“Combatting corruption may have a political cost, but the price of not uprooting it is much higher, in particular for the most vulnerable members of our societies,” he said.
Kagame delivered the message today as he virtually attended the 5th Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Awards.
This year’s awards have been given out in Tunisia while previous ceremony took place in Rwanda last year at Kigali Convention Center.
The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Awards are given to people who have been exemplary in leading the fight against corruption. The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award is organized by Qatar in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
President Kagame commended the Emir of Qatar and the valuable partnership with the United Nations that makes the awards possible and congratulated awardees for unique and determined efforts to expose and eliminate corruption.
“The fight against corruption is a global objective that requires all of us to work together, to improve our societies. Transparency and accountability allow us to use our national resources effectively for the wellbeing of our citizens,” he said.
The award giving ceremony coincided with the International Anti-Corruption Day.
The parliamentarian made the appeal on Monday 7th December 2020 as the parliament reviewed the amendment UK Trading Law.
He was insisting on the request of his colleague, Andrew Mitchell.
Polak affirmed that his country kept a deaf ear to Rwanda’s request to bring to book suspects of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi roaming in the UK.
He explained that his country relented on willingness to do so, which is contrary to other countries that have deported fugitives to Rwanda or tried them.
“Five suspects for role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi live freely in the UK and receive full benefits. Yet the United States of America, Canada, France, Belgium, Sweden and other countries have extradited suspects to face justice in the Rwanda justice system where the death penalty was abolished over 10 years ago,” said Polak.
He said that it is shocking that UK failed to do the same, thus calling the UK for urgent action before the next CHOGM to take place in Rwanda.
“I call upon the Government to weigh in this matter before the next CHOGM that will be held in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda next year,” said Polak.
The five genocide fugitives living in the UK are; Célestin Mutabaruka, Vincent Bajinya nicknamed Vincent Brown, Célestin Ugirashebuja, Charles Munyaneza and Emmanuel Nteziryayo.
As he commented to the arrest of Paul Rusesabagina, Andrew Mitchell criticized The Guardian (a British daily newspaper) which reported that Rwanda seeks to intimidate Rusesabagina but rather asked to draw emphasis on how genocide fugitives can be brought to book.
“Before leaving this topic, your newspaper should support the arrest of five Rwandans accused of role in Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda still roaming freely in UK living on benefits of British nationals for over ten years,” he said.
Mitchell explained that British legal system didn’t draw attention on the case despite Rwanda’s efforts to bring to book these fugitives which remained futile.
In 2018, Rwanda’s ambassador in the UK, Jo Lomas said that the investigation department in his country had started preliminary investigations to the suspects.
He made the revelation after holding talks with Rwanda’s Justice Minister, Busingye Johnston. At the time, Lomas revealed that his Government is closely following the case waiting for the Prosecution’s decision.
At the time, Minister Busingye said that no progress had been made despite Rwanda’s request to deport these suspects.
He revealed that the most important thing is to bring the fugitives to face justice where they can be convicted or acquitted.
Speaking to IGIHE, the CEO of Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) Francis Gatare confirmed the presence and revealed that further processes will be determined by ongoing research.
“Lithium has been found in different parts. We continue to carry out research to identify areas with enough minerals to start extraction in a productive way,” he said.
“It has been traced in several places that extraction can start. The presence is confirmed in Muhanga district, Ngororero in the areas of Gatumba as well as Rwamagana and Bugesera districts in Eastern Province. The remaining step is to determine the types, quantity and quality,” added Gatare.
He explained that Lithium minerals have a great value considering international market demand.
“Lithium minerals have a high value at the international market nowadays, considering countries’ visions and growing need for the use of batteries in cars or electricity generation,” noted Gatare.
“The extraction and processing should be assessed rigorously to avoid loss of value yet the world strongly needs it,” added Gatare.
As he said, the country is looking for partner investors to start productive and beneficial extraction as expected.
“It needs investment but there are concerned institutions. Research comes first, and then follows extraction knowing better where it will be processed. We are looking for partner investors with such knowledge and capacity so that a processing plant will be available by the time we get extraction licensing,” revealed Gatare.
He advised the public that not to engage in extraction of such minerals until licensing, and measures guiding Lithium extraction processes are implemented.
Apart from Lithium, research is underway to establish the presence of ‘Uranium’ especially used in the production of nuclear energy.
Rwanda recently entered agreements with Russia on cooperation in the construction of the Centre of Nuclear Science and Technology on the territory of Rwanda as well as the establishment of nuclear power plant in Rwanda.
The agreements indicate that nuclear energy will be mainly used for peaceful in different areas including nuclear medicine, research reactor laboratory complex, and multipurpose radiation especially in agriculture, education, radiobiology, and material science.
Gatare said that there is still a long way to go Rwanda for Rwanda to extract ‘Uranium’ which might be found in existing minerals licensed for extraction.
“Minerals found in Rwanda like Cassiterite, Colta and Wolframite mostly propagate Uranium and thorium radiations. It is a reality that Uranium and thorium minerals are present. However, there has been no research to identify sites with enough volumes,” he said.
Rwanda expects to earn Rwf 500 billion from trading of minerals.
Lithium is an element valuable for the production of glass, aluminum products, and batteries.
In total, about 65 percent of lithium produced goes toward battery production, but other industries also consume the metal. For example, 18 percent of lithium is used in ceramics and glass, while 5 percent goes to lubricating greases.
According to the US Geological Survey, lithium consumption for batteries has increased significantly in recent years due to the use of rechargeable lithium batteries in the growing market for portable electronic devices, as well as in electric tools, electric vehicles and grid storage applications.
Lithium batteries are proving to be an effective and affordable alternative to traditional batteries, and also in new battery applications. More than 50% of lithium mined is used in batteries.
This use has recently increased rapidly spurring an increase in lithium mining to provide the lithium for batteries.
The mineral is mixed with other light metals such as aluminum and magnesium to form strong, light-weight alloys (an alloy is a mixture of metals).
Some lithium, in the form of lithium carbonate or lithium citrate, is used as medicine to treat gout (an inflammation of joints) and to treat serious mental illness.
Australia, Chile, China, Argentine, Zimbabwe and Portugal are ranked top Lithium producers.
The meeting held at Village Urugwiro was attended by AU Reforms Advisory team including the Chairperson of African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat.
Others members of the team include Dr. Donald Kaberuka , the board chair of Global Fund; Acha Leke, economic expert from Cameroon; Strive Masiyiwa, entrepreneur from Zimbabwe; Dr. Carlos Lopes from Guinea Bisau; Cristina Duarte, former Minister of Finance, Cabo Verde; Mariam Mahamat Nour former Tchad Minister of Economy and international Cooperation ; Dr Vera Songwe from Cameroon; Amina J. Mohammed from Nigeria and Tito Mboweni, South Africa’s Finance Minister.
Achieving self-financing is one of reforms being implemented. Self-financing the African Union (AU) is one of the urgent and necessary institutional reforms, critical for the realisation of the AU vision for inclusive and sustainable development as laid out in its Agenda 2063.
In July 2016, African Heads of State and Government took a historic decision and adopted a 0.2% levy to ensure that all member states pay their yearly contributions to the AU, fully and in time. The decision directs all AU member states to implement a 0.2% levy on eligible imports into the continent to finance the AU and bring about sustainable, predictable, equitable and accountable financing.
In the same year, the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government also decided to endow the Peace Fund with $400m in Member State contributions to be drawn from the 0.2% levy instituted to finance the overall African Union budget. The full endowment level was expected to be reached in 2021. So far $200 contributions have been raised.
Other reforms to be implemented include gender balance effective from the next elections of African Union Commission leadership scheduled in January 2021. If Faki Mahamat is re-elected, he will be deputized by a woman.
Despite restrictions linked to COVID-19, the African Union (AU) has started the process to elect a new AU Commission (AUC) in January 2021. In line with the AU reform process that began in 2016 under the supervision of President Paul Kagame, the new AUC will have fewer commissioners and will be elected through a new merit-based system.
Mudathiru is part of 32 people accused of working with terror groups including P5 and FLN.
During the previous hearing, the prosecution requested the court to consider provided evidences pinning the suspects to give them heaviest punishments granted by laws.
The Military prosecution separately requested punishments for each charge and overall, sought life sentence for all suspects on ground of involvement in coordinated activities.
The suspects are segmented into two groups mainly the group comprising of 25 led by Rtd Major Mudathiru Habib (a former RDF soldier) facing charges including formation and being part of an irregular armed group or joining it, conspiracy against the established Government or the President of the Republic, maintaining relations with a foreign government with the intent to wage a war and formation of or joining a criminal group.
They were captured last year in terrorism activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), as part of an intensified campaign by the Congolese military against militia groups operating in the country. The 25 suspects were extradited to on 18th June 2019. Another suspect connected to the case is Pte a Jean Bosco Ruhinda who escaped to DRC forests. He is tried in absentia because he has not yet been captured.
Another group connected to the case includes Corporal Viateurv, Corporal Jean Bosco Dusabimana and Private Champagnat Igitego led by Pte Dieudonné Muhire.
They are accused along with two civilians Pacifique Muhire and Richard Nzafashwanimana.
The group is accused of escaping the military, conspiracy against the Government or intending to overthrowing it by means of war or other powers, formation of a criminal group and subsequently seducing new recruits, and taking part of terror group’s activities.
The 31 co-accused were yesterday present in court except Private Ruhinda tried in absentia.
As they appeared at Military High Court for the final hearing of the case that opened last year, Mudathiru told the court he was part of soldiers raiding Rwanda on 1st October 1990 during the liberation war. Mudathiru was at the rank of Sergeant got from Uganda’s military he had joined in 1981.
Mudathiru later held different positions including appointment as a military instructor until 2005 when he was promoted to the rank of major.
In 2009, Mudathiru was arrested for issuing unguaranteed cheque but later won the case.
He returned to work, reintegrated in National Police and retired in 2013 when Mudathiru requested authorization to join his family in Uganda. That’s when RNC lured him until he joined and arrested.
{{Admitting three of five charges }}
Mudathiru admitted three charges namely’ joining illegal armed group, bad intentions against the Government and maintaining relations with a foreign government with the intent to wage a war.
He however denied charges pinning him to the foundation of the armed group and terror activities.
“I admit the three charges only and apologize for that,” said Mudathiru.
He admitted to have facilitated trainings but denied involvement in recruitment processes.
Mudathiru expressed gratefulness to Rwanda for the support he received since arrest including treatment for wounds inflicted in DRC forests, diabetes and blood pressure.
Among others, he thanked the court for granting them freedom of expression during different hearings, apologized to the President of the Republic and all Rwandans.
Considering humane treatment in Rwanda despite his accusations, Mudathiru expressed remorse for his acts.
“I admit what happened and apologize to the country. Rwanda is our parent. Honorable judge, have mercy on me as you make rulings. I am apologizing from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
Mudathiru requested lessened penalties committing to respect the laws after pardon and return to normal life.
Ildephonse Rusigariye also sought forgiveness expressing commitment to be a good and exemplary citizen in the community. He explained that he was seduced for a job but ended up finding himself in a terror group.
Jean de Dieu Ndirahira, a Burundian held for involvement in activities intended to destabilize Rwanda’s security appreciated kind treatment in Rwanda and requested the court to consider his innocence citing that he was abducted in Burundi’s market by Kinyarwanda speaking people.
A Ugandan, Desideriyo Fred who is among arrested terror suspects said he willingly reported himself to DRC security before they were handed to Rwanda.
The Defense Lawyer of the suspects, Rwagasore requested the court to acquit his clients proposing an alternative of keeping them in a camp as they await reintegration to normal life.
The Presiding Judge, Lt Col Bernard Rugamba Hategekimana declared end of the hearing and announced ruling schedule on 15th January 2021.
Judge Lt Col Rugamba has been attending to the case along with two colleagues namely; Major Charles Sumanyi and Maj Narcisse Cyubahiro Nsengiyumva.
Staff Sergeant Sylvain Mutabaruka was the secretary while prosecutors include Major Dennis and Captain Rugamba Jacques.
{President Paul Kagame has emphasized the need to embrace the use of technology in daily lives which is increasingly becoming a prerequisite upon which the good jobs of the future will rely on.}
Kagame was yesterday speaking at the 9th Smart Africa Board Meeting during which he joined other Heads of State and Government, their representatives and other delegates.
President Kagame said that seven more countries have joined Smart Africa since the last Board Meeting, in May 2019. This brought membership to 31 countries. The new members are; Algeria, Cap Verde, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mauritania, Morocco, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. The organization also got new membership from the private sector, including Tahaluf Al Emarat, BICS, and Softbank.
To this end, President Kagame emphasized the importance of the partnership with the private sector for smart Africa and stressed the need for increased investments in technology which is at the helm of future progress.
“We place a high value on what you as business leaders bring to these efforts. We will continue working together with you very closely, to make the necessary investments and also ensure a common standing of how to proceed. This is especially evident in the process of recovering from Covid. The pandemic has shown that connectivity is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” he said.
“Increasingly, the provision of education and health services depends on digital infrastructure. The good jobs of the future will also rely on technology skills, and a digital identity. The mission of Smart Africa really seats the center of everything we are trying to do, as a continent and with our partners around the world,” added Kagame.
The meeting also assessed ways of reducing internet cost by 2025, the master plan for developed rural areas, seeking how to start Smart Africa embassies and establishment of Smart Africa Academy among others.
Smart Africa is a bold and innovative commitment from African Heads of State and Government to accelerate sustainable socio- economic development on the continent, ushering Africa into a knowledge economy through affordable access to Broadband and usage of Information and Communications Technologies.
Other Partners of the Smart Africa Alliance include the African Union, the ITU, World Bank, the African Development Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSMA) and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
Rwanda is among other African countries where people are expressing willingness to stay. As of today, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports over 100 returnees who have visited the country and expressed willingness to stay.
In is under this background that the Minister of State in charge of the East African Community in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prof. Nshuti Manasseh has today received 16 returnees of African descent from the USA and other parts of the world who are working to settle and make Rwanda their home.
He assured Rwanda’s readiness to host them and took them through opportunities awaiting them as they settle in Rwanda.
The delegation comprises of experts in education, technology, arts, entrepreneurs from the United States of America, Canada, England and the Caribbean.
Majority of these brothers attribute the decision of abandoning former countries to racial discrimination against them.
Marsha Favis born in California of the United States left the country and is currently living in Rwanda along with her children.
“We didn’t get chance to properly identify ourselves, our origin and live with our homeland communities. There is abusive education to our children abroad. We are not taught that black people are capable. But rather taught that only white people are so. Contrary, we have rights to reach our aspirations here with the presence of role models like President Paul Kagame our children can learn from. The President here is a black person, and so the Minister. Everyone resembles my son,” she said.
“He is very tall yet this arouses problem is the USA. By settling here, he will not be a black man but just a man. I am here a woman not a black woman. Children grow with positive ambitions when they see people resembling them achieving great things,” added Marsha.
Marsha explained that Rwanda is the safe place to heal them of segregation wounds.
She was inspired by the country’s security, visionary leadership under the auspice of President Paul Kagame. She has appreciated and is currently under processes of obtaining nationality.
Marsha share similar ambitions with Imahkus Okofu, another returnee from US who has already started operations in Rwanda.
Nicknamed ‘Mama One Africa’, Okofu was born in New York, USA. She visited African countries including Tanzania, Ghana and Rwanda at different times.
“I never felt at ease during my stay in USA. I fled USA in 1990 over racial discrimination and failing to enjoy equal rights like other nationals,” she said.
“I was not willing to come to Africa before due to ill things spoken about Africa. I regretted by the time I visited Ghana to find different reality. I would have come before,” added Imahkus Okofu.
She explained that Africans would limit their desires to stay in USA if they knew the reality.
Imahkus Okofu has made a decision to spend most of her time in Rwanda, Ghana and Tanzania where she has activities.
As they met with Prof Nshuti, some of the returnees were with children.
Ella Jackson is the daughter of Ellen Jackson and Michel Jackson. The family has made final decision to settle in Rwanda.
“We have spent four months here in Rwanda. It is a better, neat place, well organized and has kind people. In fact, everything here is extremely amazing. I have got new friends and I am getting familiar with the environment gradually. I mostly like to visit Nyamirambo when we are shopping,” said Ella.
Prof Nshuti promised all the necessary support for returnees to get identification documents and meet their goals in Rwanda.
The suspects are segmented into two groups mainly the group comprising of 25 led by Rtd Major Mudathiru Habib (a former RDF soldier) facing charges including formation and being part of an irregular armed group or joining it, conspiracy against the established Government or the President of the Republic, maintaining relations with a foreign government with the intent to wage a war and formation of or joining a criminal group.
They were captured last year in terrorism activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), as part of an intensified campaign by the Congolese military against militia groups operating in the country. The 25 suspects were extradited to on 18th June 2019. Another suspect connected to the case is Pte a Jean Bosco Ruhinda who escaped to DRC forests. He is tried in absentia because he has not yet been captured.
Another group connected to the case includes Corporal Viateurv, Corporal Jean Bosco Dusabimana and Private Champagnat Igitego led by Pte Dieudonné Muhire.
They are accused along with two civilians Pacifique Muhire and Richard Nzafashwanimana.
The group is accused of escaping the military, conspiracy against the Government or intending to overthrowing it by means of war or other powers, formation of a criminal group and subsequently seducing new recruits, and taking part of terror group’s activities.
The 31 co-accused were present in court except Private Ruhinda tried in absentia.
Prosecutor Capt Jacques Rugamba has requested the Military High Court to accept the request of the prosecution based on provided evidences.
He also requested the court to consider 10-year sentence separately for the crime of joining irregular armed group.
“We seek ten-year sentence for 30 of 32 suspects excluding Major Rtd Habib Mudathiru and Pte Muhire Dieudonne. They particularly conspired with founders of the armed group because Mudathiru was involved in recruitment for P5 and training recruits how they would plot a war against the Government of Rwanda. We request 15-year sentence for him and Pte Muhire Dieudonne,” he said.
On the accusation of maintaining relations with a foreign government with the intent to wage a war and formation of or joining a criminal group, the prosecution sought 25-year sentence for suspects in the group led by Mudathiru.
On the accusation of forming a criminal group, the prosecution requested 10-year sentence for all the 32 suspects.
The prosecution also sought 20-year sentence for all the 32 suspects over terror activities.
On the charge of conspiracy against the established Government, the prosecution requested life sentence for each of the 32 suspects.
Pte Champagnat Igitego also faces genocide ideology charge for which the prosecution demanded 7-year sentence and Rwf 1 million fines.
On the accusation of escaping the military, the prosecution requested 2-year sentence for Pte Muhire Dieudonne and Pte Ruhinda.
“Finally, we request the Military High court to consider the article 61 and 62 of the penal code determining crimes and punishments, and approve the presence of a coordinated terror activities. Thus, the court should hand the heaviest punishment to all the 32 suspects, life sentence to everyone,” stated the prosecutor.
The prosecutor, however, told the court to consider that Muhire Pacifique facilitated processes by admitting and apologizing for all crimes which should be taken into account while making the judgment.
The prosecutor explained that heavier punishments determined by laws would leave a lesson to those seeking to join terror groups intending to destabilize Rwanda’s security.
Following the request for life sentence, suspects requested the court to alleviate their punishments and apologized to the Government and Rwandans.
The hearing is expected to be concluded on tomorrow when the court will announce dates for reading the ruling.
Kagame made the string observation yesterday as he participated in the virtual 14th Extraordinary African Union Summit dedicated to the African Union’s 50th anniversary declaration on Silencing the Guns in Africa, which is also the theme of the year 2020.
“The only sustainable way to silence the guns in Africa is to deal directly and swiftly with the political and economic factors that create the conditions for violence and strife in the first place. Accomplishing this is within our power as a continent and it must be our priority,” he considered.
President Kagame observed that there is progress made in strengthening the African Union’s ability to contribute meaningfully to peace and security and observed that more efforts need to be rallied to squarely address the issue.
“Progress has been made in strengthening African Union’s ability to contribute meaningfully to peace and security. One example is the operationalization of the African Union Peace Fund, which has been funded by Member States at the highest level since it was established in 1993, with nearly $200 million. This is a good step but we must recognize that conflict cannot be ended by treating the symptoms of cleaning up messes after the fact,” he said.
Kagame commended the African Union Commission, as well as the High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Ambassador Lamtane Lamamra , for the efforts made toward fulfilling this mandate.
Conflict, violence and insecurity continue to be major threats to realising the African Union’s Agenda 2063. To address widespread instability in Africa, and with the aim of leaving a continent at peace to the next generation, Africa’s leaders committed to working towards a continent free from conflict by 2020.
It has been seven years since the declaration, which has become known as Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020, and four years since the Master Roadmap of practical steps towards implementing its objectives was adopted.
President Kagame, however, observed that there is still a long journey to end conflict in Africa because backsliding still happens in some places.
“Africans, of course, are the ones who pay the price. The self-evident need to renew this program for another ten years is an acknowledgement that we have collectively fallen short,” noted Kagame.
During the summit, a minute of silence was observed in memory of fallen AU peacekeepers and victims of violence in Africa.
The Declaration on Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020 was adopted by the assembly in 2013.
Kagame made the remarks today as he joined catholic faithfuls from across the country at Kigali Arena, in a thanksgiving ceremony in honour of the first ever Rwandan cardinal, His Eminence Antoine Kambanda.
Antoine Cardinal Kambanda was officially created on 28 November in the Vatican.
Addressing the congregation, President Kagame expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for trusting Cardinal Kambanda to be amongst the Pope’s closest advisors.
Kagame said that the trust is founded on the wise judgement and proven commitment throughout Cardinal Kambanda’s service to the Church in Rwanda who also showed that he is able to contribute to the Church on the global stage.
“Today, all of us Rwandans have great joy because the Catholic Church of Rwanda has a Cardinal. It’s the first time this has happened in the last 120 years,” said Kagame.
“When a Rwandan rises through the ranks because of his or her proven courage and commendable performances, be it in Rwanda or on the international stage, we are all happy. The trust and dignity that the Pope has given you is also ours as Rwandans,” he added.
President Kagame reflected on Rwanda, Vatican relations which is on good progress and thanked Pope Francis who relentlessly proved commitment to boost relations correcting what went wrong over the past.
This is related to the role of Catholic Church in Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Considering the involvement of Catholic Church members during the genocide, Pope Francis made a step further and apologized on behalf of the church.
“His Holiness does this not only in Rwanda but also other countries across the world. We cannot forget to thank him for that. We thank you Cardinal Kambanda for the new step, and we hope you will collaborate with others to serve well the church, Rwanda and Rwandans,” he said.
President Kagame highlighted that, in the long and rich history of the country, the Church in Rwanda has been a partner in improving the wellbeing of Rwandans through education, health, and development. He said that partnership should continue and stressed the need to invest more.
“The downs that characterized the history of Rwanda and the Catholic Church which also destabilized the country’s welfare, should not be given priority,” he said.
“I think we pulled a lesson from that and discovered what missed that time. We seek whatever preventing reoccurrence and helping us to make steps forward towards reconstructive journey building partnership, the country and its citizens,” added Kagame.
He expressed optimism that Cardinal Kambanda will root on his own history with many lessons and leverage the dark past to shape the future.
“We are on the path towards achieving great things and collaboration. We have been through the journey for over the past twenty years and beyond seeking to do great things, improve collaboration and rebuild. It should not stop, we should not feel complacent. We should be always committed to do that,” said Kagame.
President Kagame emphasized that the willingness of Pope Francis is promising for collaboration to draw special attention on good deeds and leave behind evils.
Cardinal Kambanda thanked Kagame for joining The Catholic Church and the congratulation message sent to him after appointment.
He also expressed delight for joining Christians after his new special appointment to comfort believers.
“ I am excited to join all of you to thank God and share with you the blessing acquired during my installation as Cardinal. Today, I bring the blessing here in Rwanda,” he said.
The President of Rwanda’s Episcopal Conference, Bishop Philippe Rukamba revealed that they were proud for the milestone and good news for all Rwandans.
“His Eminent Cardinal, your installation as cardinal made us happy. We interacted with different people on televisions, radios and social media channels expressing gratefulness because they showed how a person becomes cardinal,” he noted.
“You are adding up another stage to a long sequence of Christians and clerics Rwanda has ever had. Since the past, we are always aware that God spends the day elsewhere and returns to sleep in Rwanda. Your appointment as cardinal convinced us to understand this enough and helped us to understand the impact of Catholic Church in Rwanda globally,” added Rukamba.
He thanked Cardinal Kambanda for his contribution help Rwandans heal from wounds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi as the head of Justice and Peace Commission among Rwanda’s Catholic Church Bishops.
“We consider your installation as cardinal as something proving that we are on the right psychiatric journey because it helps a Christian to pardon like Christ and God,” he said.
Bishop Rukamba explained that promoting unity and reconciliation under the championship of President Paul Kagame was the enabler to restore peace among Rwandans.
The Mass was also attended by other bishops from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi , diplomats accredited to Rwanda, representatives of different faith based organizations among others.
Kambanda was born on 10th November 1958 in Kigali. He attended Primary school in Buurndi and Uganda and continued with secondary school studies in Kenya. He graduated in theology at Grand Seminaire Nyakibanda in Butare Diocese.
Kambanda is among priests ordained by Pope Jean Paul II on 8th September 1990 during his visit in Rwanda. The ceremony took place in Mbare, in the current Shyogwe sector in Muhanga district, Southern Province.
He was nominated the Bishop of Kibungo Diocese on 3rd May 2013 by Pope Francis.
Kambanda was later in 2018, appointed the Archibishop of Kigali Diocese prior to his installation as Cardinal in November 2020.
