He passed on in the morning of Sunday 17th April 2022.
It is said that Shimwe died as he went out for a dance with friends. Medical doctors are still conducting a postmortem to establish cause of his death.
Rodolphe Shimwe Twagiramungu died at the age of 34. He was a rising artiste who produced songs including ‘Mama’.
His father, Twagiramungu who currently lives in Belgium was born in former Cyangugu Prefecture in 1945.
He served as Rwanda’s Prime Minister between 1994 and 1995.
Twagiramungu was among presidential aspirants who lost elections in 2003 following the interim government established after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The development came at a time when deep global inequalities are driving millions of people from their homes in search of opportunity, at the same time as millions are forcibly displaced by conflict, persecution, and other threats to safety.
Under this program, the UK will provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund invaluable opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons, and higher education.
Following the agreement, some people, the majority of whom being from the western part of the world, expressed concerns over the partnership.
Among them, is the leader of the Anglican church who strongly criticized the British government’s plan to put some asylum-seekers on one-way flights to Rwanda, saying “sub-contracting out our responsibilities” to refugees can’t stand up to God’s scrutiny.
According to the Washington Post, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby made the direct political intervention in his Easter Sunday sermon at Canterbury Cathedral in southeast England, saying there are “serious ethical questions about sending asylum-seekers overseas.”
He said “sub-contracting out our responsibilities, even to a country that seeks to do well, like Rwanda, is the opposite of the nature of God who himself took responsibility for our failures.”
His words triggered mixed reactions among politicians including the UK Home Secretary Priti Patel who asked him to suggest a solution to the issue of migrants and asylum seekers in Europe.
{{Baseless claims }}
The Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo has said that people doubting about Rwanda’s capacity to accommodate refugees should visit the country to witness its remarkable progress achieved over the past 28 years.
She highlighted that Rwanda has made tremendous progress in every aspect of development on rights, freedom, media as the country remains stable, united and continues to grow very rapidly.
Makolo was speaking during an interview with GB News, a television and radio news channel in the United Kingdom, commenting on human rights concerns raised following recent migration and economic development partnership between Rwanda and UK.
“Some of the reports do not correspond to the reality and both the United Kingdom and the US who have representatives here in embassies, are able to see this for themselves. Anyone who comes to Rwanda cannot fail to see with their own eyes, the progress this country has made,” she noted.
On agreements to host asylum seekers, refugees and migrants; Makolo said that Rwanda is among countries that ratified the international convention for refugee protection and has different policies to ensure their rights are respected in the country.
Today, Rwanda accommodates more than 130,000 refugees and asylum seekers living in the country safely with equal access to opportunities to lead decent life.
These include refugees and asylum seekers from Libya since 2019 where there are third countries that have agreed to receive over 700 have of them in collaboration with UNHCR.
Makoloexpressed optimism that the new ‘innovative model will be emulated by other countries. Then we can do more together’.
Under the partnership between Rwanda and UK, asylum seekers will be entitled to full protection under Rwandan law, equal access to employment, and enrolment in healthcare and social care services.
These asylum seekers from African countries and others outside the continent will be treated decently like Rwandans upon arrival. It is expected that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.
Unlike asylum seekers and refugees from Libya living in Gashora Transit Camp, the ones from UK will be housed in specially-selected accommodation facilities where they will wait for asylum claims to be processed.
Makolo has explained that migrants will be treated decently.
“Once migrants arrive in Rwanda, we will take responsibility for them. Rwanda is a signatory to the refugee convention and we have an asylum process of our own. We do have our own immigration and migrant policy. So, we will take responsibility for them,” she said.
The spokesperson highlighted that they will have access to legal services through Rwanda’s asylum process which is in in line with the refugee convention and similar to the process of other countries.
“That is what we will use to determine whether they are asylum seekers or simply migrants looking for an opportunity.
Because we believe, in a fair world, people should be able to live with dignity and have access to opportunities wherever they are. Whether they are determined to be migrants or economic refugees, they are welcomed to stay with us if they want to,” she noted.
Having opened doors to Rwanda recently, Pyramids Eye Center is one of health facilities that are taking advantage of technology to offer advanced health services.
Based in Kigali, the hospital has introduced Lasik Eye Surgery which uses the best known ‘Lasik’ technology to correct vision problems and help people get rid of glasses as they continue their work without disruptions.
Dr. Mohamed Nasif, an ophthalmologist with specialty in eye surgery at Pyramids Eye Center has told IGIHE that the advanced healthcare is the first of its kind introduced in East Africa.
Dr. Mohamed Nasif graduated from Cairo University in 2006. Since then, he started training in Cairo under a fellowship program and graduated from Royal College of Surgery and Ophthalmology of Glasgow in Scotland in 2015.
He explained that Pyramids Eye Center offers all ophthalmology services like squint surgery and cataract surgery.
Other services offered include the new Lasik procedure to get rid of glasses and correct vision without glasses and the oculoplastic surgery.
During Lasik surgery, a special type of cutting laser is used to precisely change the shape of the dome-shaped clear tissue at the front of one’s eye (cornea) to improve vision.
The surgery can be conducted between 10 and 15 minutes before the patient gets prescriptions.
Health experts indicate that the technology is deployed after assessing the nature of patient’s conditions to be proactive on possible side effects.
It was introduced for the first time in 1980s and is approved by ophthalmic organizations globally.
“With this technique, a patient can get rid of glasses and see a hundred percent without using glasses. So, it is a new technique here but not new outside Rwanda,” said Dr. Mohamed.
{{Latest equipment }}
The Lasik surgery can be conducted using general and local anaesthesia or topical anesthesia.
Dr. Mohamed has explained that the type of surgery requires advanced, latest equipment to make the operation fast and efficient.
“These new machines give very high quality and the procedure should be very short. It can take two to three minutes to get rid of these glasses. In fact, you can say the cataract surgery can take two to five minutes while squint correction surgery can take ten minutes.
We have experienced doctors with international competencies. All operations here can take from two to ten minutes. Because of the modern technology we have, everything becomes very fast and the procedures are very efficient,” he said.
Patients treated under Lasik surgery should be aged above 18. Children are not allowed to undergo this procedure because their retina has not yet reached maturity.
The surgery is also prohibited for breastfeeding and pregnant mothers to prevent possible adverse effects.
Every patient receives the service after {{an investigation machine}} is used to detect the nature of one’s conditions and establish whether it could not be dangerous if the surgery is conducted.
Another checkup is made to ensure whether the patient received glasses deservingly.
After all screenings, the patient can be treated through Lasik surgery or other alternatives depending on his/her conditions.
Kagame arrived in Jamaica on Wednesday 13th April 2022 where he was received by the Governor-General of Jamaica and Prime Minister, Andrew Holness upon arrival.
During his three-day visit to be concluded on Friday, Kagame visited Jamaica’s National Heroes Park where he paid tribute to the country’s first National Hero, Marcus Garvey and addressed a joint sitting of the Jamaican Parliament.
As he addressed parliamentarians, the Head of State said that it is no accident that the idea of African unity arose from the island where the descendants of those who had been forcibly separated from their ancestral homeland deeply felt the pain of disunity and contempt.
“Celebrating what we share as Africans and the African diaspora helps us confront the harsh realities of this world we live in. Even now, we are constantly reminded that we have to work together and support one another,” he noted.
Kagame also highlighted that it is high time for Africa and the Caribbean to work together in a direct and sustained manner, both through respective regional organizations — CARICOM and the African Union — and bilaterally.
“As Rwanda, we are also keen to cooperate with Jamaica much more closely and share experiences in trade and investment, as well as national unity and citizens’ development,” he revealed.
On Thursday afternoon, Kagame also met with Opposition Leader of Jamaica and President of the People’s National Party, Mark J. Golding and Parliamentarian Lisa Hanna, for discussions on a range of topics including increasing trade and cooperation.
Upon arrival in the country, Kagame was received by the Governor General of Jamaica, Patrick Allen and Prime Minister, Andrew Holness.
Ahead of the visit, Jamaica’s Office of the Prime Minister said in statement that President Kagame’s visit, which comes during the year of Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence, represents an important opportunity for the deepening of bilateral relations between the countries.
The OPM noted that the visit will also help to reinforce “the steadily burgeoning relationship between the African continent and the CARICOM Region”.
On the first day of his visit, President Kagame visited Jamaica’s National Heroes Park where he paid tribute to the country’s first National Hero, Marcus Garvey.
Marcus Garvey was a Jamaican-born Black nationalist and leader of the Pan-Africanism movement, which sought to unify and connect people of African descent worldwide.
Marcus Moziah Garvey was born on August 17, 1887 in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica to Marcus Garvey and Sarah Jane Richards. His father was a stonemason and his mother was a household servant. Though the couple had 11 children, only Marcus and one other sibling survived into adulthood.
He died in London on June 10, 1940 from complications brought on by two strokes.
Due to World War II travel restrictions, he was initially buried in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic cemetery in Kensal Green, London. On November 13, 1964, his body was exhumed and buried beneath the Marcus Garvey Memorial in National Heroes Park in Kingston, Jamaica.
On the second day, President is expected to address a joint sitting of the Jamaican Parliament and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Holness at Jamaica House, on Friday morning, during which the leaders are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
The current population of Jamaica is 2,984,111 as of Wednesday, April 13, 2022, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data.
Jamaica is an island located in the Caribbean Sea. It’s also part of the Greater Antilles, situated south of Cuba and west of Haiti.
In terms of size, Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean, after Cuba and Hispaniola.
Jamaica’s three largest cities are Montego Bay, Portmore, and Kingston, which is the capital and largest city. The country of Jamaica is recognized for reggae, sprinters, sandy beaches, and jerk food.
These asylum seekers from African countries and others outside the continent will be treated decently like Rwandans upon arrival. It is expected that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.
Unlike asylum seekers and refugees from Libya living in Gashora Transit Camp, the ones from UK will be housed in specially-selected accommodation facilities where they will wait for asylum claims to be processed.
Related agreements between both countries are expected to be signed on Thursday 14th April 2022 at Kigali Convention Centre.
During the signing ceremony, Rwanda will be represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta while UK will be represented by Home Secretary Priti Patel who arrived in Kigali yesterday.
The timeline for when the first batch of migrants could be relocated has not yet been set out.
UK’s Home Office sources indicate that the migrants could be offered some form of visa deal by the Rwandan government, saying people relocated will “be given the opportunity to rebuild their lives” there.
According to media reports, the agreement for “migration and economic development partnership” to be signed is worth 120 million pound (US$158 million)
It said the cost would be funded by UK.
The deportation policy is part of UK’s attempt to deter dangerous – and politically contentious – Channel crossings. Sources said the policy was in reaction to a global asylum system that is “broken”.
It is also said that the Migration and Economic Development Partnership between UK and Rwanda will prioritise the dignity and rights of migrants, empowering them with a range of opportunities for building a better life in Rwanda, as a country which has been consistently ranked as one of the world’s safest.
Under the programme, migrants are also expected to be entitled to full protection under Rwandan law, equal access to employment, and enrolment in healthcare and social care services.
Among others, IGIHE has learnt, the UK’s upfront investment worth £120 million will fund opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons, and higher education.
The partnership between both countries reflect Rwanda’s commitments to protecting vulnerable people around the world, and ensuring development and prosperity for Rwanda and its people.
Rwanda’s history has embedded a responsibility to protect vulnerable people around the world. After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda has been an active contributor to peacekeeping missions where it is the largest troop contributor in Africa.
Rwanda was once one of the world’s leading producers of refugees, and as such is particularly concerned with taking urgent steps towards more humane solutions to the global migration crisis.
Rwanda already hosts almost 130,000 refugees from multiple countries including neighbours like the DRC and Burundi.
The country also accommodates other refugees from countries like Afghanistan and evacuees from Libya who have full legal and employment rights.
This partnership to be signed reflects the ongoing effort to create a safe and empowering haven in Rwanda for all those seeking refuge.
He conveyed the message on Wednesday 13th April 2022 as he presided over the ceremony to the end commemoration week which coincided with the remembrance of fallen politicians killed for opposing plans of the former regime of Juvenal Habyarimana to execute Tutsis.
The ceremony took place at Rebero Genocide Memorial where remains of more than 14,000 victims including Tutsis killed in Kigali at the onset of the Genocide and politicians who denounced destructive plans of the genocidaire government are laid to rest.
Dr. Iyamuremye said that the commemoration of slain politicians over standing against Genocide ideology and opposing the plan to execute Tutsis is essential particularly during this era when much effort are need to resist people taking advantage of freedom of expression to deny and trivialize Genocide.
“It is very important during this time when there are people using social media to spread rumours tarnishing Rwanda’s leadership and fuel Genocide ideology for the so-called political reasons. I consider the denial and trivialization Genocide against the Tutsi as thrusting a knife in wounds of survivors,” he said.
Dr. Iyamuremye further stated that it is essential to commemorate the Genocide that was perpetrated over bad leaders characterized by discrimination.
“Remembering these good politicians should be an opportunity for us to reflect on our tragic history, how it led to Genocide against Tutsi, how it was executed and know why the international community failed Rwandans,” he noted.
“From this, should emerge the legacy of courage to confront challenges and issues that might tamper with security and national development, starting with denial and trivialization of Genocide against Tutsi,” added Dr. Iyamuremye.
The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana pointed out evidences indicating that the preparation of Genocide against the Tutsi was a result of bad politics with the involvement of political parties.
He pointed out the example of the then ruling party, MRND which established three more affiliated political parties but claimed to be serving different purposes.
These political parties including PARERWA, PECO and PADER were meant to resist Arusha Peace Accords.
The latter were involved in the mobilization of citizens to denounce Arusha Peace Accords.
Dr. Bizimana requested Rwandans to lean on good politics which is a fundamental pillar for Rwanda’s transformational journey.
Umuhire Adrie, the spokesperson of Political Parties Forum blamed politicians who fuelled ethnic divisions and hatred which culminated into preparation and execution of Genocide against Tutsi and called on everyone to strive for national unity and development.
He particularly urged politicians to consolidate gains in promoting unity among Rwandans and promote good governance treating all Rwandans equally.
Rebero Genocide Memorial accommodates over 14,000 victims from different parts of Kigali including Nyamirambo, Gitega, CHUK and Cyahafi among others.
It also home to remains of 12 politicians namely; Joseph Kavaruganda, Landouard Ndasingwa, Kabageni Venantie, Charles Kayiranga, Jean de la Croix Rutaremara, Augustin Rwayitare, Aloys Niyoyita, André Kameya, Frederic Nzamurambaho, Felicien Ngango, Faustin Rucogoza and Jean Baptiste Mushimiyimana.
After the national mourning week, Genocide commemoration activities will continue until 4th July to mark the 100 days during which more than one million Tutsis were killed.
“Had a productive phone conversation with Prince Charles who we look forward to welcoming to CHOGM 2022. We discussed partnerships that include addressing climate change and the ongoing success of the Sustainable Markets Initiative,” President Kagame revealed in a tweet.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states. The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-two of members are small states, many of which are island nations.
CHOGM is customarily held every two years and is the Commonwealth’s highest consultative and policy-making gathering. Commonwealth leaders selected Rwanda as host for their next summit when they met in London in 2018.
The upcoming CHOGM due in Kigali will be the first to be held in Africa for over a decade.
It was due to have been held in Kigali in June 2020 but was postponed twice due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During celebrations of the Commonwealth Day recently on 14th March 2022, the Prince of Wales, Charles confirmed that he will be among other dignitaries attending CHOGM 2022 in Kigali.
At the time, Prince Charles also revealed that he will be accompanied by his wife.
Kagame arrived in Congo Brazzaville on Monday 10th April 2022 where he was received by his counterpart Denis Sassou Nguesso upon arrival.
During his visit, the Head of State addressed the country’s both chambers of parliament before he was hosted to a State Banquet on the first day.
Speaking at the event, Kagame thanked his counterpart for inviting him to the country and warm hospitality extended to him.
He said that both countries have built strong foundation over the years noting that the multiple bilateral agreements that had to be signed on the following day demonstrate productive ties between Rwanda and Congo.
The Head of State also highlighted that both countries have what it takes to address common challenges joining forces to ensure that they continue to move faster towards progress and success.
On the second day of the visit, Kagame and his counterpart proceeded to a tête-à-tête discussions and presided over the signing of bilateral agreements in sectors of economic partnership, mining, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) handcrafts, culture and arts.
The President was accompanied by the delegation including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta; the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana and the CEO of Rwanda Development Board, Clare Akamanzi among others.
[{{Related story: Peace and security in Africa remain high on the agenda – Kagame}}->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/peace-and-security-in-africa-remain-high-on-the-agenda-kagame]
