Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
Published: May 06,2024
By staff writer
And Gabriel Uzabakiriho Kigali Times
Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda H.E Wang Xuekun (4th from right) at Nyanza Genocide Memorial with members of ChinaAlumni Organization (RCAO)
On Saturday May 4, 2024, the Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda His Excellency Wang Xuekun, and members of the Rwanda – China Alumni Organization (RCAO) paid tribute to the victims of the genocide against the Tutsi at Nyanza Genocide Memorial on the outskirts of the Rwandan capital city Kigali. The Ambassador together with former students who completed their studies in Chinese Universities (Alumni), laid wreaths at the genocide site, accompanied by Ms. Huss Anny Monique, the Kicukiro District Deputy Executive Administrator.
Over 96,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsiare buried at Nyanza Genocide Memorial in Kicukiro,in mass graves and among the victims, over 2,500 were killed by Interahamwe-militia after they were abandoned by UN peacekeepers at the nearby former Technical school (ETO Kicukiro) which was a UN camp where the victim had sought refugee.
After laying wreaths on the mass graves, the Chinese Ambassador and China Alumni, embarked on a community-driven initiative, rehabilitating 30 houses and positively impacting the lives of over 200 vulnerable residents of Kigasa Village, Murinja Cell, in Gahanga Sector. The houses which had old leaking roofs were removed and replaced by new iron sheets and damaged walls and foundations were repaired ensuring safer and more stable living conditions for the residents.
In his speech, the Chinese Ambassador H.E. Wang Xuekun, pointed out that the visit and the rehabilitation efforts underscore the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity between Rwanda and China.
Indeed, the friendship between Rwanda and China has been growing for 53 years. The cooperation between China and Rwanda is multifaceted, and today, China is Rwanda’s number one trading partner with the bilateral trading partner reaching $321million in 2020. When Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Rwanda in July 2018, in his own words, he said that the friendship between China and Rwanda was “higher than mountains.”
China Alumni Organization (RCAO) commitment to supporting the community reflects a deep-seated belief in the importance of reconciliation, healing, and building a better future for all Rwandans. TheonesteHiganiro, the chairperson of RCAO, emphasized the significance of the visit and the ongoing commitment of the alumni organization. “As former students who studied in China, we are here to show our support to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. The rehabilitation of these homes is just the beginning. We will continue to support these families in the future, ensuring that they have the necessary support to rebuild their lives,” Higaniro said.
The Kicukiro District Deputy Executive Administrator, Ms. Huss Anny Monique, expressed gratitude for the visit and the tangible support provided by the delegation. “The gesture of solidarity and the efforts to rehabilitate the homes of our community members are deeply appreciated. Such initiatives not only honor the memory of the victims but also demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of our people.”
Chinese Ambassador H.E Wang Xuekun participating in repairing the damaged foundation of one of the houses.
Chinese Ambassador H.E Wang Xuekun exchanging views with Kicukiro District Deputy Executive Administrator, Ms. Huss Anny Monique.
