von, Boxberg also announced that the airline would begin daily flights from Kigali starting in June.

“To further enhance convenience, we’re increasing service to daily flights from Kigali starting in June,” Von Boxberg announced.

Brussels Airlines Country Manager Audrey Natukunda explained that the check-in service was halted after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in line with the government measures introduced to curb the spread of the virus.

“We, as Brussels Airlines, care for our staff and passengers. We needed to comply with the regulations to keep the distance and stay healthy,” Natukunda explained.

Following the reopening of the service, passengers will receive an email inviting them to check in luggage at Hôtel des Mille Collines before their flight.

Charles Habonimana, the Managing Director of Rwanda Airports Company (RAC), lauded the service, saying it is particularly convenient for passengers who use motorbikes to beat traffic to the airport, as they do not need to struggle with their luggage. He encouraged other airlines to introduce similar services to increase customer satisfaction.

Versmessen Bert, the Ambassador of Belgium to Rwanda, welcomed the resumption of the check-in service at the city center, terming it timely as the tourism sector continues to experience remarkable growth since the pandemic.

A report released by the Rwanda Development Board last month shows that the tourism sector recorded $650 million (RWF 832 billion) in revenues last year, representing a 35 percent growth in revenue compared to 2022. The tourism sector is projected to fully recover from the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, having made a significant rebound in 2023.

According to a survey by the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, the tourism sector achieved 88 percent of pre-pandemic levels last year. Total export revenues from tourism, encompassing passenger transport, reached approximately $1.6 trillion in 2023, nearly 95 per cent of the $1.7 trillion recorded in 2019.

Projections suggest a continuation of this positive trend, with estimates indicating a 2 per cent growth in international tourist arrivals above 2019 levels.

May 20, 2024
President Nyusi lauds Rwanda for solidarity in fight against terrorism in Mozambique

Rwandan forces are helping Mozambique’s army fight militants who launched an armed uprising in 2017. The insurgency began with the group expressing discontent over the lack of economic benefits from natural gas in the region, allegations of government corruption and marginalization of local communities.

Speaking during a presidential panel comprising Presidents Paul Kagame and William Ruto of Kenya at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali on Friday, Nyusi affirmed that Rwanda’s solidarity had helped Mozambique neutralise terror threats in the country.

“There have been quite a number of efforts, together with my brother, His Excellency Paul Kagame. We discussed issues related to security. We have put so many aspects in the northern part of the country where we are looking at exploring mineral resources such as hydrocarbons. It’s true we have gone through terrorism occurrences in 2021. We encountered so many challenges, and we put in place micro-projects in those areas which were supposed to start.

“In terms of national security, thanks to the support of my brother from Rwanda we have been able to contain the threat situation. I thank the people of Rwanda for showing solidarity,” President Nyusi stated.

Terming the current situation as stable, the President dismissed claims that the terror threats pose risk to private sector investments in the country.

“The current situation is stable. It’s just a minor part of the North which is under threat. But investments have never been stopped. It means that the level of risk in Mozambique is nonexistent,” he explained.

“In terms of investments in Mozambique in sectors such as power, infrastructure, energy, we are building ports. We have three ports so far that can have major shipping lines to do the work. There are so many people who have visited Mozambique they can witness.”

President Nyusi also noted that dialogue with the ‘enemies’ had helped de-escalate the security situation in Mozambique.

“Thanks to dialogue, I personally had the opportunity to go to the forest to dialogue with the enemies because I knew what was happening and what they wanted. So we were able to discuss and agree on some points. So the situation is quite better now,” he added.

Rwanda deployed its security forces to Mozambique in 2021 after the insurgency escalated with the militia employing violent tactics, including attacks on civilians and security forces and destruction of property. Mozambique has also received military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 2021. However, SADC forces started withdrawing last month as its mandate ends in July.

Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) announced this week that new troops of the are preparing to deploy to Cabo Delgado in the gas-rich Northern Province.

The soldiers on Tuesday received a briefing on the new mission during a meeting with senior officials, including the Rwanda Defence Forces Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi and Commissioner Vincent B. Sano, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations.

The RDF Army Chief of Staff conveyed a message from President Paul Kagame, who also doubles up as the Commander-in-Chief of RDF, reminding the troops to maintain discipline and commitment to the crucial mission.

Nyakarundi emphasized that the forces currently deployed in the region were performing admirably and urged the troops to uphold the standards.

“This deployment underscores the strong bilateral relations between the Republic of Rwanda and Mozambique,” RDF said in a statement.

Early this month, RDF announced that joint Rwanda and Mozambique forces had made gains in neutralizing the militia insurgency in the country.

RDF revealed on May 5, 2024, that the joint security team had managed to smoke out and kill a majority of the Al-Shabaab terrorists hiding in Odinepa, Nasua, Mitaka, and Manika forests during a one-week operation that started on April 26.

Only a few insurgents are reported to have escaped the military onslaught during the one-week operation.

May 18, 2024
Report: 64% of Rwandans have limited awareness of property expropriation rights

A recent survey by Transparency International Rwanda (TI-Rwanda) found that only 34.5 per cent of respondents were aware of property expropriation rights, with just 1.4 per cent saying they were fully aware of their rights.

Additionally, 29.0 per cent said they were not sure, 29.1 per cent were unaware, and 0.8% said they were totally unaware of their rights in cases where the government claims privately owned property for the benefit of the public.

A total of 1,050 respondents participated in the survey conducted across the five provinces of Rwanda, where the government has claimed privately owned land for the construction of feeder roads, as well as education and health infrastructure projects. 52.90 per cent of the respondents were male while 47.10 were female.

TI-Rwanda conducted an assessment on the issues of expropriation targeting government programs with support from the German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

At least two projects in each of the 15 districts across Western, Eastern, Southern, Northern and Kigali Provinces were selected among three key areas (feeder roads, health and education) for examination.

TI-Rwanda also examined the level of citizen’s participation in the selection of infrastructure projects and compliance with Law NO 32-2015 of 11-06-2015 relating to expropriation in the public interest. The law stipulates that any compensation must be made prior to the project implementation.

“Investors consulted me and assured me that they would not take my land that is why I was not on the list of people who were supposed to be compensated. Later, I was surprised to see their workers with machines destroying my compound and taking my land. They even called the engineer of Gasabo district saying that they will not compensate me because they said that I should claim before the starting of the project. I cannot say that we, citizens have the right on neither our property nor on the expropriation of our properties affected by infrastructure-related projects,” one of the respondents was quoted as saying.

On community awareness of selected infrastructure projects in their village, 39.4 per cent of the respondents said they were aware, 1.9 per cent said they were totally aware, and 18.2 per cent said they were not sure. Additionally, 30.5 per cent of respondents said they were unaware, 0.9 per cent said they were totally unaware, and 9.1 per cent said they didn’t know.

“We were not informed about this project, but we are thankful for benefiting medical services because it is our advantage to see that works related to the construction of Shagasha health centre were complete,” another resident was quoted as saying.
The survey also revealed that 80.7 per cent of the feeder roads were reported by the citizens to have negatively affected community properties during the implementation of projects in the districts selected for the study.

“Houses have been destroyed by the construction of the new roads, and some houses are hanging and may be destructed due to them being on steeped roads,” a respondent from Kamonyi lamented.

A section of residents of Nyabihu complained that their houses were damaged by landslides due to roads missing water drainage. The residents also decried lack of compensation for their damaged property.

The report recommends the adoption of improved notice procedures by authorities at the district level and increased transparency and accountability. It suggests provision of all relevant information to the citizens who will be directly affected and avoiding the implementation of projects without written prior agreement from the beneficiaries.

The report has also made several recommendations to Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (Loda), Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) and Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN).

The recommendations include the authorities to enhance independence and activities of the Institute of Real Property Valuers in Rwanda (IRPV) and provide necessary support in setting and updating annual land prices; Improve feasibility studies on expropriation projects, including an assessment of socio-economic impacts on the affected population; Initiate a livelihood strategy for citizens whose properties are affected by the implementation of infrastructure projects; and Clarify and follow project timelines, improve, and streamline the payment procedures by allocating sufficient project budgets before the project starts.

May 18, 2024
The risk profile for Africa is deliberately exaggerated – President Kagame

Kagame made the remarks during the second day of the Africa CEO Forum while responding to a question regarding the perceived level of risk or instability attributed to the continent, including factors such as political instability, economic volatility, security concerns, and social challenges.

“The risk profile for Africa is deliberately exaggerated to benefit those who, anyway, dictate how things go. And this fits well with topics we discussed here, whether Africa is on the table or the menu. I think many times it’s both because even when some people are at the table, they think they have raised their level and they don’t realize that at some point, whenever somebody decides that they be eaten up on the menu, that will happen,” President Kagame stated during a panel discussion comprising President William Ruto of Kenya and Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique.

President Kagame said the risk profile has stifled investments in the continent and called for a united voice to tackle challenges affecting the continent.

“We don’t need to keep rating each other, but we just have to focus and deal with the problems at hand. Every one of us, whether the heads of state, audience, or business leaders, know there are problems we have to tackle in our continent,” President Kagame stated.

He blamed the challenges facing the continent on poor leadership.

“There is poverty that shouldn’t be here after so many decades. If we look at ourselves in comparison with other parts of the world, there are certain African countries and regions that were better off than other countries in other continents say 50 years ago.

“Now what has happened in our continent, there has been stagnation or reversal of gains we ought to have made, and these countries are hundreds of times better than us. What is lacking is leadership. Unity around purpose. There is taking the opportunity before us and translating it into the aspirations, the needs people are capable of. This requires leadership, governance, accountability, and assessing and challenging ourselves and holding ourselves accountable,” he added.

On partnerships with other foreign nations, Kagame insisted that the collaborations must offer a sense of mutual benefit.

Giving an example of win-win deals entered with several partners Kagame said, “Those who want to do something, we sit and discuss. There is what we want, there is what they want. We talk about how each of us benefits from what is under transaction. It’s fair for them, it’s fair to us. We have done different deals in sports and different areas. We have partnerships with PSG, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal. When we did that, we made sure that they benefit and we benefit.

President Ruto, on his part, echoed Kagame’s sentiments, saying leadership and making the right unpopular decisions will play a significant role in transforming the continent.

“Leadership starts from where you are. I quite agree with what Kagame has said. It boils down to leadership. China 30-35 years ago was not where it is today. Today China is the second largest economy in the world. It’s because of leadership and decision-making. Leading is about making the right decisions.”

President Ruto also lauded President Kagame for the introduction of visa-free travel policy for all Africans, saying, “We can get the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) moving and make it a reality, so that our business people can move across this continent.”

The two-day CEO forum, which kicked off on Thursday, brought together more than 2,000 business leaders from 75 countries.

The forum challenged attendees to take decisive action for Africa’s future amidst global economic uncertainties.

May 17, 2024
Minister Aurore Mimosa reveals plans to outsource management of Amahoro Stadium

The 45,000-seat stadium is being renovated for $160 million. The renovation work began in August 2022 and is expected to be completed before August this year.

Speaking on Sanny Ntayombya’s podcast, Long Form, Sports Minister Aurore Mimosa said outsourcing management would ensure the facility is utilized to its full potential year-round.

“We are thinking about bringing in a company or individual to manage the facility and maximize its use. This will help us achieve a return on investment, not just for the sports facilities but also for things such as the 22 skyboxes and ensure that when there are no competitions, there are other revenue-generating services around the stadium. For example, you could have restaurants, utilize the skyboxes, and leverage the large conference room for events beyond sporting activities,” the minister stated.

She mentioned that the public-private business arrangement has been largely successful in managing BK Arena, a multi-purpose indoor arena in Kigali used mostly for basketball, volleyball matches, and concerts.

“It’s a good model that has worked. Everyone plays their role, which means as a government you invest in infrastructure and work on sports development. You want to bring in someone who has the expertise in managing and marketing the facility. It’s a win-win situation,” she said.

According to the minister, the government is already in talks with parties interested in managing Amahoro Stadium, but no deal has been reached yet.

The minister emphasized that the huge investment in the multi-purpose stadium was aimed at ensuring the facility meets standards set by global bodies such as FIFA and the World Athletics Federation, increasing Rwanda’s chances of hosting major competitions.

“It’s been a huge investment that the government has made, but again, the government also thinks about a return on investment for that facility. They are also focusing on different areas, using the facility for our athletes who are competing outside the country. Most of the time, you want to have infrastructure that meets the standards. That’s one,” Mimosa explained, adding that the renovations also enhanced Petit Stade for basketball and the Paralympics gymnasium.

“Number two, we also ask, how can we make sure that we host those kinds of competitions in Rwanda instead of our team going outside? At the end of the day, when you look at the expenses and the cost of our national team competing outside the country, it’s almost the same as when you are hosting. The money you spend on preparing the team, and the cost of hotels, flights, and all those expenses, when totalled, is most likely almost the same as hosting a big competition. You also consider how much you spend because, at the end of the day, if you don’t host, somebody else will.”

The minister also spoke of plans to build or give a facelift to at least six more stadiums across various parts of the country including Musanze, Gicumbi, Rubavu and Nyagatare
to allow Rwanda to bid for major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“As the Government of Rwanda, we want to position ourselves as a sports hub. For you to position yourself as a sports hub, you have to invest in infrastructure, not only for stadiums but also in other disciplines,” she added.

May 17, 2024
President Kagame presents his re-election candidacy to NEC

The Head of State, vying for the presidency on the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) party ticket, was the first candidate to present his papers to the commission in the exercise that kicked off today at the Commission’s office in Kiyovu.

The President was accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, RPF Vice-Chairperson, RPF Secretary-General, and RPF commissioners.

NEC chairperson Oda Gasinzigwa verified the President’s papers and asserted that the candidate’s file was complete.

At least eight independent candidates have declared their interest to challenge Kagame in the forthcoming poll. Also on the list of candidates eyeing the presidency is Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda.

To be cleared to run for the presidency, candidates must meet several requirements, including proof of Rwandan citizenship. The candidates must be at least 35 years of age, be of high integrity, and not have a history of criminal convictions resulting in sentences exceeding six months, among other requirements.

{{RPF endorses Kagame }}

President Kagame received a green light from the ruling party to run for a fourth term in office during the party’s meeting held in March, where he secured 99.1 per cent of the votes cast.

Welcoming his endorsement, Kagame said, “We know where this country has come from. I appreciate the apparent role you have played in that. I also appreciate the trust that you always and continue to place in me. The burden you have given me I have accepted to carry.”

Kagame assumed the presidency in 2000, six years after leading the RPF rebel group to topple the Hutu-led regime that perpetrated the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

May 17, 2024
#ACF2024: African billionaires challenged to invest in local start-ups

Makhtar Diop, the Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), argued that companies in Silicon Valley and other Western countries mainly fund most African start-ups.

The IFC boss noted that some of the disruptive start-ups had benefited from the organization’s direct funding, but more was needed to support the companies.

“We need to support our start-ups. It’s imperative that more funding, especially from the domestic private sector, is directed towards this vibrant sector. At IFC, we are trying to do that with our direct technology fund, and we are trying to invest in start-ups in technology that will make a difference for development. But we need more billionaires and millionaires in Africa to believe in these start-ups. These start-ups are still largely funded from Silicon Valley and other parts of the world,” Diop stated.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector in developing countries.

Diop praised ongoing, revolutionary projects undertaken by organizations like Genomics Africa, which have helped Africa claim its position in research sectors previously dominated by other regions, saying “This is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in action.”

He noted that genomics research leverages the rich biodiversity and genetic resources of the continent, laying the groundwork for precision medicine and the development of treatments tailored to the specific needs of the African population and diaspora.

To keep up Africa’s growth momentum, Diop emphasized the need to exploit digitization, stating that data is the new gold.

He also called for more investments in the education system, saying “It’s time to create emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

“It’s heart-warming to see Rwanda hosting regional institute of mathematics and IT and forging partnerships with renowned academic institutions. This is an example that needs to be multiplied and repeated across the continent.”

He called for increased partnerships and dialogue between the private and public sectors to achieve sustained economic development across all sectors, including energy and agriculture.

“Many of our utilities are in poor condition, which limits the ability of the private sector to invest in renewable energy generation. We lack a private sector presence in transmission and distribution. All these factors are hindering investment in this sector, which is crucial for Africa’s development,” he stated.

Kigali welcomes the Africa CEO Forum for the second time since 2019 when the forum made its debut in the East Africa region. More than 2,000 business leaders and government officials are gracing the CEO forum.

President Paul Kagame his Mozambique counterpart Filipe Nyusi and two prime ministers, Patrice Emery Trovoada of Sao Tome and Robert Beugre Mambe of Côte d’Ivoire attended the opening ceremony on Thursday morning. Presidents William Ruto of Kenya, Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, and Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti are also expected at the two-day event.

Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is hosting the event alongside IFC.

The forum themed “At the table or on the menu?” is expected to challenge attendees to take decisive action for Africa’s future amidst global economic uncertainties.

May 16, 2024