OSKALOOSA, Iowa

He’s been called everything from a mass murderer to a savior, and there are expected to be protests when the president of Rwanda speaks at William Penn University’s graduation ceremony Saturday.

Rwandan Pres. Paul Kagame, who came to power in the wake of the genocide in which almost 1,000,000 people died, will deliver the commencement address.

Opponents say Kagame is responsible for millions of deaths in Rwanda and the Congo. He came to power after the former president was assassinated in 1994, and a genocide wiped out almost one million people in 100 days. Some blame Kagame for both.

The university expects protestors on campus.Vice President of Special projects and government relations, Steven Noah says the accusations against Kagame are unfounded, and protestors are politically motivated.

“There are people who will protest, and if we know people will protest, we won’t let them in. Because we don’t want to disrupt the ceremony, you know, this is a celebration of the kids,” said Noah.

Noah says Kagame has done tremendous work for Rwanda while in office and the University has a good relationship with him. The first three students from Rawanda will graduate Saturday.

Noah says they were raised without electricity or running water and came to America with English as their third language. They are now graduating at the top of their class.

“They’re wonderful young people, and amongst the best students on campus,” said Noah.

NewsChannel 8 couldn’t find any protesters on campus, but plenty of students are intrigued by Kagame’s visit.

William Penn has signed an agreement with Rwanda to host five government-sponsored students each year.

They’ve also sent representatives to the country to foster relations and assist a growing university.

From : http://www.kcci.com

Edited By Francis Rwema

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