44 Rwandan students evacuated from Egypt

KIGALI - It was a joyous moment at Kigali International Airport, yesterday, when 44 Rwandan students who have been studying in Cairo Egypt arrived in the country. They arrived aboard Rwandair chartered by the government of Rwanda. Rwanda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo, welcomed the successful evacuation. “Due to the political unrest taking place in Egypt, we did not hesitate to reach out to Rwandan students in Alexandria and Cairo and our citizens in different parts of Egypt to assess their situation and organize their evacuation,” she said. “Rwanda is very grateful to the Egyptian authorities and people, particularly its Embassy in Kigali and the Cairo Aviation Authorities, for the protection and support accorded its citizens under difficult circumstances. We wish Egypt and Egyptians well.” Robert Masozera, the Director General of the Diaspora who welcomed the students, assured them that it was the government’s commitment and love towards them as Rwandans in the Diaspora to repatriate them. Sheikh Swaleh Habimana, the Mufti, who addressed the students after their arrival assured them that before 1994, there was no government which could provide immediate assistance like the current one. “I know some of you thought that you have come to rest. No, we are preparing an institution where you will be studying until you go back to Egypt.” However, Iyamuremye Desire, who represented the students, revealed that had made sure they keep safe and that their evacuation had surprised other countries. “We had no security at all. We are happy to come back to our country. It’s a dream that has come true and has surprised our colleagues from other countries because our government sent the aircraft,” he said. Meanwhile Masozera acknowledged that the government is still in contact with the Rwandan embassy in Ethiopia to ensure that others who might have not returned be repatriated as well. It’s therefore believed that over eight students remained there deliberately due to unknown reasons. Hajjat Nyabyenda Fatimah, a 47 year old, said, “I am happy to see my son I didn’t know he will come. I have been in fear for his life, but now he has arrived and I am really happy for what our government has done.” The total number of known Rwandans living in Egypt is 68 of which 51 are students. Ends