She delivered the message today via Twitter handle as Rwanda began the 27th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi that will last for 100 days.
“Let us remember and continue to remind each other of our common identity as Rwandans; that we will stand by it, as well as pass it onto generations to come! Humura Rwanda!” she said.
Commemoration events will be held virtually in compliance with Coronavirus preventive measures. They will be aired on radios, televisions and other designated social media platforms.
On 26th January 2018, the United Nations declared 7th April as the international day for commemoration of Genocide against Tutsi.
On 7th April every year, the international community commemorates the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million Tutsi victims in three months.
President Paul Kagame alongside First Lady, Jeannette Kagame presided over the ceremony marking the beginning of the 27th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi lighting the flame of remembrance and laying wreaths at the Kigali Genocide Memorial where 259,000 genocide victims from Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge in Kigali city are laid to rest.
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.
The ceremony took place today at Kigali Genocide Memorial where 259,000 remains of genocide victims from Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge 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 three months.
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 ceremony was held observing strict COVID-19 control measures including wearing of face masks, and keeping social distancing among others.
In attendance were the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Representatives from umbrella organizations of genocide survivors including IBUKA and AVEGA Agahozo.
After laying wreaths and paying tribute to genocide victims laid at the memorial, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame have joined over 500 Rwandans and friends of Rwanda, gathered at Kigali Arena in observance of COVID-19 measures, for a ceremony marking the 27th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
This year, commemoration events will be held virtually in compliance with Coronavirus preventive measures. They will be aired on radios, televisions and other designated social media platforms.
On 26th January 2018, the United Nations declared 7th April as the international day for commemoration of Genocide against Tutsi.
Audoin-Rouzeau made the observation on Tuesday 6th April 2021, few days after Duclert report that reviewed archives on France’s role during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi presented findings to President Macron on 26th March 2021.
The committee that made the report was led by historian, Prof. Vincent Duclert.
The report by French historians revealed that France bears “heavy and overwhelming responsibilities” over tragic history that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million victims.
The report also triggered reactions of other French soldiers who were deployed in ‘Opération Turquoise’ (a French-led military intervention in Rwanda since 1994) among other politicians who have been explaining the Government of the then French President, Mitterand disregarded for several times reports and evidences explaining that Genocide was under preparation in Rwanda.
France Inter Radio based in France yesterday aired a talk commenting on Duclert report in which a historian, Audoin-Rouzeau and female Rwandan survivor of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, Jeanne Allaire Kayigirwa were invited.
Audoin-Rouzeau who was delisted from the committee making Duclert report said that showing the role of France during the Genocide against Tutsi ‘ is a great milestone’ filling the gap among French nationals denying genocide.
“The Presidency Office had all means to know and refuse the existence of ethnic groups in Rwanda. This means, they were able to prevent racial discrimination and divisive Government of Habyarimana. It kept a blind eye to killings that took place in 1990 and continued with participation of Government officials. Duclert is clear enough,”he said.
Audoin-Rouzeau explained that there are many countries that apologized for role during the 1994 Genocie against Tutsi like Vatican and highlighted that France should also follow the suit.
“I beseech President Macron to apologize on behalf of France. The president of the Republic should support this truth. Belgians apologized and Vatican did so. Why should France refrain from apologizing? The President of the Republic should do so,” he advised.
Jeanne Allaire Kayigirwa also emphasized that findings of the report are clear but criticized the statement that France supported Habyarimana’s Government blindly.
“It is a great milestone but the word ‘blind’ is not corresponding to the context. You cannot state that it was blind to provide support yet it was well known that Habyarimana’s Government was characterized by racial discrimination, preparing the extermination of Tutsis,” she said.
Kayigirwa also insisted that Macron should apologize for France’s role during the Genocide against Tutsi.
“We are awaiting his reaction. We ask him to hold a speech on 7th April, at the day he dedicated for commemoration of the 1194 Genocide against Tutsi in his country. The time is now for the President of the Republic to apologize to families of genocide survivors,” she observed.
Speaking to IGIHE; Dr Sandeep Goyal, a Dentist & orthodontist at Advanced Dental Centre in Kigali city has deeply explained side effects of finger sucking, how parents can help children and how it can be rectified if it has damaged teeth and the jaw.
Dr. Goyal has said that finger sucking is a usual habit among children that it starts affecting the jaw after three years.
“Finger sucking is normal for a child but it causes side effects if the practice spans for over three years. It starts damaging teeth at this stage and can be harmful if parents do not seek assistance from a dentist,” he said.
Dr. Goyal explained that sucking fingers for over three years damages jaw bones, misaligns and prolongs teeth out of month, and affects nasal respiratory tracts.
Dr. Goyal has however revealed that such anomalies can be corrected.
“When someone has misaligned teeth to the extent that it causes speech impediment, the problem lies in bones structure. We bring them to normal using orthodontics braces. We also conduct surgery to correct the anomaly in case braces are not helpful,” he noted.
Dr. Goyal said that there are unusual braces made from laboratory placed in the mouth of children in age brackets between 8 and 10 to stop misalignment.
He advised parents to try their best to discourage children from finger-sucking addiction to avoid such side effects.
Dr. Goyal reminded parents whose children experienced side effects emanating from finger sucking to seek assistance from accredited dentists to properly rearrange teeth to stop speech impediment and stigma related to misalignment.
Advanced Dental Centre has all it takes to assist patients with longstanding expertize and specialists in teeth rearrangement. It also has specialists in charge of treating other teeth and mouth problems including bad breath, tooth decay, tooth extraction, brushing, and whitening.
The expert says that people should put down the idea that dental care is expensive but go to the Advanced Dental Centre as they work with various insurance companies, RSSB, MMI, and others and it works all day of the week.
For advice on how to take good care of your teeth and medical care call the experts of the Advanced Dental Centre on 0789313200.
He made the call yesterday on Monday 5th April 2021 as he met with local leaders, opinion leaders and development partners from respective sectors of Ruheru, Nyabimata, Muganza and Kivu in Nyaruguru district, Southern Province.
Minister Gatabazi reminded them that new COVID-19 cases are on high rise particularly in Southern Province and asked them to remain complaint to avoid whatever that could lead them to lockdown.
“Southern Province is the current major spotlight for new COVID-19 infections that it requires residents to up efforts in respecting instituted preventive directives. I have seen residents without wearing face masks along the road while others wore face masks when they arrived here at the meeting ground. It shouldn’t go that way. Face masks are not worn only in meetings. It is meant for protection whenever in public,” he said.
Gatabazi reminded them not to wear face masks only fearing local leaders or police officers but rather should be a routine whenever they leave home.
“Considering the current new cases in Huye, Gisagara and Nyaruguru among others, you need to think deeply about the situation and take action because it might lead to lockdown if the situation persists,” he noted.
Participants of the meeting pledged to increase efforts to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
“It is apparent that we have been complacent in Southern Province. It is time to take action to intensify preventive measures to contain surging new cases,” said Venuste Bimenyimana.
Recently, the Government set specific measures in Southern Province following revelations that it has become the major hotspot for new cases. This saw the Government setting curfew hours from 7pm to 4am in Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Gisagara, Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru districts compared to other parts of the country where curfew hours were set from 9pm to 4am.
The statement from the Ministry of Health released last night shows that 173 of 202 new COVID-19 infections were found in Southern Province.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The report analyzed archives on France, Rwanda relations between 1990 and 1994.
The report of 1222 pages was presented on 26th March 2021 two years, after the delegation of 14 historians started reviewing archives on France, Rwanda relations between 1990 and 1994.
The report by French historians has revealed that France bears “heavy and overwhelming responsibilities” over tragic history that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million victims.
The report said France had been “blind” to genocide preparations.
Dubbed ‘Duclert’, the report blames the then French President, François Mitterrand, for a “failure” of policy towards Rwanda in 1994. The findings were made public after years of French official secrecy over links to the Government led by Juvenal Habyarimana.
President Macron appointed the 15-member commission two years ago, giving them access to presidential, diplomatic, military and intelligence archives.
Among the archives are those of Mitterrand, who had close ties to former Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana.
The commission members include experts on the Holocaust, on the massacres of Armenians in World War I and on international criminal law, all led by historian Vincent Duclert.
The report was released at a time when President Macron is planning a maiden visit to Rwanda, 11 years after Nicolas Sarkozy came to Rwanda in 2010.
Since the report was released, politicians including Hubert Védrine, the former Secretary-General of l’Elysée (French Presidency) under François Mitterrand leadership; Alain Juppé who once served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense, Florence Parly explained that they were satisfied with findings of the report with findings that the country was blind to genocide preparations but emphasized that it dodged to shed light on France’s open involvement.
During an interview with Jeune Afrique, Prof. Vincent Duclert was asked whether the report’s findings don’t reflect France’s institutions connection to genocide.
He explained that revelations by these politicians are among key concerns of the report that need response.
“For instance, Hubert Védrine insisted on our findings that ‘France didn’t have an open involvement’, a word we used based on reviewed archives on what happened during Genocide,” he said.
Duclert observed that Hubert Védrine wanted to serve with the released report to dismiss facts denying France’s role during Genocide.
“France’s policy towards Rwanda played a role during the Genocide even though French leaders were not aware or willing. This should also be accepted,” he said.
The report by historians shows that France was blind to the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Duclert explains that the statement is based on the fact that the country disregarded warnings of genocide preparations that were taking place.
Historians that teamed with Duclert indicated that France’s role heavily relies on the country’s poor policy of keeping a blind eye and supporting racial discrimination driven and corrupt Government that fuels violence.
“Leaders thought that President Habyarimana could lead the country to democracy and peace,” he said.
Duclert committee also reviewed documents written by Pierre Joxe who was the Minister of Defense between January 1991 and 1993 who wrote to President François Mitterrand requesting for military action against escalating genocide preparations.
“It is apparent that they are related to Rwanda. He advised that instructions by President of the Republic should be released in a written form. However, Hubert Védrine denied delivering the message to President Mitterrand,”Duclert.
The historian also revealed that they reviewed documents exchanged between the Ministry of Defense and Colonel René Galinié, Defense Attaché to the Embassy of France in Rwanda and head of military cooperation mission. These letters carried disclaimers that they should be burnt after reading which Duclert highlights affects diplomatic relations.
The expert committee explained that all archives on France, Rwanda relations between 1990 and 1994 were not reviewed because some of them were not available or denied access to some archives.
Duclert said that many institutions facilitated the expert commission to access information but some remained reluctant.
“It is true that two institutions declined to assist us. I submitted two letters to both chambers of parliament at different times and personally met with the parliament’s chairperson at Hôtel de Lassay to request access exchanged documents,” he noted.
After meeting on 3rd July 2020, the parliament restricted the committee from accessing its archives.
‘Duclert’ report also ruled out accusations of wrongdoing by Operation Turquoise, a French-led military intervention in Rwanda.
Prof. Duclert said that on 16th May, the then French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alain Juppé learnt that Genocide was taking place.
“Along with Prime Minister, Édourd Balladur and Minister of Defense, François Léotard; they put pressure on President Mitterrand to set up rescue mechanism and stop France’s silence over the killings,” he said.
On 22nd June 1994, the United Nations (UN) on request of France decided to send troops to Rwanda under “Opération Turquoise” to rescue targeted victims.
A total of 2500 French troops were sent under the mission some of whom had served under ‘Opération Noroît’ in 1990 when Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) launched liberation struggle. At the time France was supporting Habyarimana.
As Opération Turquoise ended in August 1994, French troops helped officials in the Genocidaire Government to flee to Zaïre led by Mobutu at the time. Duclert’s report does not however shed light on that support.
Duclert explained that both country’s relations seemed to reach the end when RPF liberated the country on 4th July 1994.
The district has made the call few days before the beginning of the 27th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
The mobilization to remind residents to provide information comes few days after remains of 150 genocide victims were exhumed at a home of former EX-FAR militiaman from three mass graves in Nyamirambo upon tip off from a resident.
It is said that the resident revealed whereabouts these victims are dumped after clashes with the family whose compounds contained the remains.
Following the revelation that some people are not willing to tell the truth, Nyarugeneg district has delegated unity and reconciliation committee at village level with responsibilities to analyze barriers hindering unity and reconciliation efforts.
The executive secretary of Nyarugenge district, Ngabonziza Emmy has told IGIHE that they are requesting residents to provide information so that remains of genocide victims can be buried decently and facilitate unity and reconciliation.
“Residents should understand that it is the responsibility of every Rwandan to tell the truth to contribute to unity and reconciliation efforts. They should feel at ease to reveal whereabouts remains of genocide victims are dumped to be buried because it won’t threaten their security,” he said.
Ngabonziza explained that withholding information on where victims are dumped is a barrier to unity and reconciliation because relatives always feel shocked.
“It facilitates forgiveness when people feel free to reveal such information. During the recent meeting with Ibuka representatives from district to sector levels, it was observed that genocide survivors are ready to forgive but they need to know who they should forgive. However, withholding information is still a barrier,” he said.
One of genocide survivors in Nyakabanda sector who spoke to IGIHE on condition of anonymity said that unity and reconciliation can’t be attained to the maximum if people are still reluctant to reveal information.
“We are ready to forgive those who take steps forward to reveal whereabouts victims are dumped but how can you forgive someone who keeps quiet yet he/she knows where your relatives were dumped,” he wondered.
The Acting executive secretary of Kigali sector, Ngarambe Wellars has said that mobilization is ongoing to encourage residents to provide information about where more genocide victims were killed and dumped.
“It is a serious problem because that area in former Butamwa is among other places where Tutsis were killed heinously. Tutsis were killed and dumped in River Nyabarongo that relatives could not trace their remains for decent burial. We are however mobilizing residents in collaboration with committees of genocide survivors to reveal whereabouts victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi are dumped to be accorded decent burial,” he noted.
Figures show that 45,536 Tutsis were killed in Nyarugenge district.
The development has been revealed by the Ministry of Infrastructure via Twitter handle.
“It was in February 2018, 3 years now after the start of the rehabilitation and upgrading works of the of 208 Km Kagitumba-Kayonza-Rusumo road. Today, this regional road network is an emblematic facility connecting Northern and Central Corridors, constructed at a cost of $376.5 million,” reads the tweet.
Speaking to IGIHE, the deputy Director General of Rwanda Transport Development Authority (RTDA), Patrick Emile Baganizi has said that construction activities were carried out smoothly without delays.
He explained that the road is expected to facilitate connectivity among cross border traders.
“The road paves the way for development activities in Nyagatare, Kayonza and Kirehe districts. The road will also boost connectivity among regional countries. You remember that trucks transporting goods from Mombasa port use the road to reach Kagitumba as well as those from Dar es Salaam to Rusumo border. Using quality roads reduces time trucks used to spend along the road,” he said.
Rwanda began countrywide vaccination program on 5th March 2021 after receiving approximately 400,000 vaccines through Covax initiative while 50,000 vaccine doses were donated by India.
The second dose of AstraZeneca is offered between 8 to 12 weeks while the second shot for Pfizer vaccine takes between 21 to 28 days.
Inoculation exercise for the second shot kicked off in Kigali yesterday on Friday 2nd April 2021 while those who received AstraZeneca doses will be communicated on vaccination schedule in due time.
In a statement released yesterday, the Ministry of Health assured the general public that they will be vaccinated as the country receives more vaccines gradually.
“Rwanda has carried on Covid-19 vaccination campaign with two types of vaccines namely AstraZeneca and Pfizer that have been approved by WHO for emergency use. We are thankful to Rwandans for having adhered to this campaign that kicked off on March5, 2021. We can assure you that everyone who needs the vaccine will be offered it, as more vaccines will arrive in the near future,” reads the statement in part.
“The Ministry of Health informs the public that effective from April 2 to 21, 2021 Rwandans who received their first dose of Pfizer vaccine will get the second shot. The Ministry of Health sends an SMS to individuals informing them about the date of the second dose,” adds the statement.
Any individual who received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine but did not receive an SMS in due time, may contact the Call Center (Toll free): 114 or contact the nearest health facility for more information or assistance.
The Ministry has revealed that dates for administering the second shot for AstraZeneca recipients will be communicated in coming days.
It has also reminded recipients the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine to continue observing Covid-19 prevention measures including wearing masks properly, physical distancing, and regular hand washing and avoiding large gatherings in closed areas.
Rwanda has so far vaccinated 290,000 people who received the first AstraZeneca dose while 51,000 received Pfizer doses.
Figures from the Ministry shows that the number of vaccine recipients is still low compared to targeted people. However, efforts to seek more vaccines are underway as Rwanda has bought more 500,000 AstraZeneca vaccines at a cost of US$ 1.6 million, awaiting delivery.
He has revealed this in a message dedicated to remind Rwandans to continue adhering to preventive measures.
In his message, he reminded Christians to avoid parties that would lead to massive spreading of Coronavirus.
“We lead to Easter season for Christians. We should not be complacent and avoid holding parties at home because it spreads COVID-19. Besides, disregarding preventive measures on the day, gives loopholes for the upsurge of COVID-19 cases leading us to stringent measures including lockdown,” he said.
Minister Ngamije went on to request parents to help students comply with preventive measures and reminded Rwandans that the upcoming commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi should be held observing COVID-19 health guidelines.
“To parents, let us avoid complacency, help students in holidays to comply with health guidelines. Holidays should not fuel increased COVID-19 cases,” he said.
“During the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, let us remember our victims observing COVID-19 preventive measures. Community based health workers will help us to handle of those experiencing trauma as we continue to collaborate with grass root leaders to ensure the commemoration event goes well,” added Dr. Ngamije.
The Minister also thanked Rwandans who participated in the vaccination program and assured others that they will get vaccines in not so long.
“We thank all Rwandans who participated in the COVID-19 vaccine roll out program. Those who have to yet received the vaccine should not be worried because the program is ongoing and will reach you. We have pledged to cover 60% of Rwandans before the end of 2022,” he said.
Dr. Ngamije also reminded people who received the first vaccine dose to be ready to take the second and continue observing preventive measures.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 21 918 people have been tested positive of whom 20 308 have recovered, 1302 are active cases while 308 have succumbed to the virus.
Among others, 348 926 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide vaccination program on 5th March 2021.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
