RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General Urges Rwandan Diaspora in China to Uphold Values and Stay Vigilant Against Trafficking
Beijing — During a working visit to China focused on deepening party-to-party ties, RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General Christophe Bazivamo held an interactive session with members of the Rwandan community, calling on them to maintain national unity, accountability, and ambitious thinking while remaining alert to human trafficking risks.
The session, described by the party’s official account as a meet-and-greet, featured Bazivamo addressing attendees.
Participants included students, professionals, and community members.
Bazivamo encouraged the group to draw inspiration from the leadership of RPF Chairman and President Paul Kagame and to channel their efforts abroad into contributions toward Rwanda’s development goals.
He also issued a specific caution about human trafficking schemes that can arise when people pursue opportunities beyond the original purpose of their stay in China, advising them to verify information carefully and exercise caution.
This message comes against a backdrop of recent warnings from Rwanda’s Investigation Bureau about deceptive recruitment targeting Rwandans for forced labor and other exploitation in Asia and elsewhere, with authorities having facilitated the return of numerous victims in recent periods.
Bazivamo’s diaspora engagement forms part of a broader itinerary aimed at strengthening relations between the RPF-Inkotanyi and the Communist Party of China.
He held talks with Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, reaffirming commitments to cooperation.
He also visited the CPC Central Committee Party School for discussions on cadre training, research, and development. Plans during the visit include travel to Changsha for the signing of memoranda of understanding linking institutions on heritage conservation and technical-vocational education.
A long-serving RPF figure, Bazivamo assumed the role of Secretary General in December 2025, succeeding Wellars Gasamagera.
He previously served for many years as the party’s Vice Chairman, held several ministerial portfolios including Local Government, Lands and Environment, and Internal Security, and worked in regional roles with the East African Community and as Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria.
His background includes training in agricultural engineering.
The visit occurs as Rwanda and China mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, which were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024.
Economic ties have expanded significantly, with China serving as Rwanda’s largest trading partner and a major source of investment and technical cooperation in infrastructure, education, agriculture, and skills development.
Rwandan students and trainees continue to pursue opportunities in Chinese institutions, contributing to people-to-people links alongside official exchanges.
Rwandan community activities in Beijing earlier in the month, organized around national values and patriotism, similarly emphasized unity, hard work, and preparation to support national progress, reflecting ongoing efforts by the embassy and diaspora groups to maintain cultural and civic connections.
The Chinese Embassy in Rwanda welcomed Bazivamo’s visit, noting its significance for mutual learning between the parties and practical cooperation.
The RPF-Inkotanyi has pursued regular exchanges with the CPC in recent years on governance, training, culture, and education, building on longer-standing bilateral relations established in 1971.
Bazivamo’s trip continues that pattern while incorporating direct outreach to Rwandans living and studying in China.
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