Rwanda facilitated the repatriation of 95 Burundian refugees, comprising 75 individuals from Mahama camp, nine from Kigali, and 11 from Bugesera District, in response to their expressed desire to return.
The returnees embarked on their journey from Mahama camp to the Nemba border post early in the morning, with the first individual arriving in Burundi by early afternoon.
Interviews with IGIHE revealed that many refugees felt a deep yearning for their homeland, having spent over eight years away. Egide Kamananga, one of the returnees, recounted how he had managed to support his children’s education from afar through the money he earned while in exile.
“The longing for home was overwhelming. I’m grateful to be back after so long. In the camp, I was able to make some money for my children’s education. It was the reason for my delayed return, but I always missed them,” Kamananga said.
Another returnee, preferring anonymity, expressed happiness about returning but emphasized the importance of establishing peace to avoid future displacement.
The refugees commended Rwanda for its treatment, with many seeing the country as a benchmark in human rights.
Kamananga also noted that his time in Rwanda provided him with valuable experiences that he will carry forward in Burundi.
The repatriation process, supported by UN Refugee Agencies in both Rwanda and Burundi, ensured the returnees received healthcare, supplies, and short-term food assistance to aid their reintegration.
However, not all who initially requested to return followed through. André Vuganeza, the manager of Mahama camp, explained that return requests are carefully evaluated, but individuals are free to withdraw their request at any point, even at the last minute.
“Some decide to stay influenced by others or change their minds upon reaching the minimum group size for repatriation. It’s a personal decision, and we respect their right to reconsider,” Vuganeza stated.
Despite some choosing to stay, those who returned did so of their own accord, underlining the need for the Burundian government to prioritize citizen safety and security.
Rwanda hosts over 40,000 Burundian refugees who fled the 2015 unrest triggered by an unsuccessful coup attempt against then-President Pierre Nkurunziza.
In a statement released on Wednesday 21st February 2024, he highlighted the situation’s threat to regional peace and security and advocated for immediate de-escalation and dialogue among the nations involved.
Mahamat specifically called on the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda to engage in dialogue, supported by two African-led mechanisms.
These initiatives, spearheaded by Joao Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, and Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of Kenya, are designed to foster a cooperative and brotherly resolution to political conflicts, irrespective of their nature.
The African Union stressed the critical need to maintain the integrity, security, sovereignty, and stability of all states in the region while ensuring the protection of civilian populations. The Chairperson of the Commission firmly stated that military solutions would not resolve issues and differences within the African community.
Furthermore, Moussa Faki Mahamat urged foreign powers to avoid any interference in the internal affairs of African countries, especially those in the Great Lakes region. His statement emphasized the importance of an approach that honors the self-determination of African nations in addressing their internal conflicts.
The Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo provided insights into the matter during an interview with Alan Kasujja on the Africa Daily show, underscoring the ramifications for both countries’ relations and the broader regional equilibrium.
Burundi’s initiative to close its borders with Rwanda, following military difficulties in the DRC where its forces faced considerable defeats, seems to be an attempt to shift focus from its perceived embarrassment.
Makolo criticized this action as misguided and at odds with African solidarity, highlighting its detrimental effects on the economic and social ties that bind these neighboring countries. She pointed out that the closure predominantly impacts Burundian people and contradicts the collective welfare of the area.
Addressing accusations from Burundi that Rwanda backs the RED Tabara rebel faction active in South Kivu, DRC, Makolo firmly refuted such claims. She asserted Rwanda’s non-involvement with RED Tabara’s operations, arguing that this dispute should be resolved between Burundi and the DRC, without unfairly dragging Rwanda into the matter.
Makolo underscored Rwanda’s commitment to constructive dialogue to settle any disputes. She called attention to the ongoing regional frameworks, stressing the importance of political determination from area leaders for fruitful cooperation.
The spokesperson reaffirmed Rwanda’s readiness to discuss and sort out any issues, clarifying that Rwanda refuses to be held accountable for the shortcomings of its neighbors.
“What we need is political will on all the parts of regional leaders. […] Rwanda stands ready always to talk and iron out any issues that are there. We cannot be responsible for the failures of governance of other countries because we are working hard to make sure that Rwanda works for Rwandans,” she stated.
In spite of these challenges, Makolo asserted Rwanda’s keenness to work collaboratively and advance collectively with other nations.
The course held at the Regional Center of Excellence on GBV and Child Abuse at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kacyiru, was designed to update the female Police trainers with the recent developments related to curriculum and training methodology and on the content of the new 4th edition of Dallaire Institute Handbook.
The handbook provide defense and security sector actors with a clear understanding of the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups in situations of armed conflict; their roles and responsibilities on the protection of children recruited and used by armed forces and armed groups in situations of armed conflict; practical guidance on preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict; and resources for training and capacity building to protect children.
Maj Gen (rtd) Ferdinand Safari, the Director of Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security – African Centre of Excellence, said that the world today is confronted with the harsh reality that millions of children are still being exploited and forced into participating in armed conflicts.
The consequences of this exploitation, he added, are devastating not only for the children involved but for the communities and societies they belong to.
“The handbook serves as a source of knowledge and guidance, providing practical strategies and insights to effectively address this pressing issue. It represents a comprehensive resource for defense and security sector trainers dedicated to safeguarding the rights and futures of children worldwide,” Safari said.
The pilots started their training to fly F-16 jets in October last year in the U.S. city of Tucson, Arizona.
The second and the third groups of four Ukrainian pilots each are expected to complete their F-16 training by the end of August.
In July last year, Ukraine signed a memorandum with 11 countries to create a coalition for training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighters.
The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Belgium have pledged to transfer F-16s to Ukraine to help the country upgrade its combat aircraft fleet amid the conflict with Russia.
Ireme Invest is an Investment Facility that supports Rwanda’s private sector to access green finance and increase the private sector’s contribution to Rwanda’s response to climate change.
It stands out by offering a comprehensive suite of financial instruments, including grants, recoverable grants, and equity options, tailored to meet the diverse needs of the burgeoning green sector in Rwanda.
With funding up to Rwf125 million in grants, Rwf300 million in recoverable grants, and equity investments reaching Rwf300 million, the facility is poised to make a transformative impact on eligible businesses that demonstrate a commitment to clean energy, smart mobility, sustainable cities, climate-smart agriculture, and the waste & circular economy sectors.
The eligibility criteria for this groundbreaking opportunity are broad yet focused, welcoming all entrepreneurs and businesses that operate in or are transitioning to green solutions within Rwanda.
Ireme Invest is particularly keen on projects that show a strong potential for scalability, financial viability, and a positive economic and environmental impact. This holistic approach ensures that the selected ventures will not only contribute to Rwanda’s climate resilience but also promote sustainable economic growth.
Applications for this game-changing initiative are open until Friday, 15th March 2024, at 17:00 Central Africa Time (CAT), offering a window of opportunity for forward-thinking entrepreneurs and businesses to step forward.
To facilitate a smooth application process, Ireme Invest has set up a dedicated portal at www.iremeinvest.rw/apply, where interested parties can find all the necessary information and support.
Additionally, the program will host a series of webinars and info-sessions throughout the application period, providing a platform for applicants to gain insights and clarify any queries by reaching out to application@greenfund.rw.
For those looking to delve deeper into what Ireme Invest has to offer, further information can be accessed through the official website www.iremeinvest.rw or by contacting info@greenfund.rw.
Ireme Invest, by offering a blend of financial products and services through both the Project Preparatory Facility and the Credit Facility hosted at the Development Bank of Rwanda, is set to play a pivotal role in advancing Rwanda’s green agenda.
By facilitating access to green finance, Ireme Invest is not just funding businesses; it is investing in a sustainable future for Rwanda and setting a benchmark for green investment across the African continent.
The concept of people-centered governance has long been a central tenet of Chinese culture. The original aspiration and founding mission of Chinese Communists is to seek happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. Serving the people wholeheartedly has been the fundamental purpose of the century-old Communist Party of China (CPC).
In October 2015, Xi proposed the philosophy of people-centered development for the first time at a key meeting of the CPC. He later said it is a philosophy that should be followed in “everything we do in advancing economic and social development.”
Xi himself has always placed the people at the forefront of his heart. He treats the “little things,” such as warm accommodation, hot meals, fresh air, and even rural toilet facilities, not as trivialities but significant aspects of his state governance.
Under Xi’s leadership, China has successfully helped around 100 million people leave absolute poverty behind in less than a decade, winning the battle against absolute poverty in the country with 1.4 billion people. In doing so, the country has achieved the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.
In China, the average life expectancy of its people has reached 78.2 years, and over 1 billion people are connected to the internet. Furthermore, the country has established the world’s largest education system, social security system, and healthcare system.
“Our goal is both inspiring and simple. Ultimately, it is about delivering a better life for the people,” Xi said.
Xi made a significant judgment in 2017 that China’s economy had been transitioning from a phase of rapid growth to a stage of high-quality development.
He noted that China had reached a critical stage in transforming its growth model and was faced with prominent problems such as rising labor costs, growing constraints from resources and the environment, unsustainable models of extensive development, and impediments in the economic flows.
Since then, pursuing high-quality development has become a key requirement for Chinese authorities when formulating economic policies, leading to sweeping changes including rapid technological advancement, burgeoning green industries and wider market access for foreign investors.
In essence, high-quality development means a change from seeking growth to seeking better growth.
In Xi’s view, high-quality development is the kind of development that can meet the people’s ever-growing desire for a better life. It reflects the new development philosophy featuring innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development.
During China’s annual central economic work conference last December, Xi said: “It is imperative to uphold high-quality development as the unyielding principle of the new era.”
A reception in honor of Captain Li Dayi was hosted on the evening of Tuesday, 20th February 2024, within the premises of the Chinese Embassy in Kigali.
During the ceremony, which was also attended by other Defence Attachés accredited to Rwanda, Captain Li Dayi articulated his readiness to employ his extensive military experience to further strengthen the already robust relations between the two nations.
“In recent years, cooperation between China and Rwanda in various fields has been fruitful. As an important part of bilateral relations, the Chinese and Rwandan military relations have maintained a sound development momentum in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual benefit, thus enhancing strategic mutual trust.
I am ready to do my utmost to promote pragmatic cooperation between the two militaries to a new level in the future, and to help the Sino-Rwandan friendship and cooperative partnership achieve new results,” he said.
Captain Li Dayi emphasized that China prioritizes global peace, a goal he is committed to pursuing continuously.
“Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, we have always pursued a defensive national defence policy, have never initiated any war or conflict, and are the only nuclear-weapon state that has undertaken not to be the first to use nuclear weapons and not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon States or nuclear-weapon-free zones,” he noted.
Maj Gen John Baptist Ngiruwonsanga, the Commandant of the RDF General Headquarters, speaking on behalf of the Rwanda Defence Forces’ leadership at the event, noted the productive military collaboration between Rwanda and China.
He highlighted that this partnership has been beneficial, with the Chinese military offering diverse training programs to RDF personnel across various disciplines since 2017.
Maj Gen Ngiruwonsanga stated that over 300 RDF personnel, encompassing senior officers, have undergone military training in China.
In the academic year of 2023/2024, China extended training opportunities to 28 individuals in a variety of disciplines.
Presently, 15 RDF personnel are enrolled in military schools in China, with an additional nine slated to begin their training in March 2024.
Furthermore, the Chinese Ministry of Defense offers training in military parades to Rwandan soldiers.
Maj Gen Ngiruwonsanga underscored the significance of appointing a Defence Attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda as a major milestone in enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
He also stressed the importance of military cooperation, particularly in an era when global security challenges are prevalent.
“We believe that no single country can confront contemporary security challenges alone. It is paramount for us to build trust with each other through defence diplomacy and collectively contribute to global security,” Maj Gen Ngiruwonsanga said.
Maj Ngiruwonsanga welcomed Captain Li, assuring him of cooperation on behalf of the Rwandan military.
“I wish all the best to the new Chinese Defence Attache. Defence cooperation is and will continue to be an essential tool for creating peace and stability. Our region is faced with challenges. However, we firmly believe that we can overcome them through cooperation,” he noted.
The Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun, remarked that Li’s extensive experience will contribute significantly to the already solid relationship between the two countries.
Li has spent a significant amount of time in the Chinese military, working for the Ministry of Defence of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and in the naval forces. He also served as the Deputy Defence Attaché at the Chinese embassy in Liberia and in Italy.
“Having worked in grass-roots troops for years, he mastered profound military knowledge. The working experience in the PLA headquarters has given him visions and insights on global and regional issues. Upon arrival in Kigali, he devoted himself to the work and established contact with officials from RDF and colleagues of the Defence attaché corps, which showcased his professionalism and competence,” Amb. Wang Xuekun said.
“The establishment of China’s Defence Attaché Office in Rwanda is a landmark event in China-Rwanda relations, which reflects that the friendly cooperative relations between the two countries is advancing to a new level,” he added.
The longstanding relations between Rwanda and China span 75 years, marked by substantial cooperation between the two nations. China stands as one of the primary sources of Rwanda’s imports, underlining the depth of both countries’ economic ties.
Despite an unsuccessful attempt in January 2023, a dedicated team of researchers embarked on a renewed mission, leading to the successful identification of the vessel.
Amb. Robert Masozera, Director General of the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, shared insights into the discovery process with IGIHE, highlighting the critical moment of evidence emergence on Monday, which eventually led to the boat’s definitive pinpointing the following day.
In his message sent to IGIHE journalist on Tuesday, Amb. Masozera revealed, “Preliminary information received today confirms the boat’s location, though we are still compiling further details. A more detailed update will follow shortly.”
The backdrop of this discovery is the First World War, a four-year global conflict that, within Rwanda, spanned from 1914 to 1916, featuring clashes between German and Belgian forces, the latter based in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The boat’s hiding spot, Musaho, lies in Kagugu village, within the Mushubati Sector of Rutsiro District, a site rich in historical narratives of the war’s aftermath, where defeated German forces concealed the vessel.
The successful recovery of the boat was facilitated by a blend of modern technologies, including underwater and subterranean metal detection tools and drones, showcasing a collaborative effort between the Rwandan Government and the Cultural Heritage Academy.
Given the boat’s lengthy submersion, Amb. Masozera previously speculated on the preservation challenges, suggesting an innovative approach to keep the boat submerged as a submerged exhibit for diving enthusiasts, thereby avoiding the potential degradation that could occur if removed from water.
Amb. Masozera recently told IGIHE that if the boat were found, it might not be removed from the water due to the risk of rapid deterioration after such a long time submerged.
He suggested that it could be preserved in the water for tourists to explore through diving.
