Kagame was speaking at the ceremony marking the beginning of the 28th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi that will last for 100 days.
The Head of State said that remembering is a moment when people are speechless not because of lacking freedom to speak as some people which some people associate to the country.
“That’s rubbish. It just doesn’t make sense. But the reason is also clear why people just imagine the testimony we have just heard, people being hunted down day and night for who they were, for who some of them are still today. Also imagine, if those of us who were carrying arms, if we had allowed ourselves to pursue those who were killing our people, indiscriminately, and also killed them,” he noted.
“First of all, we would be right to do so but we didn’t. We spared them. Some of them are still living today in their homes, in their villages, others are in Government, and they are doing business,” Kagame added.
The President highlighted that despite Rwanda’s efforts, some countries continue to have guts to say what they say or do about Rwanda.
“Let me tell you, we are a small country but we are big on justice. And some of those are big and powerful countries but they are very small on justice,” he underscored.
Kagame stressed that such countries have no lessons to teach anyone because they are part of history that saw over a million of victims perishing during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi and want to conceal their complicity.
“They are the cause and Rwandans just executed, killed their fellow Rwandans. The history of that originated where we all know. It originated from that. So, the very reasons that what we suffered, what we endured here, originated from there, is the reason they cannot give us peace. They want to cover up their responsibility, their silence when the millions of people here in Rwanda needed them to speak out and come to their help,” he noted.
The ceremony took place today at Kigali Genocide Memorial where 259,000 remains of Genocide victims from Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge districts in Kigali City are laid to rest.
On 7th April every year, the international community commemorates the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million Tutsi victims in 100 days.
It is a time to remember victims, unite through the strength of the Rwandan nation, and renew the determination to build a prosperous future.
Before lighting the flame of hope that will last for 100 days, Kagame along First Lady laid wreaths at the memorial’s mass graves as they paid tribute to fallen Genocide victims.
The report made by the Ministry of Local Government from 2000 to 2002 indicated that 1,074,017 Tutsis were killed during 100 days from April to July 1994. The report released in 2004 identifies places where genocide victims lived, their ages and names.
He delivered the message to the global community as Rwanda marks the 28th commemoration of Genocide perpetrated against Tutsi in 1994 highlighting that it is time to stand in aware of the resilience of survivors.
“We stand in awe of the resilience of the survivors. And we reflect on our failures as an international community. The genocide was neither an accident nor unavoidable. It was deliberate, systematic and carried out in broad daylight. No one who followed world affairs or watched the news could deny the sickening violence taking place,” he said.
“Yet too few spoke out and fewer still tried to intervene. Much more could have and should have been done. A generation after the events, the stain of shame endures,” Guterres added.
As Rwanda remembers the bloodshed that occurred 28 years ago, he highlighted, it is a moment for people to recognize that they always have good choices of humanity over hatred; compassion over cruelty; courage over complacency; and reconciliation over rage.
The UN Secretary General also said that the principle of the Responsibility to Protect entails that people can no longer stand idle in the face of atrocity crimes.
Despite endured dark past, Rwanda today stands as a powerful testament of the human spirit’s ability to heal even the deepest wounds and emerge from the darkest depths to rebuild a stronger society.
After having suffered unspeakable gender-based violence, women today hold 60 percent of parliamentary seats.
Among others, Rwanda is the fourth largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations risking its own soldiers to spare others the pain they themselves have known.
Guterres has further stated that the Genocide against the Tutsi raised questions that affect all humankind, fundamental questions about the role of the Security Council, the effectiveness of peacekeeping, the need to end impunity for international crimes, the need to address the roots of violence, and the fragility of civility.
He stressed that lessons learnt from Genocide against Tutsi should be applied to solve other problems across the world.
“Today of all days, we must recognize the dangers of intolerance, irrationality, and bigotry in every society. As we look back with remorse – let us look ahead with resolve. Let us commit to be ever vigilant and to never forget,” Guterres noted.
He called on the world to pay meaningful tribute to the Rwandans who perished by building a future of dignity, tolerance, and human rights for all.
The establishment of FARG was among solutions to cope with devastating effects of Genocide perpetrated against Tutsi in 1994 which inflicted moral and physical wounds on survivors.
The fund restored hope among widows and orphans, survivors of the Genocide through different activities meant to improve their wellbeing.
Under this fund created in 1998, vulnerable survivors got decent houses, others were provided with school fees among other kinds of support to propel them into better life.
Before its creation, the Government provided assistance within available means providing them with food, clothing, healthcare among other services that were transferred to FARG.
Between 1998 and 2021, a lot have been achieved through the fund where its legacy continues to live on.
{{1. Education}}
Since 1998, figures show that FARG provided school fees to 107,921 students in secondary school while 33,349 were helped to complete universities and higher learning institutions as per figures released in September 2021. At the time, 4000 were still pursuing university studies.
The figures indicated that a total of Rwf 197,000,000,000 had been spent to sponsor their education.
{{2. Health }}
Providing medical assistance to survivors was integrated into the responsibilities of FARG.
Before it was dissolved, figures show that the Government had utilized Rwf28, 038,000,000 to provide treatment to Genocide survivors inside the country while Rwf3, 456,000,000 was spent for treatment abroad.
{{3. Special fund }}
Figures show that FARG provides special funds to vulnerable survivors with most pressing needs, mainly the ones having reached their advanced ages unable to work. They receive Rwf12,500 every month.
The funds are distributed to 28,050 beneficiaries every year. Among others, 1400 vulnerable Genocide widows and widowers also receive financial assistance from the fund with annual budget of Rwf31, 000, 0000,000.
{{4. Income generating activities}}
Figures indicate that Rwf10,000,000,000 was provided to help 54,816 beneficiaries run income generating activities. Among them, a total of 7510 received cows under Girinka program.
{{5. Building homes}}
Statistics released towards the end of last year show that 29,015 new houses had been completed while 4050 were renovated.
These activities took the budget worth Rwf77,000,000,000.
Among others, hostels for elderly Genocide survivors (Impingazima) were built in four districts. The facilities accommodate widows and widowers from across the country.
FARG recently revealed that Rwf346,494,000,000 was spent for completion of these activities carried out between 1998-2021.
Kagame hosted these envoys on Wednesday 6th April 2022.
Maj Gen Richard Mutayoba who previously served as Tanzania Navy Commander was appointed to the position last year. He replaced Ernest Jumbe Mangu who had been representing his country to Rwanda since 2018.
After presenting credentials, both envoys expressed delight for a warm welcome in Kigali and pledged to strengthen bilateral ties.
Amb. Ibrahim Sidy Ibrahim Matar said that his country can learn a lot from Rwanda’s experience and vice versa during his four-tour of duty.
According to Maj Gen Makanzo, much effort will be expended to expand relations between Tanzania and Rwanda as countries sharing common history.
He said that Tanzania and Rwanda enjoyed cordial relations for long even before Independence where Tanzanians and Rwandans have become brothers.
Makanzo revealed that his duties are about supporting efforts aimed at expanding existing relations and cooperation and identifying new areas of collaboration for interests of both countries’’ people.
Rwanda and Tanzania enjoy cordial relations and cooperation in the areas of politics, infrastructure, economy and security.
Tanzania is considered a major development partner where over 70% of Rwanda’s imports and exports are transited through.
Amb. Mutayoba explained that facilitating the elimination of trade barriers and free movements of people are also part of his responsibilities.
In 2018, Rwanda and Tanzania agreed on constructing a railway from Isaka to Kigali expected to ease movements.
During the visit of Tanzanian President, Samia Suluhu Hassan to Rwanda last year, both countries signed four agreements in the areas of information and communication technology, immigration, education and regulation of medical products.
Residents raised the concerns during an online citizens’ forum held on Tuesday 5th April 2022 attended by Kigali City officials, the Minister of Local Government, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi and representatives from relevant institutions.
During the event, residents from across Kigali City followed discussions virtually under ‘Smart Inteko’ forum introduced to enhance citizens’ participation.
Residents also followed discussions through six radio stations including Radio1, Isango Star, Radio Salus and other social media platforms where they were helped to voice concerns.
Minister Gatabazi urged Kigali City officials to continue organizing such citizens’ forum and strive to make them comfortable in the city through addressing their issues in trade, transport and sanitation among others.
Kigali City Vice Mayor in Charge of Social Affairs and Development, Martine Urujeni reminded dwellers that the country is making preparations for the 28th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi and requested them to participate in adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.
Minister Gatabazi also highlighted that embracing technology is part of initiatives to reach out to citizens and urged Kigali City officials to solve their issues without any excuses.
“We are mandated to do whatever improving citizens’ welfare being aware that we are here to serve their interests. Offered services should be citizen-centered. I would like to remind leaders that it falls under major duty,” he said.
“There are instances when a resident spends a week or month seeking support to have particular issues addressed. Not doing so, stalls citizens’ progress and keeps them under the line of poverty, in jealously and hatred. Everyone needs to solve citizens’ issues in respective capacities,” added Gatabazi.
{{Residents express concerns }}
Residents who followed the discussions from different corners of the city reminisced on rampant issues including delayed issuance of land titles, long queues for passengers awaiting public buses.
Kigali City Vice-Mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, Dr. Merard Mpabwanamaguru explained that land documents are currently issued electronically through an established platform.
He revealed that technicians consider data collected on ground even though residents apply for construction permit to Kigali City level.
“We have 29 technicians set to increase to 45 to make the issuance of land titles easier. Today, the issuance of land document is ongoing and does not exceed 22 days,” he noted.
Dr. Mpabwanamaguru explained that permit for renovation of house, construction of fence are issued at sector level not later than 15 days.
{{Public transport hitches}}
Dr. Mpabwanamaguru has said that passengers have increased yet there are only three public transport companies operating in Kigali since 2013.
He explained that COVID-19 pandemic stalled efforts to make reforms in public transport noting that related discussions are currently ongoing.
As Dr. Mpabwanamaguru disclosed, there is plan to increase public buses and establishing new destinations for public buses in Birembo and Bweramvura among other parts of the city.
{{Armed robbery }}
Reacting to residents’ concerns over the issue of thieves equipped with traditional arms in Gasabo; the Executive Administrator of Gasabo District, Pauline Umwali said that new measures have been put in place to strengthen security in collaboration with security officials.
The Mayor of Kigali City, Pudence Rubingisa requested residents to keep sharing ideas on what should be done to advance their progress.
Participants of the meeting also discussed preparations of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) slated in June 2022. Dr. Mpabwanamaguru disclosed that preparations are on good progress.
Kagame arrived in Zambia’s touristic capital, Livingstone in the morning of Monday 4th April 2022 for an official visit during which both countries signed bilateral agreements in the areas of taxation, immigration, health, investment promotion, agriculture, fisheries and livestock.
Kagame also toured the country’s finest touristic attractions in the city including Musi-O-Tunya (smoke that thunders) at Victoria Falls and Mukuni Big 5 Safaris, a private nature reserve where tourists can walk with lions and cheetahs.
Among others, Kagame along with his counterpart of Mozambique and First Lady Hichilema planted trees at the Kazungula One-Stop Border Post and toured the Kazungula Bridge which supports trade and transport linking Zambia and Botswana over the Zambezi River.
After concluding his visit to Zambia, Kagame thanked his counterpart for a warm welcome.
“My brother President Hakainde Hichilema just arrived back home safely I wanted to thank you very much and to the 1st Lady for the very warm hospitality and productive engagements. All the best to you and the people of Zambia!” he tweeted.
COVID-19 adversely affected different activities including small businesses owned by women and girls, hence prompting UN Women to intervene with its support extended to beneficiaries countrywide to revive their activities and recover the economy mainly targeting female headed household, SGBV victims, teen mothers, domestic workers, and refugees among others who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 pandemic.
Beneficiaries have revealed that they were hit hard, stricken by poverty with little hope for tomorrow as the pandemic broke out.
The assessment conducted by UN Women, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion in 2020 to review effects of COVID-19, indicated that women are among unpaid workers seriously affected by the pandemic.
This prompted these organizations to extend support to these beneficiaries through capacity building to up-skill women and girls to recover from effects of the pandemic.
The project mainly targeted women headed households and vulnerable women and girls including GBV victims, teen mothers, domestic workers, refugees and other segments of the population affected by COVID-19.
A total of US$831,514 was allocated for the project funded by UNCHR and UN Women.
The eight-months project supported 1,774 poor women-headed households who were drastically affected by Covid-19 from 3 districts (Nyamasheke, Musanze and Nyagatare), 169 teen mothers and their families in Nyagatare, 50 SGBV victims received legal support, 41 former domestic workers increased their skills in entrepreneurship.
Beneficiaries have expressed delight to the great support extended to them.
“During COVID-19, we faced economic shortfalls that we could not even access capital to resume businesses. After benefiting from this project, I designed a project of making liquid soap. It has so far changed my livelihood status, thanks to received funding,” said Alphonsine Mumporeze.
According to Christine Mukarebura from Musanze District, the support came in handy to transform their lives.
“We hardly got food due to the pandemic’s related restrictions. Today, my life has changed for good that I have joined a saving group created to help women spur economic growth,” she said.
She added that each cooperative group member was receiving 1,100 Rwandan francs weekly but after the grant; the share increased to 22,000 Rwandan francs weekly. This enabled them to expand their small businesses.
The Acting Representative of UN Women in Rwanda, Emma Carine Uwantege has revealed that provided support hugely strengthened gender equality, highlighting that registered achievements are in line with the Government’s bold vision to empower women.
Josephine Ulimwengu, Strategic Planning and UN Resident Coordinator’s Office Team Leader has reiterated commitment to maintain efforts aimed at advancing Rwanda’s development.
“Our role is to continue supporting Rwanda to achieve sustainable development by consolidating gains through UN agencies in Rwanda that will play a big role to help vulnerable citizens benefit from development initiatives,” she noted.
Immaculée Umuhoza Mukarwego, Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA)’s Specialist for Minimum Package for Graduation has requested beneficiaries to strive for self-reliance as the project is wrapped up.
She assured continued support but urged them to take advantage of received funding to prosper.
UN Women also supported Rwanda Women Network to continue availing its hotline for SGBV cases asking for support, equipped 16 women’s safe spaces with an emergency support fund for SGBV victims. Through Legal Aid Forum, UN Women also supported SGBV cases, and 50 victims of violence were represented in court, facilitated with DNA test-search for paternity in 10 cases.
The implementation was spearheaded by different partners; the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), Faith Victory Association (FVA), AJIPRODHO-JIJUKA, Legal AID Forum(LAF), and Rwanda Women Network(RWN).
In 2021, RDB registered investments worth US$3.7 billion, up from US$1.3 billion in 2020. This is the highest investment registration to date and was driven by strategic investment projects. The new investments are expected to create 48,669 jobs – representing a 97% increase from the previous year. The government aims to create 214,000 new jobs from investments and other employment sources every year.
Economic sectors that attracted the most significant registered investments in 2021 include Construction, Real Estate, and Manufacturing (including agro-processing), which accounted for 72% of all investments registered. Construction accounted for 31%, Real Estate 26%, and Manufacturing (including agro-processing) 15%. Other sectors that attracted significant investment are Financial and Insurance Services, Agriculture, Accommodation and Food Services, Energy, Health and ICT.
Growth of investments in Construction, Real Estate, Manufacturing and Agro-Processing is attributed to the Manufacture and Build to Recover program that provides tax incentives to investors in these sectors. This is in addition to the New Investment Code that has made it easy for investors to thrive in Rwanda.
Some of the investments registered in 2021 include; US$ 237.9 Million by Ultimate Developers Ltd for the development of Vision City, Phase Two, a US$145.9 Million investment by Rwanda Ultimate Golf Course Ltd into the Kigali Golf Resort and Villa Project, a US$20.7 Million powdered milk project and a US$22.5 Million by Global Electric Vehicle Ltd to manufacture Electric Vehicles.
Tourism was one of the sectors heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government implemented several initiatives to revive the sector, including the Rwf100 billion Economic Recovery Fund, half of which was dedicated to tourism and hospitality.
Tourism revenues increased by 25%, from US$131 million in 2020 to US$164million in 2021. The MICE sector generated US$12.5 million in 2021 compared to US$5.4illion in 2020. Total visitor arrivals increased by 2.8%, from 490,000 in 2020 to 512,000 in 2021. Sports events hosted during this period significantly contributed to visitor arrivals and revenues.
In exports, receipts from the export of goods and services increased by 9.4%, from US$1.9 billion in 2020 to US$2.1 billion in 2021. This growth is attributed to the gradual opening of international supply chains in 2021.
In Skills Development, over 5000 people were trained to bridge the skills gap in priority sectors such as information technology, data science, engineering, tourism and cross border E-commerce.
Under the employment program, over 1400 fresh graduates were supported to perform professional internships in private and public institutions. In partnership with the Business Development Fund, over 1000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were supported with guarantees to access financing in different financial institutions.
Additionally, over 8500 MSMEs were coached in business development by Business Development Advisors and acquired business development skills. Among these, 85% accessed finance in different financial institutions, mainly SACCOs.
Commenting on the 2021 performance, RDB Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi, said: “The 2021 performance demonstrates the gains of our economic recovery efforts. In investment registration, not only have we surpassed our pre-pandemic figures, but we also registered the highest investment registration to date. Achieving this feat against the odds of the pandemic that has negatively impacted the world economy is a sign of continued investor confidence in Rwanda by both local and foreign investors.
As the world economy continues to open up, we are optimistic that we will register more growth in tourism, exports, and other critical sectors this year. We are committed to ensuring that Rwanda remains one of the most competitive economies in Africa and the world.”
The growth trajectory is expected to continue in 2022. It will be aided mainly by manufacturing and construction investments, regional and international trade, and anchor projects such as the Kigali Innovation City.
Following the visit, Rwanda’s Presidency has posted pictures via Twitter handle showing President Kagame touching a cheetah.
The Head of State was along with his counterpart of Zambia, Hichilema Hakainde as he visited the private nature park.
Situated in 3 kilometers from Victoria Falls, Mukuni Big 5 Safaris which President Kagame has visited, offers different tourism offerings including elephant rides and walks with lions and Cheetah.
The reserve is also the only company in Zambia that has a lure system that runs cheetah providing not only excellent stimulus for the animals but also great opportunities to see the magnificent animal at its top speed.
Mukuni Big 5 started in 2009 with lion, cheetah walks and interaction, then expanded to include elephants rides.
President Kagame arrived in Zambia’s touristic capital, Livingstone for a two-day State on Monday 4th April 2022.
On the first day of his visit, both countries signed bilateral agreements in the areas of taxation, immigration, health, investment promotion, agriculture, fisheries and livestock.
Apart from visiting the private nature reserve and Victoria Falls on the second day, Kagame along with his counterpart of Mozambique and First Lady Hichilema planted trees at the Kazungula One-Stop Border Post and toured the Kazungula Bridge which supports trade and transport linking Zambia and Botswana over the Zambezi River.
