Kigali, Rwanda

Gerry and I decided to visit another East African country before returning to USA and Rwanda was the first choice due to proximity, curiosity about aftermath of the 1994 genocide and the new development model of the current president, Paul Kagame, and the mountain gorillas.

Kigali is the largest city and the capital of Rwanda. Its population is just over 1 million but it does not seem so large. It appears to be more modern, wealthier and cleaner than cities in Tanzania and that could be because of rapid recent growth after the genocide. It is a short 2-hour flight from Dar es Salaam.

Convention Center with lights the color of the Rwandan flag at night.

Roof of the Rwandan Parliament. The parliamentary buildings became base to Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) 600-strong battalion that was protecting Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF- Inkotanyi) dignitaries who were monitoring the implementation of the Arusha Peace Accord. It was engaged in many attacks and never fell to the génocidaires . The Campaign Against Genocide Museum is on the first floor.

Hotel des Mille Collines is a luxury hotel famous for being the refuge for 1,268 people during the Rwanda genocide of 1994. The Belgian airline Sabina built the Hotel des Mille Collines in 1973 and owned it during the genocide.  The 2004 movie “Hotel Rwanda” tells the story of how its manager at that time Paul Rusesabagina saved their lives.  According to the film Rusesabagina bribed the Hutu army members with money and alcohol to protect the Tutsi, and to obtain food and water. Genocide museums in Kigali do not mention his name and one guide said he was not well regarded in Kigali because he actually made the refugees pay for their safety in the hotel. The hotel scenes were filmed in South Africa, not here.

The country is very hilly. The population of Kigali is spreading beyond its current limits into difficult and dangerous terrain.

Kimironko neighborhood is home to the largest market in Kigali where you can buy groceries, produce, meat, fish and dry goods.

Bicycle taxis.

Ethiopian cuisine in a find restaurant.

We found a few excellent craft beers.

Pomegranate.

Much of Kigali appears wealthy and modern.

Some persons still pull water from a well in the middle of Kigali.