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The two-day FIFA Council Meeting kicks off on Friday at Kigali Convention Centre to end on Saturday.

Rwanda was chosen to host the 8th FIFA Council Meeting during the FIFA’s first meeting of the year held in Bogota, Colombia in March this year.

The meeting will bring together over 100 delegates from different confederations across the world to discuss issues concerning the development of football.

Hours before the meeting kicks off, President Kagame has received Gianni Infantino, President of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), though Office of the President, Village Urugwiro what marked the discussions between the two.

It was not the first time for President Kagame to meet the world football governing body President Infantino as the two have met more than once either in Rwanda or abroad.

In July 2017, Kagame was received by Infantino and visited the World Football Museum, located in Zurich, Switzerland.

This followed the visit conducted by Gianni Infantino to Rwanda in February 2017 when Kagame promised him that Rwanda was ready to host all football activities FIFA would request Rwanda.

Infantino has praised President Kagame for his support to football as he sponsors different football competitions including the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) interclub competition dubbed ‘CECAFA Kagame Cup’.

The FIFA Council Meeting will discuss plans to revamp the Club World Cup and introduce global nation’s league according to reports.

The annual Club World Cup, which features seven teams would be expanded to 24 teams and moved to once in every, four years, according to proposals.

At 37, Malema is known as the Chief Opposition figure to ANC, South Africa’s ruling political party and he is considered among the toughest voices that led to the resignation of former South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma.

IGIHE has conducted an exclusive interview with Julius Malema on the sidelines of the Pan African Parliament summit held in Kigali where he talks about Nelson Mandela, the relationship between Rwanda and South Africa and his planned campaign to contest for the presidential seat in South Africa next year.

Below are excerpts from the Interview:

{{IGIHE: What is the meaning of democracy to you?
}}

{{Malema:}} Democracy is the will of the people where the individual rights are being respected, where people have voting rights to choose any form of government without any fear, any form of intimidation and the people have the rights to remove any government that does not fulfill their aspirations and they should do so in a peaceful and democratic manner and they should be allowed to exercise those rights.

{{How do you picture Africa according to your definition?
}}

We should have a continent characterized by peace, growing economically, where countries are trading among themselves, taking advantage of both their natural and mineral resources for economic growth, to defeat poverty and unemployment, defeat levels of illiteracy and position Africa in the geopolitics and rightful place as an equal partner with other continents of the world not as a subcontinent. So, we are going to fight for a continent where we speak one language.

{{What do we lack?
}}

We lack unity. The west imperialism survives through divisions. So they divide people and through that division, they are able to exploit our mineral resources.

{{Coming back to your own political career, why did you choose to form your own political party?
}}

Well, in South Africa, there was a vacuum, everyone else was advocating for neoliberalism and we thought that we needed a political party that speaks for the landless people, the unemployed people in South Africa and all the dejected masses of people including the workers because the Union of workers is indeed with the employed and it dances to the tune of the ruling party. Therefore, we needed a party that would represent the working class.

{{How is your party today?
}}

Our party is growing very fast. Today it is one of the fastest growing political parties and the third largest political party in South Africa. We have got more than 400,000 members in good standing and we have been formed less than five years now. That is why it is important that we grow this party because democracy in South Africa is a multiparty democracy. So, for it to survive, it needs political parties.

You are among political opponents that pushed for the constitution to be amended so that the land can be expropriated for the citizens.

That is what we are advocating for because the land in South Africa was stolen. The white minority came and concurred the people of South Africa and took the land. We are of a view that for us to have peace in South Africa, we have to restore the land in the hands of the rightful owners because the revolution has always been like that the land was restored into the hands of the people. We are now going to be celebrating 25 years into democracy yet the land is in the hands of the minority and we are not saying the minorities should leave South Africa; we say there is enough land in South Africa to share and we must share it with all who live in South Africa, the blacks and whites.

{{Do you think this land will be productively put to use as it has been while in hands of the whites?
}}

Malema: The whites found us producing, the whites did not teach us to eat. They found us eating. Producing means eating, production means we must produce to feed ourselves. We are not so much about maximizing or making profits. We are about feeding ourselves and if we produce more, then we can start selling to other nations. The black people are the ones working in farms in South Africa and the farms are what they are because of the black people.

{{How are you prepared to contest in the elections slated to be held next year?
}}

We are going to contest in South Africa. We are going to run a successful campaign all over South Africa and we hope to unseat the ruling party, the ANC through outright majority or through coalitions. We hope to get more than 51% of the votes in South Africa. You don’t join a boxing match hoping to lose, you go to fight with the intention to win.

{{Who is Nelson Mandela to you?
}}

Mandela is a hero to me. Mandela represents the aspirations of the majority of people. Mandela is one of the people who liberated us and in everything we do, we seek to achieve what Mandela did not achieve because Mandela as a human being, could not have achieved everything. He took from point A to B and now moving to point C is our business. Times were extremely critical of him because we sometimes think that he considered too much particularly when it comes to the economy and to the land question. We must continue his fight.

{{What didn’t he do on the land problem?
}}

In negotiations, he should have made a priority the land problem and come up with time frames by when, what should have been achieved and how. When you look at the negotiations, nothing more was said about the land question, yet that was the core of the struggle.

{{Of recent, South Africa has not been in good relationship with Rwanda and it is now hard for Rwandans to get visas to South Africa. What do you think should be done?
}}

I don’t know that [about deteriorated relationships]. What I know is that our country and Rwanda are in a good relationship. We might disagree on this and that but we are countries that have high respect and regard for each other.

It is not only Rwandans who struggle to get visas to South Africa. Many other African countries struggle with visas to South Africa. We, in our party, EFF, we have always said we should open borders to our African brothers and sisters because these borders were imposed on us by colonialists during the scramble for Africa. They are not of our own creation. To want to put more emphasis on borders is to unwittingly support colonialism.

{{Recently you said Africa should have one language, Kiswahili. Why?
}}

Malema: Swahili is one of the languages of our own creation and it is one of the highly spoken languages in the continent. If we were to introduce that language in the curriculum of schools in Africa, we can use that to unite the continent. People relate easily and they are comfortable around each other when they speak the same language. If we are to gradually unite Africa, to come close to each other, Swahili has got some dialects of the majority of languages and therefore we feel all represented in that language. There are so many things that can unite us like the common currency, the Common African parliament, the legislature that can make decisions that are binding because the PAP (Pan African Parliament) now is not properly structured as it cannot take decisions that are binding to some countries.

It is not impossible to become the United States of Africa, it is impossible for one Africa with one President and one executive. The more the younger generations get exposed to democratic practices, the more the dictators will get rejected in their countries

{{But African youths still fear to engage in politics, thinking it is reserved for only old people?
}}

That is because the old men thrive on instilling that misinformation among young people. So, all the democracy loving people should encourage younger people to engage in politics because politics determines the future of our countries and the world and the youth are the future of the world and therefore cannot wait somewhere for someone to determine their future on their behalf. We are here to revive the interest of the youth in politics and mostly on the African continent.

1. The Cabinet welcomed the new Cabinet Members and wished them success in their duties.

2. The Cabinet welcomed the election of Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo as the next Secretary-General of La Francophonie.

3. The Cabinet emphasized strengthening the use of the French language in education, training, and business in Rwanda.

4. The Cabinet meeting approved the minutes of the Cabinet Meeting held on 14th September 2018.

5. The Cabinet Meeting approved the following Policies, Programs, and Strategies:

– Waiver of visa requirements to citizens of the Republic of Angola, People’s Republic of China, Republic of Namibia, Republic of Mozambique, the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis and the United Arab Emirates.

– Transfer of the Government shares in Giheke Dairy plant to the farmers’ cooperative (COOPRODEG).

– Agreement between the Government of Rwanda and Zipline for the delivery of medical products via drones.

– Authorized Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board to issue licenses to twenty-seven (27) successful applicants to undertake mining and quarrying operations.

6. The Cabinet Meeting approved the following draft laws:

– Draft Law approving ratification of the Loan Agreement signed in Kigali, Rwanda on 16 October 2018, between the Republic of Rwanda and the African Development Bank, relating to the loan of one hundred sixty-five million five hundred ninety thousand Euros (EUR 165,590,000) for scaling up electricity access program II (SEAP II);

– Draft Law approving ratification of the Loan Agreement signed in Kigali, Rwanda on 16 October 2018, between the Republic of Rwanda and the African Development Fund, relating to the loan of fifty-three million Units of Account (UA 53,000,000) for scaling up electricity access program II (SEAP II);

– Draft Law governing Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) and determining its mission, organization and functioning;

– Draft Law modifying Law N° 42/2011 of 31/10/2011 relating to Civil Aviation Security.

7. The Cabinet Meeting approved the following Orders:

– Presidential Order approving the secondment of SP Christine Gakuba, Senior Officer of Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) to Muhabura Multichoice Company;

– Prime Minister’s Order determining the Supervising Authority of Rwanda Law Enforcement Specialized Academy (RLEA);

– Prime Minister’s Order appointing Ms. Dusabe Charlotte, Prosecutor at Intermediate Level;

– Prime Minister’s Order withdrawing a Plot of Land, located in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District, from the State Public Property to State Private Property;

– Prime Minister’s Order withdrawing two Plots of Land and immovable assets located in Muhima Sector, Nyarugenge District from State Public property to Private Property;

– Prime Minister’s Order withdrawing Land and Immovable Assets located in Muhima Sector, Nyarugenge District from State Public Property to Private Property;

– Prime Minister’s Order withdrawing Land and Immovable Assets from State Public Property to Private Property (11 residential houses) located in Niboye Sector, Kicukiro District and in Nyamirambo Sector, Nyarugenge District;

– Prime Minister’s Order dismissing Mr. Dusabimana Syridion who was a Director of Animal Resources Extension in Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) from Public Service due to gross misconduct;

– Prime Minister’s Order dismissing Mrs. Margaret Mbabazi who was a Director of Finance and Administration in the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda (INMR) from Public Service due to gross misconduct;

– Prime Minister’s Order dismissing Mr. Ruhumuriza Albert who was Director of Administration and Human Resources in Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) from Public Service due to gross misconduct.

– Prime Minister’s Order dismissing Mr. Toto wa Mugenza Emmanuel who was Director of Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and ICT in National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA) from Public Service due to gross misconduct.

– Ministerial Order amending Ministerial Order No 04/CAB.M/018 of 24/07/2018 establishing Civil Aviation regulations.

8. The Cabinet Meeting made the following appointments:

{{In the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning/Minecofin
}}
Mr. Kwizera Jean Florent: Director of ICT Unit.

{{In the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC)
}}
– Mr. Habimana Fabien: Director of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Research Unit;

– Mr. Niyomana Mico Emmanuel: Director of Education Policy Planning and Analysis Unit;

– Mrs. Kubwimana Fortune: Director of Languages and Humanities.

{{In Rwanda Governance Board (RGB)}}

Mrs. Mukasekuru Rahab: Director of Finance and Administration Unit.

{{In Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA)
}}

Mr. Nkubito James: Director of Planning and Cooperative Promotion Unit.

{{In Media High Council (MHC)
}}

Mrs. Kanzayire Denyse: Director of Media Content, Research and
Development

{{In Rwanda Bio-medical Centre (RBC)
}}

Mr. Mpabuka Etienne: Director of Immuno-Virology Unit Inspection
Unit.

{{In Rwanda Education Board (REB)
}}

– Mrs. Sengati Diane: Director of Digital Content and Instructional Technology Development Unit;
– Mr. Gatera Augustin: Director of Language Subjects Unit;
– Mr. Gasinzigwa G. Peter: Director of Arts & Humanities Subjects Question Item Bank Unit;
– Mr. Rutali Gerard: Director of Selection, Orientation and Certification Unit;
– Mr. Ndayambaje Johnson: Director of Language Subject’s Question Item Bank Unit;
– Mr. Buhigiro Seth: Director of Connectivity and Network Development Unit;
– Mr. Kanamugire Camille: Director of Math & Science subjects Question Item Bank Unit;
– Mr. Murasira Gerard: Director of Teacher Training Unit;
– Mr. Kayumba Theogene: Director of ICT Unit.

{{In Higher Education Council (HEC)
}}

Mr. Gacinya Desire: Director of Bursary/Loan and Fund Management Unit

{{In the Workforce Development Authority (WDA)
}}

Mrs. Uwamahoro Solange: Director of Qualification, Licensing, and Accreditation Unit

{{In the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centers (IPRC)
}}

– Mr. Umuherwa Gaston: Director of Training for College Campuses Unit – IPRC Ngoma;
– Mrs. Niyombabazi Irene: Director of Academic Services Unit – IPRC Kigali;
– Mr. Kajuga Bernard Thomas: Director of Students Welfare Unit – IPRC Kigali;
– Mr. Karangwa David: Director of Finance Unit – IPRC Gishari;
– Mrs. Murebwayire Rutabana Beata: Director of Students Affairs Unit – IPRC Gishari;
– Mr. Mushimiyimana Jean Damascene: Director of Human Resource and Administration Unit– IPRC-Musanze;
– Mr. Nkurayija Eric: Director of Students Affairs Unit – IPRC Musanze.

9. AOBs.

– The Minister of Health informed the Cabinet that Rwanda will host the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) from 12th to 15th November 2018.

– The Minister of Sports and Culture informed the Cabinet that Rwanda will host a number of International Sports events:
From 25th to 26th October 2018: The 8th Council of International Federation of Football Association (FIFA).
From 20th to 24th October 2018: Football Clinic for Under 15 years.
From 4th to 8th September 2019: The 2019 Commonwealth Games Federation’s General Assembly and Strategic Forum.

– The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources informed the Cabinet that the World Food Day will be celebrated at National Level on 26th October 2018 in Rurembo II Village, Rwabutazi Cell, Gatore Sector, Kirehe District, Eastern Province.

– The Minister of Environment informed the Cabinet that the Government of Rwanda received an Award for “Exceptional Leadership in Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy in Africa’’.

– The Cabinet was also informed that on 27th September 2018 at the UN General Assembly in New York, The Fund for Environment and Climate Change (FONERWA) received the “2018 UN Momentum for Change Climate Action Award” in the Financing for Climate Friendly Investment Category.

– The Minister in the Office of the President informed the Cabinet that Rwanda will host two regional meetings:
The 12th Annual General Meeting of the East African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (EAAACA) from 19th to 23rd November 2018, under the theme: “Winning the Fight against Corruption in Eastern Africa: Lessons and Challenges”.

The 6th African Ombudsman and Mediators Association General Assembly from 27th to 30th November 2018, under the theme: “The Role of the Ombudsman/Mediators in Promoting Transparency and Accountable Governance in Africa.”

– The Ministry of Trade and Industry informed the Cabinet about the launch of the Policy and Logo of Made in Rwanda on 25th October 2018 in Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village. The event will be followed by the 4th Made in Rwanda Expo on 28th November to 11th December 2018.

– The Minister of Youth informed the Cabinet that on 1st November 2018, African Youth Day will be celebrated at a National level.

Speaking after the handover and takeover ceremony at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mushikiwabo said she is happy the Ministry she had led for the last nine years ‘‘stays in good hands.’’

Addressing her former workmates at MINAFFET, Mushikiwabo said, “I acclaim Minister Sezibera to you. He is not new. He is a good person with praiseworthy behaviors. You are in good hands. He is a hard worker. I am leaving happily because the Ministry stays in good hands.”

“I usually hate biding the farewells and relocating. I would like to say we worked well with each other. My wish is to see the Ministry keep developing and I have no doubt that will be as all the requirements are available. This is not an easy job. Just keep up your commitment and the love of the work,” she added.

After handing over the instruments of office, Mushikiwabo hugged Sezibera as she whispered into his ears and then smiled, attracting the full applause from all participants who were present at the ceremony.

Dr. Richard Sezibera who becomes the 21st Foreign Minister of Rwanda since independence commended Mushikiwabo for the job she has done in the Ministry.

“I thank Mushikiwabo for her performance in the Ministry. There are so many foreign Ministers but there not those who are like Mushikiwabo. I know we will keep working with each other,” he said.

Sezibera said Rwanda’s diplomacy has got a good vision and it is equipped with the energy and the hope for the future it derives from its history.

“As the country develops, diplomacy also develops. We are in the diplomacy respected by foreign nations and with the clear vision of 2050.

Dr. Sezibera urged his fellow workers to serve the country as a general duty.

“It requires us to work faster than others. Our weaknesses should not hinder us to achieve our vision. My office is open for ideas and, please come and we talk to collaborate,” he said.

In 1999, Sezibera was appointed Ambassador of Rwanda to the USA with concurrent accreditation to Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. He served in the Office of the President of Rwanda as Special Envoy to the African Great Lakes Region and Senior Advisor to the President of Rwanda among many other official duties.

In 2008, he was appointed Minister of Health, a position he held until 2011 when he was appointed the East 4th African Community Secretary General. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs while he worked as a Senator on the South Province slot.

On Tuesday, newly appointed Minister of Trade and Industry, Soraya Hakuziyaremye took over office during a ceremony where the outgoing Minister Vincent Munyeshyaka handed her instruments of office.

She used the occasion to pronounce herself on a commitment to expend a lot of energy and resources to reduce trade deficit which gravely affects Rwanda’s economic performance.

She said she will partner with foreign investors to help local industries make standard products that can favorably compete on international markets.

“We shall put much emphasis on partnering with foreign partners and investors to produce and export commodities that meet international standards,” she said.

Hakuziyaremye also said on her working agenda is to identify industries that will specialize in making products that are uniquely Rwandan.

She also promised to consult with industrialists and other stakeholders to explore the possibilities of reviewing some trade and industrial policies.

The new Minister said her predecessor has done a good job from which she will build, including the positioning of Made-in-Rwanda products on international markets.

“We will strive hard to get markets for locally made products. It is an aspect we will discuss with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure local farmers produce also get markets,” she added.

Vincent Munyeshyaka said Rwandan industries are growing but they have not reached the needed level.

He said, “In 2014, the difference between imports and exports was $2.4 billion and reduced to $1.2 billion in 2017, a 50% decrease.”

Munyeshyaka said he managed well his time in the Ministry but reducing the current gap between imports and exports requires long-term actions.

Soraya Hakuziyaremye is a financial management expert with a Master’s degree in Finance and Marketing, from the Solvay Business School of Universite Libre de Belgique.

She also holds a Certificate of Advanced Studies in International Management, awarded by the Thunderbird School of Global Management, at Arizona State University in the USA.

For a period of nearly four years, beginning in December 2002, Ms. Hakuziyaremye worked at the Bank of New York. She then relocated to Brussels and joined Fortis Bank, where she spent six years.

In June 2012, She came back to Rwanda and spent two and one-half years serving as Senior Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. After a brief stint in private consulting in Brussels, she was hired by the Dutch financial conglomerate, ING, where she rose to the rank of Vice President, Financial Institutions and Financial Markets Risk Management, based in London.

Kanyankole is accused of asking and receiving illegal benefits to offer a service, punishable under article 4 of the law on the fight against corruption.

The charges are based on decisions he made when he was the Director of BRD when, at different times, he approved US$8.1 million, Rwf3.4 million and Rwf591 million worth of loans.

Kanyankole resigned as BRD CEO in December 2017 after four years in office. He was arrested on October 3, this year.

“That cost was a bit high for my clients,” he recalls. Not any more. Today, his locale has been connected to the national electricity grid system, thanks to Rwanda Energy Group that has made the connections. He accesses cheap electricity, and he charges less from his loyal clients of 15 years.

“With on-grid electricity connection, I reduced the milling charges to Rwf15 for a kilogram of sorghum and Rwf40 for maize,” explains Kanyama, with a wry knowing smile of satisfaction and more hope.

Kanyama’s milling business profitability has, too, improved to great heights as he puts it.

“Before we were connected to electricity, I used to fuel the generator for powering my miller with Rwf5000 worth of fuel from which I would get a return of Rwf2000. Now that profit has doubled.”

Besides the high costs, Kanyama explains, air pollution, because of the fumes from the generator, was apparent, a complaint raised quite often by some of his neighbors. It is different now; “No pollution, no complaints, no disharmony. This is real development.”

Kanyama is not the only beneficiary of the recent power connections in Kirehe District. He is among the 6,043 households that were connected to the on-grid electricity system in 2017/2018 fiscal year where the district surpassed its target of connecting 5,544 households, registering 109% performance.

This trend has been quite progressive.

In 2015, only 17,126 Kirehe households were connected to electricity but have since increased to more than 30,000 households, translating into 30% of the district population accessing electricity.

Other Kirehe residents connected to electricity on-grid system last month, say the connections have changed a lot in their everyday lives, enabling some create or get jobs that earn them an income.

Martin Nduwubwami, another resident of Kigina Sector, says he has got a job in a hairdressing salon that was established after power connection. “It has changed my livelihood,” he enthuses, adding; “I was jobless but I can now meet my daily basic needs. Before our area was connected, I was doing cultivation that yielded almost no profit for me,” he says.

Nduwubwami, an orphan, can now earn a daily income of between Rwf1,500 and Rwf3000. And just like that, the joy permeates, the excitement spreads.

Some residents say their houses are well lit during nights and their school-going children can revise their books regardless of whether it is day or night.

Jean Marie Vianney Mazimpaka, for example, is a father of four school-going children, who, he says, now do revise their books at any time. It was dark before. We used to use a kerosene lamp which was shared from one room to another.”

Mazimpaka expresses more happiness. “We had one hair-cutting salon in the area before electricity connection; now in a very short span of time, we have two. And we no longer have to walk for 30 minutes to reach a point of charging our mobile phones, for which service we would pay Rwf100.”

And the journey continues. Statistics by Rwanda Energy Group indicate that nationwide, 46.5% of households are connected to electricity, steadily progressing towards the targeted 100% access by 2024. “This government through REG is committed to achieving just that,” says a REG official.

President who is also the Chairperson of the African Union was delivering a Keynote Address at the Opening Ceremony of the first Ordinary Session of the fifth Pan-African Parliament (PAP) underway in Kigali.

“Important changes are underway on our continent, and in the wider world, and we have to be ready to meet them. It is about getting our house in order, doing what is right for our people, and speaking with one voice to advance Africa’s interests. Working together is the only way to give Africa’s position the weight it deserves, in the wider geopolitical context. At the same time, illusions of moral hierarchy, that divided continents, and people are crumbling rapidly, as we have been seeing. Responsibility for Africa’s security and prosperity is firmly in our hands. We must meet the imperative of good governance, with innovations and solutions drawn from Africa’s rich experiences and cultures, even as we remain open to benefit from the best global insights,” President Kagame said.

President Kagame further stressed that the role of Pan African parliamentarians was key in speeding up the ratification of African Continental Free Trade Agreement, the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, and other key pillars of Agenda 2063, as part of their continued contribution to continental transformation.

Major General Albert Murasira was appointed following a cabinet reshuffle by President Paul Kagame recently to replace General James Kabarebe who had been at the helm of Defense Ministry from April 10, 2010. General Kabarebe was appointed to serve as a Senior Presidential Adviser on security matters.

The ceremony, which took place at the ministry headquarters in Kimihurura, was witnessed by MoD and Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) top leadership including Gen Fred Ibingira, the Reserve Force Chief of Staff and Lt Gen Jacques Musemakweli, the RDF Army Chief of Staff among other high army officers.

Speaking after the handover and takeover ceremony, Major General Murasira stressed his commitment to follow his predecessors’ footsteps and the partnership between the army and the citizens that leads to the enjoyable security Rwanda has.

“We enjoy security because there has been a partnership between the military and other security organs, but most especially with Rwandans. We also work with others that include foreigners in different peacekeeping missions in the region, on the African continent or elsewhere around the World,” said Maj. Gen. Murasira.

The new Defense Minister also pointed out that Rwanda alone cannot enjoy security while its neighboring countries face insecurity, adding that in his tenure, he will ensure the sustainability of what has been achieved.

Major General Albert Murasira also handed over the office to the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zigama Credit and Saving Society (CSS), Major General Emmanuel Bayingana. The handover ceremony was witnessed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zigama_CSS, Dr. James Ndahiro.

Major General Albert Murasira becomes the tenth Minister for Defense since Rwanda became independent in 1962. The Minister for Defense is responsible to the Government for all matters concerning the Defence policy, the conduct of Defence and implementation of Defence programmes.

Major General Albert Murasira holds a Master’s of Science in project management with merit from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom (2016). He also attended the former National University of Rwanda from 1983 to 1988 where he received a Bachelor of Sciences in Mathematics (1986) and Licence in Mathematics (1988).

Twagiramungu who served as Rwanda’s Prime Minister from 1994 to 1995 and now lives in exile in Belgium, usually posts on social media about the ‘double’ genocide in Rwanda and that the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi was never deliberately prepared by perpetrators.

Individuals and officials have been requesting to investigate and pursue Twagiramungu pay for his ‘statements’ that are considered to have the plot to deny and minimize the 1994 genocide where more than million people were killed.

In a tweet, Tom Ndahiro who is a Genocide scholar appealed to Rwanda and Belgium’s criminal investigation organs to open a case file against Twagiramungu whose ‘senility has led to severe criminality’.

Tom Ndahiro was referring to a French tweet by Faustin Twagiramungu posted on October 20 this year that says that genocides in Africa have taken place in three countries colonized by Belgium in history.

The tweet in case loosely translates as, “Genocides in Africa have taken place in three countries colonized by Belgium: DRC: 10,000,000 Congolese nationals killed under King Leopold II (1887-1907) +6,000,000 by Paul Kagame, Rwanda: 1,000,000 killed by FPR and FAR in 1994 and Burundi, 3,000,000 Hutus killed in 1972 by the Tutsi Army”.

Referring to the tweet, the Genocide scholar, Tom Ndahiro tweeted, “I suggest Rwanda’s RIB [Rwanda Investigation Bureau] and Belgium department of criminal investigations should open a case file against this old man whose senility has led him to severe criminality. His denialist discourse is disgusting. His hatred towards genocide survivors and their rescuers is visceral.”

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in charge of the East African Community, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe said, in another tweet, that “It’s very sad to see an old Rwandan politician in his 70s, who miraculously escaped the genocide machine in 1994, who was given an opportunity by the RPF Inkotanyi to serve as Prime Minister, becoming not only a genocide denier but a real lunatic, as time goes by.”

In an interview with IGIHE, the Chief Prosecutor of Rwanda, Jean Bosco Mutangana said statements by Twagiramungu can lead to crimes of denial and denigration of the 1994 Tutsi genocide.

Mutangana said, “He (Twagiramungu) states that the genocide was never prepared and Habyarimana’s regime never planned for the genocide. This is far different from what was approved by the International Community showing that the genocide was a planned plot as the Interahamwe militias were trained and the genocide ideology was taught in schools so that Tutsis were killed for so many years till 1994.”

Mutangana further said Twagiramungu cannot hide behind what he calls freedom of speech and then say whatever he wants.

“Rwanda’s prosecution will never tolerate those statements. We are going to analyze them and what will be found as crimes to be prosecuted, a case will be opened against him. We will work with those countries he lives in as we usually collaborate,” he said.

“We are ready to start an investigation on him, with the country he lives in. If he wants to become a genocide denier, he will be put on a list of criminals to be persecuted on genocide negation,” Mutangana added.

Rwanda’s Chief Prosecutor further noted that is a responsibility for the Prosecution to pursue everybody in line of genocide denigrators and deniers “the same as others who intend to commit it like FDLR.’’

Supporting a double genocide theory for Rwanda and stating or explaining that genocide committed against the Tutsi was not planned is considered as an offense. Genocide denial contravenes the spirit of the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Genocide ideology law punishes the crimes that include denial of genocide, minimization of genocide, and justification of genocide, with a term of imprisonment of not less than two years but not exceeding four years, with a fine of not less than Rwf500,000 but not exceeding Rwf1,000,000 for each count.

Born August 14 in 1945, Faustin Twagiramungu served as Rwanda’s Prime Minister from July 19, 1994, to August 28, 1995, when he resigned and exiled to Belgium.

In 2003, he came back to Rwanda and ran for the President’s office as an independent candidate and lost the elections having got 3.62% of votes while President Paul Kagame emerged winner with 95.0%.