Author: b_igi_adm1n

Dr. Charles Murigande, the Ambassador of Rwanda to Japan has told the diplomatic community in Tokyo Japan that Rwandans were abandoned and betrayed by the international community in time of need.

“Rwandans are committed to play their modest but important role in ensuring that the “never again” is indeed a “never again” and we are ready to stand by those who are hurting, wherever they may be.”

The Ambassador made the remarks Monday April 9th during an event held for the 18th Commemoration of the Rwandan Genocide against ethnic Tutsi. The Embassy of Rwanda in Tokyo organized the commemoration event.

It was also attended by Rwandans, members of the Diplomatic Community based in Tokyo, Japanese Government officials, Members of the UN Organizations based in Tokyo, members of Japanese private sector and civil society as well as friends of Rwanda.

Amb. Dr. Murigande highlighted the cycle of ethnic cleansing that started in 1959 that climaxed into the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

He said this was neither the result of historical antinomy between Hutu and Tutsi, nor a genetic precondition that the Rwandans have to live with but a product of decades of bad governance that started with colonial rule and was perpetuated by the post-independence regimes.

He indicated that in the wake of genocide, Rwanda took the face of a desolate and wasted land with more than a million of people killed in just 100 days, completely destroyed socio-economic infrastructure, and the entire surviving population living in internally displaced camps or in refugee camps in neighboring countries where genocidal forces were busy re-training and rearming in order to re-take power and finish the genocide, among other daunting challenges.

Amb. Dr. Murigande stated that Rwandans refused to be overwhelmed and paralysed by death, despair and hopelessness and in defiance, rather courageously embraced life and with determination resolved to rebuild a better country than that which was destroyed.

He noted that due to self-worth and determination of Rwandans, significant achievements in terms of Peace, Security and Stability; reconciling and unity among Rwandans has been attained.

The culture of good governance and democracy; and economic recovery and growth has given Rwandans the firm conviction that “we shall overcome the remaining challenges ahead of us.”

Cassava farmers in Ruhango District and entire Southern Province are expected to improve their yields following the inauguration of a Cassava Processing Plant in the area.

The Plant worth US$ 10Million funded by Rwanda Development Bank was Inaugurated last week.

Robert Runazi, the plant manager, said the factory has capacity to process 60 tons of cassava for 20 tons of flour per day according to the standards required.

“We envision that the remaining 40 tons are used in the manufacture of starch, animal feeds and in protecting the environment,” he added.

A kilo of cassava will be sold at Frw50 as factory price.

Jack Kayonga the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Bank (BRD), said that the factory had been promised by the president during his last visit to Kinazi.

“The factory cost US$10million funded by BRD. However, we plan to sell shares to the public in the next days,” said Kayonga.

The Mayor of Ruhango district said the factory has just solved the problem of cassava production in large quantities in the region.

BRD was established August 5, 1967. On April 26, 2011, the Rwanda Development Bank officially acquired the Housing Bank of Rwanda (BHR) at a ceremony organized by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, John Rwangombwa.

The objective of this acquisition is to achieve sustainable growth by making BRD stronger and better positioned to provide long-term loans, housing mortgages, refinancing and other financial services that will improve the access to financing in Rwanda.

The Rwandan Community working with the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and fellow Peacekeepers from different countries and the Darfur community, paid their tribute to the victims of the Rwandan Genocide against Tutsis.

The tribute, under the theme: “Learning from our history to build a bright future”, was part of the 18th Commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsis.

Lt. Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba the UNAMID Force Commander said, “Let us learn the moral lessons of the Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda and denounce ethnic and tribal rivalry and embrace each other in a spirit of reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.’’

Gen. Nyamvumba noted that for the last 18 years, Rwandans have worked to rebuild their lives and chart a new course for their country’s future.

He said that the only way to truly honour the memory of victims was to ensure that such tragedies never occurred again.

He called upon his compatriots to continue to build on a new Rwanda devoid of rancour, acrimony and violence.

“Today, Rwanda is growing, and Rwanda is sending peacekeepers to United Nations Missions in different parts of the world to show our commitment and determination to cultivate peace, development, and concern for humanitarian issues,’’ the Force Commander said.

A community leader in El Fasher, Sheik Haron Musa expressed sympathy with the unfortunate development, which he said claimed the lives of “our brothers and sisters, as well as children in Rwanda’’, stressing the need for peaceful co-existence in Africa, irrespective of tribes, color and religion.

In an emotion-laden testimony, Albert Attwell from UNAMID Mission Support Centre, who witnessed the genocide, described the incident as “man inhumanity to man’’, saying “I saw most of the killings of children, women and men of Tutsi extraction and Hutus who refused to cooperate with killers.’’

“In fact, I saw hell and I have seen hell during the period of the genocide’’, Attwell said.

He also paid tribute to the people and government of Rwanda for the resilience and dignity they have shown in working towards national recovery and managing the trauma caused by genocide.

At the event, some UNAMID workers also stressed the need to promote education, as a tool to help reconciliation and understanding between the people.

The commemoration included laying of wreath and one minute silence to honour the victims, as well as the survivors, the signing of a guest register and a night vigil.

Similar events were held in different areas of Darfur like Kabkabiya in the North and Nyala in the South.

Rwandans and friends of Rwanda living in Nigeria gathered Saturday 7th April, at the Rwandan Embassy in Nigeria for the 18th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi which claimed a million lives in 1994.

Pastor George Ehusani, leader of the Nigerian “Church of Assumption” led the prayers at the Commemoration event at the Embassy. He said, “if you do bad to others, you have a case to answer”.

Pastor Ehusani who also visited Rwanda after 1994, condemned the inhumane crimes committed against the Tutsi in 1994.

Ambassador Joseph Habineza explained in details of Rwanda’s bad history that resulted into the Genocide against the Tutsi which was overseen by the bad leadership then.

Amb. Habineza blamed the United Nations that did nothing to halt the genocide yet they claimed were in charge of fostering Peace.

He urged Rwandans should look back and learn from their history to shape a bright future.

The sunny day on a beautiful hilly campus of Georgetown University, was in contrast with the somber but dignified testimonies and presentations inside Gaston Hall.

Over 700 hundred Rwandans and friends of Rwanda from Canada and United States of America gathered today to remember and honor over a million Tutsi victims of the Genocide in Rwanda.

This was a two day event that began at 2pm of April 7th and ended at 3pm of April 8th -2012.

Participants paid tribute to the victims and recognized the courage of survivors who continue their resilience in overcoming all odds against them.

The audience included USG officials; among them was Amb Barrie Walkely, Special envoy to the GLR and the DRC, who was the guest of honor. Amb. Robert Gribbin former US Ambassador to Rwanda.

Carl Wilkens the key note speaker of the day noted; “The journey that we have come on over the last 18 years is something that none of us could have ever imagined or predicted both in terms of progress, development but even more profoundly in terms of walking closer and closer.

We are closer to people us once felt distant from both within and outside Rwanda and have become part of this once nebulous group called the international community. That sense of being close to one another gives us hope.”

Amb. James Kimonyo, reminded the audience that the genocide against Tutsi is a historical fact that no one can change. The state premeditated, planned and executed the extermination of Tutsi people. Calling it Rwandan Genocide was and still is a Mistake.

It cannot be genocide when there is no group that is targeted. This has to be corrected. He underlined that calling it just Rwandan Genocide is denying the deliberate state sponsored killings of the Tutsi population.

Most of deniers engage in very dangerous hate-filled propaganda campaign while claiming to be advocating for human rights, truth and reconciliation, democracy and peace.

But these democratic values are not goals they are truly striving to achieve because such ideals cannot be achieved on a bed of lies and falsehoods.

Amb. Kimonyo further underlined that as this year, we are reminded that we should learn from our History so that we may Shape our Bright Future. We must move forward, but in such a way that guarantees we do not repeat past mistakes.

So while we move forward, we must simultaneously look back and deeply reflect on what went wrong and why it happened?

The guest of honor Amb. R. Barrie Walkley the Special envoy to the GLR and the DRC of Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, applauded the achievements and resilience of the people and government of Rwanda and committed that the USG will continue to partner and support the government of Rwanda to consolidate these achievements.

Other Speakers included Scholars like; Dr.Zachary D. Kaufman and Dr. Tim Gallimore who reminded the audience about the role of media before the genocide and during the genocide.

Quoting the “RTM Hate Radio which was used to dehumanize and demonize Tutsi” They emphasized the limitation of freedom of speech by citing the Atlanta Jewish Times Case where the President of the United States was threatened and the fact that this is a felony under US Code Title 18, Section 871.”

Immaculee Iribagiza, a genocide survivor and author noted that ““The love of a single heart can make a world of difference. We need to continue fighting the denial of genocide. She reminded us that even Jesus was rejected but through his resurrection, he is telling us that they cannot keep you hostile forever”.”

Dr. Bea Gallimore presented a research paper entitled Rwanda: From systematic rape to Gender Based Violence Law, while Dr. James Smith discussed Genocide denial in relation to the Holocaust and the genocide against Tutsi.

In addition, Dr. James Waller another scholar presented a paper “We No Longer Saw a Human being:” Truth-Telling in the Face of Genocide Denial” and Dr. Margee Ensign Spoke about Rwanda: History and Hope.

Last but not the least; Dr.Egide Karuranga, a survivor who lives in Canada elaborated – “Genocide Denial, Roots, Consequences, and Future Research Avenues to ensure Never Again.

The commemoration vigil was marked by songs and testimonies of different survivors present at the Dahlgren Chapel- at Georgetown University from 11pm- 2am in the morning.

The 18th Commemoration of the genocide against Tutsi in Washington Dc was two day event and was concluded a walk to remember conducted from the Washinton Dc National Mall and concluded at the Martin Luther King Memorial on the afternoon of April 8th -2012.

Rulindo District held the 18th Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. The event was held at the memorial site in Rusiga sector at which over 60000 victims were buried.

Executive secretary of Northern Province Kabagamba Déogratias condemned those who deny and negate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Rubayita Eric representing IBUKA in Rulindo District noted that genocide survivors have moved a long way but there is a lot that has to be done to improve their welfare and hope for a better future.

Protais Mitali, the Minister of Sports and Culture said 26 Rwandan embassies worldwide are honouring the 18th Commemoration of the Rwandan Genocide.

“They are supposed to commemorate where we are represented…where our Rwandan embassies are established a we encourage them to hold commemoration activities during the commemoration week and even after ” Mitali said.

The commemoration programmes, he said, will be developed by the embassies in collaboration with the Rwandan Diaspora.

Uganda

In Uganda, the event will be at Goolo Memorial Site in Mpigi District, where remains of about 6, 000 victims are buried.

There are over 20, 000 remains buried in Uganda in three memorial sites; the other two being Lamu in Masaka District and Kasensero Memorial Site in Rakai District.

The victims were killed and thrown into different tributaries of Lake Victoria.
Maj. Gen Frank Mugambage, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Uganda, said that a special commemoration is scheduled on April 10, when a requiem mass will be held at Christ the Kings Church in Kampala.

“We are making this year’s major commemoration event, a prayer service to be held at Christ the King Church on Tuesday. We will be joined by diplomats, government institutions and friends of Rwanda, for a special prayer service,” said Mugambage, in a telephone interview.

At the High Commission, Mugambage added, there will be an exhibition “and people will be coming to watch genocide related movies.”

“On April 13, we will hold a vigil at Kampala International University. We have invited the youth and friends of Rwanda. On [April] 14th, we will have a ‘Walk to Remember.’ We have invited various people to join us in this procession. The walk will start from KIU to Kabalagala and end at KIU,” he explained.

Tanzania

In Tanzania, the event will be held in Mlimani City Hall in the capital, Dar es Salaam.

The Rwandan High Commission’s First Counsellor, Sano Lambert, told reporters in Tanzania that the commemoration is aimed at enlightening the world on what happened in Rwanda and what should be done to avoid other crimes against humanity.

Sano said the commemoration would involve testimonies from students who were survivors of the 1994 Genocide.

Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mahadhi Juma Maalim, will grace the event, which will also be attended by officials from the Arusha-based International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).

There will also be presentations on progress attained after the genocide which claimed over one million people in just 100 days.

“We shall have several testimonies during the day…from Rwandan students who are pursuing their studies in Dar es Salaam as well as professors who have researched the genocide in detail,” Sano said.

On April 14, Professor Chris Peter Maina, is scheduled to lead a public lecture on Rwanda genocide at the university.

The Dar es Salaam office also covers Malawi, Madagascar, Zambia and Seychelles.

The High Commission’s first secretary, Ernest Bugingo, also said the day would be very special for journalists since they will come to know their role in society in the fight against violence.

Bugingo encouraged journalists to report on positive issues in their countries.

USA

The commemoration in the US is scheduled to be held at Gaston Hall Georgetown University in Washington.

The event, organised by the Rwandan embassy in the US and the Diaspora in North America, will also be attended by friends of Rwanda such as Dr. Tim Gallimore, who will give a lecture on the role of the media and literature before, during, and after the genocide.

A Rwandan, Dr. Chrysologue Gakuba, is also scheduled to give a lecture on “The history of the Genocide since 1959.”

Carl Wilkens, an American who was in Rwanda during the Genocide, will also speak.

Carl headed the Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA) in Rwanda at the time. He was the only American who chose to stay in Rwanda during the Genocide, delivering aid to children.

Together with other Rwandans, he is said to have provided safe haven for Tutsi.

A “Walk to Remember” is also scheduled for tomorrow, starting and ending at the National Mall, Washington DC.

Darfur

Rwandan troops serving under the AU/UN Peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID), west Sudan will once again join the world in commemorating the 1994 Genocide.

The UNAMID Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba, said RDF personnel, police officers and civilians in all parts of Darfur will hold commemoration events today.

The biggest event will be held in provincial capital, El Fasher, at the headquarters of UNAMID, in the compound of Rwanbatt 29, where the commemoration event will include laying of wreaths around the Rwandan, AU and UN flags.

Top Sudanese regional officials including Osman Yousif Kibir, the Governor (Wali) of North Darfur State and other senior UNAMID officials will attend.

In a message to the world community and friends of Rwanda, Lt. Gen. Nyamvumba said: “What happened in Rwanda in 1994 should never happen again. The UN peacekeepers, if committed and well led, can make a difference between life and death. Rwandan troops have learnt their lessons and are committed to protect the people of Darfur.”

There will be testimonies, an exhibition of photos, video clips of the Genocide, and a night vigil.

Rwanda has over 3,200 peacekeepers in Darfur.

South Africa

In South Africa, the Rwandan High Commission has organised two events.
The first one – exclusively for the Rwandan community, will be held this evening.

Another event involving South African officials, the diplomatic corps and friends of Rwanda, is planned for Wednesday, because of the Easter public holiday, which started yesterday.

UK

In the UK, the Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda in West midlands, in collaboration with the High Commission, have organised commemoration events to be held in Coventry. Guests will include Ambassadors and High Commissioners based in London, UK Government officials, and human rights organisations.

Rwandan High Commissioner, Ernest Rwamucyo, is expected to call upon the international community to play a leading role in the fight against Genocide revisionists.

In the morning hours of April 7, a body of a lady aged about 25 years was found at Kimisagra, a Kigali suburb in Nyarugenge district.

According to Eric Kaneza, the local security official, the victim identity couldn’t be established because she had no identity card on her.

“She was not known in the neighborhood and what is sure is that she was raped before being murdered and then her knickers were torn apart,” he advised.

Kwizerimana Vianney, a local resident, said that this is not the first time someone is murdered in the area forest.

In less than a year another girl was found also murdered in the same place .

According to residents of Nyamabuye, Byimana and Sango (the three areas which are all located near the forest) told IGIHE, this place is popular with thugs who come to smoke marijuana. Several used condoms were littered allover the place.

a closer observation of the victims body showed that she was hit on the head.

The body was removed from the scene of crime by the Police medical Examiners.

The High Commission of Rwanda in South Africa organized an event on 7th April for the 18th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis.

The event was attended by about 200 people mainly from the Gauteng Province (Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand and Johannesburg).

The event was marked by lighting candles, testimony from genocide survivor, songs of hope and the projection of a documentary entitled Iseta: the story behind the road block.

In his remarks, Bonaventure Kageruka, representing genocide survivors, highlighted the improvement of the life of survivors and the focus on the future 18 years after the loss of parents and brothers and subsequent trauma.

Iseta: the story behind the road block is a true-story documentary of Nick Hugues which recounts horror scene filmed on a quiet road in Kigali when the genocide had begun.

The documentary re-visits the scene following the cameraman, victims, survivors, killers and witnesses. From the original footage the story follows a thread of revelation, so many souls lost in the mist of ethnic hatred.

In his remarks to the public, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda, Vincent Karega, highlighted the importance of learning from the past to shape a better future.

He stressed the importance of seeing survivors and forgiven perpetrators or their relatives working for the development of their country.

The High Commissioner emphasized the need to undermine activities of those who tend to trivialize the 1994 genocide of Tutsis or change the History of Rwanda.

During this period of commemoration, the High Commission of Rwanda in South Africa intends to organize other events in Durban, Capetown, Pretoria and Johannesburg.