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.
The statement released last night shows that new cases were found in Kigali (16), Musanze (21), Rusizi (3), Nyagatare (2), Rubavu (2) and Muhanga (1).
Rwanda confirmed the first case on 14th March 2020.
The latest figures brought the total number of COVID-19 patients to 6129 out of 644,631 sample tests of whom 5696, representing 92.9%, have recovered, 382 are active cases while 51 have succumbed to the virus.
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 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.
The mass organized to celebrate the first-ever Rwanda’s Cardinal took place at Kigali Arena.
Cardinal Kambanda 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.
Following the authorization, the university has set 7th December 2020 as the opening date.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Kigali, Prof Tombola M. Gustave welcomed the authorization and expressed readiness to start courses.
“We have been doing preparations since September. That is why we applied to HEC on 18th November 2020. As of today, the calendar is out. We are ready to educate them,” he said.
The University of Kigali resumed studies for 3rd and 4th year students recently on 12th October 2020 and has since been respecting COVID-19 control measures. This convinced HEC that the university will be able to respect guidelines with full operations.
The management of the University of Kigali has called on students from first and second year or interested new comers to visit the university on Monday 7th December 2020 to fill requirements before resuming courses.
The University of Kigali is a fully accredited chartered University that started operations in October 2013. The University of Kigali is committed to providing critical and relevant quality education, with the goal of becoming a center of unequaled holistic education excellence in the region, and in the continent.
The university provides students with options to adapt their study time to their interests and commitments elsewhere. The University of Kigali offers a variety of internationally benchmarked undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Marketing, Public Administration, Procurement, Law, Education and Information Technology offered through its two campuses based in Kigali and Musanze.
Despite its brief existence, the University of Kigali has risen to become one of the leading institutions of higher learning in Rwanda in particular and the region in general, and acclaimed for the outstanding contribution to teaching, research, and service to local, national and international communities.
“The Continental Free Trade Area is the lifeblood of our continent’s integration and prosperity. It will also be the primary portal through which Africa engages with its partners around the world on trade and investment. We must therefore work together continuously to protect and strengthen this pact for the sake of the generations that follow us.”
Kagame made the remarks on Saturday as he participated in the 13th Extraordinary Sessions of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) which took place virtually.
The 13th Extraordinary AU Summit began on the morning of 05th December 2020 to finalise the instruments of African Continental Free Trade Area so that trading may commence on 1st January 2021. After the opening ceremony with statements by the Chairperson of the AU, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, participants moved into closed session.
President Kagame made a statement during the closed session stressing the importance of the AfCFTA to Africa’s integration and prosperity agenda.
He congratulated the African Ministers of Trade, the African Union Commission, and the new AfCFTA Secretariat for successfully overseeing the technical negotiations.
“I wish to congratulate the African Ministers of Trade, African Union Commission and the new AfCFTA secretariat for successfully overseeing the technical negotiations. The remaining negotiations should be completed as soon as possible in order to maximize the benefits of higher trade volumes for all of us,” he said.
Kagame stressed that the African Continental Free Trade Area will always be associated with the name of President Mamadou Yusuf of Niger ‘who has led this process on behalf of the assembly’ and thanked him for outstanding contributions.
Among others, Kagame observed that it is a collective achievement which could not have happened without the strong support of the African heads of state and Government who have remained steadfast throughout the journey.
He noted that such level of commitment ‘will continue to be necessary to sustain the agreement and make it successful’.
A World Bank report released in December 2019 on the AfCFTA showed that the common market would benefit the African continent in different ways.
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement which was signed by 44 African countries on March 21st, 2018 in Kigali shows that a single market for goods and services across Africa will lead to poverty reduction. At least 30 million Africans (1.5% of Africans) will rise above the poverty line.
The report shows that 12 million people in West Africa, 9.3 million in Central Africa and 4.8 million in East Africa will rise above the poverty line. The AfCFTA has the potential of lifting 67.9 million Africans (3.6% of Africans) to middle income status by 2035. That is a $5.50 income per day.
The AfCFTA will connect 1.3 billion African citizens from 54 countries and is expected to generate $3.4 trillion annually. This trade bloc will improve Intra-African trade and definitely solve the problem of food import in Africa.
The Continental Free Trade Area was expected to start operating on July 1st, 2020 but was delayed due to Covid pandemic. The starting date has been extended to 1st January 2021.
Gasana, 58, served as Rwanda’s ambassador to the United Nations in New York since 2012 until 2016. At the time, Rwanda replaced Gasana and summoned him but never returned to the country.
Since then, he was reported for involvement in different activities intended to destabilize Rwanda’s security. He is said to have coordinated RNC members’ discussions with the President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in which he was asked to join their activities.
In March 2019, Gasana was part of discussions that brought together President Museveni and Charlotte Mukankusi , the head of diplomacy in RNC.
The letter from the family of Gasana to which IGIHE has a copy, signed by his sister Alice Gasana shows that the entire family was shocked to hear a relative involved in wrongful acts.
Apart from cooperation with dissidents intending to destabilize Rwanda’s security, he was recently reported to have raped two times, a Rwandan girl who was conducting an internship at the embassy in 2014.
“On behalf of the family, I, Gasana Alice wishes to take this opportunity to share my heartfelt feelings with Rwandans over things talked about my brother Eugène-Richard Gasana for more than four years,” reads part of the statement.
As the eldest sister in the family of four, she narrated a bit of Gasana’s history recounting how they lived together in Burundi and Europe.
She explained that, during his teenage hood, Gasana was kin on Laws though other people wanted Gasana to become a diplomat which finally came true.
“Concerning the brother I am telling you, it has been four years hearing bad news against him discomforting me, the entire family and other relatives. He was reported to have committed some acts individually and conspiring in other activities all of which disturbs the family and relatives,” noted Alice Gasana.
As the eldest and head of family, Alice Gasana, reacted on behalf of the family and relatives to condemn acts reported to her brother noting that it is against virtues acquired during childhood.
“That is why, I take this opportunity on behalf of the family to condemn and distance myself from shameful acts reported to my brother because they are against virtues we acquired during our childhood,” she said.
Alice Gasana highlighted that her brother should be held accountable individually because the family was not involved.
“We have been shocked as a family. We were extremely shocked to hear the name of a sibling reported in such shameful acts. I take this take to declare that the family is completely against the acts,” she said.
“Brother Gasana, I know well that you used to respect myadvises. As your commitment to apologize is still pending, I apologize on your behalf as a sibling.”
Kagame made the remarks yesterday as he addressed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Business. He noted that the Covid pandemic has delayed the start of trading and advised all to stay on course.
“Two years ago, we signed a historic agreement, and together wrote a new chapter in the story of African integration. The Covid pandemic has delayed the start of trading but we must stay on course,” he said.
Kagame revealed that doing more business with each other will be mutually beneficial for countries adding that it will also help to build the capacity to compete internationally.
“In Africa, we will start trading amongst ourselves in a few weeks. We need the private sector to be fully involved. That means, all of you gathered here with us today. We have to work closely together, to ensure the right frameworks are in place for the success of this process,” he noted.
“In addition, we must continue to communicate the benefits of free African trade to our citizens, especially, young people and mobilize them to remain engaged for the next phases of African Integration,” added Kagame.
The President also congratulated and welcomed Wamkele Mene , the new Secretary-General of the CFTA Secretarial and thanked the African Union Commission, for organising this Business Forum, which has become a tradition with each Summit.
A World Bank report released in December 2019 on the AfCFTA showed that the common market would benefit the African continent in different ways.
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement which was signed by 44 African countries on March 21st, 2018 in Kigali shows that a single market for goods and services across Africa will lead to poverty reduction. At least 30 million Africans (1.5% of Africans) will rise above the poverty line.
The report shows that 12 million people in West Africa, 9.3 million in Central Africa and 4.8 million in East Africa will rise above the poverty line. The AfCFTA has the potential of lifting 67.9 million Africans (3.6% of Africans) to middle income status by 2035. That is a $5.50 income per day.
The AfCFTA will connect 1.3 billion African citizens from 54 countries and is expected to generate $3.4 trillion annually. This trade bloc will improve Intra-African trade and definitely solve the problem of food import in Africa.
The Continental Free Trade Area was expected to start operating on July 1st, 2020 but was delayed due to Covid pandemic. The starting date has been extended to 1st January 2021.
Members of Rotary Club Kigali Doyen presented the cheque worth Rwf 1 million for Mutuelle de Santé subscription yesterday to representatives of OVC Rwanda at its headquarters in Kicukiro district.
The organization helps children with vulnerable backgrounds including orphans, children living with disabilities and street children from different parts of the country.
The Head of Finance at Rotary Club Kigali Doyen, Julien Kaburame told IGIHE that the gesture aligns with existing initiatives to support vulnerable people.
“We are involved in different charitable activities based on seven core principles. After learning that these children needed support for Mutuelle de Santé, we rushed to intervene because it falls under our goals,” he said.
The representative of OVC Rwanda, Emmanuel Uwamahoro expressed delight for the support.
“These children had no Mutuelle de Santé up to date because the donor who subscribed them for medical insurance last year has died. We had not yet got means to subscribe them again. The support comes in handy,” he said.
In the same week, Rotary Club Kigali Doyen donated Rwf 6 million to subscribe for Mutuelle de Santé 2000 residents from Nyamirambo in Nyarugenge district, Kigali city.
The gesture is aimed at increasing the number of people affording Mutuelle de Santé.
The first quarter of 2020/2021 fiscal year between July and September left citizens subscribing for Mutuelle de Santé at 80,1% and has currently increased to 82.1%.
So far, Mutuelle de Santé subscribers have paid Rwf 23.7 billion.
Rotary Club Kigali Doyen has this year funded different activities namely; donating 4000 face masks toresidents in Rutsiro district, donated Rwf 13 million to King Faisal Hospital and University Teaching Hospital of Kigali , donated 900 liquid soaps to Rwanda Biomedical Center as well as sanitary equipment including 160 hand washing facilities worth Rwf 12 million.
The club also contributed Rwf 3 million to support ‘Solid Africa’, philanthropy organization providing aid to the most vulnerable patients in hospitals.
Rotary Club Kigali Doyen is one of six Rotary Clubs in Rwanda including Musanze, Kigali Mont Jali, Kigali Virunga, Gasabo and Butare with 122 members.
It comprises of members consolidating efforts to provide humanitarian services and support to address problems facing the world by combating illiteracy and poverty, contributing to the provision of safe water, handling disputes and fighting epidemics.
The project launched in Gisagara Friday will offer such facilities for education, health among others. The launch involved visiting a construction site of 40 classrooms expected to accommodate students from Congolese refugee camp in the area and neighboring residents.
The five-year project funded by the World Bank will cost US$60 (Rwf 54 billion) to be implemented in in Gisagara, Nyamagabe, Gicumbi, Karongi, Gatsibo and Kirehe.
Infrastructures expected to be made available under the project include, safe water , schools, health centers, markets, roads, driving financial inclusion and environment protection initiatives.
Kayisire explained that the project is expected to transform lives of over 365,000 beneficiaries including refugees and neighboring communities.
She revealed that the close collaboration between refugees and neighboring residents who welcomed them makes refugees feel at ease, thus also getting involved in development activities.
“It makes refugees feel at home. They strongly need to feel safe so that they can run activities smoothly,” underscored Kayisire.
Apart from the construction of 40 classrooms underway in Gisagara district, the project will also provide equipment at Mugombwa Vocational School and construct Musha Market.
Similar activities will be funded in other districts covered by the project and build 10 kilometer roads in Kirehe and Karongi districts.
Beneficiaries will also be trained in project management, working with banks while those with bankable projects will receive additional funding for implementation.
Some of refugees from Mugombwa camp in Gisagara district expressed delight for the project expected to uplift them.
“The project will particularly help our children to afford quality education to prepare for a better future,” said Emmanuel Rwagasore.
The Country Representative of World Bank, Rolande Pryce commended Rwanda’s efforts towards improved welfare of refugees and reiterated commitment for continued partnership in different areas.
Rwanda accommodates over 137,000 refugees from different camps including Mugombwa in Gisagara district; Kigeme in Nyamagabe; Gihembe in Gicumbi; Kiziba in Karongi; Nyabiheke in Gatsibo and Mahama in Kirehe district.
