Category: Diaspora

{{On 20th July 2014, the Rwandan community in Switzerland, Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community in Geneva and friends of Rwanda celebrated the 20th anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation day under the theme “Kwibohora20: Together We Prosper.” }}

The reception was hosted by the Embassy of Rwanda in Switzerland and was attended by over 150 guests.

A former journalist at Radio Muhabura shared his experience during the liberation struggle.

The keynote address was delivered by H.E. Dr. Francois-Xavier Ngarambe, Ambassador of Rwanda to Switzerland. He remarked that 20 years after Rwanda’s liberation is an occasion to reflect both on the history of our country and on the bright future we are building together.

H.E. Dr. Ngarambe paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Rwanda and called on Rwandans particularly youth to honor the memory of those heroes by continuing to promote their vision of prosperity, dignity and equality for all Rwandans.

He shared many of the achievements of the country following liberation and attributed the success to the visionary leadership of H.E. Paul Kagame and the resilience of the Rwandan people.

The celebration concluded with performances by the Rwandan cultural group Urunana of Switzerland.

{{Over 300 Rwandans, friends of Rwanda and members of the diplomatic community celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Liberation Day, Kwibohora20, at the Camden Civic Centre, in London, on 12th July 2014. }}

The celebrations were thrilled by scintillating performances by Rwandan artists, JB Samputu, Kitoko and British artists Iain Stewart and Sandra Goodley.

In a Libration Day message read on his behalf, UK Minister for Africa, Hon, Mark Simmonds, conveyed his best wishes to all Rwandans, noting: On 4th July, Liberation Day, the day when the Rwandan Patriotic Army forces took control of Kigali and ended the reign of the previous genocidal regime, I stood with you in spirit, acknowledging the sacrifices made and the astonishing progress made by Rwanda over the last 20 years.

During these 20 years, the UK has been Rwanda’s partner and friend; we are proud to have played a part in supporting the efforts of the Rwandan government to rebuild a secure and prosperous state which respects human rights and promotes freedom of expression.

As President Paul Kagame said in his speech in Kigali on the 4th of July, “Liberation is, and has always been, a campaign waged in the name of universal human values of equality, fairness, reason and above all the inherent worth of every person.” I whole heartedly agree with these words, he added.

In his remarks, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E Excellency Williams Nkurunziza acknowledged UK’s friendship and thanked all present for their solidarity: “Your presence here, instead of staying home to watch the football World Cup demonstrates your solidarity with us today.

Rwandans both at home and abroad celebrate this day as a key milestone in our history. It represents the day of triumph of good over evil; bravery over cowardice; light over darkness.

On this day, we remember how brave sons and daughters of Rwanda led by President Paul Kagame, then as Commander of the Rwanda Patriotic Army, starred the devil in the face, put their lives on the line and stopped the march of destruction orchestrated by a bankrupt genocidal regime.

Inaction would have meant the unthinkable: a complete annihilation of once section of society. We can never repay them for their courage and sacrifice, except with our infinite gratitude.”

“While they stopped the genocide, these liberators inherited a wasteland in which a million people were dead, over half a million women raped, a quarter million children rendered orphans prematurely and an economy in tatters.

As President Kagame said in his speech on 4th July, the legacy of genocide meant that the hard work of nation building begun after the guns had fallen silent.

And I can say, without fear of correction, that over the last 20 years since the guns fell silent, our leaders have done an excellent job in rebuilding a fractured society.

Yet much remains to be done to entrench democracy, secure the peace and build shared prosperity for the benefit of all Rwandans,” Amb. Nkurunziza added.

He then thanked the UK for being a true friend during Rwanda’s journey of reconstruction and development as well as the Rwandan community abroad for continuing to be a solid source of strength for their country.

“In our Journey, we have benefited from many international friends and none has been greater than Great Britain. We have also benefited from the passionate and material support of many in our Rwandan communities abroad.

We thank you, but the work is not yet done. Together, we must rededicate ourselves to continued service to ensure we bequeath a more peaceful and prosperous country to posterity ,” he noted.

Amb. Nkurunziza’s sentiments were echoed by Mr Kalisa Karemera who, speaking on behalf of the community, called on Rwandans in UK to promote unity and love for their country; work together to shape the youth as the inheritors of tomorrow and strengthen their community’s economic and social profile by borrowing lessons from best practices in Diaspora development from around the world.

“We must remain united and inspire our children to love their country and contribute to its future development,” he said.

{{Rwandan Contingent serving under the United Nations-African Union Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Sudan, celebrated the 20th Rwanda’s Liberation Anniversary under the theme “Together we prosper”.}}

In a colourful ceremony, the Peacekeepers were joined with UNAMID Officials, Sudanese Government Officials, Sudanese Armed Forces Officials, Local community leaders and Rwandan Community living in Sudan.

The events took place on 4th July 2014 in El Fasher and Zalingei in Darfur, Sudan.

In El Fasher, Maj Gen Balla Keita the UNAMID Deputy Force Commander who was the guest of Honor of the day recalled in his speech that the celebration was about the remembrance of the past struggle that united the people of Rwanda.

Gen Keita further highlighted that the people of Rwanda have understood that the liberation is a process whose main objectives must be uniting the people and ensuring their wellbeing, all based on good and accountable governance.

He commended the progress Rwanda has achieved in only twenty years. “In fact (Rwanda) has made an extra-ordinary progress since 1994, and in just twenty years has transformed itself into one of the Africa’s most remarkable success stories”, said Gen Keita, before adding that the liberation sacrifices are the seeds from which the new Rwanda grows.

“You have demonstrated that your humanity and professionalism have led you to the achievements you are celebrating today”, Maj Gen Balla Keita, observed.

In his remarks, Col Sam K Baguma the Rwanda Contingent Commander in Darfur reiterated that Rwanda Defence Forces, alongside fellow Rwandans, are now fighting poverty to achieve development.

He further noted that in the same sprit RDF peacekeepers deployed in UNAMID are fully committed to ensure Darfur citizens have security through mission mandate.

“In addition, we have come up with different initiatives where Rwandan soldiers have been involved in different activities like community work, medical care for IDPs, to mention but a few”, said Col Baguma.

In Zalingei, Lt Col Fred Rwanyamugabo the Rwanbatt38 Commanding Officer, after welcoming the guests, reminded the audience the theme of Liberation 20 “Kwibohora 20: Together we prosper” and the purpose of celebration.

In his speech, Lt Col Fred Rwanyamugabo highlighted the major headlines of bad governance Rwanda experienced since the colonial era which forced the exiled Rwandans to launch a campaign to liberate Rwanda, peaceful means having failed for several years.

In this regard, he recalled that the liberation struggle launched in 1990 aimed at restoring the right to citizenship for all Rwandans, regaining real independence, laying emphasis on good and accountable governance and establishing a true Rwandan nation defined by Rwandans.

“Today Rwanda stands as a new resilient nation of people defined and united by hope and common values”, Lt Col Rwanyamugabo observed.

He also reiterated that Rwandans have finally regained “Agaciro” (self-esteem), before concluding that celebrating Liberation reflected the road traveled by Rwandans during their liberation struggle.

The 20th Rwanda’s liberation Day celebrations in Sudan were marked by speeches, military parade and Rwandan traditional dance.

{{The Embassy of Rwanda in Berlin Germany on July 7 hosted a reception on the occasion of the 20th Rwandan Liberation Day. More than 140 guests followed the invitation to join Rwandans in observing the national festivities. }}

Among the participants were representatives of the Federal German Government, Members of the Federal Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, friends of Rwandan and the Rwandan community residing in the jurisdiction of the Embassy.

Ambassador Christine Nkulikiyinka was joined by the German Foreign Office’s State Secretary Mr. Stephan Steinlein.

In her speech the Rwandan envoy to Germany explained the long way Rwanda has come since it was liberated from a genocidal regime. She paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the liberation struggle.

“We are grateful for their sacrifices and express our recognition towards their families who each are bearing the individual consequences of those sacrifices,” Ambassador Nkulikiyinka said.

She underlined that for Rwandans liberation came with the responsibility to shape their country’s future and highlighted how Rwanda had not only advanced in order to provide more public goods to its population but also how the country had found home-grown solutions for the post-genocide challenges.

She thanked those who had supported Rwanda in the past and will do so in the future “We appreciate your solidarity and support to Rwandan solutions to Rwandan challenges.” She also expressed her gratitude to the German government.

State secretary Steinlein echoed Rwanda’s achievements and congratulated the country on the road successfully taken. He expressed he was impressed by the reconciliation processes and achievements in economic development.

He stressed the important role Rwanda is playing internationally and in the region and lauded the country for signing the Addis-Ababa Framework Agreement.

He especially mentioned Rwanda’s pioneering contribution towards peace and stability on the African continent, in particular through its peacekeepers in missions in Mali, South Sudan and recently in the Central African Republic.

He added: “We also pay recognition to your commitment to strengthening democratisation and an open society.

We commend the new Criminal Code, new media laws and the peaceful parliamentary elections in 2013, and we pledge our continued cooperation in this respect.”

He expressed his government’s support for R2P and urged the international community to draw and implement lessons from the 1994 genocide in Rwanda towards current conflicts.

The state secretary expressed his government’s strong and lasting ties with Rwanda and re-affirmed the two countries’ good relations, best reflected in vivid partnerships such as the “Jumelage” connecting people in Rwanda and Rhineland-Palatinate.

He concluded: “Please be assured that Germany continues to be, now and in the future, a reliable partner for Rwanda.”

The evening was framed by lively and rhythmic performances of the professional cultural group “Ihanika” which provided the guests with a flavour of Rwandan culture.

The Ambassador also utilized the reception to launch a book about Rwanda she had edited over the past months.

The book “We are Rwanda” whose first edition is published in German portrays 35 different personalities and their particular relation with Rwanda.

Rwandan citizens and officials deliver a very personal account of their lives post-genocide. German citizens and officials tell about how their very own relationship with Rwanda evolved and shaped their view of the country.

The book aims at telling Rwanda contemporary life from a Rwandan perspective for a German audience.

A part of the related photo exhibition of the portraits of Rwandans was showcased during the event as well. The exhibition will be on display in different cities throughout Germany.

The Rwanda battalion (Rwandbatt2) deployed in Malakal City/Upper Nile State/South Sudan was joined by friends, United Nations Mission in South Sudan Staff, Local Leaders and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) under Rwandan Force protection, to celebrate 20th anniversary of Liberation Day.

Like at national level, the Kwibohora (Liberation)20 event in Malakal was celebrated under the theme “Together we prosper”.

In his speech, the Rwanbatt2 Commanding Officer (pictured above), Lt Col Lemuel KAYUMBA, highlighted the Rwanda’s achievements during the last 20 years in health, education and economy sectors. He furthermore noted that the liberation remains a process and the Rwandan one still continues.

The UNMISS Upper Nile State coordinator (right on the photo), Madam Deborah Schein also appreciated the achievements made in Rwanda after Liberation war and 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She hailed the Rwandan contribution to Peace Keeping Missions in different countries.

Kwibohora20 celebration event held at Rwanbatt2 Head Quarters in Malakal, South Sudan was marked by Rwanda Peacekeepers military parade, martial art, Rwandan traditional dance and speeches, among others.

{Rwanbatt2 Commanding Officer (pictured above), Lt Col Lemuel Kayumba}

{UNMISS Upper Nile State coordinator (right on the photo), Madam Deborah Schein }

{{Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Williams Nkurunziza, is the new Chair of Commonwealth Secretariat Board of Governors. }}

Having been elected unanimously by his fellow Board members, he took up his responsibilities on 1 July 2014.

Mr Nkurunziza succeeds His Excellency Carl Roberts, High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, and will serve in this position for two years.

All 53 Commonwealth member states are represented on the Board of Governors, which meets annually to consider Commonwealth Secretariat work plans and budgets.

Speaking after discussions with Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma at Marlborough House, the Commonwealth headquarters in London, Mr Nkurunziza said: “I am profoundly grateful to my fellow Governors for their confidence and for entrusting me and my country with this important responsibility.

I look forward to working with my fellow Governors and the senior management of the Commonwealth Secretariat to ensure that the organisation continues to deliver good value to the member states and all our citizens.”

Greeting Mr Nkurunziza on his first day as Chair, the Commonwealth Secretary-General said: “The High Commissioner for Rwanda takes up his duties as Chair of our Board of Governors on the day we open a new chapter at the Commonwealth Secretariat. The structure of our divisions and our staffing arrangements have been reformed.”

Mr Sharma said he felt sure that they would enjoy a warm and productive relationship as they work together to deliver the Secretariat’s strategic plan for advancing democracy, development and respect for diversity in all Commonwealth countries.

He said: “I look forward to working in close and fruitful collaboration with His Excellency Williams Nkurunziza to serve the needs of all our member states in fresh and practical ways, and to achieve impact that will fulfil their high ambitions for the Commonwealth.”

The Secretary-General said that Mr Nkurunziza comes well prepared for the role of Chair, having served as Chair of the Board’s Executive Committee for the past year.

About HE Williams Nkurunziza

Prior to taking up his role in the UK, Mr Nkurunziza served in India, as High Commissioner of Rwanda there, with concurrent accreditations to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka as well as designate-Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Union of Myanmar.

Before joining the diplomatic service, he served as Director General of the Rwanda Investment and Export Promotional Agency (RIEPA) during which time he worked tirelessly to reposition post-genocide Rwanda in the international marketplace as an ideal investment destination and a reliable trading partner.

During this time, he also served on President Paul Kagame’s Presidential Economic Advisory Council.

H.E. Nkurunziza is widely travelled and has attended and or addressed international conferences and seminars in over 50 countries across the world – in the Americas, Europe (including the UK), Africa and Asia, on Rwanda’s socio-econo-political development, investment opportunities and potential for trade partnerships.

{{Rwanda Mechanised Infantry Battalion (RwaMechBatt1) Forces serving in the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) organized Army Week activities in Bangui to mark 20th Liberation of Rwanda. }}

The peacekeepers were joined by youth to clean the environment at a nursery school, Centre Social de Miskine, Bangui on 30th June 2014.

Rwanbatt Mech1 CO Lt Col JP Karangwa told Local citizens that the aim of these activities was to encourage the population in Central Africa to take in hand their destiny while working for the development of their own country.

“After liberating our country, we (the Army) got involved in such activities that boosted the development of our country. Don’t wait for somebody else to develop your country” Lt Col Karangwa urged the gathering after cleaning activities.

The peacekeepers distributed schools equipment to the students including note books and pens. They also shared food with local population, Rwandan culture known as “ubusabane” carried out to demonstrate strong friendship with somebody.

The activities will continue tomorrow and following days by constructing bridges that link Bangui Mpoko I and Bangui Mpoko II quarters in Bangui capital.

The bridges once operational, will help 6300 citizens in the surroundings to transit easily in different localities and access medical facilities in the area.

{{Rwanda Mechanised Infantry Battalion (RwaMechBatt1) Forces serving in the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA), on 21st June, conducted community work “Umuganda” in the area of Ngaragba prison, 7th arrondissement in Bangui.}}

The Peacekeepers were joined by the local police, gendarmerie and local leaders in the area of Ngaragba.

The aim of the community work was to clean the area surrounding Garagba prison and rehabilitate the road network heading to 4th Arrondissement, according to Rwandan contingent in MISCA who organised the community work.

After the community work, Rwanda Peacekeepers held the meeting with the local community and explained the essence of community work and its role in socio-economic development of the country.

“umuganda as one of the Home Grown Solutions, undertaken on the last Saturday of every month in Rwanda is an initiative for self-reliance, development catalyst and dignity”, Maj Bosco Muhizi told the local population in Bangui after the community work.

The peacekeepers introduced “umuganda” in the Central African Republic on 23 February 2014, by cleaning the areas surrounding their military camps hoping to extend the community work in the whole Bangui and beyond with the help of local authorities and primary beneficiaries: the local population.

Ngaragba prison in the capital Bangui is under joint protection of Rwanda Peacekeepers and local gendarmerie.

MOD

{{On Wednesday 18/06/2014 the Rwanda High Commissioner to Ghana based in Abuja, Ambassador Joseph Habineza presented the letters from HE Paul Kagame President of the Republic of Rwanda addressed to HE John Dramani Mahama President of the Republic of Ghana, by which He has been accredited as High Commissioner of The Republic of Rwanda to the Republic of Ghana based in Abuja.}}

The ceremony that took place at the Flagstaff House in Accra was attended by The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, Hon. Hanna Teteh and other Senior officials from the Presidency and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation of the Republic of Ghana.

Ambassador Joseph Habineza was accompanied by his spouse

After receiving the letters, HE President Mahama congratulated the High Commissioner for his accreditation and wished him success during his tenure. He expressed his wish to see bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Rwanda be at the peak before the tour of the Rwanda High Commissioner to Ghana comes to it’s end.

The President emphasized on the draft of the General Cooperation Agreement that has been submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation and insisted it should be signed and implemented.

The Rwanda High Commisioner to Ghana conveyed to HE President Mahama, the warm greetings from HE President Paul Kagame. He recalled the courageous attitude that the Ghanean contingent adopted during the Genocide against Tutsi when they remained in Rwanda while other UN peacekeeping forces were recalled to their countries.

He briefed HE President Mahama about the new Rwanda , her vision and businesses opportunities. He invited Ghaneans to visit Rwanda for business and tourism.

At the end of the ceremony President Mahama asked The High Commissioner to be often visiting Ghana despite being based in Abuja

{{Rwandan Students in South African Province of Kwazulu Natal gathered to mark the 20th Commemoration of Genocide against Tutsi that claimed over a Million lives.}}

The event held on May 10th was organised by Rwandan students community of Pietermaritzburg in Kwazulu Natal/South Africa led by Arnaud Kayonga the chairperson and the Kwibuka 20 ceremony officiated by Rwanda’s High Commissioner to South Africa HE Vincent Karega.

Rwandan students and their African colleagues came together to remember.

Presentations were made on Rwanda’s history Including; pre-colonial, colonial, post colonial, genocide and post genocide era made by Mr J L Buhigiro, a rwandan student on Phd studies in education.

DVDs on genocide and post genocide recovery were aired. In his speech HE Karega highlighted the root causes of the Genocide targeting Tutsi in Rwanda and its consequences in the country and the Great Lakes region.

He also elaborated through the theme of the year on the progress made in reconciliation, recovery and the transformation agenda.

A question and answer session followed to allow south African and other African young students to understand the matter further.

In conclusion the importance of a united and educated society with good leadership were seen to be the key factors for a true never again in Rwanda and elsewhere.

The next Kwibuka in Southern Africa is scheduled in Harare/Zimbabwe on the 14th this month.

The Kwibuka events held is Southern Africa have been precious moments particularly for the rwandan far from home to reconnect with their history and the country vision.

The get together also re energised an impetus in people to refocus on their remote role on how best to contribute to the rebuilding of a new Rwanda.