Through Ibuka, an umbrella organization of survivors, associations, concerned individuals, and other organizations that fight against the 1994 atrocities, the survivors took issue with Blinken’s statement posted on X platform on April 7, terming it as shocking, offending, and misleading.
According to Ibuka, Blinken’s post failed to highlight the specific target of the 1994 Genocide – members of the Tutsi community – who were marked for extermination, as established by the Trial Chamber of the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
Blinken had, in a blanket statement that drew condemnation, said the Genocide targeted the Tutsis, Hutus, and Twas in Rwanda.
“Honorable Secretary of State Blinken, in not explicitly stating that the genocide specifically targeted Tutsi, your statement obscures the primary, intended victims. While some Hutus and Twas also lost their lives, they were not the primary targets; the genocide overwhelmingly aimed at exterminating the Tutsi population. Indeed, it was extremist Hutu factions who orchestrated these atrocities,” the letter signed by senior officials of the organization reads in part.
The survivors lamented that the statement blatantly contradicted the definition of genocide as stipulated in Article II of the UN Convention on Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide as adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 8, 1948.
“Therein, genocide is defined as a ‘crime committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such,’” Ibuka noted.
The organization stated that it was impossible that the 1994 genocide targeted “Tutsis, Hutus, Twas, and others” indiscriminately as purported by Blinken.
“That would mean there were three separate genocides in Rwanda – one against each group. Alternatively, a single genocide against the Rwandan national group, which would mean that victims would have been targeted, not for their “ethnicity” but for their Rwandan nationality. And we know that both options are historically not true,” Ibuka added.
Blinken’s statement, Ibuka stated, had retraumatized many survivors and exacerbated their pain and undermined the effort to advance knowledge and understanding of the genocide and human rights.
The survivors now want Blinken to retract the statement and issue a fresh one that doesn’t distort facts about the Genocide against the Tutsi that left more than one million people dead.
“Thus, we are profoundly hurt and outraged by your misleading statement issued on a day of mourning and reflection for the loss of Tutsi lives. We urge you to rectify this misrepresentation by retracting your previous statement and issuing a new one that accurately reflects the historical truths of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi,” they demanded.
Recently, Trent Kelly, a member of the House of Representatives from Mississippi’s 1st congressional district also called on the US government to adopt the correct name for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He said he had introduced a resolution calling for the government to adopt the official definition of the Genocide, a move he said would ensure lessons from Rwanda’s painful history are not forgotten.
The congressman spoke at Capitol Hill in Washington D.C, where members of the Diplomatic corps, congress, academia, media, Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda gathered to honour the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
TRL Space Rwanda, a sister company of the Czech-based TRL Space, is the pioneer of the project and will collaborate with the Rwandan Space Agency on its development.
The project, which marks a significant milestone for Rwanda, aims to establish a center for building small satellites for the entire African continent.
This center will facilitate knowledge transfer as the company seeks partnerships with the Rwandan government, universities, and research organizations to bring its expertise, development processes, and production to the East African country.
TRL Space has already committed to investing over $2 million (Rwf 2.6 billion) in this innovative collaboration.
According to the company, the first phase of the satellite mission, which will be exclusively used for Rwandan agriculture, has already begun with more satellites set to follow.
The company aims to create a complete constellation of satellites that will ensure regular and sufficient imaging of the entire continent.
While the first satellite will be built by engineers from Europe and Africa working together, the firm says, future satellites will primarily be developed by TRL Space engineers in Rwanda.
The search for these talents has already begun through the recent CubeSat Makerthon, which enabled TRL Space to recruit a diverse pool of talent from across Africa.
{{Czech President hails program}}
The initiative received praise from Czech President Petr Pavel during his visit to the TRL Space office in Kigali on April 6, 2024.
President Pavel was in the country to participate in the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed the lives of a million people and left behind a trail of destruction of property.
Speaking during the President’s visit to the TRL Space Rwanda branch, TRL Space CEO, Petr Kapoun, affirmed that the company aims to use technology to change the economic fortunes of the African continent.
“Our intention is not just to deliver these technologies to Rwanda. We bring added value to the region. Our goal is to introduce new space technologies that increase the economic and living standards of the entire region,” the CEO stated.
In a statement on Friday, the Rwandan Head of State eulogised Gen. Ogolla as a soldier who served with great professionalism and humility.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to President William Ruto, the family, and loved ones of the victims of the plane crash, including Chief of Defense Forces General Ogolla, who will be remembered for his professionalism and humility in his service,” Kagame wrote.
President Ruto confirmed the death of Gen. Ogolla in a press conference from State House in Nairobi on Thursday night.
The CDF and nine others died after a military helicopter they were travelling crashed at the Sindar area in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Thursday afternoon at around 2:20pm.
“Today, at 2:20pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident in Sindar area, Keben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing on of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces,” he said.
In his tribute, President Ruto said the country had lost one of her most valiant generals and servicemen.
“This is a moment of great sadness for myself, as the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Defence Forces fraternity, and the nation at large. The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me, and certainly, the sorrow we all feel about his passing is shared by all the people of Kenya, especially the KDF fraternity. A distinguished four-star general has fallen in the course of duty, and service to the country,” he added.
The ill-fated chopper was carrying 12 military officers at the time of the crash. The President said there were only two survivors.
Others who perished in the air crash were Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu (Pilot), Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
“I convey my deepest condolences to all families that are grieving this untimely loss, and our mourning nation as well. I also wish quick recovery to the two injured soldiers in this accident,” President Ruto added.
He said a team of investigative officers from the Kenya Air Force had been dispatched to probe the cause of crash, even as he announced a three day of national mourning in honour of the fallen General.
Gen. Ogolla died nearly a year after he was sworn in as Kenya’s military boss on April 29, 2023.
He took over the CDF mantle from Gen. Robert Kibochi whose term ended after 44 years in the military.
Prior to assuming the CDF role, Ogolla served as the Commander of the Air Force and Vice Chief of Defence Forces.
RCB, in a report unveiled on Thursday, April 18, 2024, said this is the highest revenue earned since the inception of the Bureau in 2014.
The institution hosted over 160 events and an estimated 65,000 delegates in 2023. 45 of these events are projected to generate revenues of $32 million (RWF 40.9 billion) over the upcoming years.
Among the notable events successfully bided and hosted by RCB in 2023 were the International Congress on Conservation Biology in July, the Women Deliver Conference, the Basketball Africa League held in May, IRON MAN 70.3 Rubavu race and the 18th edition of the Peace Marathon hosted in June 2023 among others.
In the entertainment and showbiz scene, Rwanda hosted two major events: the Trace Africa Music Awards and Festival, which brought together music, fashion, and arts, giving young and creative talents a global stage to showcase their skills; and The Move Afrika by Global Citizen, which was headlined by the globally renowned artist Kendrick Lamar.
RCB Board Chairman Fred Swaniker expressed his confidence that the sector will continue to thrive in 2024 due to continued unwavering support from the Rwandan government and stakeholders.
“In a very dynamic business landscape, it is important to stay ahead of the trend, and I am confident that the MICE sector will further increase its contribution to Rwanda’s economy through innovation. By investing in talent, infrastructure, and strategic initiatives, we aim to maintain our growth in the global MICE sector,” Swaniker stated.
On her part, Janet Karemera, the Bureau CEO, noted that as part of its growth strategy this year, RCB is focused on enhancing delegates’ experience, strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, exploring new partnerships, and attracting more business to Rwanda.
The remarks come at a time when the tourism sector is projected to fully recover from the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, having made a significant rebound in 2023.
According to a survey UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, the sector achieved 88 per cent growth of pre-pandemic levels last year.
Total export revenues from tourism, encompassing passenger transport, reached approximately $1.6 trillion in 2023, nearly 95 per cent of the $1.7 trillion recorded in 2019. Projections suggest a continuation of this positive trend, with estimates indicating a 2 per cent growth in international tourist arrivals above 2019 levels.
According to the United Kingdom-based research firm, Kigali retained its sixth position in the 2024 rankings, the same as Cape Town, which was named the airport with the best staff in the continent.
Durban’s King Shaka Airport, situated in South Africa, recorded an improvement to emerge as the second airport with the best staff in 2024, having finished third in the 2023 rankings.
Mauritius dropped to third place, while Casablanca in Morocco retained the fourth position.
Additionally, Seychelles, which was ranked seventh last year, recorded a remarkable improvement to be ranked among the top five airports with the best staff in the region.
Marrakesh Menara Airport in Morocco and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi took the seventh and eighth positions, while Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Ethiopia and Morocco’s Rabat were ranked ninth and tenth, respectively.
Skytrax said the rankings are based on customer feedback and take into consideration the combined quality of staff service, including attitude, friendliness, and efficiency, delivered across front-line positions at an airport.
Narita International Airport in Japan won the top award for the World’s Best Airport Staff service in 2024, ranking ahead of Munich Airport (Germany) and Incheon International Airport (South Korea), which were ranked second and third, respectively.
Kigali shines
This is not the first time Kigali International Airport has been recognised for its exemplary service.
Last year, Skytrax recognized Kigali as the third best regional airport and the fifth cleanest airport in Africa.
Formerly known as Kanombe International Airport, Kigali is the main airport in Rwanda located in the capital Kigali.
The government is currently building another mega-airport in Bugesera District, Eastern Province, which will be the biggest and the main air gateway for all destinations in the East African country.
The new airport situated about 40 kilometers south of Kigali is expected to be completed by late 2026, at an estimated cost of $2 billion (RWF 2.6 trillion).
Initially founded as the Marxist Communist School in Ruijin, Jiangxi, in March 1933, the academy has experienced numerous evolutions, mirroring the ever-changing political landscape of China. By 1935, during the historic Long March north, it was renamed the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
Following a period of dormancy during the Cultural Revolution, the school not only recovered but also broadened its educational reach and influence, culminating in its renaming in 1994 as the National School of Administration.
A major organizational transformation occurred in 2018 when the Central Committee of the Party merged the functions of the Central Party School and the National School of Administration.
This merger was a strategic move intended to unify the training of China’s civil servants and policy analysts within a single framework. Presently, the academy operates as a dual facility—functioning both as a traditional party school and a contemporary administration school, thereby preserving its historical significance while addressing modern governance challenges.
The primary mission of the academy is multi-dimensional. It acts as the chief venue for training provincial and ministerial-level leaders, executives of major state enterprises, and university presidents, among others. Its curriculum is expansive, covering Marxist-Leninist theory, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the “Three Represents,” the Scientific Outlook on Development, and notably, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
On March 1, 2023, during the 90th anniversary celebrations of the Central Party School, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the institution’s foundational goal—to educate and serve the Party, playing a crucial advisory role in national governance. His address highlighted the school’s ongoing dedication to ideological education, theoretical research, and the broader goals of Party development.
During a press conference on April 15, 2024, the academy’s Vice President responsible for daily operations, Xie Chuntao, accentuated its function as a think tank and its international influence, noting engagements with foreign dignitaries eager to gain insights from China’s governance model.
Chuntao emphasized the significance of effective governance and China’s advancements in fostering a strong governance framework marked by consultative democracy and judicial reforms to improve accountability.
Notable legislative advancements, such as the elimination of agricultural taxes in 2016, demonstrate the tangible impact of the academy’s training programs on policy formulation. The academy also promotes inclusion and representation within China’s legislature, ensuring that a variety of perspectives are considered and that governance remains attuned to the populace’s needs.
China’s advancements in regional autonomy and ethnic integration, guided by President Xi Jinping, further highlight the successful governance strategies derived from the Party School’s teachings.
This comprehensive approach to governance ensures that all 56 officially recognized ethnic groups in China support one another in creating a diverse yet cohesive economic and social framework.
The influence of the Party School extends beyond China’s borders, with its initiatives under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) enhancing international cooperation and creating development opportunities for numerous participating countries.
The BRI has become a pivotal element of global economic collaboration, involving 151 countries and encompassing nearly 75% of the global population. By 2040, it is projected to increase global GDP by $7.1 trillion annually, substantially improving international trade by addressing infrastructural deficits.
More than 50 African nations have benefited from Chinese-led projects, including the construction or enhancement of over 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, about 1,000 bridges, and 100 ports, leading to better infrastructure, reduced unemployment, and expanded trade opportunities.
China’s governance strides are also mirrored in its economic performance. In 2023, China recorded a GDP growth of 5.2 percent, reaching a total of 126 trillion yuan (approximately $17.67 trillion), reaffirming its position as a major global economic powerhouse.
With more than 98 million members and growing, the Communist Party of China continues to steer the nation under the steadfast leadership of President Xi Jinping, with the ambition to exceed 100 million members.
The Party School, at the core of this monumental effort, remains steadfast in its founding mission, adapting to the needs of a new era and contributing to the creation of a modern socialist country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
To share with the world the events of the genocide and honor the over one million victims who perished, she authored a book titled ‘Don’t Accept To Die’.
The book encompasses various sections, detailing life before the genocide, the onset of the atrocities, the execution of the genocide, and the targeted killing of the Tutsis.
Moreover, she reflects on the aftermath in the book, exploring how survivors coped, rebuilt their lives, and the ongoing challenges the country faced.
“In the book’s second section about the Genocide against the Tutsi, I depict how we, as residents, witnessed its planning yet felt helpless to intervene. It covers the genesis and execution of the genocide, culminating in a recount of my personal ordeal,” she noted.
In her writings, Mukanyiligira revisits the harrowing experiences she endured during the Genocide, including how she concealed herself, narrowly escaped assassination, and ultimately survived. She recounts her encounters with the Inkotanyi and their role in liberating the country.
Even after surviving the Genocide against the Tutsi, Mukanyiligira remained vigilant, haunted by the fear of being pursued and expelled in broad daylight.
She expressed mixed emotions, stating, “There is happiness in survival, in the chance to live again. Yet, there is the deep sorrow and anger when recalling loved ones lost in an instant—seeking answers about their deaths, their last words. It overwhelms you.”
Mukanyiligira often questioned her faith, grappling with why she survived while many others did not, a burden that impeded her progress for a long time.
She shared, “There’s sadness and grief but also resolve. I am freed from these burdens; I set them aside. A renewed lease on life has been granted to me, to live well.”
Post-genocide, embracing life was a conscious choice, fueled by the losses she had endured.
Mukanyiligira had five siblings; during the Genocide against the Tutsis, she and two brothers survived while three were killed, partly because they were not at their home in Kibagabaga, in the current Gasabo District.
She reflects on this narrow escape: “It was an inexplicable chance. The killers had a list, and when they didn’t find someone at the house, it somehow gave us a chance to live, even though our cousins, who were visiting, and our parents were killed. Over 208 family members are remembered in this book.”
Accepting these events was challenging, but her faith in God remained central to her coping.
Furthermore, she clarifies her spiritual perspective, saying, “No priest or pastor manifested God to me; I faced a gun pressed to my cheek and survived. It wasn’t the Interahamwe militia; it was God’s plan.”
She added, “This experience reinforced my personal connection with God. I survived by His grace, and I trust that He will guide me through the rest of my days.”
{{Hiring Interahamwe}}
One month after the halting of the Genocide against the Tutsi, Mukanyiligira returned to her former home, only to find it reduced to ruins.
She discovered that her house had been destroyed, suggesting a grim reality for survivors: even those who escaped the killers would face immense challenges, partly as an attempt by the perpetrators to erase evidence.
Undeterred, Mukanyiligira persevered, intent on proving to those who had tried to exterminate the Tutsis that their genocidal plans had failed.
By 2001, as the situation began to stabilize, she found returning to Kibagabaga painful because the killers of her family were still there. This prompted her to settle in nearby Nyarutarama instead.
She expressed a poignant wish from that time: “I prayed that the Interahamwe from Kibagabaga would come and ask for work where I lived, as a form of silent revenge—without resorting to insults, violence, or wishing harm.”
“The house was flimsy, reflecting the poverty we Tutsis grew up in. For them to see that the child they couldn’t find in the bush is now building a big house and will employ them was a form of retribution.”
This approach served as a form of revenge for survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsis, aiming also to protect survivors from further exposure to their assailants.
Mukanyiligira noted that daily life for survivors involved working more efficiently, achieving more in less time, “so that if I were to die again, I’d leave a meaningful legacy.”
“There’s something profound about feeling like you’ve already died. It felt like we were living in an era of surplus, lacking essentials to sustain life. Choosing a man from five or six wasn’t based on anything substantial. If we were targeted again, at least we’d have justifiable reasons.”
Being successful, for Mukanyiligira, was not a matter of having a prominent job or coming from a powerful family; it was about her indomitable spirit and the progress she made, which nobody could hinder. This spirit fueled the reunification and empowerment of Genocide survivors.
Her determination led her and 150 others to establish IBUKA, aimed at fostering connections among survivors. “That spirit of unity and mutual support also permeated AERG, GAERG, AVEGA.
Surviving took immense effort, and we helped one another. These organizations provided a space to understand, accept, and uplift ourselves,” she said.
{{‘I Was There’}}
After the release of her book ‘Don’t Accept to Die,’ Mukanyiligira is now working on a new book titled ‘Nari Mpari,’ which translates to ‘I Was There.’ This forthcoming work emphasizes the theme that life follows death, and it explores both her personal growth and the country’s unprecedented development.
She explains, “I was there during the Gacaca courts, where murderers were forgiven. I witnessed everything that happened, everything the nation has accomplished. That’s why I’m naming it ‘I Was There.’”
Mukanyiligira highlights the responsibility of providing testimony and information to document the events, which demands not only resources, time, and skill, but also the delicacy of narrating without inflicting harm.
She reflects, “I embraced the pain because it was part of healing. After 28 years, there are memories that only resurface when recalled. But writing about them triggers something deeper, something necessary for the reader to understand. That’s when the wounds reopen.”
This book was penned during the challenging times of COVID-19. “There were nights when the echoes of past screams would surface as I wrote, reminders of the country’s tumultuous journey. Yet, I persevered because it is part of the healing process.”
Currently, the book is being translated into multiple languages, a task that Mukanyiligira says demands significant sacrifices, including time away from family and friends, but she sees it as essential to ensure that the story of what happened in Rwanda reaches a broader audience.
Following the initial English publication and last year’s French translation, a German version and an audiobook are now being prepared.
Reflecting on the past 30 years, Mukanyiligira stated unequivocally, “The fact that I survived and can honor the values of those who were killed feels like a debt I’ve managed to repay.”
She expressed gratitude towards the Inkotanyi for liberating Rwandans and for their efforts that went beyond building infrastructure like roads, hospitals, and schools.
They also transformed how Rwandans are perceived abroad, “because now when we go overseas, we are no longer seen as murderers, but as contributors to meaningful development.”
In a statement on Wednesday, April 17, the management urged the affected passengers to check their emails regularly for updates about the interruptions.
“Due to severe weather conditions in Dubai (DXB), we’re experiencing flight disruptions to and from Dubai. Passengers are advised to check their emails regularly for updates,” the airline stated.
This comes as heavy rains continue to batter Gulf States, leading to floods, including at Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports.
Earlier on Wednesday morning, the airport authorities described the weather conditions as “very challenging,” urging passengers “not to come to the airport unless absolutely necessary.”
“Flights continue to be delayed and diverted. Please check your flight status directly with your airline. We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions,” the management added.
Kenya’s Kenya Aiways (KQ) and Fly Emirates are among airlines that have been forced to cancel flights due to heavy storms.
“We are monitoring the situation and are in close contact with Dubai authorities to minimise the inconvenience and disruption to our customers’ travels,” KQ said while announcing the cancellation of two flights on Wednesday.
Fly Emirates, while asking its customers to rebook their flights said, “Dubai customers with flights scheduled for today (17 April) are advised not to go to DXB, as check-in remains suspended for all flights. Your safety is our top priority.”
At least 18 people have been reported dead due to the floods in Oman, even as weather forecasts predict further storms across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Schools across the UAE shut before the storms, with experts saying that the rains, which began on Monday, are equal to a year and a half’s worth of rain for the desert region.
He was last in Rwanda in 2010, after which it was revealed that he fled to South Africa, a country where he had been running business.
This move came following discoveries that he was involved in tax evasion and had connections with subversive groups aiming to destabilize Rwanda’s security, whom he also supported financially.
Born around 1941 in Rwanda, Rujugiro spent a significant portion of his life in Burundi as a refugee, where he began his tobacco business.
Emphasizing the paramount importance of national security, he credited it as the cornerstone of Rwanda’s post-genocide accomplishments, achieved through the intervention of RPF Inkotanyi forces.
Over the past thirty years, Rwanda has transcended ethnic and regional tensions, fostering a society where no individual faces persecution based on identity. Educational curricula have been purged of divisive ideologies, and ethnic affiliations have been removed from identification documents.
Addressing a gathering comprising staff from various government agencies during the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsis, Gen (Rtd) Ibingira asserted Rwanda’s newfound stature on the global stage, stating, “For 30 years, Rwanda has stood as a nation of principles.” He metaphorically illustrated the meticulousness of Rwanda’s governance by suggesting that even a rabbit crossing into the country one would require proper documentation to come collect it.
Reflecting on historical events, he recounted an incident in the 1970s when Burundians laid claim to Rwandan territory, highlighting Rwanda’s vulnerability at the time. Additionally, he recalled the audacious act of Idi Amin, who, during his presidency in Uganda, unauthorizedly landed military planes at Kigali Airport, causing widespread panic.
Noting a shift in diplomatic demeanor, Gen (Rtd) Ibingira remarked on Rwanda’s transformation from a nation with a somewhat volatile disposition and diplomatic humility to a strong fearless country , contrasting the past with the present.
Acknowledging the post-genocide reconstruction efforts, he shared the journey of healing and progress, emphasizing the restoration of the Rwandan society, both physically and emotionally.
Highlighting the remarkable socio-economic advancements from 1994 to 2024, he underscored Rwanda’s robust growth in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, trade, industry, and employment opportunities, culminating in a significant rise in per capita income and gross domestic product.
