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This decision has been made to provide every citizen with the opportunity to exercise their right to vote without any work-related constraints or hindrances in accordance with existing democratic principles.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, all government offices, institutions and private businesses are expected to observe the directive.

'The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs employers and employees that Monday, July 15, and Tuesday, July 16, 2024, will be public holidays to allow Rwandans to participate in the Presidential and Parliamentary elections and fulfil their civic duties,' reads the statement.

The general elections begin on Sunday, July 14, 2024 (for Rwandans in the diaspora). Locally, they will take place on Monday, July 15 while the next day is dedicated to the Parliamentary elections for special groups.

Every voter is supposed to vote from the village where he or she is registered and that’s why such public holidays are declared prior to Election Day.

In the past, however, essential services such as hospitals, emergency services, and security agencies would continue to operate as usual to ensure public safety and welfare. It is not any different this time.

It means that by virtue of one’s job, certain groups of people can be allowed to vote from a polling station that is near to them, not necessarily where they were registered.

These special groups of people include members of the police service, soldiers, journalists, students sitting for national examinations and the sick.

According to the National Electoral Commission, members of the security forces who are on mission and journalists covering elections can cast their ballot at the nearest polling station. This also applies to polling staff and emergency workers.

Election observers of Rwandan nationality, representatives of political organizations and independent candidates may also cast their ballot at the polling station they are working from.

Citizens are encouraged to use this day to participate in the voting process and contribute to the democratic governance of their nation.

The general elections begin on Sunday, July 14, 2024 (for Rwandans in the diaspora). Locally, they will take place on Monday, July 15 while the next day is dedicated to the Parliamentary elections for special groups.

Sam K Nkurunziza

This is one of the resolutions adopted at the recently concluded retreat, which brought together Ministers from eight member states of the East African Community (EAC).

The talks are expected to be held by October 31, 2024, according to a joint statement signed by the ministers who attended the retreat held in Zanzibar, Tanzania, between July 6 and July 8, 2024.

The diplomatic row between Burundi and Rwanda has been ongoing for several years and was more recently fuelled by Burundi’s accusations that Rwanda is backing Burundi’s RED-Tabara insurgents operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Rwandan government has repeatedly denied the accusations.

RED-Tabara rebel group is considered by the Burundian government as a terrorist movement, with its members being linked to the failed coup attempt to topple former President Pierre Nkurunziza in 2015.

The accusations led Burundi to close its border with Rwanda in January this year. The strained relations have affected trade and movement between the two countries, disrupting local economies and communities that rely on cross-border trade and interaction.

During the EAC ministerial retreat, Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, Albert Shingiro, gave the clearest indication that the country was ready to resolve issues with Rwanda through diplomatic means.

“Diplomatic dialogue is a powerful tool for resolving conflicts, tensions, and paradoxes between states,” Ambassador Shingiro posted the message on his X handle.

In the same spirit, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe and his DRC counterpart are also expected to meet in an effort to find a common ground wake of concerns over the conflict in eastern DRC.

The two countries have been at loggerheads in recent years over counter accusations of supporting armed groups to destabilise each other’s territories. The Rwandan leadership has often questioned the DRC government’s support for the FDLR militia which comprises remnants of the Interahamwe group that perpetrated the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

At the conclusion of the retreat, the ministers acknowledged that the most viable path to sustainable peace and security in eastern DRC is through a political process.

They recommended the convening of a summit of the EAC heads of state to revitalize the political track of the EAC-led Nairobi process in reciprocal coordination with the Luanda process.

Efforts under the Luanda and Nairobi processes aim to create sustainable peace by addressing these underlying issues through dialogue, regional cooperation, and comprehensive security arrangements.

During the EAC ministerial retreat, Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, Albert Shingiro, gave the clearest indication that the country was ready to resolve issues with Rwanda diplomatically.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has confirmed that Rwandans who live in the diaspora will vote at 160 polling stations in 70 countries, including 44 embassies.

NEC’s Executive Secretary Charles Munyaneza disclosed this to IGIHE ahead of the July 15 polls in which 3 candidates are vying for the country’s top seat.

They are independent Candidate Philippe Mpayimana, Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and Paul Kagame, the incumbent president and flag bearer of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi.

Munyaneza said that all election materials have already arrived at the polling stations, and preparations by voters and officials to help in the voting process are already in high gear.

'Our voters in the diaspora have everything already in place. They are set to conduct their voting. There is nothing that will stop the exercise from running smoothly,' he said.

Similarly in Rwanda, all polling materials are ready and they will be dispatched to respective polling stations between July 12 and July 14.

'Printing of the final batch of ballot papers has been completed today. We are waiting for the right time to start dispatching them to the respective polling stations.

Munyaneza disclosed that civic education has successfully been conducted throughout the country including for students most of whom are first-time voters.

According to him, final works in the setup of polling centers are underway. They include including the preparation of roads (for easy accessibility) and the installation of electricity (for those who do not have).

The official register at the National Electoral Commission indicates that 9,071,157 people are eligible to vote including more than 4.2 million males, and 4,845,417 females.

In the diaspora, 77,138 eligible voters are registered comprising 41,243 males and 35,895 females.

Rwanda’s presidential and parliamentary elections are a significant event on the country’s political calendar, with candidates presenting their visions for the future and engaging with the electorate to secure support.

The official register at the National Electoral Commission indicates that 9,071,157 people are eligible to vote including more than 4.2 million males, and 4,845,417 females.

Sam K Nkurunziza

The spokesperson for Germany’s center-right CDU/CSU faction says the government should utilize the preparatory efforts undertaken by the U.K. to enhance their own preparations for the deal.

According to him, since Rwanda was ready to work with European countries on migration cooperation, the termination of the U.K. deal means more “capacity” for Germany.

'We should stick to the plan, and make use of the preparations our British partners made for it,' the member of the German Parliament for Heilbronn told a local publication.

The lawmaker is among members of former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s CDU/CSU faction who have been promoting a proposal for offshore processing of asylum seekers, similar to the scheme adopted by the former UK PM Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party in the UK. Italy also has a similar plan in the pipeline with Albania.

Throm’s proposal comes two months after another CDU lawmaker, Jens Spahn, spoke highly of the relations between Germany and Rwanda following his meeting with President Paul Kagame in Kigali, hinting at hopes for future cooperation.

'We had the great honor of exchanging views with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame for two hours – discussing current global challenges, the migration agreement with the UK, and the good cooperation between Rwanda and Germany. We aim to further expand this. Thanks for that privilege, Mr President,' Spahn said in a post on X in May.

Immigration, especially irregular immigration and asylum, is viewed as a major issue in Germany.

To address the problem, Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed in principle in late 2023 to explore the idea of offshore processing of asylum claims. Already, the proposal is said to have received support from many senior figures in state government, including the Bavarian Home Affairs Minister Joachim Herrmann.

However, more effort is needed to secure endorsement of the scheme from two of the three parties in the country’s governing coalition. Both the Greens and Scholz’s Social Democrats oppose the idea, while the center-right FDP is in favour.

In the UK, the migration scheme aimed to deter illegal migrants from arriving using small boats across the English Channel by moving the migrants to Rwanda. However, the Labour Party differed with the Conservatives over the effectiveness and cost of the plan.

A day after the new UK prime minister confirmed plans to terminate the agreement, the Rwandan government reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the global migration crisis.

In a statement released Monday, July 8, 2024, the Office of the Government Spokesperson said that nothing will stand in their way while trying to find solutions to the global migration crisis.

'We remain committed to finding solutions to the global migration crisis, including providing safety, dignity, and opportunity to refugees and migrants who come to our country,” the Government stated.

Alexander Throm says the government should utilize the preparatory efforts undertaken by the U.K. to enhance their own preparations for the deal.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The Republican congressman was the longest-serving U.S. senator from Oklahoma. He served in the Senate for nearly three decades, from 1994 until 2023, when he retired.

In his long political service, Inhofe is mostly remembered for his opposition to climate science, which often dominated headlines in the Western media.

He was a strong critic of the idea that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, drive climate change. He believed that efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions would harm the economy without significant environmental benefits.

“You say something over and over and over and over again, and people will believe it and that’s their strategy,” he said of environmentalists, scientists and public officials who argued that man-made emissions had altered the planet’s climate.

For many years, this controversial stance on environmental policy made him a prominent figure in debates over climate change in the United States.

An Army veteran and licensed pilot, Inhofe was also known for his strong support of defence spending and strong ties with Africa and Rwanda in particular.

Africa’s Friend

He supported U.S. efforts to enhance security cooperation with African nations, particularly in combating terrorism and extremism and promoting stability.

In 2018, Inhofe said he had taken more than 140 trips to Africa over about 20 years, and he had a hand in creating U.S. Africa Command.

He also advocated for increased U.S. support for humanitarian efforts in Africa, particularly during crises such as famines, conflicts, and natural disasters.

As a testament of his close ties with Africa and Rwanda, President Paul Kagame eulogized the late senator as “a singular friend of our continent, and of Rwanda in particular”.

“The bonds that Jim fostered between Africa and the United States will remain central to his legacy as a statesman and public servant,” President Kagame said in his tribute.

Senator Inhofe had a special attachment to Rwanda. He led a delegation of US Senators and Congressmen on a three-day visit to Rwanda in January 2014.

During the visit, the lawmakers were briefed on peace and security in the Great Lakes region, with particular focus on the Central African Republic, where Rwandan troops have been involved in recent years to help bring stability.

The delegation also discussed the prospects of increasing trade between Rwanda and the US.

At the summit of his visit, Inhofe acknowledged the strides Rwanda had taken since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which had derailed the country, saying that “the USA doesn’t have a better friend than Kagame”.

'We have been to the countryside and the transformation of this country is incredible. You can’t see it in other countries. We commend Rwanda’s role in peacebuilding and peace creation in the region; in South Sudan, and especially in the Central African Republic,' he said.

Senator Inhofe also visited Rwanda in 2017 and was once again hosted by President Kagame at his office in Urugwiro Village.

As a demonstration of strong relations with the late lawmaker, Rwanda hosted a breakfast at its embassy in Washington, D.C. on September 15, 2022, in appreciation of Senator Inhofe’s career and friendship with Africa and Rwanda.

In a conveyed message, President Kagame said Inhofe’s dedication to Rwanda and the relationship he helped nurture had strengthened ties between Rwanda and the USA.

'We have watched you invest in learning about and understanding Rwanda and other African countries. We have also watched you educate your peers on the importance of Africa and countries like Rwanda as worthy global allies,' President Kagame stated.

'You have shown that a productive relationship with the United States is mutually beneficial for our people and contributes to greater security and stronger economies.”

Vincent Biruta, who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation beween 2019 to June 2024, and Ambassador of Rwanda to the United States Mathilde Mukantabana presented a gift to Senator Inhofe during the event.

During the event, a grateful Inhofe reminisced about his first visit to Rwanda and recounted how President Kagame agreed to meet his delegation after midnight.

'After midnight he (Kagame) agreed to meet with us and he has been meeting with us ever since. We have had opportunities to do things together.' He said.

Sincerely, Rwanda has lost a true friend. Fare the well Senator James Inhofe.

An Army veteran and licensed pilot, Inhofe was known for his strong support of defence spending and strong ties with Africa and Rwanda in particular.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Insecurity concerns in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have a long and complex history, with roots stretching back several decades.

For example, during the colonial era between 1885 and 1960, the period of Belgian colonial rule was marked by exploitation and violence, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Following independence in 1960, the DRC experienced severe turmoil, including the secession of Katanga province and the assassination of the country’s first Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba.

Similarly, the long rule of President Mobutu Sese Seko was characterized by corruption, repression, and the neglect of the country’s infrastructure, contributing to underlying tensions and instability.

The first major civil war in DRC began when the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL), under the command of Laurent-Désiré Kabila led to the overthrow of Mobutu in 1997.

Then between 1998 and 2003, a conflict involving multiple African nations and armed groups led to widespread violence and humanitarian crises. This came to be known as the “African World War.' It also resulted into the assassination of Kabila on January 16, 2001 by his 18-year-old bodyguard.

Since then, various regions of the DRC, particularly parts of the Eastern Province, have continued to experience violence and insecurity due to the presence of numerous armed groups, ethnic conflicts, and competition for natural resources.

Efforts to pacify the region have been ongoing for decades. A combination of military interventions, diplomatic negotiations, peace agreements, and international peacekeeping operations have been attempted but with little success.

To begin with, United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC) was established to maintain order following independence and the secessionist crisis in Katanga but it yielded no results.

Then Mobutu Sese Seko’s government attempted to maintain control through a mix of authoritarian rule and patronage, but these efforts often led to further repression and corruption rather than lasting peace.

Soon after, neighboring countries, particularly Rwanda and Uganda, intervened to overthrow Mobutu, resulting in Laurent-Désiré Kabila becoming president. While this ended Mobutu’s rule, it did not bring lasting peace.

As history has it, various peace agreements, such as the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement (1999) and the Pretoria Agreement (2002) were signed aimed at ending the conflict. These efforts led to the formation of a transitional government in 2003.

With the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) was established, later succeeded by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO) in 2010. These missions have focused on peacekeeping, protection of civilians, and support for the DRC government.

Efforts have been made to stabilize the country through democratic elections (2006, 2011, 2018), though these have often been marred by allegations of fraud and violence.

Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs have been undertaken with the hope to disband armed groups and reintegrate combatants into society.

More so, various international and regional efforts, including the African Union and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), have sought to address the underlying causes of conflict but in vain.

Despite all these efforts, the DRC continues to face significant challenges in achieving lasting peace. So, what exactly is the problem with DRC? Why do efforts to pacify the region continue today with little success? Can the DRC get stability and development amidst the ongoing challenges?

Understanding the endless insecurity crisis in the DRC requires a very sober mind on all accounts. It requires an authentic analysis of the geographical and geopolitical factors at play.

Experts say that this is a complex issue with multiple interrelated causes; a multifaceted matter involving historical legacies, natural resource exploitation, weak governance, and regional dynamics.

Arguably, numerous armed groups and militias, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), continue to operate in eastern DRC. For the most part, these are driven by ethnic tensions, control of resources, and regional politics.

Secondly, the DRC is rich in natural resources, including minerals like coltan, diamonds, gold, and cobalt. These resources have fueled conflict as various groups vie for control, leading to illegal mining and exploitation.

The illicit trade of these minerals often finances armed groups, perpetuating the cycle of violence.

But most importantly, weak governance and widespread corruption hinder effective administration and security efforts. The central government struggles to exert control over the vast and remote regions of the country.

The lack of infrastructure and basic services exacerbates poverty and insecurity, making it difficult for the state to maintain order and provide for its citizens.

Consequently, the prolonged conflict has resulted in severe humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and facing food insecurity, lack of healthcare, and other basic needs.

Sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war, with horrific consequences for women and communities.

Ultimately, lasting peace has been elusive due to the complexity of the conflict and the entangled interests of local, regional, and international actors.

To solve this puzzle, coordinated efforts towards peace and stability require comprehensive approaches, including strengthening governance, addressing the root causes of conflict, and promoting economic development.

Regional cooperation and dialogue among neighboring countries are crucial, given the cross-border nature of many rebel groups and the historical involvement of other nations in the DRC’s conflicts.

This week, the Ministers responsible for regional and foreign affairs from each of the East African Community member States held a retreat in Zanzibar from 6th to 8th July 2024.

They took note of the state of interstate relations and the adverse impact on the integration agenda and encouraged the partner states to use existing frameworks provided for in the treaty for the establishment of the East African Community to address interstate disputes.

Concern was raised on the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Eastern DRC where the Ministers appreciated the humanitarian truce negotiated by the government of the United States of America and recommended that the truce be extended indefinitely.

During the retreat, it was acknowledged that the viable path to sustainable peace and security in this region is through a political process.

The meeting, recommended the convening of a summit of the EAC Heads of State to revitalize the political track of the EAC led Nairobi process in reciprocal coordination with the Luanda process.

Whether this time it will work or is just another round of fruitless efforts to pacify Eastern DRC, your guess is as good as mine.

And while the journey towards peace is ongoing, the commitment of both local and international actors remains crucial in achieving a stable and prosperous future for the country.

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Sam K Nkurunziza