Category: Diaspora

Rwandans in Belgium (DRB-Rugari asbl) are extremely concerned about the growing violence targeting its members in Belgium perpetrated by small groups of Congolese origin.

Several cases of beatings resulting in serious injuries and hospitalization have been reported.

On Saturday, July 28, 2012, one more incident occurred: The young man who we will call J. M. to protect his identity (22) was attacked in the subway station Merode and ended up in hospital with a fractured jaw. For the Rwandan Diaspora this was the last straw.

Such violence is committed in broad daylight, in public places (in the streets or in subways) by organized gangs of “combatants” who are claiming to seek a solution to the war raging in Eastern Congo.

DRB-Rugari is appealing to the Belgian authorities and the Belgian public to address the seriousness of these barbaric acts which constitute a flagrant violation of human rights, compounded by racist and xenophobic verbal aggressions.

These actions are creating a climate of fear and mistrust that undermine the social cohesion that the Belgian government and multiple social welfare associations – including our organization – are working on.

DRB-Rugari request to the Belgian authorities that they take all measures to ensure the safety of its members, as they do for every Belgian citizen or any other person living in its territory.

It is for all these reasons that the Rwandan community in Belgium decided to peacefully protest this outrage on Saturday, August 18, 2012 at Place de la Monnaie (1000 BXL) from 2pm to 4 pm.

DRB-Rugari appeal to the members of the Congolese community involved in the violence and hope they will understand that Rwandans living in Belgium are not protagonists of the conflict in eastern Congo and they are, in no way, related to the stakes of this war. Attacking them will bring no solution.

Finally, the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium, invites the Congolese community for a constructive dialogue in order to improve the cohabitation and the relations between the two communities in Belgium.

We hope it will be possible before one more victim suffers as a result of these tensions.

The Rwandan Diaspora of Michigan and Indiana hosted August 11 a graduation party for Joseph Masengesho and Dina Imbabazi, both of whom graduated from the Notre Dame University in Indiana.

Joseph Masengesho received a Master’s Degree in computer programming and Dina Imbabazi received a Master’s Degree in Electric engineering. This event was held in place in Niles Inn & Conference Center in Niles, Michigan.

During the opening speech, Rutsobe Nsengiyumva, Michigan and Indiana Rwandan Youth & Culture representative, challenged the graduates as well as young people who were present to continue developing themselves physically, mentally and spiritually so that those in the Rwandan Diaspora can consolidate collective skills and abilities to hasten ongoing progress in Rwanda.

Following Mr. Rutsobe’s comments was a prayer offered by Jaqueline Rufuku MI and IN representative for Gender. She took the occasion to welcome Dina’s Mom in Michigan on behalf of all the women of Diaspora.

Gatete Gaetan, president of the Rwandan Diaspora of Michigan and Indiana, also congratulated the graduates and thanked all the members of the Rwandan community for all their support of these graduates and challenged them to continue these endeavors.

He reminded the graduates to use wisely their knowledge to contribute to Rwanda’s development.

In response to the event, the graduates were overwhelmed by the Rwandan community support promising the audience that wherever they maybe that they will do their best to perform well and most importantly represent their country positively.

Rwandan students from Oklahoma Christian University and the youth from Indiana and Michigan had photos during the event as a sign of friendship and unity.

Strengthening governance and democracy is critical to the cause of social and economic advancement in any country.

The Government of Rwanda as a result views good governance as one of the key flagship programs which ensures essential condition for development and peace.

It is widely acknowledged that Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction, reconciliation and economic development have been marked by fundamental improvements in governance.

President Paul Kagame notes, “from experience that peace, security, and equal opportunities for all –including gender equality – are important pillars of good governance, and a strong basis for socio-economic development”.

In order to echo Rwandan’s unique model, ProfessorAnastase Shyaka, CEO of the Rwandan Governance Board was invited by The Atlantic Council and the International Republican Instituteand spoke at the “Democratic Governance Speakers Series”, in Washington D.C.,ongovernance in Rwanda.

Along with the Professor Shyaka was, Dr. J. Peter Pham, the Director of the Michael S. Ansari Africa Center at the AtlanticCouncil and Mr. Paul Fagan, Regional Director of Africa at the International Republic Institute.

During his remark, Prof. Shyaka provided a retrospective assessment of democratization and political governance in Rwanda.

Moreover, he analyzed the progress and challenges as well as identified strategic options used to reach the optimum goal of the present Rwanda’s model which is“citizen centered governance.”

Professor Shyaka also discussedRwanda’s Joint Governance Assessment program (JGA) which seeks to develop a common understanding of governance issues, various homegrown solutions and media reforms that contribute to the overall success of governance in Rwanda.

He also highlighted the Rwandan Governance Board being used as “one stop center” for governance in the country.

In concluding his remarks, Professor Shyaka also reiterated that building solid relationships amongst governments should go beyond “just aid” and therefore iskey in harboring positive governance between nations.

Over the next few days, Prof. Shayaka will also be part of the first “International Conference on Democratic Governance, Challenges in Africa and Asia” at the University of Pennsylvania and Cheyney University which is co-hosted by the Rwandan Governance Board.

The ultimate goal of this conference is to provide a platform to discuss multiple dimensions of democratic governance and corruption and help devise strategies to improve governance practices and anti-corruption strategies for the countries in the developing world.

The conference will also feature roundtable discussions with Ambassadors of Burkina Faso, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria and Botswana. Over 60 scholars and practitioners from Asia, Africa, Europe and the United States will make presentations and share their theoretical and practical insights on the challenges for democratic governance.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to Belgium, H.E. Robert Masozera visitied a Rwandan national Mwiseneza Jules that was hospitalized at st. Peter Hospital in Belgium.

Mwiseneza was rushed to hospital after being attacked by Congolese nationals. His jaw bone was broken during the attack.

Ambassador Masozera told IGIHE it’s the responsibility of the Rwandan embassy abroad to make a follow up on a Rwandan national that was attacked and providing any required support.

The Ambassador said, the visit to the hospital was meant to confort Mwiseneza and to show him that the government of Rwanda denounces anyform of mistreatment and attacks directed against Rwandans by the Congolese.

The Ambassador was accompanied by embassy staff.

The Embassy/Permanent Mission of Rwanda in Geneva, hosted the 50th Anniversary of the Independence Day jointly with the 18th Anniversary Liberation Day.

Representatives of the Switzerland government, Geneva based Ambassadors and diplomats, Rwandans living in Switzerland and friends of Rwanda, accounting for over 300 guests, were in attendance for the event.

The evening began with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the speech of the Rwandan Ambassador Mrs. Soline Nyirahabimana.

She stated, “We will not use this time for real celebration but for reflection, reflection on how we have used the Independence as well as looking forward to securing a better and prosperous future.”

She acknowledged that the decades following Independence were unfortunately misused, resulting in discrimination and the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

Despite the devastation created by the genocide, Rwandans chose a path of unity and reconciliation. Rwanda can now celebrate 18 years of peace, stability and prosperity.

The Ambassador highlighted achievements of Rwanda in sectors of Health, Education, Gender equality and its contributor to the African Union and United Nations Peacekeeping operations.

She concluded her speech by saying, “The past 50 years have been a journey of resilience. We decided to learn from our history and shape a bright future. On this occasion we thank our partners who have walked with us through our journey and for our cooperation in mutual respect.”

The evening’s celebrations included performance by Urunana and Ineza troops, as well as song performance by Rwandan artist Darius Kabalisa.

On 8th July 2012, Rwandan Diaspora in Mozambique organised a get together “Ubusabane” at Pestana Rovuma Hotel in Maputo, Mozambique.

Ambassador Vincent Kagera and Mrs Muchimba Sikumba, Rwandan Honorary Consul to Mozambique attended the gathering.

The get together party was attended by 130 Rwandan from Maputo city and surroundings.

In his remark Louis Baziga, Chairman of Rwandan Diaspora in Mozambique encouraged the audience to work together to strengthen the Diaspora which has the objective to promote unity among Rwandan living abroad.

He called on everybody to promote a good image of Rwanda. Rwanda is our home, we should be proud of our country, he concluded.

Ambassador Vincent Karega in his address called upon Rwandan community to work hard in their respective sectors and defend their dignity. By doing so they are building Rwanda and its image.

One of the members shared his experience on his visit to Rwanda in December 2011 after 17 years abroad.

He said that the annual meeting “Inama y’umushyikirano” which he attended is the best forum for Rwandan living abroad to communicate their ideas to the leadership of Rwanda.

The meeting was entertained by a music band composed by Rwandan artists.

The audience was given opportunity to ask questions to the committee of the Diaspora and to the Ambassador, all were answered to the satisfaction of the audience.

On 6 July 2012 Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Christine Nkulikiyinka, hosted a reception on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Independence and the 18th Anniversary of Liberation.

Over 90 guests followed the invitation, among them were representatives of the German government, head of diplomatic missions representing their governments, such as Belgium, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Luxembourg, Georgia, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Morocco and others. Members of the Rwandan community living in Germany also participated in the celebration.

In her welcoming speech, Ambassador Nkulikiyinka thanked the guests for their solidarity and friendship for the Rwandan people. She presented some of the key achievements made in Rwanda, noting that they would not have been possible without successful cooperation and support from friendly nations.

She particularly thanked the German government for the trust and sustainable cooperation shown to Rwanda.

Ambassador Nkulikiyinka remarked that the celebration of Rwanda’s independence and liberation should be an occasion for reflection.

Given Rwanda’s recent history the struggle for self-determination, equality and peace continues to be in the forefront of Rwanda’s efforts for the building of a better future, Rwanda’s envoy said.

“In Rwanda, the notion of independence had lost relevance when natural and basic right to life was denied to a section of the Rwandan population.

For three decades after the independence, Rwanda suffered bad governance characterized by discrimination, hatred and cycling killings that culminated in to the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.

Despite the seemingly insurmountable consequences of the genocide, Rwanda successfully embarked upon a path of reconstruction, reconciliation, nation building and development.”

Dr. Wolfgang Manig, head of division responsible for the Great Lakes region in the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing the German government, delivered the German government’s message of congratulations for the two national anniversaries.

He said that Germany was impressed by the many positive developments taking place in Rwanda, especially the success of the Gacaca jurisdiction.

Dr. Manig further said that Rwanda continues to be an example for good governance, peace building and the promotion of regional stability in Africa and elsewhere.

He commended the Rwandan people for their resilience and commitment to work for a peaceful and prosperous country. Dr. Manig assured the continued support of the German government for the people and government of Rwanda.

Germany and Rwanda enjoy good bilateral relations, ranging from technical cooperation to cultural exchanges. Germany is among the few donors that supports Rwanda through budget support.

Rwandans living in Kenya today marked the 50th Independence anniversary of the republic of Rwanda held at the Rwanda High commission in Kenya.

Rwanda got her independence on July 1 1962, from Belgium.

Post independence Rwanda was characterised by divisionism, prejudice and hatred among the citizens and this climaxed into the 1994 genocide against ethnic Tutsi, during which a million people died in a period of 100 days.

The Charge ‘d Affaires a.i Madam Yamina Karitanyi High Commission of Rwanda in Kenya presented a Speech highlighting major strides Rwanda has achieved including; creation of 650,000 jobs , 80% of them in non agricultural sector.

She added that fertility rate in the country had dropped from 6% to 4.6%. That between 2006 and 2011, Poverty in Rwanda dropped by 11.8%.

It was also revealed that enrolment in secondary schools has increased threefold.

That infant and maternal mortality rates have declined by 41% and 35% respectively.

The commissioner also highlited Rwanda’s positive strides in areas of Justice and bilateral cooperation both with regional neighbours and abroad.

She also told participants that Rwanda is now a leading contributor to Unite Nations Peacekeeping operations and has successfully chaired the Peace building commission and shared its post conflict recovery story with other countries emerging from conflict.

Present at the Anniversary were Diplomats, CEO Equity and the Director General United Nations Office Nairobi.

The Minister of gender and family promotion Hon. Aloysia Inyumba met with over 200 Rwandans living in Canada at Travelodge hotel on 9 June.

Minister Inyumba met the Diaspora Rwandans after attending a meeting “Universal Peace Federation” and “Women’s Federation for World Peace” in Toronto where she explained Rwanda’s progress and family promotion.

Rwandans travelled from different parts including; Ottawa, Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto and Hamilton among other places to meet the minister in Ottawa.

Dr. Karuranga Egide the leader of Rwandan community in Canada explained to the minister the achievements of the Rwandan Diaspora in Canada and their programs aimed at helping Rwanda through their various skills.

The Diaspora requested the minister to always update them with information on various government policies and programs so that they can also contribute to the country’s development.

Mukabagwiza Edda the High Commissioner of Rwanda in Canada explained to Minister Inyumba that Rwandans living in Canada established structures to help improve on implementation of various Diaspora activities especially “One Dollar Campaign”.

The minister explained to the Diaspora the level of progress achieved in Rwanda on gender equality.