As the world marked International Peace Day, Rwandan youth were urged to strive for peace in the country and the region.

At the national level, the day-themed “Peace Starts with Me” was celebrated at Parliament Buildings in an event attended by parliamentarians, representatives of local and international organisations as well as hundreds of young people drawn from all parts of the country.

Speakers at the event acknowledged the role of young people in Rwanda’s liberation struggle which stopped the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and ushered in a new era of national unity.

“When we observe the International Day of Peace, we recognize that unity and resilience are a pillar of peace and sustainable development,” said Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Donatille Mukabalisa.

“This is an opportune occasion that reminds us of the value of peace for the global population and Rwandans in particular. It is also the right moment to reflect on everyone’s role, especially the youth, in continuing to strive for peace.”

Drawing from Rwanda’s history, Mukabalisa noted that bad leadership leads to the lack of peace.

“The bad leadership that our country experienced enshrined discrimination, persecution, and isolation, which led us to the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. Another lesson from our history is that the youth played a role in the destruction of our country. But we also recognised that the role the youth played and continue to play in the reconstruction of our country is very important,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Clarisse Munezero, said it is important for the older generation to engage young people on the value of peace.

“We have noted that threats to peace are not only the bullets, but anything that affects a person’s life negatively. Peace starts with you yourself, in your family and your neighbourhood,” Munezero said.

“What we ask of the youth is to find peace from themselves first, some of them still have trauma from our history. So, they need to have the courage to seek healing.”

International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.

The 2023 observance of the International Day of Peace coincided with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) summit to mark the mid-point milestone.

“Peace and the Sustainable Development Goals are inherently connected-laying the foundation for a prosperous and harmonious world,” said UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, Ozonnia Ojielo.

“Peace isn't just the absence of conflict; it's a state where justice, equity, and cooperation flourish.

“We acknowledge that peace starts at home, in our communities, and within our hearts. It's a collective endeavour, and through open dialogue and shared understanding, we can dismantle barriers to peace and construct bridges toward harmonious coexistence.” - Moise M. Bahati, The New Times

The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on Monday passed the long-awaited National Elections Act 2012 (Amendment) Bill 2023, with all the observations and recommendations.  

The bill provides for the reconstitution of a competent and impartial National Elections Commission (NEC) to conduct general elections as stipulated in the 2018 peace agreement.

Other provisions in the law include the percentage allocations, which show that 50 percent of all the members of the National Assembly shall be elected to represent geographical constituencies in the Republic of South Sudan.

Also, 35 percent of women members shall be elected based on proportional representation at the national level from the closed women representatives (lists). Furthermore, the Bill provides that 15 percent of members shall be elected on proportional representation at the national level from closed party lists, these include categories such as youth and persons living with disabilities.

This amended law has also recognized the administrative areas to participate in the coming generation elections.

However, after the presentation of the Bill, a debate arose among the legislators suggesting that the president be given a prerogative to nominate some members of parliament after the elections to give a chance to those who fail to make it through the party lists or geographical constituencies.

Onyoti Adigo, the Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries, who is also a member of the parliament, said it is very important to give the president a prerogative to nominate members of parliament to represent special groups such as persons with disabilities, trade unions, and youth, among others.

According to Adigo, the appointment of such groups to the parliament by the president can make the parliament inclusive.

“This parliament should be inclusive. The parliament will include persons with parties, organized forces, people with special needs, chambers of commerce, trade unions, youth, faith-based organizations, and imminent figures” he said. “These people are not members of political parties. So, it is the president who will be looking at their affairs. Their representation in parliament will give inclusivity in parliament.”

Meanwhile, Joseph Kiju Robert, the Chief whip of the Other Political Parties (OPP), said giving the president some powers to nominate is not a new thing but a common practice even in neighboring countries such as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

“We felt that the president who will be elected will have a prerogative of appointing 10 percent of the members of parliament,” he said.

The August House, however, agreed that the president be given the prerogative to appoint 5 percent of the members of parliament from non-political groups.

It was also agreed that the number of members of the House be increased from 250 to 332. However, this was disagreed by the political parties including the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO).

Dr. John Sebit Madit, who represented the SPLM-IO Chief Whip, described the assignment of powers to the president as an attempt to appoint ministers from the current government to the next government that will be elected.

“There are people who want to carry forward mistakes that have caused crises in this country,” he charged. “In my opinion, the best way for us to learn is to leave behind mistakes. This proposal of giving percentages to the president is carrying forward of mistakes.”

Madit further said the country should decide whether to go for elections or have an appointment exercise. By Choi Mawel, Tower Post

Rwandan President, Paul Kagame has declared his intention to run for a fourth term in the elections coming up next year.

Kagame who has ruled over the country with an iron fist for decades, made this known in an interview on Tuesday.

“I am pleased with the confidence that Rwandans have placed in me. I will always serve them, as long as I can,” the 65-year-old said

The Rwandan government in March decided to synchronise the dates for its parliamentary and presidential elections, which are due to be held in August next year.

Kagame, prior to this time did make his intentions clear, but presided over controversial constitutional amendments in 2015 that allowed him to run for more terms and stay in power until 2034.

Kagame became president in April 2000 and returned to office with more than 90 percent of the vote in elections in 2003, 2010 and 2017. 

While Rwanda lays claim to being one of the most stable countries in Africa, rights groups accuse Kagame of ruling in a climate of fear, stifling dissent and free speech.

By Chioma Kalu, Arise News