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Premier Ngirente made these remarks on April 8, 2025, during the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, held in Musanze District.

Together with other officials and residents, Prime Minister Ngirente paid tribute to the victims of the Genocide who were killed in the former Mukingo Commune and laid to rest at the Busogo Genocide Memorial. He reassured the local community that such atrocities would never happen again.

He stressed the importance of unity in ensuring lasting peace, noting that today, people can travel safely across the country—from Musanze to Rusizi or Rusizi to Nyagatare—thanks to the security guaranteed under President Kagame’s leadership.

'I cannot leave this district without mentioning the security we enjoy as a country—security in our families, in our communities, and among neighbors. Let us live in harmony within our homes and society, and let’s protect the nation’s peace.

The security we have is not something we should take for granted. To take it for granted would mean starting to undermine it, which would eventually lead to its loss. I believe we should all understand this,' he said.

Dr. Ngirente also warned against individuals and foreign entities attempting to sow division among Rwandans, calling for vigilance to prevent any return to the dark history of the past.

'We will not allow anything that threatens the security of our country, nor will we tolerate anything that risks dragging us back into the tragic history of the Genocide against the Tutsi,' he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the commemoration period is also a moment to express gratitude to the former Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA-Inkotanyi) who stopped the Genocide.

'To honor them also means doing our part to build a better Rwanda for the future, which includes refusing to let anyone lead us down a path that could result in genocide again,' he added.

He further noted that remembrance is a time to reflect on the country’s painful history and strengthen national unity while rejecting any ideology that could lead to a repeat of those dark times.

Dr. Ngirente called on the youth to take a stand against genocide ideology and those who propagate it.

'Let’s be responsible youth. But to achieve that, parents have a key role to play. What values are we teaching our children at home? Let’s raise them with Rwandan values that promote harmony with others,' he urged.

He highlighted the need for combined efforts—by parents, teachers, and the government—to raise a generation committed to peace and unity.

'If we do this, Rwanda will remain a peaceful country, free from division and free from genocide,' he concluded.

The 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi officially began on April 7 and will continue for 100 days.

Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente has emphasized that Rwanda’s peace and security should never be taken for granted.

IGIHE

According to the Office of the President, both leaders had a productive discussion on partnerships to achieve long-term peace in the Great Lakes, and plans to scale up U.S. investment in strategic sectors in Rwanda and the wider region.

His visit follows a recent announcement by the United States to dispatch Massad Boulos, a senior advisor to the U.S. President Donald Trump, to Africa amid efforts to address the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The U.S. State Department revealed that Boulos would lead a delegation during a visit to Africa, beginning on Thursday, April 3, 2025.

His itinerary includes stops in the DRC, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda, to meet with heads of state and business leaders to push forward peace efforts in eastern DRC and promote U.S. private sector investments in the region.

A Lebanese-born American, Boulos has held the role of senior advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. He also has close connections to the Trump family, notably through his son, Michael Boulos, who is married to Tiffany Trump, the daughter of the former president.

This visit coincides with heightened efforts to address the conflict in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have seized significant territories, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu.

The peace process in the region took a step forward when DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and President Kagame met in Doha on March 18 to discuss potential solutions.

However, tensions remain between the two countries over the conflict, with Rwanda denying accusations that it supports the M23 rebels.

Rwanda maintains that its primary concern lies in the insecurity posed by the FDLR militia, which it claims has ties to the Congolese army.

This militia, made up of remnants from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, is considered a major security threat due to its genocidal ideology.

President Paul Kagame received Massad Boulos, the United States (U.S.) Senior Advisor for Africa and his delegation on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

President Paul Kagame received Massad Boulos, the United States (U.S.) Senior Advisor for Africa and his delegation at Urugwiro Village.

IGIHE

With a population of around 800,000 and covering over 1,200 square kilometers, Dujiangyan boasts clean air, lush forests, and a balance between tradition and modernity. During my visit, I found myself unexpectedly reminded of my hometown, Kigali, Rwanda. From its quiet, green environment to its peaceful energy, Dujiangyan felt like home.

When I landed in Sichuan Province, something clicked almost instantly. The calm streets, the green scenery, and the fresh air made me feel like I had returned to Kigali. Within thirty minutes of arriving in Chengdu, I found myself breathing deeply and smiling without even realizing it. The streets weren’t crowded, and trees were everywhere. Nature seemed to take the lead here—just like back home.

Lush greenery and clear skies welcome visitors at the entrance to Dujiangyan.

Every street in Dujiangyan whispered stories of peace and connection. I saw how a city could hold onto its cultural soul while still welcoming the new. It’s that same harmony I’ve always loved about Kigali, and finding it in Dujiangyan was both surprising and heartwarming.

Dujiangyan’s ancient town is more than just a historic area—it’s a living symbol of China’s frontier trade history. Once a key stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road and the connection point between Chengdu and the Aba Autonomous Prefecture, this area was a thriving center for goods, travelers, and culture.

It’s not just a beautiful place; it’s a feeling that lingers long after you leave.

Centuries ago, it bustled with merchants and traders who built prosperous businesses such as teahouses, inns, cloth shops, and even money exchange shops. The commercial vibrancy of the town earned it the nickname 'Small Chengdu.'

Today, the charm of that era lives on through its well-preserved architecture and winding stone streets, making it a must-see for anyone wanting to experience the soul of old China.

Chengdu Sunac Cultural Tourism City’s Snow World is recognized as the world’s largest indoor ski resort.

During my visit, I had the honour of listening to Li Huaqiang, Deputy Director of the Sichuan Foreign Affairs Office. In his speech, he highlighted how Dujiangyan has become not only a national ecological model and cultural treasure, but also an international partner.

“Chengdu stands alone as the world’s only megacity where skyscrapers share the horizon with 6,000-meter snow-capped peaks. For 15 consecutive years, it has topped the list of the Happiest Cities in China. It’s a city you won’t want to leave once you arrive—and one you’ll always want to return to,” Li said.

Night view of Chengdu Sunac Cultural Tourism City.

The city is part of 10 international organizations and has built friendly relations with 36 cities across countries such as France, Germany, Japan, and the U.S.

Li emphasized the city’s commitment to openness and sustainable growth, noting how Dujiangyan continues to be a bridge between cultures and a model for integrated development.

Technological progress

Despite its deep roots in history, Chengdu—which administers Dujiangyan as a county-level city—is a symbol of technological progress. The city is home to several groundbreaking enterprises that reflect China’s rapid development and innovation.

Sichuan Huati Lighting Technology Co., Ltd., stands out as the first and only mainboard-listed company in the road lighting field in China.

One of the companies I visited was Sichuan Huati Lighting Technology Co., Ltd., established in 2004. It stands out as the first and only mainboard-listed company in the road lighting field in China. With designations such as National Industrial Design Center and Green Factory, Huati is helping lead the way in sustainable city lighting solutions.

Another major player in the city’s industrial rise is TGOOD, a firm founded by German and Chinese engineers. It specializes in power distribution solutions such as prefabricated substations and switchgear.

TGOOD, a company founded by German and Chinese engineers, specializes in power distribution solutions.

Also based in nearby Chengdu is China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd. (CSWADI)—one of China’s largest architectural firms, known for its blend of historical preservation and futuristic design.

This is the Anlan Suspension Bridge, one of the five famous ancient bridges of China.

Villages in Dujiangyan City.

South Bridge, the first one in the Land of Abundance, Dujiangyan City, China.

The city is known as the home of the pandas.

Sichuan Huati Lighting Technology Co., Ltd., stands out as the first and only mainboard-listed company in the road lighting field in China.

Night view of Xijie Street in Dujiangyan, Chengdu.

Night view of the ancient town in Dujiangyan.

Nightscape of Dujiangyan.

From sunrise over the mountains to sunset by the river, Dujiangyan’s beauty is endless.

In Dujiangyan, even the air feels more refreshing.

Dujiangyan City is considered one of the most livable cities in China, known for its historical significance and natural beauty.

Cycling through the quiet backroads of Dujiangyan.

A quiet path blanketed in snow near Mount Qingcheng, perfect for peaceful winter hikes and photo-worthy moments.

Christian Mugisha

“If implemented, this could amount to a death sentence for millions of people facing extreme hunger and starvation,” the WFP said in a statement on X.

The agency said it is currently in contact with the U.S. government to seek clarification and appeal for the continued support of its life-saving programmes.

The WFP acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the contributions it receives from the United States and other international donors, said the agency, reiterating its commitment to delivering “vital food assistance to vulnerable communities in hunger hot spots across the globe.”

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has decided to cancel most remaining U.S. aid, including food assistance, for Afghanistan, Yemen and other 12 countries, aid sources from the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development said Monday.

Xinhua

The move comes just days after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate revocation of all U.S. visas held by South Sudanese nationals, citing Juba’s refusal to accept the return of its citizens subject to deportation. The U.S. also halted the issuance of new visas and threatened to block South Sudanese passport holders from entering the country.

In a statement released Tuesday, April 8, South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government had decided to allow the entry of Makula Kintu, the man at the center of the dispute, 'in the spirit of the existing friendly relations' between the two countries.

Kintu had previously been denied entry at Juba International Airport on April 5 and 6, prompting the U.S. to take sweeping punitive action.

The ministry confirmed that relevant authorities have been instructed to facilitate Kintu’s arrival as early as Wednesday, April 9.

While South Sudan originally claimed that the man was not one of its nationals but a Congolese citizen who had been misidentified, it now says it will admit him and remains committed to facilitating the return of ‘verified South Sudanese nationals’ deported from the United States.

The diplomatic dispute marks the first instance since President Donald Trump’s return to office in January that the U.S. has imposed a blanket visa ban targeting all citizens of a single country. Trump’s administration, campaigning on a hardline anti-immigration platform, has promised widespread deportations and stricter enforcement of immigration laws.

'This is about national security and public safety,' Rubio said on Saturday. 'The transitional government of South Sudan has failed to comply with basic international norms by refusing to accept its deported nationals.'

The U.S. government has dismissed South Sudan’s earlier defense that the deported individual was actually a Congolese national.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau argued that South Sudan’s embassy in Washington had previously certified the man as one of its citizens, making any subsequent disavowal “legally irrelevant.”

'It is unacceptable and irresponsible for South Sudanese government officials to second guess the determination of their own embassy,' Landau said.

The Government of South Sudan has agreed to admit a man recently deported from the United States, marking a swift reversal just days after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate revocation of all U.S. visas held by South Sudanese nationals.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The genocide had begun openly on April 7, 1994, following the assassination of President Juvénal Habyarimana when his plane was shot down. Within hours, mass killings of Tutsi civilians were underway across the country, particularly in the capital, Kigali.

Recognizing the scale and urgency of the atrocities, Kagame issued immediate orders to his military commanders. Speaking from Mulindi in Byumba, the RPA’s main base at the time, he directed RPA forces to launch an offensive aimed specifically at halting the genocide.

The decision was quickly communicated to international diplomats and humanitarian organizations.

The first soldiers given the task of stopping the genocide were the 600 RPA troops already stationed at the CND (Parliament) in Kigali since December 28, 1993. Led by Charles Kayonga, this battalion included several high-ranking officers such as Maj Gen (Rtd) Charles Karamba (then a Captain), Jacob Tumwine, Emmanuel Rugazora, and Kwikiriza.

Originally, the soldiers’ mission was to protect FPR-Inkotanyi politicians who were expected to join the transitional government. But the downing of the president’s plane changed everything.

The soldiers, surrounded and attacked by government forces from Kanombe and Kacyiru, had to defend themselves and civilians who began seeking refuge.

On Kagame’s orders, the battalion transformed their CND post (now the Rwandan Parliament building) into a safe haven. Part of it became a makeshift hospital. Alone, they held their ground until April 11, when the Alpha Battalion under Sam Kaka arrived from Gicumbi, reinforcing them and allowing for a broader push across the city to stop the killings.

The goal was urgent and uncompromising—to defeat the enemy forces, dismantle roadblocks manned by the Interahamwe militia, and rescue Tutsi wherever they were being hunted. In every area secured by the RPA, they established safe zones, arranged for medical care, distributed food, provided clothing and shelter—restoring a measure of humanity in the face of systematic extermination.

Special squads were tasked with identifying and evacuating wounded survivors, abandoned children, and the elderly. The soldiers did everything: defending safe zones, administering first aid, collecting medicine, comforting victims, and gathering intelligence about others in hiding.

RPA troops faced fierce resistance from genocidal forces. Yet they pushed forward—fighting by day and rescuing by night. In Kigali, where the battlefield was chaotic and government troops were heavily concentrated, night missions were often the only way to search for and extract survivors. Soldiers combed through homes, bushes, streets—anywhere people might be hiding.

Survivors were taken to the battalion headquarters, where they received food, clothing (as many had been stripped or were barely dressed), medical care, and protection. Some were later relocated to pre-secured zones.

Intelligence teams also identified areas where Tutsi were being gathered for mass execution. The information was relayed to command centers, which then launched targeted assaults to liberate those zones. One example was the operation to rescue people trapped in Amahoro Stadium, which had become surrounded by killers. RPA troops stormed Remera and secured the area, saving hundreds.

When locations couldn’t be immediately seized, RPA soldiers infiltrated under the cover of night, battling their way in and evacuating victims. Such missions saved lives at Saint Paul, Saint André, and other high-risk areas.

Some soldiers went even deeper behind enemy lines—not only to gather military intelligence but to pinpoint the locations of genocidaires and, when possible, rescue Tutsi on the spot.

Ultimately, many people were saved through these night missions, and even more were rescued as the RPA took control of Kigali and expanded its reach across the country.

This extraordinary military effort, spearheaded by a resolve to stop the genocide regardless of international inaction, remains one of the most defining chapters in Rwanda’s history.

Kagame’s declaration on April 8, 1994, was more than a warning to the world; it was a promise kept.

On April 8, 1994, just one day after the Genocide against the Tutsi had erupted across Rwanda, Major General Paul Kagame, then Commander of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), sent a clear and chilling message to the international community that if no one would intervene to stop the genocide, he and his forces would.

IGIHE

The commemoration was marked by a walk to remember, a moment of silence and lighting of flame in remembrance of over one million lives lost during the genocide.

In the Republic of South Sudan, the commemoration was held at the UNMISS RWANBATT-3 Base Camp Durupi in Central Equatorial State in the outskirts of Juba City. Participants included South Sudan government officials, the UNMISS Military Component, UN agencies officials, Rwandan community and peacekeepers.

The Chairman of the Rwandan Community in South Sudan and guest of honour, Mr William Ngabonziza, said in his remarks that Rwanda has undergone a remarkable transformation since 1994 transitioning from horrors of the Genocide to become a beacon of hope and resilience.

He added that the country achieved significant strides in reconciliation, reconstruction, and socio-economic development through visionary leadership and collective efforts. He stressed that Rwanda’s journey of unity and peace serves as a testament to the resilience of its people and the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.

He also regretted that the International Community failed to intervene while Rwandans were in dire need of protection and called on the world to never let such atrocities happen again.

A separate commemoration was also organised by Rwandan community and peacekeepers in Malakal, Torit, Yambio, Kuajok, Bentiu, Bor, and Rumbek in South Sudan.

In Central African Republic, the Rwandan peacekeepers (Rwanda Battle Group VII and Level 2 Hospital in Bria, and RWANBATT-2 in Bossembele) serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), along with UN staff, local authorities, and the local community, marked the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the events held in Bria and Bossembele base camps.

Sous- Préfe Madam Nakomana Beatrice and the mayor of Bossembele as well as Local security commanders, were present Colonel Jean de la Croix Baziruwiha, Deputy Commander of Sector East highlighted the hard-earned lessons from Rwanda’s path of recovery, reconciliation, and resilience.

He reminded attendees that the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 was not an accident of history but a prepared campaign made possible by divisive ideology and poor leadership.

Lieutenant Colonel Ndanyuzwe Muzindutsi, the Contingent Commander of RWANBATT-2 in Bossembele, highlighted the systematic planning and execution of Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda by the bad leadership; he reminded the contingent of their duty to uphold peace in their area of responsibilities.

The commemoration not only honours the lives lost in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, but also stresses Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to genocide prevention and promotion unity and peace both at home and across the globe through its peacekeeping missions.

The flame of hope was also lit as Rwandan peacekeepers commemorated the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Participants of the commemoration event participated in a walk to remember

A moment of silence was observed in honor of over one million lives lost during the genocide.

IGIHE

The FDLR, a group long entrenched in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, was created by individuals, many of them fugitives from justice, who fled Rwanda after orchestrating or participating in the genocide.

These included former military officers and ideologues who swore never to return to Rwanda unless it was under their control.

Gakwerere, once a lieutenant stationed at the ESO military academy in Butare, later became the Secretary General of the FDLR. But his legacy is steeped in blood, beginning with the role he played in the early days of the genocide.

According to testimony from CG Evariste Murenzi, a former FDLR member quoted in a 2007 African Rights report, Gakwerere used to openly joke about his involvement in the killings.

'He bragged that he ordered soldiers to storm the residence of Jean-Baptiste Habyarimana, the Prefect of Butare,' Murenzi revealed. This was no ordinary act.

Habyarimana, a member of the opposition Liberal Party (PL), had defied the genocidal regime’s push to initiate mass killings in Butare. He promised local residents that he would protect them, a stance that infuriated the interim government led by Théodore Sindikubwabo.

On April 19, 1994, Sindikubwabo condemned Butare residents for not joining the killings. Just two days later, Habyarimana was arrested, by a unit led by Gakwerere, and taken to Gitarama, where he was killed. His murder marked the brutal turning point for Butare.

Among the most shocking crimes linked to Gakwerere is the assassination of Queen Rosalie Gicanda, widow of King Mutara III Rudahigwa. On the morning of April 20, 1994, a military unit including Gakwerere arrived at her modest home in Butare.

Among the most shocking crimes linked to Gakwerere is the assassination of Queen Rosalie Gicanda.

They abducted her along with six other women and executed them behind the national museum. Her death devastated survivors and remains one of the most haunting symbols of how far the genocidaires were willing to go.

But Gakwerere’s blood-stained trail didn’t end there. He is also said to have led a 15-man unit that attacked the Catholic Diocese of Butare and a nearby convent on May 17, killing six people, including young girls, some of whom were stoned to death.

Furthermore, investigations revealed that Gakwerere was the commander of a notorious new military division known as 'New Formula,' responsible for mass killings of Tutsi at roadblocks and various sites across Butare.

Survivors remember the terror instilled by these killings, many watched their families slaughtered in broad daylight, often after being falsely promised protection.

For decades, Gakwerere evaded justice, rising through the FDLR ranks while hiding in the Congolese jungles. His capture by M23 fighters and handover to Rwanda in 2025 marked a crucial step toward accountability.

For survivors, it is a moment that reaffirms their pursuit of justice, memory, and truth. Justice may be delayed, but it is not denied. The haunting memories of Gakwerere’s victims, and the survivors who live with those scars, demand that the world never forget the scale of evil that took root in 1994.

His trial will not only expose the depth of his crimes but also serve as a testament to the resilience of those who survived and the ongoing commitment to never allow such horror to happen again.

Brigadier General Gakwerere, a former senior commander of the terrorist militia group FDLR, who was captured in January 2025 and extradited to Rwanda on March 1.

IGIHE

According to the statement, the closure applies to all flights departing from or destined for Mali.

It marks an escalation in tensions between Algeria and Mali, which began Sunday when Mali and its allies Niger and Burkina Faso recalled their ambassadors to Algeria in protest against the downing of a Malian military drone between March 31 and April 1 by Algerian forces.

The three governments, in a joint statement, “strongly condemned” the drone incident, saying it was part of a “premeditated hostile act” by Algeria and “disrupted an operation targeting a group planning a terrorist attack.”

The statement claimed that the drone crashed within Malian territory, about 9.5 km from the Algerian border, and “almost fell vertically,” which it said strongly suggested a hit by a surface-to-air or air-to-air missile.

In response, Algeria’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement earlier in the day, denounced the accusations as “serious, false, and unfounded,” saying the drone was downed as it infiltrated Algerian airspace, citing the Defense Ministry’s radar data.

The Foreign Ministry also announced the recall of ambassadors from Mali and Niger, as well as a delay in the accreditation of a new envoy to Burkina Faso, under “the principle of reciprocity.”

Tensions between Mali and Algeria have persisted in recent years, with the Malian side accusing Algeria of “harboring terrorist groups in border regions.”

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Mali’s interim President Assimi Goïta. On Monday, Algeria announced the closure of its airspace to all Malian aircraft, citing repeated violations of its territorial sovereignty.

Xinhua