Ambassador of Rwanda Praises Egypt's Role in Africa's Peace, Development
Yara Sameh
The Ambassador of Rwanda to Egypt, CG Dan Munyuza acknowledged Egypt's partnership with Rwanda in development and peace efforts.
The Ambassador made the remarks on Monday as the Embassy of Rwanda in Egypt hosted a solemn commemoration event to mark the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, known as Kwibuka 31.
Kwibuka is observed annually from April 7 to July 4.
The gathering brought together diplomats, members of the business community, religious leaders, members of the Rwandan community, and friends of Rwanda to honor the victims and reflect on the lessons of this dark chapter in history.
The government of Egypt was represented by Ambassador Mohamed Safwat, Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for Nile Basin countries. Also in attendance was Dr. Mohamadou Labarang, the Dean of African Group of Ambassadors and Ambassador of Cameroun, Afrexim Bank president, Prof. Benedict O. Oramah, Sheikh Dr. Mohamed El Amin, Representative of Azhar and Priest Moussa Ebeid, Representative of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Ambassador CG Dan Munyuza, Rwanda's envoy to Egypt, delivered a moving speech, paying tribute to the more than one million innocent lives lost in just 100 days. He emphasized the importance of remembrance as a sacred duty and a guiding light for future generations.
Key Excerpts from the Ambassador's Speech:
"Kwibuka—meaning 'to remember'—is not merely about looking back. It is about confronting the painful truth of our past and safeguarding life for the future."
"Rwanda learned the hard way that no one was going to intervene and stop the massacres. Today, we stand as a testament to resilience, unity, and progress."
"The genocide against the Tutsi was not spontaneous. It was a carefully orchestrated campaign fueled by division, hatred, and the failure of the international community."
The Ambassador also highlighted Rwanda's ongoing efforts to uncover the remains of victims, with 258 bodies recently discovered in Huye District of the Souther Province of Rwanda—a stark reminder that the wounds of 1994 remain fresh for survivors and the nation.
A Call for Global Vigilance
Ambassador Munyuza raised concerns about the persistent threat of genocide ideology, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Tutsi communities continue to face persecution. He condemned the activities of the FDLR, a genocidal militia linked to the 1994 atrocities, and called for international action to dismantle hate-driven violence.
"Never Again must be more than a slogan. It must be a commitment backed by concrete actions to protect those at risk," he declared.
Gratitude to Egypt
The Ambassador acknowledged Egypt's partnership with Rwanda in development and peace efforts, including collaborative discussions on resolving the crisis in Eastern DRC.
In his remarks as Guest of Honor, Ambassador Mohamed Safwat, Egypt's Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister, praised Rwanda's resilience, stating: "The courageous Rwandan people, under President Paul Kagame's visionary leadership, have transformed their nation into an inspiring model for the world." He emphasized the importance of regional stability, calling for "African solutions to African problems through dialogue and integration" while highlighting Egypt's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, including the soon-to-open Magdy Yacoub Cardiology Hospital in Kigali.
Ambassador Mohamed Safwat further raised an alarm, regarding the unfolding situation in the greatlakes region, calling for concrete action. "As we stand united in remembrance, the resurgence of instability in the Great Lakes region weighs heavily on our collective conscience," He emphasized.
"Sustainable peace and prosperity can only be rooted in dialogue, regional integration, and respect for sovereignty—principles that must guide our shared commitment to 'African Solutions for African Problems.'" He added, reaffirming Egypt's full support for ongoing mediation efforts.
Event Highlights:
A moment of silence to honor the victims.
Lighting the Flame of Remembrance, symbolizing hope and resilience.
A call to action for the world to learn from Rwanda's history and stand against hatred.
read more
Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685
NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria
Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO
Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided
News
Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks
News
Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank
News
Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region
News
One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid
News
Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers
News
Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia
Lifestyle
Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe
News
Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content
Arts & Culture
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized
Videos & Features
Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO)
News
Israeli PM Diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer
Sports
Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
News
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies
Arts & Culture
New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
MCE Participates in Egypt's Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change
Mohamed Mandour The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change (LCOY Egypt 2025), organized by the Mediterranean Youth Foundation and hosted at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The event drew active participation from numerous institutions, as well as official, academic, and religious figures. In a recorded address broadcast during the opening session of the conference, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that climate change is a fundamental and existential issue that is closely linked to achieving social justice. He noted that it is also a humanitarian concern that threatens humanity and the shared planet we all inhabit. He explained that the Muslim Council of Elders has embraced this cause on multiple fronts, including its participation in several United Nations Climate Change Conferences, most recently COP28 in Dubai and COP29 in Azerbaijan. At these conferences, the Council launched a landmark initiative—the Faith Pavilion—which aimed to strengthen the role of religious leaders and figures in addressing the climate challenge. Judge Abdelsalam further noted that the Council also organized the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate, which resulted in the issuance of the document titled The Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Joint Declaration on Climate." This statement was signed by 30 of the world's most prominent religious leaders, including His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the late Pope Francis, former Pontiff of the Catholic Church. He also highlighted that, in recognition of the importance of youth engagement, the Council organized a climate-themed youth competition that attracted more than 50 participants from 11 countries around the world, aimed at involving youth in this global challenge. The Secretary-General commended the LCOY Egypt 2025 initiative, particularly as it was launched by Egyptian civil society. He expressed his confidence that such efforts would contribute positively to empowering youth to play a greater role in confronting climate change. He reaffirmed the Muslim Council of Elders' support for the initiative, stemming from its firm belief in the vital role of youth in addressing contemporary challenges and in promoting peace, coexistence, and human fraternity. It is worth noting that LCOY Egypt 2025 is being organized for the first time under the leadership of Egyptian civil society, across 11 governorates from May to November 2025, and concurrently in 110 countries around the world. The conference will culminate in a policy paper, which will be submitted annually in November to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Recorded remarks at the opening session were delivered by Ambassador Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration; Dr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation; Dr. Mahmoud Seddiq, Vice President of Al-Azhar University; Dr. Heba Labib, Vice President of Nile University for Innovation and Entrepreneurship; and Dr. Ne'ma Sa'eed, Representative of the World Health Organization in Egypt. The opening session also featured in-person participation from a large number of prominent figures from official, academic, religious, and youth leaders. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Middle East
2 days ago
- Middle East
OPEN// Sisi signs law regulating Islamic fatwas
CAIRO, June 10 (MENA) – President Abdel Fattah El Sisi signed Law No. 86 of 2025 to regulate the issuance of Islamic fatwas. The law defines who can issue religious rulings. General fatwas, related to public matters, may only be issued by Al-Azhar's Council of Senior Scholars, the Islamic Research Academy, or Dar El-Ifta. Private fatwas may also be issued by the Al-Azhar Global Fatwa Center, authorized joint committees, and qualified imams from the Ministry of Awqaf (Endowments). The law was published in the official gazette. (MENA) H A T/R E E
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Israeli Attacks on Educational, Religious, Cultural Sites in Palestine amount to War Crimes, Crime Against Humanity of Extermination, UN Commission Says
Ahmed Emam Israel has obliterated Gaza's education system and destroyed over half of all religious and cultural sites in the Gaza Strip, part of a widespread and relentless assault against the Palestinian people in which Israeli forces have committed war crimes and the crime against humanity of extermination, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, said in a new report Wednesday. While the Commission paid special attention to the situation in Gaza, the report focuses on attacks in the Palestinian Territory as a whole, and in Israel. 'We are seeing more and more indications that Israel is carrying out a concerted campaign to obliterate Palestinian life in Gaza,' said Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission. 'Israel's targeting of the educational, cultural and religious life of the Palestinian people will harm the present generations and generations to come, hindering their right to self-determination.' The Commission found that Israel used airstrikes, shelling, burning and controlled demolitions to damage and destroy more than 90 percent of the school and university buildings in Gaza, creating conditions where education for children, including adolescents, and the livelihood of teachers have been made impossible. Over 658,000 children in Gaza have had no schooling for 20 months. Israeli forces committed war crimes, including directing attacks against civilians and wilful killing, in their attacks on educational facilities that caused civilian casualties. In killing civilians sheltering in schools and religious sites, Israeli security forces committed the crime against humanity of extermination. The Commission documented and investigated several cases of burning and demolition of educational facilities by Israeli forces which it concluded were deliberate and unnecessary. Israeli soldiers recorded and distributed videos in which they mock Palestinians and Palestinian education, before destroying schools and universities. The Commission considers such acts as indicative of the Israeli security forces' intent to destroy these facilities to curtail Palestinians' access to education in the long-term. The Commission also found significant evidence that Israeli security forces seized and used educational facilities as military bases or staging areas for military activity, including transforming a part of the Al-Azhar university's Al-Mughraqa campus to function as a synagogue for the troops. The Commission found one instance where the military wing of Hamas had also used a school for military purposes. Such conduct violates the provision of customary international humanitarian law that requires parties to a conflict to distinguish between civilian objects and military objectives. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the education system has suffered from increasing military operations by Israeli security forces, the harassment of students, and an increase in checkpoints, demolitions and settler attacks which have affected more than 806,000 Palestinian students. Israel has done little to prevent or prosecute settlers who have intentionally targeted educational facilities and students to terrorise communities and force them to leave their homes. Israeli authorities have also targeted Israeli and Palestinian educational personnel and students inside Israel who expressed concern or solidarity with the civilian population in Gaza, resulting in their harassment, dismissal or suspension and in some cases humiliating arrests and detention. Israeli authorities have particularly targeted female educators and students, intending to deter women and girls from activism in public places. 'Children in Gaza have lost their childhood. With no education available, they are forced to worry about survival amid attacks, uncertainty, starvation and subhuman living conditions,' said Pillay. 'What is particularly disturbing is the widespread nature of the targeting of educational facilities, which has extended well beyond Gaza, impacting all Palestinian children.' Attacks by Israeli security forces have damaged more than half of all religious and cultural sites in the Gaza Strip, part of a wider campaign to destroy civilian targets and infrastructure through airstrikes and shelling. Israeli attacks also targeted religious sites that served as places of refuge, killing hundreds of people, including women and children. The Commission concluded that Israeli security forces knew or should have known the locations and significance of Gaza's prominent cultural sites and should have planned all military operations to ensure no harm. All ten religious and cultural sites in Gaza investigated by the Commission constituted civilian objects at the time of attack and suffered devastating destruction for which the Commission could not identify a legitimate military need. Artefacts were destroyed, removed or looted. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the Commission found that Israeli authorities have appropriated, developed and profited from cultural heritage sites representing Palestinian, Jewish and other cultures, displaced Palestinian residents from those sites, and blocked or severely restricted Palestinians from accessing such sites. In East Jerusalem, frequent militarised incursions, arrests and harassment against worshippers and religious figures in Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount have resulted in severe restrictions of freedom of worship and, on several occasions, ignition of wider conflict. Israeli authorities limited access of Palestinian worshippers to the site while allowing increased access of Jewish worshippers. The Commission emphasises that, while some actions by Israeli security forces at the site may have been linked to security justifications, these should be considered within the broader context of Israel's illegal occupation, settlement activity and support to settlers, and the erosion of the status quo. Israel's actions are governed by the law of occupation, the occupying power's obligation to ensure public order and safety, and international human rights law regarding the use of force, which must be necessary and proportionate. 'Attacks on cultural and religious sites have deeply impacted intangible culture, such as religious and cultural practices, memories and history,' said Pillay. 'The targeting and destruction of heritage sites, the limiting of access to those sites in the West Bank and the erasure of their heterogenic history erode Palestinians' historical ties to the land and weaken their collective identity.' In its recommendations, the Commission urges the Government of Israel to immediately end attacks targeting cultural, religious and education institutions and seizure and military use of such institutions; immediately end its unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory and cease all settlement plans and activities, including those conducted in or endangering religious and cultural sites; and comply fully with the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice. The Commission calls on the Government of the State of Palestine to ensure the protection, preservation and development of cultural heritage sites, including those representing non-Palestinian heritage, and to safeguard artefacts. The Commission calls on the de-facto authorities in Gaza to cease using civilian objects for military purposes. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
