Speaking during an interview with RBA, the Head of State dismissed the series of stories dubbed “Rwanda Classified” as sponsored, saying the individuals behind the campaign “are just wasting their time”.
“I was seeing a conglomerate of journalists who are really up in arms against us. But these are just wasting their time. They should have used their money and energy for something else. Rwanda is here and will prosper every year in spite of them,” President Kagame stated.
The government had earlier accused the group of journalists mostly European and drawn from 17 media outlets of a well-orchestrated plan to dent Rwanda’s image ahead of the general elections slated for July.
In a statement to newsrooms on May 28, the Office of the Government Spokesperson said the claims were not new.
“Rwandans have come to expect this kind of media flurry by the usual actors, timed to disrupt our upcoming presidential and legislative elections.
“In a similar vein, along Rwanda’s western border, in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, there is a parallel attempt to protect the genocidal militia FDLR, in the hopes of hurting Rwanda and in support of the open call for “regime change” by the President of the DRC,” the government said.
The government maintained that the “malicious” campaign would not “materialise”.
“This objective will not materialise because of the strong unity and accountable political system that Rwandans have built over the years. Rwanda’s democratic processes will continue, and Rwandans will make their choices about who they want to lead them into the future, peacefully and confidently.”
The “Rwanda Classified” project is orchestrated by “Forbidden Stories,” a platform and website run by the Freedom Voices Network. The Journalists’ association was created in November 2017 by French journalist Laurent Richard.
The issue of petrol shortages in this country led the police in May 2024 to order vehicle owners in Bujumbura City not to queue at petrol stations knowing there was no fuel available, warning that those who defy the order would be punished.
During various parliamentary sessions, deputies continued to express concerns about this issue and the widespread poverty affecting citizens.
On June 12, 2024, Deputy Hatungimana Athanase said that due to the decision made by the Burundi Police, some deputies are now walking on foot because their cars are parked at home.
These issues were brought up again on June 13, 2024, but Ndabirabe expressed his displeasure at hearing the complaints, stating that some members of the National Assembly were among those causing the problem.
Ndabirabe stated, “But there is something you keep saying about limited resources and people being poor. Is what you are saying true? Recently, when there was currency devaluation, did you see what happened? Didn’t citizens withdraw millions and millions from banks?”
He continued, “Now you are saying people are poor, and they are selling maize, many of them saying they have nowhere to sell it. Do you believe what you are saying? Find another way to describe it. Burundians are eating, if you want every Burundian to have an airplane or a car, I think that is unlikely to happen.”
Regarding petrol, Ndabirabe said that some people are hiding it in their homes, with some being caught with 5000 or 3000 liters, and that among those doing this are deputies or their associates. He said these actions are causing people to claim that Burundi is out of petrol, which he believes could incite unrest among citizens.
He said, “People continue to bring petrol, even now it is coming in. Where is this petrol going? We should ask the government to reinstate the death penalty for those caught stealing petrol because they are causing problems for the citizens. They should be executed, perhaps it would decrease. People in the government are staying up all night to ensure this petrol is available. There are some things you say, making one wonder if you see anything. Are there no Burundians going abroad to say ‘don’t give Burundi petrol’? You don’t see or mention them?”
For those saying foreign currency is scarce, Ndabirabe mentioned that some deputies are trading it, using it to build expensive houses. He suggested that those handling it illegally should have their hands cut off, preventing them from continuing to use it unlawfully.
Ambassador Chalyan’s tenure in Rwanda has been pivotal in fortifying the ties between Rwanda and Russia. Appointed as the Extraordinary Ambassador of Russia to Rwanda in 2018, Chalyan Karén brought with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the African continent. Before his assignment in Rwanda, he had served in various capacities within the Russian embassies in Nigeria and Botswana and had been part of the United Nations peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sudan.
Key Achievements in Bilateral Relations
One of the hallmark achievements of Ambassador Chalyan’s tenure was the signing of several bilateral cooperation agreements. These agreements focused on advancing education and developing nuclear energy, showcasing the strategic importance of the Rwanda-Russia partnership. Notably, in July 2023, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Irere Claudette, highlighted that since the 2019 nuclear energy agreement, 40 Rwandan students had been sent to Moscow universities to further their education.
A Legacy of Peace and Development
From 2010 to 2017, Ambassador Chalyan Karén led the joint African Union-United Nations peacekeeping mission in Darfur, Sudan. His extensive experience in peacekeeping and diplomacy greatly benefited his role in Rwanda, where he worked tirelessly to foster a peaceful and cooperative relationship between the two nations.
A Farewell Ceremony
The farewell ceremony at Village Urugwiro was a testament to the strong ties that have been nurtured over the years. President Kagame, accompanied by Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, expressed his gratitude for Ambassador Chalyan’s dedication and service. Ambassador Karén was accompanied by his embassy team, signifying the collaborative spirit that has characterized his tenure.
As Ambassador Chalyan Karén departs, both Rwanda and Russia look forward to building on the solid foundation he has laid. The future promises continued cooperation and new opportunities for growth and development, further strengthening the bond between the two nations.
In a nutshell, Ambassador Chalyan Karén Drastamatovich’s tenure in Rwanda will be remembered for its significant contributions to enhancing Rwanda-Russia relations. His efforts have paved the way for future collaborations that will undoubtedly benefit both countries. As he embarks on his next chapter, Rwanda expresses its heartfelt thanks and best wishes for his future endeavors.
In its 2023 report, released on June 12, 2024, the organization highlighted that the attacks on these Congolese included killings, sexual violence, arson, looting of livestock, and spreading hate speech.
The report stated, “These attacks involved killings, sexual violence, burning villages, looting large amounts of livestock, and hate incitement.
Hundreds of Tutsi families fled from Masisi and Rutshuru territories to camps near Goma, where they still face threats from militias.”
Never Again explained that their lives were severely endangered at the beginning of 2023 when the M23 militia took control of various parts from the Congolese army.
In January, Wazalendo groups allied with the FDLR killed 18 Tutsis in Tongo and Muvunyi-Shanga in Masisi and looted all their cattle.
The report continued, “In late January, Mai Mai fighters collaborating with the FDLR killed 18 Tutsi civilians in the villages of Tongo and Muvunyi-Shanga in Masisi, looting all the cattle they found.
These attacks were followed by the FDLR beheading the leader of the Tutsi community in Kitchanga and dumping his body in a field. In that same week, six Tutsi traders from Mudja area were ambushed and killed while taking goods to the Kitshanga market.”
As the report continued, in February 2023, when M23 captured Kitchanga, the FDLR, Mai Mai, and Congolese army attacked camps near Katoyi, Muheto, and Ikobo villages. They burned more than 100 houses, killed over 20 Tutsis, kidnapped 13, and forced 2000 others to flee. Several people went missing after this attack.
The organization reported that this violence was compounded by the terror inflicted on Congolese Tutsis by state soldiers and police, accusing them of collaborating with M23. This led to some being imprisoned, tortured in military camps, and others going missing.
They cited an example of five young men working at Mwanza Water Treatment Plant who were arrested by soldiers on February 24, 2024, accused of being M23 fighters. These were Byiringiro Kennedy, Irumva Steve, Banze Mudari, Zirimwabagabo Sambibe, and Nizeyimana Callixte.
A shepherd named Kazungu was reportedly killed by the FDLR in Bihambwe on February 25, with the militia taking his cattle and raping Nzayisenga Ziragora in a farm in Ngungu area, also taking her cattle.
On that day, Nyatura CMC fighters and Congolese soldiers attacked a milk collection center of ACOGENOKI association in Luhonga.
At the end of that month, Nyatura CMC militias raided the Kaniro area, seizing over 1500 cattle, some of which were later recovered by M23 after a clash between the two sides.
In July 2023, as the organization explained, a senior officer in Nyatura CMC released a song titled “Tutsis are dogs,” praising those who attacked Tutsis in Masisi and Rutshuru. Reports suggest he killed a shepherd because of his ethnicity.
In FDLR-controlled areas, they continued to train children to hate and harm Tutsis. This was reinforced by a video released that month, in which Tutsis were referred to as “cockroaches.” These actions led to attacks on Tutsis and destruction of their property.
As the violence targeted Congolese Tutsis, by the end of 2023, around one million had fled to neighboring countries for safety.
NEC Chairperson, Oda Gasinzigwa, approved the candidature of three candidates and rejected bids from six others, citing noncompliance with electoral guidelines.
Those who met the criteria include Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) chairman and incumbent president Paul Kagame, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Frank Habineza, and Mbayimana Philippe, who is running for the presidency on an independent ticket.
Six independent candidates, who had expressed interest in the country’s top seat, had their candidature invalidated for various reasons.
Herman Manirareba had his nomination rejected after he failed to submit a list of 600 registered voters supporting his candidature, in line with the commission’s requirements. To qualify to run for the presidency in Rwanda, a candidate must submit a list of 12 registered voters supporting their candidacy from 30 districts across five provinces.
NEC said Innocent Hakizimana submitted voter lists from 28 districts, falling short of two districts. Fred Sekikubo Barafinda’s nomination was invalidated for lacking a valid doctor’s certificate and signatures from twelve districts.
On the other hand, Thomas Habimana suffered a setback in his bid to be president after he failed to provide a list of 12 voters supporting his candidacy from five districts.
Diane Nshimyimana Rwigara, the only woman interested in the race, did not provide a criminal record certificate, citizenship certificate, and a list of voters from eight districts. The law requires that a person running for president must be a Rwandan citizen by origin, with at least one parent being a citizen of Rwanda. The candidate must not hold dual citizenship.
Jean Mbanda only provided a list of signatures from three districts out of the 30 required by the commission.
The law requires that all incomplete documents be submitted before the final list is published on June 14.
The NEC boss, however, announced that the list of voters supporting a candidate cannot be submitted after May 30, 2024, which was the deadline for submitting candidatures. This locks out all six candidates from the much-anticipated poll.
Regarding the parliamentary election, the commission approved lists submitted by six political parties, adding that only one independent candidate met the criteria.
Additionally, NEC approved the list of 181 Women parliamentary candidates, 23 Youth Parliamentary candidates, and seven candidates representing persons with disabilities.
The final list of approved candidates will be unveiled on June 14, with the official electoral campaign period scheduled to commence on June 22.
These remarks were part of a message President Museveni delivered to attendees at a ceremony and prayers in memory of Uganda’s martyrs. This annual event is held in Namugongo, where the martyrs were burned alive.
Museveni emphasized that Christianity upholds good values that strengthen the family both in Uganda and worldwide.
He urged the youth of Uganda and Africa in general to invest their time in activities that build their lives, rather than wasting it on European pursuits.
He said, “You young people, you spend a lot of your time watching European football, and you are not concerned with what is happening in Africa. You cannot comprehend how African youth have been misled. You cannot understand them talking about African unity that Mwalimu Nyerere fought for and we continue to fight for.”
He continued to sternly warn those who seek to promote homosexual beliefs in Uganda.
He stated, “Today, Uganda is the land of martyrs because of their faith. Those outsiders talking about homosexuality do not know that Uganda is a land where people chose to die for their beliefs. If you want to play, you can do so, but you will not enjoy the consequences.”
Museveni’s statement comes after some foreign countries began imposing sanctions on his country due to the law Uganda passed that penalizes homosexuality.
This law stipulates that it is prohibited to promote or support homosexual groups and their activities, and that acts of homosexuality should be punishable by life imprisonment.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula announced on Sunday that the party will be holding talks with other rival political outfits in the coming days after losing its parliamentary majority in the May 29 election. With more than 99 per cent of the votes counted, the party garnered 40 per cent of the vote, ending its 30-year dominance since the end of apartheid in 1994.
“The ANC is committed to the formation of a government that reflects the will of the people, that is stable and that is able to govern effectively. The ANC is committed to pursue a path of fundamental social and economic change for which it has received a firm mandate.
“Over the next few days, the ANC will be having discussions within the organisation and with other parties and stakeholders on how best to establish national and provincial governments that reflect the will of the people, and that are able to take the country forward,” Mbalula stated.
In South Africa, unlike many countries in the African continent, the president is elected by Parliament after national elections.
Among the parties ANC is expected to engage are John Steenhuisen’s Democratic Alliance, which received 21 per cent of the vote, and the new uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) of former President Jacob Zuma, who has turned against the ANC he once led. The MKP ranked third with just over 14 per cent of the vote in the first election it has contested. Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) finished fourth with just over 9 per cent.
Mbalula said the ANC would not consider any demands from potential coalition partners that Ramaphosa step down as a condition for negotiations.
“If you come to us with the demand that Ramaphosa must step down as the President, that is not going to happen,” the SG said, adding, “We don’t have such a mandate. We are not going to engage with political parties on the basis that we don’t want to talk to so-and-so. That is a no-go area for anyone. If you come to us with such a demand, forget it.”
Mbalula further noted that the ANC has many reservations about MKP, saying, “But we will talk to them.”
“If you come to us with the demand that Ramaphosa must step down as the President, that is not going to happen.” – ANC SG, Cde Fikile Mbalula on non-negotiables during coalition talks#ANCThanksSApic.twitter.com/NHiGbcVgSD
During the presser, the ANC accepted its shortcomings, telling South Africans the results sent a strong message to the once-dominant party.
“We wish to assure the people of South Africa that we have ward them. We have heard their concerns, their frustrations and their dissatisfaction,” the party said amid concerns over joblessness, inequality and power shortages in the country.
The 2024 election results mark a significant drop from the 57.5 per cent the legacy party of Nelson Mandela garnered in the 2019 parliamentary election.
This initiative is orchestrated by “Forbidden Stories,” a platform and website run by the Freedom Voices Network, a journalists’ association created in November 2017 by Laurent Richard and supported by Reporters Without Borders.
Often accused of being a tool used by certain entities in Western countries to destabilize various countries or individuals, Forbidden Stories might suggest exclusive revelations about Rwanda. However, the content is merely a repetition of accusations and rumours perpetuated by those harbouring malicious intentions towards the country during crucial periods.
{{A rehashed pamphlet of accusations
}}
For over twenty years, Rwanda has faced unfounded accusations from some actors in the West, often for obscure reasons. These articles attempt to portray Rwanda in a way that anyone who actually lives and interacts with this country would find misleading. Rwanda has been unjustly blamed for the disorder in the DRC, criticized for its investments in tourism and its partnerships with European sports teams, accused of “sports-washing,” “gender-washing,” and using peacekeeping as a pressure lever, among other things.
Interestingly, the people making these accusations have not changed much over the past two decades. It is still the same group of individuals.
{{Key players in this campaign:
}}
{{Michaela Wrong
}}
Michaela Wrong, a British journalist who has worked for various international media outlets, is famous for her writings denigrating Rwanda since 2013, the year of Patrick Karegeya’s assassination in South Africa. Wrong has since dedicated her career to tarnishing Rwanda’s image.
{{Théogène Rudasingwa
}}
A former Rwandan ambassador to the United States, Théogène Rudasingwa often appears in reports criticizing Rwanda. Having fled the country in 2004 after accusations of misconduct, including corruption, he is among the founders of the terrorist group Rwanda National Congress (RNC) and continues to disparage Rwanda. In Rwanda, he was convicted for threats against state security and faces a 24-year prison sentence.
{{Judi Rever
}}
Canadian journalist Judi Rever is a regular in campaigns defaming Rwanda. In her book “In Praise of Blood,” she accuses the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) of participating in the Genocide against the Tutsi, whereas the international community recognizes that the RPF ended this genocide.
{{Byansi Samuel Baker
}}
A young journalist, Byansi Samuel Baker had a promising start before veering into conspiracy theories permanently targeting the Rwandan government, falsely accusing it of numerous unfounded wrongs before leaving Rwanda. Since his departure, he has aligned himself with the government’s opponents.
{{Lewis Mudge
}}
Africa director for Human Rights Watch, Lewis Mudge is known for his harsh and often unfounded criticisms against Rwanda. He has frequently downplayed the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and claims Rwanda is a repressive state, making it unsurprising to see him associated with this campaign.
{{A coordinated plan to denigrate Rwanda
}}
What we observe in the articles and videos of Forbidden Stories is the coordination of four main groups:
{{Former members of genocidal governments:
}} Figures like Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana, widow of former President Juvénal Habyarimana and an influential member of the Akazu, a close circle of the Rwandan political elite accused of orchestrating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She is also suspected of playing a role in her husband’s death. Charles Ndereyehe, former director of ISAR (Rwanda Agricultural Sciences Institute) and accused of active participation in the genocide, are part of those who have long been critical voices against Rwanda.
– {{Disgruntled former members of the RPF: }} Individuals like Théogène Rudasingwa, who fled the country after accusations of corruption and other crimes.
– {{Descendants of genocidaires:}} Mainly based in Belgium, individuals like Natacha Abingeneye and Placide Kayumba continue to spread the genocide ideology. Natacha Abingeneye is affiliated with Jambo ASBL, an organization known for its genocide denial propaganda. Placide Kayumba, also an active member of Jambo ASBL, uses this platform to perpetuate genocidal ideologies. These individuals continue to propagate revisionist narratives and minimize the severity of the crimes committed during the genocide.
– {{Hostile NGOs: }} Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, often critical of Rwanda.
{{A litany of accusations
}}
These repeated attacks against Rwanda have never achieved their goal. This is not the first time Rwanda has faced such attacks during pivotal periods for its future.
{{Attacks during the 2010 elections
}}
In 2010, the year the country held its second presidential elections since its liberation, grenades were thrown in Kigali in February and on August 11, just two days after the elections, injuring seven people. These attacks aimed to sow chaos.
{{The Mapping Report
}}
Before the 2010 elections, international media circulated negative information based on the UN report titled “Mapping Report,” accusing Rwanda of probable acts of genocide in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This report, full of inaccuracies, was largely discredited and shelved.
{{The 2015 referendum
}}
During the 2015 referendum, attempts to destabilize involved local personalities and artists like Kizito Mihigo, who conspired with armed groups. In 2014, Kizito Mihigo admitted they planned to kill leaders, including the president.
{{The documentary “Rwanda: Untold Story”
}}
In 2014, the documentary “Rwanda: Untold Story” claimed that the RPF was responsible for the genocide against the Tutsi, assertions that led to the banning of the BBC Kinyarwanda branch from broadcasting in Rwanda. This documentary aimed to minimize the genocide and discredit the Rwandan authorities.
{{The arrest of Lt Gen Karenzi Karake
}}
In June 2015, General Emmanuel Karenzi Karake was arrested in London on unfounded accusations from a biased investigation. He was released after strong mobilization by Rwandans, showing that these destabilization attempts never succeed.
These attacks have never achieved their goal of disrupting Rwanda. The country has continued to progress, with poverty reduced from nearly 80% in 1994 to 38% today. Life expectancy has increased from 51 years to over 69 years. Kigali has become a prime destination for international conferences, and the Rwandan economy has experienced sustained growth of over 7% per year.
It is evident that these attacks have no effect on Rwanda’s determination to move forward.
According to NEC, elections are scheduled for July 15, 2024, for Rwandans in the country and July 14, 2024, for Rwandans living abroad.
On that day, 53 deputies will be elected from political parties and independent candidates, followed by elections for special categories, including women, youth, and people with disabilities, the next day.
Many often confuse elections for special categories with general elections in which all citizens participate, although they are different.
For special category elections, deputies are not elected by all citizens as will be the case on July 15. Instead, they are elected by representatives of those categories.
The law stipulates that, for the women’s category, the electoral body includes members of the executive committees of the National Women’s Council from the village level to the national level, members of the sector councils in the electoral area, and members of the district councils in the province.
Among the 24 elected deputies, the Eastern Province elects six women, the Western Province six, the Southern Province six, the Northern Province four, and the City of Kigali two women. Currently, NEC has received over 135 women applying to enter Rwanda’s Parliament.
For representatives of people with disabilities, one person is elected by the executive committee of the National Council of People with Disabilities from the district level to the national level, and coordinators of the council at each sector level.
Since May 17, 2024, when NEC started receiving applications for the position of one deputy representing people with disabilities, 11 candidates have applied for this position.
Another special category in these elections is the two deputies who represent the youth in Rwanda’s Parliament.
So far, 19 candidates have applied for this category, including well-known names such as Mucyo Samson, known as Samu Zuby in cinema, and Fiston Niyitanga, who works in tourism, among others.
Here, the electoral body includes members of the executive committees of the National Youth Council at the district and national levels.
On the other hand, among the deputies elected by the general public, there are already 13 independent candidates, including one woman and several young people.
There are also candidates presented by various political parties, with the PDI party presenting 55 candidates, PL presenting 54 deputies, PS Imberakuri presenting 80, PSD presenting 66 candidates, the Green Party presenting 65, and others presented by the FPR Inkotanyi organization.
For the Presidential position, three candidates have applied, including Paul Kagame representing RPF Inkotanyi, Dr. Frank Habineza presented by the Green Party, and Manirareba Herman as an independent candidate.
The process of receiving candidacies is expected to end on May 30, 2024, followed by the verification of whether the candidates meet the requirements before announcing the final list of approved candidates.
Speaking during a recent interview with Al Jazeera Net, Makolo said there are more than 200 illegal militia groups in the country that continue to pose a security threat to Rwanda, especially in the eastern part of DRC.
Makolo explained that the militia includes FDLR group which comprises remnants of the Interehamwe group that fled to Congo after committing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
She said the group, comprising former military officials in Rwanda, fled to the DRC with army weapons and attempted several times to destabilize the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) administration that overthrew the genocidal regime.
“Let’s go back to 1994. There were militias that committed genocide against the Tutsis here in Rwanda and then fled to the Congo with their weapons, and the French forces allowed them to cross with these weapons… All the weapons they were using here were taken with them, and they were allowed to keep them in refugee camps in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” she said.
Makolo lamented that the militia group had for many years used Rwandan civilians as human shields in refugee camps under the watch of the international community.
“For years after the genocide against the Tutsis, these Rwandan civilians were hostages of the former army and the militias, now known as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.
“In the late 1990s, these groups resumed their attacks on Rwanda, and there is evidence of France’s involvement in supporting them with weapons. However, the Rwandan army managed to push them back and thwart their attacks,” she stated.
According to the official, Rwanda has done everything possible to show the international community that the situation in the eastern DRC was serious, however little has been done to get to the bottom of the problem.
“We started efforts to convince the international community of the need to support Rwanda in repatriating the refugee civilians to their homeland, instead of leaving them trapped as hostages in camps controlled by armed groups. We had to carry out an operation in the late 1990s and succeeded in bringing back more than two million civilians to Rwanda, some of whom are now deputies and ministers,” Makolo stated.
“These militias not only pose a significant security threat to us at our borders but also represent an ideological threat advocating the extermination of the Tutsi ethnicity. This ideology is a continuation of the genocide that occurred here in 1994.”
She insisted that the international community had not learnt any lessons from the 1994 atrocities committed by the groups in Rwanda and revealed efforts by the government to build a strong professional army to protect its people.
“Unfortunately, they have not learned the lesson. We have come to realize that we are on our own and must do our utmost with the resources we have to ensure the security of our communities and nations.
“For this reason, we have worked to build a professional and strong army. We also cooperate with regional countries. The lesson we learned is that we must do everything we can and not rely on an international community that has not learned the lesson,” the spokesperson said.
Makolo emphasized that different methods have been used to solve the problems between Rwanda and DRC, but Congolese leaders lack the political will.
“There have been several attempts to succeed in political paths, including what was called the Luanda Roadmap, or the Luanda Protocol, or the Luanda Process, but they all lacked the political will to implement them from the republic’s side. There was a second path through what is called the Nairobi Process.
“The Nairobi Process involves disarming illegal armed groups in the eastern republic, demobilizing them, or integrating them into the army and society. However, this path has stalled. There are also attempts to support the state in reforming its security sector. All these initiatives are essentially political processes, but the Democratic Republic of the Congo is determined to take a military path, which is impossible.”
