{{Rwandan local artists, Masamba Intore and Mihigi Mihigo Francois Chouchou flew out of Kigali to Toronto,Canada where they are scheduled to perform at the Rwanda Day event from September 27- 28th.}}
Speaking to IGIHE before departing from Kigali to Toronto, Masamba said he is ready to make the event so special through entertainment as he always does at different events.
“There is something new that I bring to those who will attend Rwanda Day Canada Day 2013” Masamba said adding that participants in Canada will enjoy traditional music inherited from Rwandan culture.
Mihigo Francois Chochou who will also perform live at Rwanda Day alongside Masamba, has said, through the music, he will do his best to attract Rwandans living abroad to take time and come to Rwanda to witness the progress that the country has made.
{{Rwanda Day brings together Rwandans and friends of Rwanda living around the world to reaffirm their core national value of Agaciro celebrating the country’s progress and discuss ways of being part of Rwanda’s social-economic transformation. }}
It is an opportunity for Rwandans to meet, interact and exchange views on their country and how they can contribute to the vision of a modern, unified and prosperous nation.
Rwanda’s success depends on Rwandans living at home and abroad working together as well as partnering with friends of Rwanda to achieve the set goals.
Past events held in Boston, Chicago, Paris and Brussels were a resounding success and attracted many thousands of Rwandans who are committed to their country’s development.
While remaining a few days to make that event happen in Canada, Rwandans living at home have given different opinions about Rwanda Day Canada 2013 and what they expect from the event.
A number of citizens who spoke to IGIHE confirmed that they have seen positive impacts from previous events while at the same time expecting the same from the forthcoming event scheduled to take place in Canada from 27th to 28 September 2013.
Pascal Gakuru, a businessman in Kigali city, says Rwanda Day is an opportunity for Rwandans living abroad to meet their leaders adding that the day also has became another opportunity to attract investors who are interested in doing business in Rwanda.
He said that he is expecting that friends of Rwanda in Canadians will get to know the real image of Rwanda.
“From what I heard from previous events and what I witnessed, Rwanda Day has been an opportunity to attract investors and they have already started their businesses in Rwanda. So this one to be held in Canada, I think there should also be some people who will decide to shift their business to Rwanda” Said Gakuru
He added that while investors from the United States will come to Rwanda-it will increase the culture of competition among local business practitioners.
Marlene Nikuze, another Rwandese, said that due to Rwanda Day events, Rwandans living abroad have committed to keep in touch with their native country. She said this special event will raise awareness among Rwandans to keep supporting their country.
“I am optimistic that Rwanda Day Canada 2013 will increase the commitment among Rwandans who want to contribute to their national development as they have done when they decided to create the “One Dollar campaign “to support victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi especially homeless orphans”
Although no exact number of Rwandans living in Canada, but there are between 13, 000 and 14, 000 Rwandans there. Holding the event there means the message will reach very many Rwandans and many Rwandans at home are having beyond expectations.
{{A Rwandan student of Annamalai University in India has been held on charges of raping a woman from the same country [Rwanda]. The woman is also studying at the university.}}
The Rwanda High commission in India acknowledged to IGIHE that:”It is aware of the case in Chidambaram in which a male Rwandan Student at Annamalai Universiry in Tamil Nadu is alleged to have raped a Rwandan female student.”
However, Mucyo Rutishisha, the 2nd Counsellor to the embassy wrote to us “The case is under police investigation and the alleged suspect is under judicial custody. For legal reasons, we cannot reveal the name of the suspect or the victim”
He said the High commission is following up the case closely and will update IGIHE as investigations progress.
Police in Chidambaram said the woman lodged a complaint with Annamalai Nagar police station saying her colleague [{name withheld}], 22, a second-year MSc student of information technology, had taken her to his house last Friday and raped her.
She was admitted to the university’s medical college-cum-hospital. Police registered a case against the suspect and arrested him on Sunday.
They produced him before a court, which remanded him in judicial custody.
The woman said she received an invitation for sightseeing and after visiting a few places she requested him to help her reach a friend’s house located near his residence in Annamalai Nagar.
The accused had promised to do so but took her home and raped her, she alleged.
DSP R Rajaram said police received information from the medical college-cum-hospital about a rape case and a team went there to obtain the woman’s statement.
“We’ve obtained the medical report of the woman and we’ve requested the judicial magistrate to order a medical examination of the accused to ascertain the rape charges,” said Rajaram.
{{Young Rwandan Professionals (YRP) have organised an event dubbed {Rwanda Week Europe Forum 2013 }.
The event will take place on September 12-14 in Geneve aimed at promoting Entrepreneurship, Investiment and Innovation and finding motivated and professional partners to transform their vision into a reality.}}
IGIHE held an exclusive interview with Kageruka Alexandra a YRP member. Below are excerpts of the brief interview.
IGIHE: {{Why have you organized such an event?}}
{{Kageruka Alexandra}}: The idea is, as written above, to transform an idea into reality
The mission of YRP is to accompany entrepreneurs of the Rwandan diaspora settled in Europe to achieve their goals. Ingenuity and motivation are the key words however lots of obstacles such as time, money, work and family can prevent to move forward.
YRP is then committed to collaborate, surround, showcase and support several projects from the very beginning up to the achievement of it.
This initiative started 3 years ago with the platform Rwanda Business. A few “ Afro Optimistic “ partners gathered and decided to act more and talk less.
Different profiles were amongst the participants. They were entrepreneurs, owners of companies and working professionals coming from all over Europe (Belgium, Switzerland, France, UK, Turkey, …).
They met up in Brussels because they were aware that entrepreneurship, professionalism and action are the tools needed for a personal and a country development..
IGIHE:{{ How does the Rwanda Week Europe work?}}
{{Kageruka Alexandra}}: The Rwanda Week Europ takes place every year in a European city. Geneva was chosen as the host city for 2013. As it is the third time, maturity defines this edition.
Several thematic workshops and a plenary session are scheduled. Future entrepreneurs, projects leaders will present their cases and work, together with the attendees and partners, on a way to make it happen and be successful.
This year, the YRP manage to add a cherry on top of the cake.
The well- known concept”Happy People Party” will land in Geneva, Saturday 14 September from 22pm until 05am. First time ever in Europe and most probably a night to remember. A very nice and pleasant way to end up the whole event. King James and DJ Karim, famous artists in Rwanda, will attend the party and set Geneva on fire.
Rwandans living in South Africa participated in community Service also known as Umuganda to mark the Nelson Mandela Day on Monday.
Other particpants included several diplomats led by Rwandan High Commissioner to South Africa, Vincent Karega.
The gesture was at the invitation of the South African Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoane Mashabane.
Celebrated on the birthday of South Africa’s anti-apartheid hero, on July 18, the International Mandela Day serves as a key platform to honour Nelson Mandela by giving a portion of 67 minutes to community service.
The diplomats carried out various activities at the Diepsloot Primary School, in South Africa which hosts 1500 pupils.
These included planting trees, building a fence, painting, among others.
{Mashabane (C) and Karega (second right) during the Umuganda in South Africa/Newtimes photo}
{{The Rwandan American Community in the US will mark the 19th commemoration of genocide against Tutsi that claimed over a million lives in 1994.}}
The event is scheduled for April 13 at Dallas Fort Worth (RAC-DFW).
Several people are expected to attend including; The whole DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) Metroplex, includes the EAC Communities, Jews Community of Dallas, Kenyan,Tanzanian,Burundian,Ugandan communities in DFW, EACC East Africa Chamber of Commerce, EADBC East Africa Diaspora Business Council and Houston, San Antonio,Austin and Oklahoma,Abilene Rwandan communities.
During the event, the group will be led by Emmanuel N. Sebagabo to visit the Jews holocaust museum of Dallas, in downtown Dallas at 211 N Record St #100 Dallas, TX 75201.
{{Like Rwandans, friends of Rwanda and the International Community the world over, Rwandan community in Darfur, Sudan commemorated the 19th anniversary to honour and remember the genocide victims. }}
The National Theme of this occasion is“Let us commemorate the Genocide against Tutsi as we strive for self-reliance”. `
The Rwanda Military and Police Contingent Commanders invited the UNAMID leadership, Rwandan Community and Sudanese representatives to the occasion which was well attended.
The Guest of Honour at this ceremony was The Deputy Joint Special Representative in charge of Operations and Management, H.E Mohamed YONIS.
Also present were the Head of the Rwandan Diplomatic Mission in Khartoum, H.E. Muzungu MUNYANEZA, The UNAMID Force Chief of Staff representing the Ag UNAMID FORCE COMMANDER, Brig. Gen Shahid MAHMUD, The Ag. Police Commissioner Col.Dr. Mutassem ALMAJALI, the Ag. Director of Mission Support, Mr. Michael FLETCHER and a representative of the Burundian Community in Darfur Mr. Diomed.
{Observance of a minute of silence}
{Col. Ludovic MUGISHA, Rwandan Military Contingent Commander giving welcome address.}
The Rwandan Embassy in France has organized a Commemoration ceremony with the collaboration of UNESCO.
The event was attended at the impressive Room 4 Auditorium of UNESCO HQ and more than 150 people, attended by representatives of the French Government, permanent Delegates to the UNESCO, Ambassadors accredited in France, Commemoration partners (including NGOs, Survivors associations…), Friends of Rwanda and many members of the Rwandan Community in France.
The last commemoration event at UNESCO was during the 10th commemoration in 2004.
Mrs Lalla Aïcha Ben Barka, Assistant Director-General for Africa at UNESCO had very meaningful words on the value of remembering the Genocide. She highlighted that the Commemoration is a time of sorrow but also an opportunity for hope.
Mr. Alain Ngirinshuti, Vice Chairman of Ibuka France highlighted the mature perspective of the Survivors, 19th after the tragedy.
He insisted that a memorial in memory of the Genocide against the Tutsi should be raised in Paris to be inaugurated on the 20th anniversary.
In support to this initiative, an open letter has been sent to President Hollande. The Chairman of Ibuka France also insisted that the knowledge of the Genocide should be introduced in Education.
H.E. David Hamadziripi, Ambassador of Zimbabwe in France, Permanent Delegate to the UNESCO, and representing the Group of African Ambassadors in France delivered a very strong message on memory as a collective responsibility.
He also pointed at the issue of genocide criminals being active abroad, in particular in DRC. He concluded on the significance of Never Again as a promise of Peace.
Mrs. Corinne Brunon-Meunier, Deputy Director for Eastern Africa at the French MoFA and representing the French Government, delivered a balanced speech on the significance of the Commemoration.
She mainly highlighted the effort of the French government to improve the Justice system. She developed on the new department in charge of Genocide crimes and crimes against Humanity.
She also mentioned the forthcoming first case to be prosecuted at the criminal court (Cour d’Assise).
H.E. Ambassador Jacques Kabale concluded with a 10-minute allocution developing the importance of memory. After a tribute to the victims and the expression of support to the survivors, he developed his message on two main points.
First, Justice was presented as a disappointing process in France due to shortcoming, loopholes and obstructions.
Cooperative countries were given as an example of political determination.
Second, Security was presented as an issue directly related to the presence of genocide suspects sustaining a destructive agenda, particularly in DRC.
The Ambassador also invited UNESCO to act in support to the memory of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
He insisted on the relevance to list the 3 memorials of Gisozi, Bisesero and Murambi on the World Heritage.
He also insisted on the importance of including the Genocide in future “Education to Peace” initiatives.
In conclusion, the Ambassador ended with a statement of much resonance in the assembly: the Genocide against the Tutsi is a lesson of Humanity for the Humanity.
{Ambassador Jacques Kabale addressing a gathering during the 19th commemoration of Genocide against Tutsi}
{{On 8th April 2013, the Nineteenth commemoration of genocide against Tutsis was organized at the Embassy of Rwanda in Beijing and was attended by Ambassadors, Diplomats from different Countries accredited to China, Chinese officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Defense, representatives of Universities, Chinese from private sectors, and many other friends of Rwanda.}}
The ceremony started with one minute of silence to remember all genocide victims, followed by prayers by Pastor Shawn Powers, accompanied by Rwandan community in Beijing songs.
A short documentary on Immaculee Ilibagiza testimony was screened to put the audience fully in the context.
The Acting Dean of African Ambassadors H.E Ambassador Sikonina Victor, Ambassador of Madagascar delivered a speech calling for unity and reconciliation, urging all Diplomats to carry this lesson and teach the whole world that what happened in Rwanda should never happen again anywhere else. He wished Rwanda Peace, Prosperity and Justice.
In His speech H.E Ambassador Ngarambe thanked everyone for their continued support; he underscored the importance of drawing lessons from that unspeakable crime and stressed that “everyone should understand the necessity to fight all sources of poor governance, hatred, injustice and discrimination.
He affirmed that “lessons learnt must also help to prevent genocide from happening again anywhere in future, especially by analyzing and understanding the failure of the international community’s responsibility to protect endangered people, despite abundance of information on the preparation and the execution of genocide”.
The Ambassador called upon the international community, all well wishers, all friends of Rwanda to fight all genocide deniers because “forgetting or denying genocide is denying the humanity of the victims;
It’s assuring impunity to its planners and perpetrators, and it is making it possible for genocide to be repeated again and again.”
The ceremony was concluded with a movie “Sometimes in April”.
{{Rwandans living in Senegal have marked the 19th commemoration of the genocide against ethnic Tutsi in Rwanda.}}
The Genocide that happened in 1994 claimed over a million lives.
On April 7, hundreds of Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in Senegal marked this commemoration at Place du souvenir,in the capital Dakar.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Senegal, H.E. Ntwari Gérard thanked all the people gathered for the commemoration.
A Commemoration fire was lit by young Rwandan children symbolising hope for the future of Rwanda.
There was a minute of silence to honour the victims of the 1994 genocide against the tutsi that killed over a million lives.
“As humans we have an obligation to always remember the Genocide against the Tutsi so that it should never happen again both in Rwanda and elsewhere in the world. To undermine Genocide against the Tutsi is equivallent to deny the gravity of what happened in Rwanda. we must do more to prevent denial against the Tutsi Genocide.”
