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The Head of State was bestowed the medal on Monday 17th April 2023 as he visited the country.

Amílcar Cabral Medal is given to the heads of state of countries that are friends of Guinea-Bissau.

Guinée-Bissau is led by Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló,50, since February 2020.

He also served as the country’s Prime Minister between November 2016 and January 2018.

Since he was installed President, the country’s relations with Rwanda gets boost gradually.

On his visit to Guinea-Bissau, Kagame was hosted by his counterpart, Umaro.

According to Rwanda’s Presidency, both leaders held a tête-à-tête and exchanged on various topics including potential areas of bilateral cooperation as well as the regional situation in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

After holding a closed-door meeting, they proceeded to bilateral discussions with members of both delegations.

The President also visited the Mausoleum of National Heroes of Guinea-Bissau dedicated to Amílcar Lopes da Costa Cabral, Bissau-Guinean and Cape Verdean Pan-Africanist who was one of Africa’s foremost anti-colonial leaders, and João Bernardo “Nino” Vieira who was President of Guinea-Bissau from 1980 to 1999 and from 2005 to 2009.

Rwanda and Guinea-Bissau enjoy long-standing relations where both countries have cooperation in the areas of trade, education, tourism and bilateral air service.

President Kagame proceeded to Guinea where he met with the Transition President Col Mamadi Doumbouya to explore bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Guinea in areas of common interests.

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.

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.

Tshisekedi disclosed his position during a press conference with Swiss counterpart Alain Berset.

He added that the M23 fighters are gradually vacating areas under their control and that the rebels will handover weapons at MONUSCO’s base before being transported to Kindu Town for rehabilitation.

However, Tshisekedi ruled out any dialogues with M23, as the Congolese Parliament had decided against negotiating with armed groups.

In response, M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka took to Twitter to state that “there will be no cantonment, disarmament, and demobilization” until there is “Direct Political Dialogue” between the rebel group and the Kinshasa Government.

Meanwhile, M23 President Bertrand Bisimwa accused Tshisekedi of sabotaging the peace process initiated by the East African Community.

Bisimwa alleged that Tshisekedi’s refusal to hold talks with M23 and separate the group from armed groups like FDLR went against the EAC’s resolutions.

Tshisekedi also addressed allegations that Rwanda had accused DRC of collaborating with the genocidal group FDLR, stating that the group posed no problems.

However, a UN expert report released last year indicated that FDLR formed a coalition with Congolese Army (FARDC) in attacks against M23.

The report also claimed that the DRC government supplied the group with weapons, ammunition, uniforms, and medicaments.

Commemorating activities will last for 100 days symbolizing the period that the Genocide lasted.

The day is dedicated to remembering politicians who opposed the former regime’s plans to exterminate Tutsis.

Dr. Kalinda commended countries using international law to prosecute genocide suspects and urged others to follow suit.

He noted that some countries have not yet understood their role in fighting genocide and its ideology, citing nations that shield genocide fugitives.

In 2021, the Prosecution revealed that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had received the most arrest warrants for genocide fugitives (408) in Africa.

Uganda received 277 warrants, while Ghana and Benin received a smaller number.

Despite this, some African countries have not made progress in trying these suspects.

In total, over 1,000 arrest warrants have been sent to various countries, including European nations.

Dr. Kalinda also addressed the issue of genocide denial and trivialization, identifying the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) as key drivers of this ideology.

He urged everyone, particularly the youth, to combat genocide ideology and work together for peace in Rwanda.

Elisabeth Mukamana, Spokesperson of the Political Parties Forum, honored the politicians who were killed for their bravery and commitment to a non-discriminatory country.

She criticized the genocidal government and called on current political parties to promote humanity and unity among members.

Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascène, Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), emphasized that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was the result of decades of harmful politics and condemned politicians seeking to spread ethnic division and undermine Rwandan unity.

Politicians laid to rest at Rebero include Landouard Ndasingwa (PL), Charles Kayiranga (PL), Jean de la Croix Rutaremara (PL), Augustin Rwayitare (PL), Aloys Niyoyita (PL), Venantie Kabageni (PL), Andre Kameya (PL), Frederic Nzamurambaho (former president of PSD and Minister of Agriculture), Felicien Ngango (PSD), Jean Baptiste Mushimiyimana (PSD), Faustin Rucogoza (MDR) and Joseph Kavaruganda, the former President of Supreme Court.

They are appreciated for their commitment to resist evil and fighting against the execution of the Genocide which took lives of over 1 million victims.

These politicians laid at Rebero Genocide Memorial in Kigali City were members of political parties that opposed the vision of the former regime of President Juvenal Habyarimana and his ruling party dubbed Revolutionary National Movement for Development (MRND).

They opposed discrimination and strived for unity until they were killed on 7th April 1994 as the Genocide began.

These include Joseph Kavaruganda, Landouard Ndasingwa, Venantie Kabageni, Charles Kayiranga, Jean de la Croix Rutaremara, Augustin Rwayitare and Aloys Niyoyita among others.

Rwanda will end the mourning week for the 29th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi on Wednesday, April 13th, 2023, which coincides with the commemoration of fallen politicians.

However, commemoration activities will last for 100 days symbolizing the period that the Genocide lasted.

{{Below are profiles of the fallen politicians:}}

{{Joseph Kavaruganda}} was the President of the Constitutional Court. He opposed Genocide ideology until his last breath.

Kavaruganda who was also responsible for receiving the oath of Head of State; was killed on 7th April lest he would tamper with installation of the interim Government on the next day.

{{Landouard Ndasingwa}} was the President of Liberal Party (PL). The man renowned as Lando, his wife and two children were killed on 7th April 1994 in Remera by forces of the then Republican Guard.

{{André Kameya}} was a member of PL and journalist. He was killed in June 1994. His wife and children had been killed in April the same year. Kameya worked with Kinyamateka, ORINFOR and also served as the Chief Editor of the journal of the Ministry of Justice.

He was murdered after launching a newspaper dubbed Rwanda Rushya.

{{Frédéric Nzamurambaho}} was the President of Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Minister of Justice. He was shot dead on 7th April 1994 at his home by forces of the then Republican Guard.

{{Felicien Ngango}} was the Vice President of PSD. He was killed over defending unity among Rwandans without ethnic divisions. He was among politicians to be appointed in the Government following Arusha accords.

{{Faustin Rucogoza}} was a member of Republican Democratic Movement (MDR) and Minister of Information. He was killed along his wife on 7th April 1994. In 1993, Rucogoza had denounced hate speeches by Radio Television Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM) and issued a warning against the broadcaster.

{{Venantie Kabageni}} was a member of PL. He was killed at the beginning of Genocide against the Tutsi over his beliefs that opposed bad leadership of Habyarimana’s regime.

{{Augustin Rwayitare}} was a member of PL. He was killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi over opposing the Government which sowed hatred among Rwandans.

{{Jean de La Croix Rutaremara}} was also a politician whose vision was against ethnic discrimination fuelled by the former government.

{{Jean Baptiste Mushimiyimana}} was a member of PSD. He was killed for being an opposition figure of Habyarimana’s regime.

{{Charles Kayiranga}} was a politician and member of PL. He was killed in the Genocide over promoting democratic leadership.

{{Aloys Niyoyita}} was a politician from PL. He was killed for opposing the bad leadership of Habyarimana.

The majority of killed politicians were from PL deemed to belong to Tutsis.

They also opposed its president Justin Mugenzi who had been convinced by MRND and decided to form PL- POWER.

These politicians are an addition to the former Prime Minister, Agathe Uwilingiyimana buried at the Heroes’ Square in Remera. She is also remembered on the same date.

According to sources, a kilogram of Chia Seeds cost Rwf90,000, and a hectare was planted with 2 kilograms that yielded 1000 kilograms. Upon harvest, a farmer used to receive Rwf3,000 per kilogramme. The returns on this investment were quite impressive, with a single hectare yielding a harvest worth Rwf3 million in just three months.

However, the failure of Akens and Kernels Ltd to pay farmers for their produce has left many Chia Seeds farmers in debt and at risk of losing their properties.

Investing in Chia Seeds was considered a profitable venture, with a single hectare yielding a harvest worth Rwf3 million in just three months.

The total investment made by a farmer was Rwf1,574,000, which included Rwf180,000 for seeds, Rwf 200,000 for farm maintenance, Rwf 300,000 for land rent (to tenants), as well as expenses for fertilizer, weeding, planting, and harvesting. This meant that a farmer would generate a profit of Rw1,574,000 in three months per hectare.

However, the happiness of the Chia Seeds farmers did not last long because the company that bought their produce, Akens and Kernels Ltd, failed to pay them and secure a market for their last produce. This has left many farmers in debt and struggling to make ends meet.

Affected farmers include those grouped in Chia Seeds Farmers’ Cooperative in Ngoma District. They hoped to sell 450 tons of Chia Seeds at the end of last year, but not a single kilogram was sold.

This issue is in addition to another major debt worth Rwf248 million that Akens and Kernels Ltd owed them in 2021. The cooperative has 558 members, but 195 did not receive payments, leaving them in a dire financial situation.

Some farmers were hit particularly hard and were forced to sell their produce to unlicensed buyers at a giveaway price between Rwf500 and Rwf800 per kilogramme, despite the previous promise of Rwf3000 per kilogramme upon harvesting time.

In the meantime, Akens and Kernels Ltd entered into agreements with over 3800 farmers to invest in Chia Seeds, but the situation has turned sour, as they claim debts worth over Rwf27 billion.

{{A drop into the sea}}

The issues facing Chia Seeds farmers have come to public attention after several meetings aimed at finding a solution failed to yield any results. The affected farmers come from 17 districts and have not received payments after supplying their produce to Akens and Kernels Ltd.

The Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), which was among the institutions that encouraged farmers to grow Chia Seeds as a cash crop, acknowledged the problem.

MINALOC revealed via Twitter handle that 950 farmers are owed payments worth Rwf1.3 billion, based on presented delivery notes.

The message further stated that from 30th March 2023, farmers started receiving their money at the agreed-upon price as per current market prices. MINALOC explained that farmers from 11 districts with complete delivery notes have already received payments, and the program is ongoing.

However, the President of the Committee of Chia Seeds farmers at the national level, Emmy Nsengiyumva, has told IGIHE that only selected farmers have received payments, and not all farmers claiming payments owed by Akens and Kernels Ltd.

He noted that there are over 3000 farmers who invested in Akens and Kernels Ltd through agreements, and ‘the payments made so far are like a drop in the sea’.

Nsengiyumva disclosed that only farmers who had a delivery note were paid, including individuals and other cooperative members.

He further explained that there was no thorough consideration of proprietors, especially for those who invested in large tracts of land.

The produce in the store, which was supplied to Akens and Kernels Ltd by over 3800 farmers, was sold, but the money was only distributed among farmers with delivery notes from the company.

However, the issue of farmers who invested in Akens and Kernels Ltd by providing money for the company to grow the crop on the land provided by the government remains unsolved.

{{Rwf27 billion in debts claimed by Chia Seeds farmers}}

Over 3,800 farmers are demanding payment from Akens and Kernels Ltd, with a total claim of over Rwf27 billion, which includes the capital they invested in Chia Seeds cultivation across more than 8,000 hectares of land.

The government provided over 1,000 hectares of land to Akens and Kernels Ltd, including 200 in Rulindo, 800 in Gisagara, 100 in Nyanza, and 50 in Kirehe district in Mahama, among other locations.

However, the farmers who invested in these lands were not able to recoup their investments, as the crop was not fully exploited.

Investments made by various individuals and entities in Akens and Kernels Ltd total more than Rwf17 billion, excluding profit. These investors were supposed to receive returns from the produce that was taken to the Dubai market, but to date, they have not received any payments.

Nsengiyumva has criticized the government’s handling of the situation, stating that instead of following up on the arrears, the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) sold the produce in store to pay farmers.

Nsengiyumva explained that the main problem relates to Akens and Kernels Ltd failing to cultivate as promised, despite the encouragement provided by various institutions in charge of agriculture and MINALOC.

He emphasized that not all individuals should be victims of the mismanagement of Akens and Kernels Ltd, and that ‘these institutions must ensure it is held accountable’.

{{Fear for dissolution without payment of debts}}

The future of Akens and Kernels Ltd remains uncertain as an audit revealed that the company is unaccountable for Rwf17 billion, including Rwf860 million from produce sold in Dubai. As a result, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) filed a lawsuit to dissolve the company.

A court case is scheduled for 20th April 2023, IGIHE has learnt.

Nsengiyumva believes that Akens and Kernels Ltd should be held accountable for the money that farmers invested in the business. He fears that the dissolution of the company would leave the farmers with no place to ask for their property.

Nsengiyumva affirms that if the company goes bankrupt, the government should intervene and help the farmers since it accepted Chia Seeds as a cash crop.

Farmers are demanding that the government impound the tractors and other assets of Akens and Kernels Ltd to pay their debts.

This problem has had a significant impact on farmers, with some of them losing their properties and others suffering from mental health issues due to the financial losses.

The article in question is an opinion piece crafted by Anjan Sundaram, a journalist renowned for working with Rwandan dissidents.

It was published on Tuesday 11th April 2023 with a title that goes ‘He’s a Brutal Dictator, and One of the West’s Best Friend’.

Anjan Sundaram gained fame for his book titled’ “Bad News: Last Journalists in a Dictatorship” where he says that Rwanda there is no press freedom.

The book faced criticism from individuals who claimed that the author had misrepresented their testimonies.

Sundaram frequently appears in talk shows hosted by Rwandan dissidents, many of whom are affiliated with the RNC led by Kayumba Nyamwasa. It is said that the terrorist group pays him to speak ill of Rwanda.

In his opinion piece published in The New York Times which often runs articles tarnishing Rwanda’s image, Sundaram said that President Paul Kagame has throughout his leadership ‘shut down the free press and clamped down on dissent’.

He also went on to state that President Kagame is one of the best friends of Europeans where he gets floor to deliver speeches and appreciated by Western leaders.

Sundaram expressed concerns over Rwanda’s development, as well as its selection as a host for international events and the presence of plants like Volkswagen, which assembles cars in the country.

The man hailing from India, further said that President Kagame has cast himself as the hero who ended Genocide yet he is accused of “sparking” it and ‘doing little to prevent it.

He stated that the United Kingdom should not send migrants and asylum seekers in the country claiming that ‘it seems to be a reward for dictatorship’.

Stephanie Nyombayire, the Press Secretary for the Office of the Presidency has via Twitter handle rebuked The New York Times for providing space to Sundaram to publish an article reopening the wounds of Genocide survivors.

“As survivors share their painful testimonies, as the country remembers the Genocide against the Tutsi, The New York Times found it fit to publish a piece blaming the victims for causing it and “not doing enough” to stop it,” she tweeted.

Nyombayire said that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was a result of bad leadership and supporters ‘who turned revisionists and apologists today’.

“Welcome to the club Anjan, you can take your seat alongside the latter. The RPA/RPF put an end to the Genocide against the Tutsi. NO ONE else,” she noted.
Nyombayire explained that Rwanda’s development ambitions do not need approval by Westerners.

“Contrary to popular NYT belief, our utmost national ambition is not western approval or any other euphemism for ‘Africans need supervision’. If you care to know, it is actually transforming the lives of citizens, with actions, not articles,” she added.

Nyombayire ended his message with an extract from the speeches of President Kagame where he said: “Nobody will ever decide for us how to live our lives.”

The national mourning week in Rwanda begins on April 7th, and the flame remains lit for the next 100 days, symbolizing the period that the genocide lasted.

This time is meant to express solidarity with Rwandans, but unfortunately, some individuals persist in their refusal to change their attitudes and repeatedly reopen the wounds of survivors, particularly during the commemoration period.

In terms of those who continue to cause harm, certain European countries and the United States have made statements that distort the truth and fail to recognize the proper appellation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as approved by the United Nations (UN).

Political experts argue that the continued use of an incorrect appellation by the US and the United Kingdom demonstrates extreme contempt and reflects their stubbornness.

As Rwanda began commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi for the 29th time last week, some partner countries shared messages of comfort with the Rwandan people.

However, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, sparked controversy with a tweet that paid tribute to others killed for distancing themselves from the genocidal government.

“The U.S. stands with Rwanda during Kwibuka 29 in remembering the Tutsi victims of genocide. We also mourn the others who were murdered for their opposition to a genocidal regime. Let us recommit to preventing the horror of genocide from occurring again,” he tweeted.

The message sparked mixed reactions among social media users who criticized Secretary of State Blinken for drawing a comparison between Tutsis who were targeted and killed based on their innate identity, and those who were killed for denouncing the genocide plans.

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Mary Catherine “Molly” Phee, also made remarks that undermined the the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in her commemoration message to Rwandans living in the US.

“On this solemn day, we remember the lives lost during 100 days of unspeakable violence. We grieve for the hundreds of thousands of Tutsi victims – men, women, and children – who were targets of genocidal violence because of their ethnicity. We also remember the Hutu, Twa, and others who were murdered due to their opposition to a genocidal regime. We stand with the survivors who witnessed these terrible crimes and still mourn the loss of their loved ones,” she said.

Rwanda insists that those who cannot acknowledge the correct appellation for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi should refrain from sharing messages that distort historical facts.

According to Nkusi Juvenal, a political expert and senator in Rwanda’s Upper Chamber of Parliament, the country continues to encounter chauvinistic attitudes, which he views as contemptuous behavior.

“The US’s attitude towards Rwanda is a gesture of extreme contempt towards us. The US practices chauvinistic politics all over the world. Changing their attitude seems unlikely,” stated political expert Nkusi Juvenal.

Similarly, Tito Rutaremara, another political expert, explained that the US’s stance is not surprising as it has been maintained for a long time.

He added, “It is not surprising that the US and the United Kingdom were the only countries to abstain from voting in favor of the proper appellation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, despite Tutsis being the only people targeted and killed based solely on their innate identity. Their reasons for sticking to their stance remain unclear, but they should try to understand it.”

Tom Ndahiro, a researcher on the Genocide, explained that neglecting to mention victims who were targeted for extermination is like killing them twice because it shows a lack of desire to keep their memory alive.

He added, “This mixture of mentioning something else is one of the factors that fuel Genocide denial and trivialization.”

Ndahiro criticized countries that claim to understand Rwanda’s challenges but still provide leeway for statements that trivialize the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, insisting that they should acknowledge historical reality.

As he presided over the ceremony marking the beginning of commemoration week on 7th April 2023, President Paul Kagame said that people with intentions to run away from historical facts won’t find a hiding place.

“You can run but can’t hide. There is no hiding place for you from these very facts of our history. So even those who have their time to say whatever they want to say, they will say it. Maybe they will do many things based on that as well. But the fact is, they cannot find a place to hide,” he said last week.

“And some of those who try to distort the facts of our history, it’s just because they cannot be ashamed. But we have our lives to live, all of us, and nobody, I want to say nobody, will ever decide for us how to live our lives. We have strength, incredible strength, coming from this history that informs us, that tells us that you should never, never, allow anybody else to dictate to you how you live your life. And that is Rwanda today,” added Kagame.

During his visit to Rwanda last year, Blinken was asked why the United States refused to adopt the official definition of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, but his response was evasive.

Blinken stated that the US has been clear about recognizing the Genocide and added that he had visited ‘the memorial’ a few hours earlier to understand the suffering of ‘so many people’.

He also stated that the US would continue working with the United Nations to properly recognize this dark period in history and would do everything in their power to ensure that it is never repeated.