On March 25, 2025, the Cyangugu Diocese witnessed a historic event—the official launch of the Cyangugu branch of PACIS TV RWANDA. This remarkable occasion coincided with the Solemnity of the Annunciation and the fourth anniversary of the episcopal ordination of His Excellency Edouard SINAYOBYE, the Bishop of Cyangugu Diocese.

About PACIS TV RWANDA

PACIS TV is a Christian television channel that plays a crucial role in supporting the mission of the Church and contributing to government and national development programs. These efforts aim at improving the health and living conditions of the community, restoring social cohesion, promoting unity and peace, and fostering holistic human development. Since its inception in late 2019, PACIS TV has been a beacon of evangelization and social transformation.

Mission

To positively impact the spiritual and social lives of our audience through the provision of unbiased, informative, and transformative programming centered on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Vision

To become the leading source of reliable and unprejudiced television programs that promote integral human development.

The Significance of the launch in Cyangugu Diocese

The expansion of PACIS TV to Cyangugu follows the successful establishment of its branch at Kibeho, Gikongoro Diocese. The launch in Cyangugu marks another milestone in the network’s mission, especially as it coincides with its fifth anniversary. During the event, His Eminence Antoine Cardinal KAMBANDA, Archbishop of Kigali, addressed the gathering, congratulating Bishop Edouard SINAYOBYE for his pastoral dedication. He emphasized that the presence of PACIS TV in Cyangugu reflects the Diocese’s visionary leadership and its commitment to responding to contemporary challenges through modern means of evangelization.

The Archbishop highlighted that the digital age requires unity and synergy in spreading the Gospel. With over 20 million viewers across the Great Lakes region and beyond, PACIS TV serves as a powerful tool to bring the Good News to people wherever they are—on their phones, in their homes, and within their communities. Its expansion to Cyangugu creates new avenues for evangelization, offering messages of peace, hope, and spiritual renewal.

A message of unity and mission

Bishop Edouard SINAYOBYE expressed his deep joy in welcoming PACIS TV to Cyangugu, noting that it will bring the Gospel closer to the faithful in parishes and small Christian communities. “This television station will enhance communion among Christians and help the Church reach even those in remote areas,” he stated.

The Acting Mayor of Rusizi District, Mr. Alfred HABIMANA, described the opening of PACIS TV in Cyangugu as a precious gift from the Catholic Church to the people of the region. He emphasized that the channel will serve as a reliable source of information that nurtures hearts, strengthens families, and contributes to the holistic development of society.

Father Jean de Dieu TUMUSHIMIRE, the Director of PACIS TV, outlined the network’s ambitious vision for the future. “PACIS TV is on a mission to become the leading Catholic media house in this region and across Africa. The choice of Cyangugu as a strategic location aligns with our broader goal of fostering cross-border unity and cultural exchange, particularly with neighboring Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he said. He also highlighted Cyangugu’s rich evangelization history, as it was in this region that the first Holy Mass in Rwanda was celebrated.

Monsignor Floribert BASHIMBE, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Bukavu, led a delegation from Bukavu, including the diocesan Justice and Peace Commission and members of COSOPAX (Commerçantes Solidaires pour la Paix). He commended the longstanding friendship between Cyangugu Diocese and Bukavu Archdiocese, recalling the recent exchange visits of the Pueri Cantores choirs from both dioceses as a testament to their strong fraternal ties. He affirmed that PACIS TV will further strengthen this bond, fostering peace and reconciliation in a region often affected by conflict.

The Role of PACIS TV in community development

The launch event attracted business leaders, banking representatives, civil society organizations, and NGOs. They were encouraged to actively support PACIS TV as the first television station based in the region. Unlike other networks concentrated in the capital, PACIS TV Cyangugu provides a unique platform for businesses and institutions to showcase their products and services while contributing to the spiritual and moral development of society.

Call to action: Embrace and support PACIS TV Cyangugu

As the people of Rusizi and Nyamasheke, this television station is our channel—PACIS TV, television yacu. It is a powerful tool for evangelization, a voice for our communities, and a platform for positive change. Let us embrace it, promote it, and support it in every possible way.

Businesses and entrepreneurs are particularly encouraged to utilize PACIS TV Cyangugu for marketing and advertising. By doing so, they will not only grow their ventures but also contribute to the region’s socio-economic and spiritual development.

For more information or to collaborate with PACIS TV Cyangugu, please contact:

Father Longin Nduwayezu
Communication Officer, Diocese of Cyangugu
+250 788 279 965
diocesecyangugu@gmail.com

PACIS TV is more than a television station; it is a movement of faith, unity, and progress. Let us join hands to make it a resounding success!

Prepared by Fr Diogene DUFATANYE