Category: Diaspora

{{After taking a long break from musical performances, Rwandan artists ‘The Ben and Meddy are slated to perform to a big Rwandan Audience in Boston, USA.}}

Since the two left for the United States, they have produced hit songs that have been liked by Rwandan fans both home and Diaspora.

The event will be held on September 21-22.

This is the second time Rwanda Day is being held in USA. its expected to attract several Rwandans in diaspora.

Sam Mbanda the organiser of the event told IGIHE preparations have been made to ensure the event is a success.

{{Rwandans living abroad have started moblising funds as contribution to the Agaciro Development Fund which already has a total of more than Frw17Billion.}}

The community of Rwandans living in Kenya has so far contributed over Frw42Million—this was after Honourable Christophe Bazivamo moblised the diaspora in Kenya to make their contributions to the AgDF to help build their nation.

Bazivamo a Rwandan Legistitlator at the East African Parliament pledged US$1000.

Ben Rugaganzi the representative of Rwandan diaspora in the Peoples Republic of Tanzania said the Rwandan community in Tanzania has so far contributed over US$75,500.

He added that the contribution campaign will expand in other Tanzania cities.

{{‎President Paul Kagame has told over 100 Rwandan students and young professionals in China to carefully make use of the opportunity they have been provided.}}

He noted , “What you do with the opportunity you have been given defines Rwanda’s present, future and the dignity of our nation.You are not only leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today.”

The president added that; “I hope that wherever you go people recognize Rwanda in you, a Rwanda defined by self worth, unity and a common goal.”

{{The High Commissioner of Rwanda in the Republic of Botswana resident in South Africa presented letter of credence to H.E Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of the Republic of Botswana.}}

In his exchange with H.E Seretse Khama Ian Khama, The High Commissioner Vincent Karega reiterated the importance that the Republic of Rwanda gives to her relations with the Republic of Botswana.

He highlighted that Rwanda is proud to partner with its sister country of Botswana to improve the living conditions of their respective people and the focus of both countries in reshaping a better destiny for the African continent.

The High Commissioner of Rwanda also took this opportunity to brief H.E President Seretse Khama Ian Khama on the prevailing situation in the Great Lakes Region, specifically on the eastern part of DRC.

He highlighted that, through the International Conference on Great Lakes region, Rwanda has provided her will to make a contribution to lasting peace in Eastern DRC.

The High Commissioner of Rwanda emphasized on the need to look at the root causes of the conflict in order to bring about sustainable peace.

H.E President Seretse Khama Ian Khama reaffirmed the good existing relations between Botswana and Rwanda.

He highlighted that he enjoys fraternal relations with HE President Kagame and that they happen to discuss and exchange on issues of common interest.

Botswana and Rwanda share a lot in common. Both countries are landlocked nations and have been giving priority to issue of good governance by registering sustainable economic growth.

The two countries have also been exchanging experience on issues of agriculture, animal resource as well as defense.

Following this ceremony, the Rwandan community in Gaborone received the High Commissioner of Rwanda and pledged to play a significant role in the on-going Agaciro Development Fund.

They commended the Government of Rwanda for setting up such initiative which enables the Rwandan community abroad to play a direct role in the development of their country.

{{August 29, 2012, the Freedom Park, in partnership with the High Commission of Rwanda and Johannesburg Holocaust Center, organized an educational program on the Genocide of Tutsi.}}

The educational program targeted Grade 9 students to ensure relevance to the Grade 9 Social Sciences national curriculum.

“Genocide” is part of the South African national curriculum.

Students were sourced from various schools through facilitation by the Gauteng Provincial Department of Education (District level).

A criteria based on race, gender, class, resourced vs under resourced schools, etc. was used in selecting schools and students.

Each of the identified schools brought 10 Grade 9 students and one teacher. That resulted to 32 school learners and three teachers.

A four hour program was planned. The educational methodology was interactive; it utilized audio-visuals, promoted interactive educational approaches, and edutainment through storytelling.

The program was made of poster exhibition on Genocide of Tutsi, Educational activities on Genocide of Tutsi, Audio-visuals presentation, Storytelling on Genocide of Tutsi and an engagement with a Genocide survivor.

{{Rwandans in Belgium (DRB-Rugari asbl) are extremely concerned about the growing violence targeting its members in Belgium perpetrated by small groups of Congolese origin.}}

Several cases of beatings resulting in serious injuries and hospitalization have been reported.

On Saturday, July 28, 2012, one more incident occurred: The young man who we will call J. M. to protect his identity (22) was attacked in the subway station Merode and ended up in hospital with a fractured jaw. For the Rwandan Diaspora this was the last straw.

Such violence is committed in broad daylight, in public places (in the streets or in subways) by organized gangs of “combatants” who are claiming to seek a solution to the war raging in Eastern Congo.

DRB-Rugari is appealing to the Belgian authorities and the Belgian public to address the seriousness of these barbaric acts which constitute a flagrant violation of human rights, compounded by racist and xenophobic verbal aggressions.

These actions are creating a climate of fear and mistrust that undermine the social cohesion that the Belgian government and multiple social welfare associations – including our organization – are working on.

DRB-Rugari request to the Belgian authorities that they take all measures to ensure the safety of its members, as they do for every Belgian citizen or any other person living in its territory.

It is for all these reasons that the Rwandan community in Belgium decided to peacefully protest this outrage on Saturday, August 18, 2012 at Place de la Monnaie (1000 BXL) from 2pm to 4 pm.

DRB-Rugari appeal to the members of the Congolese community involved in the violence and hope they will understand that Rwandans living in Belgium are not protagonists of the conflict in eastern Congo and they are, in no way, related to the stakes of this war. Attacking them will bring no solution.

Finally, the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium, invites the Congolese community for a constructive dialogue in order to improve the cohabitation and the relations between the two communities in Belgium.

We hope it will be possible before one more victim suffers as a result of these tensions.

{{The Rwandan Diaspora of Michigan and Indiana hosted August 11 a graduation party for Joseph Masengesho and Dina Imbabazi, both of whom graduated from the Notre Dame University in Indiana.}}

Joseph Masengesho received a Master’s Degree in computer programming and Dina Imbabazi received a Master’s Degree in Electric engineering. This event was held in place in Niles Inn & Conference Center in Niles, Michigan.

During the opening speech, Rutsobe Nsengiyumva, Michigan and Indiana Rwandan Youth & Culture representative, challenged the graduates as well as young people who were present to continue developing themselves physically, mentally and spiritually so that those in the Rwandan Diaspora can consolidate collective skills and abilities to hasten ongoing progress in Rwanda.

Following Mr. Rutsobe’s comments was a prayer offered by Jaqueline Rufuku MI and IN representative for Gender. She took the occasion to welcome Dina’s Mom in Michigan on behalf of all the women of Diaspora.

Gatete Gaetan, president of the Rwandan Diaspora of Michigan and Indiana, also congratulated the graduates and thanked all the members of the Rwandan community for all their support of these graduates and challenged them to continue these endeavors.

He reminded the graduates to use wisely their knowledge to contribute to Rwanda’s development.

In response to the event, the graduates were overwhelmed by the Rwandan community support promising the audience that wherever they maybe that they will do their best to perform well and most importantly represent their country positively.

Rwandan students from Oklahoma Christian University and the youth from Indiana and Michigan had photos during the event as a sign of friendship and unity.

{{Strengthening governance and democracy is critical to the cause of social and economic advancement in any country.}}

The Government of Rwanda as a result views good governance as one of the key flagship programs which ensures essential condition for development and peace.

It is widely acknowledged that Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction, reconciliation and economic development have been marked by fundamental improvements in governance.

President Paul Kagame notes, “from experience that peace, security, and equal opportunities for all –including gender equality – are important pillars of good governance, and a strong basis for socio-economic development”.

In order to echo Rwandan’s unique model, ProfessorAnastase Shyaka, CEO of the Rwandan Governance Board was invited by The Atlantic Council and the International Republican Instituteand spoke at the “Democratic Governance Speakers Series”, in Washington D.C.,ongovernance in Rwanda.

Along with the Professor Shyaka was, Dr. J. Peter Pham, the Director of the Michael S. Ansari Africa Center at the AtlanticCouncil and Mr. Paul Fagan, Regional Director of Africa at the International Republic Institute.

During his remark, Prof. Shyaka provided a retrospective assessment of democratization and political governance in Rwanda.

Moreover, he analyzed the progress and challenges as well as identified strategic options used to reach the optimum goal of the present Rwanda’s model which is“citizen centered governance.”

Professor Shyaka also discussedRwanda’s Joint Governance Assessment program (JGA) which seeks to develop a common understanding of governance issues, various homegrown solutions and media reforms that contribute to the overall success of governance in Rwanda.

He also highlighted the Rwandan Governance Board being used as “one stop center” for governance in the country.

In concluding his remarks, Professor Shyaka also reiterated that building solid relationships amongst governments should go beyond “just aid” and therefore iskey in harboring positive governance between nations.

Over the next few days, Prof. Shayaka will also be part of the first “International Conference on Democratic Governance, Challenges in Africa and Asia” at the University of Pennsylvania and Cheyney University which is co-hosted by the Rwandan Governance Board.

The ultimate goal of this conference is to provide a platform to discuss multiple dimensions of democratic governance and corruption and help devise strategies to improve governance practices and anti-corruption strategies for the countries in the developing world.

The conference will also feature roundtable discussions with Ambassadors of Burkina Faso, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria and Botswana. Over 60 scholars and practitioners from Asia, Africa, Europe and the United States will make presentations and share their theoretical and practical insights on the challenges for democratic governance.

{{Rwanda’s Ambassador to Belgium, H.E. Robert Masozera visitied a Rwandan national Mwiseneza Jules that was hospitalized at st. Peter Hospital in Belgium.}}

Mwiseneza was rushed to hospital after being attacked by Congolese nationals. His jaw bone was broken during the attack.

Ambassador Masozera told IGIHE it’s the responsibility of the Rwandan embassy abroad to make a follow up on a Rwandan national that was attacked and providing any required support.

The Ambassador said, the visit to the hospital was meant to confort Mwiseneza and to show him that the government of Rwanda denounces anyform of mistreatment and attacks directed against Rwandans by the Congolese.

The Ambassador was accompanied by embassy staff.