The report released on Thursday 24th March 2022 is based on archives of French foreign intelligence agency (DGSE) compiled between May and August 1994.
It discloses the role of French mercenaries Paul Barril and Bod Denard in supporting the genocidaire Government.
As the report shows, Paul Barril and Bob Denard and their friends worked closely with individuals from the genocidaire Government who fled to France. Those include Agathe Habyarimana, the wife of former President Juvenal Habyarimana.
It is said that the two men had entered agreements with the interim Government to provide intelligence report and weapons used during the Genocide.
The recent report indicates that they organized different activities overseen by DGSE which also reported the situation to Élysée, the office of Prime Minister and other ministries.
François Crétollier, one of contributors of the report released by Survie has revealed that France was aware that the mercenaries, Bob Denard, Paul Barril and their friends had been dispatched to Rwanda.
“French Government behaved as if it knew nothing about the issue for several years. This is a lie,” he said.
Crétollier also revealed that the Government of Habyarimana was at the axis of these activities to dodge imposed sanctions.
Robert Denard who died in 2007, was a French soldier who served as a mercenary and was involved in different activities under false identity by changing his names to “Gilbert Bourgeaud” and “Saïd Mustapha Mahdjoub”.
It is said that Denard used to send his subordinates to Rwanda during the Genocide with different missions and paid through BNP Paribas, a French international banking group.
The bank was recently taken to court for role in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi due to the money released on the request of officials in the then Rwandan Government to buy weapons yet UN had imposed sanctions against the country.
As both countries celebrate the 60th Anniversary of unwavering diplomatic relationships, Mr. Ernest Rwamucyo, Ambassador of Rwanda to Japan, and Mr. Masahiro Imai, Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda exchange their views on the past, present and future of the Rwanda-Japan relationship.
{{Excerpts:}}
{{Q. What has built the sound and friendly bilateral relationship between the two countries? How do you evaluate achievements made by both countries and people?}}
{{Ambassador Rwamucyo: }}
Rwanda and Japan share an unbreakable bond of friendship which is built on mutual trust, shared interests, solidarity, growing people-to-people contact and cultural connection; and shared belief in multilateralism coupled with strong political will of the leadership of the two countries. There has been high level connection between the political leaders of Rwanda and Japan. H..E. President Paul Kagame has participated in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Summits. In January 2019, the President made an official visit to Japan and held high level meetings with His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister ABE Shinzo. The President also visited Japan in August 2019 to participate in TICAD 7 in Yokohama and again held productive bilateral discussions with Prime Minister ABE. The President also worked very closely with former Japan Prime Minister, Yoshihide SUGA on the global fight against Covid-19 and mobilization for global equitable access to covid-19 vaccines for developing countries.
{{Ambassador Imai:}}
People-to-people exchange and mutual support, from top-level to local community, have created mutual trust as a foundation of the friendship between two countries. Besides the high-level connection, at local level, the City of Kobe has the partnership agreement with Kigali City for economic cooperation. Hachimantai, the host city for the Rwandan Olympic athletes at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021, has a good relation with Rwanda in the area of floriculture. Most importantly, Japan still remembers that we received warm messages and financial support from the Government and the people of Rwanda during the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Through those collaborations, both Governments and people work together, learn from each other and have developed solid mutual-trust between two countries and people, which are irreplaceable achievements we have made.
{{Ambassador Rwamucyo:}}
In this regard, Japan has over the last decade sent over 300 Japanese overseas volunteers who bring critical skills in a varied number of sectors across Rwanda. These return to Japan after two years’ experience and knowledge of the country as Ambassadors who promote people-to-people connection between Rwanda and Japan.
Japan has been one of the reliable partners in Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction; and implementation of Rwanda’s Vision 2020 and the current Vision 2050. Since 2005, JICA has intervened in 22 projects valued at more than US$201 million. Between 2022 and 2026, it is projected that Japan through JICA will have supported 42 domestic projects and 3 East African integration projects worth over US$337 million.
The projects focus on critical development priorities for Rwanda in economic infrastructure, agriculture, energy, water and sanitation, education, ICT and private sector development. Notable projects include Rusumo – Kayonza road, Ngoma – Ramiro Road, Nzove – Ntora principal water transmission pipeline, electricity transmission lines and substations, WASAC utility turn-around with Kaizan approach project and projects to promote basic education, early child-hood development and nutrition.
The relationship between the two countries continues to flourish under the current challenging global context including on issues of climate change, implementation of sustainable development goals, coronavirus pandemic, global peace keeping and security.
{{Q2. Which areas do you think should be given priority? }}
{{Ambassador Rwamucyo:}}
The most important driver of growth for Rwanda will be foreign direct investment. Rwanda looks to tap into Japan’s private sector investment. The country has significant amount of capital and renowned corporates and financial institutions. Rwanda’s strategic investments in infrastructure like the Kigali International Financial Centre and Kigali Innovation City would greatly benefit from Japan’s resources and technology. Our Embassies in Kigali and Tokyo continue to work in tandem with Rwanda Development Board to promote investment opportunities in Rwanda and to woo Japanese investors. There is already good progress with Japanese businesses collaborating with Rwandan private sector partners in areas of start-ups in the ICT sector, innovation and technology development.
{{Ambassador Imai:}}
I hope to see more Japanese business investing in Rwanda. By taking advantage of Rwanda’s pleasant climate and geography, some Japanese companies produce agriculture products and export them to the American and European markets, which contributes to Rwandan economy. I have been told that some of these products are quite popular. This started in small volume but it has been steadily increasing in quantity & quality over the last several years.
Needless to say, Japan also continues to contribute to sustainable growth, poverty reduction and job creation in Rwanda through supporting “Economic Infrastructure Development”, “Agricultural Development”, “Social Service Improvement” and “Human Resources Development for Sustainable Growth and Job Creation”.
{{Q3. What do you want to achieve as Ambassador to strengthen bilateral relationship?}}
{{Ambassador Imai:}}
Before I arrived here about 2 years ago, I received an order from the then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to boost up our bilateral economic cooperation. My journey is still halfway through to that goal, and I intend to do my best to produce tangible results in this commemorative year of the 60th anniversary of Friendship and of holding the TICAD 8 in this August. In my understanding Japan’s technology, discipline and ethics as well as finance are what Rwanda wants to introduce and invite from Japan. I will work to build mutually supportive economic cooperation and win-win bilateral relation, which makes our two countries enjoy the fruits of our efforts and mutual benefits.
{{Ambassador Rwamucyo:}}
The relationship between Rwanda and Japan is strong and enduring. We will continue to nurture it and ensure it grows to even greater heights. Negotiation and signature of the bilateral investment treaty and avoidance of double taxation agreement between Rwanda and Japan will be very important milestones for the two countries. These will create an environment conducive for increased trade, investment and technology exchange. Our countries will also work for continued people-to-people and cultural connection between our citizens.
{{Q4. What message do you have for readers?}}
{{Ambassador Imai: }}
We have a saying in Japanese, “Sanpo Yoshi”, which shows a business philosophy; meaning a triple-win for the buyer, the seller, and society. As it applies exactly the same with diplomacy, I would like to put our efforts together to realize a triple-win for Japan, Rwanda and the world. Rwanda is full of the motivated youth and women and I expect that they will play more important roles in the future. I believe that if we work together on our mutual trust which has been nurtured through a lot of exchanges and collaborations on various levels in the past 60 years, we can make a big difference.
{{Ambassador Rwamucyo:}}
Celebration of 60 years of bilateral relations between Rwanda and Japan is an important milestone for the two countries and our people. This remains an exemplary relationship built on mutual trust, respect and solidarity. It continues to be productive and mutually beneficial for the people of Rwanda and Japan. We encourage our people to reap the benefits of this flourishing friendship through increased trade and business connection, people-to-people contact and cultural exchange. We look to increased travel and tourism between the two countries.
Rotary club is an organization purposed to bring together businesses and professionals to provide humanitarian services and providing support in addressing problems facing the world.
It draws much attention on seven areas of focus namely; disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, environment protection, peace and conflict resolution.
Rotary Club International was established 116 years ago. It is currently comprised of 1.2 million members from 200 countries.
The club has been in Rwanda for more than 20 years where it has established 10 clubs that contributed to the country’s development in different areas.
On 14th March 2022, Edgar Cyr Tougouma began visit to Rwanda aimed at witnessing the achievements of the 10 clubs established in Rwanda.
During his ten-day sojourn, Tougouma visited different projects and interacted with members of Rotary Clubs in Rwanda to discuss challenges, the way forward and remind them of Rotary International broader vision.
On 19th March 2022, Rotary Club Virunga hosted a dinner party to bid farewell to Governor Tougouma.
The event brought together different dignitaries including members of the private sector and Government officials led by the Mayor of Kigali City, Pudence Rubingisa.
As he addressed participants of the event, Governor Tougouma urged members of Rotary Club in Rwanda to beef up efforts in activities meant to transform citizens’ livelihoods.
“We must take a giant stride in activities bringing impact to the society,” he said.
The event also saw two new clubs launched. These include Rotary Club Senior which began with 60 members led by Gérard Mpyisi as its President.
The second club launched during the event is Karisimbi Rotary Club which started with 25 members led by Kelechi R Anyanwu who is the Vice President of Nigerian diaspora in Rwanda.
New members who joined different clubs in Rwanda recently were also welcomed aboard. These include seven members of Rotary Club Virunga, four of Rotary Club Senior and two members of Rotary Club Karisimbi.
Governor Edgar Cyr Tougouma also commended the Government of Rwanda for supporting Rotary to achieve its goals.
He disclosed that the organization seeks to launch clubs in every district of the country in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government.
As of today, there are 40 volunteers interested to start a new Rotary Club in Gicumbi District.
The District 9150 of Rotary International is constituted of ten countries including Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroun, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Tchad and Sao Tomé-et-Principe.The district has 100 clubs.
Rotary Club Rwanda is comprised of ten clubs namely; Rotary Club Kigali, Rotary Club Butare, Rotary Club Kigali Mont Jali, Rotary Club Kigali Virunga, Rotary Club Kigali Gasabo, Rotary Club Musanze Murera, Rotary Club Bugoyi Ibirunga, Rotary Club Kivu Lake, Rotary Club Kigali Senior and Rotary Club Kigali Karisimbi.
The MoU signed on 23rd March 2022, aims to establish a long-term cooperation between the two exchanges and contribute to building bridges between the financial services industries in Luxembourg and Rwanda, with a specific focus on the development of sustainable finance in the African country.
{{Bridging the gap between Luxembourg and Rwanda}}
Along with the aim of contributing to orderly financial markets through capacity building and skills development within Rwanda’s Kigali International Financial Centre, the MoU will also facilitate joint work on market developments and new products, including a possible future dual-listing scheme between the two institutions.
Commenting on the development, Mr Arnaud Delestienne, the Director of International Capital Markets and Member of the Executive Committee of LuxSE expressed delight for signed Memorandum of Understanding with Rwanda Stock Exchange.
“Stock exchanges have a crucial role to play in facilitating global cooperation when it comes to developing sustainable finance and international capital markets more generally. We look forward to working with Rwanda Stock Exchange and continue our mission to make sustainable finance truly global,” he said.
{{Creating inclusive and sustainable capital markets}}
Having first opened its doors for trading in January 2011, RSE is an exchange in the East African region which has big ambitions for the development of Rwanda’s capital markets and its future financial outlook.
In his remarks, CEO of Rwanda Stock Exchange, Mr Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba reemphasized the importance of this agreement for sustainable finance.
“Today’s official signing with LuxSE is a testimony to our exchange’s unwavering commitment and support to the sustainable development agenda fronted by our governments. The choice of LuxSE is no accident as it was the first exchange to introduce a platform for green financial instruments and this makes it the ideal venue for anyone in emerging or frontier markets who wants to cooperate and make fast progress in sustainable finance. We look forward to building a more resilient market, especially during this time where everyone is emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath,” he said.
{{Increased cooperation}}
LuxSE’s clear focus on sustainability through its UN-awarded sustainable finance platform the Luxembourg Green Exchange (LGX), has led the exchange to cooperate with exchanges and other financial institutions in emerging markets to foster sustainable finance across the world. Rwanda has launched several initiatives focused on increasing climate change awareness within and beyond its borders. It was the first African nation to ban the single-use of plastic in 2019 and set up Africa’s largest green fund, the National Fund for Environment – FONERWA in 2012, in order to finance its ambitious plans of being carbon neutral and climate resilient by 2050.
The MoU between the two exchanges reflects the increased cooperation between Luxembourg and Rwanda. In October 2021, Luxembourg’s Minister of the Economy and Development, Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs Franz Fayot and Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, signed an MoU on the development of a financial centre in Kigali, with a specific focus on capacity building, sustainable finance as well as the establishment of a fintech ecosystem and an impact investment market.
{{About the Luxembourg Stock Exchange}}
The Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE) is the gateway to access international investors. With more than 37,000 listed securities, including 33,000 debt instruments, from 2,000 issuers in 100 countries, LuxSE is one of the world’s leading exchanges for the listing of international debt securities and offers a unique and integrated service offering covering listing, trading and information services.
In 2016, LuxSE launched the Luxembourg Green Exchange (LGX) and became the first exchange in the world to operate a platform dedicated entirely to sustainable securities. LGX has become a meeting place for issuers of sustainable products and impact-conscious investors, and encompasses more than 1,300 green, social, sustainability and sustainability-linked bonds from 230 issuers in 50 countries. For more information, visit www.bourse.lu
{{About the Rwanda Stock Exchange}}
The Rwanda Stock Exchange Limited was incorporated on 7th October 2005 with the objective of carrying out stock market operations. The Stock Exchange was demutualized from the start as it was registered as a company limited by shares. The Company was officially launched on 31st January 2011.
Currently, the RSE has 10 listed companies 5 of which are domestic companies and five cross-listed companies from Kenya and South Africa and standalone fixed income board. For more information, visit www.rse.rw
Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that both leaders held discussions on enhancing ongoing areas of cooperation between Jordan and Rwanda.
Rwanda and Jordan enjoy cooperation in the areas of diplomacy and security among others.
Recently in January 2022, a delegation from Jordan headed by Maj Gen Ahmed Husni Hasan Hatoqia, the Director of General Intelligence Department today paid courtesy call on the Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff, Gen J Bosco Kazura at RDF Headquarters, Kimihurura.
At the time, they discussed the bilateral defence cooperation between Jordan and Rwanda.
The Aqaba Process initiative launched by King Abdullah II of Jordan in 2015, aims to enhance security and military coordination and cooperation, as well as the exchange of expertise and information, among various regional and international stakeholders, to counter terrorism within a holistic approach.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday 22nd March 2022.
RWN is a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to promoting and strengthening strategies that empower women in Rwanda.
It has an extensive experience in fostering women’s participation and grassroots responses to community challenges.
RWN also runs a health center in Kagugu that provides healthcare to women but had lacked maternity services.
With investment in state-of-the-art network monitoring and power systems for sites in Rwanda, IHS has made the donation in a bid to impact communities in which it operates.
The Managing Director of IHS Rwanda, Kunle Iluyemi has revealed that the contribution aligns with the company’s ambitions to contribute to the society and uplift women’s wellbeing.
“This cause is very dear to us because maternity is the key in uplifting women either socially or economically,” he said
The Legal Representative of Rwanda Women’s Network, Marie Immaculée Ingabire has underscored that the partnership will boost services offered to women.
“It has been our strong desire to help women by all means but we could not fully fulfill our duties without maternity services. That is why this donation comes in handy to help us achieve our goal,” she said
Ingabire added that the maternity services will be available in a few months.
“We hope that the services will be available in a few months since the building is already available. All we need is to introduce the services,” she said
Ingabire also commended HIS Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to support local communities and involving women in their plans.
The Social Protection Officer in Gasabo District, Ananie Muhoza extolled HIS for the gesture highlighting that the district is ready to continue walking with Rwanda Women’s Network.
“I appreciate the IHS Rwanda initiative in helping the local community. This partnership with RWN will help these mothers a great deal and is solving a lot of issues that some women are facing,” he noted.
Rwanda is targeting universal access to clean cooking by 2030, in order to solve the deforestation, carbon emissions and indoor air pollution deaths caused by the use of charcoal and wood for cooking, which is still prevalent in Rwandan homes today.
KOKO has developed a proprietary climate-tech platform for the low-cost delivery of bioethanol cooking fuel, which has been proven at scale in Kenya. Households use a modern 2-burner bioethanol KOKO Cooker with a smart KOKO Canister that enables access to a dense Network of high-tech “KOKO Point” Fuel ATMs, which in turn are refilled by a fleet of Smart MicroTankers. KOKO’s cloud software manages the flow of payments, fuel, appliances and carbon.
KOKO has partnered with Dalberg to establish KOKO Rwanda, in order to develop a nation-wide Network that will enable convenient clean fuel access for all Rwandans. Further details can be found at http://rwanda.kokonetworks.com/.
Commenting on the development, Clare Akamanzi, the CEO of Rwanda Development Board said: “The protection of our natural environment is a strategic priority for Rwanda, both nationally and in line with our international climate commitments. Equally, clean cooking is an essential part of Rwanda’s efforts to meet the UN Goals around Health, Gender and Economic Development. We are pleased to partner with KOKO and Dalberg to enable the roll out of this important climate technology solution for the benefit of all Rwandans.”
Under the agreement, the Government of Rwanda will provide the enabling policy environment including removal of VAT and import duties on equipment and ethanol fuel, with the full benefit of these cost reductions passed to households via lower consumer prices. KOKO Rwanda will deliver the technology, capital and expertise to build and operate a nation-wide Network, leveraging private climate finance of USD 25 million to create 500 direct jobs and new income streams for thousands of small business partners.
Greg Murray, the CEO of KOKO said that, through the agreement, Rwanda takes a real leadership position along the journey to protect Africa’s forests through replacing demand for deforestation-based charcoal, while also saving the lives of women and children.
“Consumers want ultra-clean cooking fuel available at very low prices within a short walk of their home. Our platform enables this, when combined with fiscal policies that level the playing field with charcoal,” he noted.
James Mwangi, Executive Director of Dalberg expressed delight to partner with KOKO and the Government of Rwanda in building a transformative new climate venture.
“Dalberg has been deeply engaged with the clean cooking sector for over a decade, and has seen KOKO prove its unique platform at scale. This agreement represents a unique and compelling combination of leading-edge technology, private climate finance and policy best-practice, and is an example for other nations who seek to get serious about solving the dirty cooking fuel crisis,” he said.
{{About KOKO Networks }}
KOKO Networks is an emerging markets climate technology company that serves over 1.5 million Kenyans with sustainable bioethanol cooking fuel every day. KOKO employs 1,300 staff across East Africa and India, and is planning expansion across Africa, Asia and Latin America. For more information, visit www.kokonetworks.com
{{About Dalberg}}
Dalberg is a global group of businesses that work to build a more inclusive and sustainable world where all people, everywhere, can reach their fullest potential. Operating in 23 countries, Dalberg has a 20-year track record of excellence in delivering services in consulting, research, design, media, implementation, and data analytics focused on building a more inclusive and sustainable world. For more information, visit www.dalberg.com
Kagame hosted them at Village Urugwiro on Tuesday 22nd March 2022.
Through Rwanda Finance Limited (RFL), Rwanda joined the WAIFC in 2020 and has established partnerships with financial centers in Casablanca, Qatar, Belgium, Luxembourg and Jersey. It became the third African country to join the alliance after Casablanca Finance City and EDB Mauritius.
RFL is a company promoting and developing Rwanda as a leading financial destination for international investment and cross-border transactions in Africa.
It works with key stakeholders to develop and promote Kigali International Financial Centre through investment promotion, policy advocacy and sector upskilling. It also works to establish the regulatory framework for Kigali International Financial Centre to become a leading international financial center.
In 2020, Nick Barigye, the CEO of Rwanda Finance was named Board Member of WAIFC.
In November 2021, the Kigali International Financial Centre announced the establishment of the US$250 million Virunga Africa Fund I which will invest in vital sectors that will drive economic and social transformation across the African continent.
The Fund will have its Head Office in Kigali and will be domiciled in the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC).
The two anchor investors of the Virunga Africa Fund I are the Qatar Investment Authority (‘QIA’) and Rwanda Social Security Board (‘RSSB’). The Fund is managed by Admaius, an independent investing firm comprising one of the most experienced pan-African investment teams working on the ground.
The Kigali International Financial Centre recently made its debut on the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), a renowned ranking on the competitiveness of financial centers across the world.
In the ranking, Kigali featured as 5th on the continent after Casablanca, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Mauritius and ahead of Nairobi and Lagos.
Despite being a new and emerging financial centre, Kigali was 9th in the Middle Eastern and African Centres.
Kigali International Financial Centre was also mentioned among the top centres likely to become more significant going forward as well as among centres enjoying reputational advantage.
Being the major passageway for goods transited through Tanzania, the province is often characterized by busy traffic flows of trucks transporting goods through Kayonza-Rusumo road. It is due to this background that Japan financed the construction and renovation of road in the province to boost connectivity and facilitate cross border trade.
Throughout the five-year project, a 92-kilometer long Kayonza-Rusumo tarmac road was completed at a tune of Rwf59 billion. The project also provided Rwf18.1 billion for the construction of 20.6 kilometer roads connecting towns in the districts of Kayonza, Kirehe and Ngoma. The roads will go hand in hand with the lighting along 112 kilometers.
During a recent visit to these infrastructures, local leaders from areas of interventions said that there has been a good progress. The Mayor of Kayonza District, Jean Bosco Munyemazi said that 7.5 kilometer road built in Kayonza district is helping them in the implementation of designed masterplan.
Ngoma District Vice Mayor for Economic Affairs Ngoma district, Cyriaque Nyiridandi Mapambano has revealed that roads under construction are meant to facilitate movements and enhance connectivity as part of critical components of the district’s development. “Road infrastructures play a critical role in the development. We previously had one road running to Kirehe but we are grateful that infrastructures are being expanded. It is helping us to expand the town and consider other consider other development activities enhancing residents’ progress,” he said.
Shadia Uwababyeyi, a resident of Ngoma District has revealed that they have started witnessing positive transformations owing to these infrastructures and called on relevant authorities to expedite their completion.
The Deputy Director General of Rwanda Transport Development Authority (RTDA), Emile Patrick Baganizi has highlighted that the new roads will facilitate movement in Eastern Province. He explained that the Government is closely following up these projects and catering for expropriation fees.
The Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, Imai Masahiro has said that the financing of infrastructure development in Kayonza, Ngoma, Kirehe and Rusumo will ease movements of people and goods. “We have supported projects that enhanced free movement of goods and people. This also gave boost to inter-regional trade which will be a key driver for achieving Rwanda’s goal of becoming an upper middle-income country by 2035,” he said.
Another new road is set to be built in Ngoma district expected to reduce traffic congestion of cargo trucks from Tanzania or Uganda transiting through Kigali to DRC. The 64 kilometer Ngoma-Ramiro road is expected to be completed at Rwf64.9 billion in two phases. Construction activities which started in October 2021 are expected to be completed in October 2023.
{On days like these,
I find solace in hope, perspective in wonder,
For the present is hardly perfect.
We are born knowing that women
Are resilient, perhaps to a fault.
To nurture and protect, they will move a mountain,
Even hungry, they will feed the world.
So when I see the strength of a woman,
Whose spine is stout, whose back is sturdy,
Adorned in bold and splendid fabrics,
Strain hidden beneath grace and beauty,
I also see all the ravages of time,
In painting her pain as her crown of glory.
Why should that woman navigate,
Between indifference and victimization?
Why must we submit to a yearly date,
To condemn female degradation? Why?
Sometimes, I imagine a world different from this present one.
It is a shame how often we stifle imagination,
Yet imagination,
is the lyric of an irrepressible spirit.
Where creativity and art once collided,
Our nation’s offspring were once serenaded,
“Ukuranye ituze
Ukuranye ubwiza
Ukaba n’ingenzi koko”
What if we, like dreamers,
Allowed our minds to roam the vast expanse,
Just for a little, hearts wide open,
To reverie, to a poem.
With my eyes closed I see, bright as day,
A just, a fair
An equal,
And a very kind world,
In which prejudice has passed, bias was driven far away!
And in this world of even care, I see …
A Woman and a girl, claim their fair share,
Of promise, of prism and of power,
Acknowledged and fostered.
I find solace and hope in wonder.
Perhaps you’d care to join me?
Le monde que j’imagine a appris de nos erreurs,
Il soigne les blessures causées par nos échecs.
Il ne connait le dur désir de dominance,
Qui aime pour victimes femmes et enfants,
Celui qui semble toujours vivre aujourd’hui,
Dans un coin enfoui de nos coeurs.
Et si ce monde pour lequel nous prions,
Dépendait de nos présentes actions;
Et si nous refusions enfin de tolérer,
Qu’une femme de plus soit abandonnée,
Au bord d’une route qu’elle aujourd’hui balaye,
Et un jour construit,
En offrant,
Eperdument,
Sueur, amour, et vie.
Quand je me laisse un peu rêver,
Les femmes que nous célébrons ce mois-ci,
ont leurs efforts et vertus,
Appréciés ; reconnus,
Tout au long de l’année.
The world I dream of on Women’s Day,
Is one of empowered women and vocal allies
Who together, keep prejudice at bay,
United in mission, by humanity’s ties.
To the fathers that have been rocks,
That have given their daughters steady support,
To the brothers that have honoured their sisters,
As they braved a sometimes frightening, negligent world,
You are a pride to your mothers and we salute you!
May your conviction never falter,
May you never abuse your power,
For History observes, History judges, History remembers.
Demandons-nous sans crainte ou retenue:
Duhanikire icyarimwe tuti:
« Uri Mwiza Mama! »
« Data azaguhe urugukwiye
Rumwe udukunda utizigamye
N’uwaguhanze aguhore hafi
Azakurinde amakuba yose.”
In the world I dream of, on Women’s Day,
compassion and support are not gendered.
Indeed, when I let my mind wander,
And to faith and hope, surrender,
The plains along which our children run,
Are evenly endowed by rain and sun.
J’ose rêver d’un futur lumineux pour les femmes.
Je rêve d’un monde ou égale est chaque âme.}
