“We could not have done anything to prevent floods or heavy rains from occurring, but helping those who survived this tragedy is within our ability and we must do it.” President Kagame
The people’s President. He used to behave normally and loved to spend time with us even in good times or bad times. Our country is very blessed to have you as our President ❤️✊ The best President in Africa is @PaulKagame. This Africa will be great again.❤️✊
The new airport located about 40 kilometers south of Kigali is expected to be completed in the next 3 years, at an estimated cost of $2 billion.
Once completed, the new airport will boast a 130,000-square-meter main terminal building capable of initially accommodating 8 million passengers annually. This figure is expected to rise to more than 14 million in the future, making it one of the busiest aviation hubs in Africa.
Adjacent will be a dedicated cargo terminal, capable of accommodating 150,000 tons of cargo a year.
Qatar Airways will have a 60% ownership of the new airport. The Middle Eastern airline will also acquire 49% of shares in the African country’s flag carrier airline, Rwandair, offering access to over 65 locations around the world.
The new airport a significant upgrade on the existing Kigali International Airport, which is set to remain operational for special arrivals, some chartered flights, and a pilot training school.
Ibuka was formed after the Rwandan genocide in order to better coordinate survivors associations that had come together to help each other overcome the trauma of genocide and rebuild communities.
Ibuka, which means “Remember”, is an umbrella organisation of survivors, associations, concerned individuals and other organisations fighting the legacy of the genocide and its effects onto survivors. It aims to contribute to their rehabilitation as well as Rwandan society in general.
Mission
Providing advocacy with the survivors and monitoring all the activities engaged in problem solving of the challenges faced by survivors.
Vision
To be an organization of national and international reference in issues of genocide prevention,preservation of genocide,memory and fight against any kind of genocide ideology.
Objectives
Our focus is on the following themes: Peacebuilding & Supporting genocide survivors
IBUKA’s work focuses on the following themes:
Justice
Memory
Supporting genocide survivors
Peace building
Ibuka’s major achievements include:
Promoting commemoration and remembrance. Commemoration activities have taken place at a village-level across the country, in 30 universities and many other institutions, in 400 secondary schools, and amongst the Rwandan diaspora.
Construction of 416 memorial sites.
Honorary burial of unfound bodies and a call to perpetrators of genocide to speak out where they may have dumped these bodies during the genocide.
Research into people killed in during the genocide. 6538 entire families killed in Bugesera, Karongi, Nyamagabe and Kigali City have been identified. This work is ongoing. Statistical research on rescuers: moderate Hutus and foreigners who may have rescued Tutsis during genocide. Research has been conducted in 240 cells out of 2148 cells, and in this Ibuka have discovered 271 rescuers.
Research on the general understanding of Rwandans regarding commemoration in general.
Ibuka has hosted more than 5 international conferences
Ibuka has contributed to the health of genocide survivors: 258 people were helped to get medical treatment abroad and 4063 people received special treatment. Research was conducted in order to identify people with unhealed scars and mental disorders caused by genocide. 141,374 survivors were given medical insurance.
Education for genocide survivors: with Ibuka’s help, 61,745 survivors have so far completed secondary education and 4,339 completed university.
1551 students have completed professional courses focusing on memory, and reconciliation
Ibuka has provide shelter for vulnerable groups: 39257 house have been built.
Ibuka has trained many people to provide psychological counselling, and have treated thousands of cases.
Rwanda is a country located in East Africa, more than one millions of people lives there, Actuary the economics based on Agriculture and livestock ,fishing and Trade,back to the history it was a big country before colonization as well after the congress happened in Europe and defeated Germany ,they agreed to subdivide in a small country, this led to genocide where many refuges escaped to other countries.
Indeed the leaders of that time tried to expand Rwanda so that they could develop,
The Rwandan people live in harmony and eager to develop the country, as well to innovate and create opportunity,
Now the history could be the fact that the civil war happening between the East Africa countries (e.g. DRC) is a trigger to the negative and positive impact of civil war, My suggestion on what is happening today is that the imaginary board of Rwanda today could be changed to the original boards of last time in the History, that could be working team to develop the world in the different aspect. Ngamije Alain
Dear World, We are NOT Hotel-Rwanda: Rwanda Today is Peaceful, Developing, and Progressive.
I am from RWANDA! A beautiful country in the East African Region.
I am very proud to be Rwandan. Wherever I go, live or work, I take the Rwandan pride with me. However, one of the perks of being Rwandan in the diaspora, is the questions you get asked when you tell people that you are from Rwanda. The majority of the people I meet do not know where Rwanda is on the map. Even if they know something about Rwanda, 9 out of 10, is the Rwandan genocide in 1994. So, you can imagine how many of my conversations start.
“ You are from Rwanda? OMG, I have never met anybody from Rwanda before. But I have watched the movie, Hotel-Rwanda. That was some fucked up sh*t. How is it over there today? Is your family okay? Are you Tutsi or Hutu?”
Rwandan Flag Colors Explained: “Blue” for peace and happiness, “Yellow” for economic development, “Green” for prosperity and “the sun” for enlightenment.
Depending on the setting and the timing of the conversation, some of conversations can really be awkward. Over the years, I used to simply lie about where I was from to avoid any further questions, especially if I knew I not have enough time to explain. But today, with pride and honor, I do say that I am from Rwanda and proceed to explain and answer any questions.
I used to shy away from giving too many details depending on the scenario. However, today I do usually take the time to explain; whether be in professional conferences or any other meetings. This is why I have started writing about Rwanda and why I am very proud of my country and what we have achieved for the past 24 years; from a failed state to a peaceful and a prosperous country, what the media has called an “economic and political miracle”. Today, even if I don’t have time to explain, I simply share my articles to give an overview of what Rwanda is today, our future potential and what we can offer to the world. It has saved me lots of time and effort. I love it!
Rwanda wants to be seen as a vibrant economy with potential to attract tourists and foreign direct investments. As Rwandans, we acknowledge our past, but we don’t want to be determined by it.
We don’t want to live on any one’s mercy or pity.
We want to be a self-sustainable city where investment and business rules.
Kigali is amazing city on the rise. Rwanda is a country on the move. Rwandans are determined to build their country together with unity and peace. Didier Champion
What is Rwanda mostly known for?
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Known for its breathtaking scenery, Rwanda is often referred to as le pays des mille collines (French) and (English)“land of a thousand hills”). The capital is Kigali, located in the center of the country.
What makes Rwanda special?
Rwanda has more than just gorillas Sparkling lakes, volcanoes, and varying national parks, such as Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park, offer Africa’s Big Five, a whole host of primates, and hundreds of bird species.
Why is Rwanda called the heart of Africa?
Rwanda is often called the “heart of Africa”, because of its central location on the African continent. It is also known as the “land of a thousand hills”, in reference to its hilly landscape. It is a beautiful and fascinating country with a rich history and culture.
What is Rwanda known food?
Umutsima (a dish of cassava and corn), isombe (cassava leaves with Eggplant and spinach) and mizuzu (fried plantains) are common dishes. Dinner is the heaviest meal. Between meals, Rwandans often snack on fruits. Tropical fruits such as avocados, bananas, mangos, pineapple, and papaya are abundant in Rwanda.
How is the life in Rwanda?
Residents of Rwanda enjoy a low corruption rate and high quality of life, making the country an ideal location for innovative ideas, research, and exploration. Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s countryside is picturesque—full of billowing green hills, turquoise lakes, and unique wildlife.
The average age of Rwanda’s cabinet is 47 — South Africa’s bloated Cabinet is by comparison 60 years old. The Rwandans hire smart, young, qualified people to run their various ministries. They are measured according to clear, agreed goals. If they don’t perform, they’re out.
Irecently attended the Aviation Africa Summit in Kigali. I was intrigued to visit Rwanda after hearing so many positive stories about the country.
At the same time, I was apprehensive about visiting another poor African country that I feared would leave me feeling sad and hopeless. My experience in Rwanda was exactly the opposite — meaningful, energising and inspiring.
Rwanda is a country of 12 million people living in a tiny (but magnificent) landlocked area, 100th the size of its westerly neighbour, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is one of the world’s poorest countries, its GDP per capita only one-seventh the size of South Africa.
Its colonial and tribal history is tragic and traumatic. The catastrophic genocide of 1994 was one of the most brutal episodes in recent history. Almost a million were killed and every single Rwandan was affected and traumatised in some way. The rest of the world shamefully stood by while a nation was destroyed in a mere three months. Conversations with locals inevitably refer to pre- and post-genocide Rwanda.
Less than three decades “post-genocide”, Rwanda is a well-run, resourceful and fast-growing (about 8% consistent GDP growth pre-Covid) and peaceful country. It is clean, safe and efficient. Its people are positive and proud and have a common purpose to build their country. Their legendary national monthly clean-up day is symbolic of the nation’s disciplined determination.
Rwanda’s two main economic contributors are tourism and agriculture (mainly coffee and tea). The mountain gorillas are a major attraction, particularly to American tourists. It’s a surreal bucket-list experience to spend an hour with these awesome, humanlike creatures in their natural habitat.
Rwanda’s fertile, rich soil is ideal for many fruit and vegetables and their coffee beans are becoming world-renowned. The “Question” coffee brand is a cooperative of 30,000 woman coffee growers and is delicious.
Investment into the country is encouraged and supported, The Rwanda Development Board was specifically set up to facilitate and fast-track new investment. Investors are allocated a point person to navigate and expedite the process. There is no requirement to include a local partner — the strategy is to create employment and opportunity for many rather than empower a privileged few.
Their transport system is fascinating. A system of 200,000 motorbikes with Airtel-branded drivers transport commuters around the capital city for around $1 a trip. There is very little congestion and accident rates appear to be very low due to high levels of compliance with speed and other regulations — a practical, smart and efficient solution.
Given my involvement in travel and tourism, I was intrigued by the focus and development of their industry. Their national airline Rwandair is building a hub in Kigali and recently concluded a partnership with the world’s leading airline, Qatar, which acquired a 49% stake. The government is supportive of open skies in Africa, something agreed upon by African states 23 years ago in Yamoussoukro but never implemented.
The Kigali Convention Centre is world-class and attracts many global conferences. Hospitality offerings range from the ultra-high-end to the very affordable. Service is warm and efficient.
It’s hard not to compare our two countries. I couldn’t help feeling a sense of shame and frustration when asked about the progress of our country. South Africa is resource-rich, has world-class infrastructure and skills and a well-diversified economy. We have a globally appealing and affordable tourism offering.
And yet we consistently underperform. Tourism is our “low hanging fruit”, a massive employer of low- and semi-skilled workers and a serious driver of foreign income. We way underperform in global terms (Croatia attracts more than 10 times the number of high-spending tourists that we do).
How has Rwanda, a country so tiny and poor, put itself on the map and achieved so much? And what can we learn? Leadership, of course, is the answer. Rwanda is well led. Its long-time, sometimes controversial president Paul Kagame is clear and unwavering in his ambition to build his nation. Corruption is not an option. Everyone local we met is completely committed to the country’s vision. Rwandans are one people, no more talk about Tutsis and Hutus, just Rwandans.
But here is the fact that surprised me the most: The average age of Rwanda’s cabinet is 47 — South Africa’s bloated Cabinet is by comparison 60 years old. The Rwandans hire smart, young, qualified people to run their various ministries. They are measured according to clear, agreed goals. If they don’t perform, they’re out.
The ICT minister is an MIT graduate, she is building a digital-first infrastructure in the country. Young leaders are building their careers and have much more to lose (and prove) than older leaders who’re on their last mission. Young leaders understand technology and the role it plays in everything. Young leaders are open to new ideas and experimentation. Young leaders have the energy needed to solve tough problems. Young leaders identify with their young constituents (average age is 20).