On Monday, President Kagame received the order as he attended the 50th Independence anniversary celebration of the Bahamas, which was attended by leaders from various Caribbean countries.
The distinguished honor was bestowed upon him by the country’s Governor General, Sir Cornelius Smith, and Prime Minister Philip Davis.
In his gratitude, President Kagame expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister of the Bahamas for extending an invitation to attend the Golden Jubilee of Independence celebration. He lauded the Bahamas as a symbol of stability and prosperity in the region, serving as an exemplar for smaller island developing states worldwide.
During his visit, President Kagame emphasized the significance of nurturing the existing relations between the Bahamas and Rwanda, as well as fostering closer ties between the Caribbean and Africa.
He emphasized the undeniable common history shared by the two regions, unaffected by the vast ocean that separates them. President Kagame acknowledged that these strong bonds form a solid foundation for building robust and extensive cooperation to tackle the challenges faced by countries like theirs.
President Kagame humbly accepted the order as a testament to the growing friendship between their nations and expressed his deepest appreciation for the honor bestowed upon him. He acknowledged the value of this recognition in strengthening the bonds between Rwanda and the Bahamas.
The Bahamas, an archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea, spans a land area of 13,878 km² with a coastline of 3,542 km. To provide a sense of scale, this land area is roughly 112% of the size of Sydney.
Ranking as the 28th largest country in the Americas and 161st worldwide in terms of area, the Bahamas holds significant geographical importance.
On July 10th, 1973, after 300 years of being a colony, the Bahamas peacefully transitioned to nationhood by gaining independence. Since then, July 10th has been celebrated as a national holiday throughout the archipelago and in Bahamian foreign missions. Prior to gaining independence, the Bahamas served as a British colony and currently holds membership in the Commonwealth, of which Rwanda has been a member since 2009.
President Kagame’s visit to Caribbean countries followed his attendance at the 45th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held in Trinidad and Tobago, further solidifying Rwanda’s engagement with the Caribbean region.
Gen Makenga and his lieutenants are currently based in Rutshuru and Jomba forests in DRC.
The statement from Gen Makenga comes at a time when the Congolese Army (FARDC) is actively preparing for attacks against the rebel group.
According to sources, the FDLR terrorist group, collaborating with FARDC, has been deploying its combatants closer to M23 strongholds in areas designated for the deployment of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF).
Gen Makenga has through a video aired on Sabyinyo News YouTube channel on 6th July 2023 ,criticized the Congolese government’s proposal to disarm the M23 rebels and relocate their combatants into cantonments, considering it a deceptive move that overlooks crucial factors.
He cited the EAC Heads of State summit held in February of this year as an example, where specific resolutions concerning M23 and the government were issued but later disregarded by the DRC.
“Among these resolutions were ceasefire, the withdrawal of M23, and dialogues between the government and M23. In accordance with our respect and trust in the EAC heads of state, M23 complied with the resolutions on our side and now awaits dialogues to address the root causes of the conflict. The cantonment proposal does not concern us anyway,” Gen Makenga explained.
A soldier identified as Lt Col Alfred Musubao Muriro, belonging to M23, recently appeared in a video released by the Kivu Press Agency, briefing his soldiers to remain vigilant as FDLR fighters continue to encroach upon their base.
While acknowledging that war is not the optimal solution, Lt Col Muriro emphasized the necessity for the rebels to defend themselves by any means against potential attacks. He further expressed their ongoing appeal to the government to engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to existing problems, despite the government’s inclination towards war.
Meanwhile, the DRC government asserts its readiness to fight against the M23 rebel group with the goal of reclaiming all regions previously captured by the rebels.
Gen Makenga responded by stating that M23 will maintain a calm approach if the DRC chooses a peaceful process, but did not rule out the possibility of war if that is the path chosen by the DRC.
“M23 is here. When they finish their comedies, M23 will assume its responsibility. We desire peace and are peaceful. We will abide by their decision. If they desire peace, we will achieve it together. If they choose war, we will fight. That is our stance,” declared Gen Makenga.
The Head of State made the remarks on Wednesday 6th July 2023 as he addressed participants of the 45th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held in Trinidad and Tobago.
Kagame is among dignitaries invited to attend the meeting that coincided with the organization’s celebration of its 50th anniversary.
Other guests include US State Secretary, Anthony Blinken, Chinese Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Hua Chunying and others.
As he delivered remarks, Kagame stated that the meeting took place at a time when Haiti , as a member of the block, is faced with a security crisis which cannot be overlooked.
He went on to say that Rwanda’s history is a testament that nothing is beyond repair.
“Rwanda and Haiti enjoy long-standing ties of friendship. The history of my country shows that no matter how bad things are, nothing is beyond repair, and there is always a way forward,” said Kagame.
The President emphasized that it is always the onus of leaders to take the leading step in desired transformations.
“The turning point starts with the leaders in the country, and the wider region, at different levels, coming together to forge a new, unified path. When that process begins to occur, then external support can be part of the solution, instead of being part of the problem,” he noted.
Kagame reminisced on Haiti’s situation at a time when the country has been faced with insecurity that began when the country’s President Jovenel Moïse was shot dead on 7th July 2021.
As of today, the United Nations shows that a large part of the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince, is controlled by armed groups that killed over 2000 people while more than 1000 were kidnapped in 2022.
The security crisis was an addition to other problems the country had been experiencing including food crisis, epidemics and drug trafficking.
Following the meeting, President Kagame and the Prime Minister of Haiti, Dr. Ariel Henry held a closed-door meeting for discussions on potential solutions to address the security challenges impeding Haiti’s progress.
{{Need for closer collaboration}}
Apart from the Haiti security crisis, President Kagame stressed the need for collaboration between the Caribbean and African countries.
“The horrors of the Middle Passage, and the indignities of colonialism, join our peoples in a shared story of struggle, survival, resilience and, ultimately, renewal,” he stated.
“Many intellectuals and professionals from the Caribbean served in Africa in the years after independence, helping to build our new institutions,” added Kagame.
The President further called for concerted efforts to reinforce the cooperation between the Caribbean and Africa.
“We need to come together in real terms and focus on concrete initiatives which address the challenges that nations like ours face today. It is possible to do so,” he remarked.
“As smaller countries, we gather strength by working together in our regional organizations, integrating our economies, and sharing infrastructure costs,” added Kagame.
Citing an example of partnership between Rwanda, Guyana and Barbados where they have embarked on a program of mutual support for the local manufacturing of vaccines and medicines; Kagame highlighted that the cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean is possible.
The Head of State disclosed that the cooperation can involve enabling the free movement of people by removing obstacles to travel and exchange.
It is reported that Col Simba, 85, died on July 4, 2023, in Benin, where he had been residing since his early release by the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT).
Simba was a former soldier of the Rwanda Armed Forces (FAR) and was among the soldiers who assisted former President Juvénal Habyarimana in seizing power in 1973. He served as a security adviser in Gikongoro Prefecture and Butare during as the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi unfolded.
Simba was arrested in Senegal in 2001 and subsequently transferred to Arusha, Tanzania. He was handed a 25-year sentence by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) after being found guilty of leading various attacks orchestrated by Interahamwe to exterminate Tutsis in former Butare and Gikongoro prefectures, as well as committing crimes against humanity.
In 2019, Judge Theodor Meron, the former President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, granted Simba early release, which sparked controversy. Rwanda contested the decision, arguing that it had not been informed beforehand, as Simba had not completed his full prison term.
As Rwanda celebrated its 29th Liberation Day on 4th July 2023, Kagame called on the youth to actively contribute to the nation’s development and ensure that the hard-fought gains are not squandered.
In a tweet commemorating the occasion, President Kagame paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and dignity of every citizen in Rwanda. He acknowledged the immense sacrifices made by individuals who fought for the country’s liberation, with some paying the ultimate price.
Directly addressing the youth, Kagame stressed their responsibility in continuing the nation’s transformation. He urged them to pick up from where the country has been brought and play their part in preserving the fruits of the sacrifices made by the previous generation.
The Head of State underscored that the journey towards a prosperous and inclusive Rwanda requires unwavering commitment and resilience.
“The journey to transforming Rwanda requires us to stay the course, stand up for who and what we are, and sustain the resilience we need to build the nation all Rwandans deserve,” he stated.
The President’s remarks highlighted the significance of continuity and collective effort in securing a brighter future for the country. He encouraged the youth to actively shape Rwanda’s destiny and contribute to its growth and development.
During a televised session called “Ask The President,” Kagame elaborated on Rwanda’s journey to reconstruction, emphasizing the challenge of rebuilding a shattered nation and positioning it on the global map. He acknowledged that bringing the country back together and helping people understand their history and the challenges they face were among the most difficult aspects of the past 30 years.
Among others, Kagame recognized the importance of improving people’s livelihoods and emphasized the need for individuals to deliver a standard of living worth experiencing. While the government and institutions have a role to play as enablers and creators of a supportive environment, individuals themselves must take responsibility for their well-being.
Over the past three decades, Rwanda has made remarkable progress in various sectors, including economic development, healthcare, education, and social cohesion. President Kagame attributes this success to the resilience and determination of Rwandans.
As Rwanda looks to the future, President Kagame’s message serves as a reminder to the younger generation of their duty to honor the sacrifices of the past and actively contribute to the nation’s ongoing transformation. By building upon the progress achieved so far, Rwanda can continue its journey towards becoming a prosperous and inclusive nation.
RPA soldiers launched the Liberation Struggle on 1st October 1990. The four-year journey ended with the capture of Kigali City where the then government which perpetrated Genocide against Tutsi fled to former Zaïre, in the current Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As Rwanda celebrates the 29th Liberation Anniversary, we have listed below important dates that marked the journey to free the country from the regime characterized by ethnic divisionism and nepotism.
{{In 1990}}
{{On 1st October: }} On this date, RPA soldiers attacked Kagitumba border. The attack marked the beginning of the Liberation Struggle which lasted for four years after members of RPF Inkotanyi decided to free the country by means of war.
Initially, RPA soldiers were commanded by Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema but attacks were foiled by soldiers of the then regime of Habyarima on the support of mercenaries.
Some of top commanders were killed in the first 14 days of the struggle which left gaps in the leadership of RPA and affected soldiers’ morale.
President Paul Kagame who was at the rank of major at the time took over the leadership and introduced new tactics during the remaining days of the struggle.
{{On 2nd October: }} The commander of RPA soldiers, Gen Maj Gisa Fred Rwigema was shot dead in Nyabwishongwezi.
{{On 4th October: }} 300 French soldiers came to protect its citizens living in Rwanda while RPA forces from the 9th battalion captured Nyagatare town.
In the night of 4th leading to 5th October, the government of Habyarimana lied that Inkotanyi raided Kigali City and arrested over 10,000 Tutsis and many politicians.
{{On 5th October: }} 535 Belgian soldiers and others from Zaire came to Rwanda to support Habyarimana.
{{On 6th and 7th October: }} The 4th Battalion of RPA soldiers captured Gabiro.
{{On 8th October:}} Following the exchange of fire with RPA soldiers; the then government forces (FAR) killed 1,000 Tutsis from Hima tribe in Mutara.
{{From 11th to 13th October: }} Nearly 400 Tutsis were killed in Commune Kibilira.
{{On 23rd October:}} Major Bunyenyezi and Major Bayingana died in an ambush laid in Ryabega.
{{On 13th November:}} Habyarimana allowed opposition parties to operate. He also declared that people’s ethnicity should no longer be mentioned on identity cards even though it never materialized.
{{On 6th December:}} Kangura journal published the 10 commandments of Hutus, including eight inciting Hutus to be violent against Tutsis.
{{In 1991}}
{{On 3rd January:}} RPA changed tactics and launched attacks in Gatuna and Kaniga to block the supply of equipment to FAR.
{{On 7th January: }} A number of Rwandans were handed death sentence accused of spying for Inkotanyi.
{{On 23rd January: }} RPA captured Ruhengeri town and released inmates from Ruhengeri Prison.
From the last days of January towards March: Between 500 and 1000 Tutsis from the Abagogwe tribe were killed.
{{In 1992}}
{{In March: }} A group of Hutu extremists (CDR) that was at the centre of planning and execution of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was created. Around 300 Tutsis were also killed in Bugesera.
{{In May:}} RPA’s attack in some communes left over 350,000 people displaced.
{{In August: }} A large number of Tutsis were killed in Kibuye.
{{In November:}} Leon Mugesera delivered a hate speech in Kabaya where he incited Hutus to exterminate Tutsis, insisting that they will be returned to ‘their place of origin’ in Ethiopia through River Nyabarongo.
{{In 1993}}
{{On 8th February: }} RPA captured the largest part of the country and withdrew to alert the international community that Tutsis were being killed of torture.
{{On 8th March:}} An international report indicated the role of the then Presidency Office in the killings of Abagogwe in Gisenyi and Ruhengeri Prefectures.
{{On 7th April:}} The then government received the report and rejected its findings.
{{In August:}} Spread of hate speeches and inciting Rwandans to kill Tutsis through Radio RTLM.
{{On 4th August:}} As RPA and the then regime were asked to implement resolutions of Arusha Peace Accords; the government continued to train Interahamwe, Impuzamigambi and other groups to kill Tutsis.
{{On 28th October:}} The 3rd Battalion of RPA soldiers arrived in CND in Kigali, aligning with efforts to establish the interim government as per Arusha Accords.
{{In 1994}}
{{On 6th April: }} A regional meeting took place in Dar-es-Salaam. The plane which carried the then President Habyarimana was shot down on the same day around 8:30 p.m. as he returned to Kigali from the meeting.
{{7th April:}} Prime Minister Uwilingiyimana Agathe and 10 Belgian soldiers protecting her were killed. Other ministers and officials opposing the regime were killed.
Genocide began in Butare, Gitarama and Murambi in Byumba.
{{On 8th April:}} RPA soldiers decided to attack Kigali and stop Genocide against Tutsi.
{{On 14th April:}} Belgium ordered its troops to withdraw from Rwanda and UN troops deployed in the country. The last soldier left Rwanda not later than 20th April.
{{On 18th April:}} RPA shot at RTLM over spreading hatred among Rwandans.
{{On 19th April: }} The interim President Sindikubwabo delivered a speech at his birthplace in Butare inciting Hutus to stand up and kill Tutsis. Since then, anyone opposing the plan was also hunted to be killed.
{{On 21st April:}} RPA captured Byumba.
{{On 21st and 22nd April: }} UN Security Council ordered the reduction of its troops in Rwanda and left only 270 soldiers.
{{On 30th April: }} RPA was controlling the Rusumo border.
{{On 16th May:}} RPA blocked the road Gitarama-Kigali.
{{On 22nd May:}} RPA captured Kigali International Airport and Kanombe Military Camp.
{{On 29th May:}} RPA captured Nyanza town.
{{On 2nd June: }} RPA liberated Kabgayi.
{{On 13th June:}} RPA captured Gitarama town where the interim government had moved. It had fled to Gisenyi on 10th June.
On 21st June: As per the 929th resolution of the UN, the first French troops arrived at borders between Rwanda and Zaire under “Operation Turquoise”.
{{On 28th June:}} UN released a report indicating that Genocide against Tutsi was happening in Rwanda.
{{On 4th July:}} RPA liberated Kigali City after Butare on the previous day. Since then, the former government fled to Zaire.
{{On 14th July:}} RPA captured Ruhengeri.
{{On 17th July:}} RPA liberated Gisenyi.
{{On 19th July:}} The Government of Rwanda’s Unity was installed, marking the stop of Genocide against Tutsi.
Whether you opt for an in-person visit or resort to email correspondence, the painstaking task of evaluating damages and estimating repair costs can become an unwieldy burden, particularly when relying on outdated manual procedures.
It becomes evident that a dire need exists for innovative and efficient solutions that expedite the process, providing customers with a seamlessly smooth experience.
While it is imperative to acknowledge the potential drawbacks of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for users, it is equally essential to recognize the immense benefits it brings in simplifying a myriad of processes and tasks.
In light of this perspective, Sygma.AI technology company headquartered in Morocco, has ingeniously developed a cutting-edge platform that streamlines insurance claim procedures.
This innovative solution was recently showcased at the inaugural GITEX Africa Summit held in Marrakech, Morocco.
It empowers insurance companies to estimate costs with unprecedented efficiency. Human involvement remains vital, but the focus has shifted from manual control to validating outcomes, optimizing the overall process and ensuring swift resolution.
Speaking to IGIHE, Yassine Rahmi, the CEO and co-founder of Sygma.AI, shed light on their mission to digitalize the claims process.
Rahmi explained that Sygma.AI’s solution simplifies the entire claims process for customers.
“When a car accident occurs, all the customer needs to do is take a photo of the damaged vehicle and provide the car’s registration information,” he said. “In just a matter of minutes, we can provide them with an accurate estimate of the repair cost. This streamlined approach alleviates the burden on customers, eliminating the need for extensive paperwork and prolonged waiting periods.”
Sygma.AI primarily collaborates with insurance companies to enhance the claims process. Once the customer provides the necessary information, Sygma.ai shares the data with the insurance company, empowering them to make informed decisions. Rahmi elaborated on the process, stating, “The insurance company evaluates our estimates and validates them with their own experts. This collaborative approach ensures that the insurance companies receive accurate information while expediting the claims process.”
Accuracy and efficiency are of utmost importance to Sygma.ai. While they currently achieve an impressive accuracy rate of around 75%, Rahmi highlighted that their clients, the insurance companies, receive estimates that are 100% accurate. This is made possible by the involvement of human experts who meticulously review and validate the estimations before they are shared with the clients. Additionally, this quality control process aids in training the model for future enhancements.
Rahmi expressed their vision, stating, “Our goal is to provide our clients with answers to their queries within 30 minutes with human intervention, or within 5 minutes using our automatic processes. Ultimately, we aim to process all accidents within a remarkable 5-minute timeframe.”
Sygma.AI’s journey has not been without its challenges. Accessing sufficient accident data for training their model proved to be an initial hurdle. However, they overcame this obstacle by collaborating with friends and leveraging their photo archives to bootstrap their data collection efforts. With a minimum viable product (MVP) in hand, Sygma.ai was able to engage with insurance companies and effectively convey their vision.
Looking to the future, Sygma.ai has ambitious plans to expand their offering beyond pricing estimates. They are actively working on developing fraud detection algorithms to identify suspicious claims and inflated quotations. Moreover, their goal is to provide end-to-end claim management through their platform, allowing clients to submit files, complete necessary tasks, and even receive payments seamlessly.
The benefits of Sygma.AI’s collaboration with insurance companies extend beyond streamlining processes. By minimizing accident costs, insurance companies can reduce insurance premiums, making coverage more accessible to a wider population.
“Our partnership unburdens insurance companies, allowing them to focus on crucial aspects of their business while entrusting us with repetitive and resource-intensive tasks,” emphasized Rahmi.
Ramkalawan extolled President Kagame on Wednesday as he began a two-day visit to Seychelles where he was invited as the guest of honour at the celebration of 47th National Day scheduled on 29th June 2023.
“I congratulate you personally for your leadership not only in Rwanda but also at the African Union level and as a world leader. You are an example to the whole world that Africa indeed has great leaders,” said Ramkalawan.
“You led your country through so many difficulties and today Rwanda is considered as one of the safest countries in the world. […] We want to emulate your example,” he added.
Ramkalawan went on to say that President Kagame gave hope to the continent when he was the chairperson of the African Union where he came forward with solid plans.
“Today, we are still reading through the pages of your vision. And it’s that vision that Africa truly needs, not only to sustain itself but to silence the guns as we keep saying but at the same time to keep working in environment protection, strengthening economy of various countries as well as in the field of health and education,” he noted.
Among others, Ramkalawan reminisced on the fact that Rwanda, will later this year see the opening of a factory that will manufacture vaccines and considered it another great step for ‘the continent that is marred by so many illnesses’.
He underscored that the initiative will not only be beneficial to Rwanda but also to Seychelles as well as the rest of Africa.
Rwanda and Seychelles are both members of the Commonwealth and the Organization Internationale de La Francophonie (OIF).
President Kagame assumed Chairmanship of the Commonwealth in June last year as Rwanda hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Ramkalawan also expressed gratitude to Kagame for the leadership he continued to show during his term expected to end next year.
“Earlier this year, at the coronation of King Charles III, we had a chance to discuss under your chairmanship the role of the youth. As this year is the Commonwealth year of the youth, we want to push our young people to greater heights,” he noted.
After holding discussions on the first day, Rwanda and Seychelles signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in different areas of mutual benefit including health, defence and security, tourism and agriculture among others.
Both countries also signed an MoU paving the way for visa exemption for their people.
Ramkalawan highlighted that his country will work closely with Rwanda, particularly mentioning that Rwanda has one of the best police academies which his country’s police forces will use at all levels.
He said that Seychelles wants to learn from Rwanda’s experiences in agriculture and hailed Rwandan troops intervention to fight terrorism in Mozambique.
“What we signed today marks the confirmation of the solid relations that we want to take forward,” noted Ramkalawan.
He highlighted that a delegation from Seychelles will visit Rwanda before the end of this year where contacts have been already established between various ministries.
As Ramkalawan said, the visit aims to explore other areas of cooperation and concretize what has been already signed.
“We look forward to continuing the friendship and sharing of our two peoples,” he noted.
On his part, President Kagame disclosed that he had very productive discussions with Ramkalawan noting that Seychelles and Rwanda are driven by common aspirations to improve the quality of life for their citizens working hand in hand with partners in the region and beyond.
Building on strong bilateral ties and bonds of friendship, Kagame said, both countries intend to deepen cooperation across strategic areas and areas of mutual benefit including health, defence and security, tourism and agriculture among others.
“For Seychelles and Rwanda, tourism is a key driver of economic growth. Collectively, there is a lot we can do to make the sector more sustainable and resilient.
Tourism creates enormous opportunities for our connectivity and commercial links , bringing businesses from Seychelles and Rwanda closer together,” he stated.
Kagame highlighted that Rwanda and Seychelles are united in their membership of international organizations where they had the opportunity to continue aligning priorities and views through these platforms.
The Head of State also expressed optimism for stronger collaborations between our two countries.
“In moments of uncertainty where the world is experiencing an overlapping crisis, we are even more determined to work together,” he stated.
President Kagame is visiting Seychelles for the second time. Meanwhile, his counterpart from the Seychelles, Ramkalawan, was in Rwanda for CHOGM last year.
Following a two-month trial, Hategekimana was found guilty of committing genocide offenses during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in various areas of the Nyanza district in the Southern Province. At the time, he served as an Adjutant Gendarme in the former government, which planned and executed the genocide.
Hategekimana was convicted of genocide crimes and crimes against humanity, including his involvement in massacres in Nyanza, Nyabubare, Nyamure, Ntyazo, and Isar Songa. Witnesses, including survivors of the genocide and fellow gendarmes, testified that Hategekimana either led gendarmes in firing upon Tutsi individuals or coordinated with both gendarmes and Interahamwe militias at roadblocks. Numerous witnesses reported seeing Hategekimana himself firing at Tutsi victims or making explicit threats to kill them in various locations.
The court also found Hategekimana responsible for the killings of Bourgmester Nyagasaza Narcisse, who was the mayor of the then Ntyazo commune, as well as police officer Pierre Nyakarashi and Musonera, also known as Sana Sana. Hategekimana was further held accountable for the killings that took place at the Rwesero, Mushirarungu, and Nyanza roadblocks.
Me Richard Gisagara, representing the civil parties, highlighted Hategekimana’s attitude throughout the trial among other contributing factors to the decision to impose a life sentence.
Gisagara said that he showed no remorse, consistently denied all accusations, and pretended not to recognize any of the witnesses.
Hategekimana,66, chose to remain silent towards the end of the trial, except for a statement proclaiming his innocence. His defense team, consisting of four lawyers, continued to present arguments on his behalf.
Hategekimana was arrested in Cameroon in 2018 and subsequently deported to France, where he had acquired citizenship under the false identity of Philippe Manier by deceiving the French authorities. The defense has ten days to file an appeal, but no party expressed an intention to do so on the day of the ruling.
This case marks the sixth genocide trial concluded in France thus far. Previous convictions include Pascal Simbikangwa, who received a 25-year sentence; Ngenzi Octavien and Tito Barahira, who were handed life imprisonment on appeal; Claude Muhayimana, sentenced to 14 years; and Laurent Bucyibaruta, who received a 20-year sentence.
Hategekimana’s trial began on 10th May 2023.
His life sentence represents the latest outcome in the pursuit of justice for the crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
It is no brainer that this philosophy has inspired the Government of Rwanda to prioritize sports as a crucial element in fostering unity and achieving socio-economic development.
However, the realization of this vision is contingent upon the availability of proper sports infrastructure. Recognizing this, the government has allocated significant resources to develop state-of-the-art facilities, bringing joy to countless Rwandans, particularly those in Nyagatare, Ngoma, Bugesera, and Huye.
The government’s commitment to sports infrastructure development is exemplified by the ambitious expansion project of the Amahoro Stadium in Remera, Kigali City. With an expected completion date in 2024, this endeavor will require an investment exceeding Rwf160 billion.
Once finished, the stadium’s capacity will increase from 25,000 to 45,000 seats, making it the largest in the country. Moreover, the upgraded facility is designed to host not only international football matches but also concerts and public events.
The expansion of the Amahoro Stadium aims to significantly enhance the comfort and overall experience for spectators, contributing to the growth of sports and entertainment in the country. This investment in infrastructure underscores Rwanda’s commitment to providing world-class facilities for both its citizens and visitors.
While the entire facility will be roofed, FIFA regulations stipulate that the playing field must remain open to sunlight to preserve the grass. Additionally, the stadium will be equipped to host rugby matches, further diversifying the range of sporting events it can accommodate.
The Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), responsible for the construction of public infrastructure, reports that the renovation of Amahoro Stadium has surpassed 27% completion, with an optimistic outlook for its timely conclusion next year.
Notably, the raft foundation and assembly of steel structures have been completed, and the refurbishment of the spectator seating section is currently underway.
The RHA management assures that the project is progressing smoothly, stating, “As you have seen, we have started raising steel columns on the stadium’s peripheries. These columns will hold the ceiling, and related works are expected to commence soon.”
{{Citizens upbeat over modern stadiums }}
Citizens are enthusiastic about modern stadiums and recognize their positive impact on local development.
During the 2017 presidential campaigns, citizens across the country advocated for the construction of stadiums. Responding to their request, President Kagame approved the construction of stadiums in Nyagatare, Ngoma, and Bugesera, a project that commenced in 2018. These stadiums have been in use since 2020.
Nyagatare Stadium required an investment of Rwf9.5 billion, Ngoma Stadium cost Rwf9.3 billion, and Bugesera Stadium was built with an investment of Rwf9.5 billion.
Residents attest that these stadiums have had a profoundly positive effect on their communities, attracting a greater flow of people who engage in various activities.
Vestine Nyirakamana, a trader near Ngoma Stadium, emphasizes the facility’s role in boosting sporting and entertainment activities in the area.
She enthusiastically remarks, “The completion of this stadium has brought immense joy to the residents. As businesspeople, we have seen increased foot traffic, resulting in higher profits from food and beverage sales. Before the construction of the stadium, our businesses faced challenging times, but now we experience peak customer flows, particularly during matches involving top-tier teams. On such occasions, daily earnings can reach between Rwf50,000 and Rwf60,000, compared to the usual Rwf20,000.”
Another trader, Aisha Munganyinka, adds, “We observe a significant surge in customers, especially when professional teams play at the stadium. She further elaborates, “In such situations, we register a high influx of customers, especially when teams from the top division are playing.”
Eric Itangishaka ‘Dihno’, the Team Manager of Bugesera FC, grew up in Nyamata with a passion for football. He recalls playing on poor playgrounds during his childhood.
Reflecting on the impact of having a stadium, he says, “As someone who was born here, the memories of lawnless playgrounds come to mind when I think about the development of sports.
When there is a stadium like this, children as young as five years old come to play.
But without a stadium, it would be difficult as a parent to let your child play on a soil-covered playground. You worry about the risk of injury if there are stones on the pitch. Conversely, when you know they are playing in a stadium, you can let children play freely without such concerns.”
Farouk Sejuuko Ssentongo, also known as ‘Ruhinda Farouk,’ has been a player for Bugesera FC since 2017. He vividly remembers the challenges of playing on lawnless playgrounds and expresses gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for building the stadium.
Ssentongo appealed for similar infrastructure to be established in other districts, stating, “It was very difficult to play on lawnless playgrounds. We used to train on such fields and occasionally visited teams with turf-covered playgrounds. We thank the Government of Rwanda for constructing this stadium and request support to create similar infrastructure in other districts.
The stadium has had a tremendous impact on the development of our district and football in general. We can now play and entertain fans without the risk of injuries. Previously, we faced restrictions, including limitations on the types of shoes we could use while playing. But now, we can enjoy the game with greater comfort and freedom.”
{{Officials speak out }}
Government officials highlight the wider benefits of these stadiums beyond hosting matches.
They serve as versatile venues for campaigns, public meetings, religious gatherings, and other events, fostering economic and social development. Economists emphasize that such infrastructure plays a pivotal role in transforming the mindset of the local population.
Ange Sebutege, the Mayor of Huye District, acknowledges the significant impact of the stadium on the town’s development.
She remarks, “The stadium is one of the infrastructures that have accelerated the development of Huye town. It has created job opportunities for our people. We are grateful for this gift from the Head of State, as it brings joy to sports and propels us towards development.
Moreover, the stadium has garnered international recognition, hosting international matches. With the infrastructure in place, foreigners can easily access accommodations, witnessing that Rwanda’s development extends beyond the city of Kigali. Additionally, we have seen increased private sector investments in hotels. Undoubtedly, the stadium has stimulated investment in our district.”
Richard Mutabazi, the Mayor of Bugesera District, highlights several advantages resulting from improved access to infrastructure, including enhanced professionalism and the ability to attract visitors.
He explains, “One notable advantage is that we receive visitors. In the past, when planning matches with prominent teams, we would often face complaints when our stadium didn’t meet their requirements. There were instances when we were compelled to play in Kigali, despite being the host team. During the renovation of the Kigali Stadium, Bugesera hosted many matches, generating revenue for the district. Additionally, local businesses experienced an influx of customers during these events.”
The positive impact of stadiums extends to Nyagatare as well. In addition to the benefits enjoyed by the Sunrise FC team, the city of Nyagatare continues to reap the advantages of being in close proximity to the stadium. Recently, the stadium hosted a match between Kiyovu Sports and Sunrise FC, with Kiyovu emerging victorious with a score of 1-0.
In addition to hosting matches, the stadium has served as the venue for graduation ceremonies of over 10,000 graduates from the University of Rwanda and East African University Rwanda.
Mayor Stephen Gasana of Nyagatare District shares the significance of having a suitable venue, stating, “Out of those 13,000 graduates, approximately 2,000 may be from Nyagatare, while the remaining 10,000 come from different parts of the country. They chose to come here because we had a place where we could host them. Prior to their arrival, we held numerous meetings with traders and the private sector to prepare for their visit.”
“Although we didn’t tally the exact numbers, the stadium was packed during the match between Sunrise and Kiyovu Sports, with a substantial number of cars parked in the vicinity. When visitors come, they explore the town, make purchases, and contribute to the local economy,” he added.
Decentralized stadiums, a promise fulfilled by President Kagame to citizens, have been built in Nyagatare, Bugesera, and Ngoma districts. Each stadium has a capacity to accommodate 4,000 people in both roofed and unroofed seating areas. The football playground of Nyagatare Stadium features a turf surface and includes additional facilities such as basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts. Furthermore, athletes can utilize the stadium’s running track for training and competitions.
These stadiums are part of a larger development plan, which includes complementary projects such as hotels, roads, and electricity infrastructure. The construction of such facilities not only provides economic opportunities but also transforms the mindset of the local population. By investing in sports infrastructure, Rwanda aims to create a thriving environment that nurtures talent, fosters unity, and attracts visitors from both domestic and international spheres.
The journey towards comprehensive sports infrastructure continues in Rwanda, with the expansion of the Amahoro Stadium serving as a testament to the country’s dedication to providing world-class facilities. With the completion of these stadiums, Rwandans are empowered to pursue their sporting aspirations and embrace the transformative power of sports in their lives.
{{Amahoro Stadium is undergoing major renovation works}}
