Agnès Kayijire is the eldest woman serving in the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum (REAF), a group of well-regarded people who provide counsel to the head of state on national matters. Out of the forum’s 20 current members, the 72-year-old is one of the seven women serving in this critical national advisory organ. ALSO READ: A closer look at the mandate of Rwanda's experience-laden elders forum The mission of REAF is to advise the government on national topical issues, national political orientation and challenges pertaining to good governance, justice, economy and social welfare. Established in 2013, REAF has experienced men and women over the age of 50, most of whom have held high-ranking positions in government and other leadership capacities. Chaired by Tito Rutaremara, the forum comprises people having “high moral standing” and extensive experience in national leadership. ALSO READ: What keeps Rutaremara awake at night: The other side of the veteran politician The forum’s members conduct research and provide recommendations directly to the President, who holds the discretion to act on their insights. Childhood in exile Kayijire was born in Kigombe Sector, Musanze District—formerly Ruhengeri—as the second of 11 children. She was the eldest daughter. In 1962, at just nine, her family was forced into exile in DR Congo (then Zaire) due to the pogroms that had led to the displacement of many Tutsi families. Prior to the full-blown 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda had spent more than 37 years in darkness. The country’s tragic history was a long process that started a few years before independence, with decades of dehumanization and anti-Tutsi pogroms following. The Party for Hutu Emancipation – Parti du Mouvement de l'Emancipation du Peuple Hutu (PARMEHUTU) – played a crucial role in the 1959 mass killings of the Tutsi. This continued through 1963, 1973, 1990, and ultimately, the 1994 genocide. ALSO READ: How Clergy Celebrated Tutsi Massacres from All Saints’ Day 1959 to Genocide in 1994 In 1959, Joseph Habyarimana Gitera, an intellectual and Hutu extremist, published the Hutu 10 Commandments that were full of hateful language to further divisions. The first massacre of the Tutsi took place on All Saints’ Day November 1, 1959. The killings aiming at Tutsi ethnic cleansing started with a so-called 1959 social revolution when men, women, and children, were murdered and others forced into exile. In exile, Kayijire continued primary education in a refugee camp in Matenge, Walikale Territory, in North Kivu Province, “under difficult conditions.” “We moved frequently as refugees could not stay in one area for long. Schooling was interrupted whenever our families had to relocate,” she told The New Times. Despite these challenges, she continued her education at Lycée Amani in Goma, studying Biologie-Chimie, basically majoring in biology and chemistry in high school, and graduated in 1972. She credits her success to confidence and strong academic performance, which helped her navigate life as a refugee child. Kayijire later enrolled at the National University of Zaire (UNAZA), in Kisangani – UNAZA was a campus of the federated university that existed from 1971 to 1981 – where she earned a degree in agricultural engineering in 1978, specializing in chemistry and agricultural industries. Kisangani, formerly Stanleyville, is the capital of Tshopo Province, located on the Congo River in the eastern part of the central Congo Basin in DR Congo. “I will never forget the resilience of our parents, who did everything possible to ensure we received an education while preserving our culture. They insisted that we speak Kinyarwanda over other foreign languages, despite the hardships we faced as refugees. Our parents remained united and courageous, always striving for greatness,” she recalled. “They believed in cooperation—whenever one person achieved something, they helped others do the same. Through all the challenges, they upheld our cultural identity and stood strong in the face of adversity.” ALSO READ: Lawmakers endorse Elders Advisory Forum A diverse career across borders After graduating, Kayijire entered the workforce, in 1979, taking a job at a Congolese beverage company—now operating in Rwanda as SKOL. She later relocated to Burundi, where she became a secondary school teacher. “As refugees, we couldn’t hold government positions. Instead, we undertook technical jobs. But whenever we got a job opportunity, we worked diligently and responsibly,” she said. “I never faced discrimination as a woman. I competed alongside men in school and at work with full confidence.” In 1994, after the Genocide against the Tutsi, Kayijire returned to Rwanda and held several government positions. She served as the Director of Industries at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) from 1995 to 2001, later becoming the ministry’s Secretary General for a year and a half. She later led OCIR THE, the Rwanda Tea Authority, which was responsible for the development and promotion of tea in the country, for another year and a half, before being elected as one of the country’s first senators, serving for eight years. Reflecting on Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery efforts, she recalled, “We worked tirelessly, often holding meetings late into the night after long days of work.” Retirement and serving in REAF She retired from public service in 2012. Nine years after retirement, Kayijire was appointed to the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum, in 2021. “We work in groups because we focus on different issues,” she said. “Right now, I am leading a team of four from REAF, studying and analyzing ways to help the government eliminate child malnutrition, starting at the family level. Our approach involves selecting a topic, conducting in-depth analysis to identify root causes and persistent challenges, and examining why certain initiatives may not be succeeding. We then conduct thorough research, consult various reports and sources, and engage with relevant government bodies. Based on our findings, we collaborate to develop well-informed recommendations aimed at providing effective solutions.” On Mzee Tito Kayijire described Rutaremara as a visionary leader. “He is deeply analytical, highly experienced, and encourages us to take national issues seriously. His leadership ensures we provide well-thought-out recommendations,” she said. “He is humble, kind, and patriotic. Above all, he believes in the potential of the youth and is committed to guiding them for the future.” ALSO READ: Bonding with youngsters, telenovelas, and dancing: The other side of Tito Rutaremara Balancing leadership and parenting Kayijire, who lost her husband 15 years ago, gave birth to all seven of her children while still living as a refugee. When she returned to Rwanda, her youngest child was just three years old. Now a mother of six and grandmother to 12, she firmly believes that professional responsibilities should never come at the expense of parenting. “I believe it all comes down to personal management—using your time effectively. When you are home, you must be fully present for your children and your family, just as you dedicate yourself fully to work during working hours. Having a supportive partner also makes a difference, as cooperation is key,” she said. “A parent’s attention should never drift away from their children, no matter how demanding their career may be—that is simply not an option,” she added. Kayijire urged parents to prioritize raising their children, ensuring they grow into responsible individuals capable of making sound decisions. “Today, many parents get caught up in various responsibilities and distractions. Rwanda has a large youth population that is essential for its development. So, those responsible for guiding and nurturing them must take their role seriously. This includes the youth themselves—they must learn to lead their own lives. If they don’t, someone else will, and there’s a real risk of being misled,” she warned. ALSO READ: Mzee Tito on his 'greatest pleasure', Kagame, and his surprise 80th birthday bash The foundation of a strong family According to Kayijire, a strong family begins with choosing the right partner. “You need to understand your partner’s character and background because it shapes their behaviour. Also, knowing why someone chose you and ensuring love is the foundation of your relationship is crucial.” Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and praying, which she believes strengthens her spirit. Her final message to women is to build confidence and resilience. “Barriers exist. But confidence can break them. Seek knowledge, work hard, and create the life you envision.”
