The president of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Chief Fortune Charumbira said that MP Fidel Rwigamba, 73, who died of illness on Wednesday, February 15, was a servant leader who was held in high regard by all members of PAP.

Charumbira’s condolence message was delivered by Rwandan Senator John Bonds Bideri, who is also the Chairperson of the Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters at PAP.

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This was during Rwigamba&039;s lying-in-state at Parliament, on Sunday, February 19, before his burial in Rusororo Cemetery.

It was titled "Tribute to Honorable Fidel Rwigamba, former Deputy Chairperson of the Eastern Caucus.”

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Rwigamba was a member of PAP, and team leader of MPs representing Rwanda in this the legislative arm of the African Union.

Senator Bideri said that after the sad news of the death of Rwigamba, the Parliament of Rwanda informed the PAP about it, and then they received many condolence messages from many PAP Members.

"The entire Pan-African family, which comprises the members of Parliament from all the 55 Member States of the African Union, are with us in spirit today, as we mourn the tragic loss of a consummate man of the people, a servant leader par excellence,” reads part of Charumbira’s message.

"As a leader of the Rwandan PAP delegation, and the Deputy Chairperson of the Eastern Region Caucus, the late Honorable Rwigamba played an instrumental role in unifying both the Rwandese delegation and eastern Caucus,” it added.

The Eastern Caucus is composed of 13 countries, namely Rwanda, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Seychelles, Comoros, Mauritius, Madagascar and Djibouti.

The late Rwigamba also chaired the Committee on Cooperation, international relations and conflict resolution, where he rallied members of his committee in advocating for unity, peace, security and stability on the continent, as a precursor to economic development and integration.

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"In his gentle calm and an assuming manner, Rwigamba had wisdom beyond his age, and aided us keeping the institution afloat during very trying periods,” Charumbira said in the written message.

"It is not an exaggeration to say Rwigamba was highly respected by all within the Pan-African Parliament, and will be sorely missed. May his dear departed soul rest in peace,” he observed.

Meanwhile, Rwigamba was laid to rest in Rusororo Cemetery in Gasabo District, on Sunday, February 19.

Prior to his burial, he was laid in state at parliament, an event that was followed by a requiem mass for him was held at the Catholic Church’s Kicukiro Parish.

His burial was attended by hundreds of his family members and friends, and senior government officials.

The officials include the Senate President, François-Xavier Kalinda; and the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Donatille Mukabalisa, and the RPF Inkotanyi Secretary General, François Ngarambe, among other officials.

Rwigamba was born in 1950 in Gatsibo District, Eastern Province. He is survived by four children (one daughter and three sons), and five grandchildren

Camille Karamaga, Rwigamba’s younger brother, said: "In the 73 years he lived on this world, I am among some people who were lucky to be close to him and know him, and learn something from him: knowledge, gentleness, discretion, integrity, great dedication to work, loving the country and even being ready to sacrifice his life for it."