Kagame made this statement during a press conference while visiting Benin over the weekend.
Russia and China are among the superpowers expanding relations with African countries in various areas, including security and trade.
However, Western countries and the United States have expressed their disapproval of the deepening relationships, particularly since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict last year.
Towards the end of 2022, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, warned that African countries that failed to recognize sanctions imposed on Russia and further deepen cooperation with the country might face sanctions themselves.
When asked for his opinion on the behavior of the US and Europe regarding Africa’s cooperation with Russia, Kagame stated that big powers should not waste their time on Africa’s foreign relations when there are other pressing issues that require more attention.
He emphasized that Russia has a right to be anywhere legally, just like any other country, and that African countries should focus on identifying their partnership needs and working with those who offer what they need.
The Head of State also noted that the same goes for Africa-China relations, as there are people complaining about it.
Russia is among the countries enjoying cordial relations with Africa after China. Last month, Russia announced that it had written off debts of African nations amounting to more than $20 billion, while trade volumes between the continent and the country reached US$18 billion in 2022.
During his visit to Benin over the weekend, President Paul Kagame and his counterpart, Patrice Talon addressed members of the press to respond to different questions of concern.
One of journalists asked Kagame to comment on allegations by Congolese President, Felix Tshisekedi who accuses Rwanda of supporting M23.
Kagame said that M23 is not the real problem but rather a product of many other problems that have not been addressed for decades.
He explained that M23 problem was there even before Tshisekedi became president as it escalated in 2012.
The Head of State the problem is related to Congolese who have Rwandese heritage due to borders drawn during colonial times where a big part of Rwanda was left to eastern Congo and south-western Uganda.
Kagame highlighted that these people are citizens of those countries.
“This is a fact of history, those problems are much older than me, much older than Tshisekedi, and probably, those who were there at the time are no longer alive. So that is the origin of the problem, “he stated.
The President said that these people have been denied their rights within Congo, until they took up arms in 2012 against their own government ‘because of this problem’. He underscored that the problem was mismanaged as it is coming back in 2023.
“That means it wasn’t properly handled,” said Kagame.
He stressed that the UN and many countries got involved in the problem but never addressed it.
“Really, to call the problem of that region either M23 or to call it Rwanda’s problem is just running away from the problem and not wanting to find a solution for it,” noted Kagame.
The Head of State aid that the East African Community and Angola have two processes including Nairobi and Luanda aimed at solving the problem.
“They have done everything they can to try and address the matter but such complaints are the ones actually stopping people getting a solution because the Luanda and Nairobi processes are very clear on the origin, the need and how to resolve the problem, But apparently, it is the country that has the problem meaning DRC that is making it difficult for it to be resolved,” he disclosed.
However, Kagame expressed optimism that matters will be sorted out with the region’s involvement.
President Felix Tshisekedi recently announced that his country won’t engage in negotiations with M23 despite being among recommendations of Nairobi process.
This saw M23 rescinding its promise of laying arms down after handing over several captured areas to EAC troops.
President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame arrived in Benin on Saturday 15th April for two-day state visit aimed at reinforcing existing bilateral ties.
On the first day, they visited at Les Jardins de Mathieu in Cotonou where they paid tribute to the fallen heroes.
According to Rwanda’s Presidency, the President and First Lady also toured the Esplanade de l’Amazone square, home to a 30-metre-high statue of a warrior woman, La Statue de l’Amazone, symbolizing the courage, bravery, and patriotism of Beninese women past and present.
Les Jardins de Mathieu and Esplanade de l’Amazone holding history Beninese history were inaugurated by President Patrice Talon in July 2022.
Les Jardins de Mathieu was given the name of Gen Mathieu Kérékou, former Beninese President.
He led the country at different times between 1972-1991 and 1996-2006. Gen Mathieu died in 2015.
The fight against terrorism is among issues that were discussed between President Kagame and his counterpart of Benin, Patrice Talon during the visit.
As the addressed members of the press, both heads of state affirmed their commitment to enhancing security cooperation and agreed that a joint permanent commission meeting would be held in Cotonou before the end of 2023.
President Kagame emphasized the need for African countries to collaborate and work together to address the security challenges they face.
He cited examples of Rwanda’s cooperation with other countries, including Mozambique and the Central African Republic.
“We are ready to work with Benin to prevent anything that may happen around its borders. There will be no limit in what will be accomplished together for security challenges,” President Kagame said during a joint press conference.
President Talon commended Kagame for his efforts in advancing African-led solutions to African problems and his contributions to the African Union reforms and other continental initiatives.
CSP Habintwari is the contingent commander for Rwanda Protection Support Unit (RWAPSU) operating in the capital Bangui and largely charged with ensuring protection of high profile government and UN officials.
In an article published in the MINUSCA UNPOL magazine–Echos de la Police– on April 14, it attributed this to the “good performance based on discipline, availability, commitment and professionalism” that characterizes his contingent since its deployment in the mission area on May 20, last year.
“The commander of the Rwanda Protection Unit (RWA PSU) based in Bangui, a specialized unit in VIP escort and security; Chief Superintendent of Police Vincent B. Habintwari, is a very committed and available senior officer, who has been able to maintain order and discipline within his unit since its deployment to the mission area on May 20, 2022,” the article reads in part.
It adds that under his leadership, “in spite of sensitivity of the missions,” RWAPSU conducts its daily operations with “professionalism and efficiency” to escort and ensure security of CAR high profile officials, including the Prime Minister, President of National Assembly and the Minister of State in charge of Justice.
The unit also supports and provide escort for Formed Police Units (FPU) when traveling outside of Bangui.
On several occasions, the RWAPSU responded promptly to urgent requests.
It has also participated in several humanitarian and human security activities such as providing free medical services to the vulnerable local people, donation of pharmaceuticals and voluntary blood donation.
The RWAPSU of 140 officers, is one of the four Rwanda Police contingents deployed under MINUSCA.
The Rwanda Formed Police Unit One RWAFPU-1 also of 140 officers, operates in Bangui.
Rwanda FPU-2 is deployed in Kaga Bandoro, more than 300kms from Bangui, while Rwanda FPU-3 of 180 officers operates in Bangassou, about 725 kms South East of the capital.
Organized by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM) and the People’s Government of Hunan Province, CAETE is the most important exhibition within the framework of China-Africa Cooperation.
The biannual expo brings together all African countries and top Chinese leaders, economists, and business people. The expo focuses on key areas, including trade and investment promotion, agriculture technology, innovation, energy and power, joint industrial parks, infrastructure, financial cooperation, health, among others.
Participating in this event offers numerous benefits, including the opportunity to network with potential Chinese clients.
Chinese companies are always seeking new suppliers, and Rwandan companies can use this event to showcase their products and services and find new business partners.
In addition, the expo provides a platform for Rwandan companies to learn about the latest trends and technologies in their respective industries.
The event will feature high-level meetings and forums where participants can engage in discussions on economic policies, investment opportunities, and trade cooperation.
Rwandan companies can leverage these interactions to build relationships with potential partners, customers, and investors, and explore new business opportunities.
Mr. Samuel Abikunda, the Rwandan Commercial Attaché in China, highlighted the positive impact of the previous editions of the CAETE on Rwandan companies.
“The previous two editions of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo were a great success for Rwandan companies. Some of them, like Gashora Farm, were able to sign deals with their Chinese partners to export their products to China, which helped to significantly increase their revenue,” he said.
Abikunda added that this is an excellent opportunity for Rwandan companies to showcase their products and services to the world and take their businesses to the next level.
To register and learn more about the 3rd China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, interested parties can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to the People’s Republic of China via email addresses: ambabeijing@minaffet.gov.rw or sabikunda@minaffet.gov.rw.
The money was recovered from two suspected thieves, both in their early twenties, who were also taken into custody. The money was on Saturday, April 15, handed over to the victim, Walker Jemrose Leanora, the head of Young Citizens of Rwanda, a charity organization that supports vulnerable youth and children.
Walker said that on April 12, she withdrew £3000 and exchanged it into local currency (Rwf4,110,000) but left the money in her vehicle.
“I am so happy to receive this money because it was what we withdrew from the bank to pay for third term school fees for our 22 secondary students that we support.
So, many children would be suffering because we did not know how to replace that money for them to go to school,” Walker said.
When she discovered that the money was gone, she said, it was her grandchildren that made her feel at ease that the money would be found.
“They (grandchildren) said: do not worry, you will get the money back, our Police will find them (thieves). So, I reported the theft at Nyarugenge Police. I was building myself to accept that it was gone…to call friends for further support, then I received this call that all the money had been recovered. The Police and RIB have been thorough, and we appreciate that,” she added.
The RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said that a motorcycle, which the two arrested suspects had used to escape, after breaking into the car and stealing the money, was also impounded.
“They trailed the victim from the bank, and they were identified from the CCTV footages. Frw2,600,000 was recovered from one suspect while Frw1.5 million was recovered from the other,” CP Kabera said.
One of the suspects, a resident of Nyamirambo sector in Nyarugenge District, is a former convict, who served two years at Nyarugenge prison for the same felony of breaking into vehicles to steal valuables. He was released in December last year after completing the sentence.
He was previous arrested on three different occasions and taken to Kigali Transit Centre for rehabilitation and later in 2017 taken to Iwawa Rehabilitation Centre.
The second suspect was arrested in February this year for stealing a television flat screen but taken to Kigali Transit Centre for rehabilitation.
CP Kabera said that sharing information in real time is crucial in facilitating investigations.
“Real time information helps law enforcements to arrive at the scene swiftly to collect evidence. When you delay, it affects investigations in one way or another,” CP Kabera said.
He also sent a message to influencers and other people using social media platforms to report theft and other crimes, to always labour to give detailed information that facilitates successful investigations.
Out of 30 people, who reported cases of theft on social media platforms, last month, CP Kabera said, only 11 gave further information as requested by the Police.
He also advised the public that security matters and theft in particular, although they can inform local leaders on any related incident, these are security issues that are largely handled law enforcements and should be reported to the nearest Police station.
“We know groups of young people at Giti k’inyoni, Gisozi, Gatsata, Gikondo and other areas, who spend the whole day loitering waiting for darkness to start stealing from cars, snatching phones and other valuables from people, breaking into houses, and those who steal clothes from drying ropes in homes.
The advise to them is that they should not spend the whole day thinking of how to steal, but rather to have positive thinking of what to do to change their lives,” the spokesperson reiterated.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Beninese counterpart, Patrice Talon, affirmed their commitment to enhancing security cooperation during President Kagame’s two-day state visit to Benin. The leaders agreed that a joint permanent commission meeting would be held in Cotonou before the end of 2023.
President Kagame emphasized the need for African countries to collaborate and work together to address the security challenges they face.
He cited examples of Rwanda’s cooperation with other countries, including Mozambique and the Central African Republic.
“We are ready to work with Benin to prevent anything that may happen around its borders. There will be no limit in what will be accomplished together for security challenges,” President Kagame said during a joint press conference.
The defence and security cooperation agreement signed between Rwanda and Benin will focus on different areas, including supervision, coaching, training, and joint deployment. The two leaders acknowledged the quality of military cooperation between their countries and expressed their commitment to strengthening it.
Moreover, Rwanda and Benin have identified other areas of cooperation, including research, double taxation avoidance, digitization, agriculture, local governance, and sustainable development.
During the state visit, President Kagame interacted with 100 young entrepreneurs at Sèmè City, a flagship project by the Beninese government dedicated to meeting the skills needs of young Africans through training, research, and innovation. Meanwhile, First Lady Jeannette Kagame and her host, Claudine Talon, visited the production unit of reusable organic cotton sanitary pads established by the Claudine Talon Foundation.
President Talon commended Kagame for his efforts in advancing African-led solutions to African problems and his contributions to the African Union reforms and other continental initiatives.
The Rwanda-Benin partnership is a testament to the commitment of African nations to collaborate in addressing the security challenges facing the continent. By pooling their resources and expertise, Rwanda and Benin hope to establish a safer and more secure West African region.
With strength and determination, the people of Rwanda have rebuilt their nation from the ashes of devastation, he told an event to commemorate the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Through the establishment of the Gacaca Courts in 2001, Rwandans drew on traditional methods of dispute resolution to hold each other accountable. With a focus on restorative justice, they brought about reconciliation, elevated moderation over extremism and laid the foundation for sustained development, he noted.
“Today, the success of these endeavors is seen everywhere. It is seen in the gender parity in the lower house of parliament. It is seen in the vibrancy of Rwandan innovation, in the resilience of its economy, and in the strength of its health care system,” said Korosi.
“Importantly, Rwanda has invested in its young people, opening opportunities for those under 20 years old, who represent half of its dynamic population. Rwandans have built a nation that looks toward a better future,” he added.
Korosi further stated that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was not an accident noting that it stemmed from years of fomenting a racist ideology and waging a campaign aimed at the systematic destruction of a population.
“As it was carried out — the world was silent,” he said. “To this unconscionable inaction — and in the spirit of Kwibuka — we must say, ‘never again.’”
“Let us not shy away from our responsibilities. Let us remain committed to upholding the rights of every individual and addressing the drivers of hate speech — online and offline. Let us stand firmly against any form of discrimination. And let us keep our focus on education,” he said.
“Given all that we see around us in 2023, this is our duty. And let us be sincere, this is our only choice,” said Korosi.
The International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda falls on April 7.
The suspect, who appeared to have thrown the pipe-like bomb at a port in Wakayama where Kishida was visiting, has been arrested, national broadcaster NHK reported, citing police sources.
NHK footage shows crowds of people running away as smoke filled the area where a loud explosion was heard, and police officers pressing the suspect to the ground.
The object, resembling a flare with smoke, was thrown at Kishida at around 11:30 a.m. local time while he was preparing to deliver an outdoor speech supporting the by-election of the House of Representatives, according to Kyodo News and other media outlet.
Local media reports said he immediately took cover and left the scene after the incident, adding there were no injuries or damage.
Kishida, currently at the Wakayama Prefecture main police headquarters, canceled his public speech in the area, Kyodo News reported.
The incident occurred as Japan is hosting Group of Seven (G7) ministerial meetings in northern Sapporo and the city of Karuizawa in Nagano ahead of the G7 leaders’ summit in Hiroshima next month.
Patrick Amoth, the acting director-general of health in the Ministry of Health, said that the two secondary schools affected by the disease outbreak have since been closed as investigations continue.
“As of April 14, 2023, 627 patients have been taken ill while 19 students are currently admitted in health facilities in the region in stable condition,” Amoth said at a briefing in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
He said that the unknown disease that started on March 1 presented symptoms including fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
He said that Ministry of Health personnel have since taken several water, food and human tissue samples from which preliminary laboratory investigations undertaken have revealed bacterial strains including E. Coli and Salmonella.
Amoth noted that the E. Coli and Salmonella bacteria strains usually occur if water sources are contaminated with microorganisms and have the potential of spreading where people live and eat in close proximity.
He clarified that laboratory tests for Ebola Virus Disease, Marburg Virus Disease, Leptospirosis and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Dengue Fever, Rift Valley Fever and West Nile Virus have all turned negative.
Amoth said that the Ministry of Health personnel are conducting further analysis of the samples to ascertain any other potential cause of the strange illness while appealing to Kenyans to be vigilant and report suspected cases to nearby health facilities.
A multi-sectoral team has since inspected several facilities at the affected schools and highlighted immediate measures to be taken to enhance the safety of students.
