“Africa Never Left me”

His journey is one of a miracle. As a Rwandan, he survived one of the most atrocious genocides in history. The pain of war and the loss of loved ones did not extinguish his ambitions or passion for journalism, the profession that resides in his heart.

KM: During your childhood, you managed to escape the Rwandan genocide of 1994. You lived adolescence as a refugee. What propelled you forward despite the agonizing experience?

NR: God. I am a Christian, and I cannot believe that I survived the Rwandan genocide, a war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a life of statelessness in Congo (Brazzaville) and then Cameroon, merely by chance. There was always an inner voice that whispered for me to persevere, to rise and to continue moving forward. It is that voice that gave me strength and I am convinced that it was divine.

KM: Share an anecdote from your professional journey…

NR: I never had a fixed-term contract. The first contract I signed as a journalist was an open-ended contract. Remarkably, I signed it as an undocumented and stateless individual. My employer, Vox Africa, was aware of my situation, yet gave me the opportunity to work for three years without an identity card or passport. I am not exaggerating when I say Vox Africa was responsible for the start of my professional journey.

KM: As an African in an Arab country, how was your integration experience?

NR: Surprisingly, I found it more challenging to assimilate in London than in Doha. I have never felt safer than I do living in Qatar. Socially, the country has its laws and customs that everyone must respect if they wish to live there.

KM: Journalists sometimes express their opinions on certain subjects. Have you ever felt concerned about your ideas?

NR: Not particularly. This may be due to the fact that these opinions are not truly mine, but rather well-researched perspectives, supported or corroborated by experts. I do not take a personal stance. I believe that the messenger becomes concerned when they become more prominent and visible than the message itself.

KM: Have you thought of returning to Africa to share your experiences and expertise?

NR: Absolutely. The project is in the pipeline and remains a constant thought in my mind. Ultimately, returning is necessary, sooner or later. Africa has never left me.

KM: You are considered a globe-trotting journalist. Do you miss your country Rwanda? Do you consider settling there some day?

NR: I do miss Rwanda; however, I try to visit whenever possible. I go back at least once every year. I was there in January 2023, and I plan to return. When the time comes, I believe that Rwanda will indeed be among my top three choices for settling down.