The request was made yesterday on Thursday 8th April 2021 during the commemoration of genocide victims in the district.
The event that took place at Mukeri and Gisuma genocide memorials located in Byumba sector attracted minimal participation of mourners in compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures.
Munyakazi André, a survivor with relatives buried at Mukeri memorial said that it is shameful to see some memorials without roofing that water penetrates inside easily.
He appealed to the Government for action to have these memorials upgraded.
“For instance, you can see that it is raining on this memorial. It would be better if the memorial is upgraded and get roofing because rain water usually penetrates inside the cemetery and destroys remains of deceased relatives,” he said.
Munyemana Augustin from Kageyo sector said that water drainage channels should be constructed and proceed with further upgrading works to ensure remains are kept in safe conditions.
Kamizikunze Anastase, the President of IBUKA, organization umbrella of genocide survivors in Gicumbi district has said that three of six memorials are not roofed.
He however explained that they plan to relocate these memorials to one memorial at district level that will be properly constructed.
The mayor of Gicumbi district, Ndayambaje Félix has explained that they are seeking a solution to build one memorial that will accommodate remains from five memorials in different areas.
“We have a plan to build a decent genocide memorial at district level whereby some memorials can be integrated. We are holding talks with the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide. We have already submitted a proposal to run two memorials including one of Tutsis killed during the 1994 Genocide and another one of victims killed on accusation of espionage,” he said.
Ndayambaje revealed that the genocide memorial at district level is expected to be built in Mutete sector at a cost of over Rwf 800 million.
Gicumbi district has six memorials, three of which accommodate remains of 1541 genocide victims.
These include Mutete, Rutare, Nyarurama, Mukeri and Mugina genocide memorials as well as Gisuna memorial accommodating killed victims accused of espionage.
On Thursday 8th April 2021, the team of Japanese volunteers paid a courtesy call to the Minister of State for East African Community Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Prof. Nshuti Manasseh.
The team was accompanied by ambassador of Japan in Rwanda, Masahiro Imai and Maruo Shin, the chief representative of JICA Rwanda.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that they discussed, among others, bilateral relations and the JICA resuming the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers’ activities in Rwanda.
Rwanda registered 44 volunteers from Japan as of March 2020 who returned home as Coronavirus emerged.
Despite their return, JOCV continued to assist Rwandan residents virtually.
These volunteers arrived again in Rwanda on 3rd April 2021 expected to resume their activities in the districts of Kayonza, Kirehe, Musanze, Ngoma and Rwamagana effective from Friday 9th April 2021.
These volunteers also visited Kigali Genocide Memorial yesterday morning where they paid respect to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in solidarity with the people of Rwanda during this commemoration period.
JICA has released a statement showing that resuming volunteerism activities is entrenched on the fact that Rwanda has made giant and promising strides towards fighting COVID-19.
Japan volunteers started activities in Rwanda in 1987 through JICA. These activities halted in 1993 and resumed after 12 years in 2005.
A total of 300 youth volunteers from Japan in the age bracket of 20 and 30 have so far involved in volunteer activities in Rwanda with major interventions in proper maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructures, building capacity for coffee farmers and promoting science based education among others.
Nyamirambo in Kigali city is among areas where Tutsis were brutally killed by Interahamwe militia in collaboration with Guards of the then President Habyarimana Juvénal.
After the shooting of the airplane that carried Habyarimana on 6th April 1994, the long-planned Genocide went into execution from the next day on 7th April.
On 8th April, Tutsis in Nyamirambo were hunted Interahamwe militia in collaboration with Republican Guards of the then President Habyarimana Juvénal. Some Tutsi sought refuge at St Charles Lwanga Catholic Church, School of Josephite Brothers and College Saint André in Nyamirambo but were unfortunately killed.
27 years after genocide against Tutsi, survivors who lost relatives or continue to endure physical and emotional wounds inflicted by perpetrators.
Gakwaya Gérard, is an old man from Urumuri village in Rwezamenyo sector. He is among Tutsi that survived gun shots of Habyarimana’s guards after the death of her children and wife.
As killings started, Gakwaya revealed that these soldiers were invited by neighbors that worked at the Central Bank to exterminate Tutsi in the area.
“After the plane crash on 6th April 1994, we started hiding from killers the next day. In the night of 8th April, soldiers shot dead a resident at the entrance of my home,” he said.
As he explained; Fabien Neretse, a resident of Nyamirambo invited Republican Guards of former President Habyarimana to help them exterminate Tutsis on 9th April 1994. Gakwaya’s wife and children were killed the same day.
Neretse Fabien was in 2019 handed 25-year sentence convicted of genocide crimes and crimes against humanity by Belgian courts.
Gakwaya explained that Nyamirambo was inhabited by magnates and other public servants with decent jobs working with the Central Bank or Banque Commercial du Rwanda (BCR) currently known as I&M Bank.
The old man went on to reveal that some BNR staff in the area invited soldiers because most of them hailed from Gisenyi and Ruhengeri, regions where Habyarimana and senior military officers had roots.
Since then, Gakwaya said that those soldiers went to the area regularly to hunt and kill remaining Tutsi.
Before the killings began, Gakwaya explained, a list of Tutsi to be killed had been made earlier. These soldiers did not only kill Tutsi in Nyamirambo but also pillaged their belongings.
Like other relatives, Gakwaya narrated that these killers looted all his possessions that he was left with bare hands.
Cerobika Alphonsine also lives in Nyamirambo. Her husband called Buseruka Gérard was killed by guards of President Habyarima.
She told IGIHE that her husband who worked at BCR was killed on 3rd May 1994.
The day her husband was killed, Cerobika had fled with children so that they could not be killed together and hide them from rapists.
“The husband advised us to flee fearing her daughters would be raped in his presence. So we went into hiding. When killers came, they asked him where we were. He replied that he didn’t know. They immediately took him outside the house and shot him dead in the backyard,” she narrated.
The President of IBUKA, organization umbrella of genocide survivors, Rwego Yusuf, has told IGIHE that many Tutsi were killed in the area even though the number of victims has not yet been established.
“Many Tutsi from different places were killed here in Nyamirambo. Some came from St Joseph and Biryogo among others. Many victims in Urumuri village were killed by soldiers,” he said.
Rwego explained that some Tutsis were boarded in a car from St Joseph and taken to Rwezamenyo where they were killed.
The former mayor of Commune Nyarugenge and Renzaho Tharcisse who was the then Kigali city mayor are accused to be masterminds behind getting Tutsis killed in Nyamirambo.
Despite the atrocities, Rwego said that the evil was finally defeated in July 1994 that Habyarimana soldiers fled the country as RPA soldiers intervened to rescue and liberate the country.
“From Kanombe Military camp and elsewhere, Habyarimana’s soldiers were dispersed that they couldn’t spend time identifying who is a Tutsi or not but rather begged food along the road. Whoever alive witnessed how Habyarimana’s soldiers were defeated and hit hard at the time,” he noted.
RPA soldiers kept soldiering on to rescue targeted Tutsis and as they repelled Habyarimana’s soldiers until they were completely defeated.
Despite endured dark past, Genocide survivors in Nyamirambo are glad for attained transformations under the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame.
The Government helped them to get decent shelters, access education among others that orphans have grown into men and women with great hope for a prosperous future working with the rest of Rwandans to rebuild the nation shaken by wounds of genocide.
As Rwanda started the 27th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, President Paul Kagame has said that Rwandans have united against the evil than ever before highlighting that the shared identity of striving for a united Rwanda has paved way for Rwanda’s resilience and quick recovery from wounds of Genocide.
Considering the journey, Rwandans went through and attained progress; President Kagame said that the immensity of what has been achieved is almost miraculous that the results are attested to by Rwandans, and indeed indisputable.
“First, there are the tangible signs, things that we can see and feel. New buildings and roads. Better hospitals and health centres. Water and electricity services, where they never existed before. Visitors flocking to see Rwanda’s unique wildlife and enjoy our hospitality. But the intangible transformations which have taken place in the hearts and minds of our people are even more important. They allow progress to be sustained from generation to generation,” he said.
Despite efforts by genocide deniers and propagandists that continue to fuel genocide denials, and trivialization, Kagame stressed that Rwandans have managed to distinguish the right from evils and remained committed to their purpose to rebuild a better nation and consolidate gains.
“We also credit Rwanda’s rebirth to the fact that the larger part of Rwandans wanted to build a better nation and overcome the manipulations by the bad leaders of the past. Given the chance to live better and see things differently, our people seized it. This is an indispensable part of our strength,” he said.
“As a result, even in the midst of constant pressures and distractions, Rwanda today is unquestionably more united and forward-looking than ever before. And here, I am speaking particularly about the youth, who are the vast majority of our country’s people. That is why all efforts to divide and divert us have failed, and will continue to fail,” added Kagame.
Findings from the report were presented to President Macron on 26th March 2021. It was made by an expert committee of French historians led by Prof. Vincent Duclert.
The report by French historians revealed that France bears “heavy and overwhelming responsibilities” over tragic history that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million victims.
The report blames the then French President, François Mitterrand, for a “failure” of policy towards Rwanda in 1994. The findings were made public after years of French official secrecy over links to the Government led by Juvenal Habyarimana.
President Macron appointed the 15-member commission two years ago, giving them access to presidential, diplomatic, military and intelligence archives.
Among the archives are those of Mitterrand, who had close ties to former Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana.
The commission members include experts on the Holocaust, on the massacres of Armenians in World War I and on international criminal law.
As he delivered the message marking the beginning of the 27th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi; Kagame said that certain French officials have for decades tried to cover up their responsibilities (during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi) which caused significant damage and reminisced on the Duclert report which he welcomed highlighting that it marks an important step toward common understanding of what took place.
“Recently, a commission of historians appointed by the French government released a detailed report after reading official archives that had remained secret. The report shows that President Mitterrand and his closest advisers knew that genocide against Tutsi was being planned by their allies in Rwanda. Despite that knowledge, the president decided to continue supporting them, because he believed this was necessary for France’s geopolitical position. Rwandan lives were just pawns in geopolitical games,” he said.
“We welcome this report because it marks an important step toward a common understanding of what took place. It also marks a change, it shows the desire, even for leaders in France, to move forward with a good understanding of what happened, and we welcome this. We welcome this. We are going to have the report presented to us. I have been informed about it. It is a good thing,” added Kagame.
The President emphasized that Rwanda will, in the near future, release its findings going in the same direction with findings from Duclert report.
“Rwanda will also have a word to say in the near future, maybe around the third week of this month. The findings we have in our hands, based on the work that has been done by people who were commissioned to do that in parallel to what was being done in France — the findings go in the same direction. The important thing is to continue working together to document the truth. This is the truth,” he noted.
Kagame delivered the message today as he addressed remarks marking the beginning of the 27th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi to Rwandans and friends of Rwanda.
The ceremony held after lighting the flame of hope at Kigali genocide Memorial, observed COVID-19 control measures including wearing of face masks, and keeping social distancing among others.
As he addressed participants, Kagame said that Kwibuka (remembrance) challenges Rwandans to reflect on the context of the present moment, ‘as well as the cumulative history that has led us here’.
Despite the fact that Rwanda may not yet be wealthy or fully healthy, and has vulnerabilities and limitations, like any country; the President highlighted the country knows how to deal with own problems which have turned Rwandans into resilient people full of purpose and hope.
From wounds of Genocide, emerged strength that helped Rwandans to strive for a united country that has promoted unity and reconciliation. Among others, Rwanda has registered fast progress after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi that it has been become a role model many countries worldwide come to learn from.
Considering the journey, Rwandans went through and attained progress; President Kagame said that the immensity of what has been achieved is almost miraculous that the results are attested to by Rwandans, and indeed indisputable.
“First, there are the tangible signs, things that we can see and feel. New buildings and roads. Better hospitals and health centres. Water and electricity services, where they never existed before. Visitors flocking to see Rwanda’s unique wildlife and enjoy our hospitality. But the intangible transformations which have taken place in the hearts and minds of our people are even more important. They allow progress to be sustained from generation to generation,” he said.
Despite efforts by genocide deniers and propagandists that continue to fuel genocide denials, and trivialization, Kagame stressed that Rwandans have managed to distinguish the right from evils and remained committed to their purpose to rebuild a better nation and consolidate gains.
“We also credit Rwanda’s rebirth to the fact that the larger part of Rwandans wanted to build a better nation and overcome the manipulations by the bad leaders of the past. Given the chance to live better and see things differently, our people seized it. This is an indispensable part of our strength,” he said.
“As a result, even in the midst of constant pressures and distractions, Rwanda today is unquestionably more united and forward-looking than ever before. And here, I am speaking particularly about the youth, who are the vast majority of our country’s people. That is why all efforts to divide and divert us have failed, and will continue to fail,” added Kagame.
The President emphasized that Rwandans of today have gained a lot, that they have something precious to defend. He however explained that it requires constant vigilance, along with a commitment to introspection and honesty.
“Decades, even centuries of progress, can be wiped away in the blink of an eye. We have seen examples in different societies around the world, no matter how advanced. I know for certain that Rwandans will always be ready to protect what we have built, without hesitation or apology,” he noted.
She delivered the message today via Twitter handle as Rwanda began the 27th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi that will last for 100 days.
“Let us remember and continue to remind each other of our common identity as Rwandans; that we will stand by it, as well as pass it onto generations to come! Humura Rwanda!” she said.
Commemoration events will be held virtually in compliance with Coronavirus preventive measures. They will be aired on radios, televisions and other designated social media platforms.
On 26th January 2018, the United Nations declared 7th April as the international day for commemoration of Genocide against Tutsi.
On 7th April every year, the international community commemorates the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million Tutsi victims in three months.
President Paul Kagame alongside First Lady, Jeannette Kagame presided over the ceremony marking the beginning of the 27th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi lighting the flame of remembrance and laying wreaths at the Kigali Genocide Memorial where 259,000 genocide victims from Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge in Kigali city are laid to rest.
The report made by the Ministry of Local Government from 2000 to 2002 indicated that 1,074,017 Tutsis were killed during 100 days from April to July 1994. The report released in 2004 identifies places where genocide victims lived, their ages and names.
The ceremony took place today at Kigali Genocide Memorial where 259,000 remains of genocide victims from Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge in Kigali city are laid to rest.
On 7th April every year, the international community commemorates the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million Tutsi victims in three months.
It is a time to remember victims, unite through the strength of the Rwandan nation, and renew the determination to build a prosperous future.
Before lighting the flame of hope that will last for 100 days, Kagame along First Lady laid wreaths at the memorial’s mass graves as they paid tribute to fallen Genocide victims.
The ceremony was held observing strict COVID-19 control measures including wearing of face masks, and keeping social distancing among others.
In attendance were the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Representatives from umbrella organizations of genocide survivors including IBUKA and AVEGA Agahozo.
After laying wreaths and paying tribute to genocide victims laid at the memorial, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame have joined over 500 Rwandans and friends of Rwanda, gathered at Kigali Arena in observance of COVID-19 measures, for a ceremony marking the 27th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
This year, commemoration events will be held virtually in compliance with Coronavirus preventive measures. They will be aired on radios, televisions and other designated social media platforms.
On 26th January 2018, the United Nations declared 7th April as the international day for commemoration of Genocide against Tutsi.
Audoin-Rouzeau made the observation on Tuesday 6th April 2021, few days after Duclert report that reviewed archives on France’s role during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi presented findings to President Macron on 26th March 2021.
The committee that made the report was led by historian, Prof. Vincent Duclert.
The report by French historians revealed that France bears “heavy and overwhelming responsibilities” over tragic history that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million victims.
The report also triggered reactions of other French soldiers who were deployed in ‘Opération Turquoise’ (a French-led military intervention in Rwanda since 1994) among other politicians who have been explaining the Government of the then French President, Mitterand disregarded for several times reports and evidences explaining that Genocide was under preparation in Rwanda.
France Inter Radio based in France yesterday aired a talk commenting on Duclert report in which a historian, Audoin-Rouzeau and female Rwandan survivor of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, Jeanne Allaire Kayigirwa were invited.
Audoin-Rouzeau who was delisted from the committee making Duclert report said that showing the role of France during the Genocide against Tutsi ‘ is a great milestone’ filling the gap among French nationals denying genocide.
“The Presidency Office had all means to know and refuse the existence of ethnic groups in Rwanda. This means, they were able to prevent racial discrimination and divisive Government of Habyarimana. It kept a blind eye to killings that took place in 1990 and continued with participation of Government officials. Duclert is clear enough,”he said.
Audoin-Rouzeau explained that there are many countries that apologized for role during the 1994 Genocie against Tutsi like Vatican and highlighted that France should also follow the suit.
“I beseech President Macron to apologize on behalf of France. The president of the Republic should support this truth. Belgians apologized and Vatican did so. Why should France refrain from apologizing? The President of the Republic should do so,” he advised.
Jeanne Allaire Kayigirwa also emphasized that findings of the report are clear but criticized the statement that France supported Habyarimana’s Government blindly.
“It is a great milestone but the word ‘blind’ is not corresponding to the context. You cannot state that it was blind to provide support yet it was well known that Habyarimana’s Government was characterized by racial discrimination, preparing the extermination of Tutsis,” she said.
Kayigirwa also insisted that Macron should apologize for France’s role during the Genocide against Tutsi.
“We are awaiting his reaction. We ask him to hold a speech on 7th April, at the day he dedicated for commemoration of the 1194 Genocide against Tutsi in his country. The time is now for the President of the Republic to apologize to families of genocide survivors,” she observed.
Speaking to IGIHE; Dr Sandeep Goyal, a Dentist & orthodontist at Advanced Dental Centre in Kigali city has deeply explained side effects of finger sucking, how parents can help children and how it can be rectified if it has damaged teeth and the jaw.
Dr. Goyal has said that finger sucking is a usual habit among children that it starts affecting the jaw after three years.
“Finger sucking is normal for a child but it causes side effects if the practice spans for over three years. It starts damaging teeth at this stage and can be harmful if parents do not seek assistance from a dentist,” he said.
Dr. Goyal explained that sucking fingers for over three years damages jaw bones, misaligns and prolongs teeth out of month, and affects nasal respiratory tracts.
Dr. Goyal has however revealed that such anomalies can be corrected.
“When someone has misaligned teeth to the extent that it causes speech impediment, the problem lies in bones structure. We bring them to normal using orthodontics braces. We also conduct surgery to correct the anomaly in case braces are not helpful,” he noted.
Dr. Goyal said that there are unusual braces made from laboratory placed in the mouth of children in age brackets between 8 and 10 to stop misalignment.
He advised parents to try their best to discourage children from finger-sucking addiction to avoid such side effects.
Dr. Goyal reminded parents whose children experienced side effects emanating from finger sucking to seek assistance from accredited dentists to properly rearrange teeth to stop speech impediment and stigma related to misalignment.
Advanced Dental Centre has all it takes to assist patients with longstanding expertize and specialists in teeth rearrangement. It also has specialists in charge of treating other teeth and mouth problems including bad breath, tooth decay, tooth extraction, brushing, and whitening.
The expert says that people should put down the idea that dental care is expensive but go to the Advanced Dental Centre as they work with various insurance companies, RSSB, MMI, and others and it works all day of the week.
For advice on how to take good care of your teeth and medical care call the experts of the Advanced Dental Centre on 0789313200.
He made the call yesterday on Monday 5th April 2021 as he met with local leaders, opinion leaders and development partners from respective sectors of Ruheru, Nyabimata, Muganza and Kivu in Nyaruguru district, Southern Province.
Minister Gatabazi reminded them that new COVID-19 cases are on high rise particularly in Southern Province and asked them to remain complaint to avoid whatever that could lead them to lockdown.
“Southern Province is the current major spotlight for new COVID-19 infections that it requires residents to up efforts in respecting instituted preventive directives. I have seen residents without wearing face masks along the road while others wore face masks when they arrived here at the meeting ground. It shouldn’t go that way. Face masks are not worn only in meetings. It is meant for protection whenever in public,” he said.
Gatabazi reminded them not to wear face masks only fearing local leaders or police officers but rather should be a routine whenever they leave home.
“Considering the current new cases in Huye, Gisagara and Nyaruguru among others, you need to think deeply about the situation and take action because it might lead to lockdown if the situation persists,” he noted.
Participants of the meeting pledged to increase efforts to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
“It is apparent that we have been complacent in Southern Province. It is time to take action to intensify preventive measures to contain surging new cases,” said Venuste Bimenyimana.
Recently, the Government set specific measures in Southern Province following revelations that it has become the major hotspot for new cases. This saw the Government setting curfew hours from 7pm to 4am in Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Gisagara, Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru districts compared to other parts of the country where curfew hours were set from 9pm to 4am.
The statement from the Ministry of Health released last night shows that 173 of 202 new COVID-19 infections were found in Southern Province.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
