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The development has been confirmed by Macky Sall through a message posted on Twitter handle where he revealed that the discussions were held over the phone to seek a solution to the issue.

“I thank President Felix Tshisekedi and Kagame for our phone conversations held yesterday and today with a view to seek a peaceful solution peaceful to the dispute between the DRC and Rwanda,” he tweeted on Monday 30th May 2022.

Macky Sall has also requested the Angolan President, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço to follow up efforts to mediate the crisis between Rwanda and DRC.

Lourenço also serves as the chairperson of the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

The tension broke out recently when DRC accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels in clashes with Congolese Army (FARDC). DRC also recently banned RwandAir flights to the country over the same allegations.

Apart from DRC’s accusations said to be unfounded, Rwanda announced that FARDC in collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) shelled rockets on Rwandan territory that left civilians injured and destroyed property.

FDLR is rebel outfit comprised of remnant masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi who at different times plotted hit-and-run attacks to Rwanda and repelled back.

The revelation comes at a time when DRC continues to accuse Rwanda of supporting March 23 rebel group in clashes with Congolese Army (FARDC) which has teamed up with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

FDLR is rebel outfit comprised of remnant masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi who at different times plotted hit-and-run attacks to Rwanda and repelled back.

Last week, FARDC in collaboration with FDLR shelled rockets on Rwanda’s territory which injured residents and destroyed houses in Musanze and Burera districts in Northern Province.

Following the incident on Monday, Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) requested the regional Extended Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) to launch probe into the incident.

In the same week on Saturday 28th May 2022, RDF announced that Congolese Army with FDLR kidnapped two Rwandan soldiers on patrol.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Alain Mukuralinda has said that clashes with M23 rebel group is DRC’s internal matter that might continue to affect the country if no solution is reached.

He was appearing in a talk show aired on Rwanda Television to express views about the current tension with DRC.

Mukuralinda said that DRC recently kidnapped two Rwandan soldiers on patrol along Rwanda’s border falsely claiming that they had crossed the borderline.

“They need to analyze the situation. How come that two soldiers can cross and walk 20 kilometers with their identifications, military uniforms and whatever identifying them as Rwandan soldiers. Would they be mentally stable? That is one evidence people should consider,” he stated.

Mukuralinda also commented on rockets from DRC shelled on Rwanda’s land.

“We are not spreading rumours when we say that the projectiles were shelled from DRC. We know places where they were shelled and injured people. Fortunately, no one died but the rockets destroyed houses and injured people. Following the incident, Rwanda did neither exaggerate the situation nor raise alarm through the media,” he said.

“There is a joint mechanism with DRC or broader process involving regional countries. Secondly, Rwanda spoke to the Government of Congo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke to his counterpart, the President of the Republic talked to his counterpart,” Mukuralinda added.

{{Attacks}}

Mukuralinda said that it was possible for Rwanda to respond following the shelling on its land but highlighted that it was not an optimal choice.

“It is a provocation. One might wonder if it is not a way of dragging us in DRC’s problems,” he noted.

Mukuralinda has however reassured Rwandans considering the fact that there is willingness to engage with DRC on the matter.

“Fighting is not our option. If it was the case, we would be patient as they shelled on Rwanda’s land in March and respond when they shelled again in May. Not shelling on their land, doesn’t mean that Rwanda is unable to do so,” he said.

“This means that fighting is not an optimal choice on the side of Rwanda. The possibility is to solve problems through peaceful processes whether involving a large or small number of people to find a durable solution,” Mukuralinda added.

He went on to explain that Rwanda will make possible efforts to avoid being drawn into a war.

“Rwanda is committed to make possible efforts to collaborate with Congo, work with regional countries to get the matter solved through dialogue and peace accords,” Mukuralinda noted.

The objective of the exercise is to promote the EAC integration agenda by enhancing joint state of readiness and interoperability of EAC partner States’ Armed Forces, Police, Civilian Components and other stakeholders in responding to complex security challenges.

The Division Commander, Mechanized Division, Maj Gen Wilson Gumisiriza, briefed the departing contingent on behalf of the RDF leadership reminding them to uphold RDF values of patriotism, honour, valour and integrity and also maintain discipline throughout the exercise.

The two-week long exercise is attended by 6 EAC member states’ armed forces, police personnel and civilians from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

FDLR is rebel outfit comprised of remnant masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi who at different times plotted hit-and-run attacks to Rwanda and repelled back.

RDF has through a statement disclosed that kidnapped soldiers include Cpl Nkundabagenzi Elysee and Pte Ntwari Gad being held by FDLR in Eastern DRC.

“Following the provocative aggression by FARDC on 23 May 22, where multiple rockets were fired on Rwandan territory, FARDC with FDLR attacked RDF along our border, and two Rwanda Defence Force soldiers were kidnapped while on patrol,” reads part of the statement released on Sunday 28th May 2022.

RDF has also called upon ‘authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo that work closely with these genocidal armed groups to secure the release of the RDF soldiers’.

It has been quite some time since FARDC was reported to be working with different rebel groups based in eastern part of the country including FDLR to fight M23 rebel outfit.

The fighting erupted in March this year and later halted for a while. It however resumed towards the end of last week.

During the fight on Monday 23rd May 2022, FARDC shelled projectiles on Rwandan territory which injured residents in three sectors including Kinigi and Nyange (in Musanze District) and Gahunga in Burera District. The shelling also left houses destroyed.

On Thursday this week, the Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo requested the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to explain why Congolese Army has collaborated with FDLR.

She stated that ‘the fighting between FARDC and M23 is an intra-Congolese conflict’ noting that Rwanda has no interest of being dragged into the matter.

Makolo also inquired into the motive behind cooperation with FDLR comprised of remnants of genocidaires forces that still have intentions to destabilize Rwanda.

Meanwhile, DRC has announced ‘conservative measures’ against Rwanda where the country blocked flights from RwandAir accusing Rwanda of supporting M23.

The decision comes at a time when the fighting between FARDC and M23 is escalating where Congolese Military continues to loose its strongholds.

Among others; RDF recently requested urgent investigation by the regional Extended Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) to investigate this week’s cross-border shelling in Musanze and Burera Districts.

Headquartered in Goma, the EJVM was launched in September 2012 in Goma and comprises of military experts from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Member States. It monitors and carries out investigations on security incidents.

Different analysts have told IGIHE that the repetitive attacks of FARDC are meant to drag Rwanda into a fight.

The decision to ban RwandAir flights has been taken during an extraordinary meeting of the Superior Defence Council chaired by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi.

“It was decided to immediately suspend flights from the RwandAir aviation company to the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya.

The council also summoned Rwanda’s ambassador to DRC to provide explanations on the allegations.

In a statement released on Saturday 28th May 2022, RwandAir responded by cancelling “with immediate effect” all flights to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Goma.

“Following the decision of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to suspend RwandAir flights, RwandAir has decided to cancel all flights to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Goma with immediate effect,” reads part of the statement.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience and disruption this may cause to our customers and we will waive change of reservation fees and offer re-issues or refunds for those affected,” adds the statement.

RwandAir has also revealed that it will update customers and be in touch with them where it can.

On Monday this week, Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) announced that Congolese Army (FARDC) in collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) shelled rockets on Rwanda’s land in Musanze and Burera Districts.

The projectiles injured residents and left houses destroyed.

Following the incident, RDF requested the regional Extended Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) to launch probe into the incident.

On Thursday 26th May 2022, the Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo also requested Congolese Foreign Affairs Minister to explain why his country shelled Rwanda’s land.

She revealed that Rwanda would be legitimate to respond to those attacks but highlighted that the country has no intentions to do so calling the situation in DRC ‘an internal matter’.

Rwanda Defence Force has this Saturday announced that FARDC in collaboration with FDLR have kidnapped two Rwandan soldiers on patrol.

Political analysts who spoke to IGIHE have said that the repetitive attacks of DRC are meant to draw Rwanda into a war.

The fighting erupted in March this year and later halted for a while. It however resumed towards the end of last week.

Since the fighting erupted between FARDC and M23, sources reveal, the government’s army continues to loose military bases.

M23 is one of more than 120 armed groups that roam eastern DR Congo.
The rebel group had captured Goma town in 2012, before the army quelled the rebellion.

However, M23 resumed fighting this year, accusing DRC of failing to respect a 2009 agreement under which its fighters were to be incorporated into the army.

On Friday, the United Nations reported that the recent clashes between Congolese military and M23 rebels in eastern part of the country have left more than 72,000 people displaced.

Sometimes it is better to do different and new activities that will help you relax but also help you learn something new.

Much of these activities can be done at home and they are an exciting way to help you relax and pass time.

{{1. Painting}}

For people who like to do things that are calm and not too tedious, you can start painting. The benefit is that you can paint in many different ways and techniques.

You can do it on a normal white canvas on old clothes, stones or even on unused wood, this helps you relax and enhance your creativity in your own way.

You can design a variety of things from objects to people to even what’s on your mind. You can easily learn from home using social media.

{{2. Drawing}}

There are so many types of drawing like line drawing and figure drawing. It is relaxing and fulfilling.

You can do expressive drawing where you draw to express your emotions. You can do realistic drawing where you just draw real things like objects and people.

Drawing does not require you to purchase any extravagant things, you can do it at home or with other people.

https://www.vectornator.io/blog/drawing-styles/

{{3. Yoga}}

For people who like to exercise, you can also try Yoga. It is a way of relaxing and stretching the body.

Yoga helps relieve back pain, improves strength, balance and flexibility. It benefits heart health, relaxes you and helps you sleep better.

{{4. Watching documentaries}}

For those who like to learn new things, when you have time you can look at different documentaries on different topics depending on what you like.

You can for example watch true crime documentaries, history documentaries, fashion documentaries and many others.

{{5. Make different decorations }}

When you like to make a variety of things you can take time to make a variety of things like home decorations from different objects, necklaces, bracelets and many other different things.

There are also different ways to learn how to do different things by using social media like Youtube and Instagram.

{{6.create a photo album}}

Many photos nowadays are on phones in our galleries but it is fun and relaxing to make your own photo album and different collage, documenting special moments in your life.

{{7. Learning to play an instrument}}

When you can, start learning to play an instrument like the guitar, Piano, violin, trumpet or another one you would like or that fits you.

There are many schools that teach it but in case you want you can also learn it on Youtube or if you know someone who can teach you go for it.

{{8. Salsa Dancing}}

For people who like to dance, you can try to start dancing different kinds of dances like salsa, Zumba or others, you can do this with your friends or even better your husband or boyfriend.

{{9. Swimming}}

Swimming is an activity that helps the body relax and it strengthens the muscles. For people who want to lose weight, swimming can help you. It also helps with maintaining weight and helps your heart rate.

You can go swimming after work or if it is possible you can go for a swim before work or on the weekends when you have time. You can also take kids if you have them or go with friends.

{{10. Biking}}

If you want to do something new that you are unfamiliar with, you can start learning to ride a bicycle and go biking.

You can ride a bicycle as a form of exercise or if you want to have small adventures to different places, you can do it with family or friends.

{{11. Learning to cook something new}}

Learning new things is fulfilling and rewarding, you can take time to learn how to cook something new or cook different types of cuisines.

There are different people who teach it on social media which is a cheaper option but if you want in depth lessons you can hire someone.

{{12. Meditation}}

Doing meditation helps to have a new direction and perspective. It helps in taking some stress off your mind, it helps you take care of your mental health, getting rid of bad emotions, and also helps relax your mind.

{{13. Planting and caring for flowers and plants}}

If you love flowers and plants, you can start planting them and take care of them. You can plant different types of flowers whether outdoor or indoor flowers or plants.

Planting and flowering is a soothing activity that requires patience and warmness but at the end you feel rewarded when they grow big and healthy.

{{14. Learning a new language}}

Learning a new language is not always easy but there may be times in the future where it can come in handy when you least expect it.

You can start by learning the language of the country or place you would like to travel to or the language you think can be useful to you in the future.

{{15. Making your own clothes }}

When you know how to sew, you can start making your own clothes. You can repurpose your old clothes and make new ones. You can also make new clothes for yourself or any other person you would like.

Sankara voiced the message speaking to members of the press during a visit to Mageragere Prison to cover the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of inmates who completed vocational training on Thursday 26th May 2022.

During the ceremony, 603 prisoners from Nyarugenge prison were awarded with various certificates. The inmates were equipped with skills in hairdressing, ICT, automobile mechanics and tailoring.

Sankara was among inmates who attended the graduation ceremony. He was convicted of terrorism charges and sentenced to 15 years after pleading guilty and appealing for leniency.

The convict disclosed that he is treated humanely at the prison where his rights are fully respected and plans to pursue vocational courses.

“I also want to pursue vocational courses. Honestly, my experience in southern Africa has shown me that vocational skills graduates reap big while our pockets are empty yet we have graduated from Law. This pushed me to think that I would have pursued vocational training programs instead of Law,” he said.

Sankara said that people outside the penitence establishment have mindsets that prisoners are always in cumbersome situation being harassed and whipped, which he says is different from the reality.

“Some people think that we are beaten every morning, night and do frog jumps. It is not true. I can say that I am living in better conditions considering what I went through outside the country because I can interact with relatives and sisters visiting me,” he said.

“While outside the country, I spent six years being unable to meet with my family […] I would rather stay in prison instead of returning to refuge,” added Sankara.

Sankara admits that correcting criminals is necessary noting that disciplined prisoners stand chance to write to President of the Republic seeking prerogative of mercy which he also plans to do.

“People should not see me through the mirror of Sankara they knew in the past. Sankara has become a changed man. Some people assume that I might repeat what I did if released. Only the person unaware of troubles we went through can put it that way. I get sleep in this place which I had lacked outside the country,” he said.

Taking into account his experience, Sankara gave an example of Kayumba Nyamwasa noting that he can’t sleep comfortably because he is fighting the government.

{{Message to Rwanda’s detractors }}

Sankara has requested Lt. Gen Habimana Hamada known as Komada, who was one of top commanders of FLN and his colleague Gen Jeva, the commander of FLN to give up on their intentions because they can’t succeed.

“My special message to top leaders of FLN rebel group like Gen Hamada and Jeva, if they are still alive, is that their future is obscure. I did everything within six years I spend in the opposition,” he noted.

“We made attempts since 2013 at the regime of Kikwete. Karegeya and Kayumba warmly welcomed me when I joined the opposition. We met face to face and made several attempts to destabilize this government but our efforts ended up in vain,” Sankara added.

He also sent a message to dissidents advising them to abandon their plans to threaten Rwanda because the country has strong leadership and intelligence.

“The Government of Rwanda has strong intelligence and powerful leader. This government is smart and has money. They won’t win the fight with it,” he said.

Sankara said that he doesn’t care about critics blaming him for having submitted himself to the leadership of Rwanda as he is convinced that ‘one must obey rules of an opponent who is stronger than you are’.

“I have become compliant. I am ready to be rehabilitated at this prison so that I can return to Rwandan community and join others to build the nation,” he stated.

The remains were buried decently during a commemoration event held on Thursday 26th May 2022.

These include 9000 exhumed in Masaga Sector of Kicukiro District at a place known as Gahoromani and more 181 remains found in Nyarugenge District at premises of Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), in Gitega and Mageragere sectors.

The Mayor of Kigali City, Pudence Rubingisa has said that having concealing whereabouts more remains are dumped is among hindrances to the country’s journey to promote unity and reconciliation.

“We are convinced that that according decent burial to victims is a way of honouring them and contributing to the process of healing wounds among Genocide survivors. This is because not laying to rest a relative leaves a shock. That is why we continue to ask people knowing whereabouts victims were dumped to share information with us to bury them decently,” he said.

Rubingisa also revealed that there are more remains of victims of Genocide against Tutsi found in Rwezamenyo Sector of Nyarugenge District as the search and gathering of information continues to have other victims buried decently.

The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), Jean Damascène Bizimana has comforted genocide survivors, requested them to remain strong and avoid sinking into sorrow even though some of them have not yet found remains of fallen relatives.

Claire Ingabire, one of survivors whose relatives were buried during the event said that knowing the place where they are laid to rest soothed her heart after experiencing a sorrowful life over the past 28 years, due to lack of information about where my relatives had been dumped.