Comments on: What Kigali is like when there’s a grenade

By: Jina Moore

Jina Moore — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:26:58 +0000

Here's the quote i mean, from a VOA story, by Minster of Justice Tharcisse Karugarama: "If anybody has a grudge, any reason whatever to fight the government, they should fight the government through means that would target the government, if that is what they are against. But, throwing hand grenades among (a) very busy population is evil."

By: Jina Moore

Jina Moore — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:20:40 +0000

Thanks for sharing your story too, Willy. Always hard to get those early numbers on the wounded right...we'll know more today, I'm sure. But no matter what they are, you're right, innocent and ordinary people are the victims. I'm with the justice minister on this one -- if you've got a problem, take it to the people you've got a problem with. (That's what he told VOA, only more eloquently.)

By: willy

willy — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:47:56 +0000

Nice article Jina, so true, it's always quiet here, I was working late (and checking emails) when a friend sent me a text saying:"I'm wondering if you know what's going on?" and I said:"What's going on? As in "anything fun happening tonight?", she said:"No, as in grenade attack at a taxi park by UTC". My first thought was for my cousins who were at UTC, after a few calls, I found out that they were all safe, but sad some people were wounded, (20 accodring to Al Jazeera, 7 according to BBC). Once again, innocent and ordinary people are the victims...

By: Jina Moore

Jina Moore — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:00:54 +0000

Thanks, Bonita. I think if you take a look at my site you'll notice that I actually focus a great deal on positive reporting. A grenade attack happened here tonight; that's a fact, positive or negative. I also find Rwanda to be a very safe place, generally speaking. If you poke around here a bit, I think you'll find that those looking for a sensational view of Rwanda -- or Africa -- have to turn somewhere else.

By: Bonita

Bonita — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:55:35 +0000

Hi! I live in Kigali too. I was born and raised in Canada. I just want to remind you that crime happens in North America too. Murders are actually much more common in my hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan than they are here. In fact, violent crime is very rare here in Rwanda. I'm afraid that your focus on negative reporting gives readers a sensational view of life here. When is the last time you've heard of a high school shooting in Rwanda?? Drive-by shooting?? Gang fight resulting in death?? These are all common news where I come from - not here.
Bonita