The exhibition will take place from March 1st to 2nd at Kigali Exhibition and Conference Village (KECV).
Speaking to the Media, the Chief Executive Officer of the organizing company, APEX Media and Promotions, Ignatius Kabagambe said that the exhibition will present opportunity to spur collaboration between international organisations operating in the country.
“There will be services exhibition and inter-exchange and sharing of best practices, presenting opportunity to evaluate the achievements in past 20 years and the role of NGOs in the development as well as reflecting on quick services delivery,” he said.
The Programme coordinator, Valentine Mukanyarwaya said that NGOs, usually do not have a platform that helps them to exchange ideas on problems they face.
“Among factors that made us organize this exhibition is that both local and International NGOs had no platform that brings them together. Local NGOs have their platform and international ones have theirs, and finally they don’t get the opportunity to exchange ideas about problems they should solve. This will be the opportunity to bring them together,” she said.
Mukanyarwaya explained that during the exhibition, they will train workers and managers of NGOs about good services delivery.
Rwanda Civil Society Platform Chairperson, Jean Léonard Sekanyange said that the exhibition will help NGOs and government discuss different issues.
“I believe that this programme will help strengthen cooperation between NGOs, Civil Society organisations and the government about joint development matters,” he said.
Areruya was speaking to the media yesterday after he and teammates were welcomed in a pompous reception at Kigali International Airport.
Made up of six cyclists, the team leader Areruya took home the title of Tour de l’Espoir that took place last week in Cameroun, a week after winning the Tropicale Amissa Bongo that took place in Ivory Cost.
Areruya said that through different competitions, they developed confidence that they believe will help them in shining in World top cycling competitions.
“Shining in these competitions that we participated in the last few months proves that Rwandans are capable of competing in top World cycling competitions like Tour de France and Giro d’Italia,” he said.
Asked about the force behind his success Areruya said “the first is discipline, training, understanding and implementing my leaders’ advice. My coaches, leaders and comrades help me a lot,” he said.
The Secretary General for Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY), Aimable Bayingana hailed the progress in the game adding that they target to train more young local cyclists.
“Three victories a period of less than four months are worthwhile. People have been wondering why Rwandans do not win international competitions, but now that team has proven that it is possible,” he said.
Tour de l’Epoir victory qualified Team Rwanda to participate in Tour de l’Avenir for under 23-year cycling competitions that will take place in August in France.
The numbers were revealed by the Director of Education in Ngororero District, Protogène Niyonsenga while speaking to officials from the Ministry of Education yesterday in an ongoing outreach education promotion programme.
“In a total of 85,000 students from Primary Schools in the district, between 3000 and 4000 have dropped of schools,” he said.
Groupe Scholaire Bwira head teacher, Jean Marie Vianney Nkunzebose told IGIHE that some students drop of school due to the long distance from schools and their homes while others go to work in mining quarries.
“We have 186 school dropouts. There are different reasons like poor mindsets among parents where they do not encourage children to attend to school. Students also travel miles from home to school and discourage them. We have some students from Rutsiro District who travel eight miles,” he said adding that some students use to go to fetch minerals in Mukura Park.
He said that they have issued a list of students who have dropped out of schools and they will partner with other institutions to take them back to school.
“This is a problem that requires support at all levels. The next step is to collaborate with related institutions including Police and Army to take them back to school,” he said.
Under the two-week long campaign that will be conducted in 600 schools from across the country, the Ministry of Education will inspect different things that hamper education sector like use of drugs in schools, poor management of school resources and unwanted pregnancies among others.
The company had filed a case accusing RRA of seizing their documents, financial records and computers from offices of the company head offices. They also accuse RRA of closing stores that had raw materials which eventually perished, and freezing their bank accounts in Equity Bank and Ecobank.
The company administrators say that they stopped operations after RRA sealed off the property and deployed security guards at the premises.
They claim that they stopped operations on July 13th 2017 which rendered 200 employees jobless, commodities perished, lost clients and affects government revenue collections. .
RRA lawyers, Clement Gatera and Bajeni Byiringiro rejected the allegations saying that all properties have been seized through legal processes.
Court ruled that the case was not valid as RRA actions are within the law. .
The Presiding judge said that seized properties would not be handed back when the company still has tax arrears. He said that seizing bank accounts was done legally and added that there is no proof that the industry was closed down.
Since January 10, 2018, the Hospital Paul Doumer, a geriatric facility managed by Assistance publique hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) in Labruyère, has recruited Dr. Charles TWAGIRA, 60, who was convicted of genocide by the Rwandan courts in 2009.
During the Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi, Charles TWAGIRA was regional director of health in the former prefecture of Kibuye, in the western Rwanda.
Charles Twagira is one of the genocide planners in Kibuye Prefecture, he incited local population to commit the genocide, and acts of torture against refugees at Gatwaro Stadium and patients hospitalized in Kibuye Hospital.
He was found responsible for the massacre of the wife and children of his colleague, Dr. Camille Karibwende, former head of the same institution.
He obstructed medical aid to thousands of Tutsi refugees at the Gatwaro Stadium bordering Kibuye Hospital. He sent killers to the Gatwaro stadium to massacre the Tutsi who had taken refuge there, to bury several refugees alive.
He established checkpoints in front of and inside the hospital to allow Interahamwe militiamen to prevent Tutsi from fleeing and murder them.
In 1994, he fled to Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo). Then after, he arrived in Benin where he stayed until 2006. The same year, he joined his family in France and acquired French nationality.
Arrested in March 2014 in Vire, where he had found refuge in Calvados on complaint filed by the Collectif des Parties Civiles pour le Rwanda (CPCR) , he was indicted for genocide and crimes against humanity in Rwanda. He was released on bail by the French courts on May 22, 2015 and then placed under judicial control.
Rwanda issued an international arrest warrant against Charles Twagira in 2014 which was not followed up. Indeed, Charles Twagira was neither tried nor extradited to Rwanda. On the contrary, he lives freely and has even been recruited since January 10, 2018 in a French public hospital.
However, according to the French Penal Code, in its article 138, paragraph 12, a person under judicial control, and this is the case of Charles Twagira, cannot exercise an activity of a professional or social nature, in this case medicine.
The recruitment of Charles Twagira is a violation by France of its own criminal law and the international obligation to prevent and punish the crime of genocide.
It should be recalled that France is home to several genocide fugitives, such as Dr. Sosthène Munyemana, Dr. Eugène Rwamucyo, Laurent Bucyibaruta, Colonel Laurent Serubuga, Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana, Cyprien Kayumba, Fabien Neretse alias Fabien Nsabimana, Callixte Mbarushimana, Stanislas Mbonampeka, Marcel Bivugabagabo, Isaac Kamali, Pascal Simbikangwa, Pierre Tegera, Octavian Ngenzi, Tito Barahira, Joseph Habyarimana, Paul Camy (Kanyamihigo), Manasseh Bigwenzare, Venuste Nyombayire, Hyacinthe Rafiki Nsengiyumva, Enoch Kayondo, Claude Muhayimana, Felicien Baligira, Philippe Manier / Hatagekimana and Michel Bakuzakundi to mention a few.
Rwanda has issued 42 international arrest warrants for alleged perpetrators of the genocide in France, but only three have been executed.
In addition, the UN Human Rights Council has asked France at its 29th session, to either try all genocidaires on its territory or extradite them to Rwanda.
The National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) strongly condemns the Recruitment of Charles Twagira as a medic at the Paul Doumer Hospital, which it considers as a trivialization of the genocide, and calls on the French government to suspend this recruitment and this in accordance with the French criminal law.
In 2009, Dr. Eugène Rwamucyo, a Rwandan medical, was suspended from his duties at a hospital in Maubeuge for alleged involvement in the Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi.
The same measure should be taken in the case of Dr. Charles Twagira and other genocidaires prosecuted for crimes of genocide.
Speaking to IGIHE, PSD Secretary General Dr. Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze said that the process started last week by registering candidates in districts.
“Our activities include training members about elections processes but also encouraging members aspiring for different positions to start showing the interest and campaigns, a process that will last until the end of March,” he said.
For candidates to qualify, they must have been members of the party for a period of two years, well-disciplined and without any criminal record.
“During the congresses, they also generate ideas that we will use during our manifesto,” Ngabitsinze added.
While in league that took place in Muhanga District last week, Senator Gallican Niyongana gave a lecture about Members of Parliament elections and responsibilities of parliament. He called on league participants to take a lead in sensitizing populations about the elections when the National Electoral Commission (NEC) will announce the campaign.
“PSD is in government, and has participated enough in the development that the country has attained, we hope that in these elections we shall bring good manifesto comprising our party’s ideas aimed at continuing to champion social welfare of the people,” he said.
Every political party competing for seats in parliament provides a list of 80 candidates in NEC.
As she joined Gisagara District residents to mark World Cancer Day 2018, Health Minister, Dr. Diane Gashumba called on residents to embrace healthy and active lifestyles.
“Cancer is taking toll due to nutrition change among populations; they are not eating fruits and vegetables but eat oily foods. We urge people to do sports and embrace cleanliness; dirtiness can attract Hepatitis and Hepatitis attracts Cancer,” she explained.
Southern Province Governor, Marie Rose Mureshyankwano said that sports would be a culture in the whole province.
“Sports is life strength. Exercising brings good health. As we launched mass sports in Gisagara, we are going to make it monthly in the province,” she said.
On Sunday, Areruya proved his professionalism by making new history of winning Tour de l’Espoir that took place in Cameroun last week
The victory qualifies him to participate in Tour de l’Avenir for under 23-year cycling competitions that will take place in August in France.
Areruya retained the yellow jersey on Saturday after using 2h28min40sec and set a record of 2min37sec ahead of the second on the general list.
The pre-final stage was won by Areruya’s teammate Samuel Mugisha as both Rwandan cyclists finalized the stage together but Areruya left the title for Mugisha.
Both cyclists play for South African based team, Dimension Data for Qhubeka.
Areruya played the last stage on Sunday confidently as he had advanced other competitors. He finalized in the 4th position.
This is the third international competition Areruya won in a period of four months including Tour du Rwanda and Tropicale Amissa Bongo.
Gauthier and other 19 individuals were handed the medals by Reims Mayor, Arnaud Robinet for their role in different activities.
In 2001, Gauthier and his Rwandan wife, Dafroza Mukarumongi founded ‘the Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR)’ foundation with the goal of prosecuting those suspected of having participated in the genocide against the Tutsi living in France.
According to a statement released by CPCR Secretary, Gaël Faye, the medal is a mark of gratitude addressed to all members of the organization and those who support it for justice to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
“Not to mention the lawyers who have been with us for so many years, without them, this fight could not have been possible. It is a tremendous recognition of the genocide against the Tutsi by the authorities of an important city of France,” the statement reads.
According to CPCR, since 2001 they have the goal of prosecuting without fear or favour genocide suspects living in France.
CPCR says that nearly thirty complaints were lodged on the Bureau of Investigating Judges of the Cries Against Humanity Pole of the Paris TGI. One judgment has been finalized where Captain Pascal Simbikangwa was handed 25 year for his role in the execution of genocide.
From May 2nd to July 6th, Paris court will hear the appeal trial of two former bourgmestres, Octavier Ngenzi and Tito Barahira who were sentenced in first instance to life imprisonment.
In November last year, Gauthier was awarded by President Paul Kagame with National Order of Friendship Medal (Igihango).
Belgian author of “Paul Kagame, un de Gaulle africain”, Philippe Lardinois has said Paul Kagame’s prowess inspired him to write the book which likens Rwanda’s President with former French President Charles de Gaule who is credited for building up the greatness of France.
Scholar and lawyer Lardinois published the 144-page book about the two Statesmen and army Generals in October last year, describing both as men of character, who never give up in hard times and strived for dignity of their respective nations.
The author of the book, loosely translated as “”Paul Kagame, an African de Gaulle”, wonders why can’t Kagame legacy be a model for African politicians as is Gaullist legacy among French and other European politicians. Lardinois says the phenomenal book has been brought closer to Rwandans, being available in Librairie Ikirezi Bookshop in Kigali.
In an interview with IGIHE, Lardinois elaborated on his inspiration for writing the book, similarities in character of the two Statesmen and what, he thinks, can improve Franco-Rwanda diplomatic relations. Below are excerpts:
{{Would you tell us what inspired you to write the book “Paul Kagame, un de Gaulle africain”? }}
The idea of writing this book came to me five years ago when I read books about General de Gaulle. What struck me at de Gaulle was, on one hand, the refusal of renunciation in extreme circumstances; we must remember the extent of the defeat of the French army in June 1940, and on the other hand, his fundamental attachment to the greatness of France. These are the two fundamental principles that marked the conduct and action of the General.
These two fundamental principles are found with Paul Kagame, the greatness of France being, of course, replaced by the dignity of the Rwandan people. I will add that both men share the same concern for efficiency and effectiveness. De Gaulle wanted “That it works!” The result was essential to him. I think for Kagame too, it has to work. Objectives must be achieved and if they are not, the strategy must be modified.
{{How long did it take you to write this book?
}}
It took me three years, considering that I was not working full time on this project. Initially, I was not sure that it would succeed. I started writing and as I progressed, I realised that my initial intuition made sense. For the record, before I started writing this book, I spoke to a Rwandan friend who lived in Belgium for a long time. He told me that he had the same intuition. He encouraged me to continue and was my first reader.
{{What do you find the two men have in common? Is it a military discipline or a vision for the destiny of their respective nations?
}}
It is obvious that they have in common military discipline and a vision for the destiny of their respective nations. They are also two men of character, in the Gaullist sense of the term, animated by unwavering determination. They do not give up. In very difficult circumstances, they do not shake, they face events.
{{Can we compare the circumstances that led these two Statesmen to power and their leadership, despite the decades that separate them?
}}
Yes, to the extent that both are certainly Statesmen, but they are more than that, they are great men. Initially, their ambition is not to become Statesmen. Both are first and foremost military. These are the events that will change their destiny because they will have the right attitude in very difficult circumstances. They will have the courage to make the choices and make the decisions that are necessary but that frighten others at the risk of their lives. That’s why they reach the top and become great men. It’s very rare.
De Gaulle is considered, rightly, as the most illustrious of the French. Who can compete with him in the history of France? They are not very numerous. I think we can say the same thing about Paul Kagame despite the criticism of his fierce critics. You know, de Gaulle was very seriously described as a dictator by François Mitterrand. It seems so ludicrous today.
{{How do you rate Paul Kagame’s chances of succeeding in his ambition for the advent of an autonomous, strong and dignified Africa?
}}
This is a very difficult question because there are so many hazards. Being President of the African Union is not the same thing as being President of Rwanda. Kagame cannot and does not want to replace the leaders of other African countries. He always explains, rightly, that it is not up to him to tell them how to do it, but he can tell them that the new Rwanda is proof that it is possible as long as we have the will and perseverance.
There is no inevitability for Africa, I am convinced, but leaders must first consider the development of their country and be exemplary. This is also true for Western leaders. On this question, de Gaulle was intractable both for himself and his ministers.
{{With regard to these two Statesmen and the fundamental principles guiding them, you wrote “respect and dignity were not negotiable”, could you elaborate on this?
}}
The respect of a nation and the dignity of a people are principles on which we can never surrender. On June 18, 1940, de Gaulle launched his famous call to continue the fight precisely because he refuses the enslavement of the French nation (by Nazi Germans). Returning to power in 1958, he will be particularly attentive and attached to the respect of France at the international level. Paul Kagame is also uncompromising on these principles and he reminds every Rwandan that he must never be put down.
This requirement of respect and affirmation of dignity are essential for peoples who have undergone colonisation characterised by the fact that the great democratic principles, and especially that of the equal dignity of human beings, were trampled underfoot by the very people who claimed them. Today, it requires those nations which have become independent to refuse that the old colonial powers arrogate to themselves the right to deliver them, directly or indirectly, with the satisfaction of good governance, good democratic evolution, etc. The time of neo-colonialism is over.
{{As the author of this book, how do you perceive the current political opposition against Paul Kagame, especially in the Diaspora?
}}
First of all, I want to make it clear that the good functioning of democracy requires political pluralism and, by necessity, the existence of an opposition. In this regard, things can improve in Rwanda. That means, the opposition must be credible and constructive. Opposition by principle or resentment is stupid and without interest. The opposition must have as objectives the development of the country, the economic and social well-being of its inhabitants, stability and security. It must therefore explain how it could do better than the power in place. I do not feel that this is really the main concern of the current opposition within the Diaspora. Its only speech is to vilify Paul Kagame without any consideration of the successes of his reconstruction policy. For the rest, it is demagogic and partly revanchist. I fear that if this opposition were to come to power, the country would regress considerably in every point of view.
{{Relations between France and Rwanda have strained since 1994. In your opinion, what concessions should each of the two states make to break the deadlock?
}}
It is necessary, first of all, that France as a State make her mea culpa and acknowledge her mistakes and errings. In any case, sooner or later, the documents classified as defence secrets will speak. We can hope that President Macron will be up to the task in this respect. On the Rwandan side, I do not see what concessions there should be.
