Congressman Payne was a champion of democracy

Editor,Allow me to express my sincere condolences to the family of fallen US Congressman Donald Payne and a friend of Rwanda. It’s so sad that a champion of democracy and freedom had to live us this early.I vividly remember him giving a passionate speech in acceptance of the ‘Umurinzi’ medal he was awarded by Rwanda for his condemnation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, on July 4, 2010 at Amahoro National Stadium.In 1994, when the rest of world turned a blind eye on Rwanda as a million of people were butchered by a genocidal regime, Payne did his best to tell his country and the rest of the world that genocide was indeed taking place in Rwanda.Even later, he continued to tell the world the truth about the Genocide against the Tutsi. He was a true advocate of human rights. As Rwandans, we will never forget him. We benefited from his audacity and, for that, we join his family during this difficult time.Emmanuel MunyabugingoKigali-Rwanda

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Congressman Payne was a champion of democracy