TJ Madsen is among the founding members of the New Herald Tribune and chairs the editorial board. He worked for national syndicated newspapers in Newark, Philadelphia, and Baltimore before moving to the midwest.
April 7 , 2024
KIGALI, Rwanda — On the solemn occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to this war-torn nation has ignited a firestorm of criticism. His controversial statement labeling Rwanda as a “sh*thole country” during a press conference has drawn sharp rebukes from survivors, international leaders, and human rights advocates.
Trump’s arrival in Kigali was met with mixed emotions. While some Rwandans hoped for a message of reconciliation and solidarity, others expressed skepticism about the intentions behind his visit. The genocide, which claimed the lives of over 800,000 people, remains a painful scar etched into Rwanda’s history. The wounds are still fresh, and the memories of unimaginable suffering persist.
During a joint appearance with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Trump veered off-script, catching even his own aides off guard. When asked about his impressions of Rwanda, he responded bluntly, “It’s still a sh*thole country.” The room fell silent as journalists and dignitaries exchanged incredulous glances. Kagame, known for his measured diplomacy, maintained his composure but later expressed his disappointment privately.
International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, condemned Trump’s remarks. Human rights organizations issued statements calling for accountability. Amnesty International’s regional director, Sarah Jackson, stated, “To trivialize the suffering of an entire nation is not only insensitive but also perpetuates a dangerous narrative. Rwanda has shown remarkable resilience and progress since those dark days, and its people deserve respect.”
The Rwandan government swiftly canceled the planned joint memorial event with Trump. Instead, President Kagame delivered a solemn address at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, emphasizing unity, forgiveness, and the need to prevent such atrocities from happening again. Kagame refrained from directly addressing Trump’s comments but urged the international community to remain vigilant against hate and division.
In a tweet following the uproar, Trump doubled down on his statement, writing, “I call it like I see it. Rwanda needs to get its act together. They’ve made progress, but it’s still a mess.”
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