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Commemorating activities will last for 100 days symbolizing the period that the Genocide lasted.

The day is dedicated to remembering politicians who opposed the former regime’s plans to exterminate Tutsis.

Dr. Kalinda commended countries using international law to prosecute genocide suspects and urged others to follow suit.

He noted that some countries have not yet understood their role in fighting genocide and its ideology, citing nations that shield genocide fugitives.

In 2021, the Prosecution revealed that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had received the most arrest warrants for genocide fugitives (408) in Africa.

Uganda received 277 warrants, while Ghana and Benin received a smaller number.

Despite this, some African countries have not made progress in trying these suspects.

In total, over 1,000 arrest warrants have been sent to various countries, including European nations.

Dr. Kalinda also addressed the issue of genocide denial and trivialization, identifying the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) as key drivers of this ideology.

He urged everyone, particularly the youth, to combat genocide ideology and work together for peace in Rwanda.

Elisabeth Mukamana, Spokesperson of the Political Parties Forum, honored the politicians who were killed for their bravery and commitment to a non-discriminatory country.

She criticized the genocidal government and called on current political parties to promote humanity and unity among members.

Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascène, Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), emphasized that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was the result of decades of harmful politics and condemned politicians seeking to spread ethnic division and undermine Rwandan unity.

Politicians laid to rest at Rebero include Landouard Ndasingwa (PL), Charles Kayiranga (PL), Jean de la Croix Rutaremara (PL), Augustin Rwayitare (PL), Aloys Niyoyita (PL), Venantie Kabageni (PL), Andre Kameya (PL), Frederic Nzamurambaho (former president of PSD and Minister of Agriculture), Felicien Ngango (PSD), Jean Baptiste Mushimiyimana (PSD), Faustin Rucogoza (MDR) and Joseph Kavaruganda, the former President of Supreme Court.

They are appreciated for their commitment to resist evil and fighting against the execution of the Genocide which took lives of over 1 million victims.

These politicians laid at Rebero Genocide Memorial in Kigali City were members of political parties that opposed the vision of the former regime of President Juvenal Habyarimana and his ruling party dubbed Revolutionary National Movement for Development (MRND).

They opposed discrimination and strived for unity until they were killed on 7th April 1994 as the Genocide began.

These include Joseph Kavaruganda, Landouard Ndasingwa, Venantie Kabageni, Charles Kayiranga, Jean de la Croix Rutaremara, Augustin Rwayitare and Aloys Niyoyita among others.

Rwanda will end the mourning week for the 29th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi on Wednesday, April 13th, 2023, which coincides with the commemoration of fallen politicians.

However, commemoration activities will last for 100 days symbolizing the period that the Genocide lasted.

{{Below are profiles of the fallen politicians:}}

{{Joseph Kavaruganda}} was the President of the Constitutional Court. He opposed Genocide ideology until his last breath.

Kavaruganda who was also responsible for receiving the oath of Head of State; was killed on 7th April lest he would tamper with installation of the interim Government on the next day.

{{Landouard Ndasingwa}} was the President of Liberal Party (PL). The man renowned as Lando, his wife and two children were killed on 7th April 1994 in Remera by forces of the then Republican Guard.

{{André Kameya}} was a member of PL and journalist. He was killed in June 1994. His wife and children had been killed in April the same year. Kameya worked with Kinyamateka, ORINFOR and also served as the Chief Editor of the journal of the Ministry of Justice.

He was murdered after launching a newspaper dubbed Rwanda Rushya.

{{Frédéric Nzamurambaho}} was the President of Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Minister of Justice. He was shot dead on 7th April 1994 at his home by forces of the then Republican Guard.

{{Felicien Ngango}} was the Vice President of PSD. He was killed over defending unity among Rwandans without ethnic divisions. He was among politicians to be appointed in the Government following Arusha accords.

{{Faustin Rucogoza}} was a member of Republican Democratic Movement (MDR) and Minister of Information. He was killed along his wife on 7th April 1994. In 1993, Rucogoza had denounced hate speeches by Radio Television Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM) and issued a warning against the broadcaster.

{{Venantie Kabageni}} was a member of PL. He was killed at the beginning of Genocide against the Tutsi over his beliefs that opposed bad leadership of Habyarimana’s regime.

{{Augustin Rwayitare}} was a member of PL. He was killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi over opposing the Government which sowed hatred among Rwandans.

{{Jean de La Croix Rutaremara}} was also a politician whose vision was against ethnic discrimination fuelled by the former government.

{{Jean Baptiste Mushimiyimana}} was a member of PSD. He was killed for being an opposition figure of Habyarimana’s regime.

{{Charles Kayiranga}} was a politician and member of PL. He was killed in the Genocide over promoting democratic leadership.

{{Aloys Niyoyita}} was a politician from PL. He was killed for opposing the bad leadership of Habyarimana.

The majority of killed politicians were from PL deemed to belong to Tutsis.

They also opposed its president Justin Mugenzi who had been convinced by MRND and decided to form PL- POWER.

These politicians are an addition to the former Prime Minister, Agathe Uwilingiyimana buried at the Heroes’ Square in Remera. She is also remembered on the same date.

According to sources, a kilogram of Chia Seeds cost Rwf90,000, and a hectare was planted with 2 kilograms that yielded 1000 kilograms. Upon harvest, a farmer used to receive Rwf3,000 per kilogramme. The returns on this investment were quite impressive, with a single hectare yielding a harvest worth Rwf3 million in just three months.

However, the failure of Akens and Kernels Ltd to pay farmers for their produce has left many Chia Seeds farmers in debt and at risk of losing their properties.

Investing in Chia Seeds was considered a profitable venture, with a single hectare yielding a harvest worth Rwf3 million in just three months.

The total investment made by a farmer was Rwf1,574,000, which included Rwf180,000 for seeds, Rwf 200,000 for farm maintenance, Rwf 300,000 for land rent (to tenants), as well as expenses for fertilizer, weeding, planting, and harvesting. This meant that a farmer would generate a profit of Rw1,574,000 in three months per hectare.

However, the happiness of the Chia Seeds farmers did not last long because the company that bought their produce, Akens and Kernels Ltd, failed to pay them and secure a market for their last produce. This has left many farmers in debt and struggling to make ends meet.

Affected farmers include those grouped in Chia Seeds Farmers’ Cooperative in Ngoma District. They hoped to sell 450 tons of Chia Seeds at the end of last year, but not a single kilogram was sold.

This issue is in addition to another major debt worth Rwf248 million that Akens and Kernels Ltd owed them in 2021. The cooperative has 558 members, but 195 did not receive payments, leaving them in a dire financial situation.

Some farmers were hit particularly hard and were forced to sell their produce to unlicensed buyers at a giveaway price between Rwf500 and Rwf800 per kilogramme, despite the previous promise of Rwf3000 per kilogramme upon harvesting time.

In the meantime, Akens and Kernels Ltd entered into agreements with over 3800 farmers to invest in Chia Seeds, but the situation has turned sour, as they claim debts worth over Rwf27 billion.

{{A drop into the sea}}

The issues facing Chia Seeds farmers have come to public attention after several meetings aimed at finding a solution failed to yield any results. The affected farmers come from 17 districts and have not received payments after supplying their produce to Akens and Kernels Ltd.

The Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), which was among the institutions that encouraged farmers to grow Chia Seeds as a cash crop, acknowledged the problem.

MINALOC revealed via Twitter handle that 950 farmers are owed payments worth Rwf1.3 billion, based on presented delivery notes.

The message further stated that from 30th March 2023, farmers started receiving their money at the agreed-upon price as per current market prices. MINALOC explained that farmers from 11 districts with complete delivery notes have already received payments, and the program is ongoing.

However, the President of the Committee of Chia Seeds farmers at the national level, Emmy Nsengiyumva, has told IGIHE that only selected farmers have received payments, and not all farmers claiming payments owed by Akens and Kernels Ltd.

He noted that there are over 3000 farmers who invested in Akens and Kernels Ltd through agreements, and ‘the payments made so far are like a drop in the sea’.

Nsengiyumva disclosed that only farmers who had a delivery note were paid, including individuals and other cooperative members.

He further explained that there was no thorough consideration of proprietors, especially for those who invested in large tracts of land.

The produce in the store, which was supplied to Akens and Kernels Ltd by over 3800 farmers, was sold, but the money was only distributed among farmers with delivery notes from the company.

However, the issue of farmers who invested in Akens and Kernels Ltd by providing money for the company to grow the crop on the land provided by the government remains unsolved.

{{Rwf27 billion in debts claimed by Chia Seeds farmers}}

Over 3,800 farmers are demanding payment from Akens and Kernels Ltd, with a total claim of over Rwf27 billion, which includes the capital they invested in Chia Seeds cultivation across more than 8,000 hectares of land.

The government provided over 1,000 hectares of land to Akens and Kernels Ltd, including 200 in Rulindo, 800 in Gisagara, 100 in Nyanza, and 50 in Kirehe district in Mahama, among other locations.

However, the farmers who invested in these lands were not able to recoup their investments, as the crop was not fully exploited.

Investments made by various individuals and entities in Akens and Kernels Ltd total more than Rwf17 billion, excluding profit. These investors were supposed to receive returns from the produce that was taken to the Dubai market, but to date, they have not received any payments.

Nsengiyumva has criticized the government’s handling of the situation, stating that instead of following up on the arrears, the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) sold the produce in store to pay farmers.

Nsengiyumva explained that the main problem relates to Akens and Kernels Ltd failing to cultivate as promised, despite the encouragement provided by various institutions in charge of agriculture and MINALOC.

He emphasized that not all individuals should be victims of the mismanagement of Akens and Kernels Ltd, and that ‘these institutions must ensure it is held accountable’.

{{Fear for dissolution without payment of debts}}

The future of Akens and Kernels Ltd remains uncertain as an audit revealed that the company is unaccountable for Rwf17 billion, including Rwf860 million from produce sold in Dubai. As a result, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) filed a lawsuit to dissolve the company.

A court case is scheduled for 20th April 2023, IGIHE has learnt.

Nsengiyumva believes that Akens and Kernels Ltd should be held accountable for the money that farmers invested in the business. He fears that the dissolution of the company would leave the farmers with no place to ask for their property.

Nsengiyumva affirms that if the company goes bankrupt, the government should intervene and help the farmers since it accepted Chia Seeds as a cash crop.

Farmers are demanding that the government impound the tractors and other assets of Akens and Kernels Ltd to pay their debts.

This problem has had a significant impact on farmers, with some of them losing their properties and others suffering from mental health issues due to the financial losses.

The article in question is an opinion piece crafted by Anjan Sundaram, a journalist renowned for working with Rwandan dissidents.

It was published on Tuesday 11th April 2023 with a title that goes ‘He’s a Brutal Dictator, and One of the West’s Best Friend’.

Anjan Sundaram gained fame for his book titled’ “Bad News: Last Journalists in a Dictatorship” where he says that Rwanda there is no press freedom.

The book faced criticism from individuals who claimed that the author had misrepresented their testimonies.

Sundaram frequently appears in talk shows hosted by Rwandan dissidents, many of whom are affiliated with the RNC led by Kayumba Nyamwasa. It is said that the terrorist group pays him to speak ill of Rwanda.

In his opinion piece published in The New York Times which often runs articles tarnishing Rwanda’s image, Sundaram said that President Paul Kagame has throughout his leadership ‘shut down the free press and clamped down on dissent’.

He also went on to state that President Kagame is one of the best friends of Europeans where he gets floor to deliver speeches and appreciated by Western leaders.

Sundaram expressed concerns over Rwanda’s development, as well as its selection as a host for international events and the presence of plants like Volkswagen, which assembles cars in the country.

The man hailing from India, further said that President Kagame has cast himself as the hero who ended Genocide yet he is accused of “sparking” it and ‘doing little to prevent it.

He stated that the United Kingdom should not send migrants and asylum seekers in the country claiming that ‘it seems to be a reward for dictatorship’.

Stephanie Nyombayire, the Press Secretary for the Office of the Presidency has via Twitter handle rebuked The New York Times for providing space to Sundaram to publish an article reopening the wounds of Genocide survivors.

“As survivors share their painful testimonies, as the country remembers the Genocide against the Tutsi, The New York Times found it fit to publish a piece blaming the victims for causing it and “not doing enough” to stop it,” she tweeted.

Nyombayire said that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was a result of bad leadership and supporters ‘who turned revisionists and apologists today’.

“Welcome to the club Anjan, you can take your seat alongside the latter. The RPA/RPF put an end to the Genocide against the Tutsi. NO ONE else,” she noted.
Nyombayire explained that Rwanda’s development ambitions do not need approval by Westerners.

“Contrary to popular NYT belief, our utmost national ambition is not western approval or any other euphemism for ‘Africans need supervision’. If you care to know, it is actually transforming the lives of citizens, with actions, not articles,” she added.

Nyombayire ended his message with an extract from the speeches of President Kagame where he said: “Nobody will ever decide for us how to live our lives.”

The national mourning week in Rwanda begins on April 7th, and the flame remains lit for the next 100 days, symbolizing the period that the genocide lasted.

This time is meant to express solidarity with Rwandans, but unfortunately, some individuals persist in their refusal to change their attitudes and repeatedly reopen the wounds of survivors, particularly during the commemoration period.

In terms of those who continue to cause harm, certain European countries and the United States have made statements that distort the truth and fail to recognize the proper appellation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as approved by the United Nations (UN).

Political experts argue that the continued use of an incorrect appellation by the US and the United Kingdom demonstrates extreme contempt and reflects their stubbornness.

As Rwanda began commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi for the 29th time last week, some partner countries shared messages of comfort with the Rwandan people.

However, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, sparked controversy with a tweet that paid tribute to others killed for distancing themselves from the genocidal government.

“The U.S. stands with Rwanda during Kwibuka 29 in remembering the Tutsi victims of genocide. We also mourn the others who were murdered for their opposition to a genocidal regime. Let us recommit to preventing the horror of genocide from occurring again,” he tweeted.

The message sparked mixed reactions among social media users who criticized Secretary of State Blinken for drawing a comparison between Tutsis who were targeted and killed based on their innate identity, and those who were killed for denouncing the genocide plans.

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Mary Catherine “Molly” Phee, also made remarks that undermined the the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in her commemoration message to Rwandans living in the US.

“On this solemn day, we remember the lives lost during 100 days of unspeakable violence. We grieve for the hundreds of thousands of Tutsi victims – men, women, and children – who were targets of genocidal violence because of their ethnicity. We also remember the Hutu, Twa, and others who were murdered due to their opposition to a genocidal regime. We stand with the survivors who witnessed these terrible crimes and still mourn the loss of their loved ones,” she said.

Rwanda insists that those who cannot acknowledge the correct appellation for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi should refrain from sharing messages that distort historical facts.

According to Nkusi Juvenal, a political expert and senator in Rwanda’s Upper Chamber of Parliament, the country continues to encounter chauvinistic attitudes, which he views as contemptuous behavior.

“The US’s attitude towards Rwanda is a gesture of extreme contempt towards us. The US practices chauvinistic politics all over the world. Changing their attitude seems unlikely,” stated political expert Nkusi Juvenal.

Similarly, Tito Rutaremara, another political expert, explained that the US’s stance is not surprising as it has been maintained for a long time.

He added, “It is not surprising that the US and the United Kingdom were the only countries to abstain from voting in favor of the proper appellation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, despite Tutsis being the only people targeted and killed based solely on their innate identity. Their reasons for sticking to their stance remain unclear, but they should try to understand it.”

Tom Ndahiro, a researcher on the Genocide, explained that neglecting to mention victims who were targeted for extermination is like killing them twice because it shows a lack of desire to keep their memory alive.

He added, “This mixture of mentioning something else is one of the factors that fuel Genocide denial and trivialization.”

Ndahiro criticized countries that claim to understand Rwanda’s challenges but still provide leeway for statements that trivialize the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, insisting that they should acknowledge historical reality.

As he presided over the ceremony marking the beginning of commemoration week on 7th April 2023, President Paul Kagame said that people with intentions to run away from historical facts won’t find a hiding place.

“You can run but can’t hide. There is no hiding place for you from these very facts of our history. So even those who have their time to say whatever they want to say, they will say it. Maybe they will do many things based on that as well. But the fact is, they cannot find a place to hide,” he said last week.

“And some of those who try to distort the facts of our history, it’s just because they cannot be ashamed. But we have our lives to live, all of us, and nobody, I want to say nobody, will ever decide for us how to live our lives. We have strength, incredible strength, coming from this history that informs us, that tells us that you should never, never, allow anybody else to dictate to you how you live your life. And that is Rwanda today,” added Kagame.

During his visit to Rwanda last year, Blinken was asked why the United States refused to adopt the official definition of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, but his response was evasive.

Blinken stated that the US has been clear about recognizing the Genocide and added that he had visited ‘the memorial’ a few hours earlier to understand the suffering of ‘so many people’.

He also stated that the US would continue working with the United Nations to properly recognize this dark period in history and would do everything in their power to ensure that it is never repeated.

The media was used as a tool by bad leadership that prepared for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with many media houses affiliated with political parties or founded by businesspeople with close links to the then-leadership.

The involvement of media houses, particularly RTLM, during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda is depicted in the theatre play “Hate Radio,” which was first played in Rwanda at Kigali Convention Centre on April 8th, 2023, and attended by First Lady Jeannette Kagame and other leaders.

The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascène said that RTLM played a big role in fueling killings of Tutsis.

“Using the media to spread incite hatred did not begin with RTLM. It had been planned for long. Political parties founded in Rwanda in 1959 initiated media houses spreading hatred. RTLM has traceable roots, other media houses where it drew inspiration.”

He pointed out an example of APOROSOMA, a political party that established a media house dubbed “Ijwi rya Rubanda Rugufi” translated as ‘The Voice for Ordinary Citizens’ in 1959. At the time, Parmehutu party also founded a media house called ‘Jyambere’.

“These media houses worked together to teach people that the country is for Hutus, running publications that Tutsis would be killed. It was put that way since 1959.”

The third edition of Jyambere newspaper published on 27th November 1959, featured a statement that read: “Tutsis will be exterminated if they continue to live in the neighbourhood of Hutus.”

Dr. Bizimana said that “Jyambere” made the publication two weeks after killings of Tutsis from 1st November 1959.

Another edition of “Ijwi rya Rubanda Rugufi” that belonged to APROSOMA was issued on 27th September 1959 where the Chief Editor, Gitera Joseph published what he termed as ‘Ten commandments of Hutus’.

At the time, APROSOMA urged citizens to stand united, vote for Hutu leaders instead of Tutsis or Hutus with friendship with Tutsis as they would be enemies.

Minister Bizimana said that Jyambere newspaper was re-launched in 1991 by MDR political party after approving the pluralism of political parties.

Jyambere continued its manipulation agenda along with other newspapers including “Kangura” founded in July 1991 and Power founded by Karamira in November 1993 among others.

Minister Bizimana said that all these newspapers had a shared agenda to mobilize the killings of Tutsis.

On 9th February 1991, Kangura run a publication that read: ‘Let us know Inkotanyi and supporters of RPF and exterminate them’.

The 54th edition of Kangura issued in February 1994, also run an article stating that ‘spies for the enemy are well known’.

Other newspapers including Kinyamateka and Isibo said to be against the regime of Habyarimana later changed their editorial line and run content fueling hatred and ethnic discrimination.

The sixth edition of Isibo newspaper issued on 10th January 1991, also featured an article with a title ‘A Tutsi in this era of Inkotanyi’. It published what was termed as guidelines to be respected every day.

Of the five commandments of Hutus, one encouraged Hutus to ‘Inspect a Tutsi that refuse to change attitudes lest she/he taints others’.

“It is clear that Isibo was mobilizing for killings of Tutsis as requested by the then government,” noted Minister Bizimana.

The fifth commandment for Tutsis read that ‘A patriotic Tutsi has to help the leadership to detect stubborn relatives, who conceal cruelty and cunning’.

As Dr. Bizimana said, Isibo concluded saying that ‘the machette of 1959 awakened many Tutsis where anyone against the advice wants the country to be stuck in a war’.

“The statement written in 1991 mobilized for more killings of Tutsis as it had happened in 1959,” he noted.

Kinyamateka newspaper also offered space for publication inciting hatred even though it was not among hate media.

The 1338th edition in 1991, indicated that the country was blessed ‘because the war brought the unity of Hutus’.

Kinyamateka also referred to Tutsis and Inkotanyi as enemies of Rwanda.

{{The intervention of Habyarimana and Kabuga in establishment of RTLM}}

Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM) was established on 8th July 1993 but was mainly involved in the mobilization of killings of Tutsis between April and July 1994.

It was initially nicknamed ‘Radiyo Rutwitsi’ and had studios at the current Kigali CarFree Zone. The radio used its popularity to incite hatred.

It was founded by a group led by Dr. Ferdinand Nahimana, one of experts in the country at the time.

Nahimana drafted the first piece determining the establishment of RTLM.

The committee that initiated the idea was led by businessman, Kabuga Félicien.

Other members of the committee included Serugendo Joseph, Ephrem Ntezabera, Jean Bosco Barayagwiza while Juvénal Habyarimana was the first honorary shareholder of RTLM.

Minister Bizimana disclosed that Habyarimana booked shares worth Rwf1 million at the time.

Other shareholders include Kabuga, Basabose Philippe and other top government officials.

“This proves that RTLM was state-owned,” said Minister Bizimana.

It is said that RTLM worked closely with The Rwanda Information Office (ORINFOR) where many journalists were recruited from ORINFOR.

These include Habimana Kantano, Noheli Hitimana, Joël Hakizimana and Gaspard Gahigi among others.

“It shows us that Genocide was possible because it was supported by the government. The media was one of used tools,” noted Minister Bizimana.

Calling Tutsis cockroaches that would be killed was among words inciting hatred and fueling ethnic divisionism that were aired on RTLM.

Such words triggered mixed reactions during Arusha peace accords where politicians against the regime of Habyarimana demanded the shutdown of the radio.

At the time, Dr. Nahimana who headed the radio explained that it was established to be on the defensive of Radiyo Muhabura of RPF –Inkotanyi, but was a contradiction of the radio’s editorial line.

Following the shooting down of Habyarimana’s airplane on 6th April 1994, RTLM encouraged Hutus to kill Tutsis accusing them of being behind the incident.

Other journalists popular at RTLM include Valérie Bemeriki. She was handed life sentence for her role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

He was speaking at the ceremony marking the beginning of the 29th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at Kigali Genocide Memorial.

During the ceremony, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascene talked about Genocide ideology propagated by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) on support of Congolese government.

“FDLR is comprised of remnant perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and others harbouring genocide ideology. The terrorist group has not been decimated because the Congolese government works with it and fuels hatred and killings targeting Congolese from Tutsi ethnicity,” he said.

President Kagame has said that it is impossible to ignore what is happening nearby Rwandan borders, noting that the silence of international community over the situation is alarming.

“We cannot, however, ignore the fact that things like violence and hate speech persist, not so far away from here. Much as it does so, you can also see the same indifference today, as we saw in 1994,” he said.

Kagame further stated that Genocide denial is a dangerous and deliberate attempt to block the truth.

“We must fight revisionist ideologies because they are easily passed on from generation to generation. We must fight denial because that is how history repeats itself,” he noted.

The Head of State also urged Rwandan youth to learn about the country’s past, so that they can lead not only ‘with historical clarity, but also with a sense of responsibility and accountability’.

“That is the essence of Kwibuka Twiyubaka.”

He said that Rwandans will never accept to be divided.

“Rwandans will not accept any attempt to divide us. We had enough of it. More than enough. That will not succeed again, here, ever,” he said.

“This underscores the need to find solutions within ourselves, no matter how unconventional that may be, and remain in charge of our destiny. Do you remember, at the time of need, when we needed every help we could get, and everybody in the world turned their back on us,” added Kagame.

He told Rwandans that they need to develop self-reliance and expressed optimism that it is possible with acquired lessons.

“The message is: you are on your own. So we should learn to be on our own. And I think we have learnt enough. If people help we appreciate. If they don’t, we don’t have to all of us perish just because somebody didn’t show up to help,” noted Kagame.

“Therefore, the most important lesson our country has learnt is to transform challenges into opportunities, and also use so little to do a lot. There is nothing Rwandans cannot overcome, through unity, hard work, and perseverance,” added Kagame.

In his annual commemorative message on the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, Guterres mourned the lives lost and paid tribute to the resilience of the survivors.

He recognized the journey of the Rwandan people towards healing, restoration, and reconciliation, while also acknowledging the failure of the international community to prevent such atrocities.

“A generation since the Genocide, we must never forget what happened – and ensure future generations always remember,” said Guterres. He also highlighted how easily hate speech – a key indicator of the risk of genocide – turns to hate crime and how “complacency in the face of atrocity is complicity.”

The prevention of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other serious violations of international law is a shared responsibility and a “core duty” of every member of the United Nations, according to Guterres. He stressed the need for all nations to stand firm against rising intolerance, be ever vigilant, and always ready to act.

As we remember the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Guterres called on the world to truly honor their memory by building a future of dignity, security, justice, and human rights for all.

“No place and no time are immune to danger, including our own.”

On Friday, April 14, the Memorial Ceremony to mark the 29th anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi will be held at UN Headquarters in NY. The event will feature addresses by the Secretary-General, the President of the UN General Assembly, and other officials, as well as remarks from a survivor of the Genocide.

He made the call as he interacted with members of Kenyan diaspora in Rwanda on the second-day of his visit to the Country of Thousand Hills.

President Ruto told Kenyans that the development of the country depends not only on taxes and loans but also on investments that create jobs for the population.

The Head of State said his administration will in the next two weeks launch the ‘Boma Yangu’ initiative to benefit Kenyans living abroad.

He said the programme, which is part of the low-cost houses will benefit Kenyans living abroad just like their colleagues at home.

He noted that the government would provide free land to solve the problem of high land costs, which would significantly reduce the cost of homes. The government is also exploring ways to help people obtain loans to buy these homes.

Among others, Ruto also disclosed that companies such as Amazon, Google, and MasterCard have expressed interest in investing in Kenya.

He emphasized that this private investment would create jobs for Kenyans in various sectors.

Kenya’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Alfred Mutua, also called on Kenyans living abroad to invest in their home country, noting that changes were underway to make life easier for them, including through closer and more efficient embassies.

President Ruto revealed that Kenya has signed agreements with various companies, including vaccine producer Moderna, which will invest US$500 million in the country and create about 100,000 jobs.

He also lauded the role played by Kenyans in the diaspora in national development and urged them to be good ambassadors of Kenya.

William Ruto concluded his state visit to Rwanda on Wednesday 5th April 2022.

During his visit, he signed ten agreements with Rwanda aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

They were signed in the areas of correctional services, diplomatic training, ICT, health, youth, education and cooperative development among others.