The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Government Spokesperson, Louise Mushikiwabo, said today that Rwanda had lost a good friend and a respected advocate for Africa in the passing of late Donald Payne who died Tuesday in New Jersey.
“Representative Payne was a true champion of human rights. He took the time to understand what was happening around the world, particularly in Africa, and advocated on these issues with passion and conviction in the US Congress.”
“We in Rwanda appreciated his efforts in trying to tell his country and the world the truth about the genocide that happened in here 1994. On behalf of people of Rwanda, we join his family and his government in mourning the death of this extraordinary man.”
Donald Payne was recognized by Rwanda in 2010 with the “Umurinzi – Campaign against Genocide Medal” for his role in fighting genocide through his advocacy actions. “Umurinzi” is the name of a tree that is known in Rwandan folk tales for its protective powers.
Leave a Reply