Prince Mpabuka has been appointed as the leader of the Rutshuru territory, with the support of Dr. Bolingo Salomon. Additionally, Kanyamarere Désiré is now the mayor of Bunagana town, while Katembo Julien and Maguru Célestin have been respectively named mayors of Kiwanja and Rubare.
Bisimwa has restructured the peace and security committee into a territorial development committee, to be led by designated officials.
Within the internal structure of M23, Rukomera Désiré has taken on the role of heading the department of campaign and recruitment of new members, with the assistance of Uzamukunda Pascal and Kulu Jean-Louis.
Lawrence Kanyuka, the current spokesperson of M23 for political matters, retains leadership of the communication and media department, with Balinda Oscar as the deputy.
A department of finance and production has also been established, led by Bahati Musanga and assisted by Nzabonimpa Mupenzi Jean-Bosco.
These reforms come as M23 continues to face offensives from the armed forces of the DRC and their allies, including Burundi, SADC, as well as the armed groups Wazalendo and the FDLR terrorist group.
Key positions of M23, notably in Bunagana (captured in June 2022), Kiwanja, and Rubare, are primarily situated in the Rutshuru territory.
In 1895, the Germans, led by Gustav Adolf von Götzen, arrived in Rwanda, making it one of the last African nations to be colonized. Initially, the German colonizers focused on supporting King Musinga, who was in power at the time.
The German presence in Rwanda saw periods where Rwandans lost their lives merely for supporting their king, leading up to the outbreak of World War I, which saw the king’s departure for the front lines.
In 1900, Catholic priests entered Rwanda, introducing religious teachings and other knowledge. However, these teachings were marked by discriminatory principles, both regionally and ethnically.
Figures like Mgr Léon-Paul Classe and André Perraudin were prominent in the Catholic Church in Rwanda, teaching at institutions like the Saint-Léon seminary in Kabgayi and the Nyakibanda seminary. Despite their contributions, history reveals divisions and schisms.
In June 1916, towards the end of World War I, the Germans, led by Captain Wintgens (Tembasi), retreated before superior Belgian forces, placing Rwanda under Belgian colonial control.
{{Dark moments for Rwandans}}
Unlike the German colonizers, the Belgians adopted a radically different policy upon their arrival in Rwanda. Ignoring the king, they directly imposed their orders on Rwandans, compelling them to engage in various forced labor activities.
During Belgian rule, religious leaders supported by the Catholic Church favored the Tutsis, elevating them to positions of power, especially in tea and coffee plantations where Rwandans were coerced into labor. Severe punishments, known as “shiku,” were imposed for incomplete work.
This policy, encapsulated in the phrase “divide to rule,” allowed the Belgians to convince the Hutus that the Tutsis had long oppressed them, sparking the need for change.
Racist ideologies advocated by figures like Mgr Classe, finding favor among the Belgians, spread in schools and other spheres of public life.
The so-called revolution of 1959, led by the Hutus with the support of the Catholic Church, resulted in persecutions against the Tutsis. Their homes were set ablaze, their belongings looted, and some were killed. This marked the prelude to Rwanda’s independence in 1962, an independence still influenced by Belgian colonialists.
Dr. Gakwenzire Philbert, President of Ibuka, criticizes past Rwandan leaders for their short-term vision, highlighting their continued adherence to colonial principles at the expense of unity and national development.
He states, “When the colonizers arrived in Rwanda, they established schools. The school, called Indatwa in Kinyarwanda, formed an official group of scholars. However, the graduates of these schools were mainly ‘assistants,’ meant to serve the Whites. As a result, leaders of the First and Second Republics, benefitting from an education, regarded other Rwandans as their assistants rather than contributors to the country’s development.”
A striking example is Minister Nzirorera Joseph, who, as the head of MINITRAPE, prohibited the Central University of Rwanda, particularly its SCAP branch, from awarding degrees in “Engineering” to prevent graduates from competing with his own level of education.
{{The state’s role in ethnic segregation in schools}}
In 1969, under President Grégoire Kayibanda’s leadership, the Central Council of the Parmehutu Party decided to implement ethnic dominance controls in Rwandan schools. The policy’s implementation began during the 1972-1973 school year.
Antoine Mugesera, a former student at Christ-Roi School in Nyanza, reports that the school’s director, Father Canon Ernotte, addressed President Kayibanda in a letter dated February 21, 1973. He questioned the reasons behind the ethnic dominance surveillance in secondary schools and raised concerns about the killing of Tutsi intellectuals.
In response, Kayibanda affirmed that this inspection program had been approved by the national administration and must be implemented without hindrance.
During this period, several Tutsi students, including Yosiya Senyonga, who had passed the entrance exam to the National University of Rwanda, were denied access to higher education.
Starting from February 1973, it became extremely difficult for Tutsi children to access the Central University of Rwanda. Tutsi high school students began to be persecuted, and those working for the government or in the private sector were gradually dismissed.
This policy led to a true national tragedy: the elimination of educated Tutsis and the flight of survivors to neighboring countries such as Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Simultaneously, another phenomenon emerged: the replacement of positions by individuals from families favored by the leaders, a process marked by corruption and nepotism. This situation represented a significant loss for the country, as competent individuals were sidelined in favor of less qualified people.
{{Discrimination policy is a dead end}}
From the Belgian colonial era to the First Republic, Rwandan political parties were primarily based on ethnic criteria, predominantly favoring the Hutus, often referred to as ‘the people.’ With the exception of the UNAR party, most politicians of this period favored discriminatory and divisive policies, ultimately leading to theGenocide against the Tutsis.
The Second Republic, established in 1973 under President Juvénal Habyarimana, claimed to correct the mistakes of its predecessor, Grégoire Kayibanda. However, it continued to follow a similar political line.
Apart from 13 politicians and a few other notable figures who opposed the genocide plan against the Tutsis in 1994, denouncing injustice and fighting for truth, the majority aligned with the government’s deadly policies.
During the closing of the 29th week of commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Education, Jean Damascène Bizimana, emphasized that few politicians, not involved in the persecutions, had the courage to oppose the murderous policy. He stated that without the ‘Hutu Power’ extremists, it would not have been possible to kill more than a million Tutsis across the country.
In addition to the victims of this genocide, many Tutsis were also killed in earlier attempts at genocide in the years before 1994.
The Rwandan economy, between 1973 and 1980, experienced a slowdown in its growth, dropping from 6.5% to 2.9%, a trend that continued until 1990. From 1990 to 1994, the economy underwent an average recession of 40%, severely affecting the country’s well-being.
After the country’s liberation, the RPF-Inkotanyi stopped the genocide and faced a nation depleted of its resources. Since then, Rwanda has embarked on a long path of reconstruction and now displays hope for development on the international stage.
Notably, 1,600 kilometers of tarmac roads have been constructed, connecting various regions and reducing travel times, exemplified by the Rukomo-Nyagatare road, enabling a shorter journey to Kigali.
Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente has highlighted the impact of these developments, emphasizing the importance of roads like Base-Rukomo, Nyagatare, Kagitumba-Kayonza-Rusumo, Ngoma, Bugesera-Nyanza, Huye-Kibeho, Pindura, and Bweyeye in fostering connectivity and reducing isolation.
Moreover, the government exceeded its target of building 3,000 kilometers of feeder roads, with a total of 3,700 kilometers constructed and repaired. This initiative aimed to facilitate farmers in transporting their products to markets seamlessly.
In terms of lighting infrastructure, Prime Minister Dr. Ngirente reported the successful installation of lights on 2,160 kilometers of roads, against the planned 2,400 kilometers. The increased lighting not only enhances safety but also contributes to the overall development of the country.
Furthermore, the electrification efforts have been remarkable, with over 1.5 million new homes receiving electricity, increasing the overall electrification rate from 34% in 2017 to 74%. The government remains committed to achieving 100% electrification, addressing the remaining 26%.
Hydroelectric power plants, such as the Rusumo dam connecting Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania, have played a crucial role in expanding the electricity supply network. Additionally, to ensure access to clean water, seven water treatment plants were constructed.
The water processing capacity in Rwanda has nearly doubled since 2017, surpassing the initial goal of 303,000 cubic meters and reaching 330,000 cubic meters. These initiatives signify a comprehensive and transformative approach to infrastructure development in Rwanda, contributing to the nation’s overall progress and well-being.
In various host countries, Rwanda Day has sparked tangible initiatives. Notably, the 2015 event in the Netherlands led to the establishment of schools teaching Kinyarwanda and Rwandan culture in Germany and other parts of Europe and America. In Liège, Belgium, a cultural school teaching the Rwandan language and culture was inaugurated in 2019.
Rwandans living abroad have significantly increased remittances to their homeland. Central Bank of Rwanda data indicates a substantial rise from $98 million in 2010 to $444 million in 2022/2023.
Contrary to misconceptions, these remittances are primarily directed towards family development and investments rather than mere consumption.
The United States stands out as a leading contributor to remittances, with Rwandans residing there contributing 46%, followed by Canada at 6%, and France at 4.8%.
Rwandans abroad actively contribute to various sectors upon their return, including the health and education sectors. Some have demonstrated a strong desire to contribute their skills to address the country’s labor needs, particularly in the health and education sectors.
Investments by Rwandans living abroad play a vital role in the country’s economic development. Encouraged by such programs, for example, in 2017, Rusingiza Rose, who lives in Belgium, decided to invest in Rwanda, especially in tourism.
The mother shared with IGIHE, “In 2017, I made the decision to embark on a construction project. After discussing it with my husband, who was supportive, we thoroughly researched the project. We commenced construction in 2018, and despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we remained undeterred. I am particularly grateful for the guidance provided by President Kagame during Rwanda Day; his advice truly inspired and motivated me.”
Manzi Aloys, currently residing in England, has been actively involved in investments across Rwanda for several years.
He established a maize flour mill plant in Kayonza and more recently founded ‘Manzi Finance Ltd,’ a financial institution that has received approval from the Central Bank of Rwanda (BNR).
Aloys expresses his goal to facilitate easy access to affordable financial services for Rwandans. His endeavors exemplify the influence of Rwanda Day, demonstrating how the event inspires and guides impactful investments.
Rwanda Day has not only strengthened connections with the diaspora but has also attracted international investors. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020, the event continues to yield positive economic results. In 2022, Rwandans ranked first in new investments in the country, contributing $540.8 million (33.1%). China, India, Germany, and the United States follow with significant investments.
Rwanda Day has been hosted in various cities worldwide, including Brussels, Chicago, Paris, Boston, London, Toronto, Atlanta, Dallas, Amsterdam, San Francisco, Ghent, and Bonn. The event serves as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration, dialogue, and investments between Rwanda and its global diaspora.
The President urged Rwandans to take initiative and actively pursue their aspirations instead of relying on external sources to grant them their desires, emphasizing that such gifts are short-lived.
Kagame asserted, “There’s no room for excuses; stand up and fight for your aspirations. Waiting for others to hand it to you is futile. Rwandans have learned the lesson that you must fight for what you want; it cannot be given to you by someone else.”
Drawing an analogy, he likened depending on others to receiving anesthesia, a temporary relief that wears off, necessitating a return to the source.
Kagame explained, “Depending on others is like anesthesia. It numbs the pain temporarily, but once it wears off, you revert to your original state. Don’t let others dictate your values; instead, fight for them.”
President Kagame highlighted that such dependence sets people back, questioning the true essence of imposed values. He challenged the audience, particularly the youth, to confront these notions if they wish to avoid regressing in history.
Asserting the fallibility of those intending to teach Rwandans values, Kagame emphasized that they lack divine power and face their own set of challenges. He questioned the legitimacy of individuals instructing others on values they have failed to uphold, criticizing the tendency to attribute problems to the beauty of democracy.
Furthermore, Kagame stressed that Rwandans should not conform to external expectations but rather define their path. He discouraged adopting a beggar mentality and emphasized that Rwanda’s potential lies within, emphasizing the need for determination and proactive behavior.
“The sanction operation, which is especially directed against (Sudan’s) national institutions, will not help achieve peace,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry further said that justifying targeting the three economic institutions for their affiliation with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) is “surprising and deplorable.”
“The right and duty to defend the country necessitate the SAF to seek to achieve sufficiency in defensive equipment, and all laws guarantee the right to self-defense,” the ministry added.
On Monday, the European Council adopted sanctions against six entities affiliated with the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including asset freezes and prohibition of the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly.
It said in a statement that the six entities were responsible for “supporting activities that undermine the stability and political transition of Sudan.”
Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF since April 15, 2023.
More than 12,000 people had been killed, and over 7.4 million had been displaced inside and outside Sudan since the fighting broke out, according to earlier estimates by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Dr. Musafiri explicitly articulated Rwanda’s commitment to cease importing fish from abroad, underscoring the necessity of developing domestic fishing to meet the nation’s growing demand for fish. The minister also emphasized the abundant fish resources in Lake Kivu in Rubavu and Rusizi, showcasing the delightful variety of sardine fishes locally known as “Isambaza.”
In reference to a statement made by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye at the end of 2023, Minister Musafiri recalled that when Burundi opened its borders, it provided Rwandans with the opportunity to explore the silver fishes known as ‘Indagara’ from Lake Tanganyika.
Dr. Musafiri assured that the restocking project for Lake Kivu is underway and aims to produce sufficient fish to make Rwanda self-sufficient in fish production within the next five years. He also mentioned a Tilapia fish farming project in collaboration with the European Union, intended to further reduce dependence on foreign fish imports.
In 2022, Rwanda set a goal to produce 112,000 tons of fish annually. However, the Ministry of Agriculture’s report indicates that the production reached 43,560 tons, marking an increase from the previous year’s 41,664 tons. Fish farming activities were conducted in 17 lakes and four rivers across 15 regions of the country.
In his state of the nation address, Kagame discussed various issues, including the ongoing security crisis in eastern DRC, where clashes persist between the Congolese Army and the M23 rebel group.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels, a claim that Rwanda vehemently denies.
Rwanda urges its neighbor to address internal problems without involving neighboring nations in its affairs. Simultaneously, Rwanda accuses the DRC of collaborating with FDLR, a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Despite these accusations, Congolese leaders have threatened to wage war on Rwanda instead of focusing on the rebel group.
During the National Dialogue Council, Kagame clarified, “Rwanda was not involved in any way. I am giving you a fact; go and investigate and prove me wrong. Rwanda never got involved in starting this fighting.”
Kagame highlighted efforts to make the conflict appear as Rwanda’s problem, emphasizing the combination of hate speeches and displacements in eastern DRC as contributing factors. He suggested that pushing Tutsis to Rwanda was a misguided strategy to address the M23 problem.
The President questioned why Congolese leaders blamed Rwanda while acknowledging the accused individuals as their citizens. He also criticized the coalition formed with FDLR, which previously led to shelling on Rwandan territory.
Amid provocations, shelling, and collaboration attempts targeting the M23 rebels, Kagame stressed Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to defending its borders. He asserted, “When it comes to defending this country that has suffered for so long and nobody came to help, I don’t need permission from anybody to do what we have to do to protect ourselves. I have said it in a broad daylight. I have said it to those who matter in this problem.”
Since the M23 rebel group resumed fighting at the end of 2021, citing the defense of Congolese Tutsi communities, Rwanda remains resolute in its stance, emphasizing the country’s commitment to self-defense in the face of accusations and threats.
In his speech, the Head of State acknowledged the significant goals set for the year, noting that it marks the 30th anniversary since the tragic events of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, where over 1 million lives were lost. Despite attempts to distort the historical truth, President Kagame urged the nation to stay focused on its course.
He highlighted the challenge of historical distortion regarding the Genocide and emphasized the need to address such issues. Kagame urged different generations, including those born after the Genocide, to actively contribute to national progress and positively impact the lives of Rwandans.
Addressing Rwandans, particularly the youth, Kagame urged them to understand their responsibility in the nation’s development, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding themselves, their families, and the country.
The President stressed the necessity of not apologizing for one’s identity, stating, “We must not be apologetic. We must stand out, fight for what you want to be and what you want to have.”
Kagame also pointed out that Rwandans cannot afford to be complacent, considering the unique challenges of their country. He highlighted Rwanda’s journey over the past 30 years, emphasizing that despite being a small country with a modest economy, Rwandans have shown resilience in overcoming challenges.
“We don’t have that luxury. Where others work for two hours and go to sleep, we have to work for ten more hours; where others can afford to walk, we have to run to catch up. That is how Rwanda is, and we need to act accordingly. We need to do the right thing to reach our shared vision for a bright future,” added Kagame.
Umushyikirano, Kinyarwanda’s equivalent of ‘dialogue,’ serves as a forum for exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, peer review, and questioning during the National Dialogue Council. The president delivers a ‘State of the Nation’ address during this council.
As part of efforts to reconstruct Rwanda and foster a shared national identity, the Government drew on Rwandan culture and traditional practices, resulting in Home Grown Solutions – culturally owned practices translated into sustainable development programs.
Umushyikirano, governed by the Rwandan Constitution (Article 168), is a forum where participants discuss issues related to the state of the nation, local government, and national unity, with the Office of the Prime Minister overseeing its coordination.
The incident occurred on the evening of January 22, 2024, in Rugerero Village, Gashirira Cell, Ruvune Sector. Witnesses at the scene revealed that this wasn’t the first time the deceased had attempted illegal mining for precious stones. In a previous instance, he and his friends narrowly survived a similar mine accident.
Uwera Parfaite, the Acting Mayor of Gicumbi District, confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred in an area where wolfram ores are extracted.
She urged individuals involved in illegal mining to reconsider their actions, emphasizing the availability of job opportunities provided by legitimate companies. Uwera stressed the importance of avoiding life-threatening activities and encouraged people to join the workforce through legal means.
Additionally, in Ruvune Sector, efforts are being made to educate individuals involved in the illegal mining of precious stones about the process of applying for legitimate employment. This initiative aims to deter them from engaging in risky activities and to promote their inclusion in the workforce.
