The global Rwandan community is mourning the untimely deaths of two individuals who tragically lost their lives abroad: Nicole Musaniwabo in Germany and Erixon Kabera in Canada. These events have brought grief but also revealed the deep solidarity of Rwandans living in diaspora.
Nicole, a 26-year-old trainee nurse in Stuttgart, Germany, was full of promise and hope. Tragically, her body was discovered in the Neckar River, a victim of a violent act. Nicole, an orphan, had only her sister in Rwanda, who is unable to travel due to her pregnancy. Her community in Germany and Rwanda is working tirelessly to bring her body back to Kigali, where she can be laid to rest with dignity and love.
GoFundMe for Nicole
Erixon Kabera, a 43 year old father of three, was fatally shot by police in Hamilton, Canada. Known for his active role in the Rwandan community, Kabera helped newcomers settle, volunteered regularly, and even organized events with the local police. His death has raised serious questions, as investigations reveal conflicting accounts of the incident. His family and community have rallied for justice, organizing peaceful protests and vigils while demanding clarity about the circumstances of his death.
gofundme.com-remembering-erixon
The Power of Community
Despite the grief, these tragedies highlight the incredible unity and support within the Rwandan diaspora. In Stuttgart, Nicole’s friends and colleagues are rallying to repatriate her body. In Hamilton, the Rwandan community came together to comfort Erixon’s family, organize vigils, and raise funds for funeral and legal expenses.
Rwandans abroad often form close knit networks, providing emotional, financial, and cultural support to one another. This spirit of unity stems from shared experiences of resilience and a commitment to uplift each other, especially in times of loss and hardship.
Josephine Murphy, founder of the non-profit Shelter Them Rwanda, knew Kabera for over 20 years. She described him as a committed and caring individual who supported many. In a statement shared on social media, Murphy and Kabera’s family expressed concerns about the narrative surrounding the shooting, seeking clarity and accountability in the ongoing investigation.
https://globalnews.ca/video/10864646/outrageous-police-watchdog-would-say-victim-shot-at-officers-when-he-didnt-friends/
