The body was found yesterday on Friday 9th April 2021 in Kibare village, Isangano cell. It was first seen by fishers on daily work in Lake Rwakibare.
The executive secretary of Ndego sector, Karuranga Léon has told IGIHE the body flew to the lake from River Akagera.
“The body was washed away by River Akagera. The deceased is not a resident of Ndego. We have failed to identify him but it is apparent that he might have died five days ago. His face has seriously deteriorated,” he said.
Karuranga explained that the man’s arms were tied to the back and had been stabbed on one leg.
He said that Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has launched investigation to establish cause of the death. The body was taken to Rwinkwavu Hospital.
The political expert who once served as an advisor in the Office of the President the Republic, Paul Kagame has explained that it is the first time for a committee established by France to approve that the country supported the Government that prepared and executed Genocide noting that the gesture is a giant stride leading to the revelation of unknown realities and revitalized bilateral relations.
The report by expert commission comprised of French historians was released on 26th March 2021 and presented to French President Emmanuel Macron. The team studied French official files.
The report indicated 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.
It 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.
Dr. Kimonyo who also authored different books has told IGIHE that the relevance of the report lies in its resolutions.
He holds a PhD in Political Science obtained from Québec University in Canada.
He has so far authored two books including ‘Rwanda, un génocide populaire ‘ and ‘Rwanda demain! Une longue marche vers la transformation’.
“In fact, the gist of the report lies in its resolutions. It has two resolutions.The first states that French people had heavy and overwhelming responsibility to what happened in Rwanda between 1990 and 1994. Secondly, it is the first time an entity from France makes such a statement. That’s a great milestone,” he said.
“Taking stock of the situation in the past five years, an individual trying to ask former France officials if the country was accomplice to Habyarimana or Genocidal Government was mocked. The report clears France of complicity but asking the question also has a strong relevance,” added Dr. Kimonyo.
He explained that implications of the report proves the country’s role during Genocide particularly allies complicity of allies to the then President Mitterand even though it is not mentioned directly.
Dr. Kimonyo finds that Duclert report is a great step to restoring Rwanda, France relations considering the strong willingness of President Macron since he took office in 2017.
“The report is not the first gesture Macron demonstrates to revitalize Rwanda. France relations. As the Duclert commission was established, the country had started spotting Genocide fugitives to face justice. The situation is promising that Rwanda, France relations will continue to flourish,” he observed.
Since 1991, France embassy in Rwanda reported that preparation of Genocide to exterminate Tutsi but the Government of Mitterand kept a deaf ear as revealed by Colonel René Galinié who was the Defense Attaché to the Embassy of France in Rwanda and head of military cooperation mission (July 1991-April 1994).
The Duclert report also triggered reactions of other French soldiers who were deployed in ‘Opération Turquoise’ (a French-led military intervention in Rwanda since 1994) among other politicians who have been explaining the Government of the then French President, Mitterand disregarded for several times reports and evidences explaining that Genocide was under preparation in Rwanda.
“President Kagame today received French Historian Vincent Duclert, who presented the report titled ‘France, Rwanda and the Genocide Against the Tutsi’. The report was commissioned by President Emmanuel Macron, two years ago and was done by a team of 13 researchers and historians,” the Presidency has tweeted.
Prof. Duclert who arrived in Rwanda on 7th April 2021 has held exclusive talks with President Kagame were accompanied by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr.Vincent Biruta and the Minister of Justice and State Attorney General, Johnston Busingye.
Prof. Duclert said he was glad to present to President Kagame, the report on France’ role during Genocide.
Duclert explained that the report is based on findings from reviewed archives related to Rwanda during Genocide.
Rwanda, France relations wavered in the past over the role France is accused to have played during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
As Rwanda began the 27th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, Macron granted public access to these official archives.
Minister Biruta said that Duclert report reflects the commitment of President Macron towards revealing the truth of what happened and highlighted that it provides ground for common understanding, which is a significant step to both countries’ relations.
President Macron appointed the 15-member commission in 2019, giving them access to presidential, diplomatic, military and intelligence archives.
The report by French historians 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 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.
Among the archives are those of Mitterrand, who had close ties to former Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana.
As he delivered the message marking the beginning of the 27th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi; Kagame said that certain French officials have for decades tried to cover up their responsibilities (during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi) which caused significant damage and reminisced on the Duclert report which he welcomed highlighting that it marks an important step toward common understanding of what took place.
“Recently, a commission of historians appointed by the French government released a detailed report after reading official archives that had remained secret. The report shows that President Mitterrand and his closest advisers knew that genocide against Tutsi was being planned by their allies in Rwanda. Despite that knowledge, the president decided to continue supporting them, because he believed this was necessary for France’s geopolitical position. Rwandan lives were just pawns in geopolitical games,” he said.
“We welcome this report because it marks an important step toward a common understanding of what took place. It also marks a change, it shows the desire, even for leaders in France, to move forward with a good understanding of what happened, and we welcome this. We welcome this. We are going to have the report presented to us. I have been informed about it. It is a good thing,” added Kagame.
The President emphasized that Rwanda will, in the near future, release its findings going in the same direction with findings from Duclert report.
“Rwanda will also have a word to say in the near future, maybe around the third week of this month. The findings we have in our hands, based on the work that has been done by people who were commissioned to do that in parallel to what was being done in France — the findings go in the same direction. The important thing is to continue working together to document the truth. This is the truth,” he noted.
In November last year, Macron announced plan for a visit to Rwanda in 2021, aimed at strengthening existing bilateral relations.
“First of all, I am planning for visits to Angola and South Africa that had been suspended due to health conditions. I am hopeful that I will be able to make the visits within few weeks ahead and later visit Rwanda in 2021,” he told Jeune Afrique.
The date and month for the visit have not yet been confirmed but it is reported that the situation will depend on the status of COVID-19 pandemic.
Macron’s visit to Rwanda is expected before 18th May 2021 because France plans to host France-Africa investment summit in which over ten African head of states are invited.
In 2019, Macron was invited to Rwanda to attend the 25th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. At the time, Macron sent the delegation of France parliamentarians including Sira Sylla and the French Rwandan born Member of Parliament, Herve Berville.
In May 2018, President Paul Kagame invited Macron as he attended Viva Technology Summit that brought together CEOs of different technology start-up companies and potential innovators in Paris, France.
Macron was again invited in October 2018 after the General Assembly of the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF).
At the time, Kagame told RFI and France 24 that Macron was invited to visit Rwanda since he took office in May 2017.
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.
President Kagame recently told Jeune Afrique that there has been progress to both countries’ relations since Macron was elected in comparison with the past.
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 suspects include one Emmanuel Nzayisenga, 25, who was arrested red-handed in Murambo, Miyove Cell of Miyove Sector, Gicumbi District with 28kgs of cannabis.
Two others; Bizibu Cyiza, 40, and Jeannette Mukabutera, 48, were arrested in Kigarama Village, Kigabiro Cell of Nyabitekeri Sector in Nyamasheke District with 1,073 pellets of cannabis.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Jean Bosco Minani, the District Police Commander for Gicumbi, said Nzayisenga was arrested in partnership with other security organs and local leaders.
“On Wednesday, at around 11pm, while security organs were conducting a night patrol, they stopped two people, who were traveling on a motorcycle plate number RD 689A and carrying two bundles. One of them who was later identified as Mukiza got off the motorcycle and run away but Nzayisenga was apprehended.
When security organs checked, they realized the two bundles contained pellets of cannabis weighing 28kgs,” SP Minani said.
Nzayisenga, the DPC added, also had pellets of cannabis wrapped around his thighs and covered with a trouser.
Upon his arrest, Nzayisenga, who hails from Rukozo Sector in Rulindo District, disclosed that he left to Uganda on April 4, through a porous border to bring a new consignment of narcotics.
He further narrated that he was making one trip to Uganda every week to bring the narcotics.
According to Nzayisenga, he had other people in Rulindo, who were facilitating him in distribution.
In Nyamasheke District, Cyiza and Mukabutera were arrested on the shores of Lake Kivu with the 1,073 pellets of cannabis.
Cyaza had just delivered the narcotics to Mukabutera after sneaking them across into Rwanda from DRC, by boat through Lake Kivu.
Police had acted on credible information that Mukabutera would meet her supplier Cyiza on the shores, before trailing her and arresting them red handed.
Article 3 of the Ministerial order nº 001/MoHo/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorisation, classifies cannabis among the “very severe narcotics.”
Article 263 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general, provides a sentence of between 20 years and life in prison for anyone convicted of dealing in “very severe narcotic drugs” and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million.
The majority of new cases were found in Nyaruguru: 27, Kigali: 20 and Nyamagabe: 20.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 23260 people have been tested positive of whom 20 991 have recovered, 1955 are active cases, 6 are critically ill while 314 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 ceremony that took place on Friday 9th April 2021, coincided with the commemoration of Genocide victims killed in Nyundo Catholic Church’s Cathedral on 9th April 1994.
The Bishop of Nyundo Diocese, Mwumvaneza Anaclet said that the consequence of bad leadership highlighting that it won’t happen again because Rwanda currently has good leadership.
He explained that Tutsi were heinously killed in Nyundo and requested relevant authorities to build a particular house dedicated for exhibition of Genocide history in the area.
“There was massive bloodshed here in Nyundo. Perpetrators killed Tutsi with intentions to exterminate all of them. What happened was the consequence of bad leadership that fueled racial discrimination but we currently have good leaders and soldiers that stopped Genocide. I would like to request relevant authorities to build a house featuring displays of Genocide history in Nyundo,” he said.
The mayor of Rubavu district, Habyarimana Gilbert said that the relocation was needed to ensure genocide victims are decently buried.
“The program to integrate memorials is aimed at honoring Genocide victims especially those in mass cemeteries to be accorded decent burial. That is why we upgrade memorials. I would like to tell Rutsiro residents that Rubavu is also their home. This place facilitates better preservation of history. They will be joining us to commemorate,” he said.
Nyundo Genocide Memorial is accommodates remains of 1059 victims including 30 killed clerics.
Under its Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, the UAE has entered a historic new era of clean electricity production with the launch of ‘Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant’ which paves the way for significant economic, social and environmental benefits.
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has recently announced that Unit One of the Barakah nuclear energy plant has begun commercial operations.
Located in the Al Dhafra region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the plant has four APR-1400 units.
ENEC’s operating and maintenance subsidiary, Nawah Energy Company, successfully started commercial operations of the plant’s first unit.
According to sources, the 1400MW unit will deliver sustainable electricity constantly, to be supplied to the national grid.
Abu Dhabi Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that the development was a significant milestone in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) vision for sustainable, knowledge-based economic prosperity.
Commenting on the development, ENEC chairman Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “The UAE set a clear roadmap with solid principles to ensure this project was developed in accordance with the highest international industry standards of safety and quality with full transparency.”
“Our investment in pioneering technologies and the decarbonisation of our electricity production not only advances the UAE’s clean energy leadership, but also produces tangible socioeconomic and environmental benefits,” he added.
ENEC CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi said the plant is a landmark in UAE’s journey towards clean energy.
“After more than a decade of strategic planning, program development and construction, today we are confidently marking the start of a new chapter in the UAE’s transition to cleaner energy sources,” he noted.
Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has started commercial operations, becoming the first source of clean electricity for the Arab World .
Barakah Unit 1 Commercial Operations is the result of more than a decade of effort by Emirati-led, multinational teams to deliver on the UAE’s clean energy vision.
The plant is anticipated to bring positive change by delivering clean electricity, making great strides to tackle climate change, creating jobs and supporting industries, promoting R&D and technological advancement.
From now onwards, the first unit of the Barakah plant is currently delivering thousands of megawatts of emissions-free electricity 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for more than 60 years. It also set to grow, with three more units well on their way to generating clean electricity in coming years.
This huge amount of clean electricity will support the UAE in making giant strides in meeting its climate change goals and becoming a global clean energy leader.
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[UAE enters historic new era of clean electricity production as ‘Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant’ starts commercial production ->https://en.igihe.com/IMG/pdf/enec_information_leaflet.pdf]
Headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda, Ampersand assembles and finances electric motorcycles (‘e-motos’ or ‘e-bodas’) that are cheaper, cleaner and better performing than the 5 million petrol motorcycle taxis in use across East Africa.
Ampersand’s vehicles produce at least 75% less carbon than petrol motorcycles and zero tailpipe emissions. Ampersand also builds and operates a network of battery swap stations, allowing drivers to change batteries faster than refilling a tank with petrol.
EIF’s historic US$ 3.5 million investment allows Ampersand to rapidly scale its electric motorcycle and swap station network in Rwanda. This includes hundreds more e-motos on the road, and dozens more battery swapping stations.
The investment also enables Ampersand’s expansion beyond Rwanda’s borders, and fuels the company’s research and development arm, putting Ampersand on track to electrify East Africa’s entire motorcycle taxi fleet by 2030.
Since its commercial launch in May 2019, Ampersand’s fleet of 35 drivers and e-motos have covered over 1.3 million kilometers and over 7000 drivers are on their waiting list.
EIF’s investment builds on the startup’s acceleration through StartupBootcamp, early-stage funding from FactorE Ventures in 2018, generous support from the Rwanda Green Fund, USAID’s Development Innovation Ventures, Shell Foundation, the UK FCDO’s Frontier Technology Livestreaming fund, the New Zealand Government, and a loan from Blue Haven Initiative’s Catalytic Fund.
Commenting on the development, Josh Whale, Founder and CEO of Ampersand said: “We’re thrilled to have EIF on board for this historic investment. We now have the momentum to scale our operations to electrify all of East Africa’s 5 million taxi motorcycles by 2030. EIF’s support further dispels the myth that electric transport will happen in rich nations first and trickle down to developing countries later, second-hand.”
James Everett, the Managing Partner of EIF expressed delight for the partnership expected to contribute a lot to climate change mitigation.
“We have confidence in the Ampersand team, and we believe the time is right. We are very excited to partner with Ampersand as the company scales in Rwanda and expands across East Africa. We believe that electrifying 2 and 3 wheeled vehicles in developing countries represents one of the low hanging fruits for climate change mitigation globally, and can have a profound positive impact on urban air quality,” he noted.
The commemoration that lasts 100 days is taking place for second time during Coronavirus pandemic whereby talks will be delivered virtually through mainstream media including televisions and radios as well as other social media platforms.
Over the years, people have been reported and arrested for threatening genocide survivors, uprooting their crops, stabbing their livestock or destroying their houses among other violent acts during commemoration period.
Among others, it has been observed that propagandists, roaming perpetrators and their supporters often use this time to spread genocide ideology, deny and trivialize the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi which continue to pain survivors who endured with both physical and psychological trauma.
It is worrying situation that such propagandists intend to mislead people especially the youth considered as the backbone of the nation’s future and hold back the strides Rwanda has made in unity and reconciliation.
IGIHE has talked to Fidèle Ndayisaba, the Executive Secretary of Rwanda National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) to hint on attitudes that should characterize people during the commemoration period.
As he explained, the first move towards fighting genocide ideology is participation in commemoration events.
“The first move is to participate in commemoration events. Physical meetings have been limited by Covid-19 but we encourage people to watch, listen talks aired through mainstream media and various social media platforms. This helps to understand better history of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, comfort each other and stand in solidarity,” he said.
Ndayisaba also reminded the public that they should be selective because some media houses are used to spread propaganda, sow hatred and mislead people.
He highlighted that majority of them are YouTube channels and other media houses from abroad working under the arms of people denying and trivializing Genocide against Tutsi.
Ndayisaba further stressed that emphasis should be drawn on self-protection and protecting others during this commemoration period by avoiding to give attention to misleading speeches and publications sowing hatred. Journalists are also urged to avoid propaganda that misleads people.
Ndayisaba explained that Rwandans should stand against acts of genocide ideologists and advised them to stand united and comfort genocide survivors.
During his message marking the beginning of commemoration events, President Paul Kagame said that Rwandans should not be afraid to resist people denying genocide.
He was commenting on the presentation of the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG), Dr. Jean-Damascène Bizimana that shed light on evidences of the preparation and execution of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
“What Jean-Damascène Bizimana has just told us, those are facts. Facts of our history, facts about what happened, and the responsibilities thereof. For those deniers, if they have no shame, why should I have fear?” he noted.
Rwanda is commemorating for the 27th time under the theme ‘Remember-Unite-Renew’
The request was made yesterday on Thursday 8th April 2021 during the commemoration of genocide victims in the district.
The event that took place at Mukeri and Gisuma genocide memorials located in Byumba sector attracted minimal participation of mourners in compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures.
Munyakazi André, a survivor with relatives buried at Mukeri memorial said that it is shameful to see some memorials without roofing that water penetrates inside easily.
He appealed to the Government for action to have these memorials upgraded.
“For instance, you can see that it is raining on this memorial. It would be better if the memorial is upgraded and get roofing because rain water usually penetrates inside the cemetery and destroys remains of deceased relatives,” he said.
Munyemana Augustin from Kageyo sector said that water drainage channels should be constructed and proceed with further upgrading works to ensure remains are kept in safe conditions.
Kamizikunze Anastase, the President of IBUKA, organization umbrella of genocide survivors in Gicumbi district has said that three of six memorials are not roofed.
He however explained that they plan to relocate these memorials to one memorial at district level that will be properly constructed.
The mayor of Gicumbi district, Ndayambaje Félix has explained that they are seeking a solution to build one memorial that will accommodate remains from five memorials in different areas.
“We have a plan to build a decent genocide memorial at district level whereby some memorials can be integrated. We are holding talks with the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide. We have already submitted a proposal to run two memorials including one of Tutsis killed during the 1994 Genocide and another one of victims killed on accusation of espionage,” he said.
Ndayambaje revealed that the genocide memorial at district level is expected to be built in Mutete sector at a cost of over Rwf 800 million.
Gicumbi district has six memorials, three of which accommodate remains of 1541 genocide victims.
These include Mutete, Rutare, Nyarurama, Mukeri and Mugina genocide memorials as well as Gisuna memorial accommodating killed victims accused of espionage.
