Category: Politics

Addressing thousands of RPF-Inkotanyi party supporters at Busogo ground in Musanze District, the Head of State told the residents that he had tried his best to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to him.

“Being here asking you to make a good choice on July 15, 2024, I don’t have a big part to play in that election. That’s why I came here to thank you. Didn’t you put me in this position? So if you put me in, will you take me out? If you decide to take me out, you have your way of doing it, and I have no objections. All the work you entrusted to me in past years, I tried my best to do it, and you helped me. For what did not go well, you also share in the responsibility, just as you share in what went well,” President Kagame stated, further telling those who don’t wish Rwanda well to “tone down”.

Reflecting on Rwanda’s painful history during and after the colonial period, President Kagame noted that the country had made huge strides, especially in the last 30 years despite being derailed by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He attributed the transformation to the unique leadership of RPF, which took over the reins from the previous genocidal administration.

“The RPF represents uniqueness. It is unique in this history, unique in how things need to change. The question is, who makes these changes? How do they change? They are changed by you,” President Kagame remarked.

In an apparent reference to constant criticism from the West over democracy in Rwanda, President Kagame emphasized that Rwandans have the right to choose their leaders in a democracy.

“Democracy means choosing what is right for you, what you want, and having the freedom in that choice. Democracy is not about having someone choose for you; no one should choose for you, you choose for yourself. This should be understood here and elsewhere, including where it is said to originate.

“Where it originates, no one chooses for them, which is why they do not have the right to choose for others. This choice stems from the unique nature of a country, its people, and Rwanda,” he said.

The RPF chairman is running against Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Mbayimana Philippe, who is vying for the presidency on an independent ticket. Six other independent candidates had their candidature rejected after [failing to meet several requirements->https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/why-nec-rejected-presidential-bids-from-diane-rwigara-and-five-others] set by the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

The campaigns will close on July 13. Approximately 9.5 million people have registered to vote in this year’s parliamentary and presidential elections.

In his address, President Kagame reflected on the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed millions of lives and exposed a new dimension of inequality between developed and developing nations. He noted that while no country was spared from the virus, the timely access to vaccines and therapeutics was deeply uneven and unfair.

“The virus did not leave any country unaffected, but timely access to vaccines and therapeutics was deeply uneven and unfair,” he remarked at the event attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and Prof. José Manuel Barroso, the chair of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

During the height of the crisis, Africa and its partners vowed to collaborate in building vaccine research and manufacturing capacities for the long term. Despite the temptation to return to business as usual once the pandemic subsided, Kagame emphasized the importance of honouring this commitment.

“In the urgency of the moment, Africa and its partners vowed to work together to build vaccine research and manufacturing capacities for the long term. Once the pandemic passed, it would have been easy to forget this commitment and go back to business as usual,” he stated.

He commended France, the African Union, and Gavi for organizing this important meeting and the actions stemming from it, including the launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator. This initiative aims to ensure a secure future for vaccine production in Africa.

President Kagame highlighted the inauguration of the first end-to-end mRNA production facility on the continent in Rwanda last December, a process initiated in 2021 by the African Union with Senegal, Ghana, and South Africa. The centre is led by experts from across Africa, showcasing impressive continental collaboration, with the current head being from Nigeria.

“The process which led to this result was initiated in 2021 by the African Union with Senegal, Ghana, and South Africa as initial focal points. The experts leading that centre now come from across Africa. In fact, the expert leading that centre now is from Nigeria, bringing Africa together in a very impressive way,” he noted.

President Kagame also mentioned the recent announcement by CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) of $45 million in funding to support commercial-scale manufacturing at the biotech factory and develop robust pandemic preparedness capabilities, including research and development banks, the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation (ATF), the African headquarters of the International Vaccine Institute, and the African Medicines Agency.

“These efforts show what is possible with strong partnerships involving governments, scientists, and innovative companies,” he said.

He expressed his gratitude to the World Health Organization and the European Union, including France, for their support on this journey. Kagame stressed that the primary purpose of these collaborations is not merely to produce the vaccines currently in use in Africa, but to significantly improve access and health outcomes.

“The main purpose of these collaborations is not primarily to produce the vaccines that are currently in use in Africa. That is beneficial but does not really move the needle in terms of access and health outcomes,” he emphasized.

He highlighted the need to continue building Africa’s health institutions, such as the Africa CDC and the African Medicines Agency, and underscored the responsibility of African nations to increase contributions from domestic resources to fund public health initiatives.

“We must also continue building our continent’s health institutions, Africa CDC and Africa Medicines Agency, and that includes a responsibility for all of us in Africa to increase contributions from our domestic resources to fund public health as a continent,” he stated.

President Kagame concluded by reflecting on the lessons learned from recent global shocks, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership of Africa’s future and health.

“Recent global shocks have taught us many lessons. Perhaps the most important is to take ownership of our future and our health,” he remarked.

The Head of State reiterated the shared commitment advanced by the forum and thanked the audience for their kind attention. “That is a shared commitment which is advanced by today’s gathering. I thank you for your kind attention,” he concluded.

In a one-minute and 18-second video published on X, where the hacker group has more than five million followers, Anonymous told President William Ruto and the Kenyan Parliament to “respect the rule of law and the right to protest’ of #RejectFinanceBill2024 participants”.

“Greetings, Citizens of the world. This is a warning message to William Ruto, the Kenyan Government, and all members of parliament from Anonymous. It has come to our attention that there are discussions in parliament to pass the Finance Bill, which will unfairly tax the citizens of Kenya.

“Kenyan citizens attempting peaceful demonstrations are being unfairly harassed, arrested, and shot at with live bullets by the police force under your command,” the group said.

Anonymous, citing angry citizens sharing legislators’ phone numbers on social media to pressure them against the bill, threatened to hack the leaders and expose corruption and other “secrets”.

“Soon, there will be an uprising of hackers, many of whom may reside in your home country. Your secrets may no longer be safe, and there is a chance that all these secrets will be exposed to show how corrupt and unjust members of this parliament are, embezzling public funds for personal gain,” they said.

The group urged the Kenyan lawmakers to listen to the cries of its citizens and reject the Finance Bill in its entirety.

“On Thursday, the 20th of June, Kenyans will march and #OccupyParliament. We do not want you to amend the Finance Bill; we want you to reject it,” the hackers warned.

“Listen to the cries of your citizens, or the people of the world will resist you every step of the way. Citizens of Kenya, do not worry, Tuko Pamoja! We are Anonymous, We are Legion, Expect us!”

The hacker group is widely known for its extensive cyber attacks against several governments, government institutions and government agencies, corporations and the Church of Scientology.

The group is linked to the hacking of websites of major corporations like Sony and PayPal, as well as government entities such as the CIA.

In January 2011, Anonymous was involved in the Tunisian Revolution and engaged in DDoS attacks on key Tunisian websites—including the president, prime minister, ministry of industry, ministry of foreign affairs, and the stock exchange—taking down at least 8 websites and defacing several others.

{{Kenyan MPs take vote
}}

Kenyan MPs are expected to vote on the contentious Bill on Thursday afternoon, days after President Ruto bowed to growing pressure from Kenyans and dropped some unpopular taxes.

The Kenyan Head of State met MPs from the ruling coalition at State House Nairobi on Tuesday and allowed the amendments that included the withdrawal of proposed 16 percent VAT on bread, 2.5 per cent motor vehicle tax and hiking of tax on mobile money transfers to 20 percent from 15 percent.

Also withdrawn was a proposal to introduce a Ksh150 per kilogram eco-tax on plastic packaging materials, batteries and hygiene products including diapers and sanitary pads.

Unlike in the past, when protests were led by members of the opposition coalition, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the recent protests in Kenya are largely led by young Kenyans, popularly known as Gen Z, both on social media and on the streets.

This significant event is hosted by Gavi,Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, helps vaccinate half the world’s children against deadly and debilitating diseases, the Vaccine Alliance, in collaboration with France and the African Union. The forum aims to address critical issues related to vaccine sovereignty and innovation, emphasizing the need for equitable access to vaccines worldwide.

President Kagame’s participation highlights Rwanda’s commitment to global health initiatives and the importance of collaboration between nations to overcome challenges in vaccine distribution and development. The event can be followed live through the official link: [Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation](https://bit.ly/45zg0iJ).

This message was conveyed in a speech on Rwanda’s journey of reconstruction, delivered at an international conference held in Kigali City on June 17, 2024.

This conference focused on the role of international and Rwandan courts in prosecuting the crimes of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and discussing measures to prevent a recurrence of such events.

Minister Ugirashebuja began by noting that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, in which over one million people were brutally killed, was an act of extreme cruelty comparable to exterminating a nation. He compared it to the eradication of about 40 countries, each with a population of one million, and seven other countries, each with a population of over 10,000, similar to the number of Tutsi killed in a single day.

Minister Ugirashebuja also touched upon the scars left by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, noting that it was extremely difficult to bring together in Village Urugwiro the leaders who had become refugees and those from the previous governments.

He said, “There were meetings held in Urugwiro, and the first challenge of these meetings was to bring together some who had become refugees and victims of persecution, with those who were leaders in the two governments that followed Rwanda’s independence. Bringing them to the same table to discuss the country’s future was not an easy task.”

However, Minister Dr. Ugirashebuja Emmanuel explained that thanks to the good leadership established after the Genocide, which promoted unity, reconciliation, and proper justice, this challenge was overcome.

He also mentioned that significant efforts were made in Rwanda’s justice system to bring to justice those who committed the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, highlighting that Rwanda continues to request countries where suspects have fled to either extradite them to Rwanda for trial or prosecute them within their own legal systems.

During an interview with Nathalie Tocci, Director of the IAI (Istituto Affari Internazionali) for Foreign Affairs, held in Italy on June 18, 2024, Minister Cleverly noted the sharp rise in the number of migrants heading to European countries. He expressed concern about the exploitation of these migrants by criminals who may kill, kidnap, or abuse them.

Minister Cleverly highlighted that 80% of the migrants transported in small boats are young people, and many of those in need of help are girls and children who have been abandoned by criminals because they “appear to have no money and are not well-known. Criminals focus on their own profit.”

He mentioned that to stop these criminals from transporting migrants in small boats, the british government is working with various agencies, including those affiliated with the European Union and maritime security forces.

“But we also need to address the root causes of why people flee their countries—some are escaping persecution, while others seek better economic opportunities. In the UK, we have always welcomed migrant investors, but the current scale of migration requires us to prevent criminals from controlling our borders,” he explained.

Minister Cleverly said that the british government decided to tackle the migrant issue by economically supporting countries willing to host them, leading to the agreement with Rwanda.

This agreement, initially signed in April 2022, aims to resolve migrant issues and foster economic development cooperation.

Migrants sent to Rwanda will receive financial support and assistance to build their lives, advancing as Rwandans.

He emphasized that people should understand that after the governments of both countries signed this agreement, any migrant entering the UK using small boats will be sent to Rwanda instead of staying in the UK.

He explained that Rwanda is not a large country and lacks abundant valuable minerals, but it exports agricultural products and aims to compete in the international market. The british government will assist Rwanda in these efforts.

“We are asking Rwandans to provide one service for us, and we will pay for it. Those criticizing us for this payment are the same ones who want us to help African countries. It is clear that african countries like Rwanda want to improve their financial status, and I believe this approach is more sustainable than just providing aid. These countries want to move from an aid-based relationship to a trade-based one,” he said.

Minister Cleverly stressed that sending migrants to Rwanda is not harmful, as Rwanda has made significant progress in the last 30 years and is praised for its hospitality towards migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

“Rwanda is committed to addressing global issues and is in a strong position. It has developed significantly since the genocide period,” he said.

Some accuse the british government of rejecting migrants based on this agreement. However, Minister Cleverly responded that this is not true; instead, it is a measure to prevent crimes committed at sea, where criminals smuggle migrants and sometimes abuse them.

He explained that the UK regularly accepts asylum seekers, including those fleeing the war in Ukraine and persecution in Hong Kong, adding that the UK works with organizations like UNHCR to provide necessary assistance and aid.

Regarding Rwanda, Minister Cleverly confirmed that it is a safe country, and this will be reinforced by the provisions in the updated agreement between the two governments in December 2023, which guarantees that migrants arriving in Kigali will not be returned to their countries of origin. “We can now confidently affirm that Rwanda is a safe country,” he concluded.

The Office of the President announced that on June 18, 2024, President Kagame met with Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, who is on an official visit to Rwanda. Prior to meeting with the President, Bettel had meetings with other government officials to discuss the partnership between Rwanda and Luxembourg.

Rwanda and Luxembourg have a well-established and cooperative relationship. For instance, in October 2021, the Government of Rwanda and this Western European country signed a cooperation agreement aimed at developing the operations of the Kigali International Financial Center (KIFC).

The agreement focuses on enhancing the Kigali International Financial Center by building the capacity of its personnel and improving operational capabilities to elevate the center to an international level.

Additionally, Rwanda and Luxembourg have agreements in place to prevent smuggling and tax evasion.

Luxembourg is a very small country, covering an area of 2,586 km², with a population of about 645,000 people.

Economically, Luxembourg is often referred to as the “Paradise of Europe” due to its significant development since gaining independence in 1890.

The country’s GDP is $86 billion, with an average per capita income of $133,000 per year.

The financial sector is the backbone of Luxembourg’s economy, contributing over 30% to the country’s GDP and providing employment for over 50,000 people.

Despite its small size and population, Luxembourg hosts 128 banks, many of which are major international institutions.

The country is also a hub for financial oversight and asset management, ranking second globally in asset management, behind the United States.

Luxembourg’s financial institutions manage assets worth at least $5 trillion.

Life expectancy in Luxembourg is 82 years, with free healthcare and education for all residents, and free public transportation within the country.

This year set a record for the number of people aspiring to run for both the Presidency and Parliament.

Since 2003, 23 individuals have expressed interest in leading Rwanda, requesting permission to run for office at various times. However, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) found that nine of them did not meet the necessary requirements to run for office.

Regarding the Parliament, 2,426 people have submitted their candidacies to the NEC since 2003, though 154 of them were found to be ineligible.

Among these candidates were 64 independents, but only 30 met the necessary requirements and competed in the elections. No independent candidate has yet managed to secure the 5% of votes required to enter Rwanda’s Parliament.

The year 2024 set a new record.

During the 2003 parliamentary elections, 415 Rwandans submitted their candidacies to join the Parliament, with 391 meeting the requirements according to the NEC. From these, 80 deputies were elected to represent Rwandans in Parliament for a five-year term.

In 2008, as the terms of those elected in 2003 ended, new elections were held. At that time, 366 people, including 200 women, submitted their candidacies. After review, 11 were found ineligible.

In 2013, the number of aspirants for Parliament increased, with the NEC receiving 441 applications, including 221 from women. Out of these, 410 were approved, and 80 deputies were elected for the next five years.

Participation continued to grow over the years. In 2018, there were 539 aspirants, including five independents and 326 women. Of these, 521 were approved, including four independents and 322 women.

The year 2024 broke the record for the highest number of candidacies for both Parliament and the Presidency. For parliamentary seats, the NEC received applications from 665 people, of whom 589 met the requirements, including one independent candidate.

It is anticipated that this year’s elections will be attended by over 9.5 million Rwandans, with more than two million voting for the first time. The elections will have a budget exceeding 11 billion Rwandan Francs, provided by the Government of Rwanda.