He made this remark on Wednesday when he attended the Youth Connekt Convention at Intare Conference Arena where over 2000 Rwandan youth from across all districts and 15 countries are gathered including those who will also participate in the upcoming Umushyikirano.
Kagame said that the future of Rwanda is in the hands of young people.
He said that Rwanda’s past was so damaged that it took a bad reputation, and asked the youth to take the lead in changing it.
“Our country used to be defined by a bad history and the wrong character and identity. But today as we stand here, the goal is to transform this country, change the wrong that used to define us and build the kind of unity that will define us for future generations,” he said.
He further said that the bad history will be deleted with development.
He urged the youth to maintain the mindset of self-employment.
President Kagame further stated that creating one’s own job does not require that someone has no other job as it is often mistaken.
“Being self-employed doesn’t necessarily require that someone cannot find another job. Entrepreneurship does not depend on your age. The first step towards becoming an entrepreneur is that you have grown in thinking and not just because you do not have a job to give you a salary,” he said.
He said that although self employment begins with the benefit of one person, it also benefits the country because the one who created a job may employ others.
He explained that all of this cannot be attained by people with shallow thinking.
“We have to think big. Our goals and ambitions must be beyond our geographical size. Entrepreneurship, security, development, moving our country forward must all be based on thinking big,” he said.
Youths participating in the Youth Connekt Convention include young entrepreneurs from across the country’s districts, universities and secondary schools, youth unions, and the Rwandan diaspora, among others.
The purpose of the campaign is to remind Rwandans to test for ‘Hepatitis C’.
Figures show that 5% of Rwandans have the infection. It is acquired through unprotected sex, blood, bodily fluids and children born to infected parents are more likely to acquire it as well.
Minister of Health Dr. Diane Gashumba said that every Rwandan is encouraged to test in order to know their status.
“Testing is important because hepatitis C is a treatable infection. If today the government of Rwanda is investing in the capacity with its stakeholders to reduce the cost of drugs, Rwandans should know their status and so we can get enough drugs to treat them all and prevent new hepatitis C prevalence,” she said.
“In five years, about 5 million Rwandans should be tested, but can’t we do so in one month? Our citizens are willing and we have partners, the government is willing to provide all the necessary requirements to eradicate this infection before five years,” she added.
In 2016, the Government of Rwanda agreed with Gilead Industry, an American pharmaceutical company, to reduce the cost of Hepatitis C drugs. The current price has reduced from 95,000 USD to 1200 USD.
Due to the high cost of the drugs, the government of Rwanda has continued to support, so that the patient cannot pay more than $100 and recover in three months.
Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) Director General, Dr. Jeanine Condo, said that until now there are no figures of Rwandans killed by Hepatitis C. But they want to take tough measures to stop it.
To date, Hepatitis B has a vaccine, and people are required to be vaccinated against it, because when one acquires it, they have to be on treatment throughout their whole life. Hepatitis C has no vaccine but can be cured.
The Ministry of Health in Rwanda reports that if 100 people with Hepatitis C were to be treated, 91 would recover.
This year’s edition, the third of its kind, of Combined Arms Field Training Exercise was done under the theme “Hard Punch.”
The exercises were carried out as army officers displayed how small and big weapons are used for reinforcement of the army units fighting the enemy at the battlefield.
Weapons used by the air force, land arms and marine arms were all put on a show.
Recounting his previous battles that were won by sheer determination, President Kagame said capacity is far way beyond having military materiel. “We used to go to the battlefield with 10 bullets in our guns, our enemies had maybe 100. But to win the war, you do not need 100 bullets. When the bullets are done, you are the one left standing to accomplish the mission.”
“I also want to thank you because this job you have chosen of protecting citizens, requires more from you than what you are given, in terms of salary or means available to us but it does not stop you from doing the work we do. You work under the sun, the rain, in the middle of forests and different environments and we ask ourselves whether what we give you is enough. The answer is that it can never be enough because this job goes beyond the individual, it is for the nation. What we do requires of us more than we have but it means that every resource we have is used to deliver to our maximum ability. Every bullet you shoot counts. Every resource you use must accomplish its purposes. We do not have room to waste. We have to deliver results beyond the resources we have. Nothing is impossible as long as we have the right mindset and values. Our enemies can only wish us ill but they will never be able to defeat us. Anyone who dares to threaten our security will fail.” He noted
President Kagame further commended Rwanda’s armed forces strength, saying that “Anyone who dares to threaten our security will fail”.
The trainings were given to army officers in the Rwanda Defence Force 3rd Division whose headquarters are in Gisenyi, Rubavu District representing the RDF Northern/Western regional command of which Commander is Maj. Gen. Alex Kagame.
Last year’s edition of the combined arms field training exercise- which was the second- was held on November 10, 2017, presided over by President Kagame and it was followed by his meeting with RDF senior officials, representatives of other security organs, and militaries who had undergone that exercise.
Kagame told them that the exercises are among activities of RDF done in order to build capacity and professionalism so achieve its mission.
The first edition of the exercise was also held at Gabiro Combat Training Centre on November 5, 2016.
The State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe confirmed that Twala has been summoned by his country.
“Yes. Any government has the right to summon its diplomat at any time,” he said.
Twala has been South Africa’s ambassador to Rwanda since 2012. He is summoned at a time when Rwanda and South Africa have shown willingness to launch talks aimed at re-establishing good relations between the two countries.
President Paul Kagame recently held a meeting with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa when he was in Argentina on the sidelines of G20 summit.
In March President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the problem of Rwandans being denied visas to South Africa would soon become history after holding talks with President Paul Kagame. However, up to now, no signs of good relations between the two countries have bloomed.
Drawn on aspects of Rwandan culture and traditional practices, Umushyikirano is a development program adapted to the country’s needs and context.
It is one of Rwanda’s largest gatherings bringing together leaders and citizens to reflect on the country’s progress and share ideas to solve ongoing challenges.
Governed by Rwanda Constitution Article 140, Umushyikirano is a forum to debate the state of the nation, local government and national unity.
{{Read More: [How eight resolutions made during the 2017 national dialogue been implemented
->http://www.en.igihe.com/news/how-eight-resolutions-made-during-the-2017.html]}}
Officers from RDF in the area reacted as instantly, pursued and fired, killing four of them.
Busasamana Sector executive secretary, Epimaque Uwimana told IGIHE that the attackers have not been identified and that the resident who caught the bullet at home was taken to Bugeshi health center.
Today, early in the morning local authorities summoned a security meeting at the scene of the attack, and residents were shown the bodies of the four attackers who were shot dead to see if they knew them.
They had documents that indicate that they are DRC citizens with voters’ cards.
Bugeshi and Busasamana sectors border the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are often targeted by armed attacks from the country.
This weekend, on December 9, 2018, was one of happiness for over 200 children from 30 districts of Rwanda hosted by Mrs. Jeannette Kagame.
The children aged between 7 and 12 years old were treated to fun and games, as well as presents.
The First Lady reminded the children to set personal goals and strive to achieve them.
“You have to live with goals. If you draw, you must specify the number of what you will do. Someone who writes a poem must also target a certain number. You need to make your own plans, respect them, and take time to read and do other things that help you to acquire knowledge,” she advised.
She told them that their commitments will be achieved by co-operating with others, especially their parents.
“Let’s write the goals we want to achieve when we reach home, at least every month. This is the time to set goals for the new year. We have heard your wishes, our stakeholders are listening to you and we will look at them and see what we can do. Let your parents and your tutors know what you do at school, do not be afraid to tell them what’s on your heart and do not seek advice elsewhere, without talking to your parents first,” she told them.
She also reminded them that they should be physically clean, help their parents, and contribute to their community.
The children expressed gratitude for the programs that were brought to their communities and facilitated them to study. They said as a result of the programmes, students who had abandoned school returned and their lives were improved.
Fabrice Niyonkuru from Kagano Sector in Nyamasheke District recited a poem in recognition of the bravery of the people who eradicated Nyakatsi (grass-thatched housings) and the establishment of kitchen gardens.
“I thank President Kagame and Mrs. Jeannette Kagame who paid for ‘mutuelle’ health insurance for us. No one falls sick and remains at home. Now, we study and succeed. They introduced the Girinka Munyarwanda Programme for us and we drink milk. I thank you for the program that promoted people’s lives in all districts,” he said.
Kellya Cyuzuzo, a 12-year-old student in Camp Kigali, was delighted to be invited to the party and to the task they were given, saying she is prepared to “encourage children to maintain hygiene and help their parents.”
Children who have participated in this celebration are selected based on the performance they have shown in class, those from vulnerable families and those with special disabilities.
They ate and interacted with the staff of the Office of the President, Imbuto Foundation and Unity Club lntwararumuri which is comprised of current and former government members.
They received Christmas and New Year gifts. They were also entertained by Patience Uwiringiyimana, who created a talking toy dubbed “Golizo the Crazy”, children of the Rwanda Rocks Music School troops and various games organized.
It is an honor she was bestowed upon by UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé, on December 7th, 2018 during the presentation on the vision and status of global HIV response by Michel Sidibe and UN Undersecretary-General at the Kigali Convention Centre. It was attended by government officials, the private sector, and ambassadors, among others.
Mrs. Jeannette Kagame is the first to receive this responsibility given in recognition of her role in improving lives.
She thanked UNAIDS for the confidence it has in her by appointing her Ambassador of a department (Adolescent Health and Wellbeing) that cares for health worldwide.
“It is my great honor to share this moment with you today. To be named Special Ambassador of Adolescent Health and Well-being, by an institution committed to seeing healthier communities around the world,” she said.
“This is something that I cannot take lightly – and for that, I am humbled and sincerely grateful. This recognition goes beyond highlighting my efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Rwanda, and ensuring the health and well-being of our adolescents,” she added.
Mrs. Jeannette Kagame explained that the journey she embarked on, along with her team, since 2001, was one rooted in the conviction to see all Rwandans educated and living a dignified and prosperous life. She said she believed that it was what they deserved.
“Indeed, through this journey, we have witnessed a tremendous positive change. This is reflected in the lives of hundreds of thousands of our people, as they grow more knowledgeable about their health; but also, demand better quality services, while holding their leaders accountable,” the First Lady said.
Mrs. Jeannette Kagame said that the step achieved is based on the vision of the Government of Rwanda but noted that the journey is continuing.
“This being said, however, we cannot sit back with the satisfaction that the worst is behind us. As the face of HIV/AIDS continues to change, we must remain vigilant, in order to respond to emerging challenges, in a timely manner,” she said.
She thanked partners including AVEGA, Solace Ministries, Rwanda Women Network and others.
“We share this recognition. Let’s continue the commitment to eradicate HIV/AIDS so that our children can live and grow well, “she said.
She promised to continue the commitment such that HIV/AIDS will have been completely eradicated by 2030.
Rwanda surpassed the target 90-90-90 in 2020 set by UNAIDS and achieved 95-95-95, where it targets that 95% of HIV-positive people will be aware of it, and 95% of them taking ARVs, and 95% of the virus so weakened in the body and cannot be passed on.
Minister of Health, Dr. Diane Gashumba said that “Mrs. Jeannette Kagame has contributed to the fight against AIDS, especially in women by striving for HIV contamination-free century in Rwanda.”
UNAIDS Director General, Michel Sidibé, pointed out that Rwanda made a significant step towards the fight against AIDS but that it should not make people slow down on the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“Recently, we marked 30 years of the fight against AIDS. It is a time of mutual consultation and commitment. In recent years, people did not understand it and even said that it was expensive and should not be politically justified. Through your own will, we may say we got out of critical times, we have confidence,” he said.
He appreciated the role of Mrs. Jeannette Kagame in dealing with AIDS.
He said that in less than 10 years, Rwanda has doubled the number of people on HIV treatment and that since 2010, AIDS-related deaths are down by almost 50% while mother to child transmission rate is 1.5%- on the way to ensuring no baby is born with HIV.
Moreover, he said that Rwanda knows all about the power of HIV testing because more than 90% of healthcare facilities provide it, and between July 2017 and June 2018, more than 2.5 million people accessed HIV testing services.
He appreciated the role of Mrs. Jeannette Kagame at the launch of the Organization of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA).
“She’s a loving parent to others. I will always remember that I had the opportunity to get acquainted with someone who has the heart of doing well to others, the people of Rwanda and the world. It’s someone who wants to build a bridge connecting people instead of setting up a separating wall,” he said.
Over the past seven years, the number of people succumbing to AIDS in Rwanda fell off from 6000 in 2010 to 3100 in 2017. The number of patients on HIV treatment rose from 89,000 to 186,000. New HIV contamination prevalence fell off from 9300 down to 7400 people.
Meanwhile, HIV/AIDS prevalence was 210,000 people in 2010 and 220,000 in 2017.
Sebastian Kurz who was in Rwanda for a one-day official visit is also the President of the European Union. He arrived in Rwanda on Thursday for his first official visit.
The visit came after new Austria’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Dr. Christian Fellner presented his credentials to Kagame on Wednesday.
In a joint press conference with Sebastian Kurz, President Kagame said Rwanda enjoys a strong and productive relationship with the European Union, which “we are happy to continue to build on.”
“Europe and Africa are neighbors, and we share several priorities including trade, security, migration, and the environment. These are all related to another common preoccupation, and that is maximizing opportunities for the young people of our respective continents” Kagame said.
Kagame explained that “the upcoming Africa-Europe High-Level Forum is an opportunity to build practical collaboration on several fronts, and we look forward to co-hosting this event in Vienna,”
“Rwanda continues to mobilize African leaders to participate in this important forum, so that we can continue to seek ways to unlock the potential of the digital economy, as a pathway to inclusion and prosperity,” Kagame said.
He also said that in the forum, “We will also be discussing in a wider context all kinds of activities including investments and partnerships that can and continue to bring Africa and Europe together so that this can lead to positive developments on either side.”
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On migration, President Kagame who is the current Chairperson of the African Union said: “If you look at numbers of people leaving our continent going to Europe, we have to ask ourselves how can this be managed properly. The how is there, we should have done this long ago but it’s never too late to do the right thing.”
“The partnership with Europe and Africa should have invested properly, created an environment to retain our young people and guarantee them that staying in your continent or country is better for you and you can find safety, security and jobs,” he said.
“If you look at the history of this migration, for a long time, let me use words you would not like, Europe was inciting, inviting people to go to Europe. The message was your countries of Africa are governed badly and you should come to us. The impression created was if you have a problem in your country, whether it’s false or true, just come to our paradise. And people came. To the point where people can’t have migrants anymore,” sadly Kagame said.
Kagame asked what can be done so that people feel happy about living in their country to which he answered as: “We can still have a conversation between Africa and Europe.”
“The kind of investment you spend on people who have come there is so huge that if you invested in Africa, we could create industries. The problem is not Europe; we have our own fair share of the blame we have to take,” Kagame said facing Sebastian Kurz.
“The way people are addressing it is through firefighting and sometimes it doesn’t put out the fire, it inflames it. We all need to sober up and find solutions even if they are complicated. We can’t find an easy solution to a difficult problem,” Kagame advised.
Kurz congratulates Kagame on Africa free trade area agreements signing and Rwanda’s impressive economic growth
In his remarks, the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Sebastian Kurz congratulated Kagame and leaders responsible for the impressive growth Rwanda saw in the last years, the fact that Rwanda ranks second in easing business and the free trade area agreements signed during Kagame’s term as the Chairperson of the African Union.
“During the last years, in Rwanda, you had the economic growth of nearly 10 percent and now it is 7 percent. It is extremely high economic growth and it is also impressive.” Kurz said.
“The World Bank index says that Rwanda is among the best places to do business in the world. I think many reforms which have been done going in the right direction, have resulted in the positive economic development which has taken place here in Rwanda.” Sebastian Kurz added.
“I would also like to thank you for your leadership in the African Union by establishing the free trade area for the whole continent. This is a very good development for Africa as a whole and economic development in Africa.” He said.
The call was addressed to the Minister of Culture and Sports, Espérance Nyirasafari, Minister for Gender and Family Promotion Solina Nyirahabimana, the State Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Evode Uwizeyimana and the Minister of State in charge of Social Affairs and Social Protection, Alvera Mukabaramba during a Family Promotion stakeholders’ seminar at the Parliament, Thursday where they discussed issues that pose a threat to the Rwandan society and accelerating development based on the principles of a secure family.
Some of the major challenges facing the Rwandan family unit that were highlighted include; domestic violence, divorce, teenage pregnancies, promiscuity, and drug abuse, among others.
MP Pie Nizeyimana said that male prostitutes are a silent problem that is growing and pose a real threat to the family unit.
“Promiscuity is increasingly becoming common to the extent of destroying families. Women can get involved in this behavior, ‘kwipfubuza’, loosely paraphrased as an act of looking for another sex partner because yours does not satisfy you (participants burst in laughter). It’s fun, but it’s a problem,” he said.
He said this behavior emerged recently but is taking on a new face and needs to be urgently addressed.
“What are we going to do stop this behavior and eradicate it?”, he wondered adding that it will constitute a threat to the family in the future.
Nizeyimana further said that another social challenge that needs to be addressed is bleaching which he said damages skin and has negative consequences to the society.
“I wonder whether the law should not punish someone caught with bleaching lotions in the same it does to one with drugs,” he said.
Minister Uwizeyimana said that it is not easy to identify the male sex workers because they act clandestinely.
He added that in discussing promiscuity, people should look at all sides since it emanates mostly from relationships especially when it happens between married individuals.
He cited an example whereby a husband is always busy with work, and when they come back home, they find that their wife has already fallen asleep. He said this is a challenge because they cannot fulfill conjugal responsibilities.
“When a woman needs but cannot find you, you just remain her husband in papers without conjugal obligations,” he said.
Article 136 on adultery and its punishment, stipulates that anyone who has sex with someone else other than their spouse has committed a crime.
When convicted by the court, they are sentenced to a term not less than six months but not exceeding one year.
