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The visit was wrapped up on the evening of Thursday, February 8, 2023 where they were seen off at Kigali International Airport by a delegation including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta; the Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya; the Minister of Trade, Ngabitsinze Jean Chrysostome; and the Chief of Defence Staff for the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Gen Mubarakh Muganga, among others.
{{Below are activities that marked his working visit to the Country of Thousand Hills:}}
{{Signing of MoUs}}
The Head of State arrived in Rwanda on the evening of Tuesday, February 6. Throughout his stay in the country, he engaged in several activities, including a closed-door meeting with his counterpart, Paul Kagame.
Subsequently, both leaders presided over the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering trade and economic cooperation.
Additionally, the MoUs covered collaboration in green technologies, environmental engineering, geology, and energy efficiency. The leaders jointly addressed the press to communicate the outcomes of their discussions.
The agreements were signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Vincent Biruta and Andrzej Szejna, Polish Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In his remarks, Kagame acknowledged the positive outcomes of collaboration in education, citing the presence of Rwandan students in Polish universities.
He emphasized the importance of developing the sectors covered by the signed agreements to enhance resilience in the face of global challenges.
“We have accomplished a lot together, the diplomatic presence in our respective countries will only serve to accelerate and solidify the good progress we are making,” he said.
President Duda, recognizing the hardworking societies of both countries, expressed Poland’s interest in credible partnerships with African nations that share common values.
He highlighted the deepening ties, especially with an increasing number of Rwandan youth studying in Poland, extending an invitation for interested Rwandans to enroll in military studies.
{{Poland-Rwanda Business Forum}}
During his three-day visit to Rwanda, President Duda participated in the Poland-Rwanda Business Forum along with his counterpart, Paul Kagame.
During the forum, it was disclosed that Polish investments in Rwanda have reached a notable milestone, amounting to an impressive 72.3 million US dollars (Rwf92 billion).
This disclosure came on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, where Jeanine Munyeshuli, Minister of State for Public Investment and Resource Mobilization shared insights with attendees from both nations.
Munyeshuli highlighted that Poland and Rwanda possess distinct capabilities and resources that can be leveraged for mutual gain.
In his address, President Kagame acknowledged the shared potential between Rwanda and Poland, highlighting Rwanda’s conducive investment environment.
He underscored the country’s commitment to innovation, having overcome challenges by prioritizing the needs of its citizens—a strategy he deemed the best investment made.
The Head of State outlined Rwanda’s focus on developing key sectors like health, tourism, and sports, aspiring to become the preferred destination for investors, both regionally and internationally.
Meanwhile, Polish President Andrzej Duda remarked on the consideration of Rwandan investments by Polish companies, citing the appeal of the local market’s security and stability.
He pointed out that Rwanda offers sought-after stability, high-level management, excellent investment conditions, abundant natural resources, and a population known for its ambition and hard work.
{{Visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial }}
During his visit to Rwanda on February 7, 2024, President Andrzej Duda of Poland visited Kigali Genocide Memorial, where he was deeply moved by witnessing how hatred, when allowed to thrive, could bring about the complete destruction of a nation.
At the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, President Duda paid his respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which took lives of more than 1 million victims. In the memorial’s guest book, he expressed profound sorrow for the events that unfolded in Rwanda in 1994.
In his written statement, President Duda conveyed that the people of Poland stand in remembrance of the millions of innocent lives lost during the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial offered a poignant lesson on the dangers of divisive ideologies fueled by external influences that saw neighbors turning against each other, and the social fabric torn apart.
President Duda emphasized the historical significance of the Genocide, pointing out that it serves as a universal lesson, illustrating that allowing hatred to fester can lead to the complete destruction of a nation.
However, he commended Rwanda for its resilience, highlighting the remarkable role that justice and forgiveness played in the country’s reconstruction.
{{Touring tin processing plant }}
On the second day of his three-day visit to Rwanda, President Andrzej Duda of Poland also toured the LuNa Smelter plant, a tin processing facility in Rwanda. He highlighted the plant as a prime example of successful investment supported by Poland and emphasized its significant benefits for Rwanda and the region.
LuNa Smelter Ltd, operational in Jabana in the Gasabo District since 2018, has the capacity to melt 360 tons of cassiterite per month. The facility employs 50 permanent staff and additional casual workers.
The processed tin metals derived from these precious stones serve various purposes, including metal welding, battery manufacturing for certain vehicles, glassmaking, and the production of telephones and computers, among other applications.
{{Visit to Kibeho Holy Land and Visually Impaired Children}}
On the third day of his stay in Rwanda, the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda made a historic visit to the Kibeho Holy Land, located in Nyaruguru District.
President Duda explored Kibeho, renowned for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, on Thursday, February 8, 2024. His visit was met with a warm reception from various officials, including the Governor of the Southern Province, Kayitesi Alice, and the Mayor of Nyaruguru District, Dr. Emmanuel Murwanashyaka.
Leaders in the Catholic Church of Rwanda, including the Archbishop of Kigali, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, and the Bishop of Gikongoro Diocese, Hakizimana Célestin, also extended a warm welcome to President Duda.
Kibeho holds significance as one of the most renowned places in the world within the Catholic Church due to the Virgin Mary’s apparitions in this area.
The first apparition occurred on November 28, 1981, when the Virgin Mary appeared to a girl named Alphonsine Mumureke, who was studying at the ‘Mère du Verbe’ school in Kibeho.
Subsequently, the Virgin Mary appeared to other girls including Anathalie Mukamazimpaka and Marie Claire Mukangano, both students at the same school at the time. This annual pilgrimage site attracts thousands of devout pilgrims each year.
Father François Harerimana, the Director of the Virgin Mary Sanctuary in Kibeho, recently told IGIHE that President Duda’s visit marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first Head of State to explore the sacred grounds, further enhancing the area’s reputation.
On the same day, President Duda visited the School and Education Centre for Visually Impaired Children in Kibeho supported by Poland.
Over the years, Rwanda and Poland have strengthened bilateral relations in areas such as higher education, defense, agriculture, trade, and investment. Notably, there are currently over 1,500 Rwandan students studying in Poland.
The diplomatic ties between the two nations have deepened, with Rwanda opening an embassy in Warsaw in 2021, reciprocated by the establishment of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kigali in December 2022, further enhancing the rapidly evolving cooperation between the two countries.
President Duda concluded his visit to Rwanda on Thursday evening. He left the Country of Thousand Hills for Tanzania where he was welcomed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the State House in Dar es Salaam.
The two primary schools are located inside Malakal Protection of Civilians (PoC) site, which is under the protection of the Rwandan Formed Police Unit contingent.
The items handed to the headteachers by the contingent commander, Senior Superintendent of Police SSP Speciose Dusabe, include 3,000 exercise books and 2,916 pens.
The humanitarian activity was also attended by local leaders, the local Police and other peacekeepers deployed in Malakal Field Office.
The headteachers thanked the Rwandan peacekeepers for supporting the vulnerable children, whose families were displaced by violent conflicts.
“We appreciate the support by Rwandan peacekeepers, they are always close to us not only to provide our security but also in our day-to-day lives, including supporting these school children to pursue their education dreams,” said Alibesh Mathew, the headteacher of Intersos primary school.
Yohenes Kimo, the chairman of Malakal Protection of Civilian site Malakal, also thanked the Rwandan peacekeepers for promoting education and other human security activities aimed at improving the well-being of the people of South Sudan.
“The donation of books and pens to these children encourages them to study and the impact of education reaches the family and country at large, that’s why this is not just a small act because these are some of those things that influence and change lives of the young people,” said Kimo.
Jik Agbalokwu Nwoyeocha, the Police commander for Malakal, urged the schools to use the donation to promote education within the camp.
The AU has announced that the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government is scheduled to be held in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa on Feb. 17-18. The 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, which brings together African ministers of foreign affairs, will precede ahead of the leaders’ summit on Feb. 14-15.
Meles Alem, spokesperson for the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while briefing the media on Thursday, said more than 34 African leaders and higher officials are expected to take part in the upcoming AU summit, and the number could increase in the coming days.
According to Alem, among the high-level dignitaries are 24 presidents, two prime ministers, a king, five vice presidents, and two leaders represented by their foreign ministers.
He said among notable heads of international organizations who are expected to attend the summit include United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development Workneh Gebeyehu, as well as heads of different UN agencies and representatives of other organizations.
According to the AU, the upcoming summit will have a number of agendas, which include continental peace and security, trade and integration, education and skills, agriculture and climate change, governance and human rights, as well as gender and youth empowerment.
The renewed fighting between the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and rebels of the March 23 Movement (M23) has displaced at least 150,000 people, more than half of them children, since Feb. 2, 2024. Parents have reported that many children have been separated in the violence, although the number of lost children remains unknown, said the statement.
The use of artillery, drones, and explosives in eastern DRC is killing and injuring civilians and damaging and destroying essential infrastructure, said Save the Children.
According to local media sources, 19 people have been killed and 27 others injured in the violence, including three young girls. A market was hit on Feb. 7, and munitions also landed inside a school courtyard and close to a hospital, as all schools in the area remain closed.
Save the Children has worked in the DRC since 1994 to meet humanitarian needs linked to the arrival of refugees and the displacement of populations due to armed conflict in eastern provinces.
Save the Children has scaled up its humanitarian response to support existing care systems, training local leaders and communities to prevent and respond to exploitation and abuse, and ensuring access to healthcare through mobile clinics. It is also helping children access basic education by building classrooms, training teachers, and distributing learning materials.
The Marines were flying a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a routine training flight from Creech Air Force Base to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on Tuesday, when the aircraft was reported overdue, according to a release of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
The aircraft was located by civil authorities in Pine Valley, California, at 9:08 a.m. Wednesday.
Efforts to recover the remains of the Marines and equipment have begun and an investigation is underway.
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing and the ‘Flying Tigers’ while conducting a training flight last night,” said Major General Michael J. Borgschulte, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, in a statement.
It was the second fatal crash for Marines in Southern California involving a Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion, a heavy lift helicopter, in the last six years, according to a Los Angeles Times report.
President Andrzej Duda explored Kibeho, renowned for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, on Thursday, February 8, 2024. His visit was met with a warm reception from various officials, including the Governor of the Southern Province, Kayitesi Alice, and the Mayor of Nyaruguru District, Dr. Murwanashyaka Emmanuel.
Leaders in the Catholic Church of Rwanda, including the Archbishop of Kigali, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, and the Bishop of Gikongoro Diocese, Hakizimana Célestin, also extended a warm welcome to President Duda.
Kibeho holds significance as one of the most renowned places in the world within the Catholic Church due to the Virgin Mary’s apparitions in this area. The first apparition occurred on November 28, 1981, when the Virgin Mary appeared to a girl named Mumureke Alphonsine, who was studying at the ‘Mère du Verbe’ school in Kibeho.
Subsequent apparitions took place, including Mukamazimpaka Anathalie and Mukangano Marie Claire, both students at the same school. This annual pilgrimage site attracts thousands of devout pilgrims each year.
Father Harerimana François, the director of the Virgin Mary Sanctuary in Kibeho, recently told IGIHE that President Andrzej Duda’s visit marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first Head of State to explore the sacred grounds, further enhancing the area’s reputation.
President Andrzej Duda, accompanied by his wife, commenced their working visit to Rwanda on Tuesday, January 6.
The itinerary ncluded a visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial, participation in Rwanda-Poland Business Forum, talks with President Paul Kagame and the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two countries. The agreements cover various sectors, including technology, environmental protection, geology, and energy.
Gasana, currently facing charges of soliciting and receiving bribes and abusing power for personal gain, was granted permission by Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) to be temporarily released to participate in his son’s wedding in December last year.
Havugiyaremye emphasized that this action is in accordance with Article 27 of the Correctional Services Law, defining conditions under which a prisoner can be released from custody.
According to the mentioned article, a prisoner may be allowed to leave the prison “at any time the prison administration has determined that there is no legal risk.” Havugiyaremye highlighted that such permissions are not unique to Gasana and have been granted to others in the past, asserting that it is a standard practice regulated by the law.
The Commissioner General of RCS, CGP Evariste Murenzi, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that giving permission to a detained person is a routine procedure. He clarified that applicants must submit a written request, which is then assessed by RCS management for approval.
The Commissioner General emphasized that the process is open to anyone else in need of permission, provided they follow the proper application and review procedures outlined by RCS management.
On the second day of his visit, February 7, 2024, President Duda explored various sections of the LuNa Smelter factory, gaining insights into the processing of precious stones sourced from Rwanda and other parts of Africa.
During the Poland-Rwanda business forum held in Kigali on Wednesday, President Duda expressed that Poland’s support to Rwanda in technology and research is built on a partnership model.
He stated, “It assumes the implementation of projects in cooperation with local communities and using local resources. This is the case of the tin smelter in Kigali – the largest Polish and EU investment in Rwanda. Thanks to this project, Rwanda has become the largest tin processor in the entire Central and East African region.”
LuNa Smelter Ltd, operational in Jabana in the Gasabo District since 2018, has the capacity to melt 360 tons of cassiterite per month. The facility employs 50 permanent staff and additional casual workers.
The processed tin metals derived from these precious stones serve various purposes, including metal welding, battery manufacturing for certain vehicles, glassmaking, and the production of telephones and computers, among other applications.
