The discord reached a new low point on July 30, 2024, marking the end of Bert Versmessen’s three-year term as Belgium’s ambassador to Rwanda.
Jeune Afrique recently reported that Rwanda rejected Belgium’s latest ambassadorial nominee, a move that followed Belgium’s refusal to accept Vincent Karega, Rwanda’s designated envoy to Brussels.This Belgian diplomat had been proposed on December 11, 2023.
Rwanda’s refusal to approve this candidate led Belgium to withdraw the nomination on June 18, 2024. Consequently, Belgium is left without an ambassador in Kigali, and Rwanda has been without a representative in Brussels since Dieudonné Sebashongore’s departure over a year ago.
Despite the embassies’ continued operation, the atmosphere remains palpably tense. Rwanda’s government has accused Belgium of yielding to pressure from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country with which Rwanda has had a contentious relationship.
President Paul Kagame, in an interview with Jeune Afrique in March 2024, insisted that Rwanda would not nominate another ambassador unless Belgium clarified on why it had rejected Karega.
The president denounced Belgium’s actions as unacceptable and claimed they were influenced by the DRC’s demands.
Diplomatic experts suggest that the onus to mend the fractured relationship now lies with Belgium, which first rejected Karega without clear justification.
The strained ties are not entirely new; Belgium’s historical actions during and after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi have long strained relations with Rwanda. This historical context, coupled with Belgium’s perceived attempts to exert colonial influence, has contributed to the ongoing tension.
For reconciliation, analysts assert that both political will and mutual respect are crucial. This diplomatic challenge echoes a similar situation from 2015 when Rwanda and France experienced strained relations. During that period, Rwanda refused to accept a new French ambassador until the relationship improved under President Emmanuel Macron.
As the diplomatic impasse continues, the path to restoring harmonious relations between Rwanda and Belgium remains uncertain, underscoring the complexities of international diplomacy shaped by both historical grievances and contemporary political dynamics.
The country recorded an impressive 98.20% voter turnout among the nine million people who registered to vote in the election.
The voter turnout was, however, not surprising given the previous trend. It represented a 0.05% increase from the voter turnout of 98.15% recorded in the 2017 presidential election.
Compared with the parliamentary elections of 2018, where 93% of registered voters participated, it was an increase of 5%.
Rwanda’s voter turnout is encouraging compared to neighbouring countries in the East African region and beyond.
Kenya, which held its general election in 2022, recorded a 64.77% voter turnout in the presidential election, Uganda’s turnout in 2021 was 59.35%, while Tanzania’s turnout in the 2020 election was 50.72%.
Low voter turnout has also been observed in developed countries like the United States, where only 66.6% of the 161.42 million registered voters participated in the 2020 election. Moreover, 40% of eligible voters, mostly young people, did not vote in the 2016 election.
Voter indifference across the world remains debatable, but there is a general consensus that mistrust in electoral systems, political violence, intimidation, and lack of civic education contribute to the issue.
Charles Munyaneza, the Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), highlighted in a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE that various civic education programs by the commission, coupled with lobbying from the political class and other interested parties, often contribute to the high voter turnout in Rwanda.
Munyaneza intimated that after the conclusion of the 2017 and 2018 presidential and parliamentary elections, the commission engaged in a continuous voter registration exercise that resulted in the registration of 1.8 million new voters for this year’s election.
A majority of these voters were registered during an intense national voter registration drive conducted between March and June of this year.
A majority of the new voters were young people. Munyaneza noted that various social media campaigns rolled out by NEC helped the commission appeal to the youth and encouraged them to exercise their democratic right.
The campaign involved the use of catchy short messages, graphics and videos detailing the registration process, the process of voting, and why it is important to vote.
“We have been crafting and sending out messages through various social media platforms, and they have proven to be very effective,” Munyaneza explained.
The commission also implemented technology that simplified self-confirmation of voter registration and the process of changing polling stations.
To make voting easier and more convenient, NEC established over 16,000 polling stations across the country, an increase of about 500 from those set up in 2017. This ensured that polling stations were easily accessible to eligible voters, whether in towns, markets or villages.
“We ensured that each polling station had no more than 900 people assigned to it to avoid long queues,” he added.
The government has also played a role in engaging citizens with the electoral process. Local government officials use weekly public forums, such as ‘Inteko y’abaturage,’ to discuss issues affecting the community. These forums provide platforms for both mobilization and civic education on the electoral process.
Mnyaneza also observed that lobbying by the political class during the campaigns contributed to the voter turnout.
President Paul Kagame, who was re-elected in the recent election, had urged the youth to become actively involved in politics ahead of the polls.
He advised young people who shy away from politics to reconsider their stance, as all decisions made by countries, whether good or bad, are the result of political processes.
“There is no where you are going to run away from politics, this is a fact. You, especially the young people should join us and we combine efforts to strengthen the good politics,” he said.
Kagame, who ran for the presidency on RPF Inkotanyi party ticket, is credited with transforming Rwanda through significant economic and social reforms.
Under his leadership, Rwanda has experienced growth and development in areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which were severely hurt by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Kagame has also been lauded for his firm anti-corruption stance in his administration, which has promoted accountability among government officials. This approach has also fostered public confidence in both public institutions and the electoral system.
He won this year’s presidential election with 99.18% of the votes cast, securing 8,822,794 votes. Dr. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda came in second with 44,479 votes (0.50%), while Philippe Mpayimana finished third with 28,466 votes (0.32%).
In the parliamentary election, Kagame’s RPF Inkotanyi and its coalition partners remained dominant in the House of Deputies after securing 68.83% of the votes. The parties, including PD, PPC, PSR, PSP, and UDPR, will share 37 seats in parliament with the RPF.
Other parties that will be represented in the House are PL (5 seats), PSD (5), DGPR-Green Party (2), PDI (2) and PS Imberakuri (2).
The legendary Kenyan opposition leader made the remarks after signing the AUC Chair application documents on Saturday, July 27, 2024.
“I signed off my AUC Chair application documents. We are focused on bringing the seat home for Kenya and serving the African people,” Odinga stated.
Thereafter, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei confirmed that all was set for the submission of Odinga’s application documents.
“All-Set-Go!” Sing’oei captioned social media photos showing bundles of the documents set to be submitted to the AU Secretariat for consideration.
August 6, 2024, is the deadline for submission of candidatures for the coveted continental job.
Odinga, who previously served as African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development, is seeking to succeed Chad’s Moussa Faki in elections slated for February 2025.
He is among four renowned African leaders who have declared interest in the job. Others are former Seychelles Vice President Vincent Meriton, Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, and ex-Somali Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf.
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Odinga received a huge boost in his bid earlier this year when the African Union Executive Council unanimously resolved that candidates for the position of the next chairperson of the AU Commission would be nominated by the Eastern African regional states.
Several African Heads of State, including President Paul Kagame and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni have since expressed their support for Odinga to clinch the top job.
Others are Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, and Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo.
Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera and his Zambian counterpart Hakainde Hichilema have also pledged to support Odinga’s bid.
The chairperson of the AU Commission is the Chief Executive Officer of the African Union.
The position is crucial in driving the Union’s agenda and representing the continent on the
global arena.
Candidates for the position are nominated by member states of the African Union. A high-level panel of eminent Africans is responsible for assessing and shortlisting the nominated candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and leadership abilities.
The final election is conducted by the Assembly of the African Union, which comprises representatives from all member states. The election is held by secret ballot, and a two-thirds majority of eligible member states is required to elect the Chairperson.
The successful candidate serves a four-year term, renewable once.
Museveni made the remarks on Thursday, July 25, 2024, while accusing “imperialists” of sponsoring the protests witnessed in the country on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
In a statement shared on social media, the Ugandan Head of State said he had received credible intelligence that the protests were sponsored. He warned that he won’t allow “imperialists” to meddle with the internal affairs of Uganda.
“All those involved should know that Uganda is not a neo-colony where those shallow schemes can be deployed,” President Museveni stated.
Museveni noted that organizers and participants of the demonstrations were “planning very bad things” and the “evidence in court will shock many”.
“Those very bad things will come out in court when those arrested are being tried,” Museveni said as he lauded the security forces for foiling the demonstrations.
He argued that if the protests were patriotic, peaceful and coordinated with the police he would have been the first to join.
The President contrasted the failed protest with a past anti-corruption march in 2019 organized by Ugandan military officer Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema, saying he was ready to participate in a similar exercise.
“In the year 2019, Nakalema organized us and we marched from the city Square through Kampala Road to Jinja Road and went to Kololo. So many people were there- Bishops, Soldiers, Wanainchi, etc.
“…Nakalema can co-ordinate with the genuine anti-corruption fighters for a similar effort, especially on a Sunday,” he added.
He, however, emphasized that heavily populated suburbs in the country should never be used for demonstration as they will “damage the little wealth creation that our people are painstakingly building up”.
More than 70 youths accusing members of parliament of graft were arrested on Tuesday during a march to parliament.
The protesters stormed the streets of Kampala after drawing inspiration from weeks of youth-led protests in Kenya that forced President William Ruto to dissolve his cabinet and withdraw proposed tax hikes.
The Ugandan Head of State had warned against such demonstrations, saying those behind the plans were “playing with fire”.
In a twist of events, Ruto handed critical dockets including Finance, Energy and Mining, to opposition leader Raila Odinga’s allies in what has been perceived as an attempt to appease the protesters demanding radical changes in government.
Addressing the media at State House, Nairobi, Ruto hoped his new cabinet would revive efforts to deflate anti-government protests that have been going on for weeks.
President Ruto nominated the chairman of the ODM party, John Mbadi, as Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning (Finance). He also picked ODM deputy leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and Ali Hassan Joho to head plum dockets previously held by his loyalists.
Oparanya has been nominated to head the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, while Joho will be in charge of the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs.
Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, also a senior member of Odinga’s ODM party, has been nominated as Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum.
Seven more new appointments were made in addition to the [11 that Ruto announced last week->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-ruto-retains-6-ministers-in-new-cabinet-appointments#:~:text=They%20are%20Kithure%20Kindiki%20(Interior,takes%20over%20the%20Roads%20docket.].
Salim Mvurya was moved from the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy to the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry. Kipchumba Murkomen is set to become the Minister of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports after a stint at the Road and Transport docket.
Former Trade Minister, Rebecca Miano, will be in charge of the Tourism and Wildlife portfolio.
Alfred Mutua has been nominated to head the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, while former Attorney General Justin Muturi has been nominated to head the Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development. Stella Soi Lang’at is set to take over as the new Minister for Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage.
The ODM party is the main opposition party in Kenya. It is also the largest party in the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition, which was formed in the run-up to the 2022 presidential elections.
The Ministry of Finance and Planning recently found itself at the center of the Kenyan protests after drafting the Finance Bill 2024, which sought to raise $2.7 billion local revenue through collection of additional taxes.
Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga last week opposed calls for President Ruto to resign over government failures and instead called for dialogue to resolve the issues raised by the youth.
While announcing the additional members of the cabinet, Ruto promised to tackle corruption in government by undertaking stringent measures.
“I will be proposing the amendment of the Evidence Act, Criminal Procedure Code, as well as other necessary changes, to expedite and prosecute corruption cases within six months,” he said.
Additionally, the president pledged to propose amendments to the Witness Protection Act to protect and incentivize whistleblowers as well as enhance witness protection.
The MPs were reacting to horrific scenes witnessed as security forces clamped down on demonstrators who had planned a peaceful demonstration demanding for the resignation of the Speaker, Rt Hon Anita Among over corruption allegations.
On Tuesday early morning, a security blanket rolled over Kampala as Uganda Police Force and Military deployed hundreds of personnel in what authorities described as a precautionary measure to avoid law breakers from disorganizing the city.
During plenary sitting, security services had deployed heavily outside Parliament preventing demonstrators from accessing the premises in a planned Anti-Corruption march.
In downtown Kampala, the army deployed armored vehicles and heavily-armed personnel to patrol the streets resulting in over 60 demonstrators being detained at various police stations in Kampala, according to local media reports.
This did not go well with some MPs who accused the speaker of selectively applying the law when it comes to public demonstrations.
Hon Joel Senyonyi, the Leader of Opposition and MP for Nakawa West Constituency asked the Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Thomas Tayembwa why the “protesters” against people pursuing the censure motion against corrupt Parliamentary officials are well received while those demanding the resignation of his boss are stopped.
“When protesters against corruption in Parliament and other entities want to come to Parliament, they are brutally arrested but when those against people pursuing the censure motion against corrupt Parliamentary officials show up, they are well received. These double standards must stop, peaceful young people should be listened to,” Senyonyi said.
The security deployments and eventual arrests follow the youth’s declaration to hold a peaceful demonstration against corruption in government, especially Parliament
The youth are calling for the resignation of the top leadership of Parliament and reduction of lawmakers’ salaries and allowances.
Several protesters were arrested and detained at various Police Posts as they held placards condemning corruption in government.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has set up a team of lawyers to secure bail for the arrested protestors.
Led by Bernard Oundo, the President of ULS, lawyers from the Legal Aid Project of ULS are already at Jinja Road Police Station to secure bond for the detained protesters.
“They have been told to wait for a while. All the stations where the protesters have been detained have already been visited by our lawyers from the Uganda Law Society to represent them. The Law Society is more than ready to assist in the provision of legal aid,” Oundo said.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice Mariam Wangadya has advised government to present those arrested during the ongoing anti-corruption protests before the Courts of Law within the stipulated time.
Wangadya also asked government to consider releasing those arrested without any charge, and implored security agencies to exercise their mandate within the realms of the law.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the Head of State acknowledged messages of goodwill and wishes from close to 30 leaders from across the world.
“My sincere gratitude for the messages of congratulations and support from the friendly leaders of countries around the world. We look forward to continuing the mutually beneficial ties for and between our people,” Kagame stated.
He mentioned some countries including Barbados, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bisseau, Guinea, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique and Oman.
Others are Qatar, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkiye, Uganda, Venezuela and Zambia.
Kagame secured a landslide victory in last week’s general election, garnering 99.18% of the votes. He defeated main opponent leader, Dr. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.
Haitham bin Tarik, the Sultan and Prime Minister of Oman, is among the leaders who warmly congratulated Kagame and wished him success in leading the people of Rwanda towards further progress and prosperity.
His Majesty Tarik also expressed his commitment to deepen ties between the two friendly nations of Oman and Rwanda.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco also led African leaders in sending congratulatory messages to Kagame for his re-election in the just concluded presidential election.
The King expressed his warm congratulations on the Rwandan people’s renewed trust in Kagame’s competencies and ability to lead the country towards further achievements, progress and prosperity.
“I take this opportunity to reaffirm my determination to continue working with the President of the Republic of Rwanda to strengthen the fraternal relations rooted in mutual esteem between the two countries,” he said in a statement.
“I commit to reinforce the fruitful Moroccan-Rwandan cooperation, serving both people’s shared interests and promoting integration and solidarity between African countries,” he added.
Some of the messages seen by IGIHE include those from Presidents in the East African region.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni said Kagame’s re-election was a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Rwanda have in his leadership.
Kenya’s President William Ruto, on his part, wished Kagame success as he continues to steer Rwanda in the “path of peace, stability and posterity”.
“I look forward to continuing working with you in regional and Pan-African affairs in strengthening the bonds of solidarity and fraternity between the peoples of Kenya and Rwanda.”
Tanzanian Head of State Samia Suluhu pledged to continue partnering with Kagame to foster ties between the two neighbouring countries.
“On behalf of the Government and the People of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Paul Kagame, on being re-elected as the President of the Republic of Rwanda. I look forward to continue working with you in fostering the relations between our two countries and in the pursuit of East Africa’s unity and prosperity,” she stated.
The final results show that Kagame won with 99.18% of the vote, receiving 8,822,794 votes from Rwandans. Dr. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda came in second with 44,479 votes (0.50%), while Philippe Mpayimana finished third with 28,466 votes (0.32%).
The election, held on July 14 and 15, 2024, was characterized by peace and transparency, as confirmed by various observers, including those from the African Union in partnership with Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), and the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF).
Kagame will be the first to lead Rwanda for a five-year term following the 2015 constitutional amendment that reduced the presidential term from seven years to five.
On Sunday, while receiving some of the people who played a role in the successful campaign, Paul Kagame stated that the focus now is on fulfilling the promises made to the citizens during the campaign.
Following the announcement of the final election results, the swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect must take place within 30 days.
“While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden said in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He noted that he will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about his decision.
In another post, Biden said he wants to offer his full support and endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris to be the nominee of the Democratic Party this year. “Democrats – it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this,” he said.
Biden’s announcement, which ended weeks of speculation over his decision, came after reports emerged that a growing number of Democrats had urged him to step down, including prominent figures such as former U.S. President Barack Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
A sitting U.S. president and presumptive nominee has never dropped out of the race this late in the election process before. Biden’s decision highlights the gravity of the crisis his campaign faced following the debate against former President Donald Trump, who formally accepted the Republican nomination on Thursday.
In the weeks following the debate, the president attempted to push back, asserting his commitment to remain in the race through various public appearances and meetings with Democratic officials. Even on Saturday, he said on X that it’s the most important election of Americans’ lifetimes, and “I will win it.”
According to the latest Real Clear Politics poll averages, Trump leads Biden in all the key battleground states, including key swing state Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
This government faced the enormous task of rebuilding a nation devastated over the preceding three months, with international experts doubting its ability to recover.
The Government of National Unity comprised 17 ministers: eight from the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), three from the Democratic Republican Movement (MDR), three from the Liberal Party (PL), two from the Social Democratic Party (PSD), and one from the Christian Democratic Party (PDC). Fourteen ministers were sworn in on July 19, with the remaining three joining the next day.
This Government was established based on the Arusha Accords of 1993. Pasteur Bizimungu became President, Paul Kagame served as Vice President and Minister of Defense, while Faustin Twagiramungu was appointed Prime Minister.
At the time, Kagame as Vice President and Minister of Defense cautioned, on the long journey ahead for Rwandans, urging them to work together rather than becoming contented with what had been achieved.
He stated, “Given where we come from and where we are headed, no one should claim that we have completed our mission and sit back thinking all problems are solved. It is time work together as we did in the past, which brought us to where we are today, enabling us to form a government worth leading the country towards development.”
Initially, they faced challenges, with some members like Faustin Twagiramungu and Jean Marie Vianney Ndagijimana leaving early on.
However, the remaining members worked together to restore security and rebuild national unity. Unity and reconciliation became the primary goals. Initiatives were made to promote coexistence among Rwandans and restore trust within the community. Citizens returned from exile, resettling in their homeland and continuing to live peacefully.
Tito Rutaremara, veteran politician and Chairperson of Rwanda Elders’ Advisory Forum, recently told IGIHE that the first goal was to establish security.
“The first priority was to ensure security because the interim government faced threats from Ex-FAR soldiers and Interahamwe militia who had fled to, Tanzania, and Burundi, but mainly to Zaire with their weapons aided by the French,” he said.
With plans to return and overthrow the government, Rutaremara says that people like Bikindi boasted of how the country would be occupied temporarily and then later handover the country back to him and his fellow Genocidaires
But as fate would have it, security was maintained, insurgent groups aiming to reignite genocide were defeated, and refugees returned from abroad.
This was followed by building unity based on restorative justice. These efforts were grounded in discussions held at Urugwiro Village in 1998-1999, which brought together people from all sectors of society to collaboratively create a vision for Rwanda’s development.
Another priority at that moment was promoting democracy, culminating in the 2003 Constitution, which was preceded by reforms in local governance.
Subsequent elections for the president, parliamentarians, and senators were held, leading to the establishment of democratic institutions. These advancements helped the nation rebuild and achieve sustainable development.
The impact of the Government of National Unity is evident 30 years later in areas such as education, health, social welfare, the economy, and infrastructure aimed at development, as well as in national unity.
The recent Rwanda Reconciliation Barometer 2020 revealed that the unity and reconciliation index had reached 94.7%.
