"This means more open doors to us, internationally. You know, Sembène is the father of the African cinema, the film was given this award because it reflects his aspirations: African filmmakers telling African stories that awaken society."

"The festival is not about film screening alone. There are also numerous events around the festival and ZIFF gives exposure, not only to films and filmmakers, but it also gives that exposure to different forms of art: music, dance, painting, photography."

"We are three African co-productions and we hope to have at least 40% of the budget on our side, and on the other side, that it also comes from Europe. International co-production is important for distribution. We need our films not only to be seen in Africa, but also to be seen in Europe."

"It was a surprise! I didn’t know and it seems like I was the only one who didn’t know I would be receiving an award. People in my entourage knew."

"When I got on stage I didn’t say anything. I was totally speechless. It was the second time a Thomas Sankara Prize was being given out at FESPACO. Everyone was waiting for it because Thomas Sankara was a great hero in Burkina Faso."

"The Rwanda tourism week has been a success, a great way to close 2022 and start another year to implement signed partnerships and what we have learnt. This way, we shall be moving in the right direction, assured of success in growing the industry."

"WTM in London brings together the globe’s leading travel agents and we are excited to provide a platform for Rwandan travel industry players to connect with their international colleagues and foster new business relationships. We are pleased to see travel professionals excited about Rwanda as a prime ecotourism destination."

"I am happy to receive this award, not only because it allows me to bring a message of hope and strength from Rwanda but also because it gives me the opportunity to meet amazing women leaders who are making a difference in their respective countries."

"Rwanda has not taken funds from Europe or any other country to accommodate the refugees."

"Rwanda remains committed to taking in up to 30,000 African refugees but only if they are willing to be repatriated."

"Rwanda made the humanitarian commitment to bring in the refugees as part of an African solution to an African problem."

"Rwanda has not taken any money to honour the commitment to host African refugees from Libya. It was our proposal and we are committed to it. We believe in African solutions to African problems. We don’t have to wait for someone from outside to help us."

"I dismiss reports that Rwanda will in return receive money from Europe for taking in the refugees."

"I also dismiss critics who say that Rwanda, which still has a considerable percentage of people living in poverty, has the resources to sustain refugees from other parts of the continent."

"As a country, we have an experience of our people living in other countries as refugees for many years. We know what it means to be a refugee. You don’t need to have all the resources in the world to support the vulnerable and people whose lives are in danger."

"Rwanda doesn’t need to be paid to do a humanitarian act."

"Rwanda Never Received Money to Host Refugees from Libya."