Balladur, a rightwing premier under Francois Mitterrand’s Socialist presidency, said in a statement that he opened access “so that everyone can freely see what were our actions and their results”.
Access will be granted in April, when a panel of historians will submit their findings on France’s role during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which claimed lives of more than 1 million victims.
President Emmanuel Macron commissioned the panel in April 2019 amid claims by Rwandans that France supported genocidaires.
They point in particular to Operation Turquoise, a UN-mandated French force sent to halt the killings in June 1994 but which many experts say had little effect.
In his statement, Balladur, who served as premier between 1993 and 1995, insisted that Turquoise had a mandate to ensure the survival of victims on all sides and discourage violence.
Hugues Hourdin, a former advisor to Balladur, told AFP the documents “will show that neither the government nor the army has anything to blame itself for”.
“Mr Balladur would like to remove all doubts about the actions of the government he led, and purge this debate that has been festering for 25 years,” he said.
France’s Rwanda commission has already had access to the archives of both Balladur and Mitterrand.
Macron’s decision to form the panel was seen as a groundbreaking effort to confront France’s troubled history in Africa.
While Rwanda was never a French colony, successive French governments cultivated close ties after the country’s independence in 1962, including training its top military leaders.
It also signed military deals with the then President Juvenal Habyarimana.
The fact that France denied its role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi has long impaired relations between the two countries.
As former France President Nicolas Sarkozy visited Kigali genocide memorial in 2010, he admitted that his country committed political mistakes in Rwanda which he didn’t explain.
Things worsened during the leadership of President François Hollande until he was replaced by Emmanuel Macron giving hope to shed light into the country’s involvement in genocide.
In 2018, President Paul Kagame visited France on the invitation of his counterpart Macron.
After meeting in Paris with his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, Macron said he supported a bid to appoint Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo as secretary general of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).
“The Rwandan foreign minister has every competence to carry out this role,” Macron said. “I will support her.”
In April 2019, Macron unveiled the establishment of the commission made of experts in history and researchers analyzing writings kept in archives of the country indicating France activities in Rwanda between 1990-1994 to come up with the truth on the role of France in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
In 2016, the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) released names of 22 France soldiers who took role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Dr. Mpunga made the observation as he explained why the Government has taken stringent measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus.
Since Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 patient on 14th March last year, 8848 people have been tested positive out of 741,036 sample tests of whom 6816 have recovered, 1927 are active cases while 105 have succumbed to the virus.
Following the increase of new infections and deaths where half of current death toll was reported in December 2020, the cabinet meeting held on Monday 4th January 2021 has banned public and private transport to and from city of Kigali as well as between different districts.
Among other resolutions, all business establishments including restaurants, markets, shops and malls shall close operations daily by 6pm.
As for transport restrictions, the cabinet meeting decided that travel will only be permitted for medical reasons and essential services. Additionally, vehicles transporting goods will continue to function with no more than two people on board.
Dr. Mpunga explained that there was possibility for tougher measures but the Government considered other aspects of life that would be affected if total lock down is imposed.
“People should understand that we should be in the phase of total lockdown considering the current status of the pandemic. Cabinet resolutions were alleviated because we didn’t want to put Rwandans lives at standstill. We realized that it is not the right time because it would leave people’s livelihoods in critical conditions,” he said.
“The new measures are designed to allow people continue running basic activities where necessary adhering to preventive measures meanwhile doing health assessment on the increase or decrease of the pandemic,” added Dr. Mpunga.
He explained that closing businesses at 6pm is meant to help people return home earlier which can also reduce traffic jam or susceptible accidents as people rush to reach home before curfew hours.
The cabinet meeting has also prohibited movements from 8pm to 4am and decided that inter-district travel will only be permitted for medical reasons and essential services while vehicles transporting goods will continue to function with no more than two people on board.
Dr. Mpunga revealed that permitted medical reasons include medical transfers using ambulances while an individual can take a patient to a health facility with possession of medical test results.
He explained that the decision also concerns people living in the neighborhood of Kigali City returning home every day.
As Dr. Mpunga said, relevant institutions will not prohibit movements for people granted passes.
“Relevant officials will make decision whether a person can be allowed to make inter-district movements for specific tangible reasons. If necessary, an individual will have to go for COVID-19 test before authorization,” he noted.
Concerning employees who had traveled to enjoy festive seasons in different parts of the country, Dr. Mpunga explained that no special arrangement for them because current measures require institutions (public and private) to operate at no more than 30% capacity of staff.
Commenting on new measures, the Minister of Justice and State’s Attorney General, Johnston Busingye has via twitter handle reminded Rwandans to adhere to preventive measures that things otherwise worsen.
“Happy New Year Rwandans. 2021 starts but Coronavirus is biting. 105 have succumbed to the pandemic, half of whom died in December 2020. Not a small number is critically ill. Current Covid-19 news is disappointing. You understand what next if inter-district lockdown is not successful. Let us protect ourselves willingly,” he said.
As he featured in a talkshow on local TV and radio stations, the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije recently on 13th December 2020 said that the high level of complacency and individual behaviours is spreading the virus leading to increase in daily infections, thus derailing the national response efforts.
“The surge in the number of cases in the last two weeks has caused concern; the rate of infections is high, we are now seeing infections in many parts of the country and in various groups of people,” Dr. Ngamije said.
Other factors connected to spread of the virus, include some hotels and restaurants that have been reportedly turned into bars while bars guise as restaurants so as to sell alcohol. Police also revealed that some people conceal bottles of alcohol in envelopes or pour alcohol in cups while some hotels have turned into night clubs.
The Minister of Local Government, Prof. Anastase Shyaka recently said that the partnership between the Police and local authorities created a big impact especially between July and September 2020, which partly gave room for the resumption of some services.
“In October and November, many services resumed, lockdown lifted in all places, but unfortunately people misinterpreted this as an indication that the pandemic has been defeated. They became complacent and started disregarding the safety measures,” Prof. Shyaka said.
He further warned of stringent measures against the so called ’the informed’, elite group and leaders, who violate the prevention measures.
According to Prof. Shyaka, about 9600 hospitality establishments have been closed since March for breaching the national prevention directives, with 347 of them closed between December 1-9, 2020.
Appearing on local TV station towards the end of December 2020, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, the Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), related new cases to activities allowed to reopen and complacency against COVID-19 preventive measures.
“Of course, the increase of new patients is related to reopened activities including schools one hand. Secondly, the up surging number is driven by complacency against preventive measures among Rwandan residents. It has been observed that some people relented on some measures including proper wearing of face mask, social distancing. Thirdly, we are assessing the impact of cold weather conditions during this rainy season on spreading the disease,” he said.
Dr Nsanzimana highlighted that attendance to ceremonies for the past three months has also been among causes for increasing cases that people tended to behave as if they were in normal situation.
The resolution is part of other stringent measures taken to control the up surging COVID-19 cases and deaths.
The meeting held at Village Urugwiro was chaired by Premier, Dr Edouard Ngirente.
Since Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 patient on 14th March last year, 8848 people have been tested positive out of 741,036 sample tests of whom 6816 have recovered, 1927 are active cases while 105 have succumbed to the virus.
Following the increase of new infections and deaths where half of current death toll was reported in December 2020, the cabinet meeting has set stringent measures to control the pandemic.
Among other resolutions, all business establishments including restaurants, markets, shops and malls shall close operations daily by 6pm.
As for transport restrictions, the cabinet meeting decided that travel will only be permitted for medical reasons and essential services. Additionally, vehicles transporting goods will continue to function with no more than two people on board.
Other measures include prohibiting movements from 8pm to 4am, domestic and international tourists may travel across districts but must possess negative COVID-19 test results, institutions (public and private) will operate at no more than 30% capacity of staff while other employees shall continue to work from home on rotational basis.
All social gatherings and events including religious weddings ceremonies, receptions, meetings and conferences are prohibited, public gyms and swimming pools shall be restricted from the public with exception of testes guests staying at hotels.
Attendance at wake/vigil (ikiriyo) should not exceed 15 people at any one time while funeral gatherings should not exceed 30 persons.
These measures take effect starting Tuesday, January 5th 2021 and will be reviewed after 15 days upon a health assessment.
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.
Traders explain that extended curfew hours reduced time exhibitors and clients had to spend at the expo ground in Gikondo and some banned activities all reduced the propensity to buy.
Kalisa Umri who was showcasing decorative accessories explained that many buyers used to visit the expo after working hours but for this time would find grounds closed around 6pm.
“We were obliged to leave by the time clients usually visit the expo. It didn’t go well compared to the previous exhibitions. For instance, I paid Rwf 7 million for a stand expecting to get Rwf 10 million from sales but recovered Rwf 2 million only. This evidences how exhibitors experienced huge losses,” he said.
Manirareba Theophile, an employee at TECNO mobile also highlighted that the directive to close the expo at 6pm reduced clients’ participation and buying potential.
“Generally, there was minimal participation but those who got time to visit our stands left some coins. Things didn’t go well like the previous year but we understand the reasons considering the current context when Coronavirus has hit the world affecting many activities,” he said.
Entertainment activities were banned at the 2020 expo as part of COVID-19 preventive measures. Manirareba explained that such activities would attract large number of visitors coming with kids and later visited different stands to shop.
He said the directives also reduced expected number of visitors.
The spokesperson of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), Ntagengerwa Theoneste said the federation should not be blamed for losses noting that some exhibitors made sales that they have started booking stands for the next edition.
“Based on feedback from exhibitors we spoke to, no one claimed huge losses that would push them to close down businesses. Only beer companies and others providing entertainment services were affected but we interacted with them that no one can attribute his loss to PSF. He/she might have earned minimal profits but without losses,” he said.
The 23rd International Trade Fair that ran runs from 11th to 31st December 2020 was attended by 382 exhibitors including 73 foreigners.
It was organized under strict COVID-19 control measures that banned the attendance of beer companies.
All expo goers were required to pay by digital means; children below 12 were not allowed to attend while physical entertainment activities were also prohibited as part of ongoing measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
On Saturday around 4 am, gunfire was heard in the northern part of Bangui capital city as rebel groups attacked Damara county, 76 kilometers away from Bangui.
It is reported that rebels attacked Damara town in the wee hours, confronted CAR forces which failed to repel them back until nearby RDF soldiers intervened and killed some of them.
CAR Defense Minister has revealed that many attackers lost lives but did not precise the exact number. IGIHE has learnt that over 30 attackers were killed on ground while 2 of CAR soldiers died during the attack.
Following an hour of fighting, the rebels were defeated that the situation returned to normal and brought calm in the region.
CAR Defense Minister, Koyara has thanked the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame for commitment to secure CAR citizens against attackers who wanted to kill them and disrupt elections.
“As you know, our military is rebuilding. With fast response, this partner country [Rwanda] through existing agreements, committed to help fellow soldiers to protect civilians. I can’t find enough words to explain gratefulness except vote of thanks, voicing appreciation to President of the Republic and Rwandans for the act of humanity that other African countries should learn from,” she said.
Minister Koyara explained that existing forces serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) were not enough compared to the enormity of the country that pushed for the need to request reinforcement among countries including Rwanda.
“You know that MINUSCA has over 10,000 peacekeepers, the country has a total land area of 627,000 square kilometers and our military is rebuilding. This is a good opportunity to let you know that some sanctions against CAR military are still valid. The military without enough equipment cannot protect its citizens adequately,” she noted.
Koyara revealed that MINUSCA forces alone cannot secure the country alone considering its vastness yet there is a presence of rebel armed groups across its borders and the fact that neighboring countries are engulfed by political chaos or experienced it recently , thus worsening the situation.
As she said, leveraging agreements with partner countries was the option to deal with the situation with emergency.
“It is under that context that we tapped into such cooperation agreements whereby we sought support from Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC). Lucky enough, Rwanda was the first country to provide support. You have witnessed that despite the presence of MINUSCA, we need support from Rwanda friends to repel armed groups’ attacks,” explained Koyara.
Serving with the example of recent Saturday attack, Koyara highlighted that rebels would not be defeated without support of Rwanda’s soldiers.
“Damara is a prestigious town to us. With the support of Rwanda’s soldiers and other forces reinforcing national troops, we repelled back the enemy,” she said.
“It is a victory to our troops and forces from Rwanda who rushed to support our military still subject to sanctions amidst heavy duties to protect the nation and civilians,” added Koyara.
He explained that many attackers lost lives even though two CAR soldiers lost lives during the fight.
“The enemy was immensely shaken that tens of attackers lost lives during the fight. This should leave a lesson to such groups to stop intentions to destabilize the country seeking to restore peace,” said Koyara.
MINUSCA has 12,870 peacekeepers of whom 11,650 are soldiers.
Rev. Karangwa was arrested in October 2019 on allegations of using forged documents as he submitted application for the position of deputy ADEPR spokesperson in 2017 which required qualifications of a Bachelors degree.
Rev. Karangwa submitted presented two degree certificates from Philippines and Uganda. He was later suspected to have forged the said documents and arrested.
Rev Karangwa denied the charges claiming that he studied in Philippines and provided evidence that included names and picture of classmates obtained from Google.
Prosecution requested court to reject the evidence explaining that they were not certified by a competent organization.
During the hearing of 10th June 2020, prosecution requested the court to sentence Rev Karangwa for seven years and a fine of Rwf 5.
On 30th June 2020, Nyarugenge Intermediary Court acquitted Rev Karangwa. The court ruled that there were no enough evidence pinning Rev Karangwa for forgery.
The deputy spokesperson who had spent eight months in Nyarugenge prison in Mageragere was released and resumed work in ADEPR but the prosecution immediately appealed for the decision.
Following the appeal, Nyamirambo High Court, recently on 31st December 2020 also ruled that Rev Karangwa is innocent.
The ruling was read in absentia of the accused who was represented by relatives.
Speaking to IGIHE, Rev Karangwa thanked Rwanda’s judicial system for making unbiased decisions.
“We voice appreciation to national judicial system for having done what it could to come up with impartial judgement,” he said.
Rev Karangwa explained that there were people behind his arrest intended to tarnish his image.
Rev Karangwa advised Rwandans and ADEPR Christians to love each other and shun hatred.
“People should not tarnish others’ reputation or seek to get them killed for the sake of leadership positions. I would like to tell ADEPR Christians that justice has prevailed,” he said.
Rev Karangwa and the executive committee (to which he belonged) led by the spokesperson Rev. Karuranga Euphrem were recently retired from active service during recent reforms by Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) to put an end to mismanagement that has characterized ADEPR.
The latest was held 20th December 2020. Today’s physical exercise is the second since the City of Kigali issued new guidelines for the communal sports aligning with COVID-19 preventive measures.
These include stationing young volunteers at different roads to facilitate enforcement of preventive measures and moving car with speakers playing pre-recorded message reminding the public to adhere to health guidelines.
Among others, sportsmen were also urged to wear face masks, run slowly and discontinue morale songs lest they facilitate the formation of groups along the way.
As usual, vehicle movements have been blocked at different roads to ensure smooth exercise.
‘Car Free Day’ is among popular sports in Kigali city. It was the first public sports allowed to open following months of suspension to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Every first and third week of the month, people from all walks of life and different parts of Kigali City converge in the communal sports for different physical exercises.
Car Free Day started on May 29, 2016, aimed at helping Rwandans do sports for good health while at the same time benefiting from other activities like free testing and advice on how to prevent different diseases.
The exercise is also aimed at teaching and making people familiar with the fact that roads are not solely built for just vehicles but people as well.
Originated from the City of Kigali, the communal exercise is still suspended in other towns of the country as part of ongoing Coronavirus preventive measures.
Smiling and chattering brightly, local revellers gathered at the Kigali Marriott Hotel to celebrate in style, as they bid adieu to 2020 and welcomed all that 2021 may bring.
The five-star hotel with world-class service was truly the perfect venue for seeing in the New Year, with an Open Dining experience where guests were invited to explore the hotel’s dining outlets to lavish on festive-themed meals and fizz.
The New Year’s Eve Open Dining at Soko Restaurant showcased an incredible range of culinary delights from turkey, roast beef, seafood, Asian dishes, Indian cuisine, to African BBQ, and much more. The set-up was done so as to offer an intimate, yet indulgent way to celebrate.
The Director of Sales and Marketing at Kigali Marriott Hotel, Mohamed Merouiche says that the hotel invested its efforts in ensuring that the end of year celebration was a memorable occasion for hosts.
“2021 is on the horizon and with it come new hopes, dreams, and wishes. Today, we celebrate the end of 2020 with a grand celebration, albeit a socially-distanced one and we are happy that families on this New Year were able to come to Kigali Marriott Hotel for a family break away,” says Mohammed Derouiche.
Hosts were encouraged to social distance, wear their mask, and to respect other COVID-19 safety precautions that were put in place at the hotel.
By paying close attention to small details that make a big difference, the Kigali Marriott Hotel inspires unforgettable experiences with every stay.
Kigali Marriott Hotel is part of the Marriott chain of hotels and is comprised of 256 elegant rooms and suites; three distinctive restaurants including Soko Restaurant, the hotel’s signature fine-dining restaurant; Saray Spa which offers a collection of sophisticated therapies integrated with the healing practices of the region; a swimming pools; meeting spaces with unmatched options and flexibility; as well as stylish lounging spaces designed for guests of all ages.
He said that Rwanda made progress in many areas despite the challenges faced in 2020 and urged all Rwandans, and Rwandan residents to remain vigilant in the months ahead before the vaccine arrives.
Kagame has delivered the message as he extended New Year 2021 best wishes to Rwandans and residents.
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Rwandans, Residents, Friends of Rwanda
We begin this New Year with the confidence that Rwanda made progress in many areas despite the challenges we faced in 2020.
This means that we can do even more, after we have put this pandemic behind us.
The lesson of the past year is that when we remain disciplined and united, we stay safe. We must all remain vigilant in the months ahead before the vaccine arrives.
Because of your commitment, dedication, and love for the country that we all share, this coming year will be better than the one we just had.
So, let’s take good care of ourselves, and each other. This message is only meant to mark the end of this year and the beginning of another because we discussed the rest of the issues when I delivered the State of the Nation Address.
My family and I wish you and your loved ones a Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2021.
The revelation has been made by Manasseh Nshuti, Rwanda’s State Minister for EAC Affairs speaking to The East African.
“The so-called coup plotters ran to Rwanda as refugees, and we are bound by international norms in terms of handling refugees. So Rwanda cannot hand them back. We would be breaching international law,” he said.
“So I think Burundi should not be using this excuse of refugees. They also have our refugees but we are not asking them back. No government should be able to do that unless the person is not a refugee but is a criminal,” added Nshuti.
In 2015, a group of Burundian soldiers attempted to overthrow the then President Pierre Nkurunziza but the plan was nullified. Since then, Burundi has been accusing Rwanda of accommodating suspects behind the failed coup plot. Rwanda has however been insisting that the individuals are considered as refugees who must be protected against deportation by international laws.
Rwanda has said instead of deporting them, it is seeking to send them to a third country, a stance that did not go well with the Burundian government.
“What we want to do is to give them over to a third country where they can relocate far away from Burundi. But even without this, the individuals are not a threat to Burundi. They are not using Rwanda as a base to attack Burundi,” Nshuti said.
During a recent press conference held last month, Jean Claude Karerwa the Spokesperson of the Burundi Presidency said that they will continue to demand the international community to pressure Rwanda into deporting the individuals.
“Justice is the only thing that will bring together Burundians and those perpetrators because the crimes were committed in Burundi, against Burundians so the Burundian judicial body should take care of it … So what we call for is for international community to pressure Rwanda to respect international laws,” he said.
Burundi recently handed over a list of names of individuals to Rwanda it wants to be deported considering it a major condition for relations between both countries to normalize. Both countries have not officially disclosed the names on the list.
In November 2020, Burundi auctioned properties of suspects accused to orchestrate a coup plot in 2015. These include possessions of all kinds from beddings, shoes, clothes, fridges, mattresses, radios, televisions, chairs, cars and motorbikes as it was reported by Jeune Afrique.
General Herménegilde Nimenya, Marguerite Barankitse (the founder of Maison Shalom, an organization that supports refugees allowing them to live their life in exile with dignity), Onésime Nduwimana the former spokesperson of CNDD-FDD political party and Léonidas Hatungimana who once served as the spokesperson of President Pierre Nkurunziza are among people whose properties were auctioned.
Others include Bernard who once served as Burundi vice president and Alexis Sinduhije who was a presidential contestant.
General Godefroid Niyombare, former Burundi Defense Chief of Staff and General Cyrille Ndayirukiye, former Minister of Defense currently in detention are also among nine senior military whose properties were auctioned.
As he delivered ‘State of the Nation Address’ President Paul Kagame explained that Rwanda continues to partner with neighboring countries to address security issues in the region.
He pointed out foreign relations’ gaps for countries including Burundi noting that the situation will finally get a solution.
