Kagame is invited to attend the opening ceremony of the FOCAC Summit, after which he will co-chair a high-level parallel session on state governance. The President, accompanied by a Rwandan delegation, will also hold talks with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China and his delegation.
This year’s FOCAC Summit is held under the theme “Jointly advancing modernization and building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future”.
Rwanda and China’s cooperation is carried out through FOCAC, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Joint Economic, Technical and Trade Committee (JETTCO). China remains among the top contributors to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country.
Since 2019, RDB registered Chinese investments valued at $1.1 billion. The bulk of registered investments are in manufacturing, construction and real estate, as well as mining.
China is currently supporting the upgrade of Masaka District Hospital, which will increase capacity to 837-bed facility and eventually house the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK).
Since 2000, FOCAC has held three summits at head of state level: 2006 in Beijing, 2015 in Johannesburg, and 2018 in Beijing. The FOCAC Joint Declaration and the Action Plan (2025-2027) will be adopted during this year’s summit opening ceremony.
On Monday September 2, 2024, Biruta and his counterpart of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, H.E Mazin Abudullah Al Farrayeh, witnessed the signing of the cooperation agreement between IGP Namuhoranye and Maj. Gen. Abeidallah A. Maaytah, the Director of Public Security of Jordan.
The event was also attended by the ambassador of Rwanda to Jordan, Urujeni Bakuramutsa.
The agreement outlines partnership in capacity building including training, exchange of information and expertise, cooperation in other sectors of security interest such as fighting terrorism, human and drug trafficking and cybercrime among others.
Speaking during a recent interview with LBC, the former immigration minister said that if he succeeded in his bid for the UK’s top leadership, he would introduce a “more robust” version of the Rwanda migration deal, which was terminated by the Labour Party in July 2024.
Jenrick is among six contenders seeking to succeed Rishi Sunak as the Conservative Party leader in polls slated for October. Other candidates are Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Dame Priti Patel, Mel Stride and Tom Tugendhat.
Asked if he would revive the migration plan which the Labour Party dismissed as costly, Jenrick said, “Yes, I would. I want a stronger version of the Rwanda plan.”
He slammed some of his colleagues in the Conservative Party for refusing to support his efforts to strengthen Rishi Sunak’s version of the Rwanda Bill, which led to his resignation as Cabinet minister.
According to him, the plan would have succeeded if the government had accepted his proposed amendments.
“That’s what I proposed at the turn of the year, one which would enable us to detain people upon arrival and then remove them within hours or days rather than weeks and months. I believe that’s possible. It would have been possible if the Government at the time had accepted the amendments that I put down with around 60 other Conservative MPs,” he disclosed.
He argued that while critics deemed the former administration’s migration deal as costly, illegal migration also carries significant costs.
“Illegal migration is costing several billion pounds in this country every year. Those costs are rising, I don’t see that they’re going to fall any time soon,” the former cabinet minister said while reacting to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper claims that Sunak’s administration secretly planned to spend £10billion on the migration project.
Quizzed on how much it would cost, he said: “It depends how many people were sent, because there are both fixed costs and costs per illegal migrants sent to Rwanda. But the broader point is this – the cost of illegal migration is very high.”
He added, “And there’s not a price that you can easily put on securing the borders of our country. A country without borders is not really a country at all.”
When questioned about the accuracy of the £10 billion figure, Jenrick accused the administration of new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer of “bandying around numbers both on the public finances and on illegal migration, to justify political choices.”
The UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership was signed in April 2022. The deal aimed to deter unauthorized immigration, especially people arriving by small boats, by referring the asylum seekers to Rwanda.
The migration scheme was set to kick off in July after a two-year delay occasioned by court battles and opposition from a section of Members of Parliament.
After defeating the Conservatives in the July polls, Starmer announced his intention to terminate the deal, insisting that the policy was neither a deterrent nor value for money.
Starmer’s government plans to tackle the issue “upstream” by dismantling the people-smuggling gangs behind the movements.
In a stirring and impassioned speech while addressing the newly sworn in parliament on August 14, 2024, Kagame castigated efforts in place to confront a conflict that has cast long shadows over the region for decades.
With reason and conviction, The Head of State dismantled the falsehoods and that have long painted Rwanda as the villain in this tragic saga, asserting with unwavering clarity that the DRC’s problems must not, and cannot be blamed on Rwanda.
“Let me speak plainly about these issues of regional insecurity, the war that has gripped the eastern part of DRC, the simmering tensions that have pitted neighbors against each other, these are not new problems,” Kagame said.
“I addressed them the other day at the inauguration, and I address them again now: the true root of these conflicts lies not in Rwanda, but in the mire of interests and hypocrisies that refuse to confront the real causes,” he asserted.
Kagame peeled back the layers of distortion that have clouded the truth for so long describing a narrative that has been twisted and turned to serve the interests of a few, while the many suffer.
“It is a story that was told not to illuminate the truth, but to obscure it by shifting the blame away from those who must be held accountable,” he observed.
The president questioned those that allege Rwanda’s exploitation of the DRC’s resources through the supposed support of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebels.
“They say the FDLR returned to Rwanda only to be sent back to the DRC, to exploit their riches. But I ask, what riches? What resources are they speaking of, when the people they claim to defend live in conditions worse than my own citizens?” he wondered
He acknowledged that many of these fighters came back to Rwanda and everyone knows who they are and also addressed the concerning misrepresentation of the refugee situation in the region.
“You acknowledge that there are people who need to be resettled, yet you refuse to engage with the very refugees who are at the heart of the insecurity in this region and then you turn around and blame Rwanda? This is not just wrong, it is unacceptable!” Kagame said.
“It is clear that they have no real interest in resolving this conflict. They do not seek peace, but rather, they seek to maintain the chaos from which they benefit,”
Reflecting on a discussions held with some delegates at his inauguration, Kagame questioned why Rwanda is continually asked to clean up the mess that others have created.
But let me remind you, Rwanda’s liberation and progress was not handed to us as a gift. We fought for it, we bled for it, and we earned it,” he said
He emphasized that security is a matter of survival for Rwanda and good neighborliness cannot come at the country’s expense, or anyone else’s. He said that the problems in the DRC is not Rwanda’s to solve, and this constant narrative should not be used as a scapegoat.
“We will continue to protect our people, our interests, without fear, and without hesitation,” he stressed
In the new appointments, Judith Uwizeye continues in her role as Minister in the Office of the President while Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe retains his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
These were very instrumental in strengthening Rwanda’s international relationships and enhancing the country’s global standing in the previous cabinet.
Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, previously at the helm of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, takes over as Minister of Health as Rwanda continues to advance healthcare reforms and adding up its public health infrastructure building on the successes achieved during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paula Ingabire remains Minister of ICT and Innovation as Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja steps into the role of Minister of Justice and Attorney General. The former President of the East African Court of Justice is now tasked with ensuring that Rwanda’s judicial system remains strong.
Inès Mpambara has been appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office as Yusuf Murangwa, takes over the Finance and Economic Planning docket. Richard Nyirishema and Prudence Sebahizi steps in as Minister of Sports, Trade and Industry respectively.
Other appointments include Dr. Jean-Damascène Bizimana as Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri as Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, who is expected work to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Dr. Jimmy Gasore is the new Minister of Infrastructure, will oversee the development of critical infrastructure projects, while Ms. Consolée Uwimana continues to serve as Minister of Gender and Family Promotion.
Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira remains Minister of Disaster Preparedness and Dr. Valentine Uwamariya was retained as Minister of Environment.
Others are Gaspard Twagirayezu, Ambassador Christine Nkulikiyinka, Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, Gaspard Twagiray in charge of Education, Labor and Public Service, Youth and Culture respectively.
This comes shortly after, the newly appointed Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente took oath and after the swearing-in of new members of parliament.
According to Rwanda’s constitution, Cabinet members are appointed within 15 days preceding the appointment of the Prime Minister. This new cabinet, reflects a strategic blend of continuity and change, positioning Rwanda to meet its goals and continue its path toward sustainable development and prosperity
In a stirring and impassioned speech while addressing the newly sworn in parliament on August 14, 2024, Kagame castigated efforts in place to confront a conflict that has cast long shadows over the region for decades.
With reason and conviction, The Head of State dismantled the falsehoods that have long painted Rwanda as the villain in this tragic saga, asserting with unwavering clarity that the DRC’s problems must not, and cannot be blamed on Rwanda.
“Let me speak plainly about these issues of regional insecurity, the war that has gripped the eastern part of DRC, the simmering tensions that have pitted neighbors against each other, these are not new problems,” Kagame said.
“I addressed them the other day at the inauguration, and I address them again now: the true root of these conflicts lies not in Rwanda, but in the mire of interests and hypocrisies that refuse to confront the real causes,” he asserted.
Kagame peeled back the layers of distortion that have clouded the truth for so long describing a narrative that has been twisted and turned to serve the interests of a few, while the many suffer.
“It is a story that was told not to illuminate the truth, but to obscure it by shifting the blame away from those who must be held accountable,” he observed.
The president questioned those that allege Rwanda’s exploitation of the DRC’s resources through the supposed support of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebels.
“They say the FDLR returned to Rwanda only to be sent back to the DRC, to exploit their riches. But I ask, what riches? What resources are they speaking of, when the people they claim to defend live in conditions worse than my own citizens?” he wondered
He acknowledged that many of these fighters came back to Rwanda and everyone knows who they are and also addressed the concerning misrepresentation of the refugee situation in the region.
“You acknowledge that there are people who need to be resettled, yet you refuse to engage with the very refugees who are at the heart of the insecurity in this region and then you turn around and blame Rwanda? This is not just wrong, it is unacceptable!” Kagame said.
“It is clear that they have no real interest in resolving this conflict. They do not seek peace, but rather, they seek to maintain the chaos from which they benefit,”
Reflecting on discussions held with some delegates at his inauguration, Kagame questioned why Rwanda is continually asked to clean up the mess that others have created.
But let me remind you, Rwanda’s liberation and progress was not handed to us as a gift. We fought for it, we bled for it, and we earned it,” he said
He emphasized that security is a matter of survival for Rwanda and good neighborliness cannot come at the country’s expense, or anyone else’s. He said that the problems in the DRC is not Rwanda’s to solve, and this constant narrative should not be used as a scapegoat.
“We will continue to protect our people, our interests, without fear, and without hesitation,” he stressed
The colourful ceremony, graced by more than 20 Heads of State, marked the beginning of a new five-year mandate for the RPF-Inkotanyi chairman, who has put Rwanda on the world map with his transformative leadership.
As he returns to his Urugwiro Village office, his next major task will be to nominate members of his Cabinet who will assist him in implementing his development agenda for the next five years.
According to the Rwandan Constitution, President Kagame has 15 days to appoint a Prime Minister, who will then assist him in selecting Cabinet members.
After naming the Prime Minister, the President is required by law to appoint Cabinet members within 15 days, as per guidelines in Article 116 of the Constitution.
Therefore, Kagame is expected to appoint the Prime Minister by Monday, August 26, 2024, which will mark the end of the 15-day period.
Both the Prime Minister and Cabinet members serve at the President’s discretion, giving him all powers to either retain all, some, or none of the current members according to his strategic needs.
Article 118 of the Constitution of Rwanda provides that, before assuming office, the Prime Minister and Cabinet members must take an oath of office publicly before the President.
The Cabinet is accountable to both the President and Parliament. The members are, among other things, responsible for key roles, including policy development and implementation, administration and oversight of government programs and projects, budget management, and advising the President on various matters.
The next Parliament is expected to hold its first sitting within 30 days after the announcement of the final election results, which should occur by August 22, given that the results were announced on July 22.
The biggest task ahead for the new Cabinet will be to develop and implement policies to accelerate Rwanda’s growth in all areas, as pledged by Kagame during his swearing-in on Sunday.
He pledged “more hard work” while acknowledging that Rwanda had exceeded expectations in terms of growth over the past 30 years, despite being derailed by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“Our tragic past ignited a fire in each one of us, the fire of hope, resilience, and justice,” Kagame said.
“From security to health, infrastructure, and jobs for youth, we are taking responsibility for our challenges and offering solutions. That is the mind set that brings us closer together and creates positive change over time for everyone.”
Despite years of diplomatic efforts and international interventions, peace remains elusive, and Kagame’s speech laid bare the fundamental reasons why this is the case.
“Peace cannot be delivered by anyone from anywhere, no matter how powerful, if the party most directly concerned does not do what is needed,” Kagame said.
This statement emphasized that peace efforts cannot succeed if the parties directly involved in the conflict do not take the necessary steps. His words were a clear reminder that external forces, no matter how strong, cannot impose peace where there is no commitment from those at the heart of the conflict.
“You can’t wake up one day and decide to deny whoever you want their citizenship rights and expect to get away with it,” The Head of State warned.
Over the years, numerous initiatives have been launched to address the security challenges in eastern DRC. Diplomatic interventions, peace agreements, and mediation by regional leaders have all played crucial roles.
Kagame specifically acknowledged the contributions of Kenya and Angola’s leadership in these efforts.
“I would like to thank the President of Angola, President João Lourenço, and the President of Kenya, President William Ruto, among others, for everything they have done and continue to do,” he said, expressing gratitude for their dedication to regional stability.
However, despite these efforts, Kagame pointed out that peace cannot be achieved without a genuine commitment from those directly involved in the conflict.
“Peace cannot happen all on its own. We all have to do our part, and the right things, in order to achieve and sustain peace,” he emphasized.
The failure to address fundamental injustices, such as the denial of citizenship rights to certain groups, has been a significant barrier to peace. “There has to be a meeting in the middle. There has to be a compromise,” Kagame stressed, highlighting the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding.
Kagame also spoke about the broader global context, criticizing the double standards and unaddressed inequalities that have exacerbated regional conflicts. He called for a more just and equitable approach to international relations, where powerful nations do not impose their will on others.
“There is no longer room for the powerful to impose their vision about how others ought to live, or to create narratives that falsify the truth. This must always be resisted, even when under pressure,” he cautioned.
The President also highlighted the role of the African Union in promoting regional security and development. Since its establishment, the African Union has been instrumental in fostering a more integrated and secure Africa.
Kagame pointed to Africa’s progress in areas such as security, health, infrastructure, and youth employment as evidence that the continent is taking responsibility for its own challenges and offering homegrown solutions.
“That is the mindset that brings us closer together and creates positive change over time for everyone,” he said, emphasizing the importance of African unity and self-reliance.
Kagame expressed optimism about the future, both for Rwanda and the broader region, imploring the need for continued hard work and dedication to achieving lasting peace and development.
“Why not do even better than we have done? That expectation to keep improving is not a dream, it is realistic. We can do it, and we will do it,” Kagame declared.
Peace has remained elusive in the region despite numerous efforts and while external interventions are important, true peace can only be achieved when those directly involved take responsibility and commit to the necessary compromises and actions.
The ongoing efforts by regional leaders and the African Union provide a strong foundation, but it is up to the local actors to make peace a reality.
This fourth presidential term is a challenge for all leaders and citizens to rise to the occasion and work together to build a stable, secure, and prosperous future for all.
Citizens from various parts of the country braved the morning cold to gather at the newly unveiled state-of-the-art stadium before dawn, highlighting their enthusiasm for the inauguration of Kagame, who is credited with spearheading various economic and social reforms that have put Rwanda on the world map.
The stadium was adorned with the colours of Rwanda’s national flag, and many attendees wore matching outfits. The blue, yellow, and green of the flag represent happiness and peace, enlightenment, economic development, and hope for prosperity, respectively.
For the better part of the morning, attendees were treated to songs and dances as they awaited the official kickoff of the event at around 2:00 p.m., when high-ranking dignitaries began to arrive.
More than 20 Heads of State graced the event and were treated to a warm welcome befitting their stature.
The Presidents who attended the event included Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, João Lourenco (Angola), William Ruto (Kenya), Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia), Emmerson Mnangagwa (Malawi), Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé (Togo), Faustin-Archange Touadéra (Central Africa Republic), Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of the Congo) and Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti).
Others were Nana Akufo-Addo (Ghana), Wavel Ramkalawan (Seychelles), Mamady Doumbouya (Interim President of Guinea), Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana), Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), Umaro Sissoco Embaló (Guinea-Bissau), Salva Kiir (South Sudan) and Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique.
King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan, and Brice Oligui Nguema, President of the Transition of the Gabonese Republic, also attended the ceremony.
At a quarter past 3 p.m., the motorcade of President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame made its way into the stadium to thunderous cheers from the attendees.
Thereafter, President Kagame was sworn into office for another five-year term. The oath of office was administered by Faustin Ntezilyayo, the Chief Justice and President of Rwanda’s Supreme Court.
The Head of State was then presented with ceremonial symbols, including the sword and shield.
President Kagame proceeded to inspect a guard of honour mounted by the Rwanda Defence Forces and the Police.
Shortly thereafter, the military executed a spectacular display, featuring helicopter manoeuvre that soared through the stadium.
After approximately an hour of breathtaking performances, the army and police exited the stage, making way for traditional dancers who captivated the audience, keeping them on their feet throughout the exhilarating display.
At around 5:00 p.m., President Kagame took to the podium to deliver his speech to the enthusiastic crowd.
Following his speech, a ceremonial RDF convoy advanced with to formally escort and secure the instruments of power, ensuring their safe return to the designated place repository, in accordance with protocol.
This historic event, following his overwhelming victory in the July 14-15 elections, marks the beginning of Kagame’s fourth term as Rwanda’s leader, a testament to his enduring leadership and the country’s remarkable progress under his guidance.
The inauguration is more than a ceremonial event; it is a powerful statement of Rwanda’s political stability and its rising influence on the global stage.
Over two dozen heads of state have gathered to witness this momentous occasion, reflecting the immense respect and admiration President Kagame commands both within Africa and internationally.
“President Kagame is not just a leader for Rwanda; he is a leader for Africa,” remarked President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, emphasizing Kagame’s role in shaping the continent’s future.
The political implications of this inauguration are significant for both Rwanda and the broader African continent. Kagame’s leadership has been characterized by visionary policies that have transformed Rwanda into a model of economic development, infrastructure growth, and social empowerment.
His commitment to innovation and technological advancement has particularly benefited Rwanda’s youth, equipping them with valuable skills that are driving the country’s future.
“Under President Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has become a hub of innovation,” noted President Emmanuel Macron of France. “The progress we see here is a testament to what can be achieved with strong, visionary leadership.”
The inauguration ceremony itself is a vibrant celebration of Rwanda’s cultural heritage, featuring traditional dances and performances that highlight the nation’s unity and pride.
Testimonies from Rwandans and international leaders alike underscore the impact of Kagame’s leadership on the country’s transformation.
“Rwanda is a beacon of hope and progress,” said President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya. “And President Kagame’s steadfast leadership is at the heart of this remarkable journey.”
As Rwanda continues to advance, the country’s achievements in women’s empowerment and gender equality stand out as significant milestones.
Women have taken their rightful place in leadership roles across various sectors, reflecting the nation’s commitment to inclusivity and justice. This progress is not just symbolic; it represents the foundation of Rwanda’s continued growth and stability.
President Kagame’s leadership has also fostered strong international relationships, with many global leaders expressing their admiration and support.
“President Kagame’s unwavering dedication to his country is an inspiration to us all,” said Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany. “His visionary approach to governance and development sets a powerful example for the world.”
Today, Rwanda celebrates not just a leader, but the collective achievements of a nation that has risen from its past to embrace a future filled with hope, prosperity, and boundless possibilities.
The presence of so many esteemed global leaders at this inauguration is a testament to Rwanda’s growing influence on the world stage and the respect Kagame has earned as a leader of immense capability and vision.
As the country looks ahead to the next five years under Kagame’s leadership, the focus remains on building a future where everyone can thrive. The unity and strength that Rwanda has demonstrated are the cornerstones of its success, and this inauguration is a celebration of that spirit.
“Congratulations, President Kagame. Your leadership continues to inspire us all,” echoed President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, capturing the sentiment of a nation and a world that watches Rwanda with admiration and respect.
This historic milestone is a reminder of the journey Rwanda has undertaken and the bright future that lies ahead. With President Kagame at the helm, the possibilities are indeed boundless.
