Updated: 8 September, 2009

Rwanda

• Orders, Decorations and Medals of Rwanda Megan Robertson

• Medals of Rwanda Yuri Yashnev

• 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. Click here for more information

• Ribbons of Rwanda Antonio Prieto Barrio

• 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

• 18 awarded medals Eighteen soldiers, ex-combatants and civilians were honoured with medals for their bravery during the Genocide at the Liberation Day celebrations, 16 of them women . Festivities marked the 12th year anniversary of the end of the genocide. A similar medal-awarding ceremony was held last year, in which President Paul Kagame was one of the first ten people to be honoured. This year was the first time fallen soldiers and civilians were honoured with medals, with their family members accepting the medals on their lost ones’ behalf. One of the recipients of the genocide campaign medal, civilian Zura Karuhimbi, saved 100 people from being slaughtered in Ntongwe in Southern Province. Another recipient, Damas Gisimba, whose orphanage housed scores of children who lost their parents or were left behind by relatives during the Genocide, was presented with the same medal. Military Spokesman Maj. Jill Rutaremara, explained the legacy surrounding the medals. “There are three types of medals; those for National Liberation, those for the Campaign against the Genocide and the Order of Bravery.” The medal of National Liberation was given to all people, regardless of their rank, who participated in the war. While the Genocide Campaign Medal was given to those who played a significant role in stopping the Genocide. Rutaremara added that the Order of Bravery was given to those who displayed extraordinary bravery and advanced to danger zones with an aim of rescuing people and those people who were inspirational to others during the war. newtimes.co.rw.5 Jul 06

• Museveni Zenawi, Nyerere to Receive National Honours President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Federal Republic of Ethiopia and the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania will be honoured for their contribution in liberating Rwanda, 15 years ago. The three leaders will also be honoured for their tireless efforts in promoting a campaign against Genocide this Saturday during celebrations to mark National Liberation Day. President Paul Kagame will decorate Museveni, Zenawi and the late Nyerere with the "Uruti" medal which is Rwanda's National Liberation Medal. The three leaders will also be decorated with "Umurinzi" medal,Rwanda's Campaign Against Genocide Medal. allafrica.com 2 Jul 09

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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