The statement released last night shows that 26 people have caught the virus while 84 recovered.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 26 843 people have been tested positive of whom 25 453 have recovered, 1039 are active cases while 351 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 350, 400 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation programme on 5th March 2021.
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.
Kagame made the appreciation today in a joint press conference with Macron on his the first day of his visit to Rwanda.
Kagame said that Macron’s visit is a moment to speak to the present and to the future, while reflecting on the past ‘that brought us here’.
He highlighted the visit paves the way for improved bilateral relations to the benefit of both countries’ peoples, economically, politically, and in terms of culture.
France and Rwanda are going to relate much better, to the benefit of both our peoples, economically, politically, and in terms of culture.
As he arrived in Rwanda for two-day state visit; French President, Emmanuel Macron visited Kigali Genocide Memorial where he paid tribute to over 250,000 victims laid there and later delivered a speech during which he admitted his country’s role in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi and reiterated commitment to bring Genocide fugitives to face justice.
“Standing here today, with humility and respect, by your side, I have come to recognize our responsibilities,” said Macron.
He said that France had a duty to admit the “suffering it inflicted on the Rwandan people by too long valuing silence over the examination of the truth.”
Macron said that only those who had survived the horrors “can perhaps forgive; give us the gift of forgiveness”.
Speaking during a joint press conference, Kagame observed that Macron made a powerful statement at the memorial considered more valuable than an apology.
“The President has just made an important statement at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This was a powerful speech, with special meaning for what is taking place now, and which will resonate well beyond Rwanda. His words were something more valuable than an apology: they were the truth,” he said.
“Speaking the truth is risky. But you do it because it is right, even when it costs you something, even when it is unpopular,” added Kagame.
Kagame stressed that Macron has made a major step towards truth and hailed the tremendous courage.
“Despite some loud noises and voices, President Macron took this step. Politically and morally, this was an act of tremendous courage. These risks paid off because there was good faith on both sides,” he noted.
“It was important not to rush the process. The facts had to be properly established. Our respective societies also needed the chance to debate and deliberate. One step led to another. And that is how we got to this point, which is itself another step, and a major one,” stated Kagame.
The President said that individuals from Rwanda and France have kept asking questions, year after year, demanding clarity. They come from civil society, academia, and journalism.
He explained that some of them are simply concerned citizens.
“We would not be here today without their tireless efforts, and I wish to record our profound thanks and appreciation. The truth heals. This is the principle upon which Rwanda’s entire project of national unity and reconciliation is based. That has been our experience as Rwandans. There is no shortcut,” stated Kagame.
{{Full speech}}
First, I want to welcome you, President Macron, my friend, and your delegation, to Rwanda.
Today is a moment to speak to the present and to the future, while reflecting on the past that brought us here.
The President has just made an important statement at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This was a powerful speech, with special meaning for what is taking place now, and which will resonate well beyond Rwanda.
His words were something more valuable than an apology: they were the truth.
Speaking the truth is risky. But you do it because it is right, even when it costs you something, even when it is unpopular. Despite some loud noises and voices, President Macron took this step.
Politically and morally, this was an act of tremendous courage.
These risks paid off because there was good faith on both sides. It was important not to rush the process. The facts had to be properly established. Our respective societies also needed the chance to debate and deliberate. One step led to another. And that is how we got to this point, which is itself another step, and a major one.
In Rwanda and France, so many individuals, who are too numerous to name, have kept asking questions, year after year, demanding clarity. They come from civil society, academia, and journalism. Some are simply concerned citizens. We would not be here today without their tireless efforts, and I wish to record our profound thanks and appreciation.
The truth heals.
This is the principle upon which Rwanda’s entire project of national unity and reconciliation is based. That has been our experience as Rwandans. There is no shortcut.
Our conviction, from the beginning, was that the process of reckoning with the role of France had to follow the same logic. And in any case, we knew it could not be harder than reconciling with ourselves.
No grain of truth has been sacrificed. But the weight of responsibility has been put back where it belongs: with those who made the decisions. Whether or not there are trials, justice is also rendered by the court of history. And the work of historical documentation must continue, jointly.
This quest for truth has occurred in the context of the complexity of the challenges that Rwanda has faced over the last 27 years. Rwanda could easily have remained a failed state. Some may even have felt vindicated by that. Others actually worked to make sure that Rwanda failed.
But we worked together as a nation to design solutions for our unique challenges. And indeed, on every dimension, including human rights, the Rwanda of today is objectively a nation transformed for the better. We continue to exist as a united people, against all odds. And we are constantly striving to be better still.
There is a way of looking at Africa, from the outside, that automatically associates every success with some huge cost in terms of fundamental values and freedoms.
This is not to say that Africa has no bad actors. It does. They are there; they may even be numerous. But no more so than everywhere else in the world. The difference is that Africa as a whole comes to be defined by those bad actors, whereas elsewhere, these bad actors are exceptions.
This assumption creates a reference point where Africa is always down, while others are up. It secures those others in the conviction that they have a natural right to do and say whatever they want in relation to Africa, to give lessons and pass judgment on our choices. Unfortunately, some of our own in Africa also participate in this negative enterprise.
The dynamic goes on almost forever, as if it is unstoppable or inevitable. But it is not. You stop it by doing what you believe is right, and which, in the end, may indeed prove to be right.
The veneer of moral superiority is very thin, once you start to scrape at it. Beneath it hides racism, a denial of the intrinsic and equal worth of every human being. It was racism that made a foreseeable genocide in Africa seem tolerable.
Racism and genocide ideology exist on the same continuum. They are forms of dehumanisation, and they pose a growing threat to society in every continent. Our civilised world must come together to fight racism and genocide ideology in a concerted and consistent fashion.
There are attitudes inherited from the past that have needed to change, for a long time. And I want to say that President Macron is among those who realised that things need to change, and he is taking a strong stand in trying to bring about that change.
It is not about speaking on Africa’s behalf, but rather ensuring that the voices of Rwandans and Africans can join together with the rest of the world in pursuit of common objectives, irrespective of where we come from.
President Macron is someone who listens, and he is committed to supporting Africa based on what Africa itself has chosen. This is different, it is better, and it can last.
Fundamentally, this visit is about the future, not the past.
France and Rwanda are going to relate much better, to the benefit of both our peoples, economically, politically, and in terms of culture.
But the relationship between our two countries will never be entirely conventional. There is a special familiarity resulting from the complex and terrible history we share, for better or for worse. We have chosen to make it for the better.
We wish to form a strong and sustainable relationship, based on priorities that matter to both Rwanda and France. This includes many of the items discussed in our bilateral meeting today, such as investment, digitisation, gender equality, climate change, cultural exchange, and support for entrepreneurship, small businesses, start-ups, and especially youth empowerment. Rwanda shall be a strong partner in all of these areas.
Mr President, I once against thank you and your delegation for being with us here today. I thank everyone who is here for your kind attention. I now invite my friend President Macron to make his statement, and then we will be happy to take your questions.
Macron admitted to French guilt over its role during Genocide against Tutsi today as he visited Kigali Genocide Memorial located in Gisozi where more than 250,000 victims are laid to rest.
“Standing here today, with humility and respect, by your side, I have come to recognize our responsibilities,” said Macron.
He said that France had a duty to admit the “suffering it inflicted on the Rwandan people by too long valuing silence over the examination of the truth.”
Macron said that only those who had survived the horrors “can perhaps forgive; give us the gift of forgiveness”.
Rwanda, France relations deteriorated after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. Macron is the first French leader to visit the country in ten years.
“France did not listen to those who warned it about the impending extermination in Rwanda and stood de facto by a genocidal regime,” Macron said.
He stated that France “was not an accomplice” in the genocide but ended up siding with Rwanda’s “genocidal regime” and bore an “overwhelming responsibility” in the slide toward Genocide.
When the genocide started, “the international community took close to three months, three interminable months, before reacting and we, all of us, abandoned hundreds of thousands of victims”.
“France’s failures contributed to “27 years of bitter distance” between the two countries,” he said.
The company was unveiled on Friday 21st May 2021 during a ceremony graced by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) officials who assured continued support to tap into presented investment opportunities.
Operating in 15 countries across the world, the company subsequently acquired Agespro in 2016 and KK Security in 2020 2020 but remained trading under their respective brand names.
Speaking during the official launch of Gardworld operations in Rwanda, Tuyishimwe Pacifique, the Ag Investment Officer at RDB urged the security firm to come upwith innovations on Rwanda’s market.
“I would like to express gratitude for your commitment to invest in Rwanda. Rwanda remains open for all investors with inspiring vision. It is a huge opportunity to invest in Rwanda as one of safest countries,” he said.
Gardaworld Managing Director for East Africa, Nicolas Arnold explained that they were inspired by the country’s security and provided conducive business environment to invest in Rwanda.
Oliver Westmacott, President, and COO of GardaWorld Security Services- Middle East and Africa revealed that acquiring two reputed security firms reflects their vision and aspirations to improve efficiency.
“ It is becoming evident that we are achieving our goals in Africa, Rwanda , the region and internationally. We are excited to continue expanding and look forward to deepening our relationship with Rwanda and her people. GardaWorld looks forward to contributing positively to the Rwandan economy in the years to come,” he noted.
Westmacott reiterated commitment to intensify training to enhance professionalism and improve employees’ welfare through recognition of best performers and promotions.
With more than 3,700 security staff in Rwanda, GardaWorld takes pride as one of leading security companies in the country.
Apart from security, the company also offers fire extinguishing solutions and services, training on environment preservation, medical evacuation support, flight security and cyber equipment among others.
As he arrived at Kigali International Airport today morning, Macron was welcomed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta.
He was later welcomed by his counterpart of Rwanda, Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro around 9am from where he headed to Kigali Genocide Memorial.
At the memorial, Macron has been welcomed by the Minister of Justice and State Attorney General, Johnston Busingye and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta among others.
Before laying wreaths at the mass graves, Macron toured different facilities at the memorial to learn more about tragic history that led to the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Macron is the second French President visiting Kigali Genocide Memorial after Nicolas Sarkozy in February 2010.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Dria and parliamentarians including Hervé Berville hailing from Nyamirambo in Rwanda are among top officials accompanying Macron on his historical visit.
Macron is in Rwanda for two-day maiden visit since he took office in 2017.
Prayer gatherings are only allowed in places of worship that were permitted to resume services and observing the health guidelines against Coronavirus.
Police and local leaders found the group at about 1pm, congregating at the house of the one Odette Uruvugundi, 50, located in Rusisiro Village, Kayenzi Cell in Kagogo Sector.
Worshippers belong to the Pentecostal Church; and had come from Kagogo and Cyanika sectors.
Emmy Wilson Mwambutsa, the executive secretary of Cyanika Sector, who was among the enforcement team, warned the believers against such prohibited practices.
He told them that holding such gatherings exposes them and their families to the risk of catching and spreading the virus, which also affects national efforts against the deadly virus.
Mwambutsa also advised them to go to churches which were allowed to resume.
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Aphrodis Nkundineza, the District Police Commander (DPC) for Burera, violators were arrested following a tip off by concerned residents.
“Area residents called the Police on Tuesday reporting the illegal gathering in the home of Uruvugundi, where all the 17 violators, majority women, were found crowded in the house praying. Besides holding a prohibited gathering, they had no mask and none of them washed hands before they gathered,” said the DPC.
He cautioned that gatherings held in homes are not permitted under Covid-19 directives.
“Players must be conducted in places of worship that were allowed to resume and everyone must strictly adhere to directives without exception so as to prevent catching Covid-19 or spreading it.”
He equally thanked members of the public, who facilitate the enforcement of directives through information sharing on those flouting the Covid-19 prevention directives.
The violators arrested were taken to Cyanika Sector where they were educated on health measures, tested for Covid-19 at their own costs and fined by administrative authorities.
The statement released last night shows that 37 people have caught the virus while 86 recovered.
The majority of new cases were found in Kirehe (7), Kigali (5), Rubavu (5), Rulindo (4), Gakenke (4), Karongi (3), Huye (3), Kamonyi (2), Ruhango (1), Muhanga (1), Bugesera (1) and Nyaruguru (1).
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 26 817 people have been tested positive of whom 25 369 recovered, 1098 are active cases while 350 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 350, 400 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 5th March 2021.
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.
Macron arrives in Rwanda for the first time since he took office in 2017. He is the second French President visiting Rwanda after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Macron arrived at Village Urugwiro around 9am.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Dria and parliamentarians including Hervé Berville hailing from Nyamirambo in Rwanda are among top officials accompanying Macron on his historical visit.
Macron comes to Rwanda following the visit of Nicolas Sarkozy on 25th February 2010.
Upon arrival at the airport today morning, Macron has been welcomed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta. He was along with Rwanda’s ambassador in France, Dr. François Xavier Ngarambe; Jeremie Blin, the Chargé d’ Affaires in the French Embassy in Rwanda and French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Dria among other top officials.
He was later welcomed at Urugwiro Village by his counterpart of Rwanda, President Paul Kagame.
Macron is in Rwanda for two-day official visit on 27th and 28th May 2021.
Macron is expected to visit Kigali Genocide Memorial and officiate the launch of French Cultural Center.
His visit to Rwanda is the first in East Africa.
The Centre he is expected to launch is located near Kigali Convention Center, Kimihurura Sector, Gasabo District. The center was initially expected to be inaugurated in 2020 but construction activities delayed and were completed in April 2021 due to COVID-19.
The former French Cultural Center building used to be called ‘Centre D’Echanges Culturels Franco-Rwandais’ and was located in Kiyovu, nearby the city center’s main roundabout.
It was closed in 2014 by Kigali City Officials because the structure was not in line with the new City Master Plan.
The centre had a library and other activities including French language teaching; Culture-based training and concerts among others.
Since 2014, the cultural center office was in France’s Embassy in Rwanda, where its activities like entertainment and book reading were held in Kigali Public Library and the Goethe Institut in Nyarugenge District.
Macron comes to Rwanda at a time when both countries have embarked on a new chapter to revitalize wavered relations over the role France is accused to have played during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Rwanda, France relations have been on good progress since Macron took office in 2017.
The latter has demonstrated willingness to change France, Africa foreign policy and building strong relations with partners unlike his predecessor, François Hollande.
Recently on 26th March 2021, the expert commission comprised of French historians commissioned by Macron released ‘Duclert’ report which 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 was presented two years, after the delegation of 13 historians started reviewing archives on France, Rwanda relations between 1990 and 1994.
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.
Rwanda, France diplomatic relations date back in 1962 after obtaining Independence.
RwandAir has become the first African airline to be awarded the top Diamond status rating for COVID-19 prevention measures – the highest attainable level.
The award comes from APEX Health Safety, powered by SimpliFlying, for the airline’s sustained work to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitisation for its customers and crew.
The Diamond rating positions RwandAir as the safest airline in Africa and comes after RwandAir was recently announced as the first African airline to vaccinate all staff.
APEX Health Safety, powered by SimpliFlying, sets the industry benchmark for customer-centric COVID-19 certification. It provides a scientifically-based validation system to encourage airlines to reach the highest possible standards for health and hygiene, and help restore customer confidence to fly, following the devastating impact of travel restrictions on aviation.
Each participating airline has to complete a 58-point checklist, which covers submission, verification, validation, and a quarterly review certification process.
Commenting on the development, Yvonne Manzi Makolo, CEO of RwandAir said that health and safety of customers and staff is the top priority for RwandAir and ex[ressed delighted for being awarded Diamond status from APEX Health Safety, powered by SimpliFlying, for COVID-19 prevention measures.
“Reaching the highest attainable level for hygiene standards is a powerful clean bill of health for the airline, and validation for all the hard work we have put in to ensure the safest possible traveller experience for our customers and staff. We know that restoring customer confidence to fly is critical to resume safe international travel, which is why we have undertaken a 360-degree approach to ensuring that every aspect of our operations meet the highest standards,” she noted.
Makolo explained that from the deep cleaning and disinfection of aircraft, to automatic hand sanitiser dispensers available throughout Kigali International Airport, ‘our hub, we have looked at every aspect of the customer journey to ensure we keep COVID-19 at bay and protect those who fly with us’.
Passengers are required to wear face masks throughout the flight, while our aircraft are equipped with HEPA filters to remove 99.9% of germs.
“With all of these protective measures in place, we are confident that customers will begin to fly once again, and travel safely both within Africa and internationally with RwandAir. As Rwanda’s doors are now open for tourism, we look forward to welcoming passengers from around the world to experience the country’s natural wonders, while staying safe and healthy,” stated Makolo.
Joe Leader, APEX CEO also revealed that RwandAir has demonstrated the highest possible level of care for its customers becoming the first African airline to reach the hospital-grade Diamond level of APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying’s comprehensive review.
“RwandAir proves that reaching this level of health safety does not depend upon the size of the airline, but rather the incredibly proactive steps taken for customer and staff wellbeing. We are deeply proud of RwandAir as a rising star for our entire airline industry in Africa,” he stated.
SimpliFlying CEO Shashank Nigam highlighted that RwandAir has made a great breakthrough in implementing their health safety strategy along the whole customer journey since the beginning of the pandemic.
“Successful vaccination of all staff, implementation of the robots throughout the terminal in Kigali airport that are able to tell passengers temperature and confirm whether they are wearing a mask — these measures bring RwandAir to the forefront of the aviation industry in terms of safety” he noted.
“Taking such measures in ensuring health safety will help bolster trust among travellers,” added Nigam.
The award from APEX Health Safety, powered by SimpliFlying, gives airlines a proactive role in helping resume international travel, creates a common standard for airlines for the health and safety of passengers and highlights successful aviation industry practices.
{{About RwandAir}}
Operating from Kigali, RwandAir is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines and operates one of the youngest state-of-the-art fleets on the African continent. With a reputation for delivering a premium service to all its customers, RwandAir operates 12 aircraft with an average age of just under six years. The airline currently offers services to 25 destinations across 21 countries throughout Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
