NEC Chairperson, Oda Gasinzigwa, approved the candidature of three candidates and rejected bids from six others, citing noncompliance with electoral guidelines.
Those who met the criteria include Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) chairman and incumbent president Paul Kagame, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Frank Habineza, and Mbayimana Philippe, who is running for the presidency on an independent ticket.
Six independent candidates, who had expressed interest in the country’s top seat, had their candidature invalidated for various reasons.
Herman Manirareba had his nomination rejected after he failed to submit a list of 600 registered voters supporting his candidature, in line with the commission’s requirements. To qualify to run for the presidency in Rwanda, a candidate must submit a list of 12 registered voters supporting their candidacy from 30 districts across five provinces.
NEC said Innocent Hakizimana submitted voter lists from 28 districts, falling short of two districts. Fred Sekikubo Barafinda’s nomination was invalidated for lacking a valid doctor’s certificate and signatures from twelve districts.
On the other hand, Thomas Habimana suffered a setback in his bid to be president after he failed to provide a list of 12 voters supporting his candidacy from five districts.
Diane Nshimyimana Rwigara, the only woman interested in the race, did not provide a criminal record certificate, citizenship certificate, and a list of voters from eight districts. The law requires that a person running for president must be a Rwandan citizen by origin, with at least one parent being a citizen of Rwanda. The candidate must not hold dual citizenship.
Jean Mbanda only provided a list of signatures from three districts out of the 30 required by the commission.
The law requires that all incomplete documents be submitted before the final list is published on June 14.
The NEC boss, however, announced that the list of voters supporting a candidate cannot be submitted after May 30, 2024, which was the deadline for submitting candidatures. This locks out all six candidates from the much-anticipated poll.
Regarding the parliamentary election, the commission approved lists submitted by six political parties, adding that only one independent candidate met the criteria.
Additionally, NEC approved the list of 181 Women parliamentary candidates, 23 Youth Parliamentary candidates, and seven candidates representing persons with disabilities.
The final list of approved candidates will be unveiled on June 14, with the official electoral campaign period scheduled to commence on June 22.
The retail price for gasoline decreases by RWF 101, to retail at RWF 1,663 per litre for the next two months, while diesel will retail at RWF 1,652, down from RWF 1,684.
The new pump prices will take effect at 9:00 pm on Wednesday.
{{Global market dynamics
}}
“These adjustments are based on recent fluctuations in international petroleum product prices,” RURA Director General Rugigana Evariste explained.
New fuel pump prices for the next two months, effective from 05 June 2024, at 9:00PM. pic.twitter.com/jlTHENxOro
Before the last review in April, which saw the retail price of fuel revised upwards, gasoline was priced at RWF 1,637 per litre, and diesel at RWF 1,632 per litre.
Brent crude oil averaged $90 per barrel in April with the conflict between Ukraine and Russia exacerbating the oil market’s instability.
The price of Brent oil per barrel has been fluctuating ever since to retail at $77.1 on Tuesday, May 4, 2024. Further, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude Oil plummeted by 1.5 per cent to retail at $73, down from the $77.3 on Monday.
Last month, the price of Brent oil was around $85 per barrel, while WTI oil prices hit $81 in May.
The Head of State, credited with spearheading various policy and economic transformations in Rwanda, was honoured during his trip to South Korea, where he attended the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit.
“I would like to thank you for the tremendous honour you have bestowed on me and my country with the award of this honorary doctorate,” Kagame stated in his acceptance speech.
“This is my fourth visit to Korea but my first to the Yonsei campus, I wish that our connection had started much earlier,” he added.
In his speech, President Kagame emphasized the importance of public policy in nation-building, especially in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, saying, “The purpose of public policy is to make our citizens safe, united, free, creative, and prosperous, more or less in that order.”
“We inherited a country that was completely broken and devastated physically, financially, and spiritually. Our people were displaced and divided. Establishing security was our first policy objective; without it, nothing else is possible.”
Founded in 1885, Yonsei University is one of the top private Universities in South Korea. The university boasts of 158 research centres.
The South Korean varsity has multiple campuses, with the Sinchon campus in Seoul as its main location. Other locations include the International Campus in Songdo, which opened in 2010, and the Wonju Campus.
During his visit to the university’s campus in Seoul, President Kagame held discussions with Professor Dong-Sup Yoon and faculty members about furthering the partnership and increasing the number of Rwandan students.
{{Korea-Africa summit
}}
During the Korea-Africa summit that attracted 48 African leaders, 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.
President Kagame said “the moment was long overdue”, praising Korea as a strategic partner for Africa.
“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 on Tuesday.
President Kagame noted that Africa has much to learn from Korea’s rapid economic transformation over the past few decades, emphasizing the need to invest in political stability, health, education, and technology.
“Korea’s experience shows that a country can be radically transformed in the course of a generation. Is there any explanation why Africa has not become a high-income continent? Africa can go much faster and there is no better way than focusing on stability, health, education and technology. All of these are possible depending on how we address our security and governance challenges. Africa’s young people need these opportunities. It’s possible,” the Head of State said.
Africa, President Kagame explained, stands to benefit from cutting-edge innovations from Korea to boost advancements in various sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Jinhua comprises two districts, Wucheng and Jindong, four county-level cities, Lanxi, Dongyang, Yiwu, and Yongkang, and three counties, Pujiang, Wuyi, and Pan’an. In 2023, Jinhua’s regional GDP reached an impressive 601.13 billion yuan (more than 80 billion US$), a testament to its robust economic growth.
Renowned for its rich historical and cultural heritage, Jinhua is often referred to as “another hometown of Confucius and Mencius.” The city boasts a 10,000-year-old rice planting civilization and an institution history spanning more than 2,200 years.
Over the centuries, Jinhua has been a cradle for numerous notable figures. Ancient luminaries include writer Song Lian, strategist Zong Ze, Taoist Wong Tai Sin, doctor Zhu Danxi, and musician Li Yu.
In more recent times, the city has produced influential individuals like Chen Wangdao, the first Chinese translator of the Communist Manifesto, historian Wu Han, writer Feng Xuefeng, Chinese painting master Huang Binhong, newspaper publisher Shao Piaoping, musician Shi Guangnan, poet Ai Qing, and scientist Yan Jici. Since China’s reform and opening-up, 1.2 million Jinhua natives have ventured out for development, with over 30,000 high-level talents contributing to the global community.
Strategically located, Jinhua is a central transport hub, essential for connecting various parts of China. The city is the second largest information port in Zhejiang and a national logistics hub for production and trade. With 10 railways and 9 highways, Jinhua and Yiwu stations accommodate 462 high-speed trains daily, directly connecting to 21 provincial capitals. These developments aim to establish Jinhua as a national comprehensive transport hub.
The city’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its green landscapes and clean rivers, earning it the prestigious Dayu Golden Prize for water management. With a forest coverage rate of 61% and Class I drinking water quality, Jinhua is a haven for nature lovers, boasting five national scenic spots and one national 5A tourist area. Prominent attractions include the Double Dragon Cave, the Residence of Lord Shi of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, Hengdian World Studios, and Lanxi Zhuge Bagua Village.
Jinhua is also a powerhouse of industry and commerce, playing a pivotal role in Zhejiang’s private economy. The city is notable for its numerous market entities, with over 1.5 million registered businesses, ranking second in Zhejiang. Jinhua was the first prefecture-level city in the province to surpass one million privately or individually owned businesses.
The city hosts 86 markets with annual turnovers exceeding 100 million RMB (approximately 14 million US$) and four surpassing 10 billion RMB (around 1.4 billion US$). Yiwu China Commodity City, Yongkang China Science and Technology Hardware City, and Dongyang China Woodcarvings City are internationally recognized.
Jinhua’s industrial prowess includes 18-billion-yuan-level industrial clusters in sectors such as automotive, hardware, textiles, and medicine. Remarkably, two out of every three safety doors in China are produced in Jinhua, and one in every three TV dramas is filmed there. The city is also a leader in emerging economic models like cross-border e-commerce and influencer marketing, with its express delivery business consistently ranking first in China.
As a trailblazer in reform and opening-up, Jinhua has implemented over 50 national and provincial pilot reform programs. The Yiwu International Trade Comprehensive Reform Pilot Program, the only one of its kind in China, has set a precedent with its innovative “mart procurement” trade model.
Jinhua has also established several significant zones and clusters, including the Yiwu International Trade Comprehensive Reform Pilot Zone, the National Cross-border E-commerce Pilot Zone, the Jinyi New Area, the Hengdian Film and Television Cultural Industry Cluster, and the Zhejiang Free Trade Zone Jinyi Area.
The city’s three major opening-up channels—the Yiwu-Madrid Railway, the Yiwu-Ningbo-Zhoushan Channel, and cross-border e-commerce—connect Jinhua with 233 countries and regions. The city’s exports exceed 1 billion RMB (over 13 million US$) to 80 of these destinations, making Jinhua a significant player in international trade.
{{Partnership with Rwanda}}
On March 28, Jinhua signed a Sister Cities Agreement with Musanze District in Rwanda’s Northern Province, marking the first such agreement between China and Rwanda and symbolizing a new chapter of friendship and cooperation.
The signing ceremony was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun, Mr. Zhu Chonglie, Secretary of the Jinhua Municipal Committee of the CPC, Nzabonimpa Emmanuel, Executive Secretary of Rwanda’s Northern Province, and Claudien Nsengimana, Mayor of Musanze District.
Ambassador Wang reiterated the embassy’s support for promoting cooperation that benefits both peoples. Mr. Zhu Chonglie expressed Jinhua’s eagerness for better industrial collaboration, closer trade relations, and deeper cultural exchanges with Musanze. Mayor Nsengimana also highlighted that the agreement would enhance mutual understanding and build a brighter future for both cities.
On the same day, Dr. Sylvie Mucyo, Vice Chancellor of Rwanda Polytechnic, and Dr. Zhang Yanping, Vice President of Jinhua Polytechnic, signed a five-year agreement for an exchange program where 30 students from IPRC Musanze will study for two years in Rwanda and one year in China for an Advanced Diploma.
This initiative has already started, with 30 Rwandan students embarking on a year-long study program in China to delve into e-commerce and electrical automation vocational skills at Jinhua Polytechnic in Zhejiang Province.
This agreement follows a longstanding partnership between IPRC Musanze and Jinhua Polytechnic, spanning more than a decade. Notable achievements include the inauguration of the Rwanda Luban Workshop last November, which enhances technical and vocational education training (TVET) in Rwanda. The workshop features a laboratory equipped with new technologies, including robots, to train students.
So far, the partnership has recruited 210 students and conducted “Chinese language plus vocational skills” training for nearly 10,000 people, providing vital support for Chinese-funded enterprises in Rwanda and improving the employability of Rwandan youths. Both China and Rwanda attach great importance to TVET due to its role in human resource development and national transformation.
At the workshop launch, Ambassador Wang said the 10 years of collaboration between Rwanda Polytechnic and Jinhua Polytechnic “reflects the deep friendship between Chinese and Rwandan people, and more importantly, shows what we can achieve through working together.”
Since 2018, IPRC Musanze has graduated over 1,700 students and offers courses in irrigation and drainage technology, construction technology, highway engineering, e-commerce, and information technology. Student enrollment has grown from 171 in 2014 to over 1,800 currently.
{{Photos: Théophile Niyitegeka / Zhejiang, China }}
Speaking during the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul on Tuesday, June 4, President Kagame said “the moment was long overdue”, praising Korea as a strategic partner for Africa.
“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.
President Kagame noted that Africa has much to learn from Korea’s rapid economic transformation over the past few decades, emphasizing the need to invest in political stability, health, education, and technology.
“Korea’s experience shows that a country can be radically transformed in the course of a generation. Is there any explanation why Africa has not become a high-income continent? Africa can go much faster and there is no better way than focusing on stability, health, education and technology. All of these are possible depending on how we address our security and governance challenges. Africa’s young people need these opportunities. It’s possible,” the Head of State said.
Africa, President Kagame explained, stands to benefit from cutting-edge innovations from Korea to boost advancements in various sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“Partnerships with Korea have focused on the cutting edge of innovation, helping bring the latest technologies to Rwanda and Africa more quickly. This summit serves to remind us that even more can be done. From artificial intelligence and robotics to small model nuclear reactors to driving the energy transition with critical raw materials, Africa and Korea should be working side by side.”
He insisted that Africa, on the other hand, has much to offer in its partnerships with Korea, especially in ongoing efforts to create a single continental market for goods and services in Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Notably, by taking advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) connecting with Africa, particularly with our very capable young people will pay dividends for decades to come. Africa will be a central driver of global trade before too long so long as we don’t take our future for granted. We have to keep on the path of partnerships such as these one between Africa and Korea. In doing so we may also enhance our cooperation on other matters of mature concern in the global arena.”
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.
Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente announced President Paul Kagame’s decision to drop Munyeshuli from the Cabinet on Monday evening, citing Article 116 of the Rwandan Constitution regarding the appointment of Cabinet members.
“Pursuant to the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, especially in its Article 116, today, 3 June 2024, Ms. Jeanine Munyeshuli has been dismissed from her position as Minister of State for Public Investment and Resource Mobilization in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN),” Ngirente announced.
However, the Prime Minister did not disclose the reason for Munyeshuli’s sacking.
Communiqué from the Office of the Prime Minister | Itangazo riturutse mu Biro bya Minisitiri w'Intebe pic.twitter.com/T9HCZp4rmi
— Office of the PM | Rwanda (@PrimatureRwanda) June 3, 2024
Munyeshuli joined the Cabinet in August last year. She was the first person to occupy the new ministerial portfolio following the dissolution of the Ministry of Public Investments and Privatisation and the transfer of its functions to the Finance docket.
Previously, the economist and yoga teacher served as a board member of the AZAHAR Foundation.
Cabinet members in Rwanda are appointed by the President in consultation with the Prime Minister.
Located in Jinhua, East China’s Zhejiang province, the African Museum of Zhejiang Normal University is the only museum of its kind in China. It plays a vital role in educating students and visitors about the diverse and vibrant cultures of Africa, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the continent and the enduring ties between Africa and China.
Established in 2010 by Zhejiang Normal University’s Institute of African Studies, the museum spans 400 square meters and offers an immersive experience into African culture.
The exhibits feature a wide range of historical artifacts, accompanied by informative signage explaining their significance. From musical instruments and sculptures to household items, masks, and costumes, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of African cultural practices, history, and future prospects.
The Institute of African Studies, the first of its kind in China, has evolved to offer courses on economic development to both Chinese and international students. The campus hosts thousands of international students, many of whom hail from various African countries.
This diverse student body enhances cultural exchange and learning experiences within the university community.
Speaking to foreign journalists after touring the museum recently during the 8th edition of China-Africa Youth Festival, Prof. Yoro Diallo, Executive Director of the Center for Francophone Studies at the Institute of African Studies, observed that Africa-China relations are grounded in mutual respect and deep understanding of each other’s cultures.
Prof. Diallo noted that for some African students, the museum is their first opportunity to learn about their cultural heritage, as they may come from remote villages or lack access to cultural relics in their home countries.
He highlighted many cultural similarities and shared aspects of life between Africa and China, suggesting that such exchanges can lead to better mutual understanding and improved interactions.
Prof. Diallo also expressed optimism that a museum dedicated to Chinese culture will one day be established in Africa, allowing those who cannot travel to China to learn about its culture from home.
Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) was established in 1956. It is recognized as one of the first key universities in Zhejiang province. Currently, it serves a student body of 50,000, including 1,300 international students, and employs 3,000 faculty and staff members.
For the past 13 years, ZJNU has consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in China. According to the 2023 US News World University Ranking, it holds the 649th position globally and ranks 67th in mainland China. Eight of its disciplines are among the top 1% in the ESI ranking. The university has also developed a distinctive profile in educational research and African studies.
ZJNU has established cooperative relationships with over 280 universities and research institutions in more than 60 countries and regions. These collaborations include teacher and student exchanges, scientific research partnerships, and joint training programs.
Additionally, ZJNU has founded five overseas Confucius Institutes, one independent Confucius Classroom, one Chinese teaching center, and an overseas campus branch.
When she presented her letters of credence to President Paul Kagame on March 26, the High Commissioner committed to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries as well as helping Kenya retain its position as one of Rwanda’s top three trade partners.
Notably, Kenya exports foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceutical products, cement, iron, and skin products to Rwanda, while Rwanda exports coffee, tea, horticultural foods, and raw hides and skins to Kenya. Kenya is also the main route for Rwanda’s exports and imports through the Port of Mombasa.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, the Rwandan ambassador discusses, among others, her efforts to strengthen ties between Kenya and Rwanda, ongoing economic and social cooperation, and the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which poses a significant security threat to the Great Lakes region.
{{You have been in Rwanda for a few months now. How has your experience been so far?}}
Before my posting here, I had not been to Rwanda, but I had heard a lot about Rwanda. Rwanda is one of the countries that Kenyans speak a lot about. I was really looking forward to coming to Rwanda, and when I got this posting, I was quite excited.
Having landed in Rwanda, the first thing that struck me was the reception that Rwanda gave me as a Kenyan ambassador. It was very warm, and that spoke to the relationship that Rwanda has had with Kenya ever since they began bilateral relations. I had a very warm welcome here. Very cordial relations between Kenya and Rwanda are evident because, although I have been here for a short period, we have hosted quite a number of high-level dignitaries.
We have had Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) here in a span of two to three months. We had the CS for Sports, who came to attend the late Gervais Hakizimana’s burial. We had our CS for Transport, and then we had our Deputy President attending Kwibuka, representing our President. Then, just last week, we had our Head of State attending the CEO forum. That just shows how cordial we are with Rwanda. That is one of the areas that really impresses me as a new High Commissioner here.
Another thing I must say about Rwanda is it has beautiful and receptive people. We share a lot in terms of traditions, culture, and customs. When they speak Kinyarwanda, I understand it, being Bantu. We have a shared history and customs that make it very easy for a Kenyan to assimilate in Rwanda.
I will not finish this without talking about how organized Kigali is. I have not yet been able to move to other parts of Rwanda. I intend to do that within a short period of time, but I can speak about Kigali. The infrastructure is just amazing, with a very organized way of doing things. It has been a great experience.
{{Did you ever envision being an ambassador?}}
Not at all, actually. It was a surprise, but it’s something that I received with a lot of gratitude. I’ve worked with UNON and UNEP before, so I am not completely new to bilateral and international relations. That background gives me a good backdrop to deliver on this posting. It was a very exciting appointment, and what better country than Rwanda?
{{Kenya and Rwanda enjoy strong bilateral relations. What will be your key priorities in strengthening this partnership?}}
My main priority is to strengthen the already existing very good relations. My second priority would be trade and investment. We have many Kenyan companies doing business here, and there is a lot of trade between Rwanda and Kenya that I would love to see strengthened. Of great importance is the Northern Corridor, with Rwanda being a strategic country for Kenya that I want to see strengthened.
We have had a couple of engagements. Just last week, Kenya Pipeline and Kenya Ports Authority paid us a courtesy visit, and we had quite a number of engagements with the Rwandan authorities in the Ministry of Trade to see how we can enhance our use of the Northern Corridor. We also had MoUs signed when the President came here last year in April for a state visit, invited by His Excellency Paul Kagame. A few have been implemented, while others are still awaiting a mid-term review sometime in June. It’s very important for me to see that the MoUs are implemented and to take care of our large diaspora presence. We have about 8,000 Kenyans living in Rwanda, and I want to ensure that their concerns are addressed.
{{During President Ruto’s visit to Rwanda in April last year, Kenya and Rwanda signed 10 MoUs aimed at enhancing cooperation in several areas, including education, ICT, health, gender and child development, youth and capacity development for the public service, as well as correctional services. What is the progress in the implementation of the agreements?}}
We have two of them actualized. We have a couple going for midterm review, and we are in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here. We are looking at June to fast track implementation, with a few still waiting for signatures. We are actively working to push the MoUs to fruition.
{{Early May, Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen met with his counterparts from Uganda, DRC, South Sudan, and Rwanda to discuss plans to extend the railway network to these four countries. Previous plans to extend the railway network to Uganda faced financial challenges. For someone hearing this for the first time, how is the new plan different?}}
What they agreed upon is that Kenya is going to work together with Uganda to build a railway from Naivasha, where it has currently reached, to Kisumu and Malaba. I am aware that Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya are collaborating to finance the railway network.
If actualized, Rwanda will pay less for products. Using the SGR has been a challenging area for them because their products come to Naivasha, where they have to store them and then use the road. So, they end up paying twice: once for the road and once for the SGR. This will be a win for both Kenya and Rwanda once actualized.
{{Instability in the eastern DRC poses a significant security threat to the Great Lakes region. President Ruto said recently that dialogue is the only solution to the problem in Congo. Beyond the TV remarks, what are some of the steps Kenya has taken to ensure there is peace in the region?}}
We already have the Nairobi-led peace process for the DRC and the Luanda process. We are depending heavily on those two processes to deliver a solution. He [President William Ruto] is very committed to both processes.
This initiative is orchestrated by “Forbidden Stories,” a platform and website run by the Freedom Voices Network, a journalists’ association created in November 2017 by Laurent Richard and supported by Reporters Without Borders.
Often accused of being a tool used by certain entities in Western countries to destabilize various countries or individuals, Forbidden Stories might suggest exclusive revelations about Rwanda. However, the content is merely a repetition of accusations and rumours perpetuated by those harbouring malicious intentions towards the country during crucial periods.
{{A rehashed pamphlet of accusations
}}
For over twenty years, Rwanda has faced unfounded accusations from some actors in the West, often for obscure reasons. These articles attempt to portray Rwanda in a way that anyone who actually lives and interacts with this country would find misleading. Rwanda has been unjustly blamed for the disorder in the DRC, criticized for its investments in tourism and its partnerships with European sports teams, accused of “sports-washing,” “gender-washing,” and using peacekeeping as a pressure lever, among other things.
Interestingly, the people making these accusations have not changed much over the past two decades. It is still the same group of individuals.
{{Key players in this campaign:
}}
{{Michaela Wrong
}}
Michaela Wrong, a British journalist who has worked for various international media outlets, is famous for her writings denigrating Rwanda since 2013, the year of Patrick Karegeya’s assassination in South Africa. Wrong has since dedicated her career to tarnishing Rwanda’s image.
{{Théogène Rudasingwa
}}
A former Rwandan ambassador to the United States, Théogène Rudasingwa often appears in reports criticizing Rwanda. Having fled the country in 2004 after accusations of misconduct, including corruption, he is among the founders of the terrorist group Rwanda National Congress (RNC) and continues to disparage Rwanda. In Rwanda, he was convicted for threats against state security and faces a 24-year prison sentence.
{{Judi Rever
}}
Canadian journalist Judi Rever is a regular in campaigns defaming Rwanda. In her book “In Praise of Blood,” she accuses the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) of participating in the Genocide against the Tutsi, whereas the international community recognizes that the RPF ended this genocide.
{{Byansi Samuel Baker
}}
A young journalist, Byansi Samuel Baker had a promising start before veering into conspiracy theories permanently targeting the Rwandan government, falsely accusing it of numerous unfounded wrongs before leaving Rwanda. Since his departure, he has aligned himself with the government’s opponents.
{{Lewis Mudge
}}
Africa director for Human Rights Watch, Lewis Mudge is known for his harsh and often unfounded criticisms against Rwanda. He has frequently downplayed the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and claims Rwanda is a repressive state, making it unsurprising to see him associated with this campaign.
{{A coordinated plan to denigrate Rwanda
}}
What we observe in the articles and videos of Forbidden Stories is the coordination of four main groups:
{{Former members of genocidal governments:
}} Figures like Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana, widow of former President Juvénal Habyarimana and an influential member of the Akazu, a close circle of the Rwandan political elite accused of orchestrating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She is also suspected of playing a role in her husband’s death. Charles Ndereyehe, former director of ISAR (Rwanda Agricultural Sciences Institute) and accused of active participation in the genocide, are part of those who have long been critical voices against Rwanda.
– {{Disgruntled former members of the RPF: }} Individuals like Théogène Rudasingwa, who fled the country after accusations of corruption and other crimes.
– {{Descendants of genocidaires:}} Mainly based in Belgium, individuals like Natacha Abingeneye and Placide Kayumba continue to spread the genocide ideology. Natacha Abingeneye is affiliated with Jambo ASBL, an organization known for its genocide denial propaganda. Placide Kayumba, also an active member of Jambo ASBL, uses this platform to perpetuate genocidal ideologies. These individuals continue to propagate revisionist narratives and minimize the severity of the crimes committed during the genocide.
– {{Hostile NGOs: }} Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, often critical of Rwanda.
{{A litany of accusations
}}
These repeated attacks against Rwanda have never achieved their goal. This is not the first time Rwanda has faced such attacks during pivotal periods for its future.
{{Attacks during the 2010 elections
}}
In 2010, the year the country held its second presidential elections since its liberation, grenades were thrown in Kigali in February and on August 11, just two days after the elections, injuring seven people. These attacks aimed to sow chaos.
{{The Mapping Report
}}
Before the 2010 elections, international media circulated negative information based on the UN report titled “Mapping Report,” accusing Rwanda of probable acts of genocide in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This report, full of inaccuracies, was largely discredited and shelved.
{{The 2015 referendum
}}
During the 2015 referendum, attempts to destabilize involved local personalities and artists like Kizito Mihigo, who conspired with armed groups. In 2014, Kizito Mihigo admitted they planned to kill leaders, including the president.
{{The documentary “Rwanda: Untold Story”
}}
In 2014, the documentary “Rwanda: Untold Story” claimed that the RPF was responsible for the genocide against the Tutsi, assertions that led to the banning of the BBC Kinyarwanda branch from broadcasting in Rwanda. This documentary aimed to minimize the genocide and discredit the Rwandan authorities.
{{The arrest of Lt Gen Karenzi Karake
}}
In June 2015, General Emmanuel Karenzi Karake was arrested in London on unfounded accusations from a biased investigation. He was released after strong mobilization by Rwandans, showing that these destabilization attempts never succeed.
These attacks have never achieved their goal of disrupting Rwanda. The country has continued to progress, with poverty reduced from nearly 80% in 1994 to 38% today. Life expectancy has increased from 51 years to over 69 years. Kigali has become a prime destination for international conferences, and the Rwandan economy has experienced sustained growth of over 7% per year.
It is evident that these attacks have no effect on Rwanda’s determination to move forward.
Addressing a press conference in Kigali, NBR Governor John Rwangombwa announced that Rwanda’s inflation rate had dropped to 4.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2024 from 8.9 per cent registered in the last quarter of 2023. He added that the bank expects inflation to remain within the target of 5 per cent in 2024 and 2025.
“We expected inflation to ease to around 5% this year, and in the first quarter, we registered an average of 4.7%. We expect this trend to continue for the rest of the year. At least, our average projection for this year is 5%, which is the same projection we have for 2025,” the Central Bank boss told the media.
The governor noted that the economy had recorded good performance in the agriculture sector in the first quarter, adding that normal performance is expected in the second quarter. He noted that the prices of food are expected to remain normal during the period.
“We saw good performance in agriculture in the first quarter of this year. We expect normal performance for season B—not as strong as we registered in season A, but good enough to maintain food prices at affordable/normal rates,” he added.
While acknowledging the positive progress, Governor Rwangombwa warned of several potential risks to the economic outlook. These include global geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, which could disrupt international commodity prices, as well as adverse weather conditions in Eastern and Southern Africa.
“Within the region, we have had challenges in the southern part of Africa, especially Zambia, which was a main supplier of maize to the region. It was hit by drought, and this might affect the process of food in general. But for now, our baseline shows that the inflation remains around 5%,” Governor Rwangombwa stated.
He added, “With these projected economic fundamentals, the monetary policy committee decided to reduce the monetary policy rate by 50 basis points to 7% from 7.5%, which we had since the last quarter.”
The decision to reduce the country’s monetary policy rate is expected to make borrowing more affordable compared to last year, encouraging increased spending and investments.
The headline inflation rate in Rwanda has declined steadily since January 2023 when the rate stood at 20.7 per cent. By the end of the first quarter of 2023, the inflation rate had dropped to 19.3 per cent.
In April 2023 the inflation rate dropped to 17.8 per cent and declined further to 14.1 in May. By the end of July 2023 the rate was at 11.9 per cent.
In August the rate increased slightly to 12.3 per cent and 13.9 per cent by the end of September. Since then the rate has been on a downward trend hitting 11.2 per cent in October, 9.2 per cent in November, 6.4 per cent in December, 5.4 per cent in January 2024, 4.9 per cent in February and 4.2 per cent in March.
