Speaking during an interview with RBA, the Head of State dismissed the series of stories dubbed “Rwanda Classified” as sponsored, saying the individuals behind the campaign “are just wasting their time”.
“I was seeing a conglomerate of journalists who are really up in arms against us. But these are just wasting their time. They should have used their money and energy for something else. Rwanda is here and will prosper every year in spite of them,” President Kagame stated.
The government had earlier accused the group of journalists mostly European and drawn from 17 media outlets of a well-orchestrated plan to dent Rwanda’s image ahead of the general elections slated for July.
In a statement to newsrooms on May 28, the Office of the Government Spokesperson said the claims were not new.
“Rwandans have come to expect this kind of media flurry by the usual actors, timed to disrupt our upcoming presidential and legislative elections.
“In a similar vein, along Rwanda’s western border, in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, there is a parallel attempt to protect the genocidal militia FDLR, in the hopes of hurting Rwanda and in support of the open call for “regime change” by the President of the DRC,” the government said.
The government maintained that the “malicious” campaign would not “materialise”.
“This objective will not materialise because of the strong unity and accountable political system that Rwandans have built over the years. Rwanda’s democratic processes will continue, and Rwandans will make their choices about who they want to lead them into the future, peacefully and confidently.”
The “Rwanda Classified” project is orchestrated by “Forbidden Stories,” a platform and website run by the Freedom Voices Network. The Journalists’ association was created in November 2017 by French journalist Laurent Richard.
In an interview with journalists from Rwanda Broadcasting Agency on June 17, 2024, President Kagame was told that after the achievements in various sectors including health, agriculture, and sports, the Rwandan voter of 2024 desires a leader who will deliver even more.
Journalist Cleophas Barore asked, “What would you say to a Rwandan who is used to receiving all these good things, is it possible? What should they expect in the coming years beyond what you have already delivered?”
President Kagame responded that all the achievements so far were made possible by the participation of Rwandans, which gives hope that more will come. He said, “What I would first tell Rwandans is that we need to build on the recent history of what we have already achieved. The beauty of this is that it shows what is possible. Once you see what is possible and realize it comes from within, from the Rwandans, what would stop you from achieving even greater things and reaching further, to a better future?”
The Head of State explained that when Rwandans have played a role in the achievements, it is easier to show them examples of what is possible. He said, “It is easy; it is like teaching someone by showing them an example of what is possible, and indeed they played a part in it without even realizing it. You show them how they were involved, that they made it possible, with additional support from aid and external support, it does not remove the fact that it started with them.”
President Kagame said that as Rwanda’s economy grows at a rate exceeding 8%, Rwandans wish for even more because they want to go further, and to achieve that, there are issues that need to be addressed.
Regarding the achievements, he said, “That’s how it should be; we have not yet reached a point where we can be satisfied with our progress, even though we are making strides. The economy is growing at more than 8%, people want to work, they want to move fast, they want to go far, you keep feeling that this is not enough. If it’s 8%, you ask why not 9%, why not 10% or more? The first thing you look at is the remaining issues to be solved.”
Regarding electricity, President Kagame said that even if it has reached 70 to 80% of the country, people should ask why the remaining 20% has not been covered.
He said, “Campaigning, being re-elected as President, we have the opportunity to say that there are things we have done in the past years. Others also have things they have done or want to be known for, and they even want to do more, that’s why they come forward, seeking the opportunity to lead the country. That is their right. But the other right is for the citizens, to choose based on what they have seen, what they have participated in.”
The Head of State stated that what could have been achieved but wasn’t during the current term, he plans to do in collaboration with Rwandans. He emphasized that the appreciation from citizens will not stop him from thinking about doing more.
He said, “In my thoughts and actions, what was possible but not done in the past term, I must do it, adding more things that correspond to the current time. It’s about advancing for everyone and for those who will be voting. We have reached this point; can we contribute more to accelerate the progress? Even if I am praised for having done good things, couldn’t I do even more?”
In this election, Paul Kagame, representing the RPF Inkotanyi, will compete against Dr. Frank Habineza of the DGPR (Green Party) and independent candidate Mpayimana Philippe. These candidates also competed in the 2017 presidential election.
The two leaders met at a conference on restoring peace in Ukraine, held in Switzerland last weekend.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, mentioned that he had collaborated on numerous projects with Biruta when he was the Foreign Minister and thanked Rwanda for attending the conference.
He said, “I met with the leader of the Rwandan delegation, the Minister of Internal Security, Vincent Biruta. In his previous role as Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Vincent and I greatly enhanced the bilateral relations between our two countries. Ukraine opened an Embassy in Kigali, and our partnership continues to grow. I appreciated Rwanda’s participation in this Global Peace Conference and its steadfast support for the upholding of international law.”
Dmytro Kuleba recently visited Rwanda in May 2023. During this visit, he was received by President Paul Kagame and delivered a message from his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
They discussed the war in Ukraine and ways to support peace initiatives aimed at ending it.
This visit also culminated in the two countries signing a cooperation agreement in political consultancy.
The conference where Minister Biruta represented Rwanda was attended by 100 countries, aiming to explore ways to bring an end to the prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The conference concluded with over 80 countries signing a document reaffirming Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating that these principles are essential for achieving a sustainable peace solution in Ukraine.
However, countries like Brazil, India, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia refused to sign the document.
These two organizations began their collaboration in November 2023, assisting individuals seeking employment, tourism, and educational opportunities in schools across Canada, the United States, and many other European countries.
They have partnerships with various educational institutions, accommodating students on scholarships and self-financed students at all university levels. This discount will be available until July 14, 2024.
Dr. Francis Habumugisha, the Director of Mega Global Link, highlighted the benefits of studying abroad and their role in facilitating this journey.
“Mega Global Link has been providing various services for those wishing to study abroad in Canada, the United States, and Europe. We assist those going for studies or work, having facilitated many during our operational period,” he said.
He continued, “Today, we have launched two new initiatives. One is the opportunity we are providing for those wishing to study in these countries for the September school year. The doors are open in partnership with ApplyBoard, an organization based in Europe, the United States, and Canada, with its headquarters in Canada. We have an agreement to represent them in Africa, and we are now offering this affordable way to facilitate student enrollment.”
These opportunities are available to those who register by July 14 of this year.
These organizations also offer a program known as ‘Summer Camps’ for individuals wishing to travel to Europe, Canada, and the United States for relaxation, leisure, and more. This program includes various activities for enjoyment, such as outdoor games, training sessions, music, dance, sports, and many other activities.
Dr. Arthur Rukundo, a health expert, explained the importance of relaxation, especially during the summer period.
“We want to teach Rwandans the culture of saving money and then traveling abroad to relax their minds. As we know, government employees typically have a month-long break but often spend it on other jobs or side hustles,” he said.
He added, “I’m not sure if Rwandans are aware of the increasing number of stroke cases in the country. We are losing people because they work without resting. When someone goes abroad, they learn new things, see how people live, and it teaches them instantly. The third point is teaching people the importance of collaboration, as it helps one achieve more.”
In an interview with the Financial Times, RwandAir Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Yvonne Makolo expressed optimism that the talks, which have been ongoing for about five years, would soon yield the desired results.
“It’s been going on for a while; we have been discussing it for almost five years. So, now, we’re really at the tail-end of it,” Makolo told the British daily.
Senior executives close to the negotiations intimated to the publication that the agreement could be executed as early as next month – July.
The deal is expected to help RwandAir expand its operations, including increasing the number of aircraft and destinations, as well as enhancing the skills of its employees.
It will also help Qatar Airways increase the number of flights it operates in Africa.
“We access over 70 points on their network, and they access a number of points, especially in central Africa, where they don’t have a presence,” Makolo added.
Officials say the deal between RwandAir and the Qatar-based airline was partly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and by Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup.
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But the two airlines have been working together since late 2021 when they signed a codeshare agreement aimed at offering travelers more choice, enhanced service, and greater connectivity to more than 65 destinations across Africa and the rest of the world.
As part of the agreement, the state-owned carrier launched non-stop flights between Kigali and Doha.
“This codeshare agreement will give our customers significantly more choice and flexibility, allowing RwandAir to strengthen its global presence and build on its strong and loyal African customer base. As we continue to grow out of the pandemic, this partnership represents yet another extremely important step on our recovery runway, and we hope to deliver more commitments like this to our customers in the very near future,” Makolo stated while welcoming the partnership in October 2021.
In a separate agreement reached in 2019, Qatar Airways agreed to take a 60 percent stake in Bugesera International Airport in Kigali, being built at a cost of $1.3 billion.
Makolo says the new airport, expected to be operational in 2027 and have an initial capacity for eight million passengers, would turn Kigali into “a major transit hub” on the continent.
This issue was highlighted by Edmond Dufatanye, the head of RSPN, during the 16th international conference held in Rwanda by the International Association for Psychiatric Nurses (IAPN), which concluded on August 14, 2024.
Psychiatric-mental health nurses have played a significant role in caring for Rwandans with mental health issues, being the first to receive training domestically from international experts after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The first group completed their Advanced Diploma in 1999 at what was then the Kigali Health Institute (KHI).
Although there was no Bachelor’s degree program previously, the University of Rwanda has introduced one this year, 2024. However, current professionals cannot enroll yet as they must wait until next year for the first-year students to reach the Advanced Diploma level.
Edmond Dufatanye emphasized the need for current professionals to further their education, warning that the delay might lead to some leaving the field for other opportunities. He stated, “The primary demand from professionals is the opportunity to study. The study opportunities provided only reached the Advanced Diploma level. […] Our main request is for a program that helps those at the Advanced Diploma level to attain a Bachelor’s degree.”
The Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU) also highlighted that the lack of continued education for psychiatric-mental health nurses limits their competitiveness in the job market both in Rwanda and internationally.
Dr. Philomene Uwimana from the University of Rwanda urged these nurses to be patient until next year, as this is the current solution available. She said, “They should be patient because many did not wait and shifted to other fields since there was no program available. Now that the courses have started, I believe it will work out well, and they will follow their chosen path.”
A study conducted by RSPN, which included responses from 98 psychiatric-mental health nurses, revealed that 78% of them have an Advanced Diploma, only two have a Bachelor’s degree obtained abroad, and one holds a Master’s degree, also from abroad.
These cases prosecuted from 2019 to 2024 include 35 cases involving suspects in possession of grenades, 34 cases involving suspects in possession of firearms, 12 cases involving possession of ammunition (magazines), and 10 cases related to individuals found with illegal substances.
RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, during an interview with RBA, indicated that these confiscated arms indicate various criminal intentions.
He said, “Those found with firearms face charges including illegal possession, criminal intent, and malicious acts… There are also cases where someone is found with a single firearm and claims it is for self-defence or protection against threats.”
RIB points out that the weapons in the country are linked to the liberation war and the subsequent “Abacengezi” war that lasted from 1997 to 2000.
The weapons involved included grenades, boxes of ammunition, and AK-47 rifles confiscated from various locations.
Rwanda National Police spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga, emphasized that possession of weapons is strictly regulated by law, and anyone found with them will face legal consequences due to their threat to public safety.
He also stated that since 2019, armed violence and crimes such as robbery and terrorism have not been observed in Rwanda.
The WHO boss sent five names of the candidates eyeing the coveted regional seat to member states on June 14.
The five candidates include Rwanda’s Dr. Richard Mihigo, who is considered a strong contender for the position. Dr Mihigo will run against Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao from Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo from Niger, Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall from Senegal, and Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile from Tanzania.
All the shortlisted candidates have the backing of their countries, a key requirement for the regional role.
Dr. Mihigo met with President Paul Kagame on Saturday, June 15, to discuss his bid for the post, ahead of the government’s intense lobbying to secure the seat.
The Regional Committee of the WHO African Region will vote to nominate the next Regional Director in a closed meeting during its seventy-fourth session from 26 to 30 August 2024 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
The nominee will then be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, set for January 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The newly appointed Regional Director will take office on February 1, 2025, for a five-year term and will be eligible for reappointment once.
Dr. Mihigo’s name was submitted to the WHO Director-General by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 16, 2024.
The 57-year-old Rwandan, born in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is considered a strong candidate for the post due to his rich career profile and extensive education in the medical field.
Dr. Mihigo holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in International Health from Boston University School of Public Health, USA, obtained in 2003, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B., Ch.B.) from the Faculty of Medicine, Université de Kisangani, DRC, obtained in 1994.
Dr. Mihigo boasts of several other trainings, including an Executive Leadership Programme at the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa in Johannesburg in 2019. He also completed a Certificate program in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies at Boston University School of Public Health in Massachusetts, USA, from February to May 2002. Additionally, he undertook a Certificate program in Quality Assurance Management Methods for Developing Countries at Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health, in Baltimore, Maryland, from June to July 2000.
Dr. Mihigo has held numerous positions, including advisor roles at WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI (the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization). He also served as an advisor at USAID-Rwanda, working in various health sectors.
He currently serves as the Senior Director of Programmatic and Strategic Engagement at the African Union/Africa CDC. He has held this position at GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance, in Geneva, Switzerland, since March 2024.
Previously, from April 2022 to February 2024, Dr. Mihigo served as the Global Lead and Senior Director for COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery, Coordination, and Integration at GAVI. Prior to that, from June 2014 to March 2022, Dr. Mihigo held the role of Regional Coordinator for the Immunisation and Vaccine Development Programme at the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville.
From June 2008 to May 2014, Dr. Mihigo served as the Team Lead for the Immunisation & Vaccine Development Programme at the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
Earlier, from August 2006 to May 2008, Dr. Mihigo was the Immunisation and New Vaccines Officer at the Inter-Country Support Team for West Africa countries, World Health Organization, based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
From July 2004 to July 2006, he worked as a Monitoring & Evaluation Officer at the Inter-Country Programme for Central Africa countries, World Health Organization, based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
From January to June 2004, Dr. Mihigo served as the Permanent Secretary of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM). Additionally, From 2000 to 2003, Dr. Mihigo served as the National Programme Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) at the Ministry of Health in Rwanda.
From 1999 to 2000, he held the position of the Provincial Medical Director at the Ministry of Health, overseeing Provincial Health Services in Butare District.
Previously, from 1996 to 1999, Dr. Mihigo was the District Medical Director at the Ministry of Health, overseeing District Health Services in Nyanza Province, and from September 1994 to 1996, he served as the first Medical Director of Nyanza Hospital in the difficult period following the end of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Dr. Mihigo, proficient in English and French, has received four awards for his contributions to healthcare and has published 32 research papers on health.
Speaking with students and teachers at the school, His Excellency highlighted that science and technology are at the center of the UAE’s commitment to key sectors such as renewable energy, the space industry, and Artificial Intelligence, all aimed at advancing the country’s economy.
“The UAE recognizes that enhancing its economy to an advanced stage requires accelerating work on localizing advanced technology, and investing in a base of national cadres possessing knowledge in the field of modern technology,” H.E. Al Qahtani said.
The ambassador told students that the UAE is a major player in the exploration of outer space, thanks to the UAE Space Agency, which was established in 2014, and the subsequent launch of the first Arab and Islamic orbiter to Mars. This mission, led by an Emirati team, embarked on a scientific exploration to the Red Planet.
“The UAE currently has the largest active space sector within the Gulf region and the Middle East. In 2019, Hazza Al Mansouri became the first Emirati astronaut to reach space,” he added.
Ambassador Al Qahtani also discussed that the UAE intends to significantly increase reliance on clean energy and reduce carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2050.
“The UAE aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 70%, increase reliance on clean energy by 50%, and enhance energy consumption efficiency by approximately 40% by the middle of the 21st Century,” the ambassador noted, adding that the UAE’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which has significantly contributed to the production of clean energy, is one of the world’s largest renewable projects based on an independent power producer model.
Regarding Artificial Intelligence, the ambassador explained that the UAE has made several significant advances, including the launching of the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy in October 2017 and the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in October 2019. The university is the first of its kind globally in specialized postgraduate studies in AI research.
He also highlighted the collaborations between the Rwanda Space Agency and the UAE Space Agency as a demonstration of the UAE’s commitment to science and technology development. The two agencies signed an MoU to establish collaboration frameworks in civil space activities, fostering research and development, space technologies, geospatial data sharing, and initiating joint space sector projects on the sidelines of COP28 last year.
Ambassador AlQahtani stressed that the progress made by the UAE in the sectors of renewable energy, Artificial Intelligence, and space exploration began with investing in science education within schools and the development of institutions of research.
The ambassador’s talk aimed to inspire students at the school to embrace science to solve emerging challenges in the world.
The Secondary School for Sciences at the Islamic Cultural Center is among the schools being supported by the UAE. Established in 1985, the school’s enrollment has increased from 80 to 734 students in 2024, both at the ordinary and advanced levels.
Those who took the oath include Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Yussuf Murangwa: Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, and Consolee Uwimana: Minister of Gender and Family Promotion.
Also sworn in were Mutesi Rusagara: State Secretary for State Investments and Financial Mobilization in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, and Olivier Kabera: State Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Other leaders who took the oath include Aimable Havugiyaremye: Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), and Angelique Habyarimana: Chief Prosecutor.
Additionally, the Chief of Health Services, Maj. Gen. Dr. Ephrem Rurangwa, and his Deputy, Brig. Gen. Dr. John Nkurikiye, also took the oath.
After the swearing-in ceremony, President Kagame provided guidance, emphasizing the expected contributions of the new leaders towards the development of the citizens.
He stated, “You represent various sectors. Your primary responsibility is to protect the interests of all Rwandans without discrimination. This responsibility may seem easy, but in practice, it proves to be challenging. However, it is essential to fulfill these responsibilities effectively.”
He added, “Leadership involves setting an example for others to follow, starting with those you lead and extending to others, especially the youth. This role includes making sound decisions whenever necessary. A leader who cannot make decisions fulfills only a small part of their responsibilities. Tasks should be completed promptly without unnecessary delays.”
President Kagame further stated that a good leader knows their responsibilities and does not need constant reminders.
He said, “It is not acceptable for leaders to constantly need reminders about their duties, as if there are individuals assigned to remind them. Tasks that can be completed in a week should not take two weeks, a month, or longer. If you ask why there is a delay, no one can provide a reason; they simply apologize and promise to address it.”
He added, “I often say it is good to apologize and commit to doing the task, as it is your responsibility, but that is not the main issue. The main issue is understanding why the time was wasted and why the task, which was within your responsibilities, was not completed.”
In this ceremony, President Kagame also dissolved the House of Deputies as its term ended, as stipulated by the Rwandan Constitution.
