President João Lourenço who was designated as a mediator on the tension between Rwanda and DRC hosted the head of states for a summit on Wednesday 6th July 2022 in Angola.
It takes place amidst escalating tension between both countries where Tshisekedi warned of a war with Rwanda if it continues backing M23 rebel group. However, Rwanda has repeatedly rejected allegations of supporting M23.
The discussions held on Wednesday were wrapped up with consensus to concert efforts aimed at calming tensions between both countries to turn a new page for relations.
DRC’s Presidency has announced that relations will be normalized through ‘Luanda mechanism’ aligning with activities of the joint commission between both countries which has not organized a meeting for several years.
The first meeting of the commission is due on 12th July 2022 in Luanda, Angola. It is aimed at restoring peace between both countries through diplomatic process.
Regarding M23, the heads of state resolved that the rebel group must lay down arms and withdraw from captured areas.
Meanwhile, all mining activities in DRC must be carried out with respect to national sovereignty.
Doğuş Group is among the largest private-sector companies in Turkey.
The Chairman and CEO of Doğuş Hospitality & Retail Group, Eryigit Umur is on a visit to Rwanda along with the Head of Chaiman’s Office, Emin Tuzuna and Selin Maner, the company’s Architect.
IGIHE has learnt that Eryigit Umur is visiting Karongi for the second time with plans to set up a state-of-the art hotel in the district.
A subsidiary of Doğuş Group, Doğuş Hospitality & Retail Group operates in the fields of hotels, events management and luxury fashion among others.
It manages over 200 restaurants and nearly 20 hotels in more than 21 countries across the world. The subsidiary also owns some of renowned hospitality icons including D-Hotels & Resorts and Mytha Hotel Anthology.
Recently, Doğuş Group announced plans to open a hospitality school and build capacity of real estate professionals in Rwanda.
Governor Habitegeko has told IGIHE that the executives are in Karongi District to explore investment opportunities, particularly in the hospitality sector.
“They are touring different parts of Karongi District , at the same time exploring potential areas of investment in hospitality sector,” he said.
Habitegeko has disclosed that the district presents huge investment opportunities at the shores of Lake Kivu given that it is a beautiful place attracting people seeking to spend weekends or holidays in a relaxing atmosphere.
Situated in close to 130 kilometers from Kigali City, Karongi is among districts with natural features and other touristic attractions luring visitors to prolong their stay.
Like many other districts, Karongi is characterized by a hilly topography with attractive features as well as cultural and historical vestiges of great significance to the country.
In consideration of these attractions, investors have been taking advantage of this opportunity to set up hospitality establishments for visitors to enjoy a memorable sojourn in the district.
So far, the district has registered over 10 hotels, majority of which being constructed at the shores of Lake Kivu.
IGIHE has learnt that the guests are in Karongi District since Tuesday 5th July 2022.
They have been hosted at Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, a five-star facility located in Bwishyura sector at the shores of Lake Kivu. It has 10 rooms where the cheapest one is booked at US$200 per night.
In March 2022, President Paul Kagame received Chair and CEO of Doğuş Group, Ferit Şahenk and his delegation that came to Rwanda to explore investment opportunities in various sectors including hospitality and real estate.
Doğuş Group has the workforce of over 35,000 and serves more than five million clients.
Apart from investment in hotels and hospitality, the company also retails different car brands including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti among others.
It is the mother company of prominent media houses owning popular TV stations including NTV, Star and Euro Star.
Its total assets is valued at 39,6 billion Turkish lira (over US$2,7$).
Tshisekedi made the disclosure during an interview with the Financial Times shortly before his flight to Angola for peace accords to seek a solution for escalating tensions between Rwanda and DRC.
“This possibility cannot be ruled out. If Rwanda’s provocation continues, we will not sit and do nothing about it. We are not weak. There is absolutely no doubt that Rwanda is backing the March 23rd Movement. We want peace, but if push comes to shove…at one point we will take action,” he said.
Tshisekedi also underscored that Rwanda is fighting in DRC ‘under the guise of M23’ and accused it of intentions to loot its natural resources.
“Rwanda is fighting in the DRC under the guise of the M23, which was defeated in 2013. Rwanda has illicit vested economic interests in the DRC. As long as order is not restored in the DRC, as long as lawlessness and insecurity prevail, Rwanda will take advantage of that,” he noted.
Tshisekedi makes the declaration at a time when Rwanda has been accusing his country of provocations where Congolese Army in collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) shelled Rwandan territory three times and kidnapped two soldiers of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
FDLR is a terrorist outfit comprised of remnant masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who at different times plotted hit-and-run attacks to Rwanda and repelled back.
Rwanda has also condemned hate speeches of Congolese against Rwandans.
The provocations escalated until a Congolese soldier crossed into Rwanda through Rubavu border on 17th June 2022, where he attacked Rwandan policemen with a rapid fire before he was shot dead.
During a press conference on 31st May 2022; Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta said that Rwanda would not ‘idly sit by’ and watch the provocations in case DRC refuses to release abducted soldiers and continues shelling Rwandan territory.
“We have responsibilities to protect our citizens and country’s borderlines. A country defends itself against attacks. This means, if the issue persists, we cannot idly sit by and wait for repetitive shelling on our citizens every day or provocations to kidnap people anytime. It is among issues pointed out at the African Union Summit in Malabo. I clearly indicated that we have legitimacy to respond and defend ourselves, in case we are attacked,” he noted.
“We want such provocations to stop. We want these soldiers released. However, in case these attacks continue to threaten our country’s security, we would be legitimate to defend ourselves and you know that we have capacity,” Minister Biruta added.
Rwanda has maintained that DRC’s accusations are unfounded but insisted that the country backs FDLR, a terrorist group threatening Rwanda’s security.
On 5th July 2022, President Tshisekedi arrived in Angola for peace talks with his counterpart of Rwanda, Paul Kagame on the mediation of President Angola, João Lourenço.
The two heads of state also met recently at the third conclave for regional heads of state convened by the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta to find a lasting solution to security issues in eastern DRC.
Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Mozambique, Amb. Claude Nikobisanzwe has revealed that the flights to be operated by RwandAir are expected to stimulate an increase in the volume of business between the two countries which have recently strengthened cooperation in the political and commercial areas.
The flights are expected to commence in the first week of August.
Currently, Mozambicans travelling to Rwanda are not required to present a visa while Rwandans are necessitated to do so.
According to Club of Mozambique, the envoy has said that Rwanda would also like to see entry into Mozambique for its citizens eased, particularly as Mozambicans do not need a visa to enter Rwanda.
“I would like to say that our Rwandan airline will start direct flights from Maputo to Kigali, which will boost the movement of people and goods and stimulate trade. In principle, it will be in the first week of August. Mozambicans who have a normal passport can travel without needing a visa. We are in discussions with our counterpart, to see if we cannot have the same facility for Rwandans,” Amb. Nikobisanzwe explained.
Rwanda and Mozambique have cooperation in different areas particularly in defence matters where Rwanda sent troops to fight terrorists in the country’s Cabo Delgado Province.
Both parties are undergoing discussions for the possibility to exchange goods through the port of Nacala.
“We believe that the port of Nacala, with its deep waters, can help in this cooperation. We believe that trade between African countries can generate employment for African peoples, particularly Mozambicans, and contribute to all countries’ economies,” said Amb. Nikobisanzwe.
Recently, a delegation of 120 Rwandan entrepreneurs attended the Mozambique-Rwanda Business Forum to tap investment opportunities in the country.
Under existing relations, Mozambique currently exports sugar, ores and other mining products to Rwanda, but both parties want to see an increase in exports.
The duo include Henry Kwami Anyidoho and Joseph Narh Adinkra who held the rank of Major General as they served under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (MINUAR) during Genocide against Tutsi which took lives of more than 1 million victims.
Gen Henry Kwami Anyidoho served as MINUAR Deputy Mission Commander and Commanded Ghanaian contingent under this mission while Gen Joseph Null Andinkra was a commanding officer of Ghanaian battalion.
The ceremony was held on Monday 4th July 2022 as Rwanda marked the 28th Liberation Day.
The National Order of Bravery (Indengabaganizi) is conferred to an individual or group of individuals who, in an exemplary way, demonstrated outstanding supreme acts of self-sacrifice in saving the life of one or many people.
Both Generals are commended for exemplary leadership and unfailing bravery where they ordered forces to continue protecting civilians who fled to them when other countries had withdrawn troops.
Maj Gen Anyidoho expressed delight to have received the medal as Rwanda celebrates the 28th Liberation Day and dedicated it to heroes who paid their ultimate price to liberate Rwanda as well as Ghanaians and Rwandans who lost their lives.
“At the time, the United Nations in new York was contemplating the decision to close down its mission in Rwanda in view of the deteriorating security situation. I said to myself as an African General who played a role in the mission, we cannot turn our backs on Rwanda.
I said, this is time that Rwandans need us the most. I therefore sought and obtained the approval from the Government of Ghana to retain a residual force to assist in addressing the deteriorating security situation in whichever way possible,” he said.
Gen Anyidoho also commended Rwanda’s remarkable progress for the past 28 years and Rwandans for leaving the past behind to move together along the development journey.
He said that the experiences of Rwandans also left lessons to the whole world which should prioritize peacekeeping as a pillar for development and advised African countries to always strive for peace irrespective of whatever differences.
President Kagame hailed the courage of the retiring soldiers for having chosen to stay in Rwanda instead of abandoning civilians who fled to them.
He revealed that the award presented to them did not come by accident as it was planned for long.
“I congratulate you, and thank you for your dedication and commitment. Where others fled or were withdrawn by their governments, leaving Rwandans to their fate, these officers remained and continued to lead their men and women, and did what was right to do,” he said.
“Through you, I convey our deep appreciation to the Government and people of Ghana for this decision. The Ghanaian battalion saved countless lives, under the most difficult circumstances. And there is no soldier involved who does not carry invisible wounds in his heart, to this day. A genocide produces no heroes. Simply doing one’s duty required exceptional courage, like these Generals did. Most failed the test. These officers did not,” added Kagame.
Ghana has around 850 troops deployed under MINUAR during Genocide against Tutsi.
The Head of State made the disclosure during an interview with RBA on Monday 4th July 2022 as Rwanda celebrated the Liberation Day.
He revealed that the issue of Kinyarwanda-speaking citizens in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was ignored until they formed armed groups including M23 to stand for their rights.
Kagame stated that Rwanda shared views regarding the durable solution when M23 was attacked and defeated in 2013.
“There was a crisis in 2012. I think. And this crisis drew in all kinds of countries and regions including international institutions like the UN, big countries, powers that decide on many things. And they made one mistake which we pointed out at that time, that such matters are not resolved by force of arms, they don’t require more military solutions, they require more political solutions,” he said.
“They ignored what we were telling them. They just fought the so called M23 without even understanding why it was born and how it came to be, defeated it and the remnants fled to countries, mainly, one group went to Uganda and another group came to Rwanda,” added Kagame.
Despite the military defeat, the Head of State said that Rwanda kept reminding them that a political solution still needed to be applied to address their matters but nothing was done.
Kagame underscored that Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese are citizens of the country where their presence in DRC should neither be blamed on Rwanda nor on Congo.
“How they became citizens of Congo cannot be blamed on Congo or cannot be blamed on Rwanda. […] How do you attain one point, just decide that you are going to declare people no longer citizens of their countries?” he wondered.
If their issues are not properly addressed, the Head of State observed that ‘the same people will always find ways of pushing back, fighting back and making sure that they belong to somewhere’.
“Saying that they belong to Rwanda is a big mistake because they have been in Congo all the years, and know Congo as their country,” he noted.
For the past few months, DRC has been accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 as the fighting between the rebel group and FARDC erupted.
However, a report released recently by UN experts on security issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) seemed to contradict the country’s accusations that Rwanda supports M23.
The UN report indicates that sources from the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) do not point out any involvement of foreign countries in the resurgence of M23.
The EJVM is a mechanism of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) composed of military officers from the 12 member countries that is charged with monitoring and verification of border violations between DRC and neighbouring countries.
During a recent interview with DW ; the Spokesperson of M23, Maj Willy Ngoma said that the rebel group M23 didn’t receive any support.
He disclosed that some of used weapons were kept in their hideouts after defeat in 2013 while others are bought from Congolese soldiers or seized during the ongoing fight.
The report indicated that ‘the resurgence of M23 was fuelled by failure to implement peace accords of 12th December 2013’.
It also reads that M23 held talks with DRC Government but were called off in September 2020.
The negotiations had prompted M23 to release a statement announcing that dialogues between the regime of President Tshisekedi were promising to yield good results.
It further reveals that M23 had not resumed fighting until November 2021 when it launched an attack on FARDC military position that saw the rebel group killing soldiers and stealing arms, military uniforms and telecommunication gadgets.
The experts went on explaining that M23 plotted more attacks on FARDC bases in Rutshuru one month later and January 2022. Since then, the report indicates that M23 attacked more regions including Tshanzu, Gisiza, Ndiza and Runyoni.
President Kagame has said that those accusing Rwanda of supporting the rebel group raise false allegations.
He however blamed the collaboration between MONUSCO and Congolese Army which teamed up with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) during clashes with M23.
FDLR is comprised of remnant masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who have been plotting different hit and run attacks on Rwanda.
Kagame was appearing in RBA interview on monday 4th July 2022 as Rwanda celebrated the Liberation Day.
He made the revelation following concerns by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which claimed that Rwanda should not join regional troops to be deployed in the country to fight armed groups.
DRC has been accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group in clashes with Congolese Army (FARDC) but Rwanda repeatedly rejected the allegations and urged Congo to solve its internal problems without dragging it into the war.
Recently, the third conclave for regional heads of state was held in Kenya to find a lasting solution to security issues in eastern DRC.
The meeting also discussed resolutions of Regional Chiefs of Defence Forces held on the previous day on 19th June to agree on deployment of joint forces to DRC.
During the meeting, DR Congo Armed Forces (FARDC) Chief of General Staff, Gen Célestin Mbala Munsense told counterparts that Rwandans should not be part of joint regional forces ‘because the country supports M23’.
The deployment of joint forces is expected this July or August.
Delivering a speech as DRC celebrated Independence on 30th June this year; Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi said that troops to be sent to his country will come from countries having good relations with DRC.
Tshisekedi insisted that he successfully defended his decision of boycotting Rwandan troops from landing on DRC’s land.
During an interview with RBA today, President Kagame has revealed that the issue of M23 requires political solutions other than sticking to military forces.
He insisted that accusing Rwanda of supporting the rebel group is baseless and maintained that the country would be happy if the joint regional force is successful in eliminating elements posing security threat.
“[…] If this force gives guarantees to Rwanda that no more shelling from Congo by either Congolese or FDLR because they have eliminated them; why would I be opposed to that?” he wondered.
“In fact, I am very happy that this can be done without our involvement because getting involved is a cost to us. So, why would I incur the cost when somebody says I am ready to do it for you? I have no problem with that,” Kagame added.
RPA soldiers launched the Liberation Struggle on 1st October 1990. The four-year journey ended with the capture of Kigali City where the then government which perpetrated Genocide against Tutsi fled to former Zaïre, in the current Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As Rwanda celebrates the 28th Liberation Anniversary, we have listed below important dates that marked the journey to free the country from the regime characterized by ethnic divisionism and nepotism.
{{In 1990}}
{{On 1st October: }} On this date, RPA soldiers attacked Kagitumba border. The attack marked the beginning of the Liberation Struggle which lasted for four years after members of RPF Inkotanyi decided to free the country by means of war.
Initially, RPA soldiers were commanded by Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema but attacks were foiled by soldiers of the then regime of Habyarima on the support of mercenaries.
Some of top commanders were killed in the first 14 days of the struggle which left gaps in the leadership of RPA and affected soldiers’ morale.
President Paul Kagame who was at the rank of major at the time took over the leadership and introduced new tactics during the remaining days of the struggle.
{{On 2nd October:}} The commander of RPA soldiers, Gen Maj Gisa Fred Rwigema was shot dead in Nyabwishongwezi.
{{On 4th October:}} 300 French soldiers came to protect its citizens living in Rwanda while RPA forces from the 9th battalion captures Nyagatare town.
In the night of 4th leading to 5th October, the government of Habyarimana lied that Inkotanyi raided Kigali City and arrested over 10,000 Tutsis and many politicians.
{{On 5th October: }} 535 Belgian soldiers and other from Zaire came to Rwanda to support Habyarimana.
{{On 6th and 7th October:}} The 4th Battalion of RPA soldiers captured Gabiro.
{{On 8th October:}} Following the exchange of fire with RPA soldiers; the then government forces (FAR) killed 1,000 Tutsis from Hima tribe in Mutara.
{{From 11th to 13th October:}} Nearly 400 Tutsis were killed in Commune Kibilira.
{{On 23rd October:}} Major Bunyenyezi and Major Bayingana died in an ambush laid in Ryabega.
{{On 13th November:}} Habyarimana allowed opposition parties to operate. He also declared that people’s ethnicity should no longer be mentioned on identity cards even though it never materialized.
{{On 6th December:}} Kangura journal published the 10 commandments of Hutus, including eight inciting Hutus to be violent against Tutsis.
{{In 1991}}
{{On 3rd January: }} RPA changed tactics and launched attacks in Gatuna and Kaniga to block the supply of equipment to FAR.
{{On 7th January:}} A number of Rwandans were handed death sentence accused of spying for Inkotanyi.
{{On 23rd January:}} RPA captures Ruhengeri town and released inmates from Ruhengeri Prison.
{{From the last days of January towards March:}} Between 500 and 1000 Tutsis from Abagogwe tribe were killed.
{{In 1992}}
{{In March:}} A group of Hutu extremists (CDR) that was at the centre of planning and execution of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was created. Around 300 Tutsis were also killed in Bugesera.
{{In May:}} RPA attack in some communes left over 350,000 people displaced.
{{In August:}} A large number of Tutsis was killed in Kibuye.
{{In November:}} Leon Mugesera delivered a hate speech in Kabaya where he incited Hutus to exterminate Tutsis, insisting that they will be returned to ‘their place of origin’ in Ethiopia through River Nyabarongo.
{{In 1993}}
{{On 8th February: }} RPA captured the largest part of the country and withdrew to alert the international community that Tutsis were being killed of torture.
{{On 8th March:}} An international report indicated the role of the then Presidency Office in the killings of Abagogwe in Gisenyi and Ruhengeri Prefectures.
{{On 7th April:}} The then government received the report and rejected its findings.
{{In August:}} Spread of hate speeches and inciting Rwandans to kill Tutsis through Radio RTLM.
{{On 4th August:}} As RPA and the then regime were asked to implement resolutions of Arusha Peace Accords; the government continued to train Interahamwe, Impuzamigambi and other groups to kill Tutsis.
{{On 28th October:}} The 3rd Battalion of RPA soldiers arrived in CND in Kigali, aligning with efforts to establish the interim government as per Arusha Accords.
{{In 1994}}
{{On 6th April: }} A regional meeting took place in Dar-es-Salaam. The plane which carried the then President Habyarimana was shoot down on the same day around 8:30 p.m. as he returned to Kigali from the meeting.
{{7th April:}} Prime Minister Uwilingiyimana Agathe and 10 Belgian soldiers protecting her were killed. Other ministers and officials opposing the regime were killed.
Genocide began in Butare, Gitarama and Murambi in Byumba.
{{On 8th April:}} RPA soldiers decided to attack Kigali and stop Genocide against Tutsi.
{{On 14th Aril: }} Belgium ordered its troops to withdraw from Rwanda and UN troops deployed in the country. The last soldier left Rwanda not later than 20th April.
{{On 18th April: }} RPA shoot at RTLM over spreading hatred among Rwandans.
{{On 19th April:}} The interim President Sindikubwabo delivered a speech at his birthplace in Butare inciting Hutus to stand up and kill Tutsis. Since then, anyone opposing the plan was also hunted to be killed.
{{On 21st April:}} RPA captured Byumba.
{{On 21st and 22nd April:}} UN Security Council ordered the reduction of its troops in Rwanda and left only 270 soldiers.
{{On 30th April:}} RPA was controlling Rusumo border.
{{On 16th May:}} RPA blocked the road Gitarama-Kigali.
{{On 22nd May:}} RPA captured Kigali International Airport and Kanombe Military Camp.
{{On 29th May:}} RPA captured Nyanza town.
{{On 2nd June:}} RPA liberated Kabgayi.
{{On 13th June:}} RPA captured Gitarama town where the interim government had moved. It had fled to Gisenyi on 10th June.
{{On 21st June:}} As per the 929th resolution of UN, the first French troops arrived at borders between Rwanda and Zaire under “Operation Turquoise”.
{{On 28th June:}} UN released a report indicating that Genocide against Tutsi was happening in Rwanda.
{{On 4th July:}} RPA liberated Kigali City after Butare on the previous day. Since then, the former government fled to Zaire.
{{On 14th July:}} RPA captured Ruhengeri.
{{On 17th July:}} RPA liberated Gisenyi.
{{On 19th July:}} The Government of Rwanda’s Unity was installed, marking the stop of Genocide against Tutsi.
Boris Johnson was in Rwanda last week for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2022.
Following the visit, UK Prime Minister said Rwandan government is “shocked” to see the coverage about it in the British media.
Johnson who was speaking to LBC’s Nick Ferrari at Breakfast, said Rwanda needs to be seen and believed.
“You didn’t come on the Rwanda trip. You should’ve done, because lots of people did, the scales fell from their eyes,” he said.
“They saw a country that is really going places, they had a totally different view of what it could mean. And if you talk to Paul Kagame [the president] and the government, they are rather shocked by some of the coverage in the UK. They see this as an opportunity for us to make progress together on a very difficult issue,” Johnson added.
He expressed frustration that while his policy was torn into by some of the press, his counterparts in other countries were putting in place similar policies.
“Funnily enough, not something that is much commented on by some parts of the media, but Joe Biden is doing something very similar with Mexico, to try and send people from Mexico, ping them straight to Spain.
“The Danes are doing something very similar. I think it’s entirely sensible to develop a partnership like that with Rwanda.”
Rwanda entered Migration and Economic Development Partnership on 14th April 2022.
The development came at a time when deep global inequalities are driving millions of people from their homes in search of opportunity, at the same time as millions are forcibly displaced by conflict, persecution, and other threats to safety.
Under this program, the UK will provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund invaluable opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons, and higher education.
Following the agreement, some people, the majority of whom being from the western part of the world, expressed concerns over the partnership.
The plane carrying the first batch of migrants deported from UK to Rwanda under the recently signed Migration and Economic Development Partnership was expected to land in Kigali on Wednesday 15th June 2022.
Few hours before scheduled time for the plane to take off, the flight was stopped after a late intervention from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) led to fresh challenges in the UK courts.
The human rights court said that it had suspended the deportation of one migrant from Iraq who was onboard the plane.
Following the last minute cancellation; the Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo said that Rwanda remains committed to welcome the migrants when they arrive.
“We are not deterred by these developments. Rwanda remains fully committed to making this partnership work. The current situation of people making dangerous journeys cannot continue as it is causing untold suffering to so many,” she said.
“Rwanda stands ready to receive the migrants when they do arrive and offer them safety and opportunity in our country,” added Makolo.
Burundi and Rwanda celebrate Independence Day every 1st July to commemorate the day in 1962 when they gained freedom from Belgian colonial rule.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed via Twitter handle that Minister Biruta and his delegation were received on Friday.
The envoy received on the sidelines of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Independence also delivered a special message from President Paul Kagame to his counterpart.
Ndayishimiye said that Rwanda and Burundi are like twins and speak one voice because both countries obtained Independence on the same day.
The celebration of Burundi’s Independence was also attended by dignitaries including the President of Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra and an envoy representing the King of Belgium among others.
President Ndayishimiye said that Burundi has reunited its people and achieved remarkable strides where it has gained international repute, 60 years after obtaining Independence.
He stressed that the country is on the path towards self-reliance where it needs development partners to deliver on its ambitions and move people out of poverty.
During similar celebrations in Burundi last year; Rwanda was represented by Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente. The visit was considered as a gesture for Rwanda and Burundi to turn a new page following years of deteriorated relations.
