Voices from the Ground: AIMPO - African Initiative for Mankind Progress Organization (Rwanda)

A powerful testimony from Richard Ntakirutimana, the Executive Director of AIMPO, a Rwandan Batwa-led organization advocating for Batwa rights for over two decades.
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“People dream what they see,” is one of the many statements that stuck with us, during our conversation with Richard Ntakirutimana, the Executive Director of AIMPO (African Initiative for Mankind Progress Organization). These words possess a weighty significance for the Batwa in Rwanda, for whom the realization of basic Human Rights-such as access to clean water, education, and healthcare-has remained frustratingly elusive. But the potency of these words also emanates from Richard's unwavering commitment, spanning over two decades, to nurture and bring these dreams to life: dreams of a life where the Batwa are no longer marginalized in Rwandan society, where the painful history of their forced eviction from ancestral lands is acknowledged by all Rwandans, and where they can thrive rather than merely survive.
For millennia, the Batwa inhabited the forests of the Great Lakes Region in Africa, leading a harmonious and sustainable way of life. As Richard aptly puts it, the Batwa “lived a good life." However, this history was abruptly disrupted by their eviction from their lands in the name of conservation, tourism, or profit. Suddenly relegated to the fringes of society, their way of life was not only disregarded but often subjected to ridicule, condemning the Batwa to abject poverty.
In this disheartening landscape, Indigenous-led organizations like AIMPO play a crucial role in the development of these communities, grounded in the respect for their history, culture, and distinct needs. These organizations stand unwavering and resilient, enduring the challenging journey towards empowerment and the full recognition of individual and collective rights.Richard, undeterred after two decades of unyielding commitment, perseveres in his mission to secure the Batwa's inclusion and respect within Rwandan society while preserving the uniqueness of his People.
On the heels of a recent grant from Azimuth, which AIMPO is leveraging to construct an innovative Sanitation and Hygiene Education Community Center in Byumba-Gicumbi, we had the privilege of interviewing Richard. We hope that his story will inspire more individuals to stand as allies alongside the Batwa on their path towards a brighter future.
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Consider becoming an ally, and discover ways to offer direct support to AIMPO: aimpo.org
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READ a transcript here: azimuthworldfo...
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LEARN MORE about the project we’re supporting: azimuthworldfo...
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[@boriss5383]

I like Richard. He loves his community so much. We studied together at the University of University, but in any presentation he did was talked to Batwa. I think the Government of Rwanda should appoint him because he is brilliant and intelligent.

[@sillypersonable]

He's an amazing leader.