Yesterday, members of the House of Lords backed plans to remove exceptions to the scheme for children and ensure it adheres to international law, despite the House of Commons voting to reject previous amendments to the Rwanda Bill.
At the same time, the Lords renewed their support for the Labour Party’s proposal to exempt agents, allies, and employees of the UK overseas seeking asylum in the UK from being removed to Rwanda.
The peers also maintained their demand that the Bill must have “due regard” for domestic and international law, including human rights and modern slavery legislation.
The Lords also agreed to crossbench peer Lord Hope’s measure that requires Rwanda to undergo independent verification before it is considered safe.
The Bill returned to the Lords for further scrutiny after MPs rejected all their amendments to the legislation.
MPs are scheduled to deliberate on the new developments before taking a vote later today.
The Bill will not become law until both the Upper and Lower chambers agree on its final wording.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had earlier indicated that he hopes the legislation will be adopted this week, paving the way for the first flight to depart to Rwanda.
The scheme, first announced in April 2022 by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government following a deal with Rwandan authorities, seeks to act as a deterrent to people arriving in the UK on small boats across the English Channel.
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The Bill was introduced to Parliament after the UK Supreme Court ruled that the government’s scheme was unlawful.
The judges argued that genuine refugees being removed to Rwanda faced the risk of being returned to their home countries, where they could face harm.
The UK government says failed asylum seekers would be offered £3,000 (Rwf4,866,727) to move to Rwanda under the new voluntary scheme.
He was last in Rwanda in 2010, after which it was revealed that he fled to South Africa, a country where he had been running business.
This move came following discoveries that he was involved in tax evasion and had connections with subversive groups aiming to destabilize Rwanda’s security, whom he also supported financially.
Born around 1941 in Rwanda, Rujugiro spent a significant portion of his life in Burundi as a refugee, where he began his tobacco business.
Emphasizing the paramount importance of national security, he credited it as the cornerstone of Rwanda’s post-genocide accomplishments, achieved through the intervention of RPF Inkotanyi forces.
Over the past thirty years, Rwanda has transcended ethnic and regional tensions, fostering a society where no individual faces persecution based on identity. Educational curricula have been purged of divisive ideologies, and ethnic affiliations have been removed from identification documents.
Addressing a gathering comprising staff from various government agencies during the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsis, Gen (Rtd) Ibingira asserted Rwanda’s newfound stature on the global stage, stating, “For 30 years, Rwanda has stood as a nation of principles.” He metaphorically illustrated the meticulousness of Rwanda’s governance by suggesting that even a rabbit crossing into the country one would require proper documentation to come collect it.
Reflecting on historical events, he recounted an incident in the 1970s when Burundians laid claim to Rwandan territory, highlighting Rwanda’s vulnerability at the time. Additionally, he recalled the audacious act of Idi Amin, who, during his presidency in Uganda, unauthorizedly landed military planes at Kigali Airport, causing widespread panic.
Noting a shift in diplomatic demeanor, Gen (Rtd) Ibingira remarked on Rwanda’s transformation from a nation with a somewhat volatile disposition and diplomatic humility to a strong fearless country , contrasting the past with the present.
Acknowledging the post-genocide reconstruction efforts, he shared the journey of healing and progress, emphasizing the restoration of the Rwandan society, both physically and emotionally.
Highlighting the remarkable socio-economic advancements from 1994 to 2024, he underscored Rwanda’s robust growth in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, trade, industry, and employment opportunities, culminating in a significant rise in per capita income and gross domestic product.
Trent Kelly, a member of the House of Representatives from Mississippi’s 1st congressional district, confirmed on Monday, April 15, 2024, that he had introduced a resolution calling for the government to adopt the official definition of the Genocide, a move he said would ensure lessons from Rwanda’s painful history are not forgotten.
“The facts are the facts, it’s not the Rwandan Genocide it’s the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. I call on the State Department administration to call it exactly what it is. I’ve introduced a house resolution calling for United States to adopt the official definition of Genocide.
We have a moral obligation to ensure the lessons of history are not forgotten and the voices of the victims are heard,” he said.
Kelly spoke at Capitol Hill in Washington D.C, where members of the Diplomatic corps, congress, academia, media, Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda gathered to honour the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The US has been in the spotlight several times due to its failure to clearly state in its messages, especially during the annual ‘Kwibuka’ commemorations, that the Tutsis were the targeted group in the 1994 genocide, as established by the Trial Chamber of the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
Early this month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken came under fire from Rwandans on social media over his vague message to the country during the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
President Paul Kagame also condemned intentional vagueness in reporting the Genocide against the Tutsi during his speech at BK Arena on April 7, stating that it fuels denial.
“Rwandans will never understand why any country would remain intentionally vague about who was targeted in the genocide. I don’t understand that. Such ambiguity is, in fact, a form of denial, which is a crime in and of itself, and Rwanda will always challenge it,” Kagame stated during Kwibuka30.
Corina Sanders, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the US Department of State, echoed Kagame’s sentiments at Capitol Hill Monday, insisting that denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi distorts facts about the victims of the crimes.
“As we join in remembering the victims and reaffirm our support for the people of Rwanda in the continued efforts for the unity and renewal, we oppose any attempt to misrepresent the historical record for political purposes, in particular we strongly oppose any denial or minimization of the Genocide that targeted Tutsi,” Sanders stated.
The keynote speaker, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, shared insights into how remembering and honoring the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against Tutsi serves as a crucial step in preventing future genocides.
“It’s our solid duty to remember the victims, to honor their resilience and to ensure that their stories are kept in our collective consciousness. By doing so we not only pay tribute to those who suffered but also lay the ground for preventing such atrocities from happening again,” Ugirashebuja averred.
Congressman Jonathan Jackson, on his part, lauded President Kagame’s leadership, for the transformation witnessed in the country over the last 30 years and his commitment to leading a united country.
“I commend President Paul Kagame for his leadership in guiding the country to heal, reconciliate and unite. His courage, dedication and ability to move the country from the Genocide to become one of the fastest growing countries in the world must be commended,” he said, adding, “Rwanda continues to be a beacon for many African countries and across the world.”
The message was echoed by Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who said, “I was impressed by your administration’s progress on the development front, combating corruption and improving governance. I commend President Paul Kagame and Rwandans for the leadership and commitment for building the Rwanda we see today that serves as a model to other countries.”
CEO Elon Musk conveyed the news in an email to Tesla employees, citing the necessity for “cost reductions and increasing productivity” as driving factors behind the layoffs. The email that was initially reported by Electrek and later confirmed by Reuters, underscored the challenges facing Tesla as it seeks to maintain its position in a rapidly evolving market.
Tesla’s workforce, which had nearly doubled since the end of 2020, reflects the company’s ambitious expansion efforts in recent years. However, a year-over-year decline in sales during the first quarter of this year, coupled with increased competition from rivals like Chinese automaker BYD, has prompted Tesla to reevaluate its growth trajectory.
The decision to downsize marks a departure from Tesla’s previous trajectory of exponential hiring. After significant increases in staff in 2021 and 2022, the company experienced more modest growth in 2023. The latest round of layoffs follows previous workforce reductions, including a 7% cut in 2019 and further trimming of salaried staff in 2022.
This is not the first time that Tesla has cut staff. It announced a 7% cut in staff in 2019, in a statement posted online at that time. And it trimmed about 10% of salaried staff even as it continued to hire hourly staff in 2022.Those 2022 cuts were confirmed by a public statement from Musk at that time. But neither he nor Tesla have publicly confirmed this latest round of cuts. Tesla, which does not have a public relations staff, did not respond to a request for comment on that report and did not confirm the email.
Shares of Tesla, which were already down 31% so far this year through Friday’s close, fell another 3% in early trading Monday on the job cut report.
During a commemoration event for former Ministry employees lost in the genocide, Claudette lamented the involvement of educated individuals in the genocide, which stagnated educational progress.
She remarked, “The deterioration began with education. Following colonial rule and policies of discrimination, Rwanda’s independence led to further exclusion of Tutsis from societal benefits, notably education.”
Irere emphasized how the corrupt regime left Rwandan children, particularly Tutsis, orphaned and bereft of educational opportunities.
She noted, “Political circumstances drastically reduced the number of educated individuals, denying many based on ethnicity, primarily Tutsis, from pursuing education.”
The Ministry’s commemoration efforts were hailed as crucial for reflecting on the genocide’s impact, especially among professionals and students affected by the tragedy.
Ntazinda Erasme, Mayor of Nyanza District, recounted how schools were affected by the genocide, with teachers and students immersed in genocidal ideology, turning schools into perilous environments.
He described the challenges of attending school during those times, where ethnicity, rather than merit, determined one’s prospects, risking denial of further education.
Ahishakiye Naphatal, Executive Secretary of Ibuka, stressed the role of educators in either fostering or corrupting character, highlighting education’s influence on shaping individuals.
Ambassador Prof. Joseph Nsengimana spoke of ongoing efforts to combat impunity and foster Rwanda’s progress, urging continued unity among Rwandans.
The Ministry of Education counts 77 former employees slain in the genocide, excluding educators and students killed across the country on the basis of their identity.
HWPL organized this event to promote peace education in Burkina Faso, a region long plagued by conflicts in Africa, aiming to instill a passion for peace education in the hearts of citizens and achieve sustainable peace. From April 2nd to 5th, Peace Camps were conducted at Tampouy C School, Nioko 2B School, and Lycee municipal Bambata School in Ouagadougou, during which MOUs were signed with each school.
During this period, meetings were also held with the Secretary-General of UNESCO, the Minister of Education, and the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education. In the meeting on the 2nd day, UNESCO expressed its desire to collaborate with HWPL to implement peace education.
Furthermore, UNESCO mentioned the necessity of obtaining approval from the Education Ministry before implementing education initiatives, proposing continued meetings with Education Ministry officials. HWPL proposed signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Education Ministry for nationwide peace education during the meeting with the Education Ministry.
The Education Ministry stated, “Such education is needed for the children of Burkina Faso, and since our curriculum already includes content on peace, integrating peace education would likely generate positive synergy.” HWPL plans to formally propose cooperation with the Ministry of Education to implement peace education through formal procedures.
According to news from The Gudian media outlet, nearly 2 million people became refugees in Burkina Faso due to conflicts that spread from Mali at the end of 2016. An estimated 800,000 are believed to be living under blockade by the Islamist militants, who have reportedly attacked water supplies and forced school closures. UNICEF reports that around one million are still unable to go to school due to violence and insecurity. Emilie Roye, UNICEF’s education officer in Burkina Faso, stated, “Some 6,000 are still schools closed, which represents around 25 percent of the country’s schools,”
In relation to this situation, HWPL introduced peace camps during the event to achieve sustainable peace in Burkina Faso and explained the importance of peace.
HWPL conducts peace educator training and peace camps worldwide to foster peace-oriented citizens. Peace teacher training helps educators learn HWPL’s 12 peace education curricula, enabling them to teach students about peace. Peace camps provide opportunities to experience peace through fun activities, teaching participants what peace is and how to bring peace into daily life.
At Tampouy C School and Nioko 2B School, students learned peace dances and danced to songs of peace. At Lycee municipal Bambata School, students experienced cooperation through a cooperative game called “We Are One Game.” As a common activity, they learned about gratitude, the most fundamental of HWPL’s peace values, and then wrote thank-you letters to their teachers.
They also wrote commitments on paper handprints and attached them to heart-shaped cards that read “I Love Peace,” as part of the “Hand Peace Commitment Writing” activity. Additionally, they also briefly explained the spirit of peace and the 12 aspects of peace education, and shared plans for future online peace educator training.
Ouedraogo Risnata, who attended the event, said, “The Peace Camp is a fascinating initiative, as it immerses participants in the culture of peace from its very foundation. This approach effectively mitigates potential conflicts that might otherwise threaten social stability.”
Adama Yago, who attended the event, said, “The arrival of this much-needed camp in our country is greatly appreciated, particularly considering the challenging circumstances we currently face. We dare to envision that by instilling the values of love within the hearts of our children, we will ultimately harvest peace as the fruit of our endeavors—something our nation desperately requires.”
Schools that signed MOUs will implement HWPL’s peace education program. HWPL will plans to continue to conduct peace education programs in Burkina Faso, fostering a culture of peace dissemination, and will maintain ongoing cooperation with local organizations and schools through MOAs and MOUs.
In the vote taken on Monday, April 15, a majority of the MPs disagreed with Lords amendment 1B, which had sought to ensure the Bill has “due regard” for domestic and international law.
The MPs also shot down the Lords proposal for Rwanda to be only regarded as safe for as long as the provisions of the UK’s treaty with that country are in place.
Other amendments rejected by the MPs include a provision for age assessment for the persons facing removal to Rwanda and exemption of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking from the Rwanda asylum scheme.
The House of Commons also rejected the Lord’s proposal which sought to exempt agents, allies and employees of the UK overseas seeking asylum in the UK from being removed to Rwanda.
The Bill, which has elicited intense debate in the UK, will now return to the upper chamber for further scrutiny today.
The Bill will not become law until both the Upper and Lower chambers agree on the final wording, a process known as parliamentary ping-pong.
The Bill was introduced to Parliament after the UK Supreme Court ruled that the government’s scheme was unlawful.
The judges argued that genuine refugees being removed to Rwanda faced the risk of being returned to their home countries, where they could face harm.
The scheme, first announced in April 2022 by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government following a deal with Rwandan authorities, seeks to act as a deterrent to people from arriving in the UK on small boats across the English Channel.
UK government says failed asylum seekers would be offered £3,000 (Rwf4,866,727) to move to Rwanda under the new voluntary scheme.
The government reportedly plans to replicate the Rwanda scheme in other countries, including Armenia, Costa Rica, and Ivory Coast if the Bill sails through.
But the Labour Party strongly opposes the scheme, insisting that it’s doomed to fail.
“The boats have kept coming, the backlog has kept growing, and the people smugglers are still laughing all the way to the bank,” Shadow Home Office minister Stephen Kinnock lamented.
“Two years of headline-chasing gimmicks, two years of pursuing a policy that is fundamentally unworkable, unaffordable and unlawful. Two years of flogging this dead horse,” he added.
Among the graduates, 51 are women, and 33 who completed military courses in partner countries.
During the ceremony, Kagame emphasized the crucial role of these officers in safeguarding Rwanda’s progress and peace. He urged them to remain steadfast in the face of any threats to national security, emphasizing the importance of dealing with such challenges decisively.
The newly commissioned officers took an oath pledging allegiance to Rwanda and its leadership, reaffirming their commitment to protecting national sovereignty.
Of them, 102 officers pursued long-term studies in various fields such as medicine, IT, social sciences, mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, law, and mechanical engineering, reflecting the diverse expertise within the RDF.
Kagame commended the officers for their dedication to national security and their exemplary performance in academic pursuits. He expressed gratitude to partner countries for their support in providing training opportunities to Rwandan officers and acknowledged the crucial role of parents in encouraging their children to pursue careers in the military.
Addressing the officers directly, Kagame highlighted the importance of their role in preventing the recurrence of Rwanda’s dark past. He urged them to remain vigilant and resolute in protecting the country and its citizens from any threats, drawing upon the lessons learned from past tragedies.
“The history of our country is one where people were killed by fellow citizens, as a result of bad politics, both internally and externally. Children, the elderly, young men and women were asked to choose the weapon of their death. When a nation has reached this level of tragedy, it would be unthinkable for us to repeat this history,” noted Kagame.
“The training of our armed forces, and the knowledge of our past, cannot allow for our tragic history to ever repeat itself in this country. That is your responsibility as the armed forces of this country: yours, the elders you are joining today and anyone who will come after you. And you must pursue it with dedication and integrity,” he added.
Using poignant examples, including the story of an elderly woman who defiantly faced her killers, Kagame emphasized the need for courage and resilience in the face of adversity. He urged the officers to reject any attempts to undermine Rwandan sovereignty and to defend their values and dignity at all costs.
Kagame reminded the officers to uphold their conscience and stand for truth and justice in their profession. He also warned against cowardice and urged them to ensure that those who attempt to threaten Rwanda face consequences for their actions.
This comes after the recent opening of its embassies in Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The Embassy of Ukraine in Rwanda is scheduled to open officially on the 18th of May, 2024.
The decision to open its Embassy in Rwanda was made following a visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, to Rwanda in May 2023, where he expressed his country’s desire to establish its embassy in Kigali.
During his visit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta, held discussions with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, and they reached agreements regarding bilateral political cooperation.
At that time, President Paul Kagame also conveyed a message to his Ukrainian counterpart, President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Following this development, Dmytro Kuleba announced that Liberia, Kenya, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, and Rwanda are new partners of his country, expressing great optimism for future collaborations.
In 2022, President Zelensky stated Ukraine’s intention to expand its presence to at least 30 African countries to strengthen relations after years of neglect and underestimation.
President Paul Kagame, during his attendance at the Davos World Economic Forum in January 2024, held discussions with President Volodymyr Zelensky on matters concerning their respective countries and the quest for conflict resolution.
Ukraine has been embroiled in a conflict with Russia for the past two decades, with various implications on global markets, particularly in the oil sector, affecting prices and supplies.
