Speaking during a recent interview with Al Jazeera Net, Makolo said there are more than 200 illegal militia groups in the country that continue to pose a security threat to Rwanda, especially in the eastern part of DRC.
Makolo explained that the militia includes FDLR group which comprises remnants of the Interehamwe group that fled to Congo after committing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
She said the group, comprising former military officials in Rwanda, fled to the DRC with army weapons and attempted several times to destabilize the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) administration that overthrew the genocidal regime.
“Let’s go back to 1994. There were militias that committed genocide against the Tutsis here in Rwanda and then fled to the Congo with their weapons, and the French forces allowed them to cross with these weapons… All the weapons they were using here were taken with them, and they were allowed to keep them in refugee camps in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” she said.
Makolo lamented that the militia group had for many years used Rwandan civilians as human shields in refugee camps under the watch of the international community.
“For years after the genocide against the Tutsis, these Rwandan civilians were hostages of the former army and the militias, now known as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.
“In the late 1990s, these groups resumed their attacks on Rwanda, and there is evidence of France’s involvement in supporting them with weapons. However, the Rwandan army managed to push them back and thwart their attacks,” she stated.
According to the official, Rwanda has done everything possible to show the international community that the situation in the eastern DRC was serious, however little has been done to get to the bottom of the problem.
“We started efforts to convince the international community of the need to support Rwanda in repatriating the refugee civilians to their homeland, instead of leaving them trapped as hostages in camps controlled by armed groups. We had to carry out an operation in the late 1990s and succeeded in bringing back more than two million civilians to Rwanda, some of whom are now deputies and ministers,” Makolo stated.
“These militias not only pose a significant security threat to us at our borders but also represent an ideological threat advocating the extermination of the Tutsi ethnicity. This ideology is a continuation of the genocide that occurred here in 1994.”
She insisted that the international community had not learnt any lessons from the 1994 atrocities committed by the groups in Rwanda and revealed efforts by the government to build a strong professional army to protect its people.
“Unfortunately, they have not learned the lesson. We have come to realize that we are on our own and must do our utmost with the resources we have to ensure the security of our communities and nations.
“For this reason, we have worked to build a professional and strong army. We also cooperate with regional countries. The lesson we learned is that we must do everything we can and not rely on an international community that has not learned the lesson,” the spokesperson said.
Makolo emphasized that different methods have been used to solve the problems between Rwanda and DRC, but Congolese leaders lack the political will.
“There have been several attempts to succeed in political paths, including what was called the Luanda Roadmap, or the Luanda Protocol, or the Luanda Process, but they all lacked the political will to implement them from the republic’s side. There was a second path through what is called the Nairobi Process.
“The Nairobi Process involves disarming illegal armed groups in the eastern republic, demobilizing them, or integrating them into the army and society. However, this path has stalled. There are also attempts to support the state in reforming its security sector. All these initiatives are essentially political processes, but the Democratic Republic of the Congo is determined to take a military path, which is impossible.”
Speaking during a recent interview with IGIHE, Musa maintained that the conflict in Sudan was not about the two army generals, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, aka Hemeti, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
“I would like to correct the narrative that this is not a war between two generals. It is a war between the RSF against the sovereignty of the political independence and people of the country,” he stated.
The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023. It stemmed from a power struggle within the military. According to the United Nations (UN), over 12,000 people have died, and more than 33,000 have been injured as a result of the conflict.
Musa noted that the RSF militia enjoys huge support from machinery recruited from neighbouring countries with backing from a regional power and other foreign actors with interests in Sudan.
“They have recruited mercenaries from neighbouring countries. We have more than 40,000 of these troops coming from Niger, Chad, and the Arab nomads from these countries. Some are coming from South Sudan and Ethiopia. There are some Ethiopians fighting with them. We don’t know whether this is with the permission or knowledge of the government of Ethiopia, but I deny that it is known to the government. Most of these mercenaries were fighting in Libya before. They have moved them all to Darfur. Their ethnic background is Arab nomads. Recruiting mercenaries is one of the main chains of supply for the troops to fight,” he added.
Musa lamented that military supplies from the third parties had prolonged the crisis, perpetuating the suffering of the Sudanese people.
“There is a military supply coming from a regional power that is well-documented in the UN Security Council report. Just five days ago, Human Rights Watch published a detailed report on the atrocities committed by the RSF, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“There is political support from the regional power as well. So, it’s not about the RSF as an independent political and military power. No. They are an agent for a regional power, carrying out their objective to change the political landscape and leadership in Sudan for the benefit, support, and interest of another regional power,” Musa noted.
To end the conflict that has seen the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mentioned severally amid the raging crisis, the ambassador emphasized that the Sudanese government was ready to engage foreign powers with interests in the country’s rich natural resources through proper channels, urging them not to use the window while the doors were wide open.
“They can help stop this war by halting military support and promoting political support. They can create regional peace and stability, but due to political and strategic interests… Sudan is a very rich country in terms of natural resources and geopolitical location. There are many people and countries interested in engaging in Sudan, but there are proper channels for governments to cooperate for mutual interests. If we open the door for you to come, why would you want to go through the window? We would like them to knock on the door, not jump through the window,” the envoy averred.
He emphasized that RSF can’t win the war because they don’t have the “minds and hearts of the people of Sudan.”
“They do not have the hearts of the people of Sudan. Now they control four parts of Darfur and the parts they control are still empty, there is no leadership, there is no food, there are no clinics, there are no schools, there is nothing,” he added.
He acknowledged that the African Union (AU) has the capacity to address the conflict in Sudan, but claimed that they lack the political will.
“To be honest, they are lacking political will and not capacity to contribute to peace and stability in Sudan,” he stated.
Musa further maintained that the Sudanese government had not refused dialogue with the RSF, stating that the government is seeking discussions based on previous agreements. He urged the militia to abide by the demands of the citizens, to cease hostilities against civilians, and to disarm.
Celebrated as African Liberation Day, or Africa Day, the annual May 25th festivities signify the progress made by African nations in throwing off colonial rule and achieving self-determination.
In Rwanda, the celebrations are being spearheaded by the Pan African Movement Rwanda Chapter with the aim of taking stock of the continent’s gains, challenges, and future prospects.
Kenya’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Janet Mwawasi Oben, is among the envoys in the country who have been actively involved in the organization’s events leading to the celebrations today, including a soccer tournament organized to celebrate Africa Liberation Day at Kicukiro on Sunday, May 19.
IGIHE caught up with her in her office at Kacyiru in the heart of Kigali City, where she reflected on Africa’s gains, the issues hindering economic progress six decades after most countries on the continent attained self-rule, and the measures needed to steer the continent toward prosperity.
{{As Africa celebrates Liberation Day on May 25th, what are some of the key achievements the continent can celebrate after more than six decades of independence?
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May 25 is a significant day for Africa because it marks the inception of the Organization of African Unity, now known as the African Union. It’s a big day for Africa. We have a lot to celebrate despite our challenges. Since its inception, we have seen Africa grow from strength to strength, moving past the period of colonialism, with 1963 being the year when most African countries gained independence.
When we look at the progress that Africa has made since then, we can highlight achievements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfTA), which allows African countries to trade freely. Although this has not been fully realized, there has been considerable progress.
We have the Africa CDC [Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention] through the African Union, which has significantly focused on public health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with member states collaborating to find public health solutions. We have seen women being included at economic and finance decision-making tables, a significant shift from the past.
There has been growth in infrastructure, with improvements in road systems and water access. In education, we have moved from a system purely based on religion to one that has seen substantial growth, although much remains to be done.
{{Despite achieving independence, Africa remains the world’s least developed region, even with abundant natural resources. What do you think has hindered development across the continent?
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Historically, Africa has been heavily colonized, and its natural resources have been exploited by colonial powers and the West, resulting in minimal benefits for the continent. Now that we are independent, we still possess natural resources, although they are depleted. One issue is that countries rich in natural resources often focus solely on these, which hinders progress in other areas such as infrastructure and the digital economy.
Poor governance, corruption, and unaccountable institutions have also impeded Africa’s full growth. We face infrastructure challenges, with underdeveloped roads, railways, air transport, and energy sectors, placing us at a disadvantage. Political instability, disputed elections, armed conflicts, and civil wars have also stalled progress. Our education system needs improvement, and poor quality healthcare remains a problem.
Climate change is a significant issue, affecting countries across the continent. Recently, Kenya experienced floods, while Southern Africa faced drought and hunger. This hinders Africa’s growth despite its natural resources.
{{What steps do you believe are necessary for Africa to achieve full economic and political independence?
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We need to develop indigenous solutions tailored for Africa to foster economic growth, such as building industries to process our natural resources. A workforce with critical skills is essential to compete globally. Modern agricultural techniques are necessary to enhance food security. We must unite to create economic policies that promote socio-economic growth and improve trade.
Peace and stability are crucial; some states remain in turmoil, and we need strategies to address these issues.
{{The theme for this year’s celebrations is on building resilient education systems. Which areas in education should we improve on as a continent to get to the standards of developed nations?
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We should focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Many schools are adopting this approach, moving away from a system based solely on religion to one that emphasizes technological advancement and innovation. By focusing on these areas, we can develop a workforce capable of not only growing Africa but also competing globally.
Speaking during the ongoing National Security Symposium in Kigali, the NISS boss said there are currently 262 militia groups operating in DRC, terming it as a “global record”.
“No single country has got as many armed groups in the world as Congo has. This is a phenomenon whereby if there is lack of governance, poor leadership and ungoverned spaces, the population is going to look for their own ways of survival,” Maj Gen Nzabamwita stated.
Maj Gen Nzabamwita noted that some groups, including the FDLR, a remnant of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, have been allowed to radicalize youth groups in DRC. This has become an obstacle to ending conflicts in the eastern part of the country, where the Congolese army is fighting M23 rebel groups who accuse the government of marginalization and persecution.
“In 1994, these youth, radicalized under the Interahamwe and genocidal forces, withdrew to Congo. They were protected there for 30 years. They have spread genocide ideologies, and we have a population that is radicalized and fighting their own colleagues, brothers, and sisters,” Maj Gen Nzabamwita noted, adding, “Let’s be very conscious of our own failures, external factors and what we need to do as a continent and own countries to survive global changes taking place today”.
The 11th National Security Symposium 2024, jointly organised by Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) and the University of Rwanda (UR), opened on Wednesday and will close on Friday.
During the three-day meeting, the participants will discuss various issues ranging from youth radicalisation and international violent extremism.
Themed “Contemporary Security Challenges: The African Perspective”, experts will weighing in on the causes of insecurity across the globe and what needs to be done to restore peace.
Other areas listed for discussion include climate change in Africa, global energy crisis and transitions, food security in Africa, the compounding effects of global shocks on trade, supply chain and debt trap and insecurity in Africa.
Speaking during the Global Security Forum on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, President Kagame said the country has been healing for the last three decades, emphasizing that it’s not something he thought would happen so fast.
He attributed gains in the reconciliatory efforts to Rwanda’s young generation, constituting more than 70 per cent of the country’s population.
“The tragedy is behind us but it never gets that distant in the past… We have tried to build unity, and it is happening. It’s something that is benefiting from the young generation. Young people, who constitute 73 per cent of our population, are 35 and below,” he said, adding that, “We have to make sure that these divisions, to the extreme that led to the genocide, never happen again.”
President Kagame noted that Rwanda will continue to build on the unity by investing in its people.
“The foundation in this case for us is unity. We are building on that foundation by investing in people. “We invest in human capital, we provide the goods for education, and health, and food security and bring in technology, and therefore going to these other industries that will make our economy, our country, vibrant and grow and develop,” he added.
He pointed out that investments such as the construction of a modern airport in Bugesera District, in collaboration with Qatar Airways, the modernization of the mining sector, and the development of digital infrastructure add value to all aspects of the economy.
Weighing in on foreign investments and partnerships with foreign powers, President Kagame noted Rwanda had “learnt a lot of lessons” from the past.
Commenting on the rivalry between the United States and China, President Kagame insisted that Rwanda and Africa cannot be “crushed” in the issues and welcomed investments from America, China, and Europe in Rwanda and Africa.
“We can be friends with others—United States, Europe, China, you name it—and not be dragged into these conflicts that benefit those conflicting while impoverishing the African continent.”
Reacting to a recent statement from the United States calling on the Rwanda government to punish soldiers purported to be backing M23 rebels in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kagame said such statements “simply add to the problem”.
“If I were talking to the leaders in the United States and others I would start by telling them that they can do much better than that [passing condemnation]. Because in the end, they are doing nothing. Passing statements of condemnation and blaming this and that without addressing the problem, I think, simply adds to the problem,” President Kagame stated.
The Head of State spoke virtually during his participation at the 2024 Global Security Forum in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
“For every problem, there is a root cause. To solve it, you simply look at the root cause of the problem and work with the parties involved to address what needs to be addressed and reduce the politics and interests. Some of these things don’t just go away unless you do what needs to be done. It doesn’t need a lot of capacity to think. What all of us have can serve us to understand issues like this,” he added.
The US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller had early this month claimed that the attack on the Mugunga camp that claimed at least nine lives came from “Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) and M23 positions.”
However, Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo dismissed the US accusation as “ridiculous,” adding that Rwanda’s “professional army” would “never attack” a camp for displaced people.
Rwanda and DRC have been feuding over tension in the eastern DRC where the Congolese army has been fighting the M23 rebel group, part of the minority Tutsi ethnic group, which has accused the government of marginalization and persecution. On the other hand, Rwanda accuses DRC of backing FDLR, which consists of the remnants of the Interahamwe group that plotted and perpetrated the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
{{Coups in West Africa
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Meanwhile, weighing in on the recent coups in West African countries such as Niger and Guinea, President Kagame emphasized that poor leadership should be blamed. He insisted that foreign powers should refrain from taking sides in the crises.
“If you look at where coups have been happening, nobody wishes to see coups happen in any place. There is nothing to celebrate about that. But at the same time, you don’t stop there. You don’t just condemn coups without even trying to find out what led to this coup. What was lacking for a coup to happen? This is when you start seeing signs of that in governance or lack of security, as we have seen in some of these countries in West Africa,” President Kagame said.
Citing Rwanda’s military support in fighting armed insurgents in Mozambique, President Kagame emphasized that African nations should find ways to work together to solve security and other common problems facing the continent instead of over-relying on the West.
“Why can’t people, first on our own continent, find ways of working together to address these problems like we did in Mozambique and the Central African Republic? With support from developed countries, it would happen faster and more easily. But they all concentrate on condemning.
“In fact, it is ridiculous that in some cases, they would condemn people in some places where coups have happened and be silent in similar cases. They will attack countries citing lack of freedom and human rights, and where some of these are lacking the most, because of interests people have in those countries, it will be muted.”
Speaking during the reopening of the airline’s check-in office at Kigali city center, the CEO said the move is aimed at providing convenience for the airline’s customers.
“We are very proud that we can offer this very good service again, which is to check in the city in the morning and spend the day not worrying about your luggage, then go to the airport and ensure the luggage is there,” the CEO stated.
“To further enhance convenience, we’re increasing service to daily flights from Kigali starting in June,” Von Boxberg announced.
The airline currently operates five flights per week between Kigali and Brussels. The new plans include reopening the Nairobi route that the airline previously served from 2002 to 2015. This new route allows the airline to increase flight frequencies to Kigali and provide daily service.
“We are starting six flights per week on the Nairobi-Brussels route. Two of these flights will connect to Kigali,” Brussels Airlines Country Manager Audrey Natukunda explained.
The additional flights between Brussels and Kigali will be operated on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Commenting on the resumption of check-in service, Natukunda noted that the unique service offers passengers the convenience of dropping off their luggage at the airline’s offices located within Hôtel des Mille Collines before heading to board their flights at Kigali International Airport, situated on the outskirts of Kanombe, about 5 kilometers from the city center.
Natukunda explained that the check-in service was halted after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in line with the government measures introduced to curb the spread of the virus.
“We, as Brussels Airlines, care for our staff and passengers. We needed to be compliant with the regulations to keep the distance and stay healthy,” Natukunda explained.
Rwandan forces are helping Mozambique’s army fight militants who launched an armed uprising in 2017. The insurgency began with the group expressing discontent over the lack of economic benefits from natural gas in the region, allegations of government corruption and marginalization of local communities.
Speaking during a presidential panel comprising Presidents Paul Kagame and William Ruto of Kenya at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali on Friday, Nyusi affirmed that Rwanda’s solidarity had helped Mozambique neutralise terror threats in the country.
“There have been quite a number of efforts, together with my brother, His Excellency Paul Kagame. We discussed issues related to security. We have put so many aspects in the northern part of the country where we are looking at exploring mineral resources such as hydrocarbons. It’s true we have gone through terrorism occurrences in 2021. We encountered so many challenges, and we put in place micro-projects in those areas which were supposed to start.
“In terms of national security, thanks to the support of my brother from Rwanda we have been able to contain the threat situation. I thank the people of Rwanda for showing solidarity,” President Nyusi stated.
Terming the current situation as stable, the President dismissed claims that the terror threats pose risk to private sector investments in the country.
“The current situation is stable. It’s just a minor part of the North which is under threat. But investments have never been stopped. It means that the level of risk in Mozambique is nonexistent,” he explained.
“In terms of investments in Mozambique in sectors such as power, infrastructure, energy, we are building ports. We have three ports so far that can have major shipping lines to do the work. There are so many people who have visited Mozambique they can witness.”
President Nyusi also noted that dialogue with the ‘enemies’ had helped de-escalate the security situation in Mozambique.
“Thanks to dialogue, I personally had the opportunity to go to the forest to dialogue with the enemies because I knew what was happening and what they wanted. So we were able to discuss and agree on some points. So the situation is quite better now,” he added.
Rwanda deployed its security forces to Mozambique in 2021 after the insurgency escalated with the militia employing violent tactics, including attacks on civilians and security forces and destruction of property. Mozambique has also received military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 2021. However, SADC forces started withdrawing last month as its mandate ends in July.
Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) announced this week that new troops of the are preparing to deploy to Cabo Delgado in the gas-rich Northern Province.
The soldiers on Tuesday received a briefing on the new mission during a meeting with senior officials, including the Rwanda Defence Forces Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi and Commissioner Vincent B. Sano, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations.
The RDF Army Chief of Staff conveyed a message from President Paul Kagame, who also doubles up as the Commander-in-Chief of RDF, reminding the troops to maintain discipline and commitment to the crucial mission.
Nyakarundi emphasized that the forces currently deployed in the region were performing admirably and urged the troops to uphold the standards.
“This deployment underscores the strong bilateral relations between the Republic of Rwanda and Mozambique,” RDF said in a statement.
Early this month, RDF announced that joint Rwanda and Mozambique forces had made gains in neutralizing the militia insurgency in the country.
RDF revealed on May 5, 2024, that the joint security team had managed to smoke out and kill a majority of the Al-Shabaab terrorists hiding in Odinepa, Nasua, Mitaka, and Manika forests during a one-week operation that started on April 26.
Only a few insurgents are reported to have escaped the military onslaught during the one-week operation.
MP Donatille Mukabalisa expresses that during her tenure, both as a speaker and parliamentarian, she takes pride in the achievements of the Rwandan Government, which have been accomplished with contributions from everyone.
In an interview with IGIHE recently, she discussed various topics, including her views on the Parliament’s responsibilities in representing the citizens, the preparations for elections within the Liberal Party (PL), which she leads, and other diverse subjects.
{{IGIHE: How are the preparations for the elections within PL going?}}
{{Donatille Mukabalisa:}} As you know, in July 2024, there will be Presidential and Parliamentary elections, and we in the Liberal Party (PL) are well prepared. Whenever there are elections, the first thing a political party thinks about is how to present its agenda to Rwandans to gain their votes.
The key preparation involves creating a political agenda that outlines what we intend to deliver.
We have carefully prepared our agenda, the Liberal Party’s (PL) principles, and our plans for Rwandans from 2024 to 2029 during this five-year term. This is based on the pillars of the economy, social welfare, and good governance.
Every political party has the responsibility to lead Rwandans toward sustainable development, ensuring their welfare, safety, and a country that experiences rapid and lasting progress.
All of this is grounded in the vision we have collectively set as Rwandans, whether you belong to a political party or not.
We have all contributed to the Vision 2050, and there are other sustainable development goals we must achieve as a country and globally, such as Vision 2063. These foundations are what we will present to Rwandans to secure their votes, enabling us to contribute to the goals we have set as a nation.
{{We have seen that you have chosen to support Paul Kagame. As a significant party in Rwanda, don’t you think you should present your own candidate instead of supporting another party’s candidate?}}
It is not only in Rwanda that a political party supports a candidate from another party.
The Liberal Party granted its members the freedom to choose. We asked them if they saw fit to present a candidate, and if so, who within the party would be suitable? They chose to support the candidate presented by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) Inkotanyi, Paul Kagame.
During the deliberations, each speaker highlighted the reasons why they felt we should support the RPF Inkotanyi candidate, emphasizing the achievements and positive direction he has brought to the country.
When considering a Head of State, you ask what Rwandans need. But you must also conduct a broader analysis, asking what Rwanda as a country needs and who has the capability to meet those needs.
Given the critical challenges we faced after President Paul Kagame stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi and liberated our country from all possible evils, looking at our progress and vision, it is clear that there is no reason to change a winning team.
From the worst possible state, we have reached a place where even the world marvels at our progress. What seemed like a dead country has resurrected, with people rebuilding and showing great resilience, all thanks to good leadership.
We believe this good leadership should continue to guide us to reach and even surpass our goals, establishing a strong foundation and pillars while collaborating with him in all aspects.
{{In 2010, you had a candidate in the Presidential election. Did the unsatisfactory results lead you to support Paul Kagame this time?}}
You must consider the state of the country, the region, and the world at large because the world has become like a village. You must look at the interests of the country and Rwandans.
Considering all these factors, we concluded that the right candidate to support is Paul Kagame. However, this does not prevent us from preparing to present our own candidate in the future.
{{Do you think President Kagame’s successor could come from the Liberal Party?}}
We will assess that in due time, as it requires thorough preparation. When the time comes, you will know.
Before the Genocide against the Tutsi, the Liberal Party was very active, but now many people wonder what you do that would attract someone without a political affiliation to join the PL. What would you say to them?
The Liberal Party was founded on July 14, 1991. This July, we will be celebrating 33 years. It started during a very challenging and politically difficult time, with significant strength and noble goals.
The party fought for individual freedom, which was not available to Rwandans, for justice, and for development.
Living in a country that denies people their rights, where there is no justice, and where people cannot freely pursue activities that can lead to their development is unacceptable.
A country with severe exclusion and oppression of some Rwandans cannot progress if it is divided.
Fighting for these causes during such challenging times was not easy. We persisted, but Habyarimana’s regime saw the power of the Liberal Party and split it, creating a faction called PL Power based on ethnicity, while the rest of us continued with the original mission.
Understandably, many PL members were victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, but those who survived drew strength from within to rebuild the party’s political foundation, focusing on unifying Rwandans, which had been shattered.
We had the framework and the place to work from, which enabled us to continue building our strength to collaborate with other Rwandans in rebuilding the country, advancing it, and fostering a sense of unity. We are proud of the role we played in achieving this progress.
{{You have led the parliament for 11 years; when you look back, which achievements do you appreciate that have changed the lives of the citizens?}}
When we talk about the Assembly, it’s not about an individual looking at themselves alone, speaking as a leader or viewing it as just the Parliament because it involves collaboration with colleagues.
The Parliament has different organs, including the General Assembly as the main body, the Chairpersons’ Council, and various committee works where we all work together.
Regarding its responsibilities of enacting laws and overseeing government activities, we do all this collectively.
We are proud of all we have achieved as a country because we have fulfilled our duties as the Parliament while working with other institutions.
When we talk about enacting laws, they are established to ensure that the policies that have been set can be implemented, and laws are made to address specific issues.
When we oversee the government’s activities, we are looking at things like the past seven-year program, the 2050 vision, and ensuring that the goals Rwandans need to achieve are met appropriately, bringing visible changes in the lives of Rwandans.
I can say that we are proud of what we have achieved because we played our part in our duties as the Parliament across all levels. We cannot claim it was just us alone; we all worked together.
{{We sometimes see laws being enacted and then amended shortly after; how does this happen, and why aren’t enduring laws passed from the beginning?}}
We are a developing country; when laws are enacted, we do not stop there. After some time, we go back and review our oversight duty to monitor the implementation of those laws to see if they are solving the issues they were created to address.
We review how they are being implemented, often after about three years. When we review their implementation, we sometimes find that they are not being implemented correctly or are not solving the issues they were created to address, making it necessary to amend them.
We are a country that wants to progress quickly, and like when you build a house, there comes a point where you notice things that need to be improved even though the plan was initially well-drawn. You may need to make adjustments to make it better.
When building a country, you reach a point where you review and ask if what you are doing is solving the problems that led to the laws being enacted. That is where amendments come in.
There is nothing wrong with amending; the problem would be to leave something that is not working well unaddressed because you are not amending it.
A recent survey by Transparency International Rwanda (TI-Rwanda) found that only 34.5 per cent of respondents were aware of property expropriation rights, with just 1.4 per cent saying they were fully aware of their rights.
Additionally, 29.0 per cent said they were not sure, 29.1 per cent were unaware, and 0.8% said they were totally unaware of their rights in cases where the government claims privately owned property for the benefit of the public.
A total of 1,050 respondents participated in the survey conducted across the five provinces of Rwanda, where the government has claimed privately owned land for the construction of feeder roads, as well as education and health infrastructure projects. 52.90 per cent of the respondents were male while 47.10 were female.
TI-Rwanda conducted an assessment on the issues of expropriation targeting government programs with support from the German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
At least two projects in each of the 15 districts across Western, Eastern, Southern, Northern and Kigali Provinces were selected among three key areas (feeder roads, health and education) for examination.
TI-Rwanda also examined the level of citizen’s participation in the selection of infrastructure projects and compliance with Law NO 32-2015 of 11-06-2015 relating to expropriation in the public interest. The law stipulates that any compensation must be made prior to the project implementation.
“Investors consulted me and assured me that they would not take my land that is why I was not on the list of people who were supposed to be compensated. Later, I was surprised to see their workers with machines destroying my compound and taking my land. They even called the engineer of Gasabo district saying that they will not compensate me because they said that I should claim before the starting of the project. I cannot say that we, citizens have the right on neither our property nor on the expropriation of our properties affected by infrastructure-related projects,” one of the respondents was quoted as saying.
On community awareness of selected infrastructure projects in their village, 39.4 per cent of the respondents said they were aware, 1.9 per cent said they were totally aware, and 18.2 per cent said they were not sure. Additionally, 30.5 per cent of respondents said they were unaware, 0.9 per cent said they were totally unaware, and 9.1 per cent said they didn’t know.
“We were not informed about this project, but we are thankful for benefiting medical services because it is our advantage to see that works related to the construction of Shagasha health centre were complete,” another resident was quoted as saying.
The survey also revealed that 80.7 per cent of the feeder roads were reported by the citizens to have negatively affected community properties during the implementation of projects in the districts selected for the study.
“Houses have been destroyed by the construction of the new roads, and some houses are hanging and may be destructed due to them being on steeped roads,” a respondent from Kamonyi lamented.
A section of residents of Nyabihu complained that their houses were damaged by landslides due to roads missing water drainage. The residents also decried lack of compensation for their damaged property.
The report recommends the adoption of improved notice procedures by authorities at the district level and increased transparency and accountability. It suggests provision of all relevant information to the citizens who will be directly affected and avoiding the implementation of projects without written prior agreement from the beneficiaries.
The report has also made several recommendations to Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (Loda), Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) and Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN).
The recommendations include the authorities to enhance independence and activities of the Institute of Real Property Valuers in Rwanda (IRPV) and provide necessary support in setting and updating annual land prices; Improve feasibility studies on expropriation projects, including an assessment of socio-economic impacts on the affected population; Initiate a livelihood strategy for citizens whose properties are affected by the implementation of infrastructure projects; and Clarify and follow project timelines, improve, and streamline the payment procedures by allocating sufficient project budgets before the project starts.
