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The discussions took place when Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, and the Chief of Defence Staff of the RDF, Gen MK Mubarakh, hosted Lt. Gen. Huang Xucong, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Central Theater Command of the PLA, along with his delegation. The Chinese delegation is on a four-day official visit to Rwanda.

As part of their visit, the delegation paid respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at Kigali Genocide Memorial on Wednesday and visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum.

On Thursday morning, the PLA delegation toured the Combat Training Centre in Gabiro, Eastern Province, and they are scheduled to visit the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako on Friday.

This visit comes after the recent celebration of the 97th anniversary of the founding of China’s People’s Liberation Army in Kigali. The event, held at the Kigali Marriott Hotel on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, including ambassadors, envoys, Defence Attachés from various countries, and representatives from RDF.

Military cooperation between Rwanda and China remains a cornerstone of their bilateral relations. Both nations are committed to maintaining peace and play significant roles in international peacekeeping operations.

During the celebration, China’s Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Senior Captain (Navy) Li Dayi, emphasized the shared interests between the PLA and RDF, noting that both forces learn from each other’s experiences in military development. He reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening this cooperation.

Major General Ngiruwonsanga, Commandant of the RDF General Headquarters, who represented General Mubarakh Muganga, the Chief of Defence Staff, at the celebrations, highlighted the shared values and historical struggles for liberation between Rwanda and China.

He praised the PLA’s legacy of fighting for justice and protecting individual rights, describing it as an inspiration.

“The legacy of the PLA is not merely a reflection of past achievements but a guiding light for the future. Our collective efforts, grounded in mutual respect and understanding, will continue to advance the shared goals of peace, security, and prosperity,” he stated.

The longstanding relations between Rwanda and China span 75 years, marked by substantial cooperation and mutual respect.

The discussions took place on Thursday, August 8, 2024, as Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, and the Chief of Defence Staff of the RDF, Gen MK Mubarakh, hosted Lt Gen Huang Xucong, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Central Theater Command of the PLA, along with his delegation.

On Thursday morning, the PLA delegation toured the Combat Training Centre in Gabiro, Eastern Province.

Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun accompanied the delegation during the visit to RDF headquarters.

The delegation paid respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at Kigali Genocide Memorial on Wednesday.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the development via X handle.

Following the conversation, Lord Collins took to X and described it as constructive. He shared more areas of discussion including the strength of the UK-Rwanda partnership on development, the Commonwealth, and security in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The discussion also touched on the recently proposed ceasefire between warring factions in the DRC, a measure supported by countries including Rwanda, as part of the Luanda agreement.

Late last month, President Paul Kagame met with the UK Prime Minister in Paris, where they reaffirmed their commitment to fruitful bilateral cooperation.

Their talks focused on strengthening partnerships in trade, sports, technology, and environmental protection, as well as the need to address illegal migration.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, held a call on Thursday with Lord Collins of Highbury, the new UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.

IGIHE

Walz was recently unveiled as the running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is seeking to succeed President Joe Biden in the elections slated for November 4, 2024.

While Walz’s nomination for the second-highest office in U.S. politics caught many by surprise, he stated on Tuesday that his transition from the classroom to politics was well thought out.

Walz explained that after many years as a teacher, his high school students encouraged him to run for elective office.

“It was my students; they encouraged me to run for office,” Walz said, adding, “Don’t ever underestimate teachers.”

The phrase 'Don’t underestimate teachers' is profound given Walz’s accomplishments in the classroom.

Notably, Walz led a project analyzing the genocide of European Jews during World War II, guiding his students to use data to predict regions at risk of such atrocities.

Using cutting-edge mapping data from 1993, Walz’s students accurately predicted the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed the lives of over a million people the following year.

In a past interview with Times, Walz recalled developing an interest in studying the Holocaust more deeply while teaching geography at Alliance High School in Nebraska. He assigned his class a project to investigate the conditions leading to mass murder.

Walz said his goal was to ensure that historical events were more than just memorized facts.

“The Holocaust is often taught purely as a historical event, an anomaly, a moment in time,” he said.

“Students understood what had happened, that it was terrible, and that the people who did this were monsters.”

In a separate interview with NPR in 2008, Walz recounted how his class correctly predicted the Genocide against the Tutsi due to the growing ethnic tensions in Rwanda at the time.

“One of the things that stood out to [the students] was the long-standing division along ethnic lines, with one group receiving favoritism during colonial times, and the resulting tension in a struggling economy,” he revealed.

The Genocide against the Tutsi was perpetrated by the Hutu-led regime of Juvénal Habyarimana years after ethnic tensions that were fueled by Belgian colonial power, which was believed to have favored the Tutsis.

Travis Hoffman, a former student who participated in the project, described the study as “different and unusual.”

“The biggest part was just the freedom to explore things. No matter how abnormal or far-fetched an idea might sound, you could form an opinion,” Hoffman told Times 15 years after the project.

Lanae Merwin, another former student, found the report about the genocide happening in Rwanda “terribly chilling,” but not entirely surprising.

“We’d discussed it in class, and it was happening. Though you don’t want a prediction like that to come true,” Merwin said.

In 2008, Walz criticized the international community’s failure to act and stop the killings in Rwanda.

“If we understood this was a possibility, surely someone else did too,” Walz said. “The need to act was stronger afterward when people realized it had happened.”

He also criticized his former congressional colleagues for their lack of knowledge about global geography.

“You have to understand what causes genocide to prevent it from happening again,” Walz said, adding that he received “blank stares” from House Armed Services Committee members when he mentioned the Durand Line, the disputed border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Former President Bill Clinton, who was in office during the Genocide against the Tutsi, admitted in his first visit to Rwanda four years later that the international community bore responsibility for the tragedy.

“The international community, together with nations in Africa, must bear its share of responsibility for this tragedy as well. We did not act quickly enough after the killing began.

“We should not have allowed the refugee camps to become a safe haven for the killers. We did not immediately call these crimes by their rightful name: genocide. We cannot change the past, but we can and must do everything in our power to help you build a future without fear, and full of hope,” Clinton said at Kigali International Airport in 1998.

Tim Walz was recently unveiled as the running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is seeking to succeed President Joe Biden in the elections slated for November 4, 2024.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

During his installation as Archbishop of Kigali in early 2019, Antoine Kambanda addressed tens of thousands of Christians, emphasizing the need for a cathedral that reflects the beauty and modernity of the City of Kigali.

President Paul Kagame, who attended the ceremony, pledged his support for the construction and suggested considering a new site for the cathedral if possible.

Subsequently, the church was allocated the land where the 1930 Prison once stood. The master plan, now displayed on this historic site, reveals the design of the future cathedral.

Father Innocent Consolateur of St. Michel Parish has told IGIHE that the displayed design gives a glimpse of the new building’s appearance but refrained from providing further details.

He mentioned that additional information about the commencement of construction will be disclosed by Cardinal Antoine Kambanda. Attempts to reach Cardinal Kambanda for comments were unsuccessful at press time.

The new, modern cathedral is expected to accommodate at least 5,000 people, featuring a large courtyard capable of hosting between 10,000 and 20,000 attendees during major events.

In 2020, Archbishop Cardinal Kambanda told IGIHE that the cathedral would be a modern structure uniquely reflective of Rwandan culture.

“It must be a building with the shape of a church, but also with a unique Rwandan characteristic, harmonizing the church’s appearance with Rwandan culture,” he said.

In 2023, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced plans to raise Rwf40 billion for the construction of the cathedral.

Currently, the Kigali Cathedral is located in Kiyovu in the Nyarugenge District, where St. Michel Parish is situated.

However, the existing cathedral is too small to host major events. The St. Michel Parish, established in 1963 as part of the Kabgayi Diocese, was designated as a Cathedral Parish on May 3, 1976, upon the establishment of the Archdiocese of Kigali.

In 2020, Archbishop Cardinal Kambanda told IGIHE that the cathedral would be a modern structure uniquely reflective of Rwandan culture.

The new cathedral has an appealing design.

The new cathedral is expected to feature a large courtyard capable of hosting between 10,000 and 20,000 attendees during major events.

The new, modern cathedral is expected to accommodate at least 5,000 people.

The new cathedral will be built on 5.5 hectare piece of land where seated former Nyarugenge prison.

It has been more than seven years since inmates from Nyarugenge Prison were relocated to Mageragere.

IGIHE

In a public notice issued on Thursday, July 8, 2024, the Board said the suspension follows reports of illegal mining and trading of the commodity.

The Board also cited cases of social unrest and conflict as the reason for the suspension which takes effect immediately.

“Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) hereby informs the general public and all mineral exporters of the immediate suspension of beryllium exportation until further notice,” the Board announced.

During the suspension period, the Board said it would conduct a comprehensive review of the reported cases of illegal activities and implement improved export procedures to streamline the beryllium business.

“In accordance with Law nº 072/2024 of 26/06/2024 on mining and quarry operations, specifically Articles 64 and 65, all mineral exporters are strictly required to purchase minerals only from licensed mining companies,” RMB added.

Beryllium is a silver-grey metallic element that occurs naturally in several minerals. It has primarily been identified in the Ngororero District of the Western Province.

The commodity has a wide range of applications across various industries. Its lightweight and high strength make it an ideal material for manufacturing aircraft components, missiles, and satellites in aerospace and defense applications.

The electronics industry also benefits from beryllium’s properties, as it is used in electronic devices due to its high thermal and electrical conductivity.

Other minerals found in Rwanda include tin, coltan, tungsten, and gold, making the mining sector a key component of its export economy. Mineral export earnings have more than tripled over the last seven years, rising from $373 million in 2017 to over $1.1 billion in 2023.

Beryllium is a silver-grey metallic element that occurs naturally in several minerals. It has primarily been identified in the Ngororero District of the Western Province.

The Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) has suspended the exportation of beryllium indefinitely.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

One such returnee is Martin Irakoze, a 26-year-old man, who was born and raised in the DRC’s forests, where his parents fled in 1994 from Rwanda.

Life was difficult for Irakoze, his family, and other Rwandan refugees. Although he managed to complete his secondary education, his dreams were cut short when he was forcibly recruited into the FDLR at a young age.

Irakoze returned to Rwanda and is undergoing reintegration training with others who have left the DRC forests at the Mutobo Demobilization and Reintegration Center, overseen by the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (RDRC).

IGIHE recently visited the 72nd cohort of former armed group members. We met with the group shortly after they completed a training session on Rwandan values.

The center currently accommodates former combatants, their family members, and civilians who had collaborated with them. Despite initial apprehensions, many individuals gradually become more comfortable over time.

Irakoze recounted how, after finishing high school, FDLR combatants came to their village in Ngungu, forcefully recruiting all boys who had attended school, including himself.

'They taught us military drills, and in 2019, after completing the training, we were told we were fighting to return to Rwanda and overthrow its current government,' he said.

Irakoze stated that the FDLR continues to spread genocide ideology and recruit new members, primarily youth, without hindrance, as the DRC government and its military, FARDC, treat the FDLR as a strategic partner.

This account is corroborated by other returnees like Jean Damascene Rwangabo and Emmanuel Muhire, who are also part of the 72nd cohort at Mutobo.

Muhire, who joined the FDLR as a child and later became a Sergeant Major in another armed group, APE-SEREN, described the long-standing cooperation between the FDLR and FARDC. He also served as a military instructor prior to his repatriation to Rwanda.

During the CNDP conflict, he explained, FARDC provided FDLR with weapons, ammunition, and medical supplies that he personally used in those battles.

'This means that even today, the situation hasn’t changed much; the FDLR remains at the forefront. It seems like they are the leading soldiers who need Congo’s assistance to return home. Now, it’s not just the FDLR; all groups in Congo that are connected to people who speak Kinyarwanda are being told they must return to their country,' he said.

'Congo is assisting the FDLR by providing them with equipment, money, medicine, food, and military clothing. This helps them continue fighting with hope for additional support to launch attacks on Rwanda,' added Muhire.

He further disclosed that FARDC promises FDLR support to return after helping it win its battles.

Rwangabo, who has also fought many battles since joining the FDLR shortly after fleeing Rwanda in 1994 at the age of 10, debunked claims by the DRC government that the FDLR is no longer a threat.

'I can attest that the FDLR is still active, spreading genocide ideology and planning to attack Rwanda. Claims that it is defunct are political fabrications,' he asserted.

He further explained that during recent M23 conflicts, FARDC regrouped various armed factions, with the FDLR playing a leading role fighting alongside Wazalendo.

'FDLR leads the charge in battles, supported by FARDC which supplies them with necessary resources,' he said.

Rwangabo highlighted that FDLR’s strength lies in FARDC’s backing, and while FARDC supplies weapons, FDLR retains half, fearing potential successful negotiations with M23 that might be followed by operations to decimate armed groups.

The testimonies of Irakoze, Muhire, and Rwangabo challenge misconceptions and reveal the harsh realities faced by those in the FDLR. They debunk rumors spread by the FDLR to deter repatriation, affirming they were warmly welcomed in Rwanda and are now hopeful for the future.

Major (Rtd) Cyprien Mudeyi, the head of Mutobo Center, stated that since its inception in 2001, the center has reintegrated 13,000 ex-combatants through 71 cohorts.

Mudeyi emphasized the center’s role in promoting peace and security by helping former combatants reintegrate into civilian life, providing vocational training to ensure sustainable livelihoods.

However, he noted that regional peace efforts face challenges due to the reluctance of some neighboring countries to dismantle armed groups like the FDLR.

'Achieving peace requires collaborative efforts with neighboring countries to eliminate these armed groups and reintegrate their members,' he concluded.

Former combatants recounting their repatriation journey.

Those training at Mutobo for reintegration into civilian life always maintain high morale.

They are eager to learn more about Rwanda and change mindsets.

Major (Rtd) Cyprien Mudeyi, the head of Mutobo Center, stated that since its inception in 2001, the center has reintegrated 13,000 ex-combatants through 71 cohorts.

IGIHE

The incident occurred a few minutes past 7 AM. However, the kitchen staff and others in the building managed to extinguish the fire before it caused significant damage.

One of the individuals IGIHE spoke to indicated that the fire started from cooking oil, which quickly spread.

Firefighting equipment from the building were used to extinguish the fire.

“We immediately began extinguishing it using the fire extinguishers inside the building. We managed to put it out before it could cause significant damage, but it was challenging,” the source revealed.

When you visit the 2000 Hotel building, you’ll notice that operations have continued as usual, except on the fifth floor, where there the fire broke out.

Aside from the damage caused to the kitchen equipment and the ceiling where the fire started, no significant damage was reported on the hotel during the incident.

Someone observing from a distance could see how the fire was rapidly intensifying.

IGIHE

Irembo is showcasing its world-class, all-in-one service management platform and payment solution as it aims to expand the value these tools provide across different regions around the world.

The company is also presenting its impressive achievements in business growth, strategic partnerships, and exciting future plans at the expo, which is scheduled to close on August 15, 2024.

Irembo exhibition site at Expo 2024 in Gikondo.

In the recent past, Irembo has established significant strategic partnerships to broaden its service offerings and reach new markets.

Irembo is showcasing its world-class, all-in-one service management platform and payment solution as it aims to expand the value these tools provide across different regions around the world.

One major collaboration is the partnership with Old Mutual Rwanda, which aims to create an easy-to-use online platform where people can explore and purchase insurance products without the need for in-person consultations.

According to the management, the collaboration with the insurer represents Irembo’s significant move into the private sector, which focuses on providing digitized insurance services.

“Irembo’s partnerships, like the one with Old Mutual Rwanda, are crucial in our mission to expand and diversify our services,” said Noella Dushime, Director of Business Development at Irembo.

“These collaborations allow us to offer more comprehensive solutions to our users, aligning with our vision of a digitally inclusive Rwanda.”

The company is renowned for building and maintaining the Rwandan government’s one-stop service portal.

Irembo has established significant strategic partnerships to broaden its service offerings and reach new markets.

By digitising essential services, Irembo supports the government’s goals of enhancing efficiency, transparency, and convenience for citizens. The platform’s easy access to a wide range of services helps create a more efficient and inclusive society.

Looking ahead, Irembo plans to integrate cutting-edge technologies to further improve service delivery. These advancements aim to provide users with more streamlined, effective, and secure access to services, solidifying Irembo’s position as a leader in digital transformation.

As part of its expansion strategy, Irembo is exploring opportunities to enter neighbouring countries, introducing its innovative solutions to new markets and contributing to regional growth.

At Expo 2024, the company will be connecting with other exhibitors to demonstrate how IremboPay works and to onboard new clients.

Noella Dushime is the Director of Business Development at Irembo.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

IGIHE journalist Karirima A. Ngarambe recently had the opportunity to experience RwandAir’s new A330 aircraft on a flight from London to Kigali, departing at 9:20 PM on August 5, 2024, and arriving the following morning.

This flight is part of the airline’s daily direct service between London and Kigali, which initially started with four weekly flights from Gatwick Airport in May 2017.

On May 9, 2024, RwandAir transitioned its flights to Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4 due to an increase in passenger demand from the UK to Rwanda.

The airline’s modern wide-body A330 aircraft operates these flights, with flight WB711 leaving London at 9:20 PM and arriving in Kigali at 7:00 AM the next morning.

The return flights, WB710/712, alternate departure times from Kigali, either at 1:45 AM or 11:25 PM, landing at Heathrow daily at 7:00 AM or 9:50 AM.

RwandAir’s CEO, Yvonne Manzi Makolo, expressed satisfaction with the increasing performance of these flights, particularly in connecting African countries. She emphasized the airline’s commitment to maintaining the progress.

“London has always been a significant city for RwandAir, as it was our first European destination following our inaugural flight to Gatwick in 2017,” Makolo stated.

“These direct daily flights are a testament to the growing demand from customers both in the UK and Africa. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to our beautiful land of a thousand hills. Visitors from the UK have visa-free access to Rwanda and can expect to experience an extraordinary range of wildlife and green, mountainous landscapes,” she added.

A 2023 report by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) highlighted a 22.7% increase in cargo transported by RwandAir that year, reaching 4,595 tons. Major destinations for this cargo included Dubai, the UK, and Belgium. Additionally, the number of visitors to Rwanda rose from 521,000 in 2021 to 1.4 million in 2023.

Makolo also mentioned that the airline’s convenient schedule allows easy connections through the Kigali hub to many destinations in Africa and the Middle East.

Customers flying with RwandAir can enjoy complimentary inflight dining, free drinks, and inflight entertainment on seat-back video screens.

RwandAir provides a generous baggage allowance for its passengers. Economy Class travelers can check in two bags, each weighing up to 23kg, along with an additional handbag of 10kg. Business Class passengers enjoy even more flexibility, with the option to check in up to three bags, each weighing up to 23kg each.

RwandAir has been operating flights to and from London, UK, for seven years.

Before each RwandAir flight, the staff ensures the safety of all passengers.

RwandAir now offers daily flights to London using the Airbus A330-300.

Passengers onboard sit comfortably.

This is the ‘Business Class’ section for passengers.

RwandAir staff provide exceptional care to passengers throughout the journey.

Passengers traveling to or from London receive comprehensive care and attention.

The passenger service agents on these RwandAir flights are known for their expertise and hospitality.

IGIHE journalist being briefed by Mireille Umubyeyi, RwandAir’s Communication officer, about the operations of the London-bound flights.

RwandAir has been successfully operating flights to London, UK, for seven years.

[email protected]

Karirima A. Ngarambe

In July 1994, after the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) halted the Genocide against the Tutsi, over two million refugees, including Juvenal Habyarimana’s former government forces, fled to the then Zaire (currently DRC), entering through Goma and Bukavu.

These forces, upon crossing the border, regrouped with the intention of resuming the Genocide against the Tutsi. Later, the FDLR, formerly known as ALIR, emerged as a powerful force, with insurgents launching frequent attacks on Rwanda.

In an interview with Top Congo FM while seeking medical treatment in Belgium, Tshisekedi ignored these facts, instead claiming that Zaire rescued Rwanda from an impending calamity.

“DRC, by the time it held the name of Zaire, saved Rwanda from a very intensive catastrophe which would happen if we hadn’t opened borders to an influx of refugees,' he said.

Tshisekedi acknowledged that among these refugees were genocidaires who entered Congo armed, but he downplayed the impact, saying, 'Unfortunately, there has been international blindness which allowed Genocide perpetrators to be among refugees and enter our territory with their weapons. They were not disarmed. Today, the burden has shifted from Rwanda to us, affecting our citizens.'

Ignoring the truth

Tshisekedi overlooked the fact that other countries also received refugees but handled the situation differently from Zaire. For instance, Tanzania disarmed those entering its territory in late April 1994. Tanzania, which was mediating between Rwanda and the RPF-Inkotanyi, arrested several high-ranking officials suspected of having played a role in the Genocide.

One notable example is Jean Baptiste Gatete, who was initially released due to protests from the Interahamwe he led but was later banned from residing in the country and fled to Zaire. Gatete was eventually arrested by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and sentenced to life imprisonment.

A widely circulated photo on the internet shows a pile of machetes confiscated at the Rwanda-Tanzania border, highlighting the stringent measures Tanzania took compared to Zaire, where genocidaires found a safe haven.

Sources indicate that Zaire’s decision to harbor genocidaires was well-informed, as they were supporters of President Habyarimana, who was a close friend of Mobutu, referring to each other as 'Elder brother' and 'Best friend.'

Refusal to negotiate with M23

Commenting on possibility for negotiations with M23 rebel group, Tshisekedi declared, 'Listen to me well! As long as I am President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, I will never sit down with representatives of M23 or AFC for negotiations. I only want to talk with Rwanda for negotiations.'

'If I want to talk with Rwanda, it’s to ask them what their problem is so they can leave us in peace. If they think there’s an issue on our side, we’ll resolve it. They mentioned the FDLR, and today we are in Luanda discussing how to cease hostilities and resolve the FDLR issue,' he elaborated.

However, Tshisekedi’s claims about resolving the FDLR issue ring hollow. For over 30 years, instead of disarming the FDLR, the Congolese government has increasingly collaborated with them.

Currently, the FDLR is integrated with the Congolese military in the fight against M23, with their fighters receiving uniforms, salaries, weapons, and other supplies.

Tshisekedi has often downplayed the FDLR’s existence, at times claiming they no longer pose a threat, while simultaneously collaborating with them.

Analysts argue that resolving the FDLR issue requires Tshisekedi’s government to genuinely dissociate from this group, which continues to foster insecurity and propagate genocidal ideology in the region.

Tshisekedi has often downplayed the FDLR’s existence, at times claiming they no longer pose a threat, while collaborating with them.

IGIHE