“President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame will make a Working Visit to Singapore from 18 to 23 September 2024. As fellow members of the Forum of Small States (FOSS), Singapore and Rwanda work closely together to advance the interests of small nations and strengthen the multilateral system,” the statement reads.
This will be President Kagame’s fourth visit to Singapore, following his last visit in September 2022.
During the trip, President Kagame is scheduled to meet with Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who also serves as Minister for Finance. He will be hosted to a meal by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Rwanda and Singapore enjoy strong bilateral ties, collaborating in areas such as investment, trade, education, rule of law, technology, and air transport services.
Both nations are members of FOSS, an organization established in 1992 by Singapore, which comprises small nations working together to address global challenges and promote development.
The relationship between Rwanda and Singapore has been bolstered by frequent high-level visits. In 2022, Singapore’s then Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, visited Rwanda, marking his first trip to both Rwanda and Africa.
The Senior Minister, who will host President Kagame, is the son of Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, renowned for leading the country’s transformation from a part of Malaysia to an independent, prosperous nation.
Singapore is one of the wealthiest countries globally. In 2023, its gross domestic product (GDP) reached $501 billion, a significant increase from just $0.70 billion in 1960. Its per capita GDP in 2023 stood at $84,600.
The funding will support various sectors, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, education, food and drug inspection, and technological advancements related to vaccine production.
EU Ambassador Belén Calvo Uyarra highlighted that this grant was initially pledged by the EU President in December 2023 during the inauguration of BioNTech’s facility in Kigali. The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s broader plan to become a key hub for vaccine production in Africa.
The grant will help expand cooperation in the availability and production of vaccines, medicines, and medical technologies, underscoring a deepening partnership between Rwanda and the EU.
The project will involve companies from several EU countries, including France, Sweden, Germany, and Belgium, focusing on research, capacity-building for healthcare workers, and enhancing the pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing supply chain.
Ambassador Uyarra emphasized the importance of this partnership in bolstering global preparedness, particularly after the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU has also extended collaborations to other African countries, including Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa.
Dr. Yvan Butera, Rwanda’s State Minister for Health, expressed optimism about the project’s potential, noting that it would significantly enhance Rwanda’s ability to produce vaccines and medicines. He added that this initiative would not only benefit Rwanda but also contribute to improving healthcare across Africa and beyond.
Dr. Butera stressed the importance of building strong institutions through collaboration, highlighting that the project aims to address challenges in vaccine production by empowering professionals and institutions in the field.
As part of the initiative, the EU will provide specialized training and support for professionals in Rwanda’s health sector, with a focus on developing skills in advanced pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing.
There will also be close collaboration with technical and vocational schools to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary expertise for the industry.
In addition to enhancing production capabilities, the agreement will focus on strengthening Rwanda’s regulatory framework. The EU will work alongside the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) to improve guidelines and regulations, with a specific focus on vaccine and medicine distribution.
Dr. Butera expressed confidence in the outcomes of this project, stating that it will bring tangible progress in Rwanda’s goal of becoming a hub in vaccine and medicine production.
One of the most notable outcomes was China’s pledge of approximately $50.7 billion in financial support for Africa over the next three years, aimed at fostering partnerships across various sectors.
As Africa accelerates its development, China’s remarkable rise from adversity to becoming a global economic powerhouse provides valuable lessons.
In 2023, China’s GDP reached $17.9 trillion, reflecting a staggering 223-fold increase since 1952, with an average annual growth rate of 7.9%. The per capita GDP rose to $12,700, nearing the global average—a significant leap from just $194 in 1980.
Over the past decade, China has driven more than 30% of global economic growth, improving living standards and lifting around 100 million people out of poverty while eradicating extreme poverty.
China’s non-interference policy and mutual respect for Africa make it an ideal partner in the continent’s modernization efforts.
Given the critical importance of healthcare to people’s well-being, the sector represents a vital area for advancement in Africa. China’s experience in improving wellbeing and its expertise in cutting-edge innovations offer ample opportunities for further cooperation to enhance healthcare access across the continent.
One of the most promising contributors to this shared vision is Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of non-invasive ultrasound therapeutic systems.
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Chongqing, Haifu specializes in treating malignant and benign tumors through High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology. This cutting-edge innovation has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in Africa, where access to advanced medical technologies remains limited.
Haifu, in collaboration with Chongqing Medical University and its affiliated hospitals, has developed a range of groundbreaking products.
With over 600 employees and more than 600 patents, Haifu has facilitated around 280,000 treatments worldwide. The flagship Haifu JC series—comprising the JC300, JC, and JC200 models—uses focused ultrasound to treat solid tumors, including uterine fibroids and cancers of the pancreas, liver, kidneys, bones, and soft tissues.
Haifu’s mission to minimize harm while curing diseases lies at the core of its dedication to non-invasive treatment methods.
HIFU operates by harnessing ultrasound’s ability to penetrate human skin and organs without harming surrounding structures. Ultrasound beams are generated externally and converted from mechanical to thermal energy. This energy is then focused on specific tumor areas within the body, enabling non-invasive alternatives to traditional surgery.
According to the management, this approach reduces recovery time and significantly improves patients’ quality of life.
Haifu’s contributions to medical science have garnered numerous national awards and international recognition. In 2005, Haifu established the National Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Medicine, China’s only center of its kind for digital medical devices. The company’s systems, including the JC series, are now approved in 45 countries, including the UK, Russia, and Japan.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Haifu’s Global Telemedicine Service Platform completed over 4,600 ultrasound ablation procedures, demonstrating the technology’s resilience and global impact.
The company has introduced its systems in 33 countries, and its president, Wang Zhibiao, is optimistic about further expansion into Africa.
“I believe this technology will become more widespread in Africa over the next two years. It offers a cost-effective, non-invasive alternative to traditional surgeries, and I hope more African countries will adopt it,” Zhibiao remarked.
Haifu has already made inroads in Africa, introducing its systems in four countries including Egypt and South Africa.
The company has organized numerous training workshops to equip African doctors with the skills to use this life-saving technology effectively.
In Johannesburg and Cairo, around 20 doctors were trained in each session, and Haifu aims to train at least five percent of African doctors, thus increasing access to advanced medical technologies across the continent.
However, Zhibiao emphasized that government-to-government discussions are crucial for the widespread adoption of such life-saving technology in Africa. Currently, Haifu collaborates with 60 hospitals outside China and around 300 hospitals within China.
As China and Africa continue to deepen their cooperation, there is room for discussion to make Haifu’s innovative systems accessible in more African countries, which could mark a significant step toward improving healthcare outcomes and building a healthier future for the continent.
The elections were held on Monday, September 16, 2024. As per results revealed by NEC, the electoral college elected 12 senators out of the 28 asipirants.
According to the Presidential Decree, 12 senators are elected by specific governance bodies across different regions of the country.
Two senators are selected from the Northern Province, three from the Southern Province, three from the Eastern Province elects, three from the Western Province and one from Kigali City.
NEC announced that the elected senators from the Northern Province are Dr. Laetitia Nyinawamwiza who got 73.00% of the vote and Amandin Rugira who garnered 62.61%.
In the Southern Province, the elected senators are Adrie Umuhire (70.42%), Pélagie Uwera (62.91%) and Sosthene Cyitatire who got 61.74%.
In the Eastern Province, the winners are John Bonds Bideri with 80.46%, Fulgence Nsengiyumva (68.53%) and Alvera Mukabaramba who got 76.40%.
In the Western Province, the elected senators are Emmanuel Havugimana with 69.45%, Marie Rose Mureshyankwano with 74.67%, and Cyprien Niyomugabo with 67.88%.
In Kigali City, Espérance Nyirasafari, the outgoing Vice President of the Senate, was elected with 55.26% of the vote.
On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, two additional senators will be elected from public and private higher education institutions.
Among the 12 elected senators, only two are newcomers: Amandin Rugira, who previously served as Rwanda’s Ambassador to different countries including Belgium and Zambia, and Sosthene Cyitatire, who was previously the Secretary-General of the Senate of Rwanda.
Although Cyitatire is a new senator, he has prior experience as the Senate’s coordinator, secretary, and clerk overseeing its daily operations.
In addition to the 12 elected senators from the provinces and Kigali City, eight more senators will be appointed by the President of the Republic, and four by the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations.
The provisional election results are announced by the President of NEC or an authorized delegate, within five days of the election. Anyone who is dissatisfied with the results can appeal to the Supreme Court within 48 hours of the provisional results being announced. If the appeal is dismissed, the NEC’s provisional results are upheld.
The final results of the election are announced within seven days of the provisional results. If there is an appeal to the Supreme Court, the final results are delayed until the court reaches a decision.
In the senatorial elections held through governance bodies, the winning candidates are those with the most votes, based on the required number of seats for each voting area.
Rwanda’s health authorities have emphasized measures to prevent the spread of the disease. These include frequent handwashing and avoiding sexual contact, whether protected or unprotected, due to the high risk of transmission through such interactions.
Julien Mahoro Niyingabira, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, has told IGIHE that the country’s preventive strategies include the possibility of vaccinating the population, with priority given to those at higher risk.
“There is a team in Rwanda currently studying how the vaccination could be rolled out. Should the vaccination process begin, we will inform the public accordingly,” Niyingabira stated.
He further noted that while vaccines have not yet arrived in the country, priority for vaccination will be given to the most vulnerable groups before any nationwide rollout.
“We will not start with the entire population. Certain groups are more vulnerable to infection than others. We will begin with them based on the available vaccines, and as we progress, other groups will also be considered. However, the vaccination program has not yet started in the country,” he emphasized.
Niyingabira explained that cross-border traders in districts like Rubavu and other high-risk groups may be among the first to receive the vaccine.
“First, we need to secure the vaccines, and then the vaccination program can begin. Even when the vaccine arrives, it complements the existing preventive measures, meaning vaccination is one of the strategies we plan for Mpox prevention.”
The vaccines being distributed across African countries are largely provided by the African Union.
The health authorities have assured the public that the capacity to treat the disease is in place. As of now, the four individuals who had contracted Mpox in Rwanda have all been treated and discharged.
In the region, the Mpox outbreak has severely affected the Democratic Republic of Congo, where over 22,000 cases have been reported, with more than 715 fatalities this year alone. The Mpox virus has spread to 22 of the 26 provinces in the DRC, as well as 13 other African countries.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has committed $600 million to a six-month campaign aimed at combating the epidemic in affected regions.
“An RSF attack on Gouz Al-Naqa village of Abu Gouta area in Gezira State killed at least 40 civilians,” the Abu Gouta Resistance Committee, a non-governmental group, said in a statement.
Several corpses remained exposed in the village, as the RSF is preventing displaced villagers from returning to bury the dead, according to the statement.
The committee called on civil society organizations to put pressure on the RSF to allow residents to enter the village and bury the deceased.
The RSF has not yet made any comment about the attack.
The RSF took control of Gezira State in December 2023 after the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) withdrew from Wad Madani, the capital of the state.
Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a violent conflict between the SAF and the RSF. The conflict has resulted in at least 16,650 deaths and displaced millions of people.
Dr. Murigande’s career has been extensive, having served as the former Rector of the National University of Rwanda, Minister of Education, and most recently as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement at the University of Rwanda. Despite retiring, he remains actively involved in education as Chairman of the Board at Kepler College.
In addition to his contributions to education, Dr. Murigande has had a distinguished political career, holding positions such as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Japan, Secretary General of the RPF-Inkotanyi party, and ministerial roles in Foreign Affairs, Transport and Communications, Education, and Cabinet Affairs.
{{Improving the quality of education}}
According to Dr. Murigande, the term “quality education” is often used without a full understanding of what it entails or how to achieve it. He likened it to preparing a meal, where quality ingredients are essential for success. In education, the most crucial “ingredient” is the teacher.
“A well-trained, passionate teacher who views teaching as a calling, and is equipped with the necessary tools, can have a significant impact. Even under challenging conditions, a great teacher can deliver excellent results,” he emphasized.
Dr. Murigande also highlighted the importance of effective school management, discipline, and student focus as key factors for improving education. Additionally, he pointed out the impact of teacher-to-student ratios, noting that smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention, leading to better outcomes.
He challenged the notion that Rwanda’s education system was better in the past, explaining that such comparisons are flawed. For example, Rwanda once had only 50,000 secondary school students in total, meaning that only 5% of primary school graduates advanced to secondary education.
Today, access to secondary education is far more widespread, and the top 5% of current graduates are just as competitive globally as their counterparts from prestigious universities like Cambridge and Oxford.
“What has shaped people’s perception of declining education quality is the democratization of education. As more students enter the system, not all have the same abilities. Our focus now should be on raising the capabilities of all students going through the system,” he stated.
Dr. Murigande suggested several measures to address these challenges, including ensuring that all teachers are well-qualified. He acknowledged that while progress cannot be made overnight, improving teacher quality is essential for long-term success.
He also reflected on past practices where lower-performing students were often channeled into teacher training, but noted that the Ministry of Education has corrected this, now admitting top-performing students into the profession.
Although there are still teachers who entered the system before these reforms, Dr. Murigande advocated for additional training to improve their skills and ensure they can meet today’s educational demands.
{{Leadership changes in the Ministry of Education}}
Dr. Murigande also discussed why the Ministry of Education has experienced frequent leadership changes, with 17 ministers serving in the last 30 years, including the most recent appointment of Joseph Nsengimana.
He attributed these changes to the government’s recognition of education as a cornerstone for national development. “No development is possible without quality education, which produces individuals capable of addressing the country’s challenges and implementing solutions,” he noted.
Given education’s critical role, Dr. Murigande explained that when expectations are not met, the government doesn’t wait passively for improvements. Instead, it acts swiftly, changing leadership in hopes of finding new approaches to deliver better results.
While acknowledging that leadership changes can sometimes cause short-term disruption, Dr. Murigande views them as calculated risks.
“You could leave things as they are, but that might not lead to progress. Change, though disruptive at first, can often bring about the faster results we need once the right solutions are found,” he observed.
The Head of State made these remarks during a Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast organized by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship (RLF) at the Kigali Convention Centre.
The event, held under the theme “Foundations of a Grateful Nation,” brought together religious leaders, non-governmental organizations, and government officials to express gratitude for Rwanda’s recent peaceful elections.
Kagame was re-elected as RPF Inkotanyi’s presidential candidate during the July elections this year with 99.18% of the vote, securing another five-year term.
During the thanksgiving event, he extended his appreciation to the organizers and acknowledged the peaceful and smooth conduct of the electoral process, expressing thanks to everyone involved.
Reflecting on the essence of thanksgiving, Kagame observed that it should be intertwined with genuine satisfaction.
“Thanksgiving cannot be an end in itself; it involves a sense of satisfaction. Satisfaction means that everything you expected or desired has been fulfilled. We should express gratitude in a way that reflects our genuine satisfaction with what we are thankful for,” he said.
Kagame also stressed the importance of aligning three key elements—spiritual, political, and cultural aspects—for a nation to stand firm.
He explained that these three elements were essential in rebuilding Rwanda after its darkest moments.
“For Rwanda to recover and reach where it is today, it was through the combination of these three elements. If we are in a good place today, it is because we effectively combined them,” he stated.
The President further clarified that, unlike other nations where religion may intertwine with politics or culture, Rwanda maintains distinct but complementary roles for these elements.
“If we are not careful and fail to understand how these elements should work together to bring positive results, we will face problems,” he warned.
The President cautioned against overstepping boundaries in politics, religion, or culture, noting that Rwanda’s tragic history of extremism was caused by crossing such limits. He advised that simplicity in handling these domains can lead to achieving goals with greater ease.
Kagame also called attention to the exploitation of the public in the name of religion, stressing the need to guard against scammers under religious pretexts. He reaffirmed the importance of religious values while underscoring that such values should not be manipulated for personal gain.
The Rwanda Leaders Fellowship, an organization committed to instilling Godly values in leadership, expressed its own gratitude during the event.
Moses Ndahiro, Chairman of RLF, praised the peaceful elections that allowed Rwandans to freely vote for their leader, and thanked the participants for their attendance at the prayer breakfast.
Preacher Lambert Bariho, another RLF member, highlighted the importance of maintaining a culture of thanksgiving even in challenging times.
Drawing from the Bible, specifically Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians 5:16-18, Bariho reminded attendees of the biblical teaching , stressing that gratitude should not only be reserved for times of abundance but also during challenges, as there is always something to be thankful for, no matter the circumstances.
Bariho expressed optimism for Rwanda’s future, asserting that the country, under President Kagame’s leadership, has moved past its darkest days, and that the challenges ahead will never again compare to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Among the passengers were 35 African journalists, visiting for the first time to explore its vibrancy after successfully covering the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing from September 4th to 6th. Stepping off the plane, the domestic flight clearance was swift, and within moments we were on shuttle buses headed to our accommodations.
A defining feature upon arrival in China is the sheer scale of infrastructure development, and Chongqing is no exception. The city’s breathtaking blend of modern development, clean green streets, and impressive architecture against a backdrop of natural beauty makes you feel as if you’ve found the ‘promised land.’
Chongqing is renowned for its spicy food, one of the top descriptors for the area, but its charm goes far beyond cuisine. With a history spanning thousands of years, it is one of China’s four municipalities directly under the central government control, alongside Beijing and Shanghai. Situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, the city is surrounded by mountains, leading to the construction of extensive tunnels to ease transportation.
In the city center, the domed Great Hall of the People stands majestically over People’s Square, while nearby, the Three Gorges Museum showcases ancient artifacts and the history of the Three Gorges Dam construction. Chongqing spans a vast area, with jurisdiction over 38 districts and counties, covering 82,400 square kilometers and housing over 32 million residents, 93.23% of whom are Han Chinese, alongside ethnic groups such as the Tujia and Miao.
Known as the “Mountain City” and the “River City,” Chongqing boasts a humid subtropical monsoon climate, with early springs, hot summers, rainy autumns, and mild winters. The Yangtze River, stretching 691 kilometers, winds its way through the city, joined by the Jialing and Wujiang rivers. Chongqing’s landscape is predominantly mountainous, with mountains covering 76% of the terrain.
Chongqing is not just a historical and cultural city; it holds strategic importance for China’s development. It was the first inland city to open to foreign trade in 1981 and was officially established as a city in 1929. The Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-Hub Mega-Region and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor are critical to the city’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting over 480 ports in 120 countries worldwide.
The city’s rapid industrial development has transformed it into a manufacturing powerhouse. It is among the top automotive production hubs in China and is the world’s largest producer of laptops. Chongqing is striving to build a modern manufacturing system centered around intelligent vehicles, next-gen electronics, and advanced materials. It also leads in innovation hubs in smart technology, life sciences, and green technologies.
Chongqing’s transportation infrastructure is equally impressive, featuring a multimodal network of rail, road, water, and air transport. With over 1,000 kilometers of high-speed rail, 4,000 kilometers of expressways, and an extensive river shipping system, it serves as a comprehensive transportation hub. In 2023, Chongqing’s GDP reached RMB 3.01 trillion (over US$424 bilion), reflecting a 6.1% growth.
Beyond its economic achievements, Chongqing is home to numerous cultural and natural treasures. The Mountain City Alley Traditional Style Area, a historical site in the city center, features preserved traditional buildings like the Catholic Charity Hall and the Changle Yongkang Stone Ancestral Gate.
Another notable landmark is the Liziba Station, China’s first through-building metro station that showcases Chongqing’s architectural ingenuity. Liziba Station is located in Yuzhong District. It is designed to improve the efficiency and convenience of urban transportation but has become a sight to behold.
Applying multiple technologies, the monorail enables trains to run through buildings without causing the structures to shake.
It cleverly achieves its functionality based on the complex terrain, which embodies the wisdom of the Chongqing people and ultimately stands among testaments to Chinese people’s prowess and great zeal to always foster innovations.
For a panoramic view of the city, the Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street and the World Financial Center (WFC) Huixianlou Observation Deck offer breathtaking vistas of Chongqing’s urban landscape, including the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.
The WFC Observation Deck, unveiled in 2017, offers a stunning view of Chongqing’s iconic landmarks, including the intersection of two rivers, the Grand Theatre (a performing arts venue in central Chongqing), and Nanbin Road’s nightscape.
Located on the 73rd to 75th floors, it is China’s highest open-air observation deck. Nearby, the historic Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, built in 1947 and transformed into Western China’s first commercial pedestrian street in 1997, remains a vibrant hub with a commercial area of 160,000 m², earning recognition as one of China’s top business centers.
One of Chongqing’s most iconic cultural sites is the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 50,000 statues carved into rock formations, reflecting over a millennium of Chinese artistry and religious devotion. These carvings stand alongside other famous rock art in China, such as the Mogao Caves and the Yungang Grottoes.
No visit to Chongqing would be complete without experiencing its famous hot pot cuisine, a spicy culinary tradition that involves dipping fresh ingredients into a boiling broth.
Accompanied by local fruits and juices, the hot pot experience is a sensory delight. The city’s markets offer an abundance of local produce, including pumpkins, taro, maize, sea food and fresh vegetables among others.
As night falls, Chongqing’s streets come alive. Along the Jialing River, locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the glittering lights of the city, the illuminated bridges, and the relaxing atmosphere that invites you to extend your stay.
Chongqing’s beauty, history, and vibrancy offer a truly unique experience for anyone fortunate enough to visit. This city, with its rich blend of culture, industry, and nature, is a testament to China’s development and a gateway to understanding its past, present, and future.
{{Stunning infrastructure}}
{{Monorail traversing buildings }}
{{The Mountain City Alley Traditional Style Area}}
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Dr. Murigande reflected on the nation’s journey and the preparations for the upcoming ‘Rwanda Shima Imana’ gospel crusade, which is making a return after several years of hiatus.
Dr. Murigande, now retired, has held numerous important roles in Rwanda’s political landscape, including serving as the Secretary General of the FPR Inkotanyi, representing Rwanda internationally, and heading various ministries.
He has been appointed as the coordinator of the ‘Rwanda Shima Imana’ National Thanksgiving crusade, set to take place on September 29, 2024, at Amahoro Stadium.
{{Reflecting on 30 years of progress}}
Murigande emphasized that Rwandans from all faiths should take this opportunity to express their gratitude for the peace and stability that have been restored over the last 30 years.
“This year marks a significant milestone—30 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi was halted, 30 years since Rwanda’s liberation, the fourth Presidential elections, and the fifth Parliamentary elections since the Genocide,” he remarked.
He added that this anniversary is a moment for Rwandans to reflect on the nation’s journey toward peace and restoration.
“The peace and security we’ve been able to achieve are no small feat. Many nations that went through similar traumas are still struggling, yet Rwanda has rebuilt itself,” Murigande pointed out.
He reflected on the transformation Rwanda has undergone since 1994, when many Rwandans were refugees scattered across the world. Today, most have returned to contribute to the country’s reconstruction, and Rwanda stands tall on the international stage, with every Rwandan taking pride in their nation.
Murigande stressed that Rwandans should also give thanks for the significant strides made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity, clean water, food security, and other developmental areas that have lifted the country out of isolation.
The upcoming event will feature performances from a host of Rwandan gospel artists, including Israel Mbonyi, Aimé Uwimana, James and Daniel, René Patrick, Christian Irimbere, Prosper Nkomezi, Gaby Kamanzi, Ben wa Chance, Bosco Nshuti, Yvan Ngenzi, Chriso Ndasingwa, and others.
{{Hope for a brighter future}}
Murigande further reflected on Rwanda’s rise from the ashes of the Genocide, noting that it would have been difficult for anyone in 1994 to imagine the country’s current state of stability and respect on the world stage.
“Rwanda was in a very difficult situation; it wasn’t easy to foresee that it would reach this level of development and command the respect it has today,” he stated.
Drawing from his experience as a member of the RPF-Inkotanyi, Murigande recalled the political vision that drove the party’s efforts to transform Rwanda.
“As someone who was part of the RPF, we always believed that if we executed our vision and worked tirelessly, Rwanda could change. That is the foundation we built on to achieve today’s progress,” he explained.
The ‘Rwanda Shima Imana’ crusade, which began in 2012, was created to provide a platform for Rwandans to express their gratitude to God for His blessings.
This year’s edition, set for September 29, 2024, promises to be a significant event in Rwanda’s ongoing journey of gratitude and hope for the future.
