The funding framework was signed between the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa and Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Jeong Woo Ji.
The Finance Ministry has disclosed that the concessional loan will be channelled through the Economic Cooperation Development Fund (ECDF).
The new framework arrangement replaces the previous one signed in 2022, which allocated $500 million for the four-year period from 2022 to 2026.
The agreement, which also spans four years from 2024 to 2028, will be aligned with Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
Minister Murangwa termed the new partnership a significant milestone in the cooperation between Rwanda and South Korea.
“Rwanda-Korea current bilateral cooperation is aligned to our National Strategy for Transformation and plays a pivotal role in enhancing Rwanda’s human capital for the 21st century, transforming our agricultural sector, establishing a foundation for ICT-led governance, and nurturing a thriving business environment. The framework signed is a significant milestone in our bilateral cooperation and provides assurances to achieve even more results in areas of our engagement,” Murangwa stated.
Ambassador Woo Jin, on his part, said the framework inked on Friday will elevate the relations between the two countries to a “new level”, especially coming a month after the inaugural 2024 Korea-Africa summit, which President Paul Kagame attended.
“I trust that the EDCF Framework Arrangement signed today will serve as a robust foundation to elevate the relations between our two countries to the next level after the inaugural 2024 Korea-Africa summit where H.E. President Kagame attended. I believe there is more room to cooperate in bilateral relations, especially based on the continuous cooperation in Agriculture, ICT, Education, Health and Infrastructure”.
Rwanda and South Korea enjoy a longstanding history of warm bilateral and multilateral development cooperation dating back to 1963.
Key areas of collaboration between the two nations include education and capacity building, rural development, healthcare, energy, agriculture, and information and communications technology.
During President Kagame’s visit to South Korea last month, the Rwandan Head of State lauded the Asian country as a strategic partner for Africa.
President Paul Kagame called for more partnerships between Africa and South Korea, emphasizing that the two regions stand to benefit from each other’s immense resources and potential.
“Korea is a global pivotal state and Africa is a pivotal continent. It’s only natural for us to draw closer together in the years ahead for many reasons. First, Korea knows the value of sovereignty and independence as well as the struggle required to achieve accountable and inclusive politics. Those experiences allow us to look at each other eye to eye with mutual respect and admiration,” President Kagame said in his address.
During the summit attended by 48 African leaders, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged to expand development aid to Africa and pursue deeper cooperation with the region on critical minerals and technology.
Yoon said South Korea plans to expand its cumulative development aid contributions to Africa to around $10 billion by 2030 and separately provide $14 billion in export financing to encourage South Korean investment in the region.
The context in which leadership operates contributes to governance results which get enjoyed or endured by the people, depending on whether they are good or bad.
Leaders may genuinely believe that they are making the right decisions or acting in the best interest of their people, but their actions may also be perceived as ineffective, harmful, or self-serving by others.
For example, a leader who was effective in one aspect (e.g. startup phase) may struggle when the organization grows larger or faces new challenges.
Different situations may require different leadership styles and skills however, organizational culture stands out as a significant player in shaping leadership behaviors and outcomes.
By examining various factors, we can begin to demystify why bad leadership occurs, how it manifests, and what can be done to address or prevent it.
This understanding is crucial for fostering better leadership practices and creating healthier work environments.
In Rwandan history, a toxic or dysfunctional culture enabled bad leadership to thrive. Incompetence, lack of empathy, poor decision-making skills, and ethical lapses are what characterized the country for the past half a century.
Demystifying the paradox of bad leadership involves a willingness to learn from mistakes and feedback. Effective leaders continually seek to improve themselves and their leadership practices.
To appreciate and recognize that leadership is an ongoing process of growth and development, one needs not to look beyond the common Rwandan adage that “if you don’t talk to your father, you may never know what your grandfather said.”
To appreciate and recognize that leadership is an ongoing process of growth and development, one need not look beyond the common Rwandan adage: “If you don’t talk to your father, you may never know what your grandfather said”.
This can never be more true especially if you engage and pick insights from legendary politician and civil servant Mr. Boniface Rucagu.
Born in Nemba Sector, Burera district, the 76-year-old started engaging in politics at a very young age and lived through different regimes until now when he is still an active member of the country’s geopolitical set-up.
“I started attending meetings and political gatherings under the Rwandese National Union (UNAR) when I was barely 11 years old,” he recalls.
UNAR was a conservative Rwandan political party founded on 3 September 1959 by François Rukeba, and strongly supported by King Kigeri V.
At the time, Rwanda was still under Belgian administration, and UNAR was the leading monarchist party. It called for immediate independence under a hereditary constitutional monarchy.
Thereafter, Rucagu joined the Kayibanda administration shortly after independence. He served as Provincial Executive Secretary of Northern Province (formerly Ruhengeri Prefecture) when Kayibanda’s government was toppled by Juvenal Habyarimana.
Rucagu went on to become a Member of Parliament under Habyarimana’s administration which is widely believed to have orchestrated and masterminded the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Most leaders at the time were actively engaged in designing, planning and execution of the Genocide with harsh punishments imposed on those who hesitated or attempted to oppose the government’s narrative of getting rid of the “unwanted and dangerous” Tutsi.
Rucagu remembers that he was vehemently opposed to this narrative and ended up receiving backlash from his own government through media campaigns aimed at portraying him as an enemy and antagonist.
Notably in 1993, Kangura, a state-owned newspaper published in its edition number 46/93, a letter purported to have been authored by Rucagu in support of the ongoing preparations on how to execute the Genocide. He refuted the claims in a response letter dated July 21, 1993.
In his response, he said, “Dear Kangura readers, you may have seen a letter is full of insults, hate, discrimination, immoral thoughts and unethical opinions. I am here to inform everyone that I don’t agree with that document and it was not authored by me.”
“That document was written by an ill-intent person with malicious intentions are meant more to hurt than to help. It is intended to damage my personal reputation.”
He wondered how a person who was brought up with moral values, mingled with neighbours and friends, acquired education and became a publically elected leader could display such ill will, malignity and malevolence.
“The morals I have acquired for over 40 years cannot just vanish in a single day. I have never been party to racial segregation or any other kind of discrimination. I have ultimately decided to sue the newspaper in courts of law for the truth to come to light,” reads the letter in part.
Despite being part of the then government, Rucagu never minced words when it came to clarifying and engaging in what he believed was right.
At one time he openly showed and canvased support for the Rwandan Patriotic Army even when plans were underway to overthrow the Genocidal regime which he served.
On July 15, 1993, Rucagu told the electorate of Cummune Butaro (currently Burera district) where he hails, that Inkotanyi had good intentions for the country and would not hesitate to support them if need arose.
Fast forward, today at the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum, Rucagu is responsible for advising the government on national topical issues, national political orientation and challenges pertaining to good governance, justice, economy and social welfare.
In the aftermath of the Genocide against the Tutsi, efforts were put in place to pacify the country while trying to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Soon after 1994, the International Human Rights Commission instituted an investigation in Ruhengeri and Gisenyi to establish the magnitude of the Genocide and Rucagu was included as a possible perpetrator but he responded to them through writing proving his innocence.
The courage and unity that Rucagu has exhibited amid widespread diversity is a testament to the good things one can achieve without necessarily being bad to others.
Recently, Dr Bizimana Jean Damascene, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement took a swipe at those who accused Rucagu of Genocide without fully understanding his story in the context of Rwandan history.
“Not everyone who was in MRND as a Member of Parliament was part of the Genocide. I want to state it clearly that the truth he emphasizes in all his opinions is what has characterized him all his life,” Dr Bizimana said in a YouTube video that has since gone viral.
And whether we believe in earthly justice or heavenly rewards or penalties, in whatever you do, always remember that time is the most important factor in life and the truth will always set you free.
Keir Starmer is expected to be formally appointed as Prime Minister. Rishi Sunak has conceded defeat.
“I am sorry. I take responsibility for the loss,” Sunak said in a televised address to his supporters in Richmond and Northern Allerton.
This marks the end of a long Conservative dominance that began in 2010 under David Cameron and continued through the leadership of Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Rishi Sunak.
Sunak’s defeat, however, didn’t come as a surprise, according to sources. It was the culmination of widespread public dissatisfaction over the handling of key issues and the renewed appeal of Labour’s platform under Starmer’s leadership.
Out of the 650 seats declared by press time, Starmer’s opposition party leads with 412 seats against the Conservatives’ 120. The Liberal Democrats come in a distant third position with 71 seats.
As the Tories come to terms with their devastating defeat, let’s dig deeper into several factors that could have contributed to the historic loss.
{{Brexit, inflation & Covid-19
}}
Firstly, the Conservative Party has been in a compromising situation since Johnson was forced to step down in September 2022.
Johnson, who assumed office in July 2019, faced criticism that his economic policies were inadequate or poorly managed, especially in response to challenges such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising inflation.
Britain’s exit from the European Union contributed to economic uncertainty, with several quarters raising concerns about its potential negative effects on businesses, investment, and jobs.
Some critics argue that prior to this, the government did not adequately prepare for the potential economic and social impacts such as fears about disruptions to trade, supply chains, and the economy at large.
Johnson’s ‘Partygate’ scandal, involving gatherings of government and Conservative Party staff during the COVID-19 pandemic amid restrictions on gatherings, also eroded public trust in the Conservatives.
Johnson’s departure, however, did little to redeem the ruling party, as his successor, Truss, resigned just six weeks into her tenure. Truss’ short-lived premiership has been linked to her failure to address Britons’ concerns about inflation, despite campaigning on a platform promising “growth”.
The UK inflation rate was 2% percent in May 2024, the lowest since April 2021. Between September 2022 and March 2023, the UK experienced seven months of double-digit inflation, which peaked at 11.1 percent in October 2022.
Sunak’s efforts to stabilize the party after the leadership turmoil experienced during Boris Johnson’s and Liz Truss’s tenures, and to revive the economy, did not sufficiently restore voter confidence.
{{Mismanagement of public services
}}
The Conservatives are widely perceived to have mismanaged public services, including the National Health Service, education, and other essential services.
According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), from June 2020, the elective waiting list, which comprises patients waiting to receive non-urgent treatment or surgery, started rising rapidly, increasing by an average of 80,000 per month up to December 2023.
{{Rise of Reform UK
}}
The resurgence of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party split the right-wing vote, drawing support away from the Conservatives. This further weakened their electoral base and allowed Labour to gain ground in constituencies that traditionally belonged to Conservatives.
Farage, the driving force behind Britain’s Brexit movement, secured a parliamentary seat in Britain on his eighth attempt, winning 46.2% of the vote in the heavily pro-Brexit Clacton.
{{Labour’s Renewed Appeal
}}
Under Starmer’s leadership, the Labour Party repositioned itself as a more moderate and less controversial option compared to the Conservatives. This strategic shift helped Labour appeal to voters who were critical of the party’s more radical stance during Jeremy Corbyn’s tenure. Corbyn led the Labour Party from 2015 to 2020.
This initiative was introduced in February encouraging clients to request for EBM receipts every time they purchase things from local enterprises thereby attaining eligibility to receive a reward equal to 10% of the VAT paid on each EBM receipt.
Speaking during the release of the Financial Year 2023/2024 performance results, Batamuliza Hajara, the Commissioner, Domestic Taxes Department, said a total of RWF 16 billion was registered in sales during the period under review, with the government collecting RWF 2.4 billion in VAT.
Hajara confirmed that 10% of the VAT collected will soon be distributed to 23,675 beneficiaries who have registered their claims with RRA.
During the financial year which ended on June 30, RRA collected RWF 2.62 trillion in revenue from taxes, falling short of its target by RWF 17.8 billion (0.7%). However, the revenue netted represents a growth of 12.3% compared to 2022/23.
Additionally, during the financial year 2023-2024, RRA financed 51.2% of the national budget, up from 48.9% the previous year, 2022-2023.
RRA Commissioner General Niwenshuti Ronald attributed the RRA’s performance to several factors, including the increased use of the EBM system by businesses. The number of taxpayers registered on EBM increased from 84,448 in fiscal year 2022/23 to 117,631 in 2023/4.
RRA also credited the VAT reward program and Voluntary Disclosure Incentives for the positive performance. 1,783 taxpayers participated in the disclosure program, revealing a total of RWF 14.3 billion in previously undisclosed income. So far, RWF 6.6 billion of this amount has been collected.
Niwenshuti also attributed the 12% growth in national revenue to the strong economic growth of 9.1% recorded between July 2023 and March 2024 and the automation of key services which simplified communication and service delivery. This year’s economic growth is projected to be 7.4%.
The Commissioner General also expressed his optimism that RRA will achieve its revenue target of 3 trillion in the current financial year.
“This year, our revenue target is set at an ambitious sum of RWF 3,061.2 billion which is 54% of the national budget of slightly over RWF 5,5 billion and we are very optimistic that we shall achieve it,” Niwenshuti remarked.
Currently, Rwanda’s tax revenue stands at 15% of its total GDP of RWF 16.355 trillion.
With the backing of the Rwandan government, Mihigo is among the five contestants eyeing the coveted regional post in elections slated for next month.
Speaking in an exclusive interview recently on Sunny Ntayombya’s podcast, the 57-year-old said that once elected, he will put in place measures to ensure that the African population lives a healthy life so that they can contribute to their own development.
“From various conversations we have had with ministers of finance and economic policymakers, people tend to perceive health as an expenditure only. They claim to always need money for health insurance, hospital bills, etc. but that’s not all. Health is not only an expenditure; health a tool that can positively contribute to the development of a nation,” Dr. Mihigo stated.
He added, “If you have a healthy population, those people can thrive and contribute more efficiently to the prosperity of their own families, their own communities, and their own nation as a whole. This is my immediate target.”
To achieve this, Mihigo has developed a robust programme on how he would put in place strategic shift to avert this.
The programme includes building resilient health systems able to withstand health crises such as disease outbreaks or pandemics like COVID-19, which have previously exposed vulnerabilities and gaps in global healthcare systems for years.
“We saw how literally everything collapsed during COVID. The responsiveness and preparedness of our systems were really very weak. I want to make sure that we help countries build very robust and resilient health systems based on a primary healthcare system that responds to the needs of the population,” he emphasized.
According to him, a functional primary healthcare system is the foundation of any well-meaning society.
He believes that if people at the grassroots level can access the basic health services needed (both curative and preventive), then Africa will be on track to build a more resilient and functional health system.
Citing instances where Africa was unfairly locked out of access to COVID-19 treatment tools, vaccines and testing equipment, Dr. Mihigo emphasized the need to promote Vaccine manufacturing in Africa.
He also expressed his intent to respond to non-communicable diseases as well as maternal and infant mortality rates.
Beyond fighting diseases, Dr. Mihigo plans to break the gender barriers that exist in the health sector.
“We need to put in place a more robust system that can address gender barriers by borrowing a leaf from Rwanda as a champion of gender equality and inclusion at the continental level,” he emphasized.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Dr Mihigo, largely lived as a refugee but defied all odds to become a widely considered strong candidate for the WHO job due to his rich career profile and extensive education in the medical field.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (M.B., Ch.B.) from the Faculty of Medicine, Université de Kisangani, DRC and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in International Health from Boston University School of Public Health, USA, obtained in 2003.
He held numerous positions, including advisory roles at WHO, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Mihigo also served as an advisor at United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-Rwanda.
Locally, he served as the first Medical Director of Nyanza Hospital in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Today, Dr Mihigo doubles as the Senior Director of Programmatic and Strategic Engagement at the African Union/Africa CDC and advisor at the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), a position he has held since March 2024.
He reminisces that the death of his mother due to cervical cancer partly shaped his future in public health, where he has been advocating for immunization to combat various diseases.
“My mother passed away from cervical cancer which is something easily preventable today,” he said, adding, “This is what has also shaped a bit of my future in public health. I am a renowned specialist in immunization globally.”
The mother, whom he fondly refers to as his heroine, also encouraged him to pursue medicine instead of law.
His competitors for the WHO role include Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao from Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo of Niger, Senegal’s Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall and Tanzanian Doctor Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile.
The Regional Committee of the WHO African Region will vote to nominate the next Regional Director in a closed-door meeting during its 74th session from 26th to 30th August 2024 in Congo Brazzaville.
The nominee will then be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, set for January 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The newly appointed Regional Director will take office on February 1, 2025, for a five-year term, renewable once.
The reason is clear: technology streamlines work processes, increases efficiency, and boosts productivity across various sectors, including health, finance, education, and tourism, thereby accelerating economic growth.
One key area gaining significant attention is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI allows tasks to be completed with minimal human intervention, often more efficiently than human capability.
Rwanda is actively promoting AI projects. In April 2023, the Cabinet approved a five-year national AI policy, allocating $76.5 million to advance AI in various fields. This investment is strategic, as research shows that a robust AI infrastructure could generate 589 billion Rwandan Francs for the country.
The benefits of AI are already visible. Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire highlighted that AI contributes 6% to Rwanda’s GDP. The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) has also emphasized the importance of technology in its five-year manifesto, committing to further AI advancements and the construction of a drone operation center.
The Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) aims to complete this center by 2026, with an initial budget of 2.3 billion Rwandan Francs for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, to be built in Huye District.
In addition to drones, Rwanda plans to establish a center for satellite imagery utilization. This center will support sectors like agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning, enhancing service delivery in Rwanda and Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative builds on existing infrastructure like the teleporter completed in Rwamagana District, among other major undertakings promoting technological development.
The government is also plans to introduce a new smart ID system (Single Digital ID) for all Rwandans and residents. This advanced ID will streamline access to all online services, facilitating easier and faster service delivery.
To ensure widespread internet access, Rwanda aims for 100% internet coverage by 2029, achieved through building communication infrastructure like towers and broadband networks. Currently, the spread of 4G internet is rapid, with MTN Rwanda reporting a 506% increase in users in 2023. By 2029, 5G is expected to be launched, increasing access to free public Wi-Fi.
Rwanda also plans to establish a state-of-the-art data storage facility (Cloud and High Computing Data Center) to serve the country and the region. This center is expected to enhance data storage and computing capabilities, supplementing existing facilities.
To support these technological advancements, Rwanda will focus on increasing digital literacy among its population, ensuring no one is left behind. The country plans to expand the number of tech incubators and services for startups, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide.
Besides, Rwanda aims to take the lead in Africa in using modern technology to provide services across sectors like commerce, industry, health, agriculture, education, justice, governance, and culture.
This vision includes training a large number of high-level tech experts. These professionals will not only drive Rwanda’s tech advancements but also position the country as an exporter of ICT services and knowledge.
The state-of-the-art facility, renovated for $160 million, was officially opened by President Paul Kagame on Rwanda’s Independence Day.
The CAF boss was among the dignitaries who attended the opening ceremony, which featured a trophy match between APR FC and Police FC to mark the inauguration. APR FC lifted the trophy after beating Police FC 1-0.
Commenting on the renovations that included equipping the stadium with modern facilities and expanding its capacity from 25,000 to 45,000, Motsepe said Rwandans and Africans should be “so proud” of President Kagame for “birthing the best stadium”.
“This is one of the most beautiful, one of the best stadiums in Africa and in the world. We as Rwandans, we as Africans, should be so proud and thank our president for his leadership and birthing the best stadium,” remarked the CAF president two weeks after CAF approved Amahoro Stadium for use in all upcoming CAF and FIFA competitions, confirming that the newly refurbished facility meets all required standards.
He expressed confidence that the sporting facility will empower local talent to reach their full potential and increase sporting competition not just in Rwanda but across the continent.
“The next time I come here, I want to see the national team of Rwanda playing against the best national teams of countries in Africa. With your support, with your love, and with the talent and sports talent we have in Rwanda, we are going to win. Rwanda will win. Rwanda will be the best in Africa,” he stated, adding, “I want to say to my brother President Kagame, thank you for your commitment, thank you for your love, thank you for your sacrifices to improve and make the lives of our people in Rwanda amongst the best in Africa, and this beautiful stadium is a reflection of the people of Rwanda.”
On his part, President Kagame said the renovation works at Amahoro Stadium were inspired by Motsepe and his FIFA counterpart Gianni Infantino
“Let me thank the president of CAF, my brother Patrice Mosepe, together with another brother and friend, President of FIFA Gianni Infantino. The two inspired us to put up a good sporting facility like this one. They have done many things to support Rwanda and other brotherly African countries and beyond to raise the kind of football through availing this kind of facility to many countries so that the young people of Africa can have where to develop and exercise the huge talent we have on our continent,” President Kagame averred.
Kagame said the stadium will help retain talent and challenged the youth to take advantage of the facility to grow their sporting careers both locally and abroad.
“In fact, this (development of the stadium) will lead to more retention of our best talents instead of exporting them all the time. But people will still remain free to go wherever they want to be, but they can also look at home for such retention and development of what they want to do.
“There is no excuse for our young footballing talent. You have to work hard, you have to work smart, and let us be counted among the best on our continent,” he added.
Amahoro Stadium has been undergoing a facelift since August 2022, with Turkish construction company Summa undertaking the renovations.
Besides the football turf with a cutting-edge hybrid surface, blending natural grass and artificial turf, Amahoro boasts an eight-lane track for athletics events, a paralympic gymnasium, and training facilities for football, handball, and volleyball.
The sports arena has also been fitted with various amenities, including VIP lounges, an Amavubi bar, dressing rooms, washrooms, coaches’ offices, a massage room, a changing room, and a FIFA office.
Additionally, there are rooms for match officials, a medical room, a doping control room, a staff management room, and a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Room, among others.
The Head of State disclosed this on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, during a campaign event in Nyarugenge District.
Kagame stated that nothing makes him prouder than leading the members of the RPF Inkotanyi and Rwandans in general, who are willing and capable.
In his speech to the over 300,000 people who attended the RPF Inkotanyi campaign, Kagame highlighted that Rwanda has endured a difficult history but emerged with courage.
He said, “Our country has a dark history, it has gone through many tragic events that took away our loved ones. People have their time and go, but being taken away by someone else, having your life ended by someone else, is not right. That is why it doesn’t surprise me that Rwanda, having gone through those hardships, has produced people like you, people like us. This should always be the case, it should always define Rwanda.”
He continued by saying that for Rwanda to continue being defined by this bravery, certain measures are necessary.
He said, “For this to persist, Rwandans need to choose well, understand well, and perform well. We were fortunate to have the RPF during the historical changes.”
Kagame said that if Rwandans continue to embody this courageous behaviour, they will achieve much, silencing those who criticize Rwanda.
Using an example from his own experience, President Kagame pointed out that there are those who criticize Rwanda without understanding its history, as someone once asked him if he was a Tutu (meaning Hutu) or a Hutsi (meaning Tutsi).
He said, “But you know that most of those who talk about us don’t even know us. Someone once asked me, in these daily inquiries they make, and they also show disrespect, asking me ‘Who are you? Are you Tutu (Hutu) or Hutsi (Tutsi)?’ Not knowing what they were talking about, I told him, ‘In Rwanda, I am all of those things and more.’”
“When he wanted to ask if I was a Hutu or a Tutsi, saying Tutu or Hutsi, I told him, ‘I am both, but also more,’ I said, ‘but all these are encompassed in being a Rwandan; I am a Rwandan.’”
President Kagame urged Rwandans to respect these foreigners, but only if they are also respected.
He said, “Live with them, give them value, respect them but only if they give you value and respect you as well.”
In an interview with Eugene Anangwe of EAMG TV released on June 23, 2024, Gasinzigwa was reminded that after the 2017 Presidential elections, some foreign diplomats criticized how the elections were conducted.
These diplomats are joined by others who criticize that some Presidential candidates were disqualified, claiming that the upcoming elections in July 2024 will not be conducted properly.
NEC explained that these candidates did not meet the required criteria, including the 600 signatures from registered voters.
Gasinzigwa stated that when NEC was preparing various pre-election activities, it engaged in discussions with diplomats working in Rwanda, explaining that the commission operates transparently and does not exclude anyone who wishes to run for office.
She said, “Especially the Ambassadors here in Rwanda, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, we held discussions. We also welcomed various guests from different countries, from international organizations like the Commonwealth. We continue to communicate with them, explaining our transparent operations. We do not hide anything from the public and those who wish to be candidates.”
Gasinzigwa continued, “Some people want us to do what they want, and I don’t think it is right because there is no country in the world where this happens. What Rwanda wants is based on the Constitution, and it is clear that we at NEC do not act on our own desires; we act according to what Rwandans have decided based on the Constitution, the electoral law, and the regulations, all of which are approved by the Parliament. Rwandans, including those who wish to run for office, are given the opportunity to participate.”
The NEC President stated that the commission will perform its duties well and transparently, based on its independence, and will announce the election results based on the votes cast by Rwandans for all candidates contesting from June 22 to July 13, 2024.
The Presidential and Parliamentary elections are scheduled for July 14 and 15, 2024, following the conclusion of the campaign activities.
President Kagame made the remarks during an interview with France 24 on Thursday, in response to DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi’s [threats to wage war against Rwanda ->https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/dr-congo-s-tshisekedi-maintains-his-threats-on-waging-war-against-rwanda] for allegedly supporting M23 rebel group.
“If somebody is saying that in this kind of situation, on the one hand, you may think this person is bluffing or has nothing else to say, but at the same time, given our own experience and history, we don’t take anything for granted,” President Kagame stated, adding, “We are ready to fight.”
Asked if he was afraid of Western sanctions amid accusation of Rwanda’s troops in eastern DRC, President Kagame said, “We are not afraid of anything.”
The Head of State also rubbished claims by President Tshisekedi that Rwanda is organising “a genocide” in eastern DR Congo, instead accusing him of orchestrating the return of a “genocide ideology” targeted at Congolese Tutsis.
“What actually is taking place in eastern Congo should be understood even by the person who leads that country. He does seem to have a selective memory of what to call what is happening there,” President Kagame said. “To ignore that and to want to call it something else, somewhere else by somebody, I think you have to be missing something in your mind.”
He further accused the international community of turning a blind eye to the root cause of the crisis in eastern DR Congo while accusing Rwanda of having its troops in the neighbouring country.
“‘How do you explain that we have 100,000 refugees persecuted in eastern Congo because of their identity, and now they [DR Congo government] wants to turn them into Rwandan citizens when they are Congolese?” President Kagame posed, further raising concerns over the DR Congo government’s support for the FDLR militia, which comprises remnants of the Interahamwe group that perpetrated the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
President Kagame maintained that Rwanda had done everything possible to resolve the conflict amicably, blaming his DR Congo counterpart for frustrating various peace initiatives. He, however, reiterated that he has always been ready to meet Tshisekedi to discuss the matter.
“There are processes in our region. There is the Luanda process in Angola, and there has been the Nairobi process in Kenya. There have been other efforts to try and help resolve the problems. For Rwanda, we have always been present and have contributed as much as we can to make it work.
“However, Congo had other ideas. When the East African Community deployed forces to help, the next day, he expelled them and selected those he believed would fight for him to continue what he has been doing. He brought in SADC forces and detached Burundi from the East African forces,” he added.
