The 100-day commemoration will officially start at Kigali Genocide Memorial located in Gisozi sector, Gasabo district.
Unlike last year when the beginning of the commemoration period took place during total lockdown, commemoration talks at national level marking the start of commemoration week will be held at Intare Arena in Rusororo after lighting the flame of hope at Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Speaking to RBA, the Executive Secretary of CNLG, Dr. Jean Damascene Bizimana said that the main message of the day will be delivered during the event at Intare Arena.
Participants include top Government officials, head of missions accredited to Rwanda, local leaders, members of the private sector, church leaders and genocide survivors among others.
“All groups of Rwandans will be represented during the event due to take place at Intare Arena. It will feature commemoration talks, testimonies, songs and the main message of the day to Rwandans, friends of Rwanda and the international community,” he explained.
Dr. Bizimana said that other Rwandans will follow the event on Radio and Televisions among other online platforms.
He however explained that the commemoration walk and night vigil won’t happen.
During the commemoration week, talks will be delivered virtually.
Among others, exhumed remains of genocide victims will be accorded decent burial in different districts respecting existing COVID-19 preventive measures.
“Relatives of genocide victims whose remains were exhumed recently will delegate representatives in accordance with designated number of attendants. Local leaders, security officials and health workers will follow up to ensure compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures,” said Dr. Bizimana.
“The same will apply to people laying wreaths at memorials in honor of fallen victims. People will have to observe preventive measures by visiting memorials in small groups to respect social distancing,” he added.
Dr. Bizimana explained that visitors should be reminded to go for COVID-19 tests before heading to memorials.
“They can organize visits at different times but we also remind them to go for COVID-19 tests to know their health status and avoid crowding as they visit memorials,” he noted.
The road that starts from Base sector in Rulindo district connects Northern and Eastern Province and is expected to promote trade, increase mobility and reduce transport cost.
It goes through seven sectors of Northern Province including Gashenyi in Gakenke district, Base and Cyungo (Rulindo), Ruhunde (Burera), Miyove, Nyankenke and Byumba in Gicumbi before reaching Nyagatare district.
MININFRA has revealed that the road along Base-Rukomo of 51 kilometers has been completed while construction activities of the remaining 73.3 kilometer road from Rukomo to Nyagatare have reached 83%.
“The 124.3km Base-Rukomo-Nyagatare road project is scheduled to be finished this year. The section Base-Gicumbi-Rukomo (51Km) is fully completed as Nyagatare–Rukomo network (73.3Km) reached 83%. The road will promote trade, increase mobility and reduce transport costs in the region,” the Ministry revealed yesterday via Twitter handle.
In 2019, the current Minister of Local Government, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi who was serving as the Governor of Northern Province at the time told IGIHE that was the only remaining infrastructure among promises President Paul Kagame made to residents of former Byumba prefecture during 2003 presidential campaigns.
“The President of the Republic promised the road as he visited the region during presidential campaign. At the time, the campaign took place in Miyove, former Byumba prefecture in the current Gicumbi district. I was there when he promised the road to residents. He also promised Kinihira Hospital, water, electricity and schools. Most of these promises have been fulfilled and the road nears completion,” he said.
The report analyzed archives on France, Rwanda relations between 1990 and 1994.
The report of 1222 pages was presented on 26th March 2021 two years, after the delegation of 14 historians started reviewing archives on France, Rwanda relations between 1990 and 1994.
The report by French historians has revealed that France bears “heavy and overwhelming responsibilities” over tragic history that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million victims.
The report said France had been “blind” to genocide preparations.
Dubbed ‘Duclert’, the report blames the then French President, François Mitterrand, for a “failure” of policy towards Rwanda in 1994. The findings were made public after years of French official secrecy over links to the Government led by Juvenal Habyarimana.
President Macron appointed the 15-member commission two years ago, giving them access to presidential, diplomatic, military and intelligence archives.
Among the archives are those of Mitterrand, who had close ties to former Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana.
The commission members include experts on the Holocaust, on the massacres of Armenians in World War I and on international criminal law, all led by historian Vincent Duclert.
The report was released at a time when President Macron is planning a maiden visit to Rwanda, 11 years after Nicolas Sarkozy came to Rwanda in 2010.
Since the report was released, politicians including Hubert Védrine, the former Secretary-General of l’Elysée (French Presidency) under François Mitterrand leadership; Alain Juppé who once served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense, Florence Parly explained that they were satisfied with findings of the report with findings that the country was blind to genocide preparations but emphasized that it dodged to shed light on France’s open involvement.
During an interview with Jeune Afrique, Prof. Vincent Duclert was asked whether the report’s findings don’t reflect France’s institutions connection to genocide.
He explained that revelations by these politicians are among key concerns of the report that need response.
“For instance, Hubert Védrine insisted on our findings that ‘France didn’t have an open involvement’, a word we used based on reviewed archives on what happened during Genocide,” he said.
Duclert observed that Hubert Védrine wanted to serve with the released report to dismiss facts denying France’s role during Genocide.
“France’s policy towards Rwanda played a role during the Genocide even though French leaders were not aware or willing. This should also be accepted,” he said.
The report by historians shows that France was blind to the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Duclert explains that the statement is based on the fact that the country disregarded warnings of genocide preparations that were taking place.
Historians that teamed with Duclert indicated that France’s role heavily relies on the country’s poor policy of keeping a blind eye and supporting racial discrimination driven and corrupt Government that fuels violence.
“Leaders thought that President Habyarimana could lead the country to democracy and peace,” he said.
Duclert committee also reviewed documents written by Pierre Joxe who was the Minister of Defense between January 1991 and 1993 who wrote to President François Mitterrand requesting for military action against escalating genocide preparations.
“It is apparent that they are related to Rwanda. He advised that instructions by President of the Republic should be released in a written form. However, Hubert Védrine denied delivering the message to President Mitterrand,”Duclert.
The historian also revealed that they reviewed documents exchanged between the Ministry of Defense and Colonel René Galinié, Defense Attaché to the Embassy of France in Rwanda and head of military cooperation mission. These letters carried disclaimers that they should be burnt after reading which Duclert highlights affects diplomatic relations.
The expert committee explained that all archives on France, Rwanda relations between 1990 and 1994 were not reviewed because some of them were not available or denied access to some archives.
Duclert said that many institutions facilitated the expert commission to access information but some remained reluctant.
“It is true that two institutions declined to assist us. I submitted two letters to both chambers of parliament at different times and personally met with the parliament’s chairperson at Hôtel de Lassay to request access exchanged documents,” he noted.
After meeting on 3rd July 2020, the parliament restricted the committee from accessing its archives.
‘Duclert’ report also ruled out accusations of wrongdoing by Operation Turquoise, a French-led military intervention in Rwanda.
Prof. Duclert said that on 16th May, the then French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alain Juppé learnt that Genocide was taking place.
“Along with Prime Minister, Édourd Balladur and Minister of Defense, François Léotard; they put pressure on President Mitterrand to set up rescue mechanism and stop France’s silence over the killings,” he said.
On 22nd June 1994, the United Nations (UN) on request of France decided to send troops to Rwanda under “Opération Turquoise” to rescue targeted victims.
A total of 2500 French troops were sent under the mission some of whom had served under ‘Opération Noroît’ in 1990 when Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) launched liberation struggle. At the time France was supporting Habyarimana.
As Opération Turquoise ended in August 1994, French troops helped officials in the Genocidaire Government to flee to Zaïre led by Mobutu at the time. Duclert’s report does not however shed light on that support.
Duclert explained that both country’s relations seemed to reach the end when RPF liberated the country on 4th July 1994.
The violators include 60 people, who were caught on April 4, at around 6pm, in Le Printemps Hotel located in Jabiro Village, Nyagatovu Cell of Kimironko Sector.
Other 57 were caught in the house located in Rugunga Village, Muyange Cell, Kagarama Sector in Kicukiro District where they were holding a traditional marriage (Gusaba).
The house is owned by Bisengimana Justin, the owner of Rainbow hotel, which was recently closed due to non compliance with COVID-19 prevention directives.
At Happiness Bar and Restaurant located in Kinunga Village, Nyabisindu Cell in Remera Sector, Police and local authorities caught 21 people, who had also gathered for a wedding reception.
Although civil and religious weddings are allowed but without exceeding 20 people; receptions are prohibited as part of the government measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jean De Dieu Gasana Harerimana, the finance and administration manager at Le Printemps, argued that they were tricked by their clients, who had booked but did not mention what the event was about.
“We received a booking to prepare meals for 50 people, a reasonable number for our hotel which has capacity for 200 people. Unfortunately, we did not know that our guests would hold a wedding and ended up even exceeding the agreed number of 50 people,” claimed Harerimana.
To Thierry Makungu, a groom caught at Happiness bar and restaurant, he admitted having violated the government directives and asked for forgiveness.
“Although we held a reception at the restaurant, which had many other customers, I was wrong and for that I apologize to all Rwandans for putting lives at risk,” said Makungu.
Umuhoza Rwabukumba, the Executive Secretary for Kimironko Sector warned of the consequences to violators.
“We always sensitize the public to adhere to Covid-19 prevention directives; everyone knows how deadly the virus is. We created a ‘save the neighbor’ initiative to emphasize the ideals of neighbourhood watch especially during this period when everyone needs to be responsive,” Umuhoza said.
According to Umuhoza, the hospitality establishments will be closed for up to one month and fined with Rwf150,000.
RNP Spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, thanked members of the public, who reported the violators.
“This hotel (Le Printemps) was hosting 60 people, who were holding a wedding reception even when both parties knew that what they were doing is prohibited. Directives must be adhered to without exception,” CP Kabera said.
“There should not be any excuse that one did not know or he/she was tricked; it is a duty of all hotel operators to ensure that whatever they are doing, the clients they are receiving… all adhere to the government directives,” he added.
As of April 4, 311 people had succumbed to COVID-19 with 1,652 cases still active including four in “critical condition”, according to the Ministry of Health.
At least 239 new COVID-19 cases were registered on the same day.
The statement released last night shows that the majority of new cases were found in Southern Province: 173 whereby Huye district registered 75 cases, Gisagara: 35 and Ruhango: 28.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 22684 have been tested positive of whom 20594 have recovered, 1779 are active cases, 5 are critically ill while 311 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 348,926 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 5th March 2021.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The appreciation was made yesterday as the organization celebrated 10-year anniversary since it was established in Rwanda which coincided with the launch of projects aimed at promoting youth’s development.
The virtual event brought together participants from different countries where the organization has footprints.
These include Janet Longmore, the founder and CEO of DOT, representative of Canada’s embassy to Rwanda, Francois Quenneville Dumont; the Minister of Sports and Culture, Rosemary Mbabazi and the Country Director of DOT Rwanda, Uwamutara Violette.
The CEO of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), representatives from Imbuto Foundation, the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of ICT and Innovation were also present.
Some of youth working with the organization day to day highlighted that DOT Rwanda has equipped them with relevant skills that ushered them into development.
With visual impairment, Papi Sibomana, currently pursuing Master’s degree in the United Kingdom. He hailed DOT Rwanda for introducing packages that support differently abled persons.
“DOT Rwanda has unleashed my fears until I became an entrepreneur. Special thanks go to DOT Rwanda for inclusive support which also considers differently abled people. I would like to advise the youth to focus on their dreams regardless of their living conditions,” he said.
The Country Director of DOT Rwanda, Violette Uwamutara emphasized that the organization has for the past ten years helped the youth to meet their aspirations and transform their families’ welfare.
She explained that empowering the youth helps to address challenges facing the community at large.
“ I have for the past ten years learnt that concerting youth’s efforts and helping them to analyze problems miring the society , provides ground for transformations bringing sustainable solutions,” said Uwamutara.
Minister Rosemary Mbabazi thanked DOT Rwanda for contribution to youth’s development and assured continued collaboration to support the cause.
“You have played a critical role in youth’s development for over ten years. Your interventions have been key to provide opportunities that seemed unavailable to the youth. We wish you would carry on your commitment and assure continued collaboration in different activities,” she noted.
Mbabazi reminded beneficiaries to take advantage of presented opportunities and share acquired skills with colleagues.
The Founder and CEO of DOT, Janet Longmore thanked different partners for their contribution to make DOT Rwanda successful.
One of supported projects is called “Daring to shift” expected to transform lives of 7650 young people of whom 70% are female. They will be trained on integrating technology in their businesses to spur growth, create innovations making them role models bringing positive transformations in the society.
The project will be implemented in partnership with Canada through Global Affairs Canada program.
“Digital Skills for Business” is another project aimed at imparting women entrepreneurs with digital skills and helping them to leverage technology to promote business growth.
It will be funded by the World Bank through “Digital Development Partnership” project.
As of today, DOT has supported 821 university graduates in Rwanda.
They were equipped with different digital skills, job creation and skills helping them to create innovations bringing positive transformation to the community among others.
These beneficiaries imparted these skills and transformed lives of 109,000 people in all districts countrywide.
The district has made the call few days before the beginning of the 27th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
The mobilization to remind residents to provide information comes few days after remains of 150 genocide victims were exhumed at a home of former EX-FAR militiaman from three mass graves in Nyamirambo upon tip off from a resident.
It is said that the resident revealed whereabouts these victims are dumped after clashes with the family whose compounds contained the remains.
Following the revelation that some people are not willing to tell the truth, Nyarugeneg district has delegated unity and reconciliation committee at village level with responsibilities to analyze barriers hindering unity and reconciliation efforts.
The executive secretary of Nyarugenge district, Ngabonziza Emmy has told IGIHE that they are requesting residents to provide information so that remains of genocide victims can be buried decently and facilitate unity and reconciliation.
“Residents should understand that it is the responsibility of every Rwandan to tell the truth to contribute to unity and reconciliation efforts. They should feel at ease to reveal whereabouts remains of genocide victims are dumped to be buried because it won’t threaten their security,” he said.
Ngabonziza explained that withholding information on where victims are dumped is a barrier to unity and reconciliation because relatives always feel shocked.
“It facilitates forgiveness when people feel free to reveal such information. During the recent meeting with Ibuka representatives from district to sector levels, it was observed that genocide survivors are ready to forgive but they need to know who they should forgive. However, withholding information is still a barrier,” he said.
One of genocide survivors in Nyakabanda sector who spoke to IGIHE on condition of anonymity said that unity and reconciliation can’t be attained to the maximum if people are still reluctant to reveal information.
“We are ready to forgive those who take steps forward to reveal whereabouts victims are dumped but how can you forgive someone who keeps quiet yet he/she knows where your relatives were dumped,” he wondered.
The Acting executive secretary of Kigali sector, Ngarambe Wellars has said that mobilization is ongoing to encourage residents to provide information about where more genocide victims were killed and dumped.
“It is a serious problem because that area in former Butamwa is among other places where Tutsis were killed heinously. Tutsis were killed and dumped in River Nyabarongo that relatives could not trace their remains for decent burial. We are however mobilizing residents in collaboration with committees of genocide survivors to reveal whereabouts victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi are dumped to be accorded decent burial,” he noted.
Figures show that 45,536 Tutsis were killed in Nyarugenge district.
Best case scenario it will feel awkward to tell you who their celebrity crush is. After all, at the very least it means that you are not the only person on their mind 24/7. Worst case scenario is that your feelings might get hurt because you look nothing like Scarlett Johansson or Rihanna.
{{2. Who’s their non-celebrity crush}}
Take the awkwardness and offense of knowing their celebrity crush and multiply it by 100, because a non-celebrity crush is (potentially) even more threatening. Like, there’s no chance that they’ll ever get to meet Megan Fox (is she still anyone’s celebrity crush?), but their coworker or best friend’s friend is right there.
{{3. What topics/people they talk about with their friends}}
Conversations between close friends can cover anything, and the trust between two mutual best-friends opens conversations up to the most intimate details of personal lives and preferences.
{{4. Their favorite hip-hop songs}}
Hip-hop songs (especially the Top 40, popular kind) tend to be at least a little misogynistic and homophobic. If not that – they can be pretty graphic and vulgar. Now, of course, there’s Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, but then there’s also Remy Ma, Tyler, The Creator, and Death Grips. I’m of the opinion that people can enjoy whatever kind of music they like, and it’s not necessarily a reflection of their personality. However, experience shows that not everyone like this.
{{5. Their favorite rock ballads}}
If they have a fragile masculinity (e.g. they’re “soft guys” and shouldn’t be classified as macho warriors), can you imagine how difficult it will be for them to admit that they enjoy sappy, lovey-dovey rock ballads about great love and deep commitment?
{{6. Their image and fitness goals}}
I feel like in our capitalist society everyone is at least a little unhappy with their body and their image. So, obviously, your boyfriend won’t tell you he wants to look like Ryan Gosling because what he feels that will do is immediately make you start comparing what you have and what you could have if your boyfriend put in the effort to stop eating pizza and go to the gym. “Look at your man. Now look at me. Now look at your man.”
{{7. The stupid crap they spend money on}}
Budgeting is difficult. Spending responsibly is nearly impossible. And, finally, sharing what kind of stupid crap you spend your money on can just be straight up embarrassing for them to reveal.
{{8. How boring he finds your stories}}
Your boyfriend definitely doesn’t want to hurt your feelings, but I can guarantee that at least 20% (best-case scenario) of your stories bore him out of his mind. But he loves you, so he’s going to nod politely and ask follow up questions about half the time to make it seem like you still have something to talk about these days.
{{9. What he’s thinking when he’s barely keeping it together but says “I’m fine”}}
This one is the most universal. Sometimes you just know it’s best to keep your mouth shut and let the anger go away before you discuss important relationship questions. So, “I’m fine” never means that they’re fine, but it’s your signal to leave them alone and pester them with questions at a later time.
{{10. That he’s considered breaking up with you}}
This one is self-explanatory and also includes him thinking about “What life would have been with that other person,” and “What life would have been if they were single,” and “Who gets the TV and is it fair that you get everything and I get nothing?”
{{11. His guilty pleasure pop song tastes}}
It seems like these days everyone has decided that “guilty pleasures” aren’t a thing and everyone can like whatever kind of bland, boring pop music they want to like, but maybe your boyfriend doesn’t want you to know that he’s actually completely obsessed with Carly Rae Japsen or Britney Spears.
{{12. How much he truly values your relationship}}
Can you imagine being completely open about how you love a person? That amount of vulnerability is nearly impossible to be comfortable with. If you only knew how much they love you, you would probably take advantage of that. All. The. Time.!
At least 65 people were found congregating in the house of one James Nyarwaya, 35, located in Nyakayaga Village, Bukomane Cell of Gitoki Sector.
The service was at the time led by pastor Theogene Butera of ‘ubumwe bw’abana b’imana’ located in Kiziguro Sector.
Another group of 54 people were found at the home of one Clementine Mutuyimana in Muhura Sector, Gakorokombe Cell in Kinihira Village where they had gathered for a civil wedding ceremony.
According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, Police Spokesperson for the Eastern Region, the two prohibited events were reported by “concerned residents.”
“At about 10:30am on Saturday, Police and local leaders responded to the call about people who had congregated in the house of Nyarwaya where 65 people were found congested in the house, no one was wearing a face mask and no hand-washing facilities were seen at his premises,” CIP Twizeyimana said.
The worshippers came from the sectors of Kageyo, Rwimbogo, Rugarama, Gitoki and Kiziguro.
The Eastern Region Police Spokesperson reminded the Public that although the government has allowed some services to resume, the guidelines must be followed including religious services and wedding ceremonies.
Places of worship were allowed to resume with no more than 30% maximum occupancy; attendance at civil and religious weddings should not exceed 20 people and must comply with COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Receptions remain prohibited.
The statement released last night shows that the majority of new cases are from Southern Province.
These include cases found in Huye: 90, Gisagara [75], Ruhango [23], Nyaruguru [18], Nyanza [8], Umujyi wa Kigali [7], Nyamagabe [6], Bugesera [5], Rwamagana [2], Rusizi [2] while Rubavu, Rutsiro and Kayonza districts registered one case respectively.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 22482 people have been tested positive out of 1,177,519 sample tests of whom 20519 recovered, 1652 are active cases, 4 are critically ill while 311 have succumbed to the virus.
Rwanda has so far vaccinated 348,926 since it began countrywide inoculation program on 5th March 2021.
The second dose of AstraZeneca is offered between 8 to 12 weeks while the second shot for Pfizer vaccine takes between 21 to 28 days.
Inoculation exercise for the second Pfizer shot kicked off in Kigali on Friday 2nd April 2021 while those who received AstraZeneca doses will be communicated on vaccination schedule in due time.
Figures from the Ministry shows that the number of vaccine recipients is still low compared to targeted people. However, efforts to seek more vaccines are underway as Rwanda has bought more 500,000 AstraZeneca vaccines at a cost of US$ 1.6 million, awaiting delivery.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
