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The requiem mass drew a distinguished crowd, including ministers, Prosecutor General Angelique Habyarimana, Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo, Rwanda National Police Spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga, and Rwanda Broadcasting Agency Director General Cleophas Barore, among others.

Musicians, artists, and athletes also gathered to pay their respects.

A well-known figure in Rwanda’s arts community, Mukuralinda was celebrated by entertainers such as Clapton Kibonke, Ndimbati, DJ Bisoso, DJ Ira, and Mico The Best.

In tribute to his contributions, artists composed a song honoring his legacy in the music industry.

During a funeral service held the evening before his burial, Muyoboke Alex reflected on Mukuralinda’s pivotal role in advancing the sector, urging others to preserve his progress.

Mukuralinda’s love for sports was equally evident. Athletes and coaches from his former team, Tsinda Batsinde, attended to honor his memory.

A passionate football enthusiast, he founded a youth football team and composed the anthem 'Tsinda Batsinde' for Rwanda’s national team, Amavubi, alongside other popular songs cherished by local clubs.

In his homily, Cardinal Kambanda spoke of the profound loss felt by those who knew Mukuralinda.

'Death is painful when it takes someone like Alain Mukuralinda—someone vital to his family and destined for even greater things. Yet, while it saddens us, life does not end with death,' he said.

The Cardinal praised Mukuralinda’s generosity, deep faith, and dedication to nurturing young talent, particularly children from disadvantaged backgrounds. 'That is a powerful legacy he has left us,' he added.

Sina Gerard, a close family member, remembered Mukuralinda as a humble man who inspired younger generations with his work ethic and love for music.

Recalling their six years together—spanning Mukuralinda’s return from studies in Belgium to the building of his own family—Gerard noted their harmonious bond.

Mukuralinda’s wife, overcome with emotion, thanked those who supported their family during this challenging time.

She spoke of her husband’s unwavering devotion to both his career and loved ones, emphasizing his ability to balance both with care and affection.

Born in 1970 in Rulindo, Mukuralinda moved to Kigali with his family at age two.

He built a distinguished career in justice and politics, serving as a prosecutor and spokesperson for the Public Prosecution Authority.

In the entertainment world, he gained fame as a musician under the stage name 'Alain Muku' and founded Boss Papa, a company dedicated to supporting artists.

Mukuralinda leaves behind a rich legacy of unity, compassion, and steadfast support for Rwanda’s youth, forever etched in the nation’s cultural and sporting history.

Mukuralinda succumbed to heart complications early April 2025.

The requiem mass was led by the Archbishop of Kigali, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, at Rulindo Catholic Parish.

Former Prime Minister, Pierre Damien Habumuremyi also attended the requiem mass.

Police Spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga also bid final farewell to Alain Mukuralinda.

Police Spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga also bid final farewell to Alain Mukuralinda.

The Chaiperson of Rwanda Media Commission, Scovia Mutesi was also present.

IGIHE

Amb. Karega made this statement on April 9, 2025, during a discussion at the Kigali Genocide Memorial on the state of ethnic discrimination in the Great Lakes region, held as part of the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

He noted that while Rwanda has made considerable progress in combating ethnic division, the rise of discriminatory ideologies in neighboring countries remains a significant concern.

'We still witness killings, displacement, and the ongoing exile of Tutsis. This is particularly evident in Burundi and the DRC. In Tanzania, there are Rwandans referred to as 'Abaha’, but no one seems to care about that,' said Karega. 'They are also in Uganda but the Constitution protects them. […] Whether their claims are true or not, they don’t face death or expulsion because of their identity.'

Amb. Karega further elaborated that in Burundi, ethnic issues have evolved, with their consequences extending beyond its borders.

He cited the example of refugees fleeing ethnic violence in Burundi who are now in Europe and Canada, often escaping groups like the Imbonerakure.

He also noted that some individuals fleeing similar groups end up seeking refuge, underscoring the enduring nature of ethnic hatred.

The ambassador also expressed his worry that many individuals, especially outside the region, lack a comprehensive understanding of the region’s history.

This lack of awareness can lead them to accept false narratives and align themselves with those who reject the Tutsi community.

Focusing on the DRC, Amb. Karega provided a stark illustration: 'Congolese who are well-educated and knowledgeable about global history once said, 'Ruberwa Azarias, who was Vice President of the DRC, can’t possibly be Congolese.’ When asked why he could not be Congolese, they claimed, 'Because he is Tutsi, and no Tutsi can be Congolese.’'

He emphasized that despite the DRC’s rich diversity with over 400 ethnic groups, some individuals propagate the idea that Tutsis are foreigners, originating from places like Ethiopia or Russia, and falsely label them as criminals who should reside in Rwanda.

Amb. Karega concluded by stressing that this ethnic ideology is not limited to ordinary citizens in the DRC but is also held by educated individuals, including those with advanced degrees.

He also pointed out the perceived lack of significant efforts by the DRC government to actively combat this harmful ideology.

Amb. Karega has identified Burundi and DRC as remaining hotbeds of ethnic ideology in the Great Lakes Region.

IGIHE

Speaking to IGIHE, three years after reintegrating into civilian life, Musoni underscored Rwanda’s resolute stance against any recurrence of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and warned of the dangers posed by the FDLR, a terrorist group established by perpetrators of the Genocide.

Musoni emphasized Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to preventing a return to the dark past.

'Rwanda will not tolerate anyone bringing problems back to the country,' he said. 'The Rwandan Patriotic Front [RPF] knows how it came to power and the state the country was in. They will neither allow that chaos to resurface nor permit the conflicts of that era to return.'

He stressed that those responsible for the genocide, an imprescriptible crime, face justice, saying, 'You can’t commit genocide and expect to roam freely. That’s not how it works.'

However, Musoni urged younger generations born in exile, now in their 30s or 40s, to leave the forests of the DRC and return to Rwanda, their true home. 'What are they doing in the forest with no end in sight? They’ll grow old there, and their children will die there. That is not their country—Rwanda is.'

Musoni Straton, a co-founder of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda noted that ethnic divisions, once a hallmark of Rwandan society, have been replaced by unity and reconciliation.

Rejecting claims that the FDLR, often portrayed as a group of aging members, no longer threatens Rwanda, Musoni argued that even a small number of rebels can destabilize a nation.

'Rebels, no matter how few, can disrupt security,' he said, pointing to insurgencies in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso as examples. 'The FDLR has proven it can create instability.'

He also highlighted the group’s internal fractures, noting that many fighters have returned to Rwanda, weakening its structure over time. Musoni attributed part of the FDLR’s persistence to its collaboration with the DRC government, which he accused of inconsistency.

'Those still working with the DRC should stop trusting its government—it shifts its stance too often,' he cautioned, urging fighters to return and contribute to Rwanda’s future alongside their compatriots.

Musoni also debunked misinformation spread by some in the Rwandan diaspora, who claim that Rwanda is unsafe and that returnees face oppression.

'No one is oppressed in Rwanda; all Rwandans are one,' he countered. 'They will come and live the same life as others. If they ask how things are, they’ll hear the truth: people are living well. In Rwanda, life and development belong to all, and they should join in uplifting our country.'

He noted that ethnic divisions, once a hallmark of Rwandan society, have been replaced by unity and reconciliation—a transformation that surprised him upon his return.

'There’s no longer talk of ethnicity; it’s about being one people,' he said.

Reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to safeguarding human life, Musoni declared, 'Rwanda will never allow a repeat of the genocide. Human life is sacred and must be protected at all costs.'

He called genocide 'the most serious crime above all others' and urged those contemplating such acts to recognize the sanctity of life. 'It’s a gift from God—we must protect it. No one should say others don’t deserve to live,' he said.

'Once those abroad understand this, they’ll see there’s no discrimination in Rwanda. Different religions coexist, and ethnic labels are gone. Those who divide people by ethnicity don’t grasp what it means to be human.'

Musoni Straton, a co-founder of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and its former Vice President of Political Affairs from 2000 to 2012, has shed light on the group’s ongoing threat.

IGIHE

The entertainer is among 36 individuals whose applications for Rwandan citizenship were approved and published in Official Gazette No. 14, dated April 7, 2025.

DJ Ira made a passionate appeal to President Kagame for Rwandan citizenship during a citizen outreach program held at BK Arena on March 16, 2025.

During the interaction, she thanked the Head of State for Rwanda’s inclusive opportunities, highlighting how foreign children are given the same chances as Rwandan children.

“I want to thank you for how a foreign child is given the same opportunities as any Rwandan child. I also want to thank you for how a girl child is given the same opportunities as a boy. I have found great blessings in this country. We often meet at various events, and when there’s a dance, I’m one of those who make people dance,” she remarked.

DJ Ira then asked President Kagame if she could be granted Rwandan citizenship and officially become Rwandan.

“My request is to ask for Rwandan citizenship so I can be considered a Rwandan child and be one of yours,” she said.

President Kagame responded affirmatively, stating that he had no objection to her request and encouraged her to complete the legal procedures required to make it official.

The process moved swiftly. Speaking in a recent interview with IGIHE, DJ Ira shared her surprise at being contacted by immigration authorities less than 24 hours after receiving the President’s approval. She was instructed to begin fulfilling the remaining legal obligations, which have now been completed with her official naturalization.

DJ Ira, a rising star in East Africa’s music scene, began her DJ career in 2016 with the mentorship of her cousin, DJ Bissosso.

She moved to Kigali in August 2015 from Burundi, shortly after completing high school, and has since become a recognized figure in Rwanda’s entertainment industry.

DJ Ira made a passionate appeal to President Kagame for Rwandan citizenship during a citizen outreach program held at BK Arena on March 16, 2025.

DJ Ira, a rising star in East Africa’s music scene, began her DJ career in 2016 with the mentorship of her cousin, DJ Bissosso.

IGIHE

The feature allows users to turn their Google Docs into audio overviews, with AI reading out articles or other written work. Available through the Gemini-powered updates to Google Docs, the feature acts as an AI narrator, offering a fresh, hands-free way to consume written content.

The functionality had previously grabbed attention when it was offered as part of the NotebookLM research tool and is now being integrated more broadly across Workspace accounts, set to roll out in the coming weeks.

In addition to the podcast feature, Google has introduced a variety of other Gemini-powered tools for Workspace users. One such feature is a prompt called 'Help me refine,' which offers suggestions to improve drafts rather than simply rewriting them.

This tool is especially useful for those who don’t have access to a human editor, providing helpful feedback to tighten up documents. It will be available later this quarter.

Gemini’s influence doesn’t stop there. The update also includes a tool designed to assist with spreadsheet management in Google Sheets.

Currently, Gemini can help generate visuals and answer specific questions related to data in spreadsheets.

Looking ahead, a feature called 'Help me analyze' will offer broader capabilities, guiding users to identify trends and helping them make sense of data. This tool is expected to be available later this year.

IGIHE

The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 2,962.86 points, or 7.87 percent, closing at 40,608.45. The S&P 500 surged 474.13 points, or 9.52 percent, to 5,456.90 – its largest single-day gain since 2008, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rallied 1,857.06 points, or 12.16 percent, to finish at 17,124.97. It was the Nasdaq’s most significant one-day advance since January 2001 and its second-largest ever.

All 11 major sectors in the S&P 500 ended higher. Technology and consumer discretionary sectors led the way, climbing 14.15 percent and 11.36 percent, respectively. Utilities, while still strong, posted the smallest gain of the day, rising 3.91 percent.

Trading volume surged dramatically, with roughly 30 billion shares changing hands – the highest daily volume recorded on Wall Street in the history.

“I have authorized a 90-day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10 percent, also effective immediately,” Trump posted on his Truth Social. Trump, in the same post, said he was raising the tariff on China higher again to 125 percent.

Later in the day, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the pause would apply to all countries except China. He noted that base tariff rates would revert to 10 percent during the negotiation period, although sector-specific tariffs would stay in place.

U.S. stocks that had suffered the most under the weight of trade tensions led the market’s comeback. Apple soared more than 15 percent, Nvidia surged nearly 19 percent, and Tesla jumped over 22 percent. Walmart shares also saw a robust rise, gaining 9.6 percent.

“Given how depressed stock prices and sentiment had become, the 90-day pause is sparking a violent rebound, and delaying implementation certainly removes a giant overhang from the market,” said Adam Crisafulli, Vital Knowledge founder. “But – tariffs are not going away. China’s tariff rate is now in triple digit territory, and who knows what happens in 90 days when this pause concludes.”

Still, stocks continued to trend upward into the afternoon session. Investor sentiment improved after Bessent announced he would take the lead in upcoming tariff negotiations. Adding to the optimism, Trump took to Truth Social shortly after the market opened, encouraging investors by saying it was “a great time to buy.”

“This allows for at least a near-term rally, but I would not assume that the bottom has been put in place,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research. “Fool me once shame on you; fool me five times, shame on me.”

A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, on April 8, 2025.

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, on April 8, 2025.

Xinhua

Boulos is currently in Rwanda, touring various parts of the country. On April 8, 2025, he held talks with President Paul Kagame focused on strengthening U.S.-Rwanda relations and addressing insecurity in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Trinity Metals confirmed on Thursday that the senior Trump envoy had visited their Nyakabingo mining site.

Trinity Nyakabingo, operated by Trinity Metals Group, expressed its pleasure in hosting Boulos at the site, where he learned about the source of the key mineral and the company’s growth plans.

'We were honored to host U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, at Trinity Nyakabingo Mine—Africa’s leading tungsten producer. He came to learn about Trinity’s growth plans and toured the mine to see firsthand where the minerals come from,' the company stated.

The Nyakabingo Mine produces over 1,000 tons of wolfram annually, with production expected to double within the next four years.

Wolframite is a highly valuable mineral from which tungsten is processed. Tungsten is an extremely hard metal used in construction, aircraft, tanks, satellites, firearms, ammunition, and other applications requiring high-strength materials.

Rwanda currently lacks a facility to refine wolfram into pure tungsten, so the mineral is exported at 68% purity. Once abroad, it is refined to 99.999% purity, resulting in high-grade tungsten.

Nyakabingo’s wolfram is exported primarily to Austria, where it is prized for its exceptional quality. In 2024 alone, 1,107 tons were exported.

Trinity Metals Group has invested $40 million across its mining operations, including Nyakabingo; Musha, which produces cassiterite and coltan and is under exploration for lithium; and Rutongo, which also produces cassiterite.

In 2024, Trinity Metals exported a combined total of 2,226 tons of wolfram, cassiterite, and coltan. By 2029, the company plans to increase its annual exports to 5,201 tons.

Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump on African Affairs, visited the Nyakabingo mining site in Shyorongi Sector, Rulindo District, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The site is Africa’s major source of wolfram.

Trinity Nyakabingo, operated by Trinity Metals Group, expressed its pleasure in hosting Boulos at the site, where he learned about the source of the key mineral and the company’s growth plans.

The Nyakabingo Mine produces over 1,000 tons of wolfram annually, with production expected to double within the next four years.

IGIHE

Boulos, who is touring the Great Lakes region on a diplomatic mission, was warmly welcomed to the facility by Nyirahabineza Valérie, Chairperson of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), alongside other senior officials.

His visit came just a day after holding high-level talks with President Paul Kagame in Kigali, in his capacity as President Donald Trump’s senior advisor.

At Mutobo, Boulos was briefed on Rwanda’s inclusive approach to reintegration, which targets former fighters from groups such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and other militias operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The FDLR is a militia group formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Its continued operations and collaboration with the DRC government have fuelled tensions between the two countries for years. Rwanda maintains that the group poses a significant security threat due to its genocidal ideology.

According to RDRC, a highlight of the visit was Boulos’ emotional engagement with members of Phase 74—former FDLR combatants currently undergoing reintegration.

“Mr. Boulos listened to their powerful testimonies and praised Rwanda’s commendable efforts in demobilising and rehabilitating former fighters,” the commission said in a statement.

During the visit, Nyirahabineza reaffirmed Rwanda’s continued resolve to provide a second chance to those abandoning armed groups. She highlighted the Government’s leadership in driving regional stability and healing, stating that peace is possible, with Rwanda leading by example.

Boulos’ remarks at Musanze echoed sentiments shared during his meeting with President Kagame on April 8 at Urugwiro Village. The two discussed strengthening U.S.-Rwanda ties and the shared goal of lasting peace and economic growth in the region.

'We are ready to work with Rwanda to find a durable solution to the decades-long conflict in eastern DRC. Peace in this region is key to unlocking its vast potential,' Boulos stated after the meeting.

He added, 'President Kagame committed to this vision of peace, and I can confirm that the United States remains equally committed to helping facilitate a peaceful resolution—one that ensures secure borders and a prosperous regional economy.'

The visit to Kigali and Musanze comes amid renewed diplomatic momentum across the Great Lakes region to find a solution to the conflict between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebels in the east.

Before his visit to Rwanda, Boulos also held talks with Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, William Ruto of Kenya, and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda as part of broader U.S. efforts to support peace and stability in DRC.

Massad Boulos, the United States Senior Advisor for Africa, has lauded Rwanda’s efforts in rehabilitating ex-combatants following his visit to the Mutobo Demobilisation Centre in Musanze District on Wednesday, April 9.

Massad Boulos’ visit came just a day after holding high-level talks with President Paul Kagame in Kigali, in his capacity as President Donald Trump’s senior advisor.

At Mutobo, Boulos was briefed on Rwanda’s inclusive approach to reintegration, which targets former fighters from groups such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and other militias operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Boulos, who is touring the Great Lakes region on a diplomatic mission, was warmly welcomed to the facility by Nyirahabineza Valérie, Chairperson of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), alongside other senior officials.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Charles and Camilla had been due to make a formal state visit to the Vatican, but postponed their plans after doctors prescribed Francis two months of rest after the pontiff experienced a serious bout of double pneumonia.

In a statement by the Vatican, the pope met the royal couple privately and offered his best wishes for their 20th wedding anniversary, which they celebrated on Wednesday.

According to Buckingham Palace, Charles and Camilla were delighted that the Pope was well enough to host them, and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person.

Francis and Charles have reportedly met twice previously in 2017 and 2019, before Charles became king. The late Queen Elizabeth II was said to have visited Francis at the Vatican in 2014.

Charles and Camilla had been due to make a formal state visit to the Vatican, but postponed their plans after doctors prescribed Francis two months of rest after the pontiff experienced a serious bout of double pneumonia.

IGIHE

This was announced by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a speech delivered on April 7, 2025, where he urged governments to invest in healthcare infrastructure and prioritize international agreements aimed at preventing pandemics.

'The next pandemic could happen 20 years from now—or tomorrow. But it will come, and no matter when it does, we must be ready,' Ghebreyesus stated.

He emphasized that a future pandemic could cause greater damage to societies and economies than war, highlighting how current investments in health are minimal compared to what governments spend on military efforts.

The WHO reminded the world that the most recent global pandemic, COVID-19, claimed 20 million lives worldwide and cost an estimated $10 trillion globally.

In February, during an appearance on ABC News’ The View to promote his new book Source Code: My Beginnings, Bill Gates also warned of another potential pandemic following COVID-19.

He reflected on his previous warnings about pandemics, noting how they sadly came true when COVID-19 struck in 2020. When asked how he felt about having predicted the crisis, he responded:

'The sad thing is, the pandemic we warned about did happen. And that won’t be the last one. The next could be even worse,' he said.

Bill Gates estimated the timeline of a potential new pandemic. 'It could happen once in the next 25 years. And based on the viruses currently circulating, there’s about a 10% chance we’ll see a pandemic in the next four years,' he said.

The most recent global pandemic, COVID-19, claimed 20 million lives worldwide and cost an estimated $10 trillion globally.

IGIHE