“This evening, President Kagame received members of the Duclert Commission along with Gen. Jean Varret, Gen. Éric de Stabenrath, Col. René Galinié and Amb. Yannick Gérard, former French officials involved in Rwanda between 1990-1994, for a candid discussion about history and memory,” the Presidency has tweeted.
Gen Jean Varret who was part of officers that meet with Kagame served as the head of France-Rwanda military cooperation mission from October 1990 to April 1993.
Brig Gen Éric de Stabenrath was heading the Opération Turquoise (a French-led military intervention in Rwanda) in 1994 in former Gikongoro Prefecture while Colonel René Galinié was the Defense Attaché to the Embassy of France in Rwanda and head of military cooperation mission (July 1991-April 1994).
During his stay in Rwanda, Gen Varret informed his country about Genocide plan that was underway. Since then, he was gradually excluded from coordination that official information was later exchanged directly between the Presidency of Mitterand and subordinates until he resigned. He was replaced by Gen Jean-Pierre Huchon who was at the rank of Colonel at the time.
Recently on 26th March 2021, the expert commission comprised of French historians commissioned by Macron released ‘Duclert’ report which 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.
As Duclert report was released, Gen Varret said that it will provide ground for truth on France’s role during Genocide against Tutsi.
During an exclusive interview with France 24 recently, Kagame said that he wanted to meet with these former army officers to discuss history of what happened in Rwanda particularly findings of Duclert report and Muse report released by Rwanda.
Rwanda and France have embarked on a new chapter to revitalize wavered relations over the role France is accused to have played during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
The recently released Duclert report is considered a big step forward to revitalized relations.
The agreements were signed on Monday 17th May 2021 by EAC Secretary General, Hon (Dr.) Peter Mathuki and Regine Hess, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Republic of Tanzanian and the EAC.
Amb. Hess, who paid a courtesy call on the Secretary General at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, congratulated the Dr. Mathuki on his assumption of office as new Secretary General at the end of April.
On the occasion of their first meeting, Amb. Hess and Dr. Mathuki signed two government agreements on development cooperation. The Agreements are the legal basis for the implementation of projects in the areas of health, water resource management and digital skills, worth 65 million US Dollars (EUR 53.8 million).
In the health sector, the continued cooperation with the Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization & Health Supply Chain Management, located at the University of Rwanda in Kigali (17 million Dollars), will allow the centre to expand its expertise and reputation, especially in the areas of digitalization in health supply chain management, cold-chain management and quality control / drug safety.
Also under the health sector is the release of additional funds (30 Million Dollars) for the EAC’s immunization programme with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance that will contribute to reducing child morbidity and mortality in the region. The funds will finance the procurement of at least four different types of vaccines (Pentavalent, Rotavirus, Pneumococcal and Measles second dose), to be made available for routine immunization and immunization campaigns for children in all six Partner States of the East African Community.
The Integrated Water Resource Management Programme, which was successfully launched in mid-February 2020 and is implemented by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), an EAC institution, will be stocked up (by 12 million Dollars) to finance additional measures to improve water quality and availability through strategic and sustainable management of the Lake Victoria Basin.
In order to strengthen digital skills and innovation in East Africa, the Secretariat and Germany further agreed on the implementation of the project “Digital Skills for an Innovative East African Industry” (dSkills@EA) that builds on the results of the project “Centre of Excellence for ICT in East Africa” (CENIT@EA). The new phase (USD 6 million) strengthens digital skills of especially young women and men from all six EAC Partner States to strengthen their employability and innovation capacities.
Based on a strong industry-academia partnership and regional collaboration, dSkills@EA together with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) will promote innovative digital solutions for the region’s economic development through the Master programme “Embedded and Mobile Systems”, trainings and innovation transfer and entrepreneurship.
Ambassador Hess underscored Germany’s commitment to remain one of the leading partners to the region.
“We can look back to over 20 years of successful cooperation with the EAC Secretariat. We are committed to continue this cooperation in key areas such as health, trade and economic infrastructure; and technical and vocational education and training under your new leadership of the EAC Secretariat, Hon. Secretary General Mathuki,” said Amb. Hess.
She expressed her appreciation, that the cooperation particularly supports the youth in the region, adding that the younger generation in East Africa would benefit from the programmes.
With a view to the current Covid-19 pandemic, that also hit hard Eastern Africa, Ambassador Hess promised that Germany will commit additional funds of up to US$6.6 million for pandemic preparedness and response in 2021, to be implemented through existing EAC-German programmes on pandemic preparedness, economic integration and digital skills.
On his part, Dr. Mathuki thanked Germany for her continued support to the EAC integration process stretching back to 1999 when the Community was established.
“The EAC and the Federal Republic of Germany have enjoyed a long-standing partnership since the EAC inception. Over the last 22 years, commitments from the German government amounting to over 516.88 million Euros to programmes and projects aimed at advancing EAC integration, specifically focusing on economic and social integration,” said Dr. Mathuki.
“The signing today of the two government agreements on development cooperation amounting to 65 million US Dollars (EUR 53.8 million) demonstrates the commitment of the Federal Republic of Germany to support the EAC Integration. It is my intention to continue strengthening this partnership,” he added.
Dr. Mathuki informed the German envoy that the Covid-19 pandemic had devastated economies in East Africa over the past one year and thanked Germany for her support combating the deadly virus.
The Secretary General said that the EAC was well on course with the implementation of the Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union and the Political Federation.
“In establishing the Monetary Union, we will borrow a lot from the EU especially on how it set up the Eurozone and its experience with a single currency. We intend to benchmark with the best as far as the Monetary Union is concerned,” said Dr. Mathuki.
Also present at the function were the Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Ngoga; EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Planning and Infrastructure, Eng. Steven Mlote; and the Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council of East Africa, Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona.
IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that Macron will hold the maiden visit Rwanda on 27th and 28th May 2021.
Upon arrival in Rwanda, Macron is expected to visit Kigali Genocide Memorial and officiate the launch of French Cultural Center.
Macron’s visit will be the first in East Africa.
The Centre will be located near Kigali Convention Center, Kimihurura Sector, Gasabo District. The center was initially expected to be inaugurated in 2020 but construction activities delayed and were completed in April 2021 due to COVID-19.
The former French Cultural Center building used to be called ‘Centre D’Echanges Culturels Franco-Rwandais’ and was located in Kiyovu, nearby the city center’s main roundabout.
It was closed in 2014 by Kigali City Officials because the structure was not in line with the new City Master Plan.
The centre had a library and other activities including French language teaching; Culture-based training and concerts among others.
Since 2014, the cultural center office was in France’s Embassy in Rwanda, where its activities like entertainment and book reading were held in Kigali Public Library and the Goethe Institut in Nyarugenge District.
Macron comes to Rwanda at a time when both countries have embarked on a new chapter to revitalize wavered relations over the role France is accused to have played during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Rwanda, France relations have been on good progress since Macron took office in 2017.
The latter has demonstrated willingness to change France, Africa foreign policy and building strong relations with partners unlike his predecessor, François Hollande.
Recently on 26th March 2021, the expert commission comprised of French historians commissioned by Macron released ‘Duclert’ report which 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 was presented two years, after the delegation of 13 historians started reviewing archives on France, Rwanda relations between 1990 and 1994.
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.
Rwanda, France diplomatic relations date back in 1962 after obtaining Independence.
If he comes to Rwanda, Macron will be the second French President landing in the country of thousand hills after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Nicolas Sarkozy is the only France President who visited Rwanda on 25th February 2010 following the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
The outreach programme started on Monday, May 17, in IDP camp 3 in Juba targeting mainly the camp management committee and the youth.
Dr. Joseph Ndamiye Rugazura, the Chief Medical Officer for FPU-3 enlightened the participants on Coronavirus, the current global status, causes, how it is transmitted, symptoms and the available prevention measures.
The theory and practical session involved the hygiene and health guidelines on preventing the spread of the pandemic. They were also showed how to wash hands and wear masks.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), South Sudan has registered 10, 652 COVID-19 cases as of May 17, with 10462 recoveries and 115 related fatalities. A total of 5,459 vaccine doses have been administered.
Globally, over 162 million cases have been registered and over 3.3 related deaths, according to WHO.
Dr. Ndamiye reminded them that although there is a vaccine, individual responsibility and observance of the recommended health guidelines are key to preventing infection and transmission.
He highlighted staying at home, social distancing, washing your hands as many times as possible with clean water and soap, always covering the mouth and nose with a mask one leaves home, covering cough and sneeze, cleaning and frequently disinfecting touched objects and surfaces daily as the currently available prevention measures.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jeannette Masozera, FPU-3 contingent commander, who also attended the awareness, said the campaign is aimed at supporting the South Sudan efforts against the pandemic particular through prevention.
“Health is part of safety as well as peacekeeping; you provide peace to a healthy and safer community. So, this is part of our peacekeeping duties to ensure that people understanding the pandemic, change their attitude and mindset, and take positive actions,” said SSP Masozera.
The sensitized group, she said, will also take the lead in spreading the message to make safety measures a tradition in their IDP camp.
The statement released last night shows that 129 people have caught the virus, while 44 recovered.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then 26 344 people have been tested positive of whom 24 808 have recovered, 1190 are active cases while 346 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 350, 400 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.
Kagame is in France to attend the International Conference on Sudan and Summit on Financing African Economies scheduled on 17th and 18th May 2021.
During his visit, Kagame also held talks with his counterpart of France, Emmanuel Macron; the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi and Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde.
Kagame and Ramaphosa met last in Ethiopia in February 2020 as they attended the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).
They had also met in March 2019 in South Africa ahead of a dinner hosted by Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) EDGE.
Rwanda and South Africa have been hit by diplomatic tensions where Rwanda accused South Africa to grant refuge to fugitives intending to threaten Rwanda’s security like Kayumba Nyamwasa who escaped justice and currently heading RNC terror outfit.
In March 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the problem of Rwandans being denied visas to South Africa would soon become history after holding talks with President Paul Kagame. However, up to now, Rwandans still struggle to get visa to travel to South Africa.
Rwanda has at different times explained that actions of convicted people or fugitives should not blur bilateral relations.
The report (in French), which was years in the making, concluded that France remained a collaborator with the regime of the then President Juvenal Habyarimana that was behind the deaths of over 1 million victims in just 100 days and was “unwavering in its support” even when Genocide plans were clear.
France has long been accused of complicity during Genocide against Tutsi. Asked if he would like France to apologise for the events of 1994, Kagame said he would not demand an apology but said he would “appreciate” one, if it were forthcoming.
He also discussed violence in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and did not rule out the possibility of joint military operations with Kinshasa.
Asked about the trial Paul Rusesabagina who was arrested last year in Rwanda, Kagame called for a “fair trial” but labelled Rusesabagina a “criminal”.
The International Conference on Sudan was held on Monday 17th May while the Summit on Financing African Economies is scheduled on Tuesday 18th May 2021.
The conference held yesterday was also joined by heads of financial institutions.
Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed via Twitter handle that Kagame met with Macron in Paris on the sidelines of the conference.
Areas of discussions have not been mentioned but both Heads of State met one month after the release of two reports that investigated the role of France during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
These include ‘Duclert’ report made by expert committee comprised of historians commissioned by President Macron and ‘Muse’ report made on behalf of the Government of Rwanda.
Both reports indicate that French Government led by François Mitterrand between 1990 and 1994 supported the regime the then President Juvénal Habyarimana which planned and executed the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
During the conference on Sudan held yesterday, President Macron said that International Monetary Fund (IMF) member countries have agreed to clear Sudan’s arrears to the institution removing the final hurdle to the African nation getting wider relief on its external debt of at least $50 billion.
He also revealed that France will provide Sudan with a $1.5 billion bridge loan to facilitate the clearance to promote debt relief and investment in the African country, adding that his country was in favor of a full clearance of the $5 billion it is owed by Sudan.
Sudan is emerging from decades of economic sanctions and isolation under former President Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted by the military in April 2019 after an uprising.
A transitional government appointed under a military-civilian power sharing deal is trying to pull the country out of a deep economic crisis with inflation at over 300% and shortages of basic goods.
Sudan built up huge arrears on its debt, but has made rapid progress towards having much of it forgiven under the IMF and World Bank’s Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) scheme, allowing Sudan access to cheaper international financing.
The Presidency has via Twitter handle revealed that both Heads of State met ahead of the International Conference on Sudan and the Summit on Financing African Economies.
DRC Presidency revealed that Kagame and Tshisekedi discussed areas of focus the African Union had to present during the meeting.
Among others, DRC Presidency explained that Kagame commended his counterpart’s efforts to restore peace in Eastern part of his country and promised support to the cause.
On 16th May 2021, Kagame also held talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and his counterpart of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde ahead of the conference on Sudan and Summit on Financing African Economies.
Beatrice Mukandayisaba, 27, was at the time collecting a new consignment of about 1000 pellets of cannabis when she was arrested by the Police.
She is a resident of Kadashya Village, Ruganda Cell of Gihundwe Sector also in Rusizi District.
The Western region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi said residents first intercepted a taxi-moto operator, who was delivering the narcotics to Mukandayisaba.
“We received information from local residents about Congolese, who had delivered a consignment on the Rwandan territory through Lake Kivu, and gave it to a motorcyclist only identified as Said, before returning in the same direction towards DR Congo,” said CIP Karekezi.
He added: “However, residents moved in quickly to intercept the motorcyclist as he rode away with the consignment, which they suspected to be narcotics.
The motorcyclist dropped the sack containing the narcotics and fleed. Police officers deployed continued to survey the area believed to be the point where the motorcyclist was supposed to meet Mukandayisaba, until she arrived and arrested her as she was collecting the narcotics.”
Mukandayisenga has since been handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) at Kamembe station.
CIP Karekezi said the search for the motorcyclist, who transported the narcotics from the Congolese traffickers on the shores of Lake Kivu, is still underway.
He thanked the vigilance and responsiveness of the residents.
“The role of the public is important in fighting and preventing crimes, particularly in breaking chains of drug dealers,” said the spokesperson
Cannabis is classified among the ‘very severe narcotics’ under the Ministerial order nº 001/moh/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorisation.
Article 263 of law No 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general states that any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.
In case of very severe drugs, the offender, upon conviction faces between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.
