US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Kenyatta in a telephone call about Nairobi’s Initiative under the East African Community Conclave on DRC, as the best approach to end armed conflict in the troubled east of the country.
The Nairobi Initiative is one of President Kenyatta’s agenda in his role as Chairperson of the East African Community and has targeted to create a long-term solution for peace in eastern DRC.
RPA soldiers launched the Liberation Struggle on 1st October 1990. The four-year journey ended with the capture of Kigali City where the then government which perpetrated Genocide against Tutsi fled to former Zaïre, in the current Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As Rwanda celebrates the 28th Liberation Anniversary, we have listed below important dates that marked the journey to free the country from the regime characterized by ethnic divisionism and nepotism.
{{In 1990}}
{{On 1st October: }} On this date, RPA soldiers attacked Kagitumba border. The attack marked the beginning of the Liberation Struggle which lasted for four years after members of RPF Inkotanyi decided to free the country by means of war.
Initially, RPA soldiers were commanded by Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema but attacks were foiled by soldiers of the then regime of Habyarima on the support of mercenaries.
Some of top commanders were killed in the first 14 days of the struggle which left gaps in the leadership of RPA and affected soldiers’ morale.
President Paul Kagame who was at the rank of major at the time took over the leadership and introduced new tactics during the remaining days of the struggle.
{{On 2nd October:}} The commander of RPA soldiers, Gen Maj Gisa Fred Rwigema was shot dead in Nyabwishongwezi.
{{On 4th October:}} 300 French soldiers came to protect its citizens living in Rwanda while RPA forces from the 9th battalion captures Nyagatare town.
In the night of 4th leading to 5th October, the government of Habyarimana lied that Inkotanyi raided Kigali City and arrested over 10,000 Tutsis and many politicians.
{{On 5th October: }} 535 Belgian soldiers and other from Zaire came to Rwanda to support Habyarimana.
{{On 6th and 7th October:}} The 4th Battalion of RPA soldiers captured Gabiro.
{{On 8th October:}} Following the exchange of fire with RPA soldiers; the then government forces (FAR) killed 1,000 Tutsis from Hima tribe in Mutara.
{{From 11th to 13th October:}} Nearly 400 Tutsis were killed in Commune Kibilira.
{{On 23rd October:}} Major Bunyenyezi and Major Bayingana died in an ambush laid in Ryabega.
{{On 13th November:}} Habyarimana allowed opposition parties to operate. He also declared that people’s ethnicity should no longer be mentioned on identity cards even though it never materialized.
{{On 6th December:}} Kangura journal published the 10 commandments of Hutus, including eight inciting Hutus to be violent against Tutsis.
{{In 1991}}
{{On 3rd January: }} RPA changed tactics and launched attacks in Gatuna and Kaniga to block the supply of equipment to FAR.
{{On 7th January:}} A number of Rwandans were handed death sentence accused of spying for Inkotanyi.
{{On 23rd January:}} RPA captures Ruhengeri town and released inmates from Ruhengeri Prison.
{{From the last days of January towards March:}} Between 500 and 1000 Tutsis from Abagogwe tribe were killed.
{{In 1992}}
{{In March:}} A group of Hutu extremists (CDR) that was at the centre of planning and execution of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was created. Around 300 Tutsis were also killed in Bugesera.
{{In May:}} RPA attack in some communes left over 350,000 people displaced.
{{In August:}} A large number of Tutsis was killed in Kibuye.
{{In November:}} Leon Mugesera delivered a hate speech in Kabaya where he incited Hutus to exterminate Tutsis, insisting that they will be returned to ‘their place of origin’ in Ethiopia through River Nyabarongo.
{{In 1993}}
{{On 8th February: }} RPA captured the largest part of the country and withdrew to alert the international community that Tutsis were being killed of torture.
{{On 8th March:}} An international report indicated the role of the then Presidency Office in the killings of Abagogwe in Gisenyi and Ruhengeri Prefectures.
{{On 7th April:}} The then government received the report and rejected its findings.
{{In August:}} Spread of hate speeches and inciting Rwandans to kill Tutsis through Radio RTLM.
{{On 4th August:}} As RPA and the then regime were asked to implement resolutions of Arusha Peace Accords; the government continued to train Interahamwe, Impuzamigambi and other groups to kill Tutsis.
{{On 28th October:}} The 3rd Battalion of RPA soldiers arrived in CND in Kigali, aligning with efforts to establish the interim government as per Arusha Accords.
{{In 1994}}
{{On 6th April: }} A regional meeting took place in Dar-es-Salaam. The plane which carried the then President Habyarimana was shoot down on the same day around 8:30 p.m. as he returned to Kigali from the meeting.
{{7th April:}} Prime Minister Uwilingiyimana Agathe and 10 Belgian soldiers protecting her were killed. Other ministers and officials opposing the regime were killed.
Genocide began in Butare, Gitarama and Murambi in Byumba.
{{On 8th April:}} RPA soldiers decided to attack Kigali and stop Genocide against Tutsi.
{{On 14th Aril: }} Belgium ordered its troops to withdraw from Rwanda and UN troops deployed in the country. The last soldier left Rwanda not later than 20th April.
{{On 18th April: }} RPA shoot at RTLM over spreading hatred among Rwandans.
{{On 19th April:}} The interim President Sindikubwabo delivered a speech at his birthplace in Butare inciting Hutus to stand up and kill Tutsis. Since then, anyone opposing the plan was also hunted to be killed.
{{On 21st April:}} RPA captured Byumba.
{{On 21st and 22nd April:}} UN Security Council ordered the reduction of its troops in Rwanda and left only 270 soldiers.
{{On 30th April:}} RPA was controlling Rusumo border.
{{On 16th May:}} RPA blocked the road Gitarama-Kigali.
{{On 22nd May:}} RPA captured Kigali International Airport and Kanombe Military Camp.
{{On 29th May:}} RPA captured Nyanza town.
{{On 2nd June:}} RPA liberated Kabgayi.
{{On 13th June:}} RPA captured Gitarama town where the interim government had moved. It had fled to Gisenyi on 10th June.
{{On 21st June:}} As per the 929th resolution of UN, the first French troops arrived at borders between Rwanda and Zaire under “Operation Turquoise”.
{{On 28th June:}} UN released a report indicating that Genocide against Tutsi was happening in Rwanda.
{{On 4th July:}} RPA liberated Kigali City after Butare on the previous day. Since then, the former government fled to Zaire.
{{On 14th July:}} RPA captured Ruhengeri.
{{On 17th July:}} RPA liberated Gisenyi.
{{On 19th July:}} The Government of Rwanda’s Unity was installed, marking the stop of Genocide against Tutsi.
Boris Johnson was in Rwanda last week for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2022.
Following the visit, UK Prime Minister said Rwandan government is “shocked” to see the coverage about it in the British media.
Johnson who was speaking to LBC’s Nick Ferrari at Breakfast, said Rwanda needs to be seen and believed.
“You didn’t come on the Rwanda trip. You should’ve done, because lots of people did, the scales fell from their eyes,” he said.
“They saw a country that is really going places, they had a totally different view of what it could mean. And if you talk to Paul Kagame [the president] and the government, they are rather shocked by some of the coverage in the UK. They see this as an opportunity for us to make progress together on a very difficult issue,” Johnson added.
He expressed frustration that while his policy was torn into by some of the press, his counterparts in other countries were putting in place similar policies.
“Funnily enough, not something that is much commented on by some parts of the media, but Joe Biden is doing something very similar with Mexico, to try and send people from Mexico, ping them straight to Spain.
“The Danes are doing something very similar. I think it’s entirely sensible to develop a partnership like that with Rwanda.”
Rwanda entered Migration and Economic Development Partnership on 14th April 2022.
The development came at a time when deep global inequalities are driving millions of people from their homes in search of opportunity, at the same time as millions are forcibly displaced by conflict, persecution, and other threats to safety.
Under this program, the UK will provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund invaluable opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons, and higher education.
Following the agreement, some people, the majority of whom being from the western part of the world, expressed concerns over the partnership.
The plane carrying the first batch of migrants deported from UK to Rwanda under the recently signed Migration and Economic Development Partnership was expected to land in Kigali on Wednesday 15th June 2022.
Few hours before scheduled time for the plane to take off, the flight was stopped after a late intervention from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) led to fresh challenges in the UK courts.
The human rights court said that it had suspended the deportation of one migrant from Iraq who was onboard the plane.
Following the last minute cancellation; the Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo said that Rwanda remains committed to welcome the migrants when they arrive.
“We are not deterred by these developments. Rwanda remains fully committed to making this partnership work. The current situation of people making dangerous journeys cannot continue as it is causing untold suffering to so many,” she said.
“Rwanda stands ready to receive the migrants when they do arrive and offer them safety and opportunity in our country,” added Makolo.
Burundi and Rwanda celebrate Independence Day every 1st July to commemorate the day in 1962 when they gained freedom from Belgian colonial rule.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed via Twitter handle that Minister Biruta and his delegation were received on Friday.
The envoy received on the sidelines of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Independence also delivered a special message from President Paul Kagame to his counterpart.
Ndayishimiye said that Rwanda and Burundi are like twins and speak one voice because both countries obtained Independence on the same day.
The celebration of Burundi’s Independence was also attended by dignitaries including the President of Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra and an envoy representing the King of Belgium among others.
President Ndayishimiye said that Burundi has reunited its people and achieved remarkable strides where it has gained international repute, 60 years after obtaining Independence.
He stressed that the country is on the path towards self-reliance where it needs development partners to deliver on its ambitions and move people out of poverty.
During similar celebrations in Burundi last year; Rwanda was represented by Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente. The visit was considered as a gesture for Rwanda and Burundi to turn a new page following years of deteriorated relations.
In this reality, there is an international peace organization, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), that leads the change so that the world becomes one with cultures of peace. Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL has presented answers for peace and life in the world of conflict and death with the experience of witnessing the horrors of the Korean War as a veteran. The representative achievement of the peace steps he and HWPL have made is the fruit of contributing to peace in Mindanao, the Philippines, which is ending its 50-year history of conflict.
{{Mindanao, Philippines, looking at the realization of long-term peace}}
Mindanao, the Philippines, was the place where Southeast Asia’s largest armed conflict occurred. The Mindanao conflict was a military collision between the Philippine government and Moroans(Muslims) that began in the late 1960s, resulting in more than 120,000 deaths. After the conflict that caused massive casualties, various countries, international organizations, and private organizations supported peace and began to settle peace in Mindanao. However, the conflict never ended just by signing a peace treaty. Peace of Mindanao required the need for a fundamental and long-term approach across politics, economy, society, and culture to prevent a recurrence of war.
Mindanao’s efforts for peace were made by a civilian peace organization based in the Republic of Korea. In 2013, the Chairman of HWPL, Man Hee Lee visited Mindanao, where tensions were widespread due to military collision. He mediated the signing of a peace agreement between the two leaders representing Islam and Catholicism, the government and the private sector, politics, and religion, as citizens watched.
The Peace Agreement in Mindanao mediated by the civil organizations was for permanent peace. Since then, HWPL and all local stakeholders including local politicians, religious leaders, and civil society, have begun to cooperate for peace. From 2019 to 2020, major cities in Mindanao decided to support and implement the “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War(DPCW)” proclaimed by the HWPL. DPCW was written by HWPL and international law experts from around the globe, focusing on the basic principles for the prohibition, prevention, and resolution of conflicts and wars and spreading the culture of peace.
It also continues a campaign to improve peace awareness and build a peace monument with civil society. The peace monument is a symbol of peace and reflects the spirit of coexistence and respect in everyday life. A representative example is the Peace Monument built in the Phurok Tongki area of Cotabato City, where armed conflicts between Islam, Christianity, and indigenous people were frequent. With the implementation of a peace treaty between the government and armed groups, a monument made by melting weapons used by combatants has become a symbol of the transition to a world of peace.
At the national level, efforts are being expanded to establish peace through cooperation with central government agencies and the field of education. Since February 2016, HWPL has signed MOUs with 70 educational institutions in Mindanao. In addition, an MOU was signed with Commission on Higher Education(CHED), the Philippine government’s agency, in 2018. Also, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the development of courses on peace education and the expansion of education at the national level are being promoted.
Regarding the achievements made in Mindanao since 2013, Chairman Man Hee Lee consistently says, “What God did” and ” What God walked with us,” not personal achievements. He always emphasizes, “Let’s all become the messenger of peace and leave peace as a legacy of future generations.” The possibility of peace emphasized by the HWPL will become a reality when people around the world take the initiative to join and become one in peace.
Meanwhile, repatriates suspected to have had role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are taken to court to face justice.
In case ex-combatants return with their families, the country takes them through reintegration process separately. It is against this backdrop that former combatants undergo rehabilitation at Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre in Musanze District while their families including wives and children are sent to Nyarushishi Transit Camp in Rusizi District to be acquainted with different skills and receive support to move on with life upon release.
Some of women repatriated in 2018 have attested that their lives have been significantly impacted and got permanent shelters owing to received support.
Usually, a woman receives financial support Rwf100,000 while a man gets Rwf200,000 to start new life after graduation.
Apart from financial support, some beneficiaries are enrolled in vocational training programs like sewing, hairdressing, nail trimming and welding among others.
Emerance Mukandori from Cyanika Sector of Nyamagabe District has revealed that received training on sewing will bring many positive transformations into her life.
“My sewing skills will be helpful to achieve progress and easily get clothes for my family. Our profession will help us to survive particularly during this of COVID-19 pandemic where finding a job is not easy,” she noted.
Pelagie Yamfashije from Bugesera District has told IGIHE that the support helped her to develop farsightedness and work hard that she has built a house.
Yamfashije said that she was hit hard before getting own house but received financial support ushered her into prosperity. She also rears livestock that serve as a source of manure to fertilize her farmland.
Of 805 people repatriated in 2018, 246 have undertaken courses in different vocational subjects while others received other kinds of support.
The achievements were attained through collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) on funds provided by Japan.
He was delivering a speech via national broadcaster as his country celebrated Independence on 30th June 2022.
Tshisekedi said that the day is celebrated at a time when the eastern part of DRC is faced with insecurity.
He affirmed that Rwanda is behind the deteriorated situation in his country over ‘its support to M23’.
Tshisekedi assured to continue upholding the Independence of DRC, protect territorial integrity and national unity as stipulated in the Constitution.
“I promise the people of DRC that I will make efforts to the best of his ability to maintain peace and security. Those provoking us will be quelled from our territory,” he said.
Tshisekedi requested Congolese to stick to territorial integrity highlighting that his country cannot allow provocations to continue.
“Today, peace and security are our top priorities. DRC suffered huge losses, including more than 10 million deaths while millions of people were displaced and fled due to crimes committed by armed groups including those receiving support from outside the country,” he said.
To address the issue, Tshisekedi said that DRC committed to strive for peace and security through use of military force and diplomatic process.
On diplomatic process, Tshisekedi said that he sought support from the United Nations and the East African Community (EAC).
Two weeks ago, he met with heads of state for the third conclave to find a lasting solution to security issues in eastern DRC.
The meeting also discussed resolutions of Regional Chiefs of Defence Forces held on the previous day on 19th June to agree on deployment of joint forces to DRC.
During the meeting, DR Congo Armed Forces (FARDC) Chief of General Staff, Gen Célestin Mbala Munsense told counterparts that Rwandans should not be part of joint regional forces ‘because the country supports M23’.
Rwanda did not welcome the decision to boycott its troops from participating in the joint operation given that it has been repeatedly refuting DRC’s allegations calling them ‘baseless’.
During the conclave on the next day, Uganda also maintained that the participation of Rwandan troops would be of great significance considering their experience in fighting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
Meanwhile, Kenya and Burundi were on the side of DRC. It was finally agreed that Rwandan troops won’t participate in the joint operation in DRC but can share intelligence with the forces on ground.
Tshisekedi has explained that troops to be sent to his country will come from countries having good relations with DRC.
Tshisekedi insisted that he successfully defended his decision of boycotting Rwandan troops from landing on DRC’s land.
“I strived for it and succeeded in excluding Rwanda due to its support to M23,” he said.
The deployment of joint forces is expected this July or August.
