Updated: 02 September, 2005

Rwanda

Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Intare (Lion)

The Order shown is in fact a design produced at Spink around 1995 for King Kigali who was in exile in Washington. It is believed that the Order has since been produced but not by Spink.
The Royal Order of the Intare was founded by His Majesty King Mutare III just prior to his assassination in 1958. The late king's brother and successor, His Majesty King Kigeli V continues to grant the order from time to time. The Order comes in 5 classes.
The Order is still given by the King, who lives in the USA. The Secretary General of the Royal Household lives in Mississippi - he has been active recently attempting to entice Catholics, of suitable position, to join. (ie Knights of Malta and Knights of the Holy Sepulchre). The King gave out a few at a recent event in Washington - it is understood that he gives the Brevet and it's up to the individual to obtain the insignia. He gave the grand cross to: H.I.H. Prince Regent Nguyen Phuc Buu Chanh of Vietnam, Duke of Kien Hoa, head of the Imperial Grand Council of the Imperial Nguyen Dynasty of Vietnam. A "passage fee" exists and there could be annual fees.

RDF Medals a Timely Gesture By the AU The recent medal-awarding ceremony to members of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) first contingent for the successful peacekeeping mission to Darfur by the African Union should be hailed as one of the most outstanding achievements of any national army in Africa. Just eleven years ago, the army that is now winning accolades was a guerrilla outfit known as the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) seeking to reverse a series of injustices that were being committed against the people of Rwanda for close to four decades by the then politicians. allafrica.com 10 Aug 05

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Kagame Honours Late Rwigyema - Rwanda celebrated its first National Heroes Day by honouring the late Maj. Gen. Fred Gisa Rwigyema. Rwigyema and the Unknown Soldier named as national heroes in the highest category (Urweg Imanzi) for their role in the liberation of Rwanda. Also named Umwami Mutara Rudahigwa, Michel Rwagasana, Agata Uwilingiyimana, Felesita Niyitegeka and 26 students from Nyange, Kibuye, as national heroes in the second category (Urwego-Imena)) allafrica.com eb 02