Category: Diaspora

Five key issues shaping the upcoming 2024 US Presidential elections (Video)

Economic recovery from the pandemic and addressing the rising cost of living remain central to most campaigns. Additionally, there is heightened focus on the direction of foreign policy, with US relations with countries like China and Russia becoming increasingly significant.

Since the last election, the political landscape in the US has become more polarized. Debates over issues such as inflation, abortion, and immigration have intensified, driving deeper divisions among voters and political factions.

These five key issues will likely define the direction of the campaigns leading up to the November 5 election.

Candidates and Campaigns.

The frontrunners in the 2024 race have both their strengths and weaknesses. Incumbents may have the advantage of experience, but they are also closely tied to current economic and political challenges.
Challengers, on the other hand, promise fresh approaches but face scrutiny over whether their policies are viable.

Debates will play a critical role in shaping voter opinions, providing a platform for candidates to present their ideas. With voters seeking clarity on key issues, these debates could significantly impact the outcome of the election.

Domestic Issues.

Domestic policies are at the heart of voter concerns. Healthcare, economic stability, and immigration are among the most pressing matters. Inflation and the rising cost of living are particularly crucial, with candidates proposing different strategies to address these challenges.

Social issues such as gun control and abortion rights are further fueling the intensity of the race, drawing clear lines between voter bases.

Foreign Policy.

On the international front, the next president will face pressing foreign policy challenges, including managing US relations with global powers like China and Russia. The approach to these relationships could shift dramatically depending on the election outcome, with candidates offering differing strategies on trade, diplomacy, and security.

Electoral Process.

Social media and digital campaigning have transformed the electoral process, allowing candidates to reach wider audiences and influence voter behavior. However, voter turnout will be a crucial factor in determining the election’s outcome, as historically, low turnout has skewed results.

Questions also remain about the relevance of the Electoral College system, with growing calls for reform to better reflect the democratic will of the people.

Political Climate.

The current level of political polarization in the US is expected to significantly influence the election. With misinformation and ‘fake news’ still prevalent, campaign strategies must navigate a media landscape that can shape voter perceptions and decision-making.

Predictions

As we get closer to election day, key trends are beginning to emerge. Voter turnout, economic concerns, and social issues will likely be deciding factors. Ultimately, the candidate who can convincingly address voters’ most pressing concerns, particularly on inflation and the economy, may have the edge in this critical race.

October 15, 2024
Rwandans in USA hold Prayer Banquet

The 17th Rwanda Prayer Banquet was held under the theme extracted from the Book of Isaiah 40:31, which says: “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

In his message to the congregation, Rev. Dr. Charles Mugisha, the Founder of Africa New Life Organization, talked about living a purpose-driven life and urged participants to choose a firm life vision.

Bishop Darlington Johnson, a Pastor at Bethel World Outreach Ministries delivered the message that emphasized the theme of the Banquet and explained that when the Lord Almighty God gives you renewed strength, you receive God’s power and you achieve every goal you set the heart to.

Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira who represented the First Lady of Rwanda, Jeannette Kagame at the event, talked about characteristics of a powerful and dedicated leader.

Kacyira urged Rwandans in diaspora to keep attached to their motherland, Rwanda.

The Head of Rwanda Prayer Banquet USA Ministry, Antoinette Kanyabutembo thanked all who participated in the event and urged them to keep united through the prayer so that Rwanda keeps blessed with the best from the Lord.

February 13, 2019
Rwandan Economist drowns in pool, dies in France

News of the passing of Samuel Baker was first announced on Twitter by one Twahirwa who tweeted as: ”This country just lost a young, bright man, Samuel Baker a few hours ago…The family received the heart dropping news of his drowning in a swimming pool in France where he had gone for a holiday from London.”

The news came as a shock for many on Twitter including the Governor of Rwanda National Bank, John Rwangombwa who described Samuel’s death as a big loss to Rwanda.

“It’s really sad. Samuel was one the brightest, hardworking and very positive young man I have ever met. It’s a big loss to our country indeed. To Samuel’s family we pray for you and join in moaning him. RIP Samuel,” Rwangombwa tweeted.

The announcement released by iDebate, an organization of which he was among founding members and in which he served the first Programs Manager said he ”played a crucial role in steadying the organization that was in its infancy, taking on administrative as well as coaching duties.”

“Samuel was a genius at his own right, who at 25 years of age had already earned a Master’s degree in Economics and Finance from Strathclyde Business School and was pursuing a PhD at City University of London, which would have made him of the youngest PhD holders in Rwanda,” the announcement reads in part.

The announcement goes on to say that Samuel Baker “had always dreamed to be part of our country’s transformation story. This led him to leave his job as an analyst at J.P Morgan to accept a position as Economist in the Monetary Policy and Research Department of the Central Bank of Rwanda”, a position he left to work in the Governor’s office according to his LinkedIn profile.

Samuel Baker’s LinkedIn account also indicates that besides being a PhD student at City London University, he was also the Africa Analyst, Economics and Country Risk at IHS Markit, a data and information services business, based in London that caters to a variety of industries including automotive, energy, financial services, defense and maritime.

Samuel Baker has written several opinions in Economics with most of them related to why Africa needed a single trade market, the digitization of economy among other opinions.

December 30, 2018
Kagame meets Dutch King Willem-Alexander

President Kagame met with His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands during his working visit to The Netherlands yesterday.

Following his meeting with the King, Kagame met with Queen Máxima, who also serves as UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development.

Kagame ended the first day of his working visit with a business roundtable hosted by Sharon Dijksma, the minister for agriculture of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The NewTimes

October 6, 2015
Kagame May Pardon Fugitives If They Return Home

President Paul Kagame has advised Rwandan fugitives living abroad to reconsider their status and return home promising them pardon despite the gravity of their cases.

“Our coming here is a way of inviting you to repatriate. Even if you would have something that makes you detest your country, we can forgive you because you are one of us,” Kagame told thousands of Rwanda Diaspora during Rwanda Day event held in the Netherlands capital, Amsterdam.

Kagame also warned exiled Rwandans that the host countries in Europe are overwhelmed by the current surge of refugees and may soon run out of compassion.

He said that European countries are now reviewing cases of asylum seekers so that the only vulnerable ones can be accommodated.

The President asked Rwandans who sought asylum in European countries to repatriate as a matter of urgency.

Cases of criminals who fled their peaceful mother land-Rwanda, pretending to be political refugees will be discovered and asked to leave.

Thus, he said of western countries, “Have a favorable understanding, but they sometimes abuse it because they welcome people who pretend to escape from a democracy crisis, yet they are criminals. Then they are given airtime on radio and television…their cases will be soon revealed.”

On top of other asylum seekers whose record is not always clean, the Netherlands hosts 17 Rwandans suspected of Genocide crimes committed against Tutsi in 1994, but their extradition is delaying for the last 20 years.

In a visit to Rwanda last month, the Netherlands MPs said their country has the rule of law and any decision to extradite suspects has to be looked at carefully.

“We are not a country where criminals should expect safe haven. But we are a country of peace and we need to always strike a balance between the two,” Sharon Sesthuizen head of delegation told KT Press then.

Choosing to repatriate means choosing dignity. Kagame said; “It is easy to sit around and live with leftovers but it means giving up to your dignity and freedom of choice.”

He said no worries as of the size of Rwanda, where old regimes had denied some people a home because Rwanda was too small to accommodate its returnees. “We are not like the previous regimes,” Kagame said.

KT Press

October 5, 2015
‘Rwanda Day’ Mobilizes 33,000 Diaspora For National Development

All roads are headed to The Netherlands as Rwandan Diaspora in Europe arrive for what has become known as ‘Rwanda Day.’ President Paul Kagame will be the biggest guest in town.

From October 3rd to 4th, Kagame will be meeting more than 4,000 Rwandans in Diaspora and friends of Rwanda, living in the Netherlands and around Europe to celebrate the country’s progress.

High on the agenda will be discussions on how the Diaspora takes part in the country’s rapid social-economic transformation.

The event, the 11th organized since 2011, is considered as a suitable platform for the government and Rwandans in Diaspora to interact.

Joel Ndoli Pierre, Director of the Office of the Government Spokesperson, said since Rwanda Day began, more than 33,000 Rwandans in Diaspora have been mobilized to take part in nation building.

Thousands of Rwandans who attended previous events, especially those living in North America, got to know about investment opportunities in their country and many have since made substantial investments back home.

With an audio-visual exhibition showcasing Rwanda’s journey, participants are taken through an in depth understanding of the steps that continue to shape the country.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Jean Pierre Karabaranga told KT Press: “The gathering serves as a time to reconnect with Rwanda’s history, learn about the Rwanda of today and be an integral part of defining Rwanda’s future.”

Meanwhile, there will be several items on the agenda.

The Rwandan Embassy in The Hague and Rwanda Development Board will organize, together with the Netherlands Africa Business Council, the Rwanda Business Matchmaking Event on Friday October 2, 2015.

The first counsellor to the embassy, Robert Kayinamura said the event will take place at the KIT in Amsterdam, which was founded in 1910 as the ‘Colonial Institute’ to study the tropics and to promote trade and industry.

Part of Kagame’s entourage, according to a communiqué from the Embassy, includes CEOs and other business representatives of 300 Rwandan companies who expressed special interest in meeting the Dutch private sector.

With 7.5% growth, and an economy that has expanded more than ten-fold in just 10 years, there will be a lot to celebrate.

Rwanda Day Facts

Five Facts about Rwanda Day

The first Rwanda Day was held in 2010 in Brussels – Belgium.
Rwanda Day has been held in Belgium, Chicago, Paris, London, Boston, Toronto Atlanta and Dallas.
Since Rwanda Day was launched, the events have been attended by over 20,000 people.
Rwanda Day is attended by Rwandans living abroad, friends of the country, the President and senior leaders from the public and private sectors.
Rwanda Day 2015 will be held on October 3rd in the Netherlands.
Facts about Rwanda Day Dallas – May 2014

Rwanda Day in Dallas held on 23 May 2015.
The Rwanda Day Dallas was the first edition of the Rwanda Youth Forum.
Rwanda Day Dallas brought together hundreds of youth to reflect on Rwanda’s achievement to date and the role of the youth in Rwanda’s journey yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Important Quotes from Rwanda Day Dallas #Youth4Rwanda

“Nothing should make you think that your identity and background is inferior. You are as important and relevant as anyone else.” -President Paul Kagame
“Being Rwandan gives us a sense of belonging. It’s not a geographical issue to be able to identify with your origins.” -President #Kagame
“Instead of asking for more, let’s work out how to use what we have to go to the next level.” – Ephraim Rwamwenge
“Being Rwandan is about self-reliance and resilience and not letting our past define who we are.” -Charity Kabango #Youth4Rwanda
“For me, being Rwandan is about contributing to the direction of our country.” – Entrepreneur Ephraim Rwamwenge #Youth4Rwanda
“Being Rwandan is a blessing and I’m so proud to be Rwandan.” -Presidential Scholar Aloys Zunguzungu #Youth4Rwanda
Facts about Rwanda Day Atlanta – September 2014

Rwanda Day in Atlanta was held on 20 September 2014.
The theme of Rwanda Day Toronto was ‘Agaciro: Our choice’.
Rwanda Day Atlanta was the celebration of 20 years of liberation, the country’s progress, find solutions to our challenges and build the dignified nation we deserve through 3 choices: Staying Together | Being Accountable | Thinking Big
“Think big, think beyond yourself contribute to the wellbeing of your neighbour the same way he/she contributes to yours.” – President Paul Kagame

Facts about Rwanda Day Toronto – September 2013

Rwanda Day in Toronto was held on 28 September 2013.
Over 3,000 Rwandans and friends of the country attended Rwanda Day in Toronto, Canada.
The theme of Rwanda Day Toronto was ‘Agaciro: Investing in our future’.
Rwanda Day Toronto included a panel titled “Investing in our Future” where Rwandans and Friends of Rwanda from various sectors shared stories of social and economic investment in the country.
“We must ask ourselves what kind of Rwandan we want to be. We believe in being Rwandans defined by dignity in a safe and prosperous nation.” – President Paul Kagame
Facts about Rwanda Day London – May 2013

Rwanda Day in London was held on 18 May 2013
Three thousand Rwandans and friends of Rwanda from across Europe, North
America and Africa gathered in London to celebrate Rwanda Day.
Rwanda Day in London was the fourth edition of the event and was themed “Agaciro: Delivering Prosperity”.
“Our history has taught us that we must be the solutions to our challenges and determine our destiny. What Africans should have in common is not the burden of dependency but the solution of self-reliance.” – President Paul Kagame
Facts about Rwanda Day Boston – September 2012

Rwanda Day in Boston was held from 21-22 September 2012.
Thousand Rwandans and friends of Rwanda from across North America gathered at the Westin Copley Hotel to celebrate Rwanda Day in Boston.
The theme of Rwanda Day Boston was “Agaciro, The Journey Continues…”
“It should be a source of pride that we are able to drive our development, that we belong to a country of dignified people, that we have a definite identity as Rwandans.” – President Paul Kagame
Facts about Rwanda Day Paris – September 2011

Rwanda Day in Paris was held on 11 September 2011.
Over 3700 Rwandans and friends of Rwanda welcomed President Kagame to Paris for Rwanda Day.
The theme of Rwanda Day Paris was ‘Generation Dignity. Destination Prosperity’.
“Today’s Rwanda and tomorrow’s Rwanda is this Rwanda of equal opportunity that ensures that those less fortunate are not left behind but are part of our development”. – President Kagame
Facts about Rwanda Day Chicago – June 2011

Rwanda Day in Chicago was held on 10 June 2011.
Thousands of Rwandans and friends of Rwanda gathered at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago to celebrate Rwanda Day 2011, themed ‘Agaciro. Our Heritage. Our Future.’
Rwanda Day Chicago brought together Rwandans living in North American as well as representatives from Rwanda and Europe.
“Our democracy, our quest for transformation provides us with the desire, the energy to give ourselves that dignity. When we give our citizens access to health, education, food security, tools of communications…there is no basis for any accusations. No one can teach us about the importance of human rights…we know it more than anyone.” – President Kagame

Facts about Rwanda Day Brussels – December 2010

Rwanda Day in Brussels was held on 4 December 2010.
Nearly 2,700 Rwandans and friends of Rwanda braved sub-zero temperatures, and travelled for hours to meet President Kagame.
Rwanda Day Brussels gathering served as a time to reconnect with Rwanda’s history, learn about the Rwanda of today and how to be an integral part of defining Rwanda’s future.
“As Rwandans, we have to believe in our own worth, and not expect to get this as a gift from someone else. People who do not value themselves cannot achieve development; we have seen this in the past in our country and on our continent,” – President Kagame

KT Press

October 2, 2015
Rwanda: Over 500 Students From Diaspora to Attend Itorero

Ninety members of the Diaspora will today start a one-week course to prepare them as instructors of the eighth edition of the Diaspora Itorero named Indangamirwa VIII.

This year’s training, which will bring together 500 students from the Diaspora, is scheduled for July 12 to August 2.

Briefing the trainers yesterday at Amahoro National Stadium before departing for Gabiro Combat Training School in Gatsibo District, Dr. Célestin Ntivuguruzwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, said the students are a vital asset in Rwanda’s development.

“The registration for trainers was open to all who attended the previous sessions of the Diaspora Itorero. We wanted 60 volunteers, but 90 turned up. We also wanted 300 trainees for the Indangamirwa VIII, but now 500 are to start next Monday. We cannot deny them a chance since they voluntarily want to attend. They even offered to pay transport from their respective countries of residence,” he said.

Dr. Ntivuguruzwa urged the young trainers to attentively follow the lectures, which will be conducted by different people, including senior government officials, to guide them as they lead their colleagues.

“We expect you to offer a comprehensive training to your colleagues, helping them understand Rwandan values and what they need to lead this country to a better future. They live abroad in a multicultural environment, but we need to empower them with Rwandan values and instill in them the spirit of the county’s ownership,” he said.

Michael Nyarwaya Shyaka, a PhD student in India, said after attending the seventh Diaspora Itorero, he became thirsty for more lessons and felt much indebted to his country.

“Each of these 90 youth participated in one of the previous seven sessions, but in this round, we are going to receive more lessons preparing us to train others. We benefited a lot from the previous Itorero. We have got a better understanding of Rwandan values and vision. We learn about the country’s development, security, investment opportunities and we take back to different countries the true story from the ground.

Shyaka added that they were to meet all the requirements, including transport, for contributing to their country’s progress.

“The only motivation is the burning spirit within us, compelling us to contribute to our country’s development. We stay abroad, but we are indebted much to our home country and we have to play a role. Voluntary work for only one month is nothing, but a little contribution,” he said.

Joyeuse Cyiza, who attended the sixth edition, said she is ready to share with the people in the Diaspora the lessons she previously acquired and those she is going to acquire over this week.

“We have clearly understood the values, history and vision of our country. Many Rwandans out there tend to forget their native language, yet the language is the foundation of any culture. Itorero has revived our mother tongue and good conducts which set Rwandans, especially females, apart from many others. We are now better guardians of our culture and history,” she said.

Noting that Itorero for Diaspora youth is held annually, Cyiza urged members of the Diaspora who have not yet attended Itorero, not to miss the chance next year.

© 2015 The New Times

July 7, 2015
Germany: Solidarity with Rwandans during Kwibuka21

Germany joined other nations worldwide to observe the 21st Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. The capital Berlin hosted a commemoration service organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda, which took place at the church St. Thomas von Aquin, on April 9, 2015. The service was attended by representatives of the Federal Government, members of the diplomatic corps, friends of Rwanda as well as members of the Rwandan community.

In her remarks Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Christine Nkulikiyinka, thanked the participants for joining Rwandans in remembering the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. “Let us pray for the deceased today, remember them and give them honour and thus lend human dignity to the many innocent people who were so brutally murdered.”

The Rwandan envoy stressed that the denial of Genocide is a reality which needs to be fought with joint efforts. It should not be regarded as a task to cope with by Rwandans alone.

“To combat this propaganda (of denial), in a decisive way is the responsibility of all of us here. If we do not we pave in the long term, though passive, the way for another genocide”, Nkulikiyinka said.

The commemoration service was accompanied by musical performance of German and Rwandan youths who are members of an educational exchange program.

The service in Berlin followed other commemoration events that took place on April 7, 2015 in the city of Kaiserslautern. Here, Rwandan students organised a commemoration service, the screening of a documentary film and a discussion on the role of the international community during the genocide against the Tutsi.

Among the more than 100 guests were the Ambassador of Rwanda, H.E. Christine Nkulikiyinka, Günter Kern, State Secretary in the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Sports, Internal Affairs and Infrastructure, Dr. Richard Auernheimer, President of the Partnership Association Rwanda/Rhineland-Palatinate and Prof.Dr. Helmut J. Schmidt, President of the University of Kaiserslautern and other professors.

State Secretary Kern and Dr.Auernheimerboth expressed their solidarity with Rwandans during the national mourning and agreed that the international community still carries responsibility for protecting citizens against violence and atrocities as they occurred during the Genocide against the Tutsi. Speaking on behalf of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, State Secretary Kern announced that his government would continue to accompany Rwanda on her exemplary journey of reconciliation and progress.

Ambassador Nkulikiyinka thanked the citizens of Rhineland-Palatinate for their continued support to jointly remember and fight the denial of Genocide.

The city of Kaiserslautern is home to more than 80 Rwandan students. Since 32 years Rwanda and the German state Rhineland-Palatinate have a partnership, with cooperation in the field of culture, education and vocational training.

Photos: Tobias Barniske

April 10, 2015
Envoy Karega Presents Credentials to King of Swaziland

High Commissioner Vincent Karega presented on thursday 28th August his letters of credentials to the King of Swaziland His Majesty King Muswati III.

The Kingdom of Swaziland is part of the nine countries Envoy Karega represents for Rwanda in Southern Africa.

To His Majesty King Muswati III High Commissioner Karega commended Swaziland for the unity and rich culture defining the identy of the Swazi people with dignity and uniqueness.

He reaffirmed Rwanda’s committment to partner with Swaziland at all levels of culture, politics and economic transformation of Africa bilaterally and multi laterally.

The King stated that Bilateral relations with Rwanda were excellent and he highlighted the urging need for africans to strenghen their ties and the African agenda to make betty our continent.

August 30, 2014
Kagame Says ‘No One Will Carry Our Burden For Us’

At the Aspen Institute in Colorado, President Paul Kagame held an interactive discussion on Rwanda’s journey of transformation.

Speaking to a gathering of leaders and members of the Aspen Institute, President Kagame shared Rwanda’s progress and challenges.

President Kagame pointed to the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi as a lesson for all Rwandans:

“We came out determined and committed to reverse the situation. We looked each other in the eyes and asked one thing: who benefitted from Genocide? Not one single person or family benefitted from the Genocide.

We could choose to work towards a common good or the common destruction that we had already experienced.”

Speaking on the reconstruction process that followed the Genocide, President Kagame emphasized the importance of resilience:

“For us, the question was what happens if we fail to achieve? There was no alternative. What Rwandans have achieved is because of the resilience of the people. Other people can help but no one will carry our burden for us.”

The interactive session brought together members of the Aspen Institute and was moderated by Elliot Gerson, the executive vice president of the Aspen Institute who defined Rwanda as “a country of progress born out of suffering.”

Elliot Gerson pointed to the 90% of children currently in school in Rwanda, the fastest growth rate in Africa and the growth in life expectancy by 20 years as some of Rwanda’s accomplishments.

On the issue of women empowerment, President Kagame explained that the choice of empowering women is “simply common sense.”

Answering a question from Madeleine Albright, President Kagame spoke on the expectations for the upcoming US-Africa summit:

“We should not be going to repeat the same speeches but we should come out with something real. We need to be partners, where everyone is a stakeholder and benefits.”

The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization with a mission to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues.

Today’s conversation was attended by policy makers and various leaders including Madeleine Albright, former United States Secretary of State and Governor John Hickenlooper of Colorado.

President Kagame ended the day in Aspen with a dinner hosted by Marc Holtzman, Chairman of Meridian Capital and Samuel Robson Walton, Chairman of Walmart.

The dinner brought together leader in the business community for an interactive discussion on Rwanda today and existing opportunities.

August 4, 2014