Ministers drawn from eight EAC member states were in Zanzibar for a three-day retreat to deliberate on ways to foster sustainable peace, enhance security cooperation, and strengthen relationships among partner states. Rwanda was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and the Minister of State in charge of Regional Cooperation, James Kabarebe.
The ministers expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has escalated tension between the DRC and Rwanda.
The two countries have been at loggerheads in recent years over accusations of supporting armed groups to destabilise each other’s territories. The Rwandan leadership has often questioned the DRC government’s support for the FDLR militia which comprises remnants of the Interahamwe group that perpetrated the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. On the other hand, the DRC government accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 militia, claims the government has refuted.
At the conclusion of the retreat, the ministers issued a joint statement acknowledging that the viable path to sustainable peace and security in eastern DRC is through a political process. They recommended the convening of a summit of the EAC heads of state to breathe new life into the EAC-led Nairobi peace process.
The Nairobi peace process focuses on resolving internal conflict in the DRC, exacerbated by armed groups including the M23 and FDLR. It aims to achieve peace through dialogue between the DRC government and these armed groups operating in the eastern part of the country.
On the other hand, the Luanda process, led by Angolan President João Lourenço, aims to address the external dimension of the conflict, fueled by the militia counter-accusations. The initiative aims to promote the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
As part of efforts to resolve the DRC-Rwanda conflict, foreign ministers from both countries agreed to meet at the earliest opportunity to address the interstate dispute in line with the EAC partner framework.
The EAC also stated that the ministers of Rwanda and Burundi had agreed to meet by October 31, 2024, to discuss issues affecting their bilateral relations, which resulted in Burundi shutting its border with Rwanda earlier this year. President Évariste Ndayishimiye accuses Rwanda of backing the DRC-based armed group Red Tabara against his government, claims the Paul Kagame-led administration has refuted on several occasions.
Meanwhile, the EAC ministers also appreciated the humanitarian truce negotiated by the United States of America and recommended that the truce be extended indefinitely.
“Abanyabuzare ba Gicumbi muriyo? Muriyo njye? Mwebare kwija, nashemererwa kubareba omubwingi,” he said, throwing everyone into prolonged laughter and excitement.
This is translated as, “How are you my relatives from Gicumbi? I hope you are well. I am happy to see you today in large numbers.”
Rwanda shares a border with Uganda at Gatuna (Gicumbi district) and Rukiga is the local language used in Kabale, the border town on the Ugandan side.
While in Gicumbi, Kagame held an interactive discussion with various content creators at Mulindi, where RPF and its army wing, RPA, were headquartered during the liberation struggle in the 1990s.
He later hit the campaign trail where he thanked supporters for tirelessly participating in the development of their district.
Kagame told the gathered residents, mainly from Gicumbi, Rulindo, and Burera districts how he had fondly missed them and thanked them for coming out in large numbers to support him.
He reminded them that on July 15, 2024, there would be the task of electing the President, he had all his hopes in them to make the right choice.
The incumbent head of state explained to the residents that the elections signify the continued journey of building Rwanda for the past 30 years, which is based on maintaining the security of this country.
He said, “Building ourselves starts with security, protecting what we build and protecting our people. Development is based on good ideas and governance that leaves no one behind. In the politics of the RPF and the other political parties we work with, we leave no one behind and invite everyone to participate in activities that promote personal and national growth.”
Kagame noted that poverty, ignorance, and disease had ended with those who had destroyed the country many years ago, stressing that the youth, in particular, had a very crucial role in building the country.
He implored them to work together to bring Rwanda to the level of development of advanced countries.
He recalled being in Gicumbi while leading the struggle to liberate Rwanda that began in 1990, thanking them for sticking to the true principles of good governance.
“You are building the city, and I have been told that most of you are engaging in modern farming. But let me tell you, the best is yet to come! That is where we are headed,” he said.
In his keynote address, Kagame told the people of Gicumbi that the development they desire is within reach, thanks to their cooperation, strength, intelligence, and knowledge, especially from the youth.
The residents also responded in the affirmative. “We are Kagame’s lions and forever we shall be,” they chanted.
A resident of Gicumbi and member of the RPF Inkotanyi, Mukarwego Alphonsine, conveyed greetings from fellow parents to the Head of state, who responded in acceptance assuring them of his commitment to move the country forward.
He said, “You will not lack anything from us. You have worked hard, after that voting day, kindly invite me back and I will not hesitate. I will come back to celebrate with you. The bond we together remains the same.”
Over 250,000 residents gathered to hear from the President and all of them left overjoyed and excited.
Speaking ahead of his campaign rally in Gicumbi District, the RPF-Inkotanyi Presidential candidate disclosed that it was the Late Fred Gisa Rwigema who was supposed to be sent to the US for military training. Kagame was meant to go to Nigeria.
Ugandan authorities had picked Fred for the opportunity but it coincided with an existing plan by Rwandan refugees serving in the Ugandan army to initiate a liberation struggle in the early ’90s.
As then, Rwigema decided to decline the opportunity and preferred to stay behind to lead the newly formed military wing of the RPF with a sole aim of toppling the Genocidal regime of the Juvenal Habyarimana.
“That’s how I ended up going to the US,” Kagame said during the interaction with various content creators at Mulindi, where RPF and its army wing, RPA, were headquartered.
Several Rwandans held senior ranks in the military at the time and the Ugandan authorities plotted to send them for training in different countries as part of what President Kagame termed as a plot to destabilize their mission to liberate their own motherland.
“It was not me who was supposed to go for that course. I remember even when I arrived, I had to change the documents because everything was registered in Fred Rwigema’s names,” he disclosed.
“When we started organizing, the Ugandans got to know about it. We were doing it discreetly and even encouraging Rwandans from other parts to join the army. Some of us had had the opportunity of being part of the struggle from the beginning,” he recalls.
According to him, the Ugandan system wanted to disorganize their initial plan by sending the top four Rwandan commanders to attend courses outside the country.
Apart from him and Rwigema, Kagame said, “Peter Baingana was destined for Russia while Chris Bunyenyezi was supposed to be sent to some other place but we all agreed to go by our initial plans otherwise we would have to wait for another five years or something,”
He noted that when his group got to know about it, they decided to act fast. “I talked with Fred and encouraged him not to go anywhere.”
After declining the offer, Rwigema had to be replaced with Kagame.
“Of course, it created a bit of trouble but in the end, he was told that since he had rejected, then I had no choice but to go. They said it had to be either him or me,” he recalls.
To Kagame, this was a clear indication that authorities in the Ugandan army wanted the two separated. They thought if they got rid of one, they would create problems for the other.
“I went back and told Fred that our secrete plans had been discovered. So to avoid a possibility of going to jail, I just accepted the offer otherwise I also did not want,” he reminisces.
He further encouraged Rwigema to go ahead with the plans, promising to find his way back once the implementation stage came.
Unfortunately Rwigema died on the second day of the liberation struggle on October 2, 1990.
His unfortunate death Rwigema forced Kagame to cut short his training in the US and returned to take on the mantle as the leader of struggle.
The RPA forces settled at Mulindi in Gicumbi District, where they established their base. It was at this location that Kagame and the content creators toured and held a conversation ahead of the RPF Inkotanyi presidential candidate’s campaign in the area on Tuesday July 9, 2024.
As a matter of fact, prominent RPF Inkotanyi politicians and senior RPA military officers all stayed at Mulindi during the liberation struggle.
During Tuesday’s engagement, Kagame described an emotional incident when he stayed with his firstborn son, Ivan, in the house for about a week to bond with him.
“When Habyarimana’s plane crashed, the boy was here with me,” Kagame recalled.
All the strategies and meetings that helped the RPA liberate Rwanda, and the ideas used in the Arusha peace talks, were conceived in the area famously known as ‘Umulindi w’Intwari’.
When the Genocide against the Tutsi began on April 7, 1994, it was from this area that the RPA forces emerged to stop it, making Gicumbi among the first districts where RPA forces halted the genocide.
To preserve the liberation history, the National Liberation Museum Park was established at Umulindi w’Intwari to honour the RPA’s fight.
The pledge translates into the creation of at least 680 jobs per day with a special focus on women and youth, according to the ruling party’s five-year manifesto.
The plan entails a stronger collaboration with the private sector to boost productivity and economic growth over the 2024-2029 period.
Available statistics indicate that the job creation rate has been on an upward trajectory over the last seven years. This is despite the measures put in place to protect the health of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily halted some economic activities.
“By the year 2024, a total of 1,200,000 jobs have been created, representing 80% of the planned target,” the manifesto reads in part.
To achieve the new target, the RPF party plans to continue promoting technical and language skills, improving job market readiness, and supporting entrepreneurs to access capital.
“There will be increased efforts to facilitate small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing capital and enhancing project management skills to create more jobs,” the manifesto adds.
Additionally, the RPF plans to establish a mechanism to increase the number of jobs generated by large projects in various sectors, leveraging existing economic opportunities such as Bugesera International Airport, which is expected to start operations by 2028, Nyagatare Milk Plant, and the newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium.
Other efforts include the creation of a system that would simplify the exchange of information between employers and job seekers.
RPF further commits to promoting and forging partnerships aimed at increasing knowledge and job opportunities in the national, regional, and international job markets through economic diplomacy.
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The ruling party pledges to improve programs that develop technology and science projects, fostering innovation that creates jobs. The Kagame administration also commits to intensified efforts to create new jobs in cross-border services and the creative industry.
If re-elected the RPF administration also promises to enhance the capacity of professional associations and skill providers (sector skills councils) so that the private sector can collaborate with skill providers to identify and focus on job market needs.
Partnerships between the public and private sectors will also be prioritised to help the youth gain practical experience and learn on the job.
Part of the RPF administration’s plan to create new jobs includes expanding local industries with the output projected to grow by at least 13 percent annually until 2029.
To minimise expenditure on imports, plans are underway to set up a glass manufacturing plant for construction materials and bottles for beverage industries.
Further, the party pledges to increase the capacity of existing industries processing agricultural and livestock products with focus being on adding value to products for both domestic and international markets.
At least three new pharmaceutical industries producing medicines and other medical supplies will be established within the next five years.
Other projects include the establishment of a lithium processing plant to add value before export, alongside improvements in the processing of other valuable minerals like gemstones. A plant for manufacturing ceramics, tiles, and other related products is also among the pledges.
The unemployment rate in Rwanda stood at 12.9 percent by the end of the first quarter of 2024, according to the Labour Force survey conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
The unemployment rate dropped by 4.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2024. NISR said the significant decline brought back the unemployment rate to the pre-COVID-19 estimate of 13.1 per cent.
The latest trend shows that in the first quarter of 2024, one person was unemployed for every eight people in the labour force.
According to the report, gender disparities persist in unemployment, with females experiencing a higher rate at 14.5 per cent compared to males at 11.5 percent.
Furthermore, youth face a notably higher unemployment rate of 16.6 percent compared to adults at 10.3 percent.
“Be lions, not dogs. A lion cannot become a dog. You have the responsibility and obligation to step in and uphold the legacy that your fathers have established,” he said in reference to the youths, comprising the majority of those who turned up for the rally
The Head of State was addressing hundreds of thousands of fans from Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts while canvasing votes for RPF-Inkotanyi, a political Party for which he is the flag bearer.
Lions are fascinating creatures that inspire awe and admiration for several reasons. They are thought to be strong and courageous. Their social bonds and beauty, are of substantial ecological significance.
It is in this spirit that Kagame implored the people to be fearless, vigilant, and hardworking — traits synonymous with lions in various cultures and contexts.
He gave a rhetoric of how coincidentally, his family fled to neighboring Uganda through Nyagatare district in the 1950s and it’s the same route he used while leading RPA in the liberation struggle.
“I was a young kid when we became refugees in the neighbouring country. Ironically, the route we used to escape is the same route we came through during the liberation struggle in 1990,” he recalled.
“As we fled for our lives, most people left behind were uncertain about tomorrow. Upon return, we have ensured that every Rwandan has hope of living beyond just today.”
Kagame underscored that having fled and returned alive to contribute to Rwanda’s development has made him appreciate how lucky he is.
“I feel like the luckiest person on earth. Going through all those hard times but still survive is not because of my hard work, it’s just a blessing to keep serving my people.
“I don’t take this for granted, I always strive to use this opportunity to extend support to those who need my help while ensuring that those who lost their lives along this journey did not die in vain,” he remarked.
Kagame also addressed residents of Kayonza, Ngoma and Rwamagana districts who pledged to do anything in his reach to accelerate the continuous development strategies put in place by his government.
“Bringing development to your area is not a favour we do for you. It’s our obligation and we have to be held accountable,” he said
The president concluded by thanking other political parties that have merged with RPF in a coalition to extend constructive ideas with a major focus on building the nation.
“We can achieve a lot together despite our differences in beliefs and ideology. Let us all be proud to be Rwandans because the country is also proud to have us together,” he remarked.
Eight political parties in the forthcoming election have formed a coalition with the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). They are the Liberal Party (PL), Social Democratic Party (PSD), Ideal Democratic Party (PDI), Democratic Union of the Rwandan People’s Party (UDPR), Prosperity and Solidarity Party (PSP) and Rwandan Socialist Party (PSR).
This follows talks between Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and DRC’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Gracia Yamba Kazadi, in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The “constructive and solution-oriented” engagement was facilitated by Tanzania and South Sudan, the two co-chairs of the ongoing retreat bringing together ministers from the member states of the East African Community (EAC).
During the meeting, the two ministers are said to have demonstrated goodwill to resolve the existing conflict and endorsed a political solution as the best way out.
The talks were held in the presence of Ministers from Uganda and Kenya, and of the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of political affairs.
Also present at the meeting was Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation James Kabarebe.
“The meeting took place in a constructive and solution-oriented spirit, and the ministers of the two neighbouring countries, who demonstrated goodwill, underscored the need for a political solution to the crisis in eastern DRC,” Nduhungirehe said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) Sunday.
“In this regard, concrete decisions were taken to reinvigorate Luanda and Nairobi peace processes,” he added without revealing details of the decisions taken.
The three-day retreat kicked off in Zanzibar yesterday and offers a unique opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions, share insights, and collectively strategize on ways to foster sustainable peace, enhance security cooperation, and strengthen relationships among partner states.
The retreat comes a month after President Paul Kagame urged the EAC Secretariat to convene the ministerial meeting as a matter of urgency to address existing security issues in the region.
Speaking during the 23rd extraordinary summit of EAC Heads of State early last month, President Kagame disclosed an offer by Tanzania President Samia Suluhu to host the meeting.
Rwanda and DRC have been at loggerheads over the conflict in eastern DRC, which some leaders argue poses significant security threats to the Great Lakes region.
The conflict between Rwanda and the DRC has deep historical roots, including issues related to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the presence of the FDLR militia in eastern DRC. The FDLR militia comprises remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Both countries accuse each other of supporting rebel groups that destabilize the region, but Rwanda denies any involvement.
Efforts under the Luanda and Nairobi processes aim to create sustainable peace by addressing these underlying issues through dialogue, regional cooperation, and comprehensive security arrangements.
The Rwandan government has on several occasions accused DRC leader Felix Tshisekedi of frustrating the peace initiatives.
“There are processes in our region. There is the Luanda process in Angola, and there has been the Nairobi process in Kenya. There have been other efforts to try and help resolve the problems. For Rwanda, we have always been present and have contributed as much as we can to make it work.
“However, Congo had other ideas. When the East African Community deployed forces to help, the next day, he expelled them and selected those he believed would fight for him to continue what he has been doing. He brought in SADC forces and detached Burundi from the East African forces,” President Kagame said during a recent interview on France 24.
Xi landed earlier in the day in Kazakhstan, where he will also attend the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a grand welcoming ceremony at the airport. On Tuesday evening, the two leaders had a cordial and friendly exchange over dinner in a pleasant and warm atmosphere, discussing issues related to bilateral ties and issues of common concern.
UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP
This is Xi’s fifth visit to Kazakhstan and the second one in less than two years, following his previous state visit in September 2022.
“Thirty-two years ago, China was among the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan’s independence. China-Kazakhstan relations have since embarked on a new journey,” Xi noted in a signed article published in the Kazakh media on Tuesday ahead of his visit.
Meanwhile, in a written statement upon his arrival in Astana, Xi said over the past 32 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties, their relationship has withstood the test of time and the vicissitudes of the international landscape, evolving into a unique permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.
Xi recalled that 11 years ago, he first put forward the initiative of jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt in Kazakhstan, adding that today, Belt and Road cooperation between China and Kazakhstan has yielded fruitful results.
Two-way economic and trade cooperation has reached new highs, people-to-people and cultural exchanges have featured numerous highlights, and the two sides’ international cooperation has been close and efficient, which has not only improved the well-being of the two peoples, but also injected more stability and positive energy into the international and regional situation, Xi added.
China was Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner in 2023, with two-way trade up by 32 percent year-on-year to reach 41 billion U.S. dollars. Key exports from Kazakhstan to China include crude oil, metals, and agricultural products, and China has supplied Kazakhstan with machinery, electronics, and consumer goods.
Over the past year alone, a number of important agreements have been sealed, including the implementation of a mutual visa-free policy, the construction of a third railway checkpoint, the establishment of cultural centers, and the announcement of 2024 as the “Kazakhstan Tourism Year” in China.
The Kazakhstan-China relationship is built upon strong bonds of solid friendship and good neighborliness, Tokayev told Xinhua in an interview prior to Xi’s visit, noting that bilateral cooperation embarked on a new “golden 30 years” during Xi’s previous visit in 2022, the year marking the 30th anniversary of bilateral ties.
Xi’s visit this time is expected to bring a renewed focus on the multifaceted aspects of bilateral ties and cooperation.
In a series of meetings scheduled with Tokayev, Xi is expected to engage in detailed discussions aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the two nations. In Xi’s words, he and Tokayev will “meet and plan the way forward for further growth of China-Kazakhstan relations and discuss how best to take the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.”
“Kazakhstan and China are close neighbors, true friends, and partners. Today, both countries are at a key stage of their development and revival,” said Gulnar Shaimergenova, director of Kazakhstan’s China Studies Center.
The leaders of both countries have opened a new “golden 30 years” of bilateral cooperation, she said, adding that with bilateral relations growing at a high level, it is believed that Xi’s visit this time will open up new prospects for bilateral cooperation.
EVERLASTING FRIENDSHIP
Xi said upon his arrival in Astana that the everlasting friendship of the two nations has grown stronger over time, and set an example of solidarity, mutual benefit, and mutual success between neighboring countries.
“The history of China-Kazakhstan friendly exchanges is a strong testament to the fact that the development of our bilateral relationship conforms to the trend of history and that of our times,” Xi said in his signed article under the title “Staying True to Our Shared Commitment and Opening a New Chapter in China-Kazakhstan Relations.”
Time has provided many heartwarming tales epitomizing the profound friendship between the two countries.
Over 2,000 years ago, Zhang Qian, a royal emissary from China led a diplomatic mission to the Western Regions, opening the door to friendship and exchanges between China and Central Asia. The ancient Silk Road, of which Zhang was a pioneer, contributed to the friendly exchanges and mutual learning between China and Kazakhstan.
And the new era has welcomed more China-Kazakhstan friendship envoys, such as the ophthalmologist Saulebek Kabibekov, the “panda-man” Ruslan Tulenov, who voluntarily donated his rare type of blood in China, and the popular singer Dimash Kudaibergen.
The everlasting friendship was also fully manifested through the inviting ambience at the airport in Astana upon Xi’s arrival.
“On the vast and beautiful land stands our beloved homeland. We love peace, we love our hometown. The unity and mutual love make us steel-like strong,” a group of Kazakh teenagers, in white costumes, greeted Xi at the airport with the song “Ode to the Motherland” in Chinese lyrics in a show of respect and warm welcome of the Kazakh people for Xi.
At the airport, Tokayev greeted Xi together with a team of senior government officials. Xi chatted occasionally with Tokayev, who can speak fluent Chinese as he began learning Chinese when he was in college. In his recent interview with Xinhua, Tokayev said he now reads books in Chinese regularly and stays informed about Chinese political and socio-economic development.
For long, China and Kazakhstan have recognized the importance of fostering greater understanding and friendship between their peoples, viewing cultural exchanges as one major cornerstone of their bilateral relationship.
A bilateral agreement on mutual establishment of cultural centers has been signed. Chinese and Kazakh filmmakers have co-produced a film entitled “The Composer,” their first co-production. Bilateral programs for cultural cooperation, including a Chinese university campus in Kazakhstan, a Luban Workshop, and a center of traditional Chinese medicine, have been implemented.
Thanks to the mutual visa-exemption arrangements, a total of 600,000 cross-border trips were recorded in 2023. In the first quarter of this year, the number of visits in both directions amounted to 200,000 and are expected to reach a new high, official data from both sides have shown.
“Cultural and people-to-people cooperation plays an important role in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering friendship between the peoples of our countries,” Tokayev said.
“Our two countries need to strengthen public support for an everlasting China-Kazakhstan friendship. A deeper and stronger China-Kazakhstan friendship is what our two peoples aspire to. It is therefore important that we carry forward such friendship and enhance mutual understanding and affinity between our peoples through a diverse range of cultural and people-to-people exchange programs,” Xi said in his signed article.
Xi made the remarks when meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana.
He noted that President Putin paid a successful state visit to China this May, saying that the two sides are working together to make plans and arrangements for the future development of bilateral relations at the important historical juncture of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Russia.
Facing an international situation fraught with turbulence and changes, the two countries should keep upholding the original aspiration of lasting friendship, and sticking to the determination of benefiting the people, Xi said.
He urged China and Russia to continuously conserve the unique value in China-Russia relations, and explore the internal driving force of bilateral cooperation, saying that the two countries should also make new efforts to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests and safeguard the basic norms governing international relations.
China supports Russia in fulfilling its responsibilities as BRICS chair, uniting the “Global South,” preventing a “new Cold War” and opposing illegal unilateral sanctions and hegemonism, he said.
Noting that the SCO Astana summit will be held on Thursday, Xi said the Chinese side looks forward to working with Russia and other member states to promote the steady and long-term development of the SCO and build an even closer SCO community with a shared future.
China and Russia, Xi said, should continue to strengthen comprehensive strategic coordination, oppose external interference and jointly safeguard regional tranquility and stability.
For his part, Putin thanked Xi for warmly receiving him on his state visit to China in May, recalling that they celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Russia and China and made plans for the future development of Russia-China relations.
At present, Russia-China relations are at the highest level in history, Putin said, adding that the two sides respect each other, and treat each other with equality and mutual benefit.
He also said that Russia-China relations feature non-alignment and do not target at any third party, which conforms to the well-being of the two peoples.
Russia, he said, supports China in safeguarding its core interests and legitimate rights and interests, and opposes external interference in China’s internal affairs and the South China Sea issue.
Noting that China will soon take over the rotating presidency of the SCO, he said Russia will fully support China’s work and work with other member states to continuously enhance the international influence of the organization, safeguard regional peace and security, and promote the development of the international system in a more just and equitable direction.
As the rotating chair of BRICS this year, Russia looks forward to strengthening communication and coordination with China on BRICS cooperation, he added.
The two heads of state also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.
Xi stressed that China always stands on the right side of history, adheres to promoting peace talks, and is willing to continue to make positive efforts for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and other regional hotspot issues.
During a televised address from State House in Nairobi on Friday, July 5, 2024, President Ruto directed the Attorney General to draft a law to effect the ban on the fundraising tradition which is believed to have metamorphosed into a forum for the raw display of ill-gotten wealth.
“No state official or public servant shall participate in public contributions or Harambees going forward,” Ruto said.
“The Attorney General is hereby directed to prepare and submit legislation to this effect and develop a mechanism for structured and transparent contributions for public, charitable, and philanthropic purposes. This measure will be followed by changes in government that I will be announcing shortly,” he added.
The Head of State also announced Ksh177 billion budget cuts to seal the budget hole left after the [withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill 2024->https://en.igihe.com/spip.php?page=mv2_article&id_article=50901].
The Finance Bill 2024 sought to raise Ksh 346 billion in additional taxes for the government. However, the proposed law sparked protests from members of the public, particularly young Kenyans under the pseudonym “Gen Z”, who took to the streets to demand the rejection of what they termed as “punitive taxes”.
Ruto said the Ksh169 billion budget deficit would be raised through additional borrowing.
In the wake of the new economic realities and the need to cut government expenditure, President Ruto announced that 47 state corporations would be dissolved and merged with parent ministries.
He also announced that the number of executive advisors would be slashed by 50% and that funding would be cut for the operations of the Office of the First Lady, the Spouse of the Deputy President, and the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
Similarly, President Ruto halted the purchase of new government motor vehicles for 12 months, providing an exception only to security agencies.
He also announced that all public servants who have reached the retirement age of 60 must proceed to retirement immediately and emphasized the suspension of all non-essential travel by state and public officers.
The context in which leadership operates contributes to governance results which get enjoyed or endured by the people, depending on whether they are good or bad.
Leaders may genuinely believe that they are making the right decisions or acting in the best interest of their people, but their actions may also be perceived as ineffective, harmful, or self-serving by others.
For example, a leader who was effective in one aspect (e.g. startup phase) may struggle when the organization grows larger or faces new challenges.
Different situations may require different leadership styles and skills however, organizational culture stands out as a significant player in shaping leadership behaviors and outcomes.
By examining various factors, we can begin to demystify why bad leadership occurs, how it manifests, and what can be done to address or prevent it.
This understanding is crucial for fostering better leadership practices and creating healthier work environments.
In Rwandan history, a toxic or dysfunctional culture enabled bad leadership to thrive. Incompetence, lack of empathy, poor decision-making skills, and ethical lapses are what characterized the country for the past half a century.
Demystifying the paradox of bad leadership involves a willingness to learn from mistakes and feedback. Effective leaders continually seek to improve themselves and their leadership practices.
To appreciate and recognize that leadership is an ongoing process of growth and development, one needs not to look beyond the common Rwandan adage that “if you don’t talk to your father, you may never know what your grandfather said.”
To appreciate and recognize that leadership is an ongoing process of growth and development, one need not look beyond the common Rwandan adage: “If you don’t talk to your father, you may never know what your grandfather said”.
This can never be more true especially if you engage and pick insights from legendary politician and civil servant Mr. Boniface Rucagu.
Born in Nemba Sector, Burera district, the 76-year-old started engaging in politics at a very young age and lived through different regimes until now when he is still an active member of the country’s geopolitical set-up.
“I started attending meetings and political gatherings under the Rwandese National Union (UNAR) when I was barely 11 years old,” he recalls.
UNAR was a conservative Rwandan political party founded on 3 September 1959 by François Rukeba, and strongly supported by King Kigeri V.
At the time, Rwanda was still under Belgian administration, and UNAR was the leading monarchist party. It called for immediate independence under a hereditary constitutional monarchy.
Thereafter, Rucagu joined the Kayibanda administration shortly after independence. He served as Provincial Executive Secretary of Northern Province (formerly Ruhengeri Prefecture) when Kayibanda’s government was toppled by Juvenal Habyarimana.
Rucagu went on to become a Member of Parliament under Habyarimana’s administration which is widely believed to have orchestrated and masterminded the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Most leaders at the time were actively engaged in designing, planning and execution of the Genocide with harsh punishments imposed on those who hesitated or attempted to oppose the government’s narrative of getting rid of the “unwanted and dangerous” Tutsi.
Rucagu remembers that he was vehemently opposed to this narrative and ended up receiving backlash from his own government through media campaigns aimed at portraying him as an enemy and antagonist.
Notably in 1993, Kangura, a state-owned newspaper published in its edition number 46/93, a letter purported to have been authored by Rucagu in support of the ongoing preparations on how to execute the Genocide. He refuted the claims in a response letter dated July 21, 1993.
In his response, he said, “Dear Kangura readers, you may have seen a letter is full of insults, hate, discrimination, immoral thoughts and unethical opinions. I am here to inform everyone that I don’t agree with that document and it was not authored by me.”
“That document was written by an ill-intent person with malicious intentions are meant more to hurt than to help. It is intended to damage my personal reputation.”
He wondered how a person who was brought up with moral values, mingled with neighbours and friends, acquired education and became a publically elected leader could display such ill will, malignity and malevolence.
“The morals I have acquired for over 40 years cannot just vanish in a single day. I have never been party to racial segregation or any other kind of discrimination. I have ultimately decided to sue the newspaper in courts of law for the truth to come to light,” reads the letter in part.
Despite being part of the then government, Rucagu never minced words when it came to clarifying and engaging in what he believed was right.
At one time he openly showed and canvased support for the Rwandan Patriotic Army even when plans were underway to overthrow the Genocidal regime which he served.
On July 15, 1993, Rucagu told the electorate of Cummune Butaro (currently Burera district) where he hails, that Inkotanyi had good intentions for the country and would not hesitate to support them if need arose.
Fast forward, today at the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum, Rucagu is responsible for advising the government on national topical issues, national political orientation and challenges pertaining to good governance, justice, economy and social welfare.
In the aftermath of the Genocide against the Tutsi, efforts were put in place to pacify the country while trying to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Soon after 1994, the International Human Rights Commission instituted an investigation in Ruhengeri and Gisenyi to establish the magnitude of the Genocide and Rucagu was included as a possible perpetrator but he responded to them through writing proving his innocence.
The courage and unity that Rucagu has exhibited amid widespread diversity is a testament to the good things one can achieve without necessarily being bad to others.
Recently, Dr Bizimana Jean Damascene, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement took a swipe at those who accused Rucagu of Genocide without fully understanding his story in the context of Rwandan history.
“Not everyone who was in MRND as a Member of Parliament was part of the Genocide. I want to state it clearly that the truth he emphasizes in all his opinions is what has characterized him all his life,” Dr Bizimana said in a YouTube video that has since gone viral.
And whether we believe in earthly justice or heavenly rewards or penalties, in whatever you do, always remember that time is the most important factor in life and the truth will always set you free.
