The Secretary General of the RPF Inkotanyi, Gasamagera Wellars, thanked the participants of the organization’s retreat in Europe for their continued contribution to the development of the country, urging them to continue to seek support from their countries of residence and assuring them that Rwanda supports them in their development efforts.
On November 29, 2025, more than 720 RPF Inkotanyi members from various European countries gathered for a retreat held in Paris, France.
It is the 13th retreat, following the one held in Copenhagen, Denmark in October 2024, which was attended by over 700 people, and the one held in Cologne, Western Germany, in October 2025, which was also attended by about 700 people.
It was an event that was started by the Rwandan Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura, who welcomed the members of the RPF-Inkotanyi, but he focused on asking the youth to share the achievements of Rwanda.
He said, “You are responsible for preserving the good achievements of our country, mainly thanks to our Community, and for further developing it. It shows the will and love we have for the community, for Rwanda.”
Opening the retreat, Amb. Gasamagera Wellars conveyed a message from President Paul Kagame and Chairman of the RPF – Inkotanyi to the members.
He said, “He sent me to thank you for your continued contribution to building Rwanda, to continue to strive for what will develop your country and to strengthen the RPF-Inkotanyi as the foundation on which it was built.”
Amb. Gasamagera continued by saying that President Kagame calls on the members of the RPF-Inkotanyi to continue to provide the country with seeds and strength, to be at the forefront of its development and to preserve the many good things that Rwandans have already achieved.
Amb. Gasamagera thanked the participants of the retreat for their continued contribution to the development of the country, and continued, “Unity means being together, having something in common, a common direction, uniting us. We have many things in common, including being related to the same country, but also the same values that we follow. Let us continue to preserve that unity.”
Amb. Gasamagera pointed out that Rwandans should understand that a Rwandan who lives with others in trust and cooperation will seek life wherever he is, invest what he earns in his country, hoping to benefit from it and develop it.
He said, “The youth will participate, understand where they are, what they are, believe in their leadership and participate in it, they are the ones we serve, they are the ones we will inherit what we have as elders, we will complete our knee.”
Thanking the organizers of the retreat, he continued, “I know that many of you participated and you prepared it as a group of leaders who have led others in all the countries that make up this continent, from the beginning until today. You will continue the work and collaboration you have shown, that is how the Community has been and has been doing since its inception.”
He reminded the participants that it should not be just a retreat, but should be used in all activities aimed at the development of the country and Rwandans. He said, “It will continue to shine, be a beacon of light to achieve many good things and we will do it without spending a lot of resources.”
He again asked the members to always feel that wherever they are, they are on a mission to empower Rwanda, that although it is difficult, they should understand and achieve it as they should.
Amb Gasamagera also said, “Achieving this vision does not come by itself but requires setting development goals for each person where they are because where Rwanda has set itself to go is very far, although it has reached an impressive point but it must go further.”
The Chairman of the RPF-Inkotanyi in France, Constantin Ashimwe reminded the participants of the retreat that the country needs the efforts of its people to continue building a better tomorrow based on sustainable and never-ending development.
“It is a good day that reflects the progress Rwanda has made in the economy, infrastructure and in creating new things in the lives of its people,” he said.
The Minister of Rwandan Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascène, Senator Uwizeyimana Evode and the Rwandan Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Johnston Busingye, met for a discussion on the issue of unity.
They discussed domestic issues that could undermine Rwandan unity, regional and international pressures, and the challenges faced by Rwandans living in Europe. Following the discussions, members shared their views on the subject.
he Minister of Rwandan Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascène, said that “The value of solidarity, the fight against those who belittle Rwanda on social media is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s do it with the help of evidence.”
Senator Uwizeyimana Evode, for his part, said that Rwanda’s diplomacy continues to be visible on the international stage, taking advantage of Rwanda’s position as one of the first countries involved in peacekeeping missions in the world.
The Rwandan Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Johnston Busingye, stressed that Rwandans should remain steadfast in their unity and integrity. He said, “Let us work to build the country. Let us continue the struggle, let us strive for our vision.”
Also present at the event were Kepler CEO Nathalie Munyampenda, Head of Investment at the National Development Bank, RDB, Michelle Umurungi and Hervé Maniraguha, who lives in Switzerland.
It focused on the role of Rwandans living abroad in the development of the country. It focused on Rwanda’s development journey, achievements in various sectors, Rwanda’s progress in promoting technology, services to support the Diaspora, investment opportunities, and more.
Michelle Umurungi focused on Rwanda’s development journey, in various sectors such as the economy, social welfare and governance. She focused on institutions that provide services to the Rwandan Diaspora, how Rwanda continues to advance in technology and investment opportunities in Rwanda.
Munyampenda spoke about promoting and promoting the diversity of Rwandans abroad, while Maniraguha focused on the challenges faced by the Rwandan Diaspora in contributing to Rwanda’s development.
The event concluded with a reception, featuring artists including Mireille Mukakigeli, Dj Flora Nyirimbabazi, Marchal Ufiteyezu De Gaulle, Ben Kayiranga, Ben Ingabo, Ngarukiye Daniel, Didier Taji, Jules Sentore, Element Eleéeh.
