Kagame arrived in Jamaica on Wednesday 13th April 2022 where he was received by the Governor-General of Jamaica and Prime Minister, Andrew Holness upon arrival.
During his three-day visit to be concluded on Friday, Kagame visited Jamaica’s National Heroes Park where he paid tribute to the country’s first National Hero, Marcus Garvey and addressed a joint sitting of the Jamaican Parliament.
As he addressed parliamentarians, the Head of State said that it is no accident that the idea of African unity arose from the island where the descendants of those who had been forcibly separated from their ancestral homeland deeply felt the pain of disunity and contempt.
“Celebrating what we share as Africans and the African diaspora helps us confront the harsh realities of this world we live in. Even now, we are constantly reminded that we have to work together and support one another,” he noted.
Kagame also highlighted that it is high time for Africa and the Caribbean to work together in a direct and sustained manner, both through respective regional organizations — CARICOM and the African Union — and bilaterally.
“As Rwanda, we are also keen to cooperate with Jamaica much more closely and share experiences in trade and investment, as well as national unity and citizens’ development,” he revealed.
On Thursday afternoon, Kagame also met with Opposition Leader of Jamaica and President of the People’s National Party, Mark J. Golding and Parliamentarian Lisa Hanna, for discussions on a range of topics including increasing trade and cooperation.
Upon arrival in the country, Kagame was received by the Governor General of Jamaica, Patrick Allen and Prime Minister, Andrew Holness.
Ahead of the visit, Jamaica’s Office of the Prime Minister said in statement that President Kagame’s visit, which comes during the year of Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence, represents an important opportunity for the deepening of bilateral relations between the countries.
The OPM noted that the visit will also help to reinforce “the steadily burgeoning relationship between the African continent and the CARICOM Region”.
On the first day of his visit, President Kagame visited Jamaica’s National Heroes Park where he paid tribute to the country’s first National Hero, Marcus Garvey.
Marcus Garvey was a Jamaican-born Black nationalist and leader of the Pan-Africanism movement, which sought to unify and connect people of African descent worldwide.
Marcus Moziah Garvey was born on August 17, 1887 in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica to Marcus Garvey and Sarah Jane Richards. His father was a stonemason and his mother was a household servant. Though the couple had 11 children, only Marcus and one other sibling survived into adulthood.
He died in London on June 10, 1940 from complications brought on by two strokes.
Due to World War II travel restrictions, he was initially buried in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic cemetery in Kensal Green, London. On November 13, 1964, his body was exhumed and buried beneath the Marcus Garvey Memorial in National Heroes Park in Kingston, Jamaica.
On the second day, President is expected to address a joint sitting of the Jamaican Parliament and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Holness at Jamaica House, on Friday morning, during which the leaders are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
The current population of Jamaica is 2,984,111 as of Wednesday, April 13, 2022, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data.
Jamaica is an island located in the Caribbean Sea. It’s also part of the Greater Antilles, situated south of Cuba and west of Haiti.
In terms of size, Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean, after Cuba and Hispaniola.
Jamaica’s three largest cities are Montego Bay, Portmore, and Kingston, which is the capital and largest city. The country of Jamaica is recognized for reggae, sprinters, sandy beaches, and jerk food.
These asylum seekers from African countries and others outside the continent will be treated decently like Rwandans upon arrival. It is expected that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.
Unlike asylum seekers and refugees from Libya living in Gashora Transit Camp, the ones from UK will be housed in specially-selected accommodation facilities where they will wait for asylum claims to be processed.
Related agreements between both countries are expected to be signed on Thursday 14th April 2022 at Kigali Convention Centre.
During the signing ceremony, Rwanda will be represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta while UK will be represented by Home Secretary Priti Patel who arrived in Kigali yesterday.
The timeline for when the first batch of migrants could be relocated has not yet been set out.
UK’s Home Office sources indicate that the migrants could be offered some form of visa deal by the Rwandan government, saying people relocated will “be given the opportunity to rebuild their lives” there.
According to media reports, the agreement for “migration and economic development partnership” to be signed is worth 120 million pound (US$158 million)
It said the cost would be funded by UK.
The deportation policy is part of UK’s attempt to deter dangerous – and politically contentious – Channel crossings. Sources said the policy was in reaction to a global asylum system that is “broken”.
It is also said that the Migration and Economic Development Partnership between UK and Rwanda will prioritise the dignity and rights of migrants, empowering them with a range of opportunities for building a better life in Rwanda, as a country which has been consistently ranked as one of the world’s safest.
Under the programme, migrants are also expected to be entitled to full protection under Rwandan law, equal access to employment, and enrolment in healthcare and social care services.
Among others, IGIHE has learnt, the UK’s upfront investment worth £120 million will fund opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons, and higher education.
The partnership between both countries reflect Rwanda’s commitments to protecting vulnerable people around the world, and ensuring development and prosperity for Rwanda and its people.
Rwanda’s history has embedded a responsibility to protect vulnerable people around the world. After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda has been an active contributor to peacekeeping missions where it is the largest troop contributor in Africa.
Rwanda was once one of the world’s leading producers of refugees, and as such is particularly concerned with taking urgent steps towards more humane solutions to the global migration crisis.
Rwanda already hosts almost 130,000 refugees from multiple countries including neighbours like the DRC and Burundi.
The country also accommodates other refugees from countries like Afghanistan and evacuees from Libya who have full legal and employment rights.
This partnership to be signed reflects the ongoing effort to create a safe and empowering haven in Rwanda for all those seeking refuge.
He conveyed the message on Wednesday 13th April 2022 as he presided over the ceremony to the end commemoration week which coincided with the remembrance of fallen politicians killed for opposing plans of the former regime of Juvenal Habyarimana to execute Tutsis.
The ceremony took place at Rebero Genocide Memorial where remains of more than 14,000 victims including Tutsis killed in Kigali at the onset of the Genocide and politicians who denounced destructive plans of the genocidaire government are laid to rest.
Dr. Iyamuremye said that the commemoration of slain politicians over standing against Genocide ideology and opposing the plan to execute Tutsis is essential particularly during this era when much effort are need to resist people taking advantage of freedom of expression to deny and trivialize Genocide.
“It is very important during this time when there are people using social media to spread rumours tarnishing Rwanda’s leadership and fuel Genocide ideology for the so-called political reasons. I consider the denial and trivialization Genocide against the Tutsi as thrusting a knife in wounds of survivors,” he said.
Dr. Iyamuremye further stated that it is essential to commemorate the Genocide that was perpetrated over bad leaders characterized by discrimination.
“Remembering these good politicians should be an opportunity for us to reflect on our tragic history, how it led to Genocide against Tutsi, how it was executed and know why the international community failed Rwandans,” he noted.
“From this, should emerge the legacy of courage to confront challenges and issues that might tamper with security and national development, starting with denial and trivialization of Genocide against Tutsi,” added Dr. Iyamuremye.
The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana pointed out evidences indicating that the preparation of Genocide against the Tutsi was a result of bad politics with the involvement of political parties.
He pointed out the example of the then ruling party, MRND which established three more affiliated political parties but claimed to be serving different purposes.
These political parties including PARERWA, PECO and PADER were meant to resist Arusha Peace Accords.
The latter were involved in the mobilization of citizens to denounce Arusha Peace Accords.
Dr. Bizimana requested Rwandans to lean on good politics which is a fundamental pillar for Rwanda’s transformational journey.
Umuhire Adrie, the spokesperson of Political Parties Forum blamed politicians who fuelled ethnic divisions and hatred which culminated into preparation and execution of Genocide against Tutsi and called on everyone to strive for national unity and development.
He particularly urged politicians to consolidate gains in promoting unity among Rwandans and promote good governance treating all Rwandans equally.
Rebero Genocide Memorial accommodates over 14,000 victims from different parts of Kigali including Nyamirambo, Gitega, CHUK and Cyahafi among others.
It also home to remains of 12 politicians namely; Joseph Kavaruganda, Landouard Ndasingwa, Kabageni Venantie, Charles Kayiranga, Jean de la Croix Rutaremara, Augustin Rwayitare, Aloys Niyoyita, André Kameya, Frederic Nzamurambaho, Felicien Ngango, Faustin Rucogoza and Jean Baptiste Mushimiyimana.
After the national mourning week, Genocide commemoration activities will continue until 4th July to mark the 100 days during which more than one million Tutsis were killed.
“Had a productive phone conversation with Prince Charles who we look forward to welcoming to CHOGM 2022. We discussed partnerships that include addressing climate change and the ongoing success of the Sustainable Markets Initiative,” President Kagame revealed in a tweet.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states. The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-two of members are small states, many of which are island nations.
CHOGM is customarily held every two years and is the Commonwealth’s highest consultative and policy-making gathering. Commonwealth leaders selected Rwanda as host for their next summit when they met in London in 2018.
The upcoming CHOGM due in Kigali will be the first to be held in Africa for over a decade.
It was due to have been held in Kigali in June 2020 but was postponed twice due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During celebrations of the Commonwealth Day recently on 14th March 2022, the Prince of Wales, Charles confirmed that he will be among other dignitaries attending CHOGM 2022 in Kigali.
At the time, Prince Charles also revealed that he will be accompanied by his wife.
Kagame arrived in Congo Brazzaville on Monday 10th April 2022 where he was received by his counterpart Denis Sassou Nguesso upon arrival.
During his visit, the Head of State addressed the country’s both chambers of parliament before he was hosted to a State Banquet on the first day.
Speaking at the event, Kagame thanked his counterpart for inviting him to the country and warm hospitality extended to him.
He said that both countries have built strong foundation over the years noting that the multiple bilateral agreements that had to be signed on the following day demonstrate productive ties between Rwanda and Congo.
The Head of State also highlighted that both countries have what it takes to address common challenges joining forces to ensure that they continue to move faster towards progress and success.
On the second day of the visit, Kagame and his counterpart proceeded to a tête-à-tête discussions and presided over the signing of bilateral agreements in sectors of economic partnership, mining, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) handcrafts, culture and arts.
The President was accompanied by the delegation including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta; the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana and the CEO of Rwanda Development Board, Clare Akamanzi among others.
[{{Related story: Peace and security in Africa remain high on the agenda – Kagame}}->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/peace-and-security-in-africa-remain-high-on-the-agenda-kagame]
The development was announced on Monday 11th April 2022 by French Ambassador to Rwanda, Antoine Anfré during commemoration talks bringing together the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) and members of the diplomatic corps in Rwanda.
The move follows long time of silence as the country declined to admit its responsibility in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which claimed lives of more than 1 million victims.
Amb. Anfré said that France has been denying its role in Genocide highlighting that it is time to put it to an end.
“We all know what happened here. There are findings of Duclert report commissioned by the President of the Republic. Researchers reviewed archives for two years to investigate French role during Genocide. The commission finally concluded that France had a huge responsibility in activities that led to Genocide,” he noted.
The envoy said that France is intensifying efforts to try Genocide suspects through trials held in Paris.
The recent cases include those of Claude Muhayimana who was sentenced to 14 years in December 2021 and Laurent Bucyibaruya, the former head of Gikongoro Prefecture being tried among others.
“We want to handle at least one case every six months. It might not be enough but efforts are put in place on collaboration between leaders, Police and the judiciary that French and Rwandan judiciary are working together on this,” Amb. Anfré noted.
France accommodates many Genocide fugitives who have not yet appeared before court yet other related trials are delayed.
One of fugitives arrested in France in the recent past is Felicien Kabuga who is being tried by the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Other Genocide suspects living in France include Dr. Eugène Rwamucyo, Colonel Laurent Serubuga, Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana and Stanislas Mbonampeka among others.
Amb. Anfré highlighted that knowledge about Genocide will continue to be shared as a contribution to the fight against Genocide denial and trivialization.
He also noted that more efforts need to be put in place to strengthen bilateral relations given that both countries are envisaging joint projects.
Amb. Anfré explained that there are opportunities for future collaboration between both countries through the promotion of French language and other prospective areas of cooperation.
“France wants to be back in the right direction with Rwanda. The visit of President Macron and admitting the role of France had a great significance that we can focus on the future after getting on common ground for our past,” he revealed.
France’s role during the Genocide is mainly related to its support to the Government of former President Juvenal Habyarimana as Tutsis were being murdered on the basis of their identity.
French Ambassador to Rwanda, Antoine Anfré has said that the time has come for his country to end silence on its involvement.
He was speaking at the commemoration talk bringing together diplomats accredited to Rwanda and the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) held on Monday 11th April 2022.
Amb. Antoine Anfré served as the second secretary of the French Embassy in Uganda (1987-91) and later as the first secretary.
That is when he started following up issues of refugees in Uganda and the region.
As RPA launched attacks to the regime of Habyarimana, he explained that the country sought support from three countries including Belgium, France and the then Zaire led by Mobutu.
The ambassador revealed that Belgian soldiers did not spend long time in Rwanda while those from Zaire left a bad reputation where Habyarimana himself wanted to take them back home as they were accused of crimes including looting and rape.
“Only French soldiers stayed for long until 1993 under Opération Noroît. However many people draw much attention on Operation Turquoise which started from June 1994 as Genocide was being executed,” he said.
Through Opération Noroît, Antoine Anfré revealed, France helped Habyarimana’s soldiers to repulse the first attack of RPA soldiers during which their commander Maj Gen Fred Rwigema was killed.
At the time, Habyarimana’s soldiers mostly used helicopters that ‘one might be curious to know who piloted them’.
The ambassador stressed that the former regime had been mired in bad governance characterized by ethnic discrimination.
Amb. Anfré further stated that the French soldiers were trained enough to conduct operations and received orders from France.
“These soldiers were sent on the order of president Mitterand. He wanted to support Habyarimana who was an intimate friend. They were here from 1990 until 1993,” he noted.
As the soldiers supported Habyarimana to repel back RPA attacks, MRND was in advanced preparations of Genocide.
Amb. Anfré said that it was an addition to previous attempts to kill Tutsis on accusations of being the country’s enemies.
As the envoy said, France had enough information on the preparation of Genocide.
“I was a junior diplomat being the second advisor to the embassy in Kampala from 1987 until 1991. In May, I returned to France and wrote a report that we are going through the wrong path in Rwanda that we are heading to the worst direction, where one million people would be killed in 100 days,” he revealed.
Antoine Anfré stated that he knew ‘RPF was eager to win’ the war even though the beginning seemed complicated.
“I kept saying that RPF will once take power in Kigali. I also maintained that the more the war lasts long, the more many people would die. I observed that as a junior diplomat who had witnessed how NRA fought to take power.”
Amb. Antoine Anfré said that he got more suspicious as the then Rwandan leaders continued to sow ethnic discrimination.
He explained that there was a small group of people in France that did not consider the situation in the right context for the sake of getting promoted and allowed such activities to continue by making wrong analysis on the leadership of Habyarimana.
At the time, the envoy narrated, the group from France reported that the Government of Habyarimana democratic on grounds of the establishment of multiple political parties that included CDR and Hutu Power noting that there is freedom of expression with reference to RTLM and Kangura.
“They chose to ignore all these facts. Whoever rose an alarm from France would be silenced because they were convinced that the leadership of Habyarimana would have been defeated, had it not been the support of France,” said Amb. Antoine Anfré.
At the time, he explained, America had lost soldiers in Somalia where it seemed that the then US President Bill Clinton was not willing to get involved in what was happening in Rwanda.
As Genocide was topped by RPF, there were more mistakes as Genocide perpetrators were helped to cross to DRC with their weapons.
{{Genocide perpetrated by Rwandans}}
Amb. Anfré has said that RPF kept soldiering on until it stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi even though many victims had already lost lives.
He however stressed that Genocide was executed by Rwandans despite France’s involvement in the dark history.
“The Genocide was perpetrated and stopped by Rwandans. It is apparent that the international community, first of all France, overseen the Genocide that would have been prevented,” Amb. Anfré observed.
“It was not however prepared by French people but was prepared by Rwandans, some of whom were tried in Arusha, in France while others are roaming in France….”
Amb. Anfré said that France has been denying its role in Genocide insisting that it is time to put it to an end.
“We all know what happened here. There are findings of Duclert report commissioned by the President of the Republic. Researchers reviewed archives for two years to investigate French role during Genocide. The commission finally concluded that France had a huge responsibility in activities that led to Genocide,” he noted.
Amb. Anfré highlighted that knowledge about Genocide will continue to be shared as it contributes to the fight against Genocide denial and trivialization.
Else, he said that France is intensifying efforts to try Genocide suspects through trials held in Paris.
The recent cases include those of Claude Muhayimana who was sentenced to 14 years in December 2021 and Laurent Bucyibaruya being tried among others.
“We want to handle at least one case every six months. It might not be enough but efforts are put in place on collaboration between leaders, Police and the judiciary that French and Rwandan judiciary are working together on this,” Amb. Anfré noted.
{{The future of Rwanda and France}}
Amb. Anfré has said that more efforts need to be put in place to strengthen bilateral relations given that both countries are envisaging joint projects.
He explained that there are opportunities for future collaboration between both countries through the promotion of French language and other prospective areas of cooperation.
“France wants to be back in the right direction with Rwanda. The visit of President Macron and admitting the role of France had a great significance that we can focus on the future after getting on common ground regarding our past,” Amb. Anfré revealed.
He explained that his country has many projects like fostering collaboration in different projects in the areas of transport, hosting conferences and sports events among others.
Amb. Anfré further stated that the World Cycling event to be held in Rwanda in 2025 will be the first of its kind hosted in Africa where both countries will work together to ensure it is a success.
France recently announced US$500 million grant to Rwanda until 2023.
Among others, French Development Agency (Groupe AFD) has provided Euro 218 million funding to Rwanda from 2019 up to date
He was hosted on the first day of his visit to the country on Monday 11th April 2022 after addressing both chambers of the country’s parliament.
President Kagame thanked his counterpart for inviting him to the country and warm hospitality extended to him.
The visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations will be characterized by the signing of agreements on the second day in the sectors of economic partnership for the promotion and protection of investments, mining, SMEs and handcrafts, culture and arts, as well as youth, sport, and civic education.
Kagame said that both countries have built strong foundation over the years noting that the multiple bilateral agreements to be signed demonstrate productive ties between Rwanda and Congo.
The Head of State also said that both countries have what it takes to address common challenges joining forces to ensure that they continue to move faster towards progress and success.
“Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, and other global crises, African countries cannot afford to do things alone. And it is in this background President that we value so much the friendship between the Congolese people and Rwandese and I value our relationship with you Mr President,” he noted.
President Kagame was accompanied by the delegation including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta; the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana and the CEO of Rwanda Development Board, Clare Akamanzi among others.
The Head of State made the revelation as he addressed both chambers of Congo Brazzaville parliament. He highlighted that both Congolese and Rwandan people are united by one goal of building universal sustainable development.
“The people of Rwanda and the Republic of Congo are united by a common vision of a stable and prosperous region. We also share the aspiration to bring African countries and people together, working for a strong, thriving continent,” Kagame noted.
The President also urged the Parliamentarians to take action towards achieving continental prosperity.
“We know the problems that Africa faces. And we also know the solutions. What is missing is for us to move together, from words to action, with a sense of urgency. We cannot take pride in saying the right things, for decades, and then find ourselves many years from now, having said the right things, but not actually achieved much. We need to move to deliver what we have promised ourselves, but above all promised our citizens,” Kagame said.
“It is high time to do better,” he added.
The President said that Africa’s integration should be expedited. ” Africa has been talking about integration and unity for as long as Africa has existed. We need to continue making fast steps. With the vast knowledge and resources our continent has, there is no reason to still be where we are today,” he underscored.
Kagame pointed out an example of the East African Community (EAC) which recently admitted the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the 7th member noting that it is a significant development, because strong Regional Economic Communities, are essential building blocks for successful continental integration, including the immense opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
As he talked about security, the Head of State thanked his counterpart of Congo Brazzaville, Denis Sassou N’Guesso for his contribution to resolve difficult situations in Libya where he was the Chairperson of the African Union High Level Committee on the issue.
“Peace and security in Africa remain high on the agenda, and both Rwanda and Congo are committed to efforts to resolve ongoing difficult situations, including in the Sahel region, Ethiopia and Somalia,” he stated.
Kagame also reminisced on Rwanda’s contribution to restore peace in the Central African Republic and Mozambique.
“We continue to work with Mozambique to mobilise additional support, needed to sustain the positive gains, and achieve the long-term peace and stability, required for socio-economic development,” he said.
On the second day of the State Visit, the two Heads of State are expected to hold a tête-à-tête followed by a bilateral meeting alongside their respective delegations.
Following the bilateral talks, representatives from both delegations will sign bilateral agreements in the sectors of economic partnership for the promotion and protection of investments, mining, SMEs and handcrafts, culture and arts, as well as youth, sport, and civic education.
President Kagame accompanied by his host Sassou Nguesso will also visit a milk factory in Oyo town.
